
There’s a moment every spring in Austin when the world suddenly shifts. One day the roadsides are just… roadsides. And the next day? Boom. Bluebonnets. Everywhere. Like someone hit “refresh” on the whole city and cranked the saturation all the way up.
And if you’re a parent, you know exactly what happens next. You start mentally scrolling through your kids’ closets, wondering if anything they own is both cute and clean. You start texting your partner: “Bluebonnets are out!!! Should we try photos this weekend!!” And then you immediately remember last year, when someone cried, someone fell, someone refused to smile, and someone (you) swore you’d never do this again.
But here we are. Because bluebonnet season is irresistible. And honestly? It can be magical — if you know how to do it without losing your mind.
By
Birgit Sund on March 23, 2026

It's that festive time of year once again! The shimmering lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the excitement of Santa's imminent arrival – the holiday season is a wondrous time for children! As parents and grandparents, witnessing the sparkle of wonder and joy in our little ones' eyes is one of the greatest pleasures.
Here's how to keep Santa's magic alive as our children grow older. Read on.
By
Birgit Sund on December 4, 2023

When a child faces an extended hospital stay, it can be a difficult and unsettling experience for both the young patient and their family. Offering a source of comfort and a touch of happiness can be achieved through the selection of thoughtful gifts. These presents not only help pass the time but also offer emotional support and foster a positive atmosphere in the hospital room.
What to get and where to get it locally
By
Birgit Sund on October 3, 2023

Spring Break is right around the corner! What do you have planned for your kiddos?
Reach for the Stars ATX’s 4-day spring break camp ‘Kind is the New Cool‘ for kids 6 -10 aims to inspire a new generation of kind, empathetic, and socially-aware individuals.
It focuses on the importance of being kind to ourselves, to others, and to the environment, and encourages the core values of compassion, honesty, generosity, and positivity, and offers guidance on ways to integrate them into everyday life.
Read more and register now.
By
Birgit Sund on February 8, 2023

May is National Foster Care Month.
In Texas, over 10,000 children, often abused and neglected, are waiting for a foster family or an adoptive home. When neither is not found, these children are having to stay at Child Protective Services (CPS) offices on cots, siblings are being split up and placed in separate foster homes or in residential treatment centers (RTC's).
“Foster care is a challenging journey that takes a lot of a family’s resources. Not all of us are called to take on that responsibility at any point in time. But if we can provide care to the caregivers, we can become part of a meaningful network that is essential for a functioning foster care system. Here are 5 ways you can support a Foster Family.
By
Birgit Sund on May 5, 2022

Another Christmas is in the bag, and another 57 toys, new clothes, dress-up costumes, and more - let’s call it just stuff - are cluttering your already overflowing kids’ rooms, closets, and playrooms? Well, we’ve got good news, we found some genius and fun storage solutions that can help calm the chaos that comes with young children!
We tested some of them, now look at our Before and After pictures! Read on.
By
Birgit Sund on January 6, 2022

The non-profit Crayon Collection is giving us another meaning to the back-to-school shopping season. By providing a resource for teachers, students, and communities to collect, contribute, or receive gently used crayons from restaurants and schools, Crayon Collection puts them into the hands of vulnerable children from low socio-economic backgrounds and at-risk environments across the world.
Read how you can help make a difference.
By
Birgit Sund on August 23, 2021

Do you pack fruit pouches in your child’s lunch box? Are pretzels, chips, or granola bars a snack-staple in your house? Are infant formula and baby food on your shopping list? What do you do with broken toys that cannot be fixed or donated?
While they’re plastic and it is often assumed that all plastic can go in your regular recycle bin, none of the above actually can. However, there is a way to recycle these and other items. We’ve put together a list of recycle programs for items typically consumed or used by kids.
By
Birgit Sund on January 27, 2021

Today more than ever, kids (and grown-ups alike) could use a daily dose of kindness. Kindness takes time to blossom. Here's a fun way for kids to learn about kindness (and get to do them more chores, hah!).
Read on for details and how to enter for a chance to win a fun game that helps kids practice to be kind.
By
Birgit Sund on January 22, 2021

New year, new me, right? Let go of some of the negatives of 2020 and make room for a positive 2021 with a 3-Day Juice Cleanse and Other Herbal Remedies lovingly prepared by local Mom and “Green Goddess” of Lago Vista.
Get $5 off and free delivery in the 512.
By
Birgit Sund on December 30, 2020