Family & Kids Bayou Region April 2017 by Hoo Knows

APRIL 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

BAYOU REGION

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Jokin’ Around Why you don’t want to fight with a snail? It might try to slug you! Why couldn’t the skunk go shopping? It didn’t have a scent in its wallet! What is smarter than a talking cat? A spelling bee! How can you learn more about spiders? Check out their website! What kind of bear stays out in the rain? A drizzly bear! What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef!

HOO’s FUN Featuring: “Funny Animals”

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HOO’s PARENTING

START TEACHING MANNERS

EARLY

Good manners may sound old-fashioned but in reality, having a good foundation in basic manners will help your child form loving relationships with others and stand out from the crowd. Good manners means being sensitive to the feelings of those around you and are a learned habit, not an innate skill. You can get started instilling the awareness of the feelings of others as early as toddlerhood. Here are some essential manners you should try to make part of your child’s everyday behavior. PLEASE AND THANK YOU: Saying please and thank you can start as soon as your child is old enough to ask for things. An 18 month old may not comprehend the concept of gratitude, but at least by the time he gains the maturity to understand it, adding ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to requests has already become a habit. Make ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ the magic words in your household by gently asking your child when he forgets to add ‘please’ to his demand and to tell you ‘thank you’ once it is fulfilled. Also, teach your child to write thank you notes for gifts they receive. KEEP NEGATIVE OR RUDE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF. Teach your kids that no one wants to hear them criticize and complain, especially not in mixed company. Also, make it clear that there is never an excuse for speaking rude comments about someone’s appearance. Teach your child that such harmful comments can hurt the feelings of others and even lead to others feeling bullied. Immediately and firmly address negative comments on a consistent basis, and encourage your kids to offer positive, complimentary comments.

SHARING AND WAITING YOUR TURN: Around age two, toddlers start to learn the concept of taking turns and sharing. When your child is at play dates, encourage him to willingly share toys he has been using for a while and to wait patiently when someone else is playing with the toy he would like to play with next. Quickly step in when you sense the situation is degrading. If your child was the instigator, take him aside and gently remind him that such behavior is not acceptable and you expect him to share. Ask him to apologize to the other child before allowing him to resume play. TABLE MANNERS: Teaching good table manners can start in toddlerhood. Teach your toddler not to throw food and encourage him to try to eat food that is not finger food with a fork. Once your child reaches the age of three, start requiring him to sit at the table for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Show your child how to put his napkin on his lap and how to use it to wipe his mouth. Teach your child how to set the table with the forks, knives and spoons in their proper place. If you model good table manners, you will find kids will follow your lead. HOW TO SPEAK TO OTHERS: Teach your kids not to interrupt when others are talking, except in an emergency. If interrupting a conversation between adults is necessary due to an emergency, teach your kids to say ‘excuse me’ first. Also, teach your kids that when they are spoken to, they should listen until the other person is finished speaking and then reply.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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 8

HOO’S learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 & 13

HOO’S parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 3

Hoo Knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5

HOO’S Picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15

Hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 & 31

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

Family & Kids Bayou Region

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HOO knew?

Fun Facts: MOON Did you know there was a tall mountain on the Moon? Well there is and it’s called Mons Huygens. It is nearly 3 miles (4700 meters) tall. That’s just over half the height of Mount Everest at just over 5 miles (8848 meters). Wow.

l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l The average distance from the Moon to the Earth is 238,857 miles (384,403 kilometers). If you had to drive from the moon to the Earth at 65 mph, it would take you 3,674 hours to get there, or 153 days driving non-stop 24 hours a day. l l The temperature of the moon changes all the time and goes from -451 degrees Fahrenheit (-233 degrees Celsius) to 253 degrees Fahrenheit (123 degrees Celsius). Wow, one minute you’ll be freezing off your toes, the next minute you’ll be burning up!

