Gambit's Kids, fall 2017

FA L L 2 017

Overscheduled kids 3 Food IQ 5 Dinner games 7 Back-to-school technology 8 Resources for parents 11 Smoothing tough transitions 12 Back-to-school must-haves 15 Who Dat & Who Don’t 19

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

2

CHILD L

ife as a parent can seem an endless circuit of school drop-offs and pick-ups, music and dance lessons, sports practices and homework. If this describes your child’s daily routine, you’re not alone.

The overscheduled child is increasingly common, says Barbara LeBlanc, licensed clinical social worker and director of the Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital (938 Calhoun St., 504-896-9891; www. chnola.org/parentingcenter), as are attendant emotional disorders.

“We’ve seen an increase in anxiety, even in young ages,” LeBlanc says, adding that it is more common in middle- and high school-aged kids. National statistics support LeBlanc’s experience — a 2010 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports nearly 32 percent of U.S. adolescents have an anxiety disorder, and experts believe it’s an underdiagnosed condition.

“Well-meaning parents want to give their children the opportunity to develop different skills, often in structured after-school time,” LeBlanc says. “This interferes with a child’s time to process daily experiences and the time to ‘play out’ those experiences. Children communicate and process through play. They ‘play out’ anxiety.”

However, play is difficult to come by. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted its School Health Policies and Practices Study in 2006 and found that nationally, 57.1 percent of elementary school districts required a regularly scheduled recess for all students. The same CDC study was conducted again in 2012, and showed the number of districts that required elementary schools to provide physical activity breaks to all students dipping to less than 12.5 percent. Recess provides unstructured free play, which researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine say enhances self-regulation, empathy and group management skills. Some

kids thrive with heavily structured schedules, but LeBlanc agrees that open-ended play is essential to children’s well-being.

“Allowing time for lack of structure (is important),” she says.

“Kids need to spend time with themselves and attend to their own emotions in order to develop emotional literacy.”

Parents should promote free play at home because it teaches children to solve problems, work with others and learn to be on their own in the absence of a playmate. It’s OK to let kids just “be” after school, rather than rushing them off to the next structured activity.

LeBlanc says kids of all ages face pressure to be involved in various activities as they build their academic resumes, and parents face pressure to offer their children opportunities to learn new skills and be exposed to different hobbies. But too many extracurricular activities can be overwhelming.

“For preschoolers, just getting through the structured day … is enough,” she says. “When kids are older developmentally and have increased energy and have these skills mastered, then think about those extracurricular skills.”

Think about your child’s schedule as a 24-hour period. Consider how many hours kids spend sleeping, how many hours are spent at school, at meals and in commute, and count how many hours are left. Then consider how much of that time can be devoted to an extracurricular activity after accounting for family time, which LeBlanc and other child care professionals say is important.

An analysis of the 2002 Panel Survey of Income Dynamics Child Development Supplement published in Journal of Marriage and Family found that as the amount of time parents spent with adolescent children between ages 12 and 18 increased, behavioral problems, substance abuse and delinquent behaviors decreased.

When parents should hit ‘pause’ for kids on the go.

BY K ATHERINE M . JOHNS ON LeBlanc suggests setting aside at least an hour a day — during meals or even the morning commute — for parents to connect with their kids.

“Be present, conscious and aware and not just rushing through life,” LeBlanc says. “It’s important to protect that family time. … Slow down and really work on relationships in the family, and work on ways to decrease anxiety and increase enjoyment.”

After adding a club or sport to the schedule, LeBlanc says parents should expect a transitional period while kids get used to new obligations — at least two to three weeks.

Check in at least weekly to see how they’re managing.

Watch for changes in interactions with other family members or with friends, in their grades and in sleep habits.

“The most powerful parenting tool is the relationship — being able to have empathy with your kids,” she says.

“Listen more than you talk and pay attention.”

If you notice a slip in any of these areas, LeBlanc suggests re-evaluating the activity in a discussion that includes the child.

When a child feels involved in the decision-making process, she’s more likely to accept the outcome, even if you have to play the bad guy.

KIDS’ FUN FACTS

Basketball is the most popular sport among children in the U.S., followed by baseball/ softball/tee ball and football. — ESPN

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

THE OVERSCHEDULED

3

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

4

5 GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

SMART

EATS Making healthy food choices for kids and families on the go

BY K AT HERINE M . JOHNS ON

S

hannon Robertson, registered dietitian at Curahealth Hospital New Orleans, says many families struggle to find time for even one home-cooked meal a week.

