Valley
Parent
FREE May 2022
YOU R LO CA L PA R E N T I N G R ESOU R C E
6 GREAT
MOM APPS
Having The Talk
W I T H YO U R K I DS
CHOOSING A CAMP WIN TICKETS TO SEE
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Enter Your Child in Our
FRESH FACES COVER CONTEST
Valley
Parent 2 P A R E N T Parent
W
hat a wonderful world we live in having so many resources at our fingertips to help parents. With a few keystrokes, we can access any number of apps on our screens to make life a little easier or more organized. We’ve highlighted just six of these in “Six Great Mom Apps.” From a family favorites recipe app to one that will tell you the closest place with a clean public restroom, these apps are sure to have answers to many of your parenting dilemmas. I’m excited about the camp story in this issue, too. Summer camp holds an important place in my childhood. Back then, in the Dark Ages, day camps were not as popular as they are today, so most camps were a week or more and children stayed overnight. My first camp experience was at age 11 at the Girl Scout Camp Concharty. It was a great experience meeting girls from around Georgia and Alabama, learning arts and crafts, cooking over a campfire, swimming and sleeping in a floored tent. Subsequent summers were spent at the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama’s Camp McDowell. I met people there that I am still friends with today, so I can’t say enough about what a fan of camp that I am. Today, there are so many types of camps, choosing one may be challenging. Our camp story will help you make that decision by determining if a particular kind of camp is a good fit for your child. Here’s your reminder that April is the last month you can enter our 2022 Fresh Faces Cover Contest. We get calls, emails and Facebook posts from parents and grandparents all year long asking how they can get their child’s precious face on the cover of Valley Parent. Well, here’s your chance. Just send in a photo— a crisp image showing the child’s face straight on—along with the entry form on the next page of this magazine. Or here’s a link to the entry form: https://valleyparent.com/fresh-faces-contest-entry/. Don’t delay. You may be living with the next cover girl … or boy!
Jill Tigner Editor & Publisher Like us on
Follow us on
Valley Parent Magazine
@ValleyParentMag
Follow us on
INSTAGRAM @ValleyParentMag
CLICK TO WIN TICKETS TO
Editors/Publishers MIKE VENABLE & JILL TIGNER mike@columbusandthevalley.com jill@columbusandthevalley.com
Advertising Sales BETH MARTIN beth@columbusandthevalley.com MARGIE RICHARDSON margie@columbusandthevalley.com JULIE JERNIGAN, sales assistant salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com
Graphic Design SIXTY TWO GRAPHIC STUDIO
Contributing Writers TANNI HAAS CHERYL MAGUIRE PAM MOORE JOHN ROSEMOND
Photography MIKE CULPEPPER __________________________ P. O. Box 229 Columbus, GA 31902 706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216 www.valleyparent.com __________________________ VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE is published monthly by Chicken Dinner News, Inc., dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAG A ZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cov er and contents are fully protected and may not be re pro duced in whole or in part without the written consent of COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Editorial contributions and letters should be addressed to VALLEY PARENT MAGAZ INE, Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Copyright © 2022 by Chicken Dinner News, Inc. trad ing as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Subscriptions are available by mail for $25 per year. Call 706-324-6214 to subscribe. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.
Member
Valley
April 20 at RiverCenter Parent Enter at ValleyParent.com/Contests
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau of West Georgia and East Alabama and Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Valley
t n e r a P
S E C A F H S E R F test n o C r Cove
PaVarlleey n YO U
R LO
CAL
PA R E
N T IN
G R ES
t
OUR
FREE March
4
CE
R T O CE A S O N S HOO SE
Priv Schoate ol
Co Bal lumbu Orch let, Youths estra Voic and the V es of alley SHA
WIN TICK TO S ETS EE C
ha and rlie Chocthe Factoolate ry
RE T S TA H E GE
Enter
FRE Your Child in HF C O COVS ES ur ER CA ONTE ST
Want to be sure the judges take notice of your child’s photo? Here are a few helpful hints:
1. The cover of Valley Parent always prominently features a child’s
face, so be sure your child’s face is clearly visible in the photo you choose, i.e. no icing covered faces, no hats or masks that obscure the face, no strange facial expressions, no profile shots, etc.
