MATCH Create an online profile and meet your family’s match, near and far. Create a profile online and meet other parents near and far. Meet your family’s match and share parenting tips, troubles and questions.

 

VILLAGES Create or join a group of like-minded parents to plan outings, ask advice and more. Create your own or join a group of like-minded parents. Plan playgroups and outings, share recipes and more with folks in your villages. Need a sitter or some advice? Ask other members and compare notes.

 

BLOGS Take a minute or take an hour and share whatever is on your mind. Take a minute or an hour and write whatever is on your mind. Share your funny, sad, touching or outrageous parenting adventures. Jot down what you’re feeling so you can revisit and remember it later.

 

MARKET Trade, swap, and peddle your own mommy wares. A great way to get more mileage out of unused items. Get more mileage out of unused items and help others find what they need. Peddle your own mami wares and share your talents! Swap with other families and stretch your budget while recycling items.

 

POLLS Ask questions about everything from diapering to dealing with pre-teen angst to product reviews. Debate no more! Create a poll and get feedback, fast. Ask about everything from diapering to breastfeeding to products. Wondering how to handle violent video games, organic foods, or “the talk?” Solicit other parents’ expertise and navigate any parenting pitfalls with help.

Date of last revision: February 19, 2011.

A FAMILY VILLAGE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY WITH REGARD TO ANY THEFT, LOSS, ALTERATION OR MISUSE OF PERSONAL OR OTHER INFORMATION LAWFULLY PROVIDED BY A FAMILY VILLAGE TO THIRD PARTIES, OR WITH REGARD TO THE FAILURE OF ANY THIRD PARTY TO ABIDE BY THIS PRIVACY POLICY OR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THAT THIRD PARTY AND A FAMILY VILLAGE.

At A Family Village, we are committed to maintaining your privacy and your trust. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, protect, use and share information about you when you use the A Family Village website (the "Site"). We hope this information increases your confidence in A Family Village and enhances your experience on our Site. This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and subject to the A Family Village Terms of Service. Each time that you use the Site, you signify that you agree to be bound by the Terms of Service and this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy, you must discontinue using the Service and terminate your member.

Information We Collect

A Family Village collects personal information from you when you register with our Site, update your profile, interact with other Members, and use various features of our Site. Once you are registered, you will need to provide information about you and your family within your profile. The profile has uses privacy settings, you can control which Members have access to certain of your personal profile data.

All personally identifiable information that we collect may become part of your A Family Village Member file and may be used by A Family Village as provided in this Privacy Policy or as disclosed at the time you provide the information or as otherwise agreed by you.

Web Logs. Like most standard Website servers, we collect information from all visitors to the Site. This information may include the browser you are using, the internet address from which you linked to our Site, the operating system of your computer, the unique IP address of the computer you used to access our Site, and usage and browsing habits. We use this information to help diagnose and troubleshoot server malfunctions, to analyze trends, track user movement in the aggregate, and gather broad demographic information. We may also use individual information we collect through web logs to send you targeted offers and other communications.

Cookies. To help make sure you receive information that is relevant to you, our Site uses data "cookies." We use session cookies to make it easier for you to navigate our Site. We use persistent cookies to differentiate users of the Site from subscribers, to customize the content of certain sections of the Site and to enable us to track and cater to the interests of users, in order to enhance their experience on the Site. A persistent cookie remains on your hard drive for an extended period of time. You can remove persistent cookies by following directions provided in your Internet browser's "help" file. Cookies help us learn which areas of our site are useful and which areas need improvement. We will not use cookies or other data capture mechanisms to collect any personally identifiable information about you. You may configure your browser to prevent cookies from being set on your computer. If you reject cookies, you may still use the Site, but your ability to use some areas of the Site may be limited, and you may not be able to use certain features of the Site, including playing games or entering sweepstakes or contests.

How We Use Your Information

When you register with A Family Village, you create your own profile and privacy settings. Your profile information, as well as your screen name and photo, are displayed to people in the networks specified in your privacy settings to allow you to connect with other A Family Village Members.

Please be aware that certain personal profile information is displayed for all Members and cannot be hidden. Specifically, your screen name, photo, birth year of your children, your interests, the location you entered on your profile are always displayed on the Site and therefore, are viewable by all users.

By using the search functionality on the Site, A Family Village Members can find other members with similar interests and challenges. When you find other Members, you can view their personal profiles to find out more about them based on the information they have decided to share on the Site.