No matter the provenance of your repast, a well-rounded meal should include protein, fruits and veggies.

She suggests both ideal and realistic options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. And don’t forget dessert.

Breakfast Cereals can contain a lot of processed ingredients, so choose cereals with a lot of whole grains, especially ancient grains, or oatmeal.

The ideal: Set aside at least one morning a week as a brunch day, when everyone can sit down and eat a hot breakfast together.

The real: Portability reigns. Robertson recommends cereal bars or yogurt with a little added granola, but says to check the nutrition label for excessive sugars (the American Heart Association recommends no more 6 to 9 teaspoons of sugar per day). For an easy hot breakfast, scramble two eggs in a mug with a little milk and microwave for a minute and a half.

Serve with an English muffin.

Lunch Robertson suggests making lunch fun. To drink, she likes water or juice pouches with no added sugar — the more natural the better.

The ideal: Make lunch kebabs.

Skewer cheese cubes, grapes, cut-up veggies and deli meat or cubes of chicken breast with pretzel sticks or bamboo skewers (cut in half to reduce the chance the kids will weaponize them).

The real: String cheese sticks and a simple sandwich will get the job done nicely. And don’t forget a serving of fruit.

Dinner Portion control is the name of the game, Robertson says. Make sure dinner includes a lean protein such as pork loin or seafood, a vegetable

and a source of fiber. It’s OK to indulge in a little bread or even a baked potato, but be wary of adding too many salty, fatty condiments. There are ways to sneak in veggies — dishes like cauliflower rice and zucchini “pasta” make great substitutes for starchy white rice. Stay away from meal-in-a-box dinners — they’re full of unhealthy preservatives, she says.

The ideal: Dishes like stuffed bell peppers cover most food groups.

Robertson suggests exchanging the rice in the stuffing with quinoa or another whole grain.

The real: Opt for low-fat and low-sodium takeout, such as a rotisserie chicken and a big green salad from the salad bar.

Steam-in-the-bag veggies make a great side dish.

Snacks “Look for things that are high in fiber and protein,” Robertson says.

“Any snacks that (kids) can help make is a big plus, such as frozen banana pops — they’re really easy and good for summertime.”

The ideal: Robertson loves hummus and guacamole cups accompanied by carrot sticks or other sliced raw veggies. Fruit kebabs also are filling, as are roasted chickpeas.

The real: Substitute pretzel crisps for the veggies with hummus or guacamole. String cheese is another go-to, or healthier snacks like Veggie Straws.

Dessert Fresh fruit is preferable to refined sugar-loaded items. Strawberries topped with whipped cream top Robertson’s list.

The ideal: Bake fruits, such as apples and pears, sprinkle with a little sugar substitute and serve warm.

The real: “Once in a while, you just need a cookie,” she says.

New Orleans' Violin Shop

For all of your Bach to school orchestral shopping 8209 Hampson St • New Orleans 504.265.0530 • www.KellerStrings.com Tues¯Thurs 10¯6, Fri¯Sat 10¯4, Sunday 12¯4

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

6

WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL

Six conversation games to play at the dinner table. B Y C H R I S T A M E L N Y K

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

TALK

7

HINES

ADMISSION

OPEN HOUSE TOUR November 8 8:30 – 10:00am

F

inally carved out a night for your family to sit down and eat a meal together? Make it playful with games that spark conversation and strengthen family relationships.

“We no longer plant vegetables or quilt on the front porch together, so meal time is one of the few times of the day when a family connects with one another,” says Dr. Anne Fishel, author of Home for Dinner: Mixing Food, Fun and Conversation for a Happier Family and Healthier Kids.

Eating dinner together also provides parents with an opportunity to model face-to-face social skills and etiquette. It’s increasingly important to develop these skills in children whose communication largely is conducted through technology.

Designate mealtime “tech-free” to ensure your family’s attention is on each other.

Get the conversation going with these games, recommended by mothers of children from preschoolers to teens. truths and a lie. I came 1 Two up with this game, which helps me learn something new about my children’s day. To play, go around the table and take turns sharing two events that happened that day and one that did not. Who can guess which one is false? forth a discussion.

2 Draw Christie Zemencik, a mother of daughters ages 9, 16 and 20, covers the table with butcher paper and puts out crayons. “My girls draw or write random things that usually lead to conversations as to why that was on their minds,” Zemencik says.

