I just finished teaching pet signs to the toddlers in the child care centers recently and am about to teach it to the babies in the fifth of the six-class series (Sign, Say & Play) going on now at Austin Baby. Here are some reasons pets are so good for kids (and big people)....

              Protection....      First pal

    Teach gentleness, empathy and responsibility. 

        Someone who always understands them when others don't.

Happy Signing,

Tina

Independent Certified Baby SignsŪ Instructor

   and On the Grow™ Educator

Tina Recommends

The city of Austin has a wonderful Animal Center where you can adopt a pet but the most at-risk ones live at the old Townlake Shelter that is now Austin Pets Alive which is a no-kill non-profit. They have a very thorough adoption process to make sure their animals go to good pet parents. I was impressed with all the questions and the availability of animal behaviorists and vets to get your pet off to a good start after you take them home. There's even a Facebook page for Austin Pets Alive where you can go see the latest foster fails (means a foster parent had their heart stolen and end up adopting the pet they were supposed to foster). You'll see an occasional post by me of my newest family member Cara cat. 

Helpful Links:

603 N. Lamar Blvd.

10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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9706 Anderson Mill Rd.

Cost - $150 (includes take-home kit)

7301 Burnet Rd., Ste. 200M (next to Tuesday Morning)

Cost - $150 (includes take-home kit)

7301 Burnet Rd., Ste. 200M (next to Tuesday Morning)

Cost - $100 for 4-week series

Enough tummy time is imperative for babies and too little can lead to delays in sitting up, crawling, walking and even brain development.

Is your baby fussy and you feel you give up too easily? Let The Baby SignsŪ Program help with easy, inexpensive ideas to help your baby tolerate this very important developmental stage.

This class is for babies two to six months old.

Can register from the Special Addition website or contact Tina to reserve spot. Class will reschedule if minimum class size is not reached.

7301 Burnet Rd., Ste. 200M (next to Tuesday Morning)

Cost: $30/family

Is your older toddler or child not thrilled about the new baby on the way? This is a class just for them that focuses on their new role at "teacher" to their new baby. 

Your child will feel special and be excited about being a big brother or sister by the end of the class. The whole family will play games, sing songs, learn a few signs, enjoy a story time and make a special craft to take home.

 

Age of Baby: Expecting to 6 months

Age of Sibling: 2 to 5 years

Note: Dolls will be available if baby is not here yet or can't attend.

Can register on Special Addition website or contact Tina to save your place. If minimum class size isn't reached, class may be rescheduled.

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NEW! - Individual Training Sessions (60-min. pres. to whole family tailored to your child - includes kit from play class - $150) - for babies/toddlers expecting to 14 months

Sibling Class - My Baby & Me (45-min. one-time class - $30)

Tummy Time Class (four 45-min. class series - $100)

Parent Workshop (90-minute evening workshop - $75)

Sign, Say & Play (six 45-min. class series - $150) - for babies/toddlers 8 to 14 months

More Sign, Say & Play (six-45-min. class series - $150) - for older toddlers who sign a little (14 - 24 months)

Find more detailed information about all classes under the Classes tab on main website: