"Where do you take YOUR kids, Jason?" - A handful of recommendations from my family to yours

Welcome. Whether you found this post via one of the search engines, or perhaps as a subscriber to my blog, I hope you'll find it useful. I wanted to speak directly to you, rather than using generalities here. You see, I want this to be the kind of thing that you will print and actually use, rather than just skimming over it once and leaving.

If you are considering a move to the Austin area, please think of me as a friend who really just wants to provide some helpful suggestions for you and your family. Let's get started, shall we?

"WHERE SHOULD I TAKE MY KIDS TO THE DOCTOR?"

My wife and I have three kids (10, 7, and 2), and we are expecting our fourth child in mid-April. We have used Dr. Jack Louis as our pediatrician since we became parents back in 1998. There was a brief foray to another doctor (insurance-related issue), during which we became acutely aware of just how good Dr. Louis really is. He works with another pediatrician, Dr. Bayer, and both of them are terrific with our kids.

I will never forget when Dr. Louis visited us at the hospital when my son had to have an emergency surgery at 5 months old. I have always felt like he gives an avuncular country doctor vibe, much like the doctors portrayed in Norman Rockwell paintings.

The only drawback? Jack Louis is taller than me. At 6'4", I am not used to looking up to speak to very many people. I think Dr. Louis is probably around 6'7" or so. Of course, I don't really care. Just wanted to see if you were still reading.

Dr. Louis and Bayer are located at 711 W 38th St # C2, Austin, TX 78705. They can be reached at (512) 458-6717.

"SOUNDS GOOD. WHAT ABOUT A GOOD PEDIATRIC DENTIST?"

Not to worry - I have that covered for you, too. After a series of REALLY bad experiences with my son (poor kiddo), we were determined to find the best kids' dentist in town, and I feel that we have. Look no further - Dr. Scott Franklin and his team of awesome assistants are the only place that I feel comfortable taking my children. Pay close attention to this: my two older kids actually LOOK FORWARD to going to the dentist, even though they have both had fillings, etc. Dr. Franklin's office is very kid-friendly, with video games and a comfortable "living room" feel to the waiting room.

Is there anything I think could improve their practice? Actually, I think they are probably priced higher than many other dental offices, but having seen what inferior dentistry can do to the psyche (both mine and my kids'), I am happy to pay more. Also, you will need to allow more time to book an appointment, because they are quite busy (with good reason). You owe it to your kids to take them here.

Dr. Franklin also handles orthodontia for both kids and adults!

Here's the contact info: www.gosmiles.com 1910 W 35th St # B, Austin, TX 78703. They can be reached at (512) 451-8310.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS?"

I have another business that has served us well for about five years, and I think they deserve to be promoted here. My son is currently a deputy black belt in Tukong Moosul (a style of martial arts developed for the Korean military). The founder of the entire style, Grandmaster Wonik Yi, runs the local school where my son attends, although the primary kids' instructor is Master Ali Brown. Ali is simply one of the best natural teachers I have met. He really cares about the kids and their self-esteem, which is refreshing these days. In fact, many businesses could take a hint from this. Recently, my 7-year-old daughter also decided to start her own lessons, and she LOVES it so far.

With the exception of the fact that I have to carve out a couple of hours each week to take my kids to Tukong, I have no complaints about this business. The staff is kind, helpful, and caring, and the facility is clean, open, and comfortable. You can't beat it.

They are located at 10435 Burnet Rd Ste 110, Austin, TX 78758-4450. Their primary phone number is (512) 339-2467, and their website is www.masteryi.com.

If you're interested, here are a couple of previous "things to do" posts I wrote that might also be of help to you:

Family Fun in Austin, Texas

Big Fun on a Little Budget in Austin, Texas! Some FREE and Inexpensive Things to Do

My family's visit to the Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin - FREE and fun!

I hope you find this stuff helpful as you move to a new area. If you are looking for recommendations for anything else that you're curious about, just give me a call anytime at 512-796-7653 or email me at jason@austintexashomes.com. If I don't know the answer, I do know a LOT of people and I will find out for you.