2. The photos that readers send in are used for judging purposes only. The photos themselves will not be used on the cover, so do NOT choose a photo based on the interesting background, funny pose or artsy flair. None of those aspects will be considered. The judges look for a winning child, not a winning photo.
3. Send in a photo file large enough for print. File should be close to or over 1 MB (300 dpi for you techy types out there). Small photos are hard for the judges to see and impossible to print.
4. The judges know that the children chosen will need to do a photo shoot, so avoid shots that make your child seem brooding or shy.
5. Professional photographs are accepted, but not preferred.
In summary, send us a snapshot that allows the judges to see your child’s bright, cheerful face. It is the Fresh Faces Cover Contest, after all! Good luck and thank you for entering!
OFFICIAL RULES
Send in y snapshot fo our child’s cover shot. r a chance at a We will cho ose six winners to a covers of V ppear on future alle online at V y Parent. Enter a or mail a p lleyParent.com hoto and th e form below. We can’t wait to see all you r cuties!
To enter Valley Parent’s Fresh Faces Cover Contest, complete this form and send it along with ONE recent photo OR e-mail the following information along with a digital photo. Sorry, photos will NOT be returned. __YES! My son or daughter wants to be a Valley Parent Fresh Face! Child’s Name ____________________________________________ Child’s Birthday _______________________________ Age ________ Parent/Guardian Name ______________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone______________ e-mail address________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________ Children attend (circle one) public school private school homeschool # of adults in household___ Mother works: full time part time at home Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, Father works: full time part time at home # of children in household___
• Send only ONE recent photo per child, age 13 and under. Additional photos will not be considered. • Only one child per photo unless multiples. Twins, triplets, etc. should appear together. • Prints or digital photos will be accepted but must be accompanied by completed entry form. Photos should be 1 MB or larger. • Entries must be postmarked or received by e-mail by April 29, 2022.
Enter online at: ValleyParent.com
OR MAIL ENTRY & PHOTOS TO:
Fresh Faces Cover Contest • Valley Parent Magazine PO Box 229 • Columbus, GA 31902
parentguru.com. Copyright 2022, John K. Rosemond MAY 2022 | Valley Parent
1
2022
April/May 2022
VOLUME 17 NO. 2
D E PA R T M E N T S John Rosemond
11
Family Fun Calendar
12
Valley Parent Locations
12
Valley Smiles
13
F E AT U R E S Choosing a Camp
3
Consider your child’s interests when choosing one.
Summer Fun Guide
6
Best local options at a glance
The Talk
7
Why and how to talk about sex with your kids.
6 Great Mom Apps
10
Things to make your life a little bit easier
ON THE COVER
On th
e Go?
Read every Valley Pa rent wher mobi e on your le de vices . Averlee Luna Evans, 6, is ready to hunt Easter eggs. She is the daughter of Abby Evans and Daniel Ligon of Columbus. photos by Mike Culpepper 2
Valley Parent | MAY 2022
What Type of Camp W I L L YO U R CHILD LIKE? W
hen I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp—the town camp. The town camp was a traditional all-day 6-hour camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete, so this type of camp was not a good match for my personality. I remember coming home every day whining to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer, I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me. Now there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would be a good fit for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your child with the correct camp so you hear your child tell you, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother dealt with daily.
by Cheryl Maguire
Traditional Day Camp A traditional day camp is 6 hours (half-day options may be available) and offers a variety of activities such as sports, swimming, art and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, schools, churches, museums or private settings.
Is this a good fit for your child? Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors and playing sports or team building activities, then this would be a good type of camp for them. Since there is a variety of activities, this would also be a good fit for a child who likes to try different things.
_____________________________
Sleepaway Overnight camp is when your child lives at the camp for either a week or longer period. There are Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps. These camps tend to offer options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding and other activities.
Is this a good fit for your child? An overnight camp gives your child the chance to meet other kids from different states and countries. There is also more time to do activities and foster independence compared to traditional day camps.
MAY 2022 | Valley Parent
3
Art/Musical Theatre
Sports
Specialty art, dance or musical theater camps focus solely on the arts. Musical theater and dance camps typically showcase a production such as Beauty and the Beast, whereas in an art camp a child would use a variety of art mediums like painting or drawing.
Specialty sports camps usually are one sport such as baseball, tennis, golf or soccer that the child plays either for three or six hours.
Is this a good fit for your child?
If your child loves a specific sport and would like to improve their skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport that they might not otherwise have exposure to.
If your child is creative and prefers the indoors, then these types of camps would be worth looking into. It may be a good way to introduce the arts to your child since many of these camps are time-limited for one week.
_____________________________________________
Educational
Is this a good fit for your child?
____________________________________________
Travel
An educational camp focuses on learning a new skill or subject matter. Since it is camp and not school, these types of camps tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on fun. These camps are located at public schools, museums and colleges.
There are two types of travel camps. One type is when your child goes on day trips and the other type sometimes referred to as “teen tours” is when your child travels with a group for an extended period (usually a few weeks or a month). This type of camp is located at religious or private organizations.
Is this a good fit for your child?
Is this a good fit for your child?
If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/ why things work, this may be a good match for them. If a child is interested in learning a new skill such as commuter programming or speaking Spanish, some educational camps offer that as well.
Some of these camps travel to places by plane so it would give your child the chance to travel to a place that you might not have gone to as a family. If your child enjoys experiencing new destinations, then this would be a great fit for them.
4
Valley Parent | MAY 2022
Photos by Jeremy Daniel
Global Stars. Close to Home.
April 20 7:30 PM PROUD SEASON SPONSOR
BROADWAY ON BROADWAY S PONS ORED BY
MED I A S PONS ORS
VISIT OUR BOX OFFICE! Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm 900 Broadway, Columbus, GA | 706.256.3612 rivercenter.org | @rivercenterga
2022
NIM KIDS SUMMER CAMP
706.685.2614 • NationalInfantryMuseum.org
Camp Guide
Day camp filled with great activities designed to promote teamwork, teach the Army values and have fun. There are five weeklong sessions for campers of varying ages and experience. Cost: $175-$200 Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 6 – July 15
GROWING ROOM CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
706.596.1234 • GrowingRoomUSA.com This summer camp will include many exciting opportunities for the children to enjoy such as: exciting weekly themes, science experiments, fun competitions, hands-on activities, cooking projects, physical fitness challenges/activities, STEAM activities, team building, etc. The children will become farmers, engineers, gardeners, artists, explorers and more as they discover. Cost: Rates vary Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years old Dates: May 31 – August 5
6
Valley Parent | MAY 2022
The TALK WHY & HOW TO TALK ABOUT SEX WITH YOUR KIDS
by Pam Moore
I
f you think it’s important to talk to your kids about sex, but still haven’t gotten around to having “the talk,” you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you should keep waiting. According to Janet Rosenzweig, author of The Sex-Wise Parent, when asked to rank who influences their decisions around sex, adolescents consistently ranked their parents higher than friends, and they wish parents would talk to them more. It turns out, adolescents innately crave the same approach experts have long promoted—honest conversations about sex with their parents that start early and happen frequently. While young children don’t necessarily need to know about sex, it’s important that parents talk to them early and often about sexuality—starting with honest answers to their questions about their bodies. A Journal of Sex Education and Therapy study showed that preschoolers demonstrate greater success learning the names of their genitals when the information is presented by a parent versus a teacher. And according to Dr. Jenni Skyler, certified sex therapist, director of The Intimacy Institute and the mother of two young children, opening the conversation early and keeping it going is crucial because it: • allows you to give your kids accurate information; • lets your kids know you are a safe person to talk to about sex and their body; • helps prevent sexual abuse.
USE ANATOMICAL TERMS According to Berkower and Wurtele, using the appropriate anatomical terms when talking about the genitals communicates that there is nothing shameful about our kids’ bodies. It can also be an effective way to prevent abuse. When a kid uses the correct terms with a sexual predator, it is a signal that this child is talking openly with an adult about his body and is not likely to keep abuse a secret. Skyler recommends telling kids what their body parts are, where they are and what they do. For example, if a boy asks what his penis is for, you can simply tell him “Your penis is for urinating” but you don’t have to say more unless your child asks. If he follows up with a question like, “Why does it feel good when I touch my penis?” don’t panic. This doesn’t mean he’s asking you to explain the mechanics of sex, Skyler said. She recommends responding with something like, “Our body is built to enjoy touch and certain body parts, like your penis, feel better to touch than other parts.” Although girls’ genitals are harder to see, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t discuss them. Generally, according to Skyler, it is enough to start by telling preschool-age girls, “You have different holes for different things. One is for pee, one is where a baby comes out, and one is for poop.” If your daughter expresses curiosity in learning which hole is which, Skyler suggests explaining things with the help of pictures, or even while sitting on the floor with a mirror if you’re comfortable. It is enough to say, “Your urethra is where your pee comes out of. Your vagina is the hole a baby comes out of. Your anus is where your poop comes MAY 2022 | Valley Parent
7
out.” Similarly, while you can’t necessarily see the clitoris, when your daughter touches hers or asks about it, consider it a teachable moment, beginning by simply telling her what it’s called. Skyler emphasized the importance of giving children information about their bodies in “bite-size” chunks, early and often, and that these conversations be “non-events.” In other words, do your best to treat your kids’ questions about their bodies as you would their questions about where clouds come from, or why they have to take a bath— honestly and comfortably, using age-appropriate explanations that aren’t too detailed.
BE HONEST
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGES 0-18 Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse by Sandy K. Wurtele, Ph.D. and Feather Berkower, M.S.W. FOR CHILDREN AGES PRESCHOOL TO SECOND GRADE What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smythe
If, like many of us, using clinical terms makes you blush, remember, you don’t need to give an anatomy lecture to give your child what they need to know. According to Sandy Wurtele, Ph.D., and Feather FOR CHILDREN AGES Berkower, M.S.W., authors of Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping KINDERGARTEN TO THIRD GRADE Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse, it’s best to talk to kids about their bodies It’s Not the Stork: A Book About Girls, Boys. and sex often, honestly, and briefly. For example, if your preschooler Babies, Bodies, Families, and Friends asks how babies are made, instead of asking why he wants to know, By Robbie H. Harris respond with a straightforward, age-appropriate answer. A sufficient response might be something like: “Usually the baby comes out through the mom’s vagina, or sometimes a doctor makes a cut in the mom’s belly REMEMBER TO LISTEN to take the baby out through her belly.” If your child has follow-up questions, answer them honestly, but know that you don’t have to give them a lot of information at once. Wurtele and Berkower also emphasize the importance of responding positively to kids’ questions. If, for example, your child says she doesn’t like the nanny, instead of saying “The nanny loves you!” and discouraging her from saying unkind things about the nanny, Wurtele and Berkower ask parents not to shut the conversation down. Instead, parents should express curiosity and ask followup questions. For example: Child: I don’t like the nanny. Parent: Why not? Child: Because she’s not nice. Parent: What did she do that was not nice? Child: She touched my vulva and told me not to tell you. Parent: I wish that hadn’t happened, but I’m so glad you told me.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT If you are not comfortable talking about sex with your kids, Wurtele and Berkower recommend practicing with another adult such as a partner or a friend. Rosenzweig also suggests roleplaying the hypothetical conversation you might have with your child. vp 8
Valley Parent | MAY 2022
MAY 2022 | Valley Parent
9
6 Great Mom Apps THINGS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE BIT EASIER by Tanni Haas, PhD Mother’s Day is May 9, the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and other moms that you know. There are a lot of apps out there dedicated to making a mom’s life a little bit easier, whether you’re looking for ideas on what to serve for dinner or kid-friendly travel advice. Here’s a list of some of the very best mom apps. They’re all free so download an app—or three!
Allrecipes Dinner Spinner
We’ve all been in this situation many times: It’s 5 p.m., dinner time, you’ve got to make a meal for the family, but all that comes to mind is the same things you always make. How about trying Allrecipes Dinner Spinner, the world’s largest and most popular social app for food? You can find user-generated and reviewed recipes from 30 million other home cooks like yourself. You can search by keyword, key ingredients that you want to include or exclude, special dietary needs and cooking time. You can also see which ingredients are on sale in local stores and watch more than 1,000 step-by-step cooking videos with easy-to-follow instructions. Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play
Cozi Family Organizer
As the name implies, Cozi Family Organizer is an organizer. It has a shared calendar where you can track everyone’s schedules both individually and as a group, and a shared shopping list where you can see when items are added to the list or purchased by other family members in real-time. You can also use the app to send automated daily or weekly agenda emails to other family members, create specialized to-do lists, such as emergency supplies or vacation packaging, and organize receipts in one place that’s accessible to everybody. Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play
Find My Kids
One of the most stressful experiences is not knowing where your children are at any given 10
Valley Parent | MAY 2022
moment. Nowadays, almost all children have cell phones, which helps minimize the stress. Find My Kids, a GPS-based location app, lets you to track your kids quickly and easily. Once registered, each family member appears as a unique icon on a navigational map so you know exactly where your kids are at all times. The app sends out automatic alerts when your kids arrive at school or go home, and monitors their cell phone battery levels letting you when they’re low so you can send out reminders to charge the phones. Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play
Scholly
The time may be around the corner or far off into the future, but when it does arrive, we’re all going to need it: money for college. Wouldn’t it be nice if at least some of that money is scholarships that you won’t have to pay back? Developed by a former Drexel University student by the name of Christopher Gray who amassed $1.3 million in scholarship funds, Scholly is a database with more than 20,000 scholarship opportunities across the U.S. that is continuously expanded and updated. You can look at each scholarship to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, important deadlines and the amount of money offered. Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play
Flush
When travelling with kids, especially toddlers, there are few things more frustrating than not being able to find a public restroom when you really need one. Flush is a location-based app that lets you to find bathrooms in your location. The app contains a user-generated list of more than 100,000 public restrooms throughout the U.S. You can get the travel time to the nearest bathroom,and search by specific features like changing tables or handicap accessible, and you are encouraged to post pictures and rate the restrooms to help other app users. Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play
Trekaroo Family Travel
I can’t count how many times on vacation with my 15-year-old son that he shouted in frustration: “Another museum?!” It doesn’t have to be that way. Trekaroo Family Travel, known informally as the TripAdvisor for kid-friendly travel, is an app that includes user-generated reviews of activities, hotels and restaurants that kids will enjoy throughout the U.S. and Canada. The app includes a price slider that makes it easy to find things to do that are either low-cost or free and offers suggestions for kid-friendly day trips. Available at: Apple Appstore vp
A F F I R M AT I V E PA R E N T I N G
Living with Children Q: I’m concerned that my almost 4-year-old daughter has some sort of language issue. For example, even though my brother’s family moved away nearly two years ago, whenever we drive by their former house my daughter will ask if they still live there. If I am wearing a yellow shirt, she’ll ask, “Is your shirt yellow, Mommy?” She knows her colors, by the way. Lately, when she asks a question of that sort, I ask, “What do you think?” I’m trying to get her to figure it out on her own, but she immediately becomes quiet, like she’s confused. She’s very bright for her age, but could she have a language problem? On the one hand, I’m worried. On the other, she can grate on my nerves. A: I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. If there is a problem, it would fall into one of three categories: discipline, development or disorder. You’re certainly not describing a discipline problem, and while I don’t have enough information to be definitive about the latter two possibilities, more than 40 years experience as a parent, grandparent and family psychologist lead me to propose that what you’re describing is no big deal. My sense is she’s simply trying to figure out how to begin conversations with people, starting with you. During the second and third years of life, a child figures out the fundamentals of language and begins constructing sentences. A 3-year-old begins using language to describe the world around her, but threes are known for monologues, not conversation. They’ll go on and
by John Rosemond, PhD
on about seemingly nothing, jumping from topic to topic and obviously uninterested in what anyone else might have to say. At four, the art of give-and-take conversation begins to develop. Your daughter is simply trying to figure out how to have interactive exchanges with other people. And yes, a child’s first attempts at conversation can be annoying, as can attempts on the part of a toddler to learn. It takes patience to respond with more than a “Yep” to your daughter’s repetitions and seemingly unnecessary questions, but patience will pay off handsomely for the both of you. Help her learn what conversation is all about by responding to these “annoyances” with a question that causes her to think and draws her into a discussion. For example, the next time she asks about your brother’s former house, you can ask, “What’s the best memory you have of being at Uncle Bob’s?” or “Do you remember where Uncle Bob lives now?” If she asks, “Is your dress yellow, Mommy?” you can respond with “Can you name something else that is also yellow?” Talk to your daughter. Teach her how to converse. The more you help her, the quicker she will develop her conversational skills, and the more you’ll enjoy talking to her. And she will grate on your nerves no more. vp Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, parentguru.com. Copyright 2022, John K. Rosemond
MAY 2022 | Valley Parent
11
Calendar APRIL 4 - May 9 Tuning Into Kids at the Russell County Extension Office • Join Alabama Extension for a multi session parenting program. Tuning Into Kids helps children develop emotional intelligence. Research has shown that children with higher emotional intelligence (1) have greater success with making and keeping friends, (2) have better concentration at school and (3) are better able to calm down. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Cost: Free Info: Call 334-298-6845 to register for the class.
9, 16, 30 Presidential Explorer Excursion Train • Experience the adventure of riding in vintage railroad cars coupled with a tour of history. The SAM Shortline excursion train offers passengers the chance to explore President Jimmy Carter’s past, go shopping and sample peanut butter treats. Info and ticket packages: SamShortline.com.
23, 24, 30 April Showers presented by The Springer Opera House • Sprout and Buzzy Bee are unlikely friends. Buzzy Bee can’t sit still, and Sprout can’t grow! He’s the littlest plant in the nursery and has always been a late-bloomer. Little do they know that their friendship will give them both what they need to blossom next spring. This show will take place at the Columbus Botanical Garden. Cost: Children three and up $12, Adults $15 Info: SpringerOperaHouse.org.
26 Rock-n-Roll with YOGC • Join the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus as they rock out with electric violinist Mark Wood. This concert will feature songs from rock favorites such as ACDC, Kansas, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne and much more. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15 Info: YOGC.org.
29 Friday Family Flicks at the South Columbus Library Relax at the library for the screening of a family favorite, Sing 2 (PG) at 3 p.m. Cost: Free Info: Cvlga.org.
MAY 3 Little Sprouts at Columbus Botanical Garden Little Sprouts is a 30-45 minute lesson on a feature of the Garden and its connection to nature/science. The class is designed to be an exposure experience in which there are three parts: 1. Gather and have social time together such as a group talk, hear a story or enjoy a presentation on that day’s theme. 2. Exploration through a handson experience that can look like a game, scavenger hunt or data collection activity. 3. A craft that ties the two experiences together from parts 1 and 2. Cost: $5 for members, $7 for non-members Info: ColumbusBotanicalGarden.org.
15 Midtown Getdown • A Sunday afternoon park concert at the Lakebottom bandshell, featuring local musicians, food and fun. A great family outing! Cost: Free Info: midtowncolumbusga.org/ midtown-get-down/.
21 Princess Party at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center • Meet 10+ princesses and join them for songs, stories, dances and more. Info and ticket packages: Eventbrite.com/e/ columbus-ga-princess-music-party-tickets-220976756427.
31 Memorial Day Mini Camp at the National Infantry Museum • Join the NIM for an afternoon full of games, hands on activities, fun facts, tours, refreshments and more. For ages five to 11. Cost: $10 Info: nationalinfantrymuseum.org/nim-kids/.