Adrienne Dreher, a 3 High-Low. mother of sons ages 5 and 8, says she and her boys discuss the ups and downs of the day: “What was the best thing that happened to

Conversation-starting games can help parents learn about their child’s day.

you today? What was the hardest?” are conversation starters. in a jar. Karen 4 Conversation Conklin, mom of three children ages 4, 8 and 10 years old, created a jar with conversation starters on strips of paper. “An example is ‘Name two people who made you smile today and why,” she says. topics. Julie Melchi5 Table or, whose children are 10, 13 and 16, purchased a pack of Christmas-themed conversation questions one year. Each night the family selected a card to discuss. “The kids couldn’t wait to sit down and get the cards passed out,” Melchior says. “It was so interesting for my husband and me to listen to their answers and hear what they remembered from their past holidays. ... We talked about things that probably wouldn’t come up in normal dinnertime conversation.”

Kid Talk: Conversation 6 Find Cards, Crunch a Color Conversation Starters, Chat Packs or Table Topics are available at area retailers, bookstores or online.

For additional ideas, visit The Family Dinner Project at www. thefamilydinnerproject.org.

— Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance journalist and author of the book Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

1538 Philip Street (504) 523-9911 LittleGate.com Little Gate is open to all qualified girls and boys regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

8 GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

TECH TALK

BY SARAH R AVITS

Back-to-school technology for all ages Coding for kiddos

SPRK+ by Sphero, $130 at Apple (Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-830-1400; www.apple.com).

Sphero’s SPRK is an adorable and educational robot for kids who want to learn the basics of coding. Children can set the device to emit different colors and travel on different paths and mazes, controlled via smartphone or tablet.

ARCHBISHOP CHAPELLE HIGH SCHOOL

OPENN HOUSE SE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

6:00PM

504.467.3105 · WWW.ARCHBISHOPCHAPELLE.ORG

Cool for the classroom

Nikon CoolPix W100, $159 at Lakeside Camera Photoworks

(3508 21st St., Metairie, (504) 885-8660; www.lakesidephotoworks.com).

This camera is drop-proof up to 5.9 feet and waterproof up to 33 feet, and can snap underwater footage for aspiring marine biologists. “We sell it to all ages,” says Dawn Wallace, store manager at Lakeside Camera Photoworks, “but I always tell the moms that it’s great for kids.” The camera also has Wi-Fi capabilities, so photographs and videos can be downloaded immediately to smartphones and tablets.

9 Tile Mate tracker, $24.95 each at Tulane University Book Store (31 McAlister Drive, 504-865-5913; www.tulane.bncollege.com).

Tile trackers loop easily onto a keychain or attach to anything you don’t want to lose. Trackers use Bluetooth and a smartphone app and will emit a sound when activated to help you find your misplaced item. You also can see where you had the item last and connect to an online “lost and found” network if the item is out of range.

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE TOURS

When a selfie is a framer …

Canon Selphy CP1200 Printer, $119 at Lakeside Camera Photoworks.

Canon’s Selphy is a lightweight, transportable printer that uses Wi-Fi to print photos instantly. “This is perfect for teachers,” Wallace says, “especially for those who teach younger kids.” The results are high-quality, 4- by 6-inch color photographs. Users can customize and decorate photos from the printer panel and even print a sheet of postage stamp-size pictures.

Safe and sound Wearsafe device tags, from $30 plus monthly or annual subscription fee at Wearsafe.com.

This inconspicuous safety device easily attaches to clothing and the user can activate it to send a mobile message to pre-selected contacts. Notified friends and family can see the GPS coordinates of the user and hear audio from when the tag was activated through the Wearsafe app.

October 5

Pre-K – 12th Grades

8:30am – 10:00am

October 19

Pre-K – 12th Grades

8:30am – 10:00am

October 19

5th – 12th Grades

6:00pm

October 26

A Dad’s Perspective

6:00pm

November 16

Pre-K – 12th Grades

8:30am – 10:00am

January 11

Pre-K – 12th Grades

8:30am – 10:00am

January 25

Pre-K – 12th Grades

8:30am – 10:00am

2343 Prytania Street

(504) 561-1224

McGeheeSchool.com Louise S. McGehee School is open to all qualified girls regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

Lost and found

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

10

Our girls are explorers.

discover your Sacred Heart

Upper School students broaden their perspective in our unique Global Exchange program. One can stay with a host family and attend class at one of our International Network Schools.

Schedule a tour: 504.269.1213

ashrosary.org Sacred Heart is open to qualified students regardless of race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin.