The first man to make proper maps of the moon was Galileo. He didn’t invent the telescope but by 1609 he had developed a telescope that could magnify objects up to 20 times. It was with this that he started to study that awesome moon.

l l l l l l l l

SHOPPING GUIDE Food & Beverage

Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy........ 29 Bayou Country Children’s Museum....5 Bayouland YMCA................................... 23 Blacklist Camps...................................... 24 Bricks 4 Kidz Camps..............................18 Brushworks Art & Music Camps........19 Children’s Museum Summer Camp..21 City of Thibodaux................................... 25 Ctr for Pediatric Therapy Camps...... 22 eLearning Academy Camps............... 22 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours........ 29 Gymnastics Development Center..... 26 Houma’s Best Summer Camp............. 24 James Academy of Gymnastics.........21 La Tea Da Parties/ Characters........... 26 THEM 23 Mix It Up Camps.TELL .................................... Riverview Camp for Girls.................... 20 Tiger-Rock................................................ 24

SENT YOU!

Childcare/ education

Chick-fil-A on MLK................................. 11

healthcare Coastal Urgent Care...............................12 Ellender Orthodontics.......................... 26 Pelican Medical Supply....................... 30 Thieler Orthodontics............................. 11 Total Urgent Care....................................31

Shopping/ Retail Allstate - Brian Mustin......................... 30 Bayou Inflatables..................................... 9 Clearwater Pools & Spas.........................8 Downtown Houma................................. 29 Felger’s Foot Wear.................................. 11 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Southland Mall....................................... 32

Sylvan Learning......................................18 The Learning Ladder............................. 30

PARENTS’ ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Tammy Usie creative boutique & brokerage

MARKETING l DESIGN l SALES l EVENTS 253.212.7270 TammyUsie@gmail.com

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE Frontier Heroes Frontier Heroes tests your smarts, skills, and reflexes as you work your way through an illustrated version of American history, from pre-colonial days through the California Gold Rush. Complete era-specific challenges to unlock more exciting adventures.

Puzzingo Every Puzzingo puzzle piece is named, so littles will build vocabulary while playing. Also builds spatial recognition, fine motor, memory, and cognitive skills. It also appeals to children with autism and children with special needs.

Out of Milk Out of Milk is a grocery list on steroids. You can keep a pantry inventory, save recipes and add ingredients directly to your shopping list manually or with a bar code scan, get deal alerts and alerts when you’re running low on something. Plus it remembers past shopping lists and is shareable!

Happy Kids Timer Helps your littler kids establish a morning routine that doesn’t require your direct supervision. They use the app themselves as it walks them through everything from brushing teeth to making their bed. Plus it’s got cute animations and music to keep them motivated and out of the house on time.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CRAFTY TUBULAR COLLAGE ANIMAL

MARIONETTES

These colorful little creations are so fun and easy to make. They can be any animal your child might have in mind! What a great toy for imaginary play!

DIRECTIONS Give each child a whole paper tube and a half paper tube, and let them go to town gluing tissue squares on them. Then let them dry overnight. The next day punch two holes in the front and back, of the bottom of the long tube and run your string for the legs. We let our littles paint their wooden beads and use their own mix or pony beads to create legs and feet.

SUPPLIES toilet paper rolls tissue paper water color paint

Make an X with the Popsicle sticks and hold together with your duct tape.

straws / string

Now, punch a hole on either side of the top of the long tube, then one hole on the top and bottom of one side of the small tube. Knot the back string inside the long tube and tie it to the end of a Popsicle stick. Then tie another string inside the other end, thread your straw on, and thread through both holes on the short tube, and tie to the opposite end of the same Popsicle stick.

Popsicle sticks glue / hole punch pony / wood beads

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HOO’s HEALTHY

MEDITERRANEAN DIET Research has connected eating foods included in a traditional Mediterranean diet with many health benefits, including weight loss and prevention of heart disease. The diet is so named because it includes the foods traditionally eaten by inhabitants of Mediterranean countries. REPLACE SATURATED FATS like butter with olive oil when you cook or bake. Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Canola oil and walnut oil are also healthy alternatives. SWAP OUT RED MEAT for fish or lean meats like skinless poultry. For some meals, go meatless and eat plant-based proteins like nuts, lentils, and beans. Also, reduce the amount of protein you eat by making whole grains, fruits, and vegetables the main focus of your meal. Eating too much animal protein has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.

’

Talking!

Milk

The milk sign is a lot like milking a cow, without the vertical motion, you are just squeezing the udder. Take both hands, make them into a fist, relax, and repeat.

