Friday, August 29, 2008

Prep Talk: Preparing for Preschool

Back-to school clothes? CHECK! Backpack? CHECK! Lunchbox? CHECK! Whether this is your first year for your child to attend preschool or you're just gearing back up for another year, we know this time of year can be overwhelming and bitter-sweet at the same time. You may have already checked off your school supplies list, but we have one more list you may want to look over. Check out some of our back-to-preschool "pointers" to help you and your child transition into the new school year routine. Click Here for suggestions. For a "printable" menu of school lunch ideas, Click Here.
And if that isn't enough, for more back to pre-school scoop, check out, www.parenting.com

Upcoming Events:

Dinoland Exhibit at Zilker Botanical Garden

September 6th-November 30th
Visitors during the three-month DinoLand Exhibit will travel back in time, coming face-to-face with thirty life-like dinosaur models of every shape and size. These prehistoric creatures will take up temporary residence along the new Escarpment Trail. From the fierce, thirty-three foot Daspletosaur to a herd of tiny carnivores known as Compsognathus, the exhibit is something to really sink your teeth into! This is a great field trip idea for play-groups and preschools. With the natural backdrop of the gardens, children will be able to experience what life was like for these "dino-mite" creatures in a natural habitat.
Throughout the exhibit, AAGC and PARD will host special events that will include fun and educational activities for the entire family, lectures about dinosaurs, entertainment, dino crafts for the kids, tours of the exhibit trail, and a "dino dig" for fossils. Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2220 Barton Springs Road. For more info, go to, www.zilkergarden.org

Walking Wings is a walking assistance device, developed by local moms, that helps baby learn to walk by balancing hands-free and experiencing fewer falls. Walking Wings' unique padded support vest easily fastens around baby’s chest and has two adjustable, detachable straps with handles for parents to hold and help baby balance and take their first steps. It's healthier for baby's shoulders (no tugging on little arms) and kinder to parent’s backs (no more bending over!). Invented by two Austin moms, Walking Wings is pediatrician recommended and increases babies self confidence while learning to walk.
Walking Wings (available in Navy or Pink) retails for $24.99 at retailers including Babies R Us (in store and online) and Target.com. For more information please visit www.upspringbaby.com

WIN WALKING WINGS! To celebrate our first birthday, Baby Scoop Austin is giving away a set of Walking Wings. Please e-mail scoop@babyscoopaustin.com for a chance to win! Just put “Win Walking Wings” in the subject line. The winner will be e-mailed directly.

Check out our winners of last week’s poll: Best Place to have a Three-Year-Old Birthday Party? at www.babyscoopaustin.com




Vote for this week’s poll: Favorite Birthday Gift Ideas for One-Year-Olds?

Thank you for posting the Scoop! If you have discussion questions or want to chit chat, head on over to our Baby Scoop Forum and post, post, post!


Check out our calendar for weekly updates. Did you know our calendar is "open to the public"? If you know of a fun family event going on or you're hosting an event you'd like to post, enter your event details on our entry form. Upon approval, your event will be added to our community calendar.

Be that cool, hip mom-in-the-know that you are, and be the first to tell your friends about the coolest “mommy thing” in town!

Check out our site key for more details.