Family & Kids Bayou Region May 2017

MAY 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

BAYOU REGION s tivitie & ADcE s p Cam GUI -25 S 18

© Jo Ann Leboeuf Photography

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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MEAN GIRLS HOO’s PARENTING

Dealing with bullies during the journey through childhood is nothing new. However, the easy access to technology has intensified a type of bullying that occurs as tween girls transition into adolescence and search for their place in the social order at school. Some girls who feel a need to have control of others climb their way to the top of the cliques and use their power over to their groups to terrorize outsiders. Social media makes it easy for the ‘mean girls’ leader to spread lies and gossip, not just to the other kids at school but to thousands of other social media app users.

This is all in addition to the usual harassment of name calling and snide comments your daughter may experience every day at school, if she finds herself the target of the ‘mean girls’ clique.

Tween girls who bully typically do so because they feel insecure and their needs are not being met. They may have low self-esteem or have an aspect of their life where they don’t feel in control, so they compensate by climbing up the top of the clique hierarchy and wielding power over the ‘cool’ clique of girls. The girls who are members of the ‘cool’ clique may have trouble realizing how the outsiders who are being harassed feel, since they feel secure in their clique. Also, the clique members may also be afraid of being booted out if they speak up and object to the leader’s actions.

Your tween may not tell you everything that is going on at school when it comes to the cliques of mean girls, especially if she has joined one or has been a victim of one. Instead of asking her about

any of her involvement with cliques, ask her what the cliques are like at her school, what sort of behavior she has observed, and how she feels about what she has seen. This will give you a feel for what may be happening. Once you have opened the topic, she might feel comfortable enough to share anything that has happened specifically to her.

One important step in preventing ‘mean girl’ bullying is for you and your daughter to form a relationship with the school counselor, teachers you feel you can look to for support, and the school administration. It is the school’s duty to keep your daughter physically and emotionally safe at school, but you are much more likely to get action taken if you have already formed a relationship with the school staff. Let your daughter know she should immediately report all incidents of physical and emotional bullying to the school staff member who is her advocate, so the issue can be addressed.

Next, you want to empower your daughter to deal with any daily incidents by asking her what would be the right way to act in certain circumstances.

For example, just smile and be polite when a bully makes a snide comment, instead of sending one back. Also, let her know that the bully may have targeted her because they are jealous, not because there is something wrong with her. The message she should send the bullies is that she is not interested in trying to fit in and being friends with them, but they don’t have to be enemies either.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

sDigest.com

Sales@FamilyandKid

253-212-7270 Cell

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

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

AD DEADLINES

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

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . page 5, 10 & 15

HOO’S parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 9

Hoo’s Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 27

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

Hoo Knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29

Hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 & 30

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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Registration begins May 30 Story times, crafts, activities, and fun for ALL AGES!

HOO’s HEALTHY

LUPUS

AWARENESS Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, and damage to almost any part of the body. It results from the body’s immune system malfunctioning and creating antibodies that attack parts of the body, including internal

organs and the skin. Lupus appears most often in women between the ages of 15 and 44, although it is possible for men and children to develop lupus. It is estimated that about 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND HOW IS LUPUS DIAGNOSED? A butterfly shaped rash that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, fever, joint pain and a feeling of extreme fatigue are some of the more common symptoms; which often appear and disappear in a cycle of ‘flare ups’.

CAN YOU GET LUPUS FROM SOMEONE ELSE OR INHERIT IT? Lupus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Scientists have not been able to link lupus to a particular gene and therefore cannot say with certainty that you can inherit it. However, statistics show that if your family health history includes lupus, you may be at higher risk of developing the disease.

IS THERE A TREATMENT FOR LUPUS? CAN IT BE CURED? The goal of a treatment plan for lupus is to prevent and decrease the severity of flare-ups using the right combination of medications. It can take awhile for this combination to be found, but once it is, patients can live relatively normal lives. At the present, there is no cure for lupus.