4.59x4.938 Gambit Aug Adv1.indd 1

7/28/17 12:50 PM

PARENTS

A guide to parenting resources in the New Orleans area. B Y K A N D A C E P O W E R

GR AVES

P

arenting isn’t always intuitive, and many people need help maneuvering childhood with its changes and challenges. Here are some organizations that can help, with parenting classes, baby sign language, counseling, education resources, nutrition information, socialization skills and lots more.

Agenda for Children (2486 Florida St., Mandeville, 985-624-2950; 8300 Earhart Blvd., Suite 201; 504-5868509; www.agendaforchildren. org) — The group helps parents find appropriate child care, holds training sessions for parents, has violence prevention programs and health insurance initiatives.

Autism Society of Greater New Orleans (504-464-5733; www. asgno.org) — The group focuses on educational opportunities for autistic children, referral and support services and information for families.

Center for Development & Learning (1 Galleria Blvd., Suite 903, Metairie, 504-840-9786; www. cdl.org) — The nonprofit has guides to state education standards, what children should learn by grade levels and teen parenting programs.

The Children’s Bureau of New Orleans (2626 Canal St., Suite 201, 504-525-2366; www.childrens-bureau. com) — The nonprofit provides mental health services, including counseling and crisis intervention.

Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana (7240 Crowder Blvd., Suite 200, 504888-9111; www.fhfsela.org) — The nonprofit provides resources for people with disabilities.

Family Services of Greater New Orleans (2515 Canal St., Suite 201, 504-822-0800; www.fsgno.org) — The nonprofit offers counseling, education and resources to families in need. Many services are free; others are billed on a sliding scale.

Healthy Start New Orleans (Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center, 1616 Caffin Ave., 504-658-2600; www.nola.gov/ health-department/healthy-start) — The community-based program for pregnant women and mothers helps with prenatal care, parenting skills, nutrition education, counseling and support groups.

Institute for Families, Parenting & Children (McGraw & Associates, 3350 Ridgelake Drive, Suite 200, Metairie, 504-296-6475; www.mcgrawandassociates.com) — The institute offers counseling and education services for children and parents, including play therapy, parenting skills and more.

The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital (938 Calhoun St., 504-8969591; Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus, 3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 504-896-9591; www.chnola.org/parenting center) — There are parenting classes, workshops and referrals for community resources.

The Parenting Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital (1505 N. Florida St., Suite B, Covington, 985-8984435; www.stph.org/parentingcenter) — The center offers parenting programs, talks, workshops, activities, safety seminars and more.

Pyramid Community Resource Center (3132 Napoleon Ave., 504-8991505; www.pyramidparentcenter.org) — The program supports parents of children with disabilities and special education needs..

TBEARS (Tulane Building Early Relationships Support & Services) (1440 Canal St., Suite 1172, 504-988-9222; www.tbears.org) — The program helps parents with issues ranging from sleeping and feeding a baby to postpartum depression.

Total Community Action Inc. (1420 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway, 504872-0334; www.tca-nola.org) — The organization operates a Head Start program and helps low-income families with a range of issues.

Zuka Baby (Vieux Carre Shopping Center, 3248 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-407-2700; www.zukababy.com) — The baby boutique offers classes in baby sign language and cloth diapering and tips for parents.

Find a more detailed list at www.bestofneworleans.com/ parentresources.

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

HELP FOR

11

12 GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

SCHOOL DAZE

BY SUZANNE PFEFFERLE TA FUR

How parents can help children struggling with school transitions.

S

SPILLWAY SAFE DRIVING ACADEMY SEPTEMBER

Teen Aug. 19, 20, 26, 27

Teen Sept. 2,3,9,10

Adult Aug. 15

Adult Sept. 19

Your child deserves the best when you are away!

2017 CLASS DATES

AUGUST

Babysitters • Nannies • Hotel Childcare Event Childcare • Wedding Childcare

38 HOUR PRE LICENSE | 14 HOUR PRE LICENSE THIRD PARTY TESTER | DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES 9301 Lake Forest Blvd., Ste. 113 • New Orleans (504) 510-2456 • (504) 518-5920 Fax Brenda W. Hogan, Director

504.939.4713 • topknotchfamilycare.com Full-service agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

tudents moving from one academic milestone to the next may experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement to fear.

Some students cope well with changes, but others need guidance.