Monitoring. We have the right, but not the obligation, to monitor any activity and content associated with the public and private forums and interactive areas on our Site. Please review our Terms of Service for more information regarding your appropriate use of these areas.

Emails. A Family Village may send you emails with blogs, announcements or notifications from time to time. Notifications will be sent from A Family Village if for instance, a friend sends you a message or wants to become your friend.

Invite a Friend. If you do become a Member, not only can you enjoy all of the benefits of membership, but you can also invite other individuals to join by providing us with their email addresses. Using the information you give us on these potential Members, we will send them an email invitation to join A Family Village. The only way these individuals can become Members, however, is if they come to our Site and sign up themselves. We do not use this information for other purposes.

Important Disclosures and Practices

A Family Village contains links to other sites. It is possible for you to receive information directly from our partners and other companies if you access them through a link on A Family Village.com or if you go directly to their Websites. Once you are on their sites, any data that you supply to these partners, for example, to obtain information or buy products directly from them, is beyond our reach and will be the responsibility of each of the linked-to entities and not A Family Village. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these Websites or any other sites linked to or referenced on our Site.

Security. A Family Village has multiple layers of security on its systems. We have implemented software and hardware security, including firewalls and data encryption intended to protect your personally identifiable information from unauthorized access. Our server and network infrastructure are physically isolated from everyone but our senior technicians within private cage space or locked cabinets. We regularly review additional software upgrades to enhance our security measures. However, despite our efforts, no system can completely guaranty that there will never be unauthorized access to your personally identifiable information, and your use of the Site indicates that you are willing to assume this risk.

Children's Privacy. A Family Village does not encourage participation or visitation by children. Visitors who are known to be under the age of 18 are prohibited from becoming A Family Village Members. A Family Village does not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 18.

Policy Changes. We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version of the Privacy Policy will always be posted on the Site. We may revise and update this Privacy Policy if our practices change, as technology changes, or as we add new services or change existing ones. By using our Site or services, you are deemed to consent to our then-current privacy policy. We will use information previously obtained in accordance with the privacy policy in effect when the information was obtained from you. 

Date of last revision: February 19, 2011.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF SERVICE RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE A FAMILY VILLAGE WEBSITE CAREFULLY. THESE TERMS OF SERVICE GOVERN YOUR USE OF THE A FAMILY VILLAGE WEBSITE AND ALL SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH THE WEBSITE. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF USE.

These Terms of Service ("TOS") apply to all users of the A Family Village website (the "Site"). The term "Site" as it is used in these TOS includes access via any wireless device and whether or not you register as a member of A Family Village ("Member"). By using this Site (including any content posted on the Site), you signify your acceptance of these TOS, as well as the A Family Village Privacy Policy, which are incorporated by reference into these TOS and made a part hereof. A Family Village reserves the right to update or change these TOS at any time by posting the most current version of the TOS on the Site. Your continued use of the Site after we post any changes to the TOS signifies your agreement to any such changes. If you do not agree to these TOS, you must discontinue using the Site and terminate your membership in A Family Village. This Site is owned and operated by A Family Village, L.L.C. All references to A Family Village herein shall be deemed to include A Family Village, L.L.C.

Member Eligibility

You do not have to be a A Family Village Member to use this Site. However, only Members can access the most popular features and services that A Family Village currently offers, such as villages, private messages, social networking features, or other services that we may offer in the future (the "Services"). Registration is free.

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to register as a Member or use the Site. Membership of the Site is void where prohibited. By using the Site, you represent and warrant that you have the right, authority and capacity to enter into this TOS and to abide by all of the terms and conditions of this TOS.

When you register with A Family Village, you will be asked to provide us with your name, email address and other information that we may request, all of which will become part of your profile ("Profile"), and which you can add to or change from time to time. You will also be asked to select a screen name and password which will serve to identify you as a Member each time you visit the Site and allow you to access your account. You may not (i) select or use a screen name of another person with intent to impersonate that person, (ii) use a screen name in which another person has rights without authorization from that person, or (iii) use a screen name that A Family Village, at its sole discretion, deems offensive.

You agree to provide (i) true, accurate, current and complete information about yourself as prompted by the registration form, and (ii) maintain and properly update the Profile to keep it true, accurate, current and complete. If you provide information that is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, or A Family Village has reasonable grounds to suspect that you have, we have the right to suspend or terminate your membership and refuse any and all current or future use of the Site and the Services (or any portion thereof).

