Author: Sophie
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Small Rooms, Big Connections: The Meaning Behind Our Group Chats
If you’ve been around North Austin Family Network for more than a hot minute, you’ve probably noticed something—we love a group chat. In fact, we have one for just about everything. And while it might seem like chaos (because, let’s be honest, sometimes it is), these chats are actually our way of creating “small rooms”…
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Connie’s Story: A Gentle Beginning
Before her baby was even born, Connie had a vision of the kind of parent she wanted to be. She and her partner knew they wanted to raise their child surrounded by community, not just going it alone. So they began seeking out family connections early—hoping to find other parents who understood the wonder (and…
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Jenn’s Story: Finding Friendship and Support in a New Home
When Jenn and her husband relocated to Texas, they knew they wanted more than just a new house—they wanted a community. Far from extended family, they began looking online for mom and family meetups, hoping to find a circle of support in this new chapter of life. “Honestly, I almost didn’t make it to the…
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Parents as Teachers Leander: A Hidden Gem for Families
Finding resources for parents of young children can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Parents as Teachers (PAT) Leander makes it easy. This free program, available to all families in Leander ISD, offers a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to connect, learn, and support their child’s growth. It’s a favorite among families in the North Austin…
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Austin Zoo vs. Cameron Park Zoo (Waco) vs. San Antonio Zoo
A toddler-mom guide from Leander, TX Want an easy animal day that fits between naps? Here’s a quick, mom-tested overview of three realistic options from Leander, with what matters most for toddlers: shade, stroller-friendliness, hands-on moments, places to eat, and how long the drive feels. Drive-time (no-traffic) from Leander: TL;DR picks Side-by-side basics Zoo Vibe…
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Kids Eat Free Around Leander, Cedar Park & Georgetown: Local Favorites for Family Dining
Cooking three meals a day (plus snacks, second snacks, and the inevitable bedtime snack) gets old fast. Thankfully, our area has plenty of restaurants where kids eat free—meaning you can take a night off without blowing the budget. Here’s a round-up of local restaurants offering family-friendly deals where your little ones can chow down on…
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NAFN Date Night Guide: Austin Spots We Love!
Whether you’re sneaking out after bedtime or planning a full-evening adventure, here are our crowd sourced community-favorite restaurants and fun experiences. Each spot lists a short vibe check, price range, if/where to make reservations, and a typical drive time from Leander (add ~10–25 minutes for rush hour). Restaurants 600 Degrees Pizzeria & Drafthouse — Georgetown…
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Favorite Toddler Snacks from Real Moms!
Some questions come up time and time again in our Mama Group Chat – and toddler snacks is always one of them. Here’s an inside look into different toddler snacks real mamas in North Austin Recommend, including where to buy them! 🛒 H-E-B 🛒 Costco 🛒 Whole Foods 🛒 Trader Joe’s 🛒 Sam’s Club 🛒…
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8 Local Gems for Parents & Toddlers in North Austin
One of the best parts of parenting in North Austin is the wealth of family-friendly programs and places to explore. Here are eight favorites our community recommends: 👩👩👧 Parents as Teachers (Leander) A wonderful program that supports families with young children through playgroups, parent education, and resources. 🌉 Bridges to Growth (Georgetown) Offering parenting classes,…
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Surviving (and Thriving!) with a Newborn: Tips for the First 3 Months
The first few months with a new baby are magical, exhausting, and full of learning. Whether you’re figuring out feeding schedules, soothing techniques, or just trying to sneak in a shower, know that you’re not alone. Our North Austin Family Network community has been there, and we’ve gathered favorite hacks, encouragement, and activity ideas to…