Family & Kids Bayou Region Jan 16

JANUARY 2016

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

Š Petites Bijoux Photography

BAYOU REGION

See Cover Sponsor, Page 7

Teaching Life Skills and Personal Development

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Children’s Clothing Girls : Pre -16 Boys : Pre-8

Boutique hair bows Skin & hair care • Gifts & toys Monogramming • Baptismal supplies

Locations

CUT OFF LOCATION 17020 West Main St. Cut Off, LA 70345 985-325-7327 M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-3

HOUMA LOCATION 1795B MLK Blvd, Suite B Houma, La 70360 986-868-5280 M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-3

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Hoo’s Tips

DecipheringFOODCLAIMS

Selecting foods that are healthy and fit within your family’s diet plan can be a challenge, due to the confusing labels manufacturers are permitted to put on food packaging for marketing purposes. Here are some tips on how to interpret some of the more common misleading food labels and how to avoid buying a food that is labeled to sound healthy but really is not.

All natural: You many think that if everything in the food comes from nature, then the food must be better for you. However, this label just means that the food does not have any artificial flavors or colors or anything synthetic. A food labeled ‘all natural’ can have ingredients that may be substances from nature, like high fructose corn syrup. It also does not mean that the food is unprocessed. For example, raw chicken that has been injected with sodium can still be labeled as ‘all natural.’ It is a good idea to read the ingredients list on a food labeled ‘all natural’ before buying it.

No sugar added: If you are watching your carbs or limiting sugar intake due to diabetes, this food label may make the food seem more appealing.

However, this label does not mean the food is free of sugar or is low carb since foods like fruit juices can contain natural sugars. Before buying a food labeled this way, read the nutrition label to determine the amount of sugar or carbohydrates.

Improving immunity to disease: The food manufacturers can’t make the claim directly that a food improves your resistance to disease without falling into the realm of strict FDA regulation that requires scientific proof be provided. However, they can imply this claim by using such labels as ‘Strengthens immune system’ and ‘Immune formula’. It is best to avoid paying more for food or supplements labeled in this way without doing your homework first to see if there is truly any scientific basis behind the implied claim being made by this type of label.

Good source of fiber: There are no guidelines for using this label, and foods labeled in this way may not actually contain ingredients like grains and vegetables that contain the sort of fiber that has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and reduce cholesterol.

Instead, ingredients such as chicory root that contain a type of fiber referred to as ‘isolated fiber’ may have been added. These ‘isolated fibers’ have not been proven to have any health benefits.

Lightly sweetened: If you are searching for foods that won’t give your kids a sugar high, this label may make the food seem more appealing. However, there are no guidelines around the use of this label and it is used at the discretion of the manufacturer. Read the nutrition label first before buying the food to determine if the amount of sugar per serving meets the requirements of your diet plan.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

sDigest.com

Sales@FamilyandKid

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of Terrebonne & Lafourche Parishes, Welcome to your handy, local, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, fun features, handy resources and things to do.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll enjoy our website too, www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com. There you can read our digital magazine and use our ONLINE SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide will provide you with a list of local, family-friendly businesses that we intend to grow into something more comprehensive in time. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.

AD DEADLINES

1st of the Month for the Next Month’s Issue

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13

Hoo’s helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22

Hoo’s hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12

Hoo’s parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . page 9 & 23

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19

Hoo’s tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 3

HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops and restaurants. Plus grocery stores, coffee shops, and many more places of business in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

Plus read our digital edition at:

www.familyandkidsdigest.com Find us on Facebook

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NOW N O W SERVING SERVING

Chick-fil-A® Nuggets (30-count) (Includes 5 individual sauces)

Entrée

$

10.98

Meal

$

18.26

(Includes two large Waffle Potato Fries™ and two large fountain drinks.)

Valid only at participating New Orleans area Chick-fil-A® restaurants. © 2015 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A® and Chick-fil-A Stylized®, and Waffle Potato Fries™ are trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc.