TRY TO EAT MORE WHOLE GRAIN like bread, pasta, and rice. Whole grain pasta, bread, and rice contain the healthy fiber and nutrients that are removed when grains are processed to make white bread, pasta, and rice. Whole grains have a pleasant, nutty flavor but they might take some getting used to. You can ease the transition by first introducing pasta and breads that are a mix of whole and refined grains. AT DESSERT TIME, replace those less healthy sweet treats with fruit for vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Choose a variety of fruit and keep it in a visible location, so it’s more likely you will reach for it when you need a sweet treat.

A Page In A Book

10 10

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Recommending the Best Books for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

Imaginary Reading

Reading is at its best when it sparks the imagination. Kids open books with similarly open minds that are primed to discover inspiration. They are ready to craft worlds of their own making, to create landscapes populated with impossible beings and unlikely events. The smallest element found between the pages of a good book can serve as a springboard for daydreams, magical musings, and original thinking that’s the sole creation of a child’s mind.

The Wonder

By Faye Hanson (Templar / Candlewick)

As a young boy makes his way toward school, he’s repeatedly scolded by others for having his head in the clouds. Moving through a sepia-toned landscape, he tries to focus but flashes of impossible shapes and brilliant color intrude at the corners. Once he’s at school, the boy’s distracted musings brighten up what he’s learning, even while earning him some reproach from teachers. But upon arrival in art class, the boy is offered a blank piece of paper. With his mind unfettered, his full technicolor interpretation of his day pours forth with wild abandon. Magnificent, richly detailed illustrations throughout ‘The Wonder’ celebrate the power of imagination to amplify reality with magical results.

Tell Me What to Dream About By Giselle Potter (Schwartz & Wade)

Rabbits, bears, fireflies and squirrels all snuggle in with their babes at twilight. When a little girl has trouble falling asleep, she turns to her big sister asking for things to dream about, something to think of while she drifts off. The older sister offers up imaginative cues, crafting settings and characters that should captivate her younger sibling. But the suggestion of tiny animals dancing on waffles is unappetizing to the younger sister. The idea of riding through the sky on cotton candy creatures is also not comforting (heights are scary). But once two minds work together to imagine a dreamscape that works for both, slumber comes easy to the sleepy siblings.

The Nowhere Box

By Sam Zuppardi (Candlewick Press)

With noisy little brothers following George everywhere, he simply has nowhere to go. If only he can figure out how to get there – to nowhere. But with a cardboard box, a handful of craft supplies, and a head full of imagination, George builds a Nowhere Box that transforms into a rocket ship, a pirate vessel, a castle and more. But his pretend landscapes are missing enemy pirates, dragons and the opposing foils that add drama to any imaginary adventure. Luckily, George has two little guys in mind who just may be the perfect counterparts everywhere in Nowhere.

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B:4.25” T:4”

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FROSTED STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

when life gives you strawberries

make lemonade

T:6”

Braces for Children, Teenagers, and Adults 2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER

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AVA I L A B L E F O R A L I M I T E D T I M E

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Nicole Thieler, DDS, MSD 206 Mystic Boulevard Houma, LA 70360

Call for a complimentary consultation!

(985) 876-4484 www.thielerorthodontics.com

T Kids CRAF NIGHT FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH From 5-7pm. Free 4 count nugget with any meal purchase

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HEALTHY

is miralax really safe for children Constipation is a common problem in kids. It can become a painful process if not treated quickly. Children will sometimes “hold” their poop to avoid the experience, making the situation worse. Pediatricians often prescribe MiraLax for treatment. MiraLax contains PEG 3350, which is not habit-forming and is easy to give to kids because it has no taste or odor. You can mix it in their beverages, and they typically won’t complain. MiraLax is not a natural product. It does not completely clean a colon out, like an enema does, but it works well enough to unclog a child. Over time, constipation can cause other serious health consequences, so it needs to be treated promptly. While the majority of children do fine when given MiraLax, a group of parents have reported dramatic changes in their child’s personality after being given the laxative. A FaceBook page called Parents Against MiraLax (PEG 3350) has been created, and more than 3,500 people have joined to organize and voice concerns about PEG 3350. When the FDA grant was awarded to CHOP in early 2014, the federal agency disclosed that MiraLAX powder contains small amounts of Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), which may under certain conditions degrade into ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol — toxic ingredients found in antifreeze. “The Food and Drug Administration has received a number of reports of adverse events in children taking PEG products,” the FDA said in its grant description. “The Agency has conducted a review that documented a number of reports of neurological and psychiatric events associated with chronic PEG use in children. These pediatric patients received an adult dose of PEG (17 grams) for a duration from a few days to a couple of years.” MiraLAX, manufactured by Bayer, is not recommended for patients under the age of 17, but the FDA concluded that it is often suggested

