Family & Kids of the Bayou Region March 2015

MARCH 2015

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

BAYOU REGION tivities c A & CampsGUIDE

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See Pg. 20

Pottery Classes & Summer Camps Now Enrolling

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Children’s Clothing Girls: Pre-16 Boys: Pre-4

Sweet Offerings Boutique hair bows Skin & hair care for babies and mom Gifts & toys Custom monogramming Baptismal supplies VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION IN HOUMA!

Locations

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

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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s Tips

How to Teach

Every parent wishes to have the respect of their child and wants their child to respect the household’s rules. You will need to do some work in order to earn this respect. It is not something you can force upon your children, once your child respects you, they will be more likely to respect your rules.

Set a good example

Children are more observant than most people are aware of.

Your children watch carefully how you interact with other adults and instinctively notice how you interact with them.

Children learn by environmental stimuli and learned behaviors are often set forth by their parents.

Discuss the rules

Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page, and then calmly discuss the situation with your child. Keep the rules realistic and clearly defined.

Be careful to pick your battles wisely. Consistently follow through with the consequences you have set for rule violations.

Discuss good manners

Correct any rude, disrespectful behavior displayed by your child in social situations right away. This sends a consistent message that disrespecting someone else is never acceptable. Explain that by respecting someone, you are showing kindness towards them.

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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, I am pleased to bring you a NEW and IMPROVED “Family & Kids” magazine. It is now more than just a shopping guide! You will still find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, but now you can also enjoy the informative articles, handy resources and fun features too!

Our private school, preschool and daycare parents will get it home with their kids through school. And others can pick them up around town at grocery stores, restaurants, and doctor’s offices. PLUS you can now read it online through our new website at www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com. The website features an interactive shopping directory by categories that you can compare and even write reviews. We hope to grow the listings in time. I am excited about all these improvements and hope you are too!

AD DEADLINES

April Issue: March 6 and May Issue: April 1

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13

Hoo Knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7-9, 18

Hoo’s Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29

HOO’S Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31

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 out digital edition at:

www.familyandkidsdigest.com Find us on Facebook

Family & Kids Bayou Region

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s CRAFTY

balloon racing leprechauns Here is a craft that is sure to keep kids of all ages, entertained for hours as they watch their leprechauns race to the pot of gold.

Directions Start by taping or tying long pieces of kite string to a piece of furniture across the room, making a path for your racers.

Tape your paper leprechauns securely to a straw, then using your electrical tape, secure your straw to your deflated balloon.

Slide your straw onto the string, with the round part facing the pot of gold. Then carefully blow the balloons up and let them fly!

supplies

balloons * kite string * electrical tape * leprechauns * pot o’gold

e A smil ll i w t a th last a e! m i t e f i l 851-1234

ellenderortho.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide Activities Brushworks Art & Music..................... 20 Alstarz Cheerleading Academy........ 27 Bayou Country Children’s Museum..21 Bricks 4 Kids........................................... 23 Dinner w/ Easter Bunny...................... 30 EGGS-travaganza......................................3 Evolution Training................................... 9 Extreme Cheernastics.............................8 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours........ 24 Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery........... 24 James Academy of Gymnastics.........18 LA Sports Gym.........................................10 La Tea Da Party Palace..........................10 Magical Entertainment.........................10 Martial Arts Studio. ...............................

TELL THEM 27 Riverview Camp for Girls.................... 22 Southland Sports Academy.................19 STAGE Performing Arts School......... 24

Food & Beverage Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse................ 9

healthcare Audubon Pediatrics............................... 27 Beehive Behavioral Health................. 24 Ellender Orthodontics.............................5 Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic............... 30 Pelican Medical Supply......................... 9 Prejean Family Dentistry.......................7

party Bayouland Inflatables............................10

SENT YOU!

Childcare/ education GDC Young Learners/ Merry Oaks.... 28 Messiah Montessori School............... 28 St. Gregory Catholic............................... 28

Fitness & Wellness

Shopping/ Retail Andree’s Baby Boutique........................15 Belle La Vie.............................................. 30 Felger’s Foot Wear..................................15 Lynn’s Little Feet.................................... 24 Melinda Gilmore Photography.......... 30 Petit Nouveau Consignment...............15 Southland Mall....................................... 32 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2

Juice Plus................................................. 27 Plexis Slim..................................................8

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

The

HOO’s HEALTHY

Kids

Doctor

the calcium Essentials for kids I’ve noticed over my years in practice that fewer and fewer patients drink milk every day. Calcium is an important nutrient which in necessary for healthy bones. But you have to put that calcium into your bones during childhood and adolescence, which means milk at meals. By age 18, about 90 percent of your peak bone mass has been laid down.

Most children I see are not drinking many soft drinks. In fact, many tell me they don’t like “fizzy drinks” at all; even on special occasions they’d prefer “fancy waters,” But, when I ask them what they drink at dinner they often say, “water.” I then ask their parents if they even pour milk for their children and they, too, say their child prefers water.

I’m not sure how water became the preferred drink among many of my patients. When and how did parents and children decide that children need to drink a certain amount of water a day? I’ve never found any recommendations about water consumption in healthy children.

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Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

But there are recommendations regarding calcium and Vitamin D intake.

Children between 1-3 years of age need 700 mg/ day of calcium, while 4-8 year olds need 1,000 mg/day and 9-18 year olds need 1,300 mg/day.

It’s also recommended that all children between ages 1-18 years receive 600 IU of vitamin D a day. The best way to meet calcium and vitamin D needs is through food sources, including milk.

With statistics showing that less than 15 percent of adolescent girls in the U.S. meet the recommended dietary allowance for calcium, many young girls may be setting themselves up for osteopenia and osteoporosis in their adult years.

Exercise is equally important for maintaining bone health, which means more time outside or in the gym, rather than in front of a screen!

Change your habits and start pouring milk with your child’s meals and then go outside and get some vitamin D and exercise!

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment.

DR. GABRIELLE PREJEAN

824 RIDGEFIELD RD. THIBODAUX, LA 70301

985.447.1810

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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3 & 7 day trial packs available!

Lose Weight, Gain Energy!

Connect with me on Facebook

Angie LeBlanc Independent Ambassador I www.leblancplexus.com I 985-232-7559

HOO’s HEALTHY Allergies can cause ear infections

Did you know that allergic rhinitis (the itchy, runny nose and sneezing) that may occur when your child is exposed to allergens, such as pollen and pet hair, may also be partially to blame for middle ear infections? Allergic rhinitis can cause the nasal passages and the Eustachian tube (the tiny passage that drains the middle ear) to swell, trapping fluid in the middle ear. This fluid can then become quickly populated by bacteria, resulting in an ear infection. Consult your pediatrician if he seems to suffer from allergies.

HOO KNEW? Why do boys wear blue and girls pink?

The custom of dressing baby boys in blue clothes began in 1400.

Blue was the color of the sky and therefore Heaven, so it was believed the color warded off evil spirits. Male children were considered a greater blessing than females, so it was assumed demons had no interest in girls.

A hundred years later girls were given red as a color, but it was later softened to pink.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

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ALLERGIES OR COLD?

DURING allergy season IT’S DIFFICULT to tell if your child has a cold or is suffering from allergies.

HERE are some key differences that can help you discern which one is to blame:

• Both colds and allergies can cause a stuffy/runny nose, and both can cause a sore throat.

• The symptoms of a cold appear gradually, while an allergy attack can occur suddenly.

• Cold’s are caused by a virus and allergies are caused by exposure to an allergen.

• A cold virus may cause your child to experience body aches and a fever. Allergies will never cause either of these.

• An allergy attack often will cause your child’s eyes to become itchy and watery.

• A cold typically only lasts for about 14 days, while allergies can go on for months.

If your child has symptoms for more than 14 days, make an appointment for her to see the pediatrician. If it turns out your child has allergies, her doctor will provide you with a plan of how to keep her allergies under control and alleviate the symptoms.

Evolution Training Jiu Jitsu, CrossFit, Kickboxing & Self Defense Training

Join Houma's team of champions!

WWW.EVOLUTIONTRAINING.ORG 985.226.8846 I 407 N Hollywood Rd., Houma

EAT. PLAY. WIN! VOTED BEST N! W PARTY IN TO 117 Prevost Dr, Houma 985.580.2000

• Lazer Tag • Redemption Games • 2 Story Playground • Live Character Entertainment

PINOCCHIOSPIZZAPLAYHOUSE.COM I LAZERTAGOFHOUMA.COM

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH US! Bounce houses, rock wall, karaoke, trampoline and more...

GymOpen Frid Nig a for ys 6 hts age :30s 9p 10 4-13 m

$

is in th ve g n i i Br rece ad & popcorn free or all ! f ts gues paid

544 S Hollywood Rd, Houma

•

985-580-9746

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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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 Cajuns La Mex. 4560 Hwy 1 Raceland. 5-9pm.

Kids 12 and under eat for $0.99.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 602 N Canal Blvd Thibodaux.

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

Face painting.

La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thibodaux.

5-8pm. Kid’s 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.

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

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 also from 5-8pm.

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 Mikes BBQ. 3034 Barrow St. From 4pm to close.

Kid’s 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.

everyday Bare Essentials Café. 6224 W Park Ave, Houma.

Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s mini wrap or Ryley special (a small plate of healthy items such as vegetables, fruits and eggs) per adult entree.

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

Dinner only.

El Cajuns La Mex. 4560 Hwy 1 Raceland, LA 70394.

5-9pm. Kids 12 and under eat for $0.99.

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

Face painting.

Pepper’s Pizza. 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” accepts no liability. If you know of a kids special not listed here, contact Sales@ FamilyAndKidsDigest.com with the details.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s Fun

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies home PG | Ok for kids 7+ Earth is taken over by the overly-confident Boov, an alien race in search of a new place to call home, all humans relocated, as the Boov get busy reorganizing the planet. But one resourceful girl named Tip (Rihanna) avoids capture and finds herself the accomplice of a banished Boov named Oh (Jim Parsons). As they embark on the trip, the two fugitives realize there’s more at stake than just intergalactic relations. Based on the novel “The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex.

in the heart of the sea PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+ It’s the winter of 1820, and whaling ship Essex is assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, with a sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Melville’s book “Moby-Dick.” But that’s not the whole story. The ship’s crew braves storms, starvation, panic and despair. They also start to question the value of their lives and the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction and seeks to bring the great whale down.

cinderella PG | Ok for kids 7+ We all know the story: When Ella’s father passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a new family as she’s made a servant girl, and renamed Cinderella. But Ella is determined to “have courage and be kind.” When she meets a dashing stranger (Richard Madden), she’s unaware he’s a prince, but her changes when the Palace invites all maidens to attend a ball. A glass slipper, a few mice, a pumpkin and a fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) all play into the rest of the story.

NEW ON DVD | BLU-RAY: despicable me 2: 3 mini-movie collection PG | Ok for kids 5+ Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate Kwazii, medic Peso Penguin and other Octonauts as they explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there, and protect their habitats.

On this DVD, Captain Barnacles tangles with a Colossal Squid who has his hooks in the Octopod, Peso babysits a bunch of penguin chicks stuck in a blizzard, and Kwazii has a shocking encounter with an Electric Torpedo Ray. A cute preschool DVD with an eco-message.

song of the sea PG | Ok for kids 6+ An enchanting fable about loss, magic and the love of family. When Saoirse and Ben’s mother mysteriously disappears into the ocean, the two children go on an epic journey to find out the truth about her. In the process, they discover mystical secrets about both their mother and Saoirse herself. Featuring the voices of Brendan Gleeson and Fionnula Flanagan, this movie features a beautiful story and gorgeous animation.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Spring!

Bring on

Tons of colors to choose from!

Mon-Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-5 • 1539 MLK Blvd • Houma • 851-1559

Foot Felger’s Wear

Text FELGERS to 57711 for future specials!

Clothing

for Shopter Eas irst F and union! m Com

Newborn – size 8

Shoes & Gifts Embroidery Monogramming Special event & 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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Librar y activities For complete list of activites at all branches, visit:

Terrebonne Parish

http://mytpl.evanced.info/ signup/EventCalendar.aspx

Lafourche Parish

http://lafourche.evanced. info/msignup/#

3 Kids night at Chick-fil-A. 5-8pm.

Free 4 count kids meal with any meal purchase plus crafts and fun.

1741 MLK, Houma.

3 Crazy ‘Bout History Event at Lafourche Parish Main Library.

5:30pm. Actors will portray famous local historical figures.

March

Lego Robotics at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 11am. 2nd3rd Grades and 3pm for 4th-7th grade. RSVP required.

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Over and Under Tunnel Run. Kids Fun Run and 5K to benefit American Heart Assoc. with music, food and entertainment. For more visit Houma Tunnel Run on Facebook.