Clothing

Newborn–size 8

Shoes & Gifts Embroidery Monogramming Holiday Items 416 Jackson St, Thibodaux I 985-447-5889 11-5 M-F & 10:30-2:30 Sat (Most of the time)

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy...........5 Bayou Country Children’s Museum..19 Bayouland YMCA................................... 26 Bricks 4 Kidz........................................... 26 Brushworks Art & Music......................13 Chili Cookoff...............................................7 Creative U................................................. 25 Extreme Cheernastics.......................... 22 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours........ 26 Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu....................................5 James Academy of Gymnastics...........8 Martial Arts Studio................................ 23 Mix It Up................................................... 25 STAGE Performing Arts School........... 9 Tiger Rock...................................................7 TELL THEM

Childcare/ education SENT YOU! Adventure Awaits.................................. 28 GDC Young Learners/ Merry Oaks.... 30 Maria Immacolata Catholic................ 28 St. Bernadette Catholic.........................31 St. Francis Catholic............................... 28 St. Genevieve Catholic.......................... 30 St. Gregory Catholic............................... 29 St. Joseph Catholic.................................31 St. Matthew’s Episcopal....................... 28 Sylvan Learning of Houma................. 29

Food & beverage

Home/ Handy Champagne Organizing Solutions....12

healthcare Beehive Behavioral Health..................12 Ctr for Pediatrics & Adolescent Med.22 Ellender Orthodontics.......................... 20 Pelican Medical Supply......................... 9 Premier OB/GYN Specialists...............15 Total Urgent Care....................................10

party Bayouland Inflatables............................15 La Tea Da Party Palace..........................12 Party Palooza........................................... 25

Shopping/ Retail Andree’s Bayou Boutique........................5 Faith Varnes, Ruby Ribbon................... 9 Felger’s Foot Wear..................................15 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Lynn’s Little Feet.....................................18 Melinda Gilmore Photography...........18 Southland Mall....................................... 32 The iClinic.................................................15

Chick-fil-A on MLK...................................5 Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse...............10

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Hoo’s helpful Getting separated from a child in a crowded public venue is something every parent worries about. Here are some ways to keep your kids safe when your family ventures out for a day at the amusement park or shopping mall.

Set safety rules and teach them to your kids. Let kids under four know that they can either ride in the stroller or hold your hand, but they are not to leave your side. If you have a toddler who likes to wander off without you, consider taking extra precautions, like putting a bracelet on her that contains a GPS locater.

Let older kids know they must keep you in sight at all times. Also, teach your kids never to go anywhere with anyone, even if the person is asking for help or says they know you.

Teach your kids what to do if they

Keep them

safe in a crowd

can’t see you anymore. Assure young children that you would never leave without them and tell them to sit down and stay put if they can’t see you. Teach your preschooler to yell for you and, if she still can’t see you, to ask a mother with kids for help.

School aged children should be given a list of about three types of people they can ask for help. Store employees should be on the list, since it is easy for your child to spot someone behind a cash register. Have your child memorize your cell phone number and also write it down and give it

to her. Some parents create an ID bracelet or dog tag for their child with their cell number on it.

Make your kids easier to spot. Dress them in bright colors and take their picture with your phone before you leave for your outing. A current picture is very helpful to those helping search for a lost child.

If your child does get lost, act quickly.

If you can’t find your child after a minute or two, ask an employee for help. Call the police for help if they are not found after five to ten minutes.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s PARENTING Keep your cool. Even though you may be upset by hearing your innocent preschooler yell out a swear word or a nasty sounding phrase like ‘poopy head’, stay calm and don’t react strongly. Losing your cool will only add to the allure of this newfound taboo word. Instead, calmly explain that the word is not acceptable for use in your family. The same strategy applies to older kids who have already been told that foul language is not acceptable in your household but decide to swear anyway.