The Site is for the personal use of individual Members only and may not be used in connection with any commercial endeavors. Organizations, companies, and/or businesses may not become Members and should not use the Site for any purpose without prior written consent from A Family Village. Illegal and/or unauthorized uses of the Site, including collecting usernames and/or email addresses of members by electronic or other means for the purpose of sending unsolicited email and unauthorized framing of or linking to the Site may be investigated, and appropriate legal action will be taken, including without limitation, civil, criminal, and injunctive redress. Use of the Site is with the permission of A Family Village, which may be revoked at any time, for any reason, in A Family Village's sole discretion.

Term

This TOS will remain in full force and effect while you use the Site and/or are a Member. You may terminate your membership at any time, for any reason, by sending A Family Village written notice of termination to A Family Village, PO BOX 49004, Austin, TX 78765 or email notice of termination to info@A Family Village.

A Family Village may terminate your membership by sending notice to you at the email address you provide in your application for membership, or such other email address as you may later provide to A Family Village.

If A Family Village terminates your membership in the Site because you have breached this TOS, you will not be entitled to compensation. All decisions regarding the termination of accounts due to a breach of the TOS shall be made in the sole discretion of A Family Village. Additionally, A Family Village is not required to provide you notice prior to terminating your membership, and A Family Village is not required, and may be prohibited, from disclosing a reason for the termination of your account. Even after your membership is terminated, this TOS will remain in effect. All terms that by their nature may survive termination of this TOS shall be deemed to survive such termination.

Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the username and password that you designate during the Registration process, and you are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your username and password. You agree to (a) immediately notify A Family Village of any unauthorized use of a Member's account, or any known or suspected breach of security, including loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure of Member's password, and (b) ensure that you exit from your account at the end of each session. A Family Village will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this provision. You should use particular caution when accessing your account from a public or shared computer so that others are not able to view or record your password or other personal information.

Your Interactions with Other Members

You are solely responsible for your interactions with other Members. You understand that A Family Village does not in any way screen its Members, nor does A Family Village inquire into the backgrounds of its Members or attempt to verify the statements of its Members. A Family Village makes no representations or warranties as to the conduct of Members or their compatibility with any current or future Members.

In no event shall A Family Village be liable for any damages whatsoever, whether direct, indirect, general, special, compensatory, consequential, and/or incidental, arising out of or relating to the conduct of you or anyone else in connection with the use of the Site, including without limitation, bodily injury, emotional distress, and/or any other damages resulting from communications or meetings with other registered users of this Site or persons you meet through this Site.

You agree to take reasonable precautions in all interactions with other Members of the Site, particularly if you decide to meet offline or in person. You understand that A Family Village makes no guarantees, either express or implied, regarding your ultimate compatibility with individuals you meet through the Site. You should not provide your financial information (for example, your credit card or bank account information) to other Members.

Content on the Site

Opinions, advice, statements, offers, or other information or content made available through the Site, but not directly by A Family Village, are those of their respective authors, and should not necessarily be relied upon. Such authors are solely responsible for such content. A Family Village does not:

guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information on the Site, or
adopt, endorse or accept responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice, or statement made by any party that appears on the Site. Under no circumstances will A Family Village or its affiliates be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on information or other content posted on the Site or transmitted to or by any Members.

Content Posted by You on the Site

You are solely responsible for the Content that you publish or display (hereinafter, "post") on the Site, or transmit to other Members. You will not post on the Site, or transmit to other Members, any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, offensive, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, racially offensive, or illegal material, or any material that infringes or violates another party's rights (including, but not limited to, intellectual property rights, and rights of privacy and publicity). You will not provide inaccurate, misleading or false information to the Company or to any other Member. If information provided to A Family Village, or another Member, subsequently becomes inaccurate, misleading or false, you will promptly notify A Family Village of such change.

You understand and agree that A Family Village may review and delete any content, messages, double-blind emails, photos or profiles (collectively, "Content"), in each case in whole or in part, that in the sole judgment of A Family Village violate this TOS or which might be offensive, illegal, or that might violate the rights, harm, or threaten the safety of Members.