Baby Steps at Anelas. 10am. Free seminar for mom and baby. Pantry Makeover, Building strong immune systems. 7720 Main St, Houma. anealaslounge.com

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Tech Lock-in at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 6-10pm. Ages 10-14. Games, crafts and pizza provided.

KIMS Playhouse Discovery Museum Eggstravaganz. 11am-4pm.

Ardoyne Plantation. Free admission. Fees for activities. Egg Hunt 2pm. Easter Outfit & Hat Contest 3pm. Tours of the plantation, crafts, petting zoo, tattoos and face painting, hay rides. www. kimsdiscoveryplayhouse.org

14 Movie and Craft at Lafourche Parish Main Library. Ages 3-13. American Girl Doll movie and craft.

Bring your doll. RSVP required.

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Lego Club at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 11am for PreK1st grade and 3pm for 2nd-6th grade.

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Crafternoons at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 4pm. PreK6th. Leprechauns. RSVP Required.

Crafternoons at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 4pm. PreK6th. Rainbow Mobiles. RSVP Required.

Baby Steps at Anelas. 10am. Free seminar for mom and baby. Why organic? DYI cleaning products: soap nuts. 7720 Main St, Houma. www.anealaslounge.com

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Open Gym Night at Alstarz. 6:309:30p. Ages 4-16. $10. Fun, games and tumbling. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Children’s Craft at Lafourche Parish Main Library. 4:30pm. Ages 4-12. Butterflies. RSVP required.

Spring Fling Half Day Camp at Bayou County Children’s Museum.

1-5pm. Ages 4-9. $25. Crafts, food crafts, games and museum play.

211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux. www.bayoucountrychildrensmuseum.org.

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21 Bully Proof Class at Evolution Training. 11-noon. Ages 6 & up.

Free. 407 N Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-226-8846.

Events 25

Crafternoons at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 4pm. PreK6th. Spring Flowers. RSVP Required.

27 Kidz Night Out at Bricks 4 Kidz.

6-9pm. Ages 5-12. $25 per child/ $15 additional sibling. Games, contests, creative play. Dinner included. 488 Corporate, Suite 8, Houma. RSVP 985-872-2772. www.bricks4kidz.com/houma.

28 Southdown Marketplace Arts & Crafts Festival. 8-4pm. $5 adults, kids 12 & under free. 1208 Museum Dr, Houma.

29-April 10

Weekly Events MONDAY

Toddler Time at the Terrebonne Parish Main Branch Library.

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

TUESDAYS

Baby Garden at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 10am for newborns-18mon, and Family Storytime at 6pm for 4-8yrs.

Board Game night at the Lafourche Parish Main Library.

5pm.

WEDNESDAY

Storytime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. Ages 3-10. Ends with a craft.

Terrebonne Parish School Art Show at Downtown Art Gallery.

630 Belanger St, Houma. Competition in all mediums for grades 1-12. Place ribbons awarded and winners receive free summer art lessons. Aleta 985-851-2198 or www.TFAG.org.

THURSDAY

30-april 2

FRIDAY

Spring Break camp at Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 1-5pm. Ages 4-9. $25. Crafts, food crafts, games and museum play. 211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux. www.bayoucountrychildrensmuseum.org.

Laptime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. Ages 2 and under. Interactive storytime.

Board Game Night at Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 4pm. Bring your own or play ours. All ages.

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

Friday Fun Night at LA Sports Gym. 6:30-9pm. $10. Snacks Additional. 544 Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-580-9746.

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

Kid’s Club at Michael’s on MLK, Houma. 10am-12pm. $2 for craft.

Adult must accompany. 985-8723132.

Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe’s on MLK, Houma. 10am. Free.

Register online at lowes.com/ buildandgrow. 985-223-7575.

Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot on MLK, Houma. 9am-12pm for ages 5-12 with parent. Free. Register at 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 Blvd, 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.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY

Growing

Pains

Does your child sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, complaining about pain in his legs so severe it interrupted their sleep? If so, they may be experiencing growing pains. Growing pains is a condition characterized by intense pain in the muscles of the legs, particularly in the calves, in the area behind the knees and in the thighs.

About 25% to 45% of kids experience growing pains.

Kids in the early childhood age range 3 - 4, and in the ages of 8 - 12 are more prone to experience growing pains. Despite the name, growing pains have nothing to do with the growth of muscles or bones. Instead, growing pains seem to be the result of a day full of intense physical activities, like running, jumping, or practicing sports.

