Family & Kids Bayou Region Aug 2017

AUGUST 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Erica Seely Photography

BAYOU REGION

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s PARENTING

What’s Healthier…

SCHOOL LUNCH OR

PACKED LUNCH? If you’ve decided to send your kids to school with a packed lunch because you feel it’s healthier than school lunches, you might want to take a closer look at what you’re putting in it.

60% of packed school lunches failed to meet nutrition standards set by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), reported the Journal of Child Nutrition, Fall 2016. Children’s packed lunches scored negatively on amounts of dessert and snack food calories, as well as saturated fats and sodium. Only 27% of packed lunches met three or more NSLP standards for protein, grains, fruit, milk and vegetables.

In the past, school lunches often exceeded levels of fat and sodium recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. But today, due to the improved requirements, many school programs receive high scores in protein, fats, calcium, iron, sodium and vitamins.

Convenience might be superseding healthy choices in your packed lunches. According to the Journal study, the culprits are prepackaged desserts, snack chips, and SSB’s (sugar-sweetened beverages). Who doesn’t love a sweet treat, and kids are no exception. But even if the packaged dessert has as little as 100 calories, that’s one-fourth of a four hundred calorie lunch! Snack chips can appear healthy if they are baked and made with whole grains. But beware, they often have a higher sodium content to make up for the loss of flavor from frying.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB’s) claim they are healthy because they contain added vitamins.

But interestingly, the study found that packed lunches containing SSB’s were significantly more likely to have low amounts of proteins, fiber, and calcium, along with excessive amounts of sugar.

Send only 100% fruit juice, but be aware of the sugar content. While fruit juice may seem more “natural” than drinks with added high-fructose corn syrup, raw fruit is even better because it delivers a lower concentration of sugars along with fiber that makes you feel full longer.

Packed lunches can still be healthier than school lunches, even after accounting for parents’ limited time to prepare them. One strategy is to shift your focus away from trying to limit fats, sugars, and sodium in your kids’ lunches. Instead focus on what to include. Try including a variety of proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables by using these tips.

Lean-protein sources for packed lunches can include deli meats, peanut butter, chicken, eggs and beans. Low-fat dairy can come from yogurt, cottage cheese and cheeses. Whole grain can be incorporated into lunches through breads, cereals and high-fiber tortillas. Fruits and vegetables can be packed in the form of cooked, canned, dried or raw. Swap out high-calorie snacks and desserts for hummus with vegetables, nuts, seeds, popcorn, dried fruits, and whole fruits with yogurt.

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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

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Tammy Usie

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

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 & 23

HOO’S fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19

HOO’S parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 30

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . page 13, 27 & 28

HOO’S Picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29

Hoo Knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 7

HOO’S Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8 & 18

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’s CRAFTY

HANDCRAFTED

KINDNESS ROCKS This easy craft and is perfect way to spend an afternoon.

You can give them as gifts, or you can hide them around town as part of the ColumbusGaRocks movement.

DIRECTIONS First things first, find your new specimens and let your kids have fun giving their new muses a good scrub and a bath.

Once they are dry, lay out the newspaper and start a basecoat of paint in a color you love. Then let it dry completely.

Use your paint pens or sharpies and add adorable words of encouragement across your rock’s surface. And let that dry too.

Then give it a good coat of clear overcoat spray and yes, let it dry. Now you’re ready to hand them to people who could use some kindness or hide them for others to find!

SUPPLIES Smooth rocks Paint Paint Pens Sharpies Newspaper Clear Coat Spray

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy........ 26 Bayou Country Children’s Museum.29 Blacklist Martial Arts & Fitness........ 30 Bricks 4 Kidz............................................10 Brushworks Art & Music Academy.. 23 Fitness Frenzy........................................ 25 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours.........18 Gymnastics Development Center....... 9 Houma’s #1 After School Program...... 9 Imagination Face Painting..................10 James Academy of Gymnastics.........12 Mix It Up Cooking Classes.................. 22 Paddy Danos School of Dance........... 25 Tiger Rock Martial Arts....................... 28 TELL THEM Voice & Piano Lessons............................2

SENT YOU! Childcare/ education The Learning Ladder............................. 25

Bayou Behavioral Services..................10 Center for Pediatric Therapy.............. 25 Coastal Urgent Care...............................31 Dr. Jake E. Bordelon, Chiropractor....18 Ellender Orthodontics.............................5 Thieler Orthodontics.............................21 Total Urgent Care................................... 26

Shopping/ Retail Allstate - Brian Mustin..........................21 Bayou Inflatables....................................19 Clearwater Pools & Spas.......................19 Downtown Houma....................................7 Erica Seely Photography......................21 Felger’s Foot Wear..................................13 Fit Kitchen................................................10 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Randi, Beauty Artist...............................15 Southland Mall....................................... 32

TELL THEM

PARENTS’ ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

SENT YOU!