Try to identify the cause of persistent use of foul language. If your child persists in using

bad language even after being warned that it is not acceptable, it may be because he is seeking your attention. Make an effort to increase the amount of positive attention you give him. For example, you could praise him for saying something kind to a sibling or friend. This may help decrease negative attention seeking behavior, like swearing. If it does not, it is time to dig deeper to see why your child is angry enough to continue using foul language in an effort to evoke a negative reaction from you.

Decide how you will react to the swearing.

You could make it clear that you will just calmly walk away from any discussion if your child swears. This may reduce the likelihood of your child using swearing to engage you in a power struggle. Some parents even impose a consequence for swearing, like having to put a dollar that will be donated to charity into a ‘swear jar’ or having to look up a new, more appropriate word in the dictionary to replace the swear word.

We all hope to keep the language used by our kids in the G-rated category. However, once kids start school, they are bound to hear and try out some words that you would classify as potty talk or swear words. Here are some ways to deal with the unwelcome additions to your child’s vocabulary.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Urgent Care Association of America 314 Hwy 3162 • Cut Off, LA 70345 (985) 632-1820

Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM • Sat & Sun 8AM-5PM MyTotalUrgentCare.com

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GET IN TOUCH WITH TOYS!

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Cultivating a child’s sense of touch is a vital part of early play as they learn to discern the differences among shape and texture.

The ability to identify shape, texture, temperature and more through touch alone are also important tools in the human toolbox.

Supporting a child’s tactical development with toys that stimulate their sense of touch is easy and accessible with the following recommended items that are right at their fingertips.

Winkle Sensory Ball

(Manhattan Toy)

A baby’s early ability to grasp objects is immediately followed by moving those same objects toward their mouth. Taking its directive from this early instinct, the Winkle Ball from Manhattan Toy features a maze of easily grasped soft plastic loops that are just the right size for little fists to handle and manipulate. Crafted with BPA-free materials, these loops are also safe for mouthing and teething. Combined with a gentle rattle and bright colors, the Winkle Ball maximizes babies’ surplus of sensitivity in their hands and mouths, stimulating their touch and gross motor skill exploration. Once babies get a grip on the Winkle ball, they won’t let it go.

Laundry Jumble Game

(Educational Insights)

For everyone who has had to rummage in the bottom of stuffed luggage or dig into a roomy handbag for just the right item, the Laundry Jumble Game makes perfect sense as an ideal opportunity to cultivate identify-by-touch skills in kids. With a mock clothes dryer, small doll-size articles of clothing are placed inside for players to identify by touch alone as they try to ‘dress’ the animal characters on their game card. In addition to building their vocabulary and matching skills, the Laundry Jumble Game hones fine motor moves as kids use their sense of touch to complete their character’s ensemble.

Textured Tangle

(Tangle Creations)

Kids get the feel for the Textured Tangle immediately as they discover a range of different textures among the eighteen interconnected pieces that bend and weave together in one whole touch toy. The tangle of colorful tubes featuring a variety of raised textures can slowly be uncoiled into a gently twisted circle – and then bent and manipulated back into its tangle. The rotating connection between the segments allow for an endless exploration of forms. Popular for both its therapeutic value as well as its entertainment factor, the Textured Tangle is an exciting twist among tactile toys!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s FUN

snowflake copycat Use the grid to copy the picture, one square at a time. Count carefully.

Mental, Behavioral, Relational Health Services

Nicole Bourgeois, PHD, LMFT l beehivebehavioral@att.net

801 Barrow St #313, Houma l 985-293-7401

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY

homemade borax

snowflakes

Bringing snowflakes inside individually has always been impossible, until now. This cute, easy craft brings a little magic and chemistry right to your kitchen.