You can treat your child’s pain by massaging the affected area, applying a heating pad, and by giving them a dosage of Ibuprofen, appropriate for his weight.

Never give children aspirin, as it can lead to a serious medical condition called Reye’s Syndrome. When the doctor diagnoses your child’s leg pain as growing pains, it means he has done all the necessary exams and test to rule out more serious conditions. However, always notify your child’s doctor if anything changes and you suspect something more serious may be going on, especially in the following circumstances: • Your child has a fever or rash.

• Your child has leg muscle pain along with red and swollen joints.

• The pain occurs every day or is still there in the morning.

• Your child may have injured his leg.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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by Southland Sports Academy Home of the South Louisiana Select

These These summer summer camps camps consist consist of of training training in in each each of of the the following following areas: areas: • Speed • Arm Care • Hitting Programs • Strength • Stretching • Throwing Programs • Agility • Injury Prevention Proper Baseball Techniques in every aspect of the game!

June Session: 4 Week Camp 6/1 - 6/25 every Mon-Thurs Ages 13-18 & Ages 8-12

July Session: 4 Week Camp 7/6 - 7/30 every Mon-Thurs Ages 13-18 & Ages 8-12

Contact

Lanc Crochet

for additional information and registration forms

985-226-4487

southlandsportsacademy@yahoo.com i www.southlandsportsacademy.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Camp Craze SPRING

Spring Fling: March 25, 1-5p (4-9) Spring Break: March 30–April 2 , 1-5p (4–9)

SUMMER

Kinder Camp: May 26–29, 9– 3p (4-6y) Superhero Camp: June 8–12, 1–5p (4-8y) Mad Scientist Week: June 15–19, 1–5p (6-9y) Dinosaur Day Camp: June 22–26, 1–5p (4-8y) Safety Week: July 6–10, 1–5p (7-10y) Arts & Crafts Camp: July 13–17, 1–4p (9–12y) Louisiana Week: July 20–24, 1– 5p (5–8y) The Last Hoorah: July 27–31, 9–3p (5-9y)

Register Online!

211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux 985-446-2200 l www.bccm.info

985-446-2200 l www.bccm.info

EDGE

FREE ASSESSMENT FOR A LIMITED TIME!

Find out how your child is really doing in school with our Sylvan Insight™ Assessment!

This innovative assessment will let you know how your child compares to national norms.

NEW SUMMER CAMPS!

ROBOTICS & CODING FOR KIDS Our innovative programs will light up your child’s mind and build a love for STEM. Check out Robotics and Coding for Kids. Call to reserve your spot!

Sylvan of Houma

(985) 223-3798

www.SylvanLearning.com

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www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

CAMPS

NEW 2015

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SUMMER

Classic Arcade (Mario®, Sonic®, Pac-Man®)

Superhero

Wizardry World of Harry (Harry Potter )

Bricks 4 Girlz

Mining & Crafting (Minecraft )

Ice Party (Frozen®)

®

®

Pocket Brick Monster (Pokémon®)

Bricklanders (Skylanders®)

Clash of Bricks (Clash of Clans )

Rainforest Adventure

Teenage Brick Turtles

Emmett’s City Adventure

Icky Me Minion

Space/Star Wars®

Mad Scientist

Ninjago®

®

Camp Partners for Houma Camps: Blacklist, Brickhouse Cardio Club, Brushworks, and Creative U!

Camp Locations: HOUMA – Bricks 4 Kidz Creativity Center THIBODAUX – Elearning K12 PIERRE PART – Tones Fitness MORGAN CITY – Pennison K12 Learning Ctr CUTOFF – VAL Charter School

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

bricks4kidz.com/houma

488 Corporate Dr, Ste 8 • Houma, LA 70360

(985) 872-2772

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Mental, Behavioral, Relational Health Services

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

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

We have Stride Rite!

Gifts for every Occasion!

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

446-1751

311 North Canal Blvd Thibodaux (Behind Cane’s)

Like Us!

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Recommending the Best Books

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for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

The Best Hound In The House

A partnership between children and their dog(s) provide kids with a dependable partner who offers unconditional love, active play and loyalty that lasts for the duration of their time together. For children who dream of finding and adopting a perfect puppy pal, the following titles address both the responsibilities and the rewards that come with canine companionship.

Froggy Gets

By Jonathon London (Viking/Penguin)

Froggy’s mother has promised him a pet and he knows exactly what he wants.