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HOO knew?

History of Popsicles In England, it’s an ice lolly, to New Zealanders, they’re icy poles and the Irish call them freeze pops. Here in the United States, we call them Popsicles® or ice pops. The mind behind this summer indulgence wasn’t a marketing genius, or even a chef, it was an 11-year-old boy, named Frank Epperson.

Frank was just a young boy in 1905, in Oakland, California, when one night he accidentally left a glass – filled with water, powdered soda mix and a wooden stick for stirring – outside, overnight. When Frank found it in the morning, the soda mixture was frozen solid, so he ran the glass under hot water and removed the ice pop using the stick as a handle. Frank knew he had a great idea on his hands, and he made the pops for his friends, and eventually for his own children. In 1923, Epperson filed for a patent for his invention. Up until then, he had been calling them “Eppsicles,” but his children insisted on calling them “Pop’s ‘sicles.” The latter name stuck and the Popsicle® was born.

Popsicles originally sold for just five cents and came in seven flavors (including cherry, which is still the most popular). Nowadays you can find them from coast to coast and in crazy and even gourmet flavors. Well done Frank Epperson!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s tips

BETTER BUS

SAFETY

FOR MILLIONS OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN, EACH DAY BEGINS AND ENDS WITH A BUS RIDE. WHILE PARENTS ENTRUST THEIR CHILDREN’S SAFETY TO THE CAPABLE HANDS OF BUS DRIVERS, THESE TIPS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDE SOME MEASURES PARENTS CAN TAKE AND LESSONS THEY CAN TEACH TO INCREASE THEIR CHILD’S SAFETY.

BEFORE THE BUS

• Ensure backpacks are packed securely so papers and other items don’t scatter as the bus approaches.

• Create a morning routine that puts kids at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. This helps avoid a last-minute rush, when safety lessons are easily forgotten, and ensures kids are safely in place for boarding.

• Instruct children to walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, advise them to stay out of the street, walk single-file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as possible.

• If kids must cross a street, driveway or alley, remind them to stop and look both ways before crossing.

• Verify that the bus stop location offers good visibility for the bus driver; if changes are needed, talk with nearby homeowners or school district officials to implement changes. Never let kids wait in a house or car, where

the driver may miss seeing them approach the bus.

• Remind children that the bus stop is not a playground. Balls or other toys could roll into the street and horseplay can result in someone falling into the path of oncoming traffic.

ON THE BUS RIDE

• Instruct children to allow the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.

• When boarding the bus, items can get bumped and dropped.

Caution children that before picking anything up, they should talk to the driver and follow instructions to safely retrieve their possessions.

• Teach safe riding habits: stay seated with head, hands and feet inside at all times; use a seatbelt (if available); keep bags and books out of the aisle and remain seated until the bus stops moving.

• Remind kids that just like when riding in your car, loud noises are off limits so they don’t distract the driver.

LEAVING THE BUS

• Remind children to look before stepping off the bus. If they must cross the street, teach them to do so in front of the bus by taking five big steps away from the front of the bus, looking up and waiting for the driver to signal that it is safe to start into the street.

• For parents who meet their kids at the bus, remember that in their excitement kids may dart across the street. Eliminate the risk by waiting on the side of the street where kids exit the bus.

• Make the bus ride part of your daily “how was school?” discussion. Encourage kids to talk about the things they see and hear on the bus, so you can discuss appropriate behaviors and, if necessary, report any concerns to school administrators.

• Bullying is more prevalent than ever and buses are no exception.