When students go from middle school to high school, they find themselves at the bottom of the totem pole. Students must “figure out the big business of moving from classroom to classroom, in three minutes, between the two bells,” says Denise Newman (4616 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-1412), a clinical and developmental psychologist.

Students also must organize a locker, select the right books and find a seat in the classroom and the lunchroom — tasks they’ve likely never done before.

“The social dynamics are the most daunting feature,” Newman says, especially since high school student populations are often larger than those at elementary schools.

Newman says parents can help by making sure their child is getting enough sleep. She

Moving from middle school to high school is a big milestone but can be stressful.

says adolescents need up to 10 hours of sleep, and possibly 12 when going through a growth spurt. Establish a sleep schedule and urge your child to prepare for the school day the night before by setting aside an outfit or packing a lunch.

“Practice those things that make the first minutes of the morning a little less insane and give everyone a chance to take a deep breath,” she says. “Taking on a school day is going to be a challenge in and of itself.

It doesn’t need to start off as a mess.”

Greater emphasis on grades can be overwhelming as well.

After school, parents should ask about their child’s day without dwelling on grades, Newman says. Remind them that challenging transitions do get easier, without dismissing their struggle.

“If week one was really hard, it doesn’t mean the rest of the year’s going to be a flop,”

13

KIDS’ FUN FACTS

The most popular baby names in the U.S. in 2016 were Noah and Emma, followed

by Liam and Olivia.

— Social Security Administration

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

she says. “You have to give things time.”

The transition from high school to college can bring more unforeseen predicaments. The charter school network Collegiate Academies (5552 Read Blvd., 504-503-0008; www.collegiateacademies.org) runs four schools comprising a diverse group of students, and seeks to prepare each for success before and during the college experience. Lauren Katz, the network’s director of college completion, says college students may face new struggles: financial aid, course work and time management.

“We’re here to be their college concierge, to help push them through,” Katz says, and adds parents can help, too, by being involved in their student’s college preparedness. They can visit colleges with their teen and participate in on-campus recreational events. Parents should encourage students to focus on reading and writing skills while still in high school, since those are instrumental to both academic and real-world success, and help advise them during the college admissions process by collaborating with the college counselor.

If students continue to struggle, it may be time to consult a professional. Berre M. Burch holds a doctorate in school psychology and is the program director of Project LAST, which provides outreach for children dealing with trauma, at Children’s Bureau of New Orleans (2626 Canal St., Suite 201, 504-525-2366; www. childrens-bureau.com). Children’s Bureau receives referrals for struggling students, and has a school-based mental health program that places clinicians in a school to provide counseling. She says parents first should listen to and empower their kids.

“Trying to fix the problem

BURCH SAYS THESE ARE

SIGNS CHILD MAY NEED

THAT YOUR

SUPPORT FROM A MENTAL

HEALTH PROVIDER. Changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits.

Child often seems to be at a breaking point; exhibits signs of distress at minor stressors.

There’s concerning content in your child’s social media.

Negative emotional reactions are prolonged and interfere with daily life.

Suspected problems with using or abusing controlled substances.

Child is unusually socially isolated or withdrawn.

for your child can actually backfire, leading to your child feeling less competent in his or her ability to tackle new challenges,” she says.

But she stresses that having a conversation about mental health is important, especially if parents realize kids aren’t coping well.

“Just like we talk with adolescents about changes occurring in their bodies, we should also talk about changes happening in the brain,” Burch says.

Get to know the counselors or social workers in your child’s school, and find out what services the school offers. Many mental health problems first appear in adolescence, and early intervention is key.

“Navigating the mental health service system can be challenging,” Burch says.

“Include your child in the process so he or she will be able to assume a more active role in treatment.”

A Trinity Graduate is: An empathetic upstander who accepts the responsibility for improving life within the School, the larger community, and the world.

pla a

EX

st a ri

n

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

14

PE

y

sign a house e d ISCOV

EN RI

CE

ER

D

openbig the

blue doors

ima

ginto the atio n

420 JULIA STREET | NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 504-523-1357 | www.lcm.org @LouisianaKids

LouisianaChildrensMuseum

15

TO CHANGE No matter your student’s favorite class this year, these finds are cool enough for school

Literary lovers and bookworms

1

3

B Y K EL LY ROSE

The next generation of Bookmark, $2.95 at Octavia Books.

rocket scientists 1

2

3

4

2

4

1. 1984 by George Orwell, limited-release hardcover, $19.84 at Octavia Books.