Mother thinks bunny or mice are ideal because they are easy to care for. But Froggy knows with he needs a dog. His mom tries explaining all the responsibilities that come with a dog.

But Froggy is up to the challenge if it means he can adopt the perfect pet. From obedience training to “scooping up after”, this book offers a funny look into bringing a dog into the family and the joy that comes with a canine companion!

A Perfect Place For Ted

By Leila Rudge (Candlewick)

Ted has been overlooked for adoption in the pet store for so long he finally decides he must venture out to find his own place to belong. In an effort to be noticed, he joins the circus, but the trained trapeze dogs get all the cheers. Ted enters a pet pageant, but he can’t compete with the pampered poodles. Ted is about to give up when, he sees a young girl posting a wanted notice for a furry friend (preferably one who enjoys long walks and ball games). Delightful pencil, ink and collage illustrations will charm readers as they follow Ted’s journey to find his forever home.

Mogie: The Heart Of The House

By Kathi Appelt (Simon & Schuster)

Adventurous Mogie discovers a very special house with sick children. A house where sick children and their families stay during treatment at the nearby hospital, there are only a few rules (healthy eating, peace and quiet, and NO puppies). Mogie can’t read the rules, but he CAN figure out just what kind of companionship each child needs to help them get well. Adapted from the true story of Mogie, the therapy dog at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston, this gentle tale celebrates the power of companionship between child and dog to strengthen the hearts of both.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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BEST BALANCE OF TOYS AND FUN!

From the moment babies learn to raise and balance their bobble heads to the day the training wheels come off their first bike, children are living a balancing act as they grow. The following toys and games take balancing talents to the max with challenges great and small that put both their fine and gross motor skills to the fun test!

The Wobble Deck (Diggin)

Balance demands a meeting of mind and muscle. The Wobble Deck draws from both brain and body as players balance the electronic deck to win.

Featuring numbered and colored edges (each with musical cues) the Wobble Deck calls out colors, number and sounds. Players are then challenged to shift their weight as directed causing the designated parts of the deck to touch the ground. Ideal for honing reflexes and responses, the Wobble Deck is the balance game that kids can’t put down.

Lemon Unicycle (Gerriff)

It’s easier that it looks.

The Lemon Unicycle is a balance challenge that energetic kids and teens can meet in just a short period of time.

With an 18-inch skidproof mountain bike tire, the sturdy steel fork frame features a larger seat for comfort, support and safety as solo-wheel riders get the hang of unicycling. Portable, easy to store, the brightly colored Lemon Unicycle is the one-wheeled wonder that comes complete with its own huge ‘cool’ factor as it defines the height of balance skills.

Suspend (Melissa & Doug)

Melissa & Doug take balance to the edge with Suspend. This game builds suspense with outcomes that change every time it’s played! Using only one hand, players take turns balancing their notched wires of varying lengths on a tabletop stand, creating a precariously growing sculpture. Hand-eye coordination and strategy come into play each player tries to get rid of his wires first. Striking the perfectand steady hands, Suspend is best for ages eight and up!

The Super Moose Antler Stacking Game (Hape)

With a collection of colorful antler points and a moose head base, the challenge is to add to the rack without causing an antler avalanche.

The Super Moose Antler Stacking Game supports concentration, strategy and patience. This game also helps kids navigate balance benchmarks as they build a spreading and glorious rack that any moose would be proud of. This game is a perfect addition to balance out the toy box.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

FUN, FITNESS & MORE FOR KIDS.

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But Give Kids the Tools They Need for Success in Life.

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO LLC. | 602 Barrow Street Houma, LA 70364 | 985.772.1861

TRY 6 WEEKS FOR JUST $69!

LIMITED TO FIRST 25 & GET A FREE UNIFORM ($49 VALUE)!

KIDS! Register Now at www.MartialArtStudio.net

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To feature your Wise Choices for You & Your Family school or child care facility: Call Tammy at 253-212-7270

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ENTHUSIASTIC, QUALIFIED EDUCATORS ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS

Messiah Montessori School “The School of Choice” 1224 Museum Drive • Houma • (985)857-8808 • www.mms-edu.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s PARENTING

ADHD & Brain Training Parents of children diagnosed with ADHD often search for alternative treatments for their children. In the past of couple of years, there has been much publicity given to an alternative treatment called ‘brain training,’ which has been described as exercises to help improve your child’s memory and improve their ability to focus. There are several brain training programs that parents can purchase and use at home. The question is, do these expensive programs really provide results and are they a viable alternative to medication?