Ask your child to tell you about any bullying they observe, whether against another child or themselves, and talk about how to shut down bully behavior.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s Fun

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY

CAULIFLOWER

TOTS

a healthier twist on a childhood classic by skinnytaste.com

DIRECTIONS

To cook the cauliflower florets, steam 2 cups raw cauliflower florets in a little water covered for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender but not mushy, then drain well and dry on paper towel. Then, using a knife ,finely chop and set 2 cups aside.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small ovals. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups cooked cauliflower florets, finely chopped • 1 large egg • 1/2 cup onion, minced • 3 tbsp minced fresh parsley • 1/2 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs • salt and pepper to taste • cooking spray

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HOO’s HEALTHY Despite their name, cold sores have nothing to do with the virus that causes the common cold. Instead, they are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV1). HSV-1 is a highly contagious virus that is spread by the mucus membranes of the body (like those in the mouth) coming in contact with saliva from an infected person.

Most people are infected early in childhood, when close contact and sharing toys is common. In some cases, after someone is exposed to the virus, they will experience an initial infection with symptoms that include fever, body aches, rash, and swollen glands. However, many people do not show any symptoms and don’t know they are infected.

After the primary infection has passed, the virus then lies dormant in the nerve cells in the face and may then be dormant for good, or a trigger like stress, cold, or long exposure to sunlight may awaken the virus and cause an outbreak of cold sores. The cold sore starts out as a bump, which then turns into a painful blister that bursts and crusts over.

There is no cure for an HSV-1 infection. Once someone is infected, the virus remains in their body the rest of their life. To help prevent the spread of HSV-1, discourage your

WHAT ARE: CO

LD SORES

child from putting toys that are shared with other children in his mouth and don’t allow someone who is infected to kiss your child. Don’t let your child share utensils or cups with others.

If you suspect your young child is experiencing the symptoms of a primary infection, call his doctor to see if you need to make an appointment. For those with a weakened immune system, like newborns and infants, an HSV-1 infection can spread to the rest of the body and lead to serious complications.

A newborn or an infant with a rash and a fever should receive immediate medical attention. If your child experiences outbreaks after the primary infection, use over the counter ointments and creams to help lessen the pain and speed healing in a day or two. If your child experiences frequent outbreaks, has a cold sore that does not heal within 7 - 10 days, or has a cold sore that looks infected, he should be seen by his doctor.

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Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

MONDAY

wednesday

Cajun Critters. 6240 W Main St, Houma. Kids eat free from kids’ menu. 5-9:30pm. Balloon art 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.

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

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thib.

Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

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

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.

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.

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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

Collins, 5 months Houma

Graceelyn, 6 years Labadieville

Greyson, 2 years Houma

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AUGUST

Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main Library TD - Thibodaux Br

1

31-3 Study Skills Bootcamp.

3:30-6:30pm. Grades 5 and up. Sylvan Learning. RSVP 2233798.

1

LEGO Mindstorms Kits.

10:30am. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

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

2

Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

2 National Coloring Book Day. All ages, all day. TD. Supplies provided.

4 Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

5

Community garage sale at Bayouland YMCA. 7am-noon.

985-873-9622 to reserve a booth.

5 LEGO Robotics. TM. 11am & 3pm. 2nd grade and up. RSVP 876-5861.

5

Friendship Looms Bracelet Craft. 10:30am. TD. RSVP 4474119.

6

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

7 Game Night: Mexican Train

16 Game Night: Wii Mario Cart. TD. 4pm.

9 Free paperback book giveaway. TD. All day.

17 Back to School Craft. 1pm.

TD. RSVP 447-4119.

9 Virtual Reality Demos with goggles and Apps. TM. 4pm.

18 Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

10 Movie Madness: LEGO Batman. TD. 2pm.

19 LEGO Club. TM. 11am and

11 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

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19 National Aviation Day Mov-

Dominos for Adults. TD. 4pm.

Fiddle Stitches Club. TM. 11am. 4th and up. Club of fiber artists. All skill levels. Some supplies provided.

12 Movie Madness: Harry Pot-

ter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. TD. 1:30pm.

3pm. All ages.

Gears Building Set. 1pm.

TD. Ages 3 and up. RSVP 4474119.

ie. 10:30am. TD. “Planes.”

20 Create! All ages craft. TM. 3pm. “Prehistoric art.”

23

Magna Tiles STEM Playtime. Ages 2+. 11:30am. TD.

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25 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

12 Second Saturday Storytime.

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13 Game Day for all ages. TM. 3pm. Games provided, or bring one to share.

26 Doodle Bug Locker Mag-

Back to Hogwarts Potion Craft. 1pm. TD. Ages 11 and up.