The

Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

to parents in clinical practice. Bayer has responded in a statement, referencing existing clinical studies confirming the long and short-term safety of PEG 3350 in pediatric patients, though the company acknowledged the product is not labeled for use in the pediatric population. An article in the New York Times, published in 2015, reported that the FDA had raised questions about the safety of an “adult laxative routinely given to constipated children,“ sometimes for years. The article also mentions that buried in the FDA’s brief to researchers, it had tested eight batches of MiraLax and found tiny amounts of ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), ingredients in antifreeze, in all of them. The agency said the toxins were impurities resulting from the manufacturing process. Those tests were conducted in 2008, but the results were not disclosed. Jeff Ventura, an F.D.A. spokesman, said batches were tested because “many of the reported adverse events were classic symptoms of ethylene glycol ingestion.” Psychiatric illnesses like those reported in children taking the laxatives have also been observed in cases in which a child took substantial amounts of ethylene glycol. Some children taking MiraLax chronically (over long periods of time) also have developed acidic blood, according to F.D.A. records, which can be a consequence of ingesting EG. MiraLAX primarily is recommended for short-term use up to seven days to relieve constipation. The FDA does not approve chronic use, although many use it regularly or even daily to treat severe issues with digestion. For many children, MiraLax works well as a shortterm laxative. However, parents should discuss the dosage and weigh the pros and cons of giving it to their child with their pediatrician.

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

MONDAY

wednesday

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

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

El Paso Mexican Grill. 602 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids10 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée. Face painting.

Buffalo Wild Wings. 1783 MLK, Houma. Up to two kid’s meals for $1.99, per adult meal, all day.

IHOP. 1719 MLK Blvd, Houma. 4-9pm. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée. La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thib. 5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under. Face painting. Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thib. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

Tuesday Applebee’s.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. Golden Corral.1724 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free balloon art and face painting. La Casa Del Sol. 4647 Louisiana 1, Raceland and 169 Monarch Dr, Houma. 5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under.

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.

sunday Crabby Crab. 5726 LA 1, Lockport. Free ice cream for kids, balloon art & facepainting from 6-8pm Ground Pati. 101 Bayou Gardens, Houma. Up to 2 kids eat free per adult, required drinks not included. Dine in only. Hooters. 1619 MLK, Houma. Free kid’s meal with each paid adult, all day. Drinks not included.

everyday Foundry on The Bayou. 15 West 1st St, Thib. From10:30am-2pm, free ice cream & face painting.

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

Dave’s Cajun Kitchen. 6240 West Main, Houma. Kids under 11 get $.99 dinner meal with drink purchase.

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

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.

Sicily’s Buffet. 1539 MLK Blvd, Houma. Up to 2 free kids’ buffets for kids 12 and under with paid adult.

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homemade

Hoo’s Tips BENEFITS OF MAKING YOUR OWN BABY FOOD Commercially prepared baby food is purified by heating it to very high temperatures, which can destroy many of the nutrients in fruits and veggies. Also, commercially prepared baby food may contain extra salt, sugar, and additives. The variety of healthy fruit and vegetables included in commercially prepared baby food is rather limited. By being able to select fresh fruits and veggies, preparing them for the family, and then turning some into a homemade baby food puree, your baby is introduced to a wider variety of flavors of nutritious foods. He will also get used to eating what the rest of the family is eating. Preparing homemade baby food can be more economical than buying commercially prepared baby food. It is easy to prepare batches of baby food and store it in ice cube trays in the freezer, so all you have to do is thaw a serving when you are short on time.

babyfood HOW TO GET STARTED Although some parents do invest in baby food-making systems, all you need at first is a food processor or a potato masher, and ice cube trays for freezing. • Wash fruits and veggies well and peel them • Steam or microwave fruits and veggies. This will preserve the most nutrients. Add a little water or breast milk and puree until smooth in the food processor. As your baby matures, you can start leaving a little more texture in the food. • Store fresh homemade baby food in the refrigerator or freeze for later use. • Warm the food back up at mealtime and let it cool before serving it.