Directions Start by bending pipe cleaners into snowflakes (or other shapes), just keep them smaller than your jar. Then, use string more than half the length of your jar, to tie your snowflakes to the stick/pencil. Now, mix 1/3 cup of Borax to 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the Borax has dissolved, and add food coloring (optional), and pour the solution in the jar. Hang your shape in the solution, without letting it touch the sides, then rest your stick on top of the jar. Now let your snowflake sit overnight, and you will wake up to a beautiful creation. *You can reuse the

solution to make more snowflakes, by reheating until the Borax melts.*

supplies Borax pipe cleaners water popsicle stick/pencil empty jar scissors/ string food coloring measuring cup

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+

Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) come to believe that Dave (Jason Lee) is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami -- and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave, but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother. Directed by Walt Becker, this cute family comedy also stars Bella Thorne, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.

CONCUSSION Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

The film is based on the David vs. Goliath story of Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), the forensic neuropathologist who discovered the first football-related brain trauma in a pro player and fought to bring awareness to the public. In his search for the truth behind the devastating malady, Omalu’s quest humanizes the price paid by professional athletes in impact sports, but also by people who challenge the status quo as it exposes the political, cultural and corporate interests that fuel the business of sports. Directed by Peter Landesman, this movie also stars Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, David Morse and Albert Brooks.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+

This installment takes place 30 years after the Rebel Alliance’s victory over the second Death Star. The galaxy is still at war, and a New Republic has arisen, but the First Order has sprung from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. Many of the heroes we all know and love are still active and fighting in the Resistance against this group. They’re joined by new heroes Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), a starfighter pilot; Finn (John Boyega), a former First Order Stormtrooper; Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger; and a rolling droid known as BB-8. They’re opposed by powerful new forces, including Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) of the First Order and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a mysterious dark side user wielding a lightsaber of unusual design. Directed by J.J. Abrams, and written by Abrams, Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan based on characters by George Lucas.

Krampus PG-13 | Ok for kids 14+

Like a little “scary” with your yuletide festivities? Then “Krampus” is for you. When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max (Emjay Anthony) is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas.

Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All heck breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to stick together to survive. Directed by Michael Dougherty, this thriller also stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette and Conchata Ferrell.

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by a whale of mammoth size and will, with an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster inspired Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” but that was only half the story. “In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Directed by Ron Howard, this movie stars Chris Hemsworth as the ship’s veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light.

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We Deliver with Care.

Experienced Care You Can Trust Erin H. Pennison MD Channing K. Sanders MD Casey Pech FNP-C

www.spobgyn.com

985.223.8994 l 8120 Main St., Suite 202, Houma 985.446.8994 l 2100 Audubon Ave, Thibodaux

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January

2 Lego Robotics at the Terrebonne

Main Library. 11am. 2nd-3rd Grades and 3pm for 4th-7th grade. RSVP 985-876-5861

5 ­Craft night at Chick-fil-A on MLK, Houma. 5-8pm.

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Pokemon Gym at Terrebonne Main Library. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

7 Crafternoons at Terrebonne Main

Library. 4pm. PreK-6th grade. “Winter collage”. RSVP 876-5861.

9 Open House at Tiger Rock’s new

location in Southland Mall. 9am4pm. Hourly giveaways. 5953 W. Park Ave, Houma. 985-851-7772.

9 Second Saturday Storytime for

Families at Terrebonne Main Library. 3pm.

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Finger Knitting Class at Thibodaux Library. 1pm. RSVP 985447-4119.

11 Kids’ Craft at Thibodaux Library

to create scenic image with yarn.

RSVP 985-447-4119.

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Mommy (or Daddy) & Me: 15 Parent’s Night Out: Willie Won- 23 Camping at Mix It Up. 10:30am. ka at Mix It Up. 6-9pm. Mixituphouma.com

Mixituphouma.com

nastics. 6:30-8:30pm. $10. Ages 4 & Up. RSVP 985-872-0339.

985-772-1861.

Library. 11am for PreK-1st graders and 3pm for 2nd-6th graders.

Live entertainment. www.facebook.com/houmamainstreet1

Parents’ Night Out at Martial 15 Open Gym at Extreme Cheer- 23 Arts Studio. 130 Alliance Ct, Houma.