Currently, this is a topic of controversy, with the companies who market the brain training programs claiming their products produce improvements in the performance of kids with ADHD. Independent studies of brain training have not yet shown an actual improvement in attention, focus, and memory in the real world.

The kids may have improved their performance on the tests and tasks provided in the brain training program, but these results did not transfer to real life situations at school and home. The brain training does not really hurt anything either, except perhaps to take time away from other activities and homework.

If there are not yet any concrete results to show that brain training will alleviate the attention deficits and lack of focus, what will?

Many have thought of ADHD has a behavioral issue, but recent research has further strengthened the concept that ADHD is due to a problem with how the management system in the brain works and may be a genetic condition. There is no cure for ADHD, but studies show improvements with attention and focus in kids when they are provided a combination of treatment that includes medication formulated to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD along with behavior training. The behavior training helps deal with ADHD issues, like how to use daily goals to stay on track, along with other non-ADHD related issues such as oppositional disorders or a lack in social skills. For kids whose parents decide against medication, the good news is that research has shown that for some kids, behavior training alone may enable them to function well.

Here are some things you can do at home to support your child's therapy and help him stay focused: • Have clear expectations of your child and be consistent with the consequence of not meeting them.

• Offer plenty of praise when you child does well.

• Help your child stay organized and focused by providing to-do lists and check lists, and be a good role model by keeping yourself organized.

If your child has not yet been diagnosed with ADHD but seems to be showing symptoms, contact his pediatrician to ask for a referral for an evaluation. This evaluation will help determine if your child does in fact have ADHD, and if so, what type. After the evaluation is complete, you can then discuss what treatment would work best for your child.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Balancing the Spine and Pelvis by “ADJUSTMENTS”

Holisitc Health Medical Center 985-223-3811

567 Corporate Dr. Houma www.drmikeflynn.com

J.Michael Flynn, DC, FICC

Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors

HOO’s HUNGRY

thin mint

by therecipecritic.com

truffles

Did you order one too many boxes of Thin Mints this season?

Do you need a treat to keep you from getting pinched this St. Patrick’s Day? Well, this recipe has you covered!

DIRECTIONS In a food processor pulse the thin mint cookies until they are fine in consistency.

Blend together crushed thin mint cookies and cream cheese.

Roll the mixture into tablespoon sized balls and set on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Chill them in the fridge for 1 hour.

Melt green chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, as not to overcook. Roll the balls into the melted chocolate to coat and place them to harden on a lined baking sheet.

Ingredients • 1 (9 ounce) package thin mint girl scout cookies (or Keebler grasshopper cookies)

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 (12 oz) Bag Guittards Green Mint chips (or green candy melts)

• 5 oz white chocolate chips

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s helpful

Baby Talk

Parents around the world talk to their babies in the slow-paced, singsong way of speaking often called baby talk or ‘parentese’.

While it may be annoying to adults who overhear it, baby talk captures the attention of babies and toddlers, eliciting many smiles and sounds in return. However, many wonder if using baby talk will hinder their child’s speech development.

According to recent research, parentese can help your baby’s speech development, when used correctly.

Babies are surrounded by all sorts of different, distracting noises but the high-pitched tone and exaggerated facial expressions of parentese will hold your baby’s attention long enough to have a ‘conversation’.

The elongated vowel sounds and well-pronounced consonants in statements like ‘You are my swee-et babye-e-e’ helps infants learn sounds and how to piece

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them together into words. Try to always use proper grammar and keep sentences short. The labeling of objects and repetition in your words like, ‘You want your cup?

This is a cup. Here is your cup.’ will also help your child’s brain develop a ‘’language map’ and build his vocabulary. However, don’t make up your own nonsense words like ‘cuppie.’

Your baby loves to hear your voice.

Babies and toddlers enjoy practicing what they are learning by cooing and babbling, so when your baby does, take the opportunity to teach her about the nature of conversation by making the sounds back. Your baby is watching you for a reaction to her practice sounds, so encourage her with a smile. If your baby does not coo and/or babble or is showing signs of a speech delay, contact your baby’s doctor.

Reservations Suggested�

580-2000�

Call (985)� for more information�

$10 per child� Includes: 2 slices of pizza per child� drink and a souvenir from the� Easter Bunny.�

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