HOO’s HUNGRY FRUITY & FROSTY

DOLE WHIP I often whip up a double or triple batch of this easy recipe as a healthy frozen treat for my whole family when we’re craving something sweet.

DIRECTIONS Put the banana, pineapple chunks, and coconut milk into your food processor. Blend for 30 seconds or so. It will probably make a lot of noise; frozen pineapple takes some power to chop up! If you’re adding collagen peptides, now is the time to add a scoop or two. Stop and scrape down the sides and blend again for a few more seconds until it’s nice and creamy. Serve immediately. Or if you like it a little firmer, scoop into a container and freeze for 1-2 hours.

INGREDIENTS • 1 banana • 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks • 2-4 Tbsp coconut milk (or almond or cashew milk, whatever you prefer) • Optional: grass-fed collagen peptides, for a creamier taste and added health benefits

April

Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main

1 Community garage sale at Bay- 7 ouland YMCA. 7am-noon. 985873-9622 to reserve a booth.

Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer. 6-9pm. $10. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

1 Good Earth Market. 9am-3pm. 8 Free. Next to Courtyard Marriot, Houma. Celebration for gardening enthusiast with workshops, vendors, fresh goods.

1 Kids Conservation Fest. BCCM. 10am-1pm.

1 LEGO Robotics. Ages 8+. 10am. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

1 Mini Cheer Clinic. Alstarz Cheer.

10am-1pm. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

1 LEGO Robotics. TM. 11am 2nd & 3rd grade 3pm. 4th-7th grade. RSVP 876-5861.

2 Eggs-travaganza by Kids In Mo-

tion. Ardoyne Plantation, Schriever. 11am-4pm. Music, food, crafts, face painting, egg hunt, hay rides, Easter Bunny. Hat and dress contest 2pm. Toddler egg hunt 2:30pm, 3pm others.

2 Noise Makers: Movement and Music. TM. 3pm. Build reading skills through movement.

4 Craft

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

5 Magna Tiles Playtime. Ages 2+. 11am. TD.

Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

Southdown Marketplace Artisan Craft Show. Southdown Plantation, Houma. 8am-4pm. 300 booths, kids activities, goods.

8 Bug Crawl. TM. 4pm. All ages.

Storytime, second line, bug grab. Bring blankets, bug house and costumes encouraged.

9 Game Day for all ages. TM.

3pm. Games provided, or bring one to share.

18-20

Spring Break Camps. BCCM. 9am-2pm. Ages 5-10. $25 members/ $30 non. Bccm.info.

21-23

Lockport Food Festival. Lockport Fair Grounds. Swamp Pop Extravaganza. 985-532-3117.

Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

22 MoboRobo Robotics Lab for PreK-3rd graders. TM. 4pm. RSVP 876-5861.

22 Crawfish Boil Off and 5K to benefit CASA of Terrebonne.

10 Max & Ruby Craft & Movie. TD. 22 Paddle the Kayak at Harbor Bunny craft, snacks, movie. RSVP 447-4119.

Easter Eggstravaganza. First United Methodist, Thibodaux. 10am-12. Peltier Park. Egg hunt, petting zoo, games and more.

Light Marina, Cocodrie. Fundraiser for law enforcement safety equipment .

23 Family Movie Matinee: Moana. TM. 3pm.

Arbor Day Kids Craft. TD. 15 LEGO Club. TM. 11am and 24 3:30pm. Ages 7-12. RSVP 9853pm. All ages.

Spring Break Camp. Blacklist Jiu-Jitsu. 8am-3pm. 985-3030170.

447-4119.

26 Magna Tiles Playtime. Ages 2+. 11am. TD.

Craftganza. TM. 4pm. 4th 17 Bitty Bunny Bash. BCCM. Eas- 26 grade and up. “Bead Magnets.” ter celebration for toddlers. 10am1pm. $7. Bccm.info

RSVP 985-876-5861.

Easter Art Camp. Brushworks. 9am-12pm. Ages 4-10. RSVP 985868-0580.

Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer. 6-9pm. $10. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

TBall and Baseball Registration begins for TPR. TBall ages 5-6 and Baseball ages 16-18. 985-8736584.

28 28

Toddler Movie Madness. “The Muppets.” TD. 10am.