The following is a partial list of the kind of Content that is illegal or prohibited on the Site. A Family Village reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action in its sole discretion against anyone who violates this provision, including without limitation, removing the offending communication from the Site and terminating the membership of such violators. It includes, but is not limited to, Content that:

• is patently offensive to the online community, such as Content that promotes racism, bigotry, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any group or individual;
• harasses or advocates harassment of another person;
• involves the transmission of "junk mail", "chain letters," or unsolicited mass mailing or "spamming";
• promotes information that you know is false, misleading or promotes illegal activities or conduct that is abusive, threatening, obscene, defamatory or libelous;
• promotes an illegal or unauthorized copy of another person's copyrighted work, such as providing pirated computer programs or links to them, providing information to circumvent manufacture-installed copy-protect devices, or providing pirated images, audio or video, or links to pirated images, audio or video files;
• contains restricted or password only access pages, or hidden pages or images (those not linked to or from another accessible page);
• provides material that exploits people under the age of 18 in a sexual or violent manner, or solicits personal information from anyone under the age of 18;
• provides instructional information about illegal activities such as making or buying illegal weapons, violating someone's privacy, or providing or creating computer viruses;
• solicits passwords or personal identifying information for commercial or unlawful purposes from other users; and
• engages in commercial activities and/or sales without our prior written consent such as contests, sweepstakes, barter, advertising, and pyramid schemes.

Your use of the Site, including but not limited to the Content you post on the Site, must be in accordance with any and all applicable laws and regulations.

You may not engage in advertising to, or solicitation of, other Members. This includes but is not limited to solicitation or advertising to buy or sell any products or services through the Site or to attend parties or other social functions or networking for commercial purposes without our prior written consent. You may not transmit any chain letters or junk email to other Members. Although A Family Village cannot monitor the conduct of its Members off the Site, it is also a violation of these rules to use any information obtained from the Site in order to harass, abuse, or harm another person, or in order to contact, advertise to, solicit, or sell to any Member without their prior explicit consent. In order to protect our Members from such advertising or solicitation, we reserves the right to restrict the number of emails which a Member may send to other Members in any 24-hour period to a number which we deem appropriate in our sole discretion.

Prohibited Activities

A Family Village reserves the right to investigate and terminate your membership if you have misused the Site, or behaved in a way which could be regarded as inappropriate or whose conduct is unlawful or illegal. The following is a partial list of the type of actions that you may not engage in with respect to the Site:

• You will not impersonate any person or entity.
• You will not "stalk" or otherwise harass any person.
• You will not express or imply that any statements you make are endorsed by A Family Village without our specific prior written consent.
• You will not use any robot, spider, site search/retrieval application, or other manual or automatic device or process to retrieve, index, "data mine", or in any way reproduce or circumvent the navigational structure or presentation of the Site or its contents.
• You will not post, distribute or reproduce in any way any copyrighted material, trademarks, or other proprietary information without obtaining the prior consent of the owner of such proprietary rights.
• You will not remove any copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights notices contained in the Site.
• You will not interfere with or disrupt the Site, the Services or the servers or networks connected to the Site or the Services.
• You will not post, email or otherwise transmit any material that contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment.
• You will not forge headers or otherwise manipulate identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any information transmitted through the Site.
• You will not "frame" or "mirror" any part of the Site, without A Family Village's prior written authorization. You also shall not use meta tags or code or other devices containing any reference to A Family Village or the Site in order to direct any person to any other web site for any purpose.
• You will not modify, adapt, sublicense, translate, sell, reverse engineer, decipher, decompile or otherwise disassemble any portion of the Site or the Site or any software used on or for the Site or cause others to do so.

Blocking of IP Addresses

In order to protect the integrity of the Site, A Family Village reserves the right at any time in its sole discretion to block Members from certain IP addresses from accessing the Site.

Member Disputes

You are solely responsible for your interactions with other A Family Village Members. A Family Village reserves the right, but has no obligation, to monitor disputes between you and other Members.

Disclaimers

A Family Village is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate Content posted on the Site, whether caused by users of the Site, Members or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Site. A Family Village is not responsible for the conduct, whether online or offline, of any user or Member of the Site. A Family Village assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, user or Member communications. A Family Village is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of email or players on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Site or combination thereof, including injury or damage to users and/or Members or to any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating or downloading materials in connection with the Web and/or in connection with the Site.