RSVP 447-4119.

TM. 3pm.

15 Bingo. 10am. TD. All ages.

16 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

Open play to build decks, trade and battle

Open play to build decks, trade and battle MoboRobo Robotics Lab for PreK and up. TM. 4pm. RSVP 876-5861.

nets. 1:30pm. TD. Ages 11 and up. RSVP 447-4119.

26 Free Bully Prevention Seminar. Blacklist Jiu Jitsu. 1pm.

Ages 7 & up. 985-303-0170.

EVENTS

17

ranch Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

26

Building with Strawbees STEM activity. 10:30am. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

27

Science Rocks! Rock Science Fair. 2pm. TM.

Weekly Events MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

Storytime. TM. 10am for newborns-18mon, and 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families. (not on 8/1 or 8/8) Family storytime. TM. 6pm.

4-8yr olds & families.

Tales for Tots. BCCM. 10:30am. Ages 2-5. bccm. info

WEDNESDAY

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am. (not on 8/2 or 8/9) All ages storytime with craft.

10:30am. TD.

THURSDAY

Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer.

6-9pm. $10. 13347 W. Main St, Larose. 693-7109.

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

Toddler Storytime. TM. 2pm.

19 mon-3 years. (not on 8/3 or 8/10) Crafternoons for PreK-6th.

4pm. TM. Craft varies. RSVP 876-5861.

ESL Class. 6:30pm. TM.

FRIDAY

Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7. $10 non mem. Adult required for ages 5 and under.

308 Venture Blvd, Houma.

985-851-3001.

SATURDAY

Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7. $10 non mem. Adult required for ages 5 and under.

308 Venture Blvd, Houma.

985-851-3001.

STEMulating Saturday. Sylvan of Houma. 12-1pm.

Classes in robotics, coding and engineering. 985-2233798.

Downtown Houma Market.

Courthouse Square. 8amnoon. Local produce and artisans.

Lafourche Central Market.

Farmers, fishermen, artisans and activities. 8a-noon.

Thibodaux Main Street Market. 8am-1pm, next to Jean Lafitte Park. Buy fresh, buy local.

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. 985-223-7575.

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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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM

Hoo’s Tips Hidden dangers around the home

Many parents feel they know the top childproofing items to check off to keep kids safe - cover electrical outlets, lock kitchen cabinets and secure baby gates on stairs. However, there are other potential serious child safety hazards in and outside the home that sometimes can be overlooked.

Replace window coverings with products that are cordless. If that is not an option, then make sure that your cords are secured and out of reach. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and young children accidentally becoming entangled in window covering cords.

Know your plants and which are dangerous if ingested. Make sure to keep these common plants off limits to kids: Rhododendron, Lily of the Valley, Hydrangea, Poinsettia,

Purple Nightshade, Mountain Laurel, Mistletoe and Water Hemlock. If you suspect your child has ingested any type of garden plant/flower, seek medical attention right away.

Keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach of children. Even on a day when it's only 72 degrees, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70 percent of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes. Teach children that vehicles aren't safe places to play.

Anchor it! Furniture and TV tip-overs

are also one of the top hidden hazards in the home, according to the CPSC, which has launched a new safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries from tipping furniture and TVs. Check before you play. Playgrounds with slides, swings, and other play items of any material that sit in sunlight can cause burns for children - even when it's not that hot outside.

Always check the equipment first and don't let children run around barefoot.

If your child does experience a burn, seek medical help immediately.

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HOO’s FIT Almost all kids enjoy the sweet taste of fruit juice and many toddlers will not leave home without taking along a sippy cup filled with fruit juice. However, the American Association of Pediatrics has recently changed their guidelines for what ages parents should start giving infants juice and how much juice toddlers and big kids should drink.

INFANTS UNDER 12 MONTHS: Previous guidelines allowed for fruit juice to be served to infants over six months. The new guidelines advise parents to wait until their infant is 12 months before introducing juice. This is to prevent babies from suffering poor nutrition as a result of filling up on so much juice that the intake of breast milk (or formula) and table food is reduced.

Introduce fruit to an infant over six months of age who is ready for table food by serving fruit purees.

TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: For kids in the 1 to 4 years age group, the AAP recommends a cup of fruit a day and up to four ounces of this can come from 100% fruit juice. Also, serve juice in an open top cup and only at meal times. Allowing your toddler to sip juice all day from a sippy cup can lead to cavities.