Events

Library TD - Thibodaux Branch Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

Play it Forward. BCCM. Adult event to benefit the BCCM. 6-10pm. $50/person.

29 Allstate

Customer Appreciation Day. 10am-2pm. Open to public. Infatable, food, giveaways.

Tales for Tots. BCCM. 10:30pm. Ages 2-5. bccm.info Board Game night. TD. 5pm. All ages. Prizes and snacks. Bingo. TD. 10am. All ages. Prizes awarded.

29 Terrebonne Parish Relay for WEDNESDAY Life. 5pm. Houma Civic Center. Relayforlife.org/terrebonnela.

29 Paddle Down Da Bayou. Hwy 56, Chauvin past Capital One Bank. Family-friendly 5 mile paddle with crawfish boil. FB: Paddle Down Da Bayou.

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am.

Laurel Valley Spring Heritage Festival. Laurel Valley Plantation, Thibodaux. 985-447-5216.

Create! All Ages Craft: Beads. TM. 3pm.

Weekly Events TUESDAY

Storytime. TM. 10am for newborns-18mon, and 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families. Family storytime. TM. 6pm. 4-8yr olds & families.

SATURDAY

STEMulating Saturday. Sylvan Learning. 12-1pm. Classes in robotics, coding and engineering. 985-223-3798.

Storytime with craft. TD. 10:30am. All ages welcome.

Downtown Houma Market. Courthouse Square. 8am-noon. Local produce and artisans.

Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga. Anela’s. 4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. anelaslounge.com.

Lafourche Central Market. Farmers, fishermen, artisans and activities. 8a-noon.

Interactive Storytime for infants and toddlers. TD. 10:30am.

Thibodaux Main Street Market. 8am-12:30pm next to Jean Lafitte Park. Buy fresh, buy local.

29 Spanish Story Time. TM. 3pm. THURSDAY Songs, activities, crafts for whole family.

Open Gym. LA Sports Gym. 6:309pm. $10. Toddlers 10am-noon. $7. Kids 4 and under. 544 S Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-580-9746.

Toddler Storytime. TM. 2pm. 19 mon-3 years. Free kids’ yoga. Anela’s. 6:30pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. anelaslounge.com Prenatal yoga. Anela’s. 6pm. anelaslounge.com. Computer instruction classes. 2pm. TD. RSVP 447-4119. English as a second language. TM. 6:30pm. Crafternoons for PreK-6th. 4pm. TM. Craft varies. RSVP 876-5861.

FRIDAY

Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7-$10 for non members. Adult required for ages 5 and under. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.

Kids’ Club. Michael’s, Houma. 10am-12pm. $2. Adult required. 985-872-3132. Build and Grow Clinic. Lowe’s, Houma. 10am. Free. RSVP lowes. com/buildandgrow. 985-2237575. Kids’ Workshop. Home Depot, Houma. 9am-12pm. Ages 5-12. Adult required. Free. RSVP homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops. 985-223-1485. 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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r e m m u S l a Speci ps for Cam Kids! Special Camps include handwriting, feeding, social play skills and others. Individual physical, occupational and speech therapy also available. All private insurance accepted for therapy.

985-449-0944 â&#x20AC;˘ 270 Hwy 3185, Thibodaux, & 220 Civic Center Blvd, Houma

therapyforpeds.com

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HOO’s learning

CONSIDER STEM CAMPS

When we think of our kids attending summer camp, we often envision days full of sports activities, crafts, and campfire fun. However, there are camps that focus on science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) skills that are a worthwhile addition to your child’s summer schedule. Even though your kids may be reluctant at first to attend camps that require giving their minds a workout, here are some reasons why you should consider finding one that aligns with your child’s interests this summer. STEM camps take science, math, engineering, and technology concepts and make them fun. In a camp with an interactive, hands-on curriculum, your child will be so engaged she will not even realize she is learning important concepts and preventing the summer academic ‘brain drain’. Kids love to experiment and search out the answers to questions they have about the world around them. Look for a day or overnight camp that balances traditional camp activities like outdoor activities and crafts with fun, engaging STEM activities. Some camps even manage to sneak teaching STEM concepts into

more traditional activities. For example, during soccer, campers might experiment to discover the mechanics behind kicking a soccer ball. The future jobs in our country are centered on STEM skills and it is never too early to start providing your child opportunities to explore her interests. STEM can encompass many different activities, from computer programming to robotics to food science, so your child should be able to find a camp that includes a topic she enjoys. The STEM background your child receives now will help her be prepared for the technology jobs of the 21st century that require collaboration, innovation and technology integration. The US is lagging behind many other countries of the world when it comes to STEM education. By exposing kids to STEM camps and other STEM training, parents are making a step to help the US reverse the trend. There will be much competition for future high-paying technology careers, so early exposure to STEM mastery will improve a child’s chances for success in these fields.