Chili Cookoff at Downtown 16 Lego Club at Terrebonne Main 23 Houma Court Square. Noon-4pm.

16 “Signature King Cake” class at 23 Cheer Tryout Clinic at Extreme Mix It Up. 10:30am Parents & Kids, 2pm. Adults. Mixituphouma.com

16 MLK Movie Madness: “MLK Jr & The Civil Rights Movement”. 1pm.

Refreshments.

18 MLK Kids’ Camp at CreativeU,

Houma. Ages 5-15. $20. Creativeuart.com

29 Mardi Gras Art & Pizza Party at Brushworks. 6:30-9pm. $35. RSVP brushworksacademy.com.

29 Open Gym at Alstarz Cheer Academy, Larose. 985-693-7109.

19 Frozen on the Bayou Camp at 30 Movie Madness at Thibodaux the Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 9a-3pm. Ages 4-10. bccm.info.

Library. “Inside Out”. Refreshments.

Lego Robotics at Thibodaux 21 Tween Craftaganza at Terre- 30 Library. 4pm. Ages 8-18. RSVP 985bonne Main Library. 4pm. “Various crafts”. RSVP 876-5861.

22 Mommy & Me Zumba at Thibodaux Library. Free. 11am

Crafternoons at Terrebonne Main Library. 4pm. PreK-6th grade.

“Handprint penguins”. RSVP 8765861.

22 Kids’ Night Out (Mardi Gras

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23 Family Movie Matinee: Inside

Open Gym at Alstarz Cheer Academy, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Cheernastics. 1-4pm. Grades 5-11. $30. Learn cheer, dance, jumps & chants. RSVP 985-872-0339.

Madness) at Bricks for Kidz. 6-9pm.

Ages 5 & up. $25. RSVP 985-8722772.

Out at Terrebonne Main Library.

3pm. Refreshments.

447-4119.

Weekly Events Monday

Family Toddler Time at the Terrebonne Parish Main Branch Library.

10am and 6pm for 19mon-3yrs.

y Events Tuesday

Storytime at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 10am for newborns-18mon, and at 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families.

Toddler Storytime at Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 1:30pm. bccm.info Board Game night at the Thibodaux Library. 5pm. All ages. Prizes awarded. Snacks provided.

Yoga at Alstarz for kids at 4:30pm and 5:30pm for adults. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Wednesday

Crafternoons at the Terrebonne Main Library. 4pm. PreK-6th. RSVP 985-876-5861.

Free Kids’ Yoga at Anelas. 6:30pm.

7720 Main St, Houma. www.anelaslounge.com Prenatal Yoga at Anela’s. 6pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. www.anelaslounge.com.

Friday

Wiggle, Move & Giggle at Bayou Country Children’s Museum.

1:30pm. Move your feet and enjoy the beat. www.bccm.info

Eat, play, grow at Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 1:30pm. Learn to eat healthy with tasting for the kids and activities. www.bccm.info

Toddler Fun Day at LA Sports Gym. 9am-12pm. $7 for interactive play with parent. 544 Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-580-9746.

PreK Story Time at Terrebonne Main Library. 10am for 3-5 year olds.

Friday Fun Night at LA Sports Gym. 6:30-9pm. $10. Snacks Additional.

544 Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985580-9746.

Storytime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. All ages welcome. Ends with a craft.

Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga at Anela’s.

4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. www. anelaslounge.com.

Thursday

Toddler Time at Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 1:30pm. Reading and craft. www.bccm.info Laptime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. Ages 2 and under. Interactive storytime.

JAG Open Gym. 7-9pm. $7 for members, $10 for non members. Ages 5 and up.

Adult must accompany. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.

Saturday

Lafourche Central Market with Farmers, Fishermen, Artisans and Activities. 8a-noon.

17 17

Thibodaux Main Street Market.

8am-12:30pm next to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve.

Featuring home grown or produced items. Buy fresh, buy local.