Under no circumstances will A Family Village or any of its affiliates, advertisers, promoters or distribution partners be responsible for any loss or damage, including personal injury or death, resulting from anyone's use of the Site, any Content posted on the Site or transmitted to Members, or any interactions between users of the Site, whether online or offline. The Site is provided "AS-IS" and A Family Village expressly disclaims any warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. A Family Village cannot guarantee and does not promise any specific results from use of the Site.

In addition to the preceding paragraph and other provisions of this TOS, any advice that may be posted on the Site is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional parental, financial, medical, legal, or other advice. A Family Village makes no representations or warranties and expressly disclaims any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the information offered or provided within or through the Site. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require professional or medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist.

Links

The Site may provide, or third parties may provide, links to other World Wide Web sites or resources. Because A Family Village has no control over such sites and resources, you acknowledge and agree that A Family Village is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for any Content, advertising, products or other materials on or available from such sites or resources. You further acknowledge and agree that A Family Village shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of, or reliance upon, any such Content, goods or services available on or through any such site or resource.

Limitation on Liability

Except in jurisdictions where such provisions are restricted, in no event will A Family Village be liable to you or any third person for any indirect, consequential, exemplary, incidental, special or punitive damages, including also lost profits arising from your use of the Site, even if A Family Village has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, A Family Village's liability to you for any cause whatsoever, and regardless of the form of the action, will at all times be limited to the amount paid, if any, by you to A Family Village for the Site during the term of membership.

Jurisdiction and Choice of Law

If there is any dispute arising out of the Site, by using the Site, you expressly agree that any such dispute shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions, and you expressly agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts of the State of Texas, for the resolution of any such dispute.

Indemnity by You

You agree to indemnify and hold A Family Village, its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, agents, and other partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorney's fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of the Site in violation of this TOS and/or arising from a breach of this TOS and/or any breach of your representations and warranties set forth above.

No Third Party Beneficiaries

You agree that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this TOS, there shall be no third party beneficiaries to this TOS.

Other. This TOS contains the entire agreement between you and A Family Village regarding the use of the Site. If any provision of this TOS is held invalid, the remainder of this TOS shall continue in full force and effect.

Please contact us with any questions regarding this agreement.
A Family Village is a trademark of A Family Village, L.L.C.

A Family Village
P.O. Box 49004
Austin, TX  78765
(512) 814-5251

www.afamilyvillage.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

We keeping adding things, so please keep recommending them at: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Baby Clothes/ Toy Stores

• Baby Bugaloo
  Boutique for infants and toddlers in southwest Austin

• Dolce Baby
  Children furnishing, decor and gifts

• Pumpkin Patch
  Children's resale store

• Sandy’s Shoes
  Kid shoe store, an Austin classic

• Terra Toys
  A fun toy store with a knowlegeable staff

• USA Baby
  Baby/children furniture and gear

• Wee
  Modern boutique: clothing, gear, furniture and decor for infants and children.

Kid Places

• Austin Kidbits
  Inside scoop on happenings around town, newsletters

• Austin Children’s Museum
  Where Children can touch, play and climb to their hearts' content

•  Austin Zoo
  Animal sanctuary in the hill country

• Going Bananas
  Indoor playground and party center

• Gymboree Play & Music
  Age appropriate classes to improve physical, social, cognitive skills

• Heartsong Music
  Early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them

• Inflatable Wonderland
  Inflatables, obstacles, slides and jumps

• Kidz Austin
  Great site for children info and events

• Kidz n Play
  Children Inflatable Playground

• Kiddie Acres
  Amusement park and minituare golf

• My Gym
• Age-appropriate classes that incorporate music, dance, games, gymnastics, sports and more

• Story time at local library
  Search for story time at libraries around town

• Swimming lesson
  Swimming lesson at the public pools around town
   

Restaurants/ Music Venues:

A list of Restaurants that offer kids eat free nights

• Central Market
  Tuesday is the kids eat free night
   
• EZ’s  Brick Oven and Grill
  Wednesday is the kids eat free night
  
  
• Freddies's place
  Backyard with great playscape for the kiddos under oak trees
   
• Ruta Maya
  Kids Music on Sundays
   

ListServes, Groups

• Yahoo Groups
  Search for Austinmamas
   
• Personal Renewal Groups
  Monthly women’s circle

In the fall of 2008, we both became first-time moms whose friends and family lived far, far away. With no "village" of support in Austin, we desperately sought out other new moms with whom to mingle and grow. 