See more local events at ValleyParent.com 12
Valley Parent | MAY 2022
Valley
Parent
FREE May 2022
YO UR LO CAL PARE NT I NG RESO URC E
GREAT MOM APPS 6
Having The Talk
W I T H YO U R K I DS
CHOOSING A CAMP
Pick up your copy of the latest Valley Parent at one of these convenient locations:
WIN TICKETS TO SEE
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Enter Your Child in Our
FRESH FACES COVER CONTEST
Imagination Station Too International Friendship Ministries Academy Dance Center Joyful Journeys Childcare Acute Care Express Just for Kids All About Kids Learning Center Kool Smiles Devica Alappan, MD Blake Lane, Orthodontist Angel Academy Mark Lawrence, DDS Aranas & Stitt, OB/GYN La Bella Party and Tea Bare Ware Pottery Lil’ Rascals Resale & Boutique Basilio Pediatrics Little Angels Child Dev. Ctr. Behavioral Health Partners Little Paws Preschool Bluebelle Artist Market James Lopez, DMD The Blushing Brunette Boutique Thomas Malone, MD Julie Braddy-Roberts, MD Mathnasium Regina Carpenter, MD Mica’s Child Development Ctr. Center Pharmacy Mickayla’s Place Central Christian Church Midtown Medical Center Central OBGYN Midtown OBGYN Chambers OB/GYN Mildred L. Terry Library Ritu Chandra, MD My Gym Chick-fil-a Bradley Park Necco Foster Care Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd) North Columbus Library Clement Arts Northside Recreation Center Columbus Children’s Dentistry OBGYN Associates Columbus Clinic Lirio E. Palmos, MD Columbus Museum Panvelkar & Panvelkar, MD Columbus Pediatrics Pastoral Institute Columbus Public Library Pediatric Rehab Columbus Regional Family Practice Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr. Columbus Roberts Center Phenix City-Russell County Library CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr. Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool Curves for Women (Phenix City) Polka-Dots Early Childhood Dev. Ctr. Curves for Women (Veterans) Preppy Pets Dinglewood Pharmacy Project Launch Divine Childcare Learning Ctr. Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr. James Dorchak, MD Rising Star Child Development Ctr. Easter Seals Rivertown Pediatrics Miranda Y. Edwards, MD Russell County DHR Fairview Baptist Preschool Second Avenue Animal Hospital The Family Center Jeffrey Serff, DMD Family Physicians of Columbus Smiths Station Baptist Church First Baptist Church Child Dev./PC Smiths Station Pharmacy Foot & Ankle of West Ga. St. John AME Church Fort Benning Housing Services St. Luke Early Learning Ctr. Fountain City Coffee St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr. Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr. Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD Goo Goo Car Wash (Manchester Exp) Summerville Baptist Preschool Great Beginnings Child Care Sylvan Learning Center Greystone Falls Nora Tan-Ngo, MD Greystone at Columbus Park Toni’s Dancing Studio Greystone Inverness TSYS Childcare Center Growing Room Uptown Pediatrics Growing Room Too West Georgia Pediatrics Hollywood Connection Wynnton UMC Pre-school Imagination Station ZÖe Pediatrics Distribution sites committed at press time.
Valley Smiles Send your photos and captions to ContactUs@ValleyParent.com.
Adriti Shrivastava celebrated her 100th day of preschool.
Boys and Girls Clubs (BGCCV) of the Chattahoochee Valley’s Youth of the Year program honored Elijah Adams, Kamiya Archie, Chaniya Davis and Vanisha Miles.
Ella, 4, and Rhett Rutz, 2 months, celebrated with Valentine’s Day balloons and t-shirts.
Amelia Regan, 6, was excited to go with her daddy, Zack Regan, to the Ties and Tiaras DaddyDaughter Dance at Harris County High School.
New Spring Arrivals!
Visit us! The Shoppes at Bradley Park 1640 Rollins Way, #200A
Shop online! DearStellaBoutique.com Open Monday-Friday 10:30am-5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
706.221.9025
MAY 2022 | Valley Parent
13