Kids’ Club at Michael’s on MLK, Houma. 10am-12pm. $2 for craft. Adult must accompany. 985-872-3132.

Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe’s on MLK, Houma. 10am. Free. Register online at lowes.com/buildandgrow.

985-223-7575.

Kids’ Workshop at Home Depot on MLK, Houma. 9am-12pm. Ages 5-12 with parent. Free. Register at www.homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops. 985-223-1485.

JAG Open Gym. 7-9pm. $7 for members, $10 for non-members. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany. 308 Venture, Houma. 985-851-3001.

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter:

w w w. F a m i l y A n d K i d s D i g e s t . c o m

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We have Stride Rite!

Gifts for every Occasion!

Saucony Dance/Gym Wear Dance Shoes, Gifts, Bows, and lots more!

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HOO’s HEALTHY Liquid medicines now in metric only Last month I wrote about teaching young children how to swallow pills. This month, let’s look at liquid medication.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a new policy statement encouraging parents, physicians and pharmacists to use only metric measurements on prescriptions, medication labels and dosing cups to ensure that kids receive the correct dose of medicine.

In other words, no measuring medications with teaspoons or tablespoons, and especially not the ones from the cereal drawer! Because ordinary spoons come in many sizes, they’re not precise enough to measure a child’s medication. For babies, toddlers and young children, a small error

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

in dosing, especially if repeated for many doses, can be toxic.

These recommendations also mean that doctors, like myself, need to prescribe medications in metric units like milliliters, rather than by teaspoons. We also need to instruct parents to the use of metricdosing devices in place of measuring devices with confusing markings, such as those with both teaspoons, tablespoons and milliliters.

Under the new guidelines, liquid medication should come with an appropriately sized dosing device and manufacturers are required to eliminate labeling, instructions and dosing devices that contain measuring units other than metric units -- no more 1 teaspoon, but rather 5 milliliters.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Let your smile make the best first impression.

Braces & Invisalign for children teens adults Dr. Albert Ellender

Free consultation Accepting new patients All major insurances accepted Interest-free payment plans

102 Ramey Road Houma, LA

985.851.1234

www.ellenderortho.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

butternut squash Mac & cheese

A fresh take on a kid favorite, and another way to “sneak” some veggies in for your picky eaters. And if you are in a hurry, or not up to roasting, they do sell frozen or fresh cubed butternut squash that cooks up in minutes.

DIRECTIONS Cut squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds. Place skin side down on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until a fork can pierce the skin easily.

Bring a pot of water to a boil, and cook pasta according to package directions. While it boils, heat a skillet, and oil and onions and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes or so.

Once cooked, scrape squash from its skin, and put in a blender. Add everything but the pasta and blend until smooth. Then pour it into a skillet with the pasta and heat and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Top with salt, pepper, more parmesan, and enjoy!

Ingredients • 1 medium butternut squash • 12 oz pasta of your choice • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 teaspoon curry/ fresh thyme • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese • salt and pepper to taste

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s FIT Much attention in recent years has been given to the large number of children over the age of two who are considered overweight. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, should he be on a low-fat diet?

Children over the age of two should watch their intake of fat, without being put on a very strict low-fat diet. Severely restricting fats can be harmful, since an amount of healthy unsaturated fats, like the ones found in nuts, seeds, and certain types of fish, are needed to help absorb vitamins properly and support brain development.

What about the saturated fats, such as those in milk and dairy products? The current nutritional guidelines state that kids over 2 should drink skim or 1% milk and eat low-fat dairy products. However, this guideline is receiving challenges from researchers whose studies showed that children who drank skim or 1% milk were more likely to be overweight than those who drank 2% or whole milk. It may be because the saturated fat in milk helps kids feel full, so they are less likely to consume other calories. The debate

LOW FAT Diets Ok for Kids? over this topic is ongoing, so serving 2% milk may be a good compromise for now.