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New Recs on

Juice YOUNGER SCHOOL AGE KIDS: Kids age 4 to 6 can start drinking more juice, up to 6 ounces a day.

OLDER SCHOOL AGE KIDS AND TEENS: Older kids are allowed up to 2 1/2 cups of fruit a day, with one cup (8 oz) coming from fruit juice.

When shopping for fruit juice, only buy juice labeled 100% fruit juice. Juice blends and cocktails have sugar added. Nutritionists encourage parents to focus on serving fresh fruit to kids who are picky eaters to fulfill the recommended amount of fruit servings each day, instead of letting their child eat fruit gummies or chews.

Put fresh fruit into smoothies or yogurt and, for older kids, keep a bowl of fruit on the counter so they can help themselves.

A Page In A Book

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

Books that Drive the Story Home Children have always been fascinated by more unusual vehicles that share the road with them. Some kids rise early and watch for the garbage truck to roll up, performing its duty with the containers on the street. Other children make a game of counting tractor-trailers on the road. And everyone is excited when an ice cream truck makes an appearance. The following titles celebrate some of the more esoteric vehicles that capture a child’s attention.

Duck on a Tractor

By David Shannon (Scholastic / Blue Sky Press)

When Duck finds the tractor unattended on the farm, it’s just one turn of the key and the whole barnyard is climbing on board for a big adventure. As each animal scrambles for purchase on the rolling vehicle, their signature sound comes with a translation of their real thoughts about joining the pile of friends on the move.

And when the animal-laden tractor makes its way down main street, the townsfolk’s audible exclamations come with their own hilarious subtext. David Shannon’s remarkably expressive comic illustration is the perfect conveyance for this moving misadventure on the farm!

Food Trucks

By Brenna Maloney (Viking / Penguin)

With growing fleets of food trucks across the country, kids have become captivated by the magic of these rolling kitchens. Food Trucks is an exploration of the different kinds of cuisine and themes these vehicles bring to the street. Each two-page spread features a colorful food truck that’s festively outfitted to announce its unique culinary theme. The accompanying text celebrates the distinct food style of each truck (with additional notes about regional ingredients and recipes!) Keeping this title on the reading menu is guaranteed to satisfy kids’ appetites for these restaurants on wheels.

The Little Snowplow

By Lara Koehler, Illustrated by Jake Parker (Candlewick)

The little snowplow is the newest and smallest member of the Mighty Mountain road crew. But the much larger, more powerful trucks are quick to point out that the little snowplow is unlikely to do any real work. With cold weather on the way, the snowplow begins lifting and practicing in preparation, even as the big truck mocks him. When the snow comes, the little snowplow is the road crew’s strongest asset. Celebrating the rewards of tenacity and a big spirit, fans of special vehicles will plow right through this uplifting title!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

’

Talking!

HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about BACK TO SCHOOL

Saying "I Love You!"

Why was the library so busy?

It was overbooked!

Spanish: Te amo Chinese: Wo ài ni German: Ich liebe dich Japanese: Watashi wa, anata o aishiteimasu French: Je t’aime Italian: Ti amo Hawaiian: Aloha wau iā ‘oe Russian: Ya lyublyu tebya

Why did the boy eat his homework?

His teacher said it would be a piece of cake!

Why don’t fish get a summer vacation?

They spend every day in schools!

Why did the girl stop using her pencil?

It was pointless!

What is a soda’s favorite subject in school?

Fizzics!

FALL KIDS CLASSES AGES 5-12

Kitchen Creations Cooks & Books Road Trip Cake Decorating Nerdy Nummies Tailgater Recipes and more!

1517 Polk Street, Houma 985-868-3534 mixitupcooks.com

CALL OR BOOK ONLINE TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

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HOO’s HUNGRY

SLIDERS SLOPPY JOE

Let your kids measure, stir, and assemble these perfect sloppy joe sliders. Easy for little hands but full of flavor even adults will love.

DIRECTIONS In a skillet, start to brown the ground beef. Then, stir in the chili powder and salt, and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through, then drain.

Reduce the heat to low, stir in the ketchup, sugar, vinegar and 1/2 cup water and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Stir in the carrots and corn, and cook, partially covered, until the vegetables are tender and heated through.

Serve on slider buns, topped with a handful of shredded cabbage and pickle chips.

