Category Archives: ACA Blog

Even the most active kids may balk at going outside during a sudden stretch of frigid weather. Long daily walks, hikes through the woods, and bike rides aren’t quite as fun when there’s a risk of frostbite. But what do you do with your kids when they’re cooped up, bored, full of energy, and begging […]

The broiling days of summer are finally over! With temperatures and humidity dipping into the comfort zone, winter is one of the loveliest times of the year in Austin, Texas, offering up a host of outdoor and indoor family entertainment. This year, enjoy the season by indulging your kids and yourself in some of Austin’s […]

Back when Dr. Maria Montessori observed children in turn-of-the-century classrooms, the educational methods she ultimately developed upended contemporary ideas about how young students develop and learn. Her child-centered learning philosophy thus required a different sort of teacher, someone specially-trained to apply the philosophy in the classroom. Check out these four ways the Montessori Method views […]

If you’ve ever visited a Montessori classroom in action, you might be struck by how calmly the school day progresses, in large part due to the children themselves. The students know where to place their backpacks and hang their jackets. They know when it’s time to play and where each toy belongs. When it’s time […]

The brilliant Dr. Maria Montessori noticed very quickly that children pass through phases of “sensitivity” when they are concentrating on mastering one particular skill. Recognizing the onset of sensitive periods and encouraging the proper skill acquisition is a fine way to make optimal use of a child’s own natural developmental timeline. So what are some […]

Maybe you have a pool in your backyard, or you live near a lake or river, and you’re concerned about the risks involved for a quick, adventuresome toddler. Maybe you just love water sports, boating, and swimming and can’t wait to share the joys with your own children with less worry. Maybe you’re concerned that […]

The candy and the decorations have been out in the stores since August, and now the spooky month has finally arrived! Halloween is every kid’s favorite holiday, and Austin sure has a lot to keep them occupied in the run-up to that very special night. Check out these kid-friendly Halloween activities in Austin. Haunted Halloween […]

When your child is sneezing from allergies or wheezing from asthma, he or she is experiencing the excessive response of their immune system to common stimuli, which is the root cause of inflammation. Inflammation is a good thing in moderation, as your body’s first response to injury, stress, or infection. But if inflammation is part […]

Finally fall is here! The scorching heat of the Texas summer is passed, and the mercury has dropped below eighty degrees. You can shut off the air conditioning and open the windows at night, letting those cool breezes clear the stale air out of the house. Best of all, you can go outside and enjoy […]

Perhaps this scene plays out every weekday morning. You’re getting ready to bring your child to school. You’ve cut the crusts off his sandwich and put it in his lunch. You’ve helped him with homework and slipped on his backpack. He’s putting on a brave face, but in the car he’s nervous, complaining of a […]