How about other foods besides dairy that are labeled as low-fat? Are these healthy for kids to eat? It turns out that many of the low-fat diet foods are full of sugar and other simple carbohydrates. These foods may have lower calorie content per serving, but they will just leave your child feeling hungry again a short time later. Instead, create a menu with a healthy balance of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Include foods such as avocados and salmon, which have healthy unsaturated fats, and avoid foods with processed hydrogenated oils, such as fried foods.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s PARENTING Correcting other Kids If you host playdates or take your child to the playground often, you may occasionally experience a situation where someone else’s child is playing too rough, or won’t share. Here are tips onplaydates how to discipline If some you host or takesomeone your child to else’s and end often, problem-behavior, and avoid the child playground you may occasionally aexperience hostile confrontation with the other parent. a situation where someone else's

child is playing too rough, or won't share. Here are some tips on how to discipline someone else's child and end problem-behavior, and avoid a hostile confrontation with the other parent.

• Take a few seconds to assess the situation carefully to see if it warrants stepping in and correcting the other child right away. It is best to give the other child's mom a chance to correct him first, unless your child is being hurt by another child or the other child is using foul language.

When bringing the problem behavior to the attention of the other mom, stick to the facts to avoid sounding like you are going on the offensive. For example, you could say 'John is enjoying the playdate with Jacob, but Jacob is playing a bit rough and I am concerned the boys will get hurt.'

• Before stepping in to mediate some types of disputes, such as deciding whose turn it is next, allow your school-aged child to have an opportunity to work it out on his own.

• If the other child's mom ignores a harmful misbehavior or if she is not present and you are the playdate host, gently correct the child displaying offensive behavior in a friendly, kind manner. Start out with a positive comment, followed by a suggestion on how to improve his behavior.

For example, you could say 'I am so happy to see everyone is having a good time, but please stay safe by not jumping on the sofa.' If the other child is having a bad day and the gentle correction does not work, it’s probably time to end the playdate or leave the playground.

Ninja Birthday Parties

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Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY Cajun Critters. 1029 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma. Kids eat free from kid’s menu. Balloon art and face painting.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 602 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux.

Kids10 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entree.

Face painting.

IHOP. 1719 MLK Blvd, Houma. 4-9pm. Free kid’s meal with adult entree.

La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thibodaux.

5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under. Face painting.

La Palma Mexican Restaurant. 710 Saint Mary St, Thibodaux. Kids 8 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

Golden Corral.1724 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free balloon art and face painting

wednesday Big Mike’s BBQ. 3034 Barrow St, Houma. From 4pm to close. Kids’ meals $.99.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 4560 Louisiana 1, Raceland.

6-8pm. Free balloon art and face painting.

thursday Dynasty Buffet. 6425 West Park Ave, Houma. Kids 3-6 eat free. Free balloon art and face painting.

Moe’s Southwest Grill. 1826 MLK Blvd, Houma.

From 4pm to close, free kid’s meal with adult entree over $5. Dine In only.

sunday

Tuesday

Crabby Crab. 5726 LA 1, Lockport. Free ice cream for kids, live mermaid, balloon art and facepainting. from 6-8pm.

AppleBees.1039 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma. Kids eat free from kids’ menu from 3-9pm (1 kid per adult).

everyday

Chick-fil-A. 1741 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free 4 count kid’s meal with any meal purchase from 5-8pm. First Tuesday of each month is Kid’s Craft Night.

Foundry on The Bayou. 15 West 1st St, Thibodaux.

For brunch (10:30am-2pm), free ice cream for kids and free face painting.

La Casa Del Sol. 4647 Louisiana 1, Raceland. Every other Tuesday night, kids 11 and under eat for $2.99.

Face painting.

Dave’s Cajun Kitchen. 6240 West Main, Houma. Kids 10 & under get kid’s meal for $.99 with a purchase of a drink. Dinner only.

Pepper’s Pizzeria. 600 W 3rd St, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under get $1.99 pizza and free ice cream.