But before we found our village, during the early months of motherhood, we were home alone with our babies. Trapped at home with questions, crying babies, and dirty diapers, we were desperate to find others like us. Through friends of friends, we gathered a group of five women doing exactly the same thing.

We hardly knew one another, yet we shared this common bond: first-time, stay-at-home moms in need of support, guidance--or just a chance to connect with women who were traveling the same road.

Tiziana

Our common bond was motherhood, but we each approached it differently and those differences made the conversations and gatherings ever more interesting.  Some mommies used strictly cloth diapers, others strictly disposable and some both. Some mommies weaned their babies at 9 months, others at 19 months.

But these differences only gave us insight on different methods of parenting; techniques tried, failed or succeed. 

Mostly what we got from this group was a collective appreciation for our newfound lifestyle and the support to keep us moving forward. We’d vent about long nights up with the baby, discuss how to deal with colic, test out/demonstrate techniques of baby massage while our babies laid on the floor next to one another, smiling, playing, crying, and sleeping.

Catherine

The weekly, two-hour meet-ups gave each of us a “safe-space” to breastfeed at will, look a little haggard, get a healthy meal and have an experienced mommy watch your child as you ran to the post office. This was our village! The proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child” was exemplified in our group.

Our “village” became the invaluable support that gave us strength in many weak moments. 

Through our early mommy moments, we realized the critical importance of support for first-time parents during the early months of transition.

We realized that proximity does matter, especially when battling cross-town traffic or children intolerant of car rides. We realized this serendipitous connection with other mommies made our own family, our children, ourselves as new mothers, far better people.

Now we are ready to share the village with all of you. We want to connect you with other families so you don't have to go it alone. We want you to meet your families match at A Family Village!

Whatever your phase of parenting, a village will help you raise a family!

Tiziana and Catherine

swaps, park gatherings, mom's nights out, and much more. Tailor your villages to your needs and the needs of your children.

How Does It Work:

• Sign up - FREE!
• Create a profile with your interests, area of town, age of child(ren), etc.
• Search for families with similar interests
• Invite friends and families to join
• Search, create, and join “villages” (villages are groups with purpose, i.e., Tuesday morning playgroups)

Voila!

Email us your questions at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Our BLOG,  "A Village Voice".  Read our parenting tips, mom-tested gear, book reviews, and more. It's a place to be inspired and inspire others with stories, knowledge, and adventures. 

If you are interested in sharing a lesson you learned from your parenting journey, please write 300-700 words and submit to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you would like us to review your book, gear, or other parenting-related item, please contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Our Faves is a list of parenting resources: Books, websites, stores around town, take-out restaurants, kid-friendly restaurants, businesses with drive-through services, family-friendly/ family-focused events, parents' night out events, classes and activities.

Suggestions? Please tell us about services, books, events, etc. that made a big difference to you and your family at: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Books

This is a listing of books that we have read and refer back to on a regular basis:

• Children the Challenge by Rudolph Dreikurs

• Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years by Jim Fay, Charles Fay

• Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems: New, Revised, and Expanded Edition by Richard Ferber

• The Happiest Toddler on the Block: How to Eliminate Tantrums and Raise a Patient, Respectful, and Cooperative One- to Four-Year-Old: Revised Edition by Harvey Karp (both book and video).

• New First Three Years of Life: Completely Revised and Updated by Burton L. White

• The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) by William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears, and James Sears

• The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Sears Parenting Library) by Robert Sears, MD

• What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

• What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff

• Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth

• The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp

• The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood" by Vicki Iovine

• The Gift of Imperfection: Let Go of Who Think You're Supposed To Be And Embrace Who You Are by Brene' Brown

 

Web Resources

• Baby Center
  Global Network for Parents

• Designer clothing for mom and baby 
  Online boutique, featuring up to 60% off designer clothing and accessories for mom, baby, and child

• Love and Logic
  Parenting tidbits based on the Love and Logic book and coursework

• Travel with Kids
  Trekaroo is the fun way to simplify traveling with kids

• Recall SiteConsumer
  Product Safety Commission - to ensure safety of consumer products

• Personal Renewal Groups
  Women’s circle group that meets monthly

Other

• African Playground
  Best family jamming CD
   
• Pongo and Perdita - Sing-Along Songs
  Great way to get singing and dancing with the kids, our fav is the Hokie Pokie