1. Johnnie B star-studded button-down denim shirt, $21.99 at Swap for Kids.

3. Curious George pencil pouch, $12 at Blue Cypress Books.

3. Crawfish Pi T-shirt, from $18 at Dirty Coast.

2. Where the Wild Things Are pencil pouch, $12 at Blue Cypress Books.

4. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, $7.95 at Octavia Books.

2. Baby Gap dinosaur T-shirt, $9.99 at Swap for Kids.

4. Crewcuts star dress, $36.99 at Swap for Kids.

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

SUBJECT

Egg by Susan Lazar chimpanzee in space T-shirt, $18 at B Kids.

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

16

Rendering: Woodward Design + Build

NEWMAN

Science & Technology Center Opening Fall 2018 To learn more about Newman, visit www.newmanschool.org/visitnewman

Newman seeks to enroll qualified students regardless of race, gender, or creed. Need-based financial aid is available.

17

RESOURCES B Kids

115 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 301-2954

2

3

5422 Magazine St., (504) 218-4210 www.bkidsboutique.com

Blue Cypress Books

8126 Oak St., (504) 352-0096 www.bluecypressbooks.com

Dirty Coast 713 Royal St., (504) 324-6730

1

4

1. Assorted pens, $2.50 each at B Kids. 2. Bevel eyeglasses in hot pink, $200 at St. Charles Vision.

3. Daily diary, $7.95 each at Octavia Books. 4. Flapjacks keyboard cover, $19.99 at B Kids.

5631 Magazine St., (504) 324-3745 www.dirtycoast.com

The French Library

3811 Magazine St., (504) 267-3707; www.thefrenchlibrary.com

Mo’s Art Supply & Framing

315 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 809-6854 1124 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 571-5030 www.mosartsupply.com

Octavia Books

513 Octavia St., (504) 899-7323 www.octaviabooks.com

Budding linguists NOLA ABC Coloring Book, $10 at Dirty Coast.

Toutes les choses avec lesquelles … French picture book by Gaia Stella, $19.50 at The French Library.

The Little Spanish ABC Coloring Book, $1.95 at Blue Cypress Books.

Picasso in training Watercolor paint set, $12 and assorted paint brushes, from $3 at Mo’s Art Supply & Framing.

St. Charles Vision Citywide; www.stcharlesvision.com

Swap for Kids

7722 Maple St., (504) 218-5996 www.swapforkids.com

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

Fun backpack essentials

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

18

19

ILLUST RATION BY LYN VICKNA IR

GAMBIT’S KIDS F A L L . 2 0 1 7

WhoDat

WhoDon’t WORD FIND! [WORDS RUN UP, DOWN, BACKWARD, FORWARD AND DIAGONALLY]

FRUITY FROZEN TREATS These treats use ingredients you can find at your local farmers’ market!

STRAWBERRY BEET FROZEN POPS

INGREDIENTS: • 1½ CUPS STRAWBERRIES • ½ CUP BEETS (COOKED AND COOLED) • ¾ CUP APPLE JUICE • 1 TSP. LEMON JUICE WHAT TO DO: 1. Puree all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

2. Pour into frozen pop molds.

3. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours.

Makes 5 to 6 frozen pops.

CREAMY WATERMELON SORBET

F O O J D H O N E Y

F A R M K L T S R S

• CHEESE • DAIRY • EGGS

V M R C C H E E S E

F R E S H F R U I T

• FARM • FRESH • FRUIT

X F G N U A N I P D

S E E D S V R P V A

W O E G G S V D W I

• HONEY • LOCAL • MEAT

C N M E A T D U V R

V J L O C A L P G Y

V E G E T A B L E S

• ORCHARD • SEEDS • VEGETABLES

INGREDIENTS: • 1 CUP WATERMELON, CUBED • 1 BANANA, FROZEN • ½ TEASPOON LIME JUICE WHAT TO DO: 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.

2. Pulse until smooth.

3. Pour into a loaf pan and freeze for 1 hour. Then, break up the crystals with a butter knife and put back in the freezer.

4. Freeze for another 3 to 4 hours, then serve!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 11:00AM – 6:00PM CONVENTION CENTER BLVD. AT JULIA ST.

FREE FESTIVAL FOR FARMERS, FOODIES, AND FAMILY FUN!

WIN A JAMBOREE PRIZE PACK

• Kids’ Farm & Table starter set • Free tasty treats at the Jamboree • AND MORE! Visit bestofneworleans.com/farmtable to enter!