Specials are subject to change without notice. Please verify them directly before dining. “Family & Kids” and the restaurants listed accept no liability, so please call them first to verify. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Sales@FamilyAndKidsDigest.com.

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Cakes King ture 11am m Signa TH 9a

JAN 16

e: Camping Mommy3&RDM 9am-11am JAN 2

P RAS C-1A1M m a m MARD1I0G -12 9a

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM Visit our website to get plugged in, join our HOOsLetter list, read our online issue, and enter contests.

FEB

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Birthday Parties • Kidz Night Out Enrichment Classes • Summer Camps Holiday Camps • Field Trips

For a full description of each event and to register online, please visit our website at

bricks4kidz.com/houma

488 Corporate Dr, Ste 8 • Houma, LA 70360

(985) 872-2772

A Page In A Book www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Recommending the Best Books

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for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

Picking The Perfect Pet

Kids look past puppy training, kitten teeth, or swampy fish tanks, and straight to the ideal bond they will have with their pet. But animals, just like people, aren’t made to order. Opening our hearts to a new pet begins a journey of discovery as we and our new family member get to know each other. These titles explore the transition from imagining the perfect pet to the realities of an adopted companion.

The Princess And The Pony

By Kate Beaton (Scholastic)

Princess Pinecone is ready to stake her claim in the kingdom of warriors. All she needs is a strong, valiant steed to carry her into battle.

But her parents present her with a birthday pony that is anything but. Without the strength, size or agility of a fighting horse, their cause may be lost as the duo enters the warriors’ melee. But the little pony reveals a power that may just help them succeed. This title is a laugh out loud celebration of the unlikely pairings that find the common ground and build a strong friendship upon it.

Motor Dog

By Kurt Cyrus and David Gordon (Hyperion / Disney)

With the click of a button, Flip places an online order for his own Motor Dog. Delivered right to the door, Motor Dog comes with its own remote control so his new pet will do exactly what he wants. But their first stroll together reveals a glitch when Motor Dog overrides his programming and a mad chase ensues. Pushing buttons isn’t helping. But when the leash breaks and Motor Dog is free, the real connection between boy and dog begins. With a gentle nod to the twoway street that good relationships are built upon, “Motor Dog” is a high-octane new pet adventure!

The Octopuppy

By Martin McKenna (Scholastic)

Edgar really wanted a dog. But when his birthday arrived, Jarvis, an octopus, sprang out of the box. Disappointed but undeterred Edgar began a rigorous course of training for Jarvis to teach him all the things that dogs can do. Jarvis obeys every dog command with a cephalopod’s flair for the dramatic, so Edgar takes a big chance and enters Jarvis in a dog show. The disaster that follows leaves a heartbroken Jarvis has headed for the open sea and it’s up to an enlightened Edgar to find and bring back his missing pal. Delightfully illustrated “The Octopuppy” is guaranteed open the heart of every potential pet partner to endless possibilities.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

To feature your school or child care option, call

253-212-7270

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

JANUARY 27, 2016 9:00 A.M. Pre-School & Kindergarten 10:30 A.M. 1st — 7th Grade Students (Tours will be included)

www.stfrancishouma.org 985-868-6646

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

ST.GREGORY BARBARIGO CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building God's Kingdom, One Child at a Time!

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School strives to ensure the spiritual formation and academic success of all its students in a Christ centered environment.

REGISTER

NOW! St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or national origin.

441 SIXTH STREET HOUMA, LA 70364 I 985.876.2038

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Thrive

• Committed to Academic Rigor & Technology Integration • State of the Art Library, Computer Lab & Promethean Classrooms • Full-Day Pre-K for Four-Year-Olds • Variety of Clubs, Activities & Sports Teams • Attention to Special Academic Needs

501 Cardinal Dr, Thibodaux

•

985-446-1346

stjosephcesthibodaux.org No discrimination is made on the basis of race, sex, religion, national, or ethnic origin and is open to students who share our values and traditions.

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