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb. ground beef • 1 tbs chili powder • salt to taste • 3/4 cup of ketchup • 1 tbs apple cider vinegar • 1 tbs light brown sugar • 1/2 cup frozen crinkle carrots • 1 cup shredded red cabbage • crinkle cut dill pickle chips • potato sliders buns or mini rolls

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

DOUBLE UP ON 2 PLAYER FUN!

Sometimes as partners, sometimes as opponents, a child’s direct engagement with another player sparks new thought processes that help young minds evolve and grow. Games that require two players nurture strategic thinking, social exploration and good sportsmanship. The following recommendations double the fun for kids who are ready to meet their match in game play.

Blink

(Mattel)

The simple concept of BLINK creates challenges as players’ perceptions have to shift between colors, numbers and shapes to find correct matches faster than their opponent. Featuring cards with shapes (star, moon, triangles, etc) in a variety of colors and quantities, players create draw piles and match and discard the cards in their hand as the two top cards are turned over. With a goal of playing out all of the cards in your draw pile first, it’s the luck of the draw and the quickest response that wins the game. BLINK is a fast-paced race to the finish as speed matching cultivates hand-eye coordination, breathless game play and endless laughter in the blink of an eye.

Electronic 8-in-1 Talking Chess

(Croove)

Learning how to play chess is a rite of passage for many kids. Mastering this ancient game of strategy is made easy with the very modern help of the Electronic Talking Chess Game from Croove. Beginning with a tutor mode that teaches the elements of the games and basic piece movement, kids are quickly empowered with the elements of chess and ready to take new challenges. Novice and experienced players will find additional modes, 30 chess levels and 5 playing styles to explore. Whether your opponent is a friend or the computer itself, chess gets a high-tech boost with the Electronic Talking 8-in-1 Chess Game.

Star Wars Battleship

(Hasbro)

This game is a great mix of everything you love from Star Wars: The Force Awakens universe, and the classic game of Battleship as two players pit the strength of the rebels against the power of the dark side. Signature ships from both sides of the conflict are represented.

After players get their hidden fleet in place, they take turns calling out target positions to their opponent in hopes of getting a strike on an enemy ship. Transforming guesswork into deductive reasoning, Star Wars Battleship lets kid develop their own strategy as they play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek (and destroy) to determine the future of the galaxy.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HEALTHY

mumps cases are on the rise in the u.s.

Mumps is a highly contagious disease that is on the rise. Symptoms include uncomfortable swelling on one or both sides of the cheeks.

These swollen salivary glands are the most characteristic sign of mumps, which is caused by a virus and usually spread through coughing.

It occurs most often in children and teenagers 5 to 14 years old but anyone can catch the mumps virus at any age.

In addition to swelling, the region can become painful when touched or while chewing, especially when consuming foods that stimulate the release of salivary juices or drinking orange juice or other juices that are acidic. Other symptoms may include: • Fever lasting 3 to 5 days • Headache • Nausea • Occasional vomiting • Weakness • A decrease in appetite • Swelling and pain in the joints (and in boys, of the testes) In 1967, the mumps vaccination program started, and then in 1971, a three-vaccine dose called MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) was made available to the public. This had a dramatic impact on reducing the number of reported mumps cases. Unfortunately, mumps cases are on the rise once again.

The typical schedule for the MMR vaccine is: First dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

Teens and adults should also be up-to-date on MMR vaccinations.

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

In areas where there is an outbreak, some physicians are recommending that children receive a third dose of the MMR vaccine. States such as Washington, Arkansas, and Missouri have seen a significant increase in mumps in 2016 and early 2017. In Texas, cases are at a 20-year high.

The MMR vaccine protects against currently circulating mumps strains, but the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease over time. That’s one reason cases may be on the upsurge. Another reason may be that some areas have a higher number of unvaccinated children, allowing the disease to spread quickly throughout a population.

Outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in schools, colleges, and camps. However, high vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks.

A child with mumps will become contagious beginning a day or two before the swelling begins, and the contagious period will continue for about 5 days after the swelling has started.

It’s interesting to note that approximately one third of those infected with mumps do not show obvious swelling. As a general guideline, keep your child with mumps away from school and child-care for 9 days after the gland swelling has begun.