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DISCOVER THE 27 WONDERS INSIDE! There’s a certain satisfaction derived when we finally see something that has been shielded from our sight. Mirroring the anticipation that accompanies a curtain rising at the theater or the wrapping paper falling away from a gift, these toys and kits that unmask new marvels hidden inside, and generate such joy. Satisfy your child’s instinct to reveal the hidden with the following items that make discovery child’s play.

T-Rex Skeleton Excavation Kit

(Geoworld)

Taking a child’s fascination with dinosaurs one step further, the T-Rex Skeleton Dino Excavation Kit gives small hands the opportunity to dig into their own prehistoric discoveries. Featuring a complete disassembled skeleton locked inside a lightweight clay matrix, the kit comes with a guide and excavation tools to help young paleontologists start their own dig. A small hammer and chisel help to remove the clay, revealing sections of a T-Rex skeleton that can be reassembled into a cool display model (or glued together for dinosaur play). Excavation can create a dusty mess, but moving the project outdoors or to a porch adds to the sense of real dinosaur discovery for young scientists on their first big dig!

Treasure Tracker Truck

(DuneCraft)

The search for buried treasure gets high-tech with the Treasure Tracker Truck. This ruggedly appointed truck is equipped with a metal detector halo that activates when you push the antenna down. As it rolls across sand, loose dirt or similarly permeable surface, the signal changes and alerts the driver when it encounters metal just below the surface. Once ‘x’ marks the spot, treasure hunters can get to work with scoop and sifter to begin excavating their site to find what’s buried just below the surface. Battery-operated and easy to maneuver, this vehicle gets the hunt for buried surprises rolling in style.

Rock Tumbler Kit

(National Geographic)

You’d never guess that most rocks and pebbles hide such captivating and colorful beauty just below the surface. The Rock Tumbler Science Kit wears away the dull outer covering from ½ pound of semi-precious pebbles through constant tumbling within its small waterproof drum. Inside the motorized drum, water and grit slowly grind away the dross over thirty days, revealing smooth colorful stones ready for mounting into jewelry or adding rich hues to any rock hound’s collection. Tips for finding your own rocks to tumble are included for more independent discovery. A true gem in the rough, this kit reveals a treasure trove of beauty hidden in the rocks and minerals around us.

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Hoo’s Tips

WHY DIRT IS GOOD Modern sanitation allows our children to have clean food and water. However, recent studies suggest that by keeping our children’s surroundings extremely clean by sanitizing everything with antibiotic cleaners and not allowing them to get a little dirty when playing outside, may be increasing the chances that they may encounter health problems later in life. According to scientists, babies are born with an immune system that needs to ‘learn’ by being exposed to germs in the environment. When a baby reaches the age of about six months, he starts crawling and putting things in his mouth, which helps him ‘explore’ the germs in the environment. If their environment is kept extremely sanitary with antibiotic cleaners, babies may miss being exposed to enough germs to ensure their immune systems develop properly. Keeping hands clean by using good handwashing practices is important to keep harmful viruses like the flu from spreading.

However, this does not mean your baby should stay super clean and never come in contact with dirt. Every human body has a population of ‘good’ microbes that help with tasks like digesting food, fighting harmful bacteria, and producing vitamins. When the environment is kept extra sanitary with soaps and hand sanitizers, the ‘good’ microbes are killed along with the bad microbes. This, in addition to keeping your baby away from contact with dirt outside, can prevent a healthy balance of microbes within your child’s body. Studies suggest that this lack of beneficial microbes may lead to inflammation in the body and health issues like asthma and allergies. You can help your baby develop a healthy population of microbes and a strong immune system by not constantly sanitizing and by allowing your child to safely come in contact with dirt outside. Allow your child to help work in an organic garden or make mud pies in dirt that has not come in contact with pet waste or chemicals.