If your child has the mumps, notify your doctor if your child’s condition becomes worse, especially if she develops abdominal pain, shows an unusual lack of energy, or (for boys) his testicles become painful.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY

Lice: Prevention & Treatment Lice are tiny, parasitic six-legged insects that live on the human head. They are very small, about the size of a sesame seed. Female lice attach eggs, called nits, near the scalp, on shafts of hair. Children can’t get lice just by being in the same room with someone who is infested, since lice can’t jump or fly. However, lice can be transferred from one person to another by head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items like brushes, combs, or hats. If you get a call from your child’s school nurse notifying you that your child or someone in his class has lice, take action quickly.

The earlier an infestation is treated, the easier it is to remove.

How to Spot A Lice Infestation

If your child has a lice infestation, his scalp may be itchy or he may have the feeling that something is moving around in his hair. To confirm an infestation,

get a fine-toothed nit comb and a magnifying glass.

Inspect your child’s head thoroughly, especially behind the ears and the nape of the neck. If you don’t spot something right away, wet your child’s hair, put some conditioner in it, and run the nit comb through it just to make sure.

How to Treat the Lice Infestation

To get rid of a lice infestation, first try a pesticide-free, over-the-counter treatment, such as pyrethrin. Treat everyone in the household at the same time, and repeat the treatment in 10 days to ensure you kill any nits that survived the first treatment. Wash all clothes, bedding, hats, brushes and combs used in the last 48 hours. If after two treatments you are still finding lice, it is time to contact the doctor. A prescription treatment containing pesticides may be necessary to eliminate the lice for good.

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HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE

montessori operations

minion rush Race with the Minions in the awardwinning, fan-favorite runner Despicable Me: Minion Rush! Run as fast as you can while jumping, dodging, rolling and knocking Minions off the track in despicably actionpacked levels.

An app dedicated to learning about addition & subtraction, for kids 5 to 8. Applying a 100 year old proven pedagogy with the best of technology and fun monsters to introduce these 4 very important concepts (addition, subtraction, doubles/halves, odd/even).

the wonder weeks The Wonder Weeks is an award winning, bestselling, baby app that’s a personalized weekly calendar of your baby’s mental development during the first 20 months, that will keep you informed about the leaps and bounds, sleep regressions, and the fussy phases of your baby.

music superheroes Mathy and Matteo present musical concepts through games with 5 different areas: Exercise tempo on the drums; Get in rhythm with dance; Exercise the right notes; Learn to play music with the correct tempo, rhythm, and notes; Listen and try to guess dozens of instruments. Great app for little musicians!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PARENTING

BEYOND SPORTS:

OFF THE FIELD AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES TO CHALLENGE YOUR CHILD From soccer to lacrosse, sports are what most parents initially think about when considering extracurricular activities for their children. However, today's schools and communities understand there's a need for diverse afterschool options that challenge kids in a variety of ways. These extracurricular activities are great ways to broaden your children's horizons and provide them with plenty of fun and education: NATURE: Because we live in such a digitized world, many school systems are now offering nature-based programs that teach important science and biology skills while instilling respect for Mother Nature. Scouts is another fantastic option with many nature-based activities.

THEATER: Many kids dream of becoming stars on their favorite TV shows, and theater experience is the first step in exploring that interest. It's not just for high school students. Acting classes, musical theater and play production are all great options enjoyed by students with a wide-range of abilities.

STEM: Help your kids grow important science, technology, engineering and math skills through

STEM classes. Many classes use LEGO Bricks, gears, motors and more to build exciting projects while learning to work together and solve problems.

MUSIC: Music afterschool activities exercise the brain in a variety of ways. Inherently creative, music is also very technical. Learning about notes, chords and music theory is mathematical in many ways. Explore choir, instrument classes and band camps to inspire your junior Mozart.

MARTIAL ARTS :Classes offer physical exercise that improve balance and stamina, but parents enjoy many of the other benefits that often come from studying martial arts, including increased focus, discipline and respect for others.

COOKING: With the expansive popularity of cooking shows, kids have never had more interest in what goes on in the kitchen. Sign up for cooking classes and they'll learn proper cooking technique and whip up some tasty treats in the process. Soon enough, you may be able to hand off one meal a week to your chef-in-training.

ART: With the reality of many schools reducing art programs, exploring art education outside of the classroom is paramount. Kids love to create and there are a variety of art programs for the next Picasso or Rembrandt. Drawing programs are wildly popular, but also consider sculpture, pottery and mixed-media classes.

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