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

Activities A Time 2 Dance....................................... 25 Alstarz Cheerleading Academy...........2 Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 22 Blacklist Camps.......................................21 Bricks 4 Kidz Camps..............................21 Brushworks Art & Music Camps....... 20 City of Thibodaux................................... 25 Ctr for Pediatric Therapy Camps...... 23 eLearning Academy Camps............... 23 Fitness Frenzy.......................................... 9 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours........ 27 Gymnastics Development Center......18 Houma’s Best Summer Camp............. 25 James Academy of Gymnastics.........18 La Tea Da Party Palace............................8 THEM Lafourche ParishTELL Libraries....................5 Mix It Up Camps......................................18 Paddy Danos School of Dance............13 Riverview CampSENT for Girls.....................19 YOU! Sylvan Learning Camps....................... 24 Tiger-Rock................................................ 22

Coastal Urgent Care...............................14 Dr. Jake E Bordelon, Chiropractor.... 27 Ellender Orthodontics...........................10 Substance Abuse Prevention................7 Thieler Orthodontics............................ 29 Total Urgent Care................................... 26

Shopping/ Retail Allstate - Brian Mustin........................... 9 Bayou Inflatables......................................8 Clearwater Pools & Spas...................... 30 Downtown Houma..................................31 Felger’s Foot Wear..................................13 Fit Kitchen..................................................2 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Southland Mall....................................... 32

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education The Learning Ladder............................. 27

PARENTS’ ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

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SENT YOU!

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HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE My boo Adopt your Boo, give it a special name and watch it grow up! Dress it up, feed it, bathe it, tickle it, play with it, tuck your boo into bed, and you can even decorate its house!

From caring for your boo to a plethora of mini games, this app is sure to entertain.

waze Drive with Waze open, so you can actively report accidents, police traps and other hazards on the road. Get road alerts along your route and find the cheapest gas prices.

Plus, you can add friends, send locations or keep others posted on your arrival time.

zombies, run!

If you’re one of the “I only run if something is chasing me,” kinda people, this award winning app is made for you. Now your run will have you at the center of your very own apocalypse. Evade mobs and collect supplies while listening to the perfect mix of haunting audio content & your own playlist.

marco polo weather This app won the Parents’ Choice GOLD award! It allows your little ones to change conditions such as temperature, wind speed, precipitation, cloud coverage and so much more. Every choice and combination creates a new weather experience! And all without annoying ads and pop ups!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY

COTTON CANDY

MARBLED FUDGE

Kids love this fudge, adults love this fudge – it’s an excellent dessert to serve at birthday parties and showers and holidays!

DIRECTIONS

Line a 13×9 pan with foil and nonstick spray. Combine sugar, butter, heavy cream and butter in a saucepan, cook and stir over low heat. Once sugar is dissolved, bring to a boil and stir for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in the mallow cream and the chips, stirring until melted. Pour 3/4 of the mix into lined pan. Add the cotton candy mix to 1/4 leftovers then drizzle that over the pan.

Now, add 3 drops of the food coloring across top of the fudge in the pan, and use a knife to make the swirls.

Refrigerate to set, then cut into squares and serve.

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups sugar • 3/4 cup butter • 12 ozs white chocolate chips • 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 packet Duncan Hines Cotton Candy Frosting Creations mix • Pink food coloring (I used McCormick NEON food color)

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HOO’s PARENTING

Why Kids Bite?

Though it is common for babies and toddlers under the age of 3 to bite other children or even adults, it is not a pleasant experience to deal with when it happens. Here is an overview of the reasons your child may bite and what you can do to prevent it.

First, remember that babies and young toddlers sometimes bite because they are teething and need something to chomp on. Take steps to help manage your baby’s teething pain, such as providing him with plenty of teethers to bite on. Babies also are notorious for exploring the world around them by chewing on things. Even if the biting seems to be a case of innocent exploration, you still need to teach him that it hurts others. React with a comment like ‘Ouch that hurts!’ or ‘Please don’t bite!’

Toddlers between 12 and 24 months often bite in reaction to feeling frustrated or neglected and not having the language skills to express themselves.

Never try to teach your toddler that biting hurts by biting him back when he nips someone. That

will only teach him that it’s OK to react to violent behavior with another violent behavior. Instead, when your child bites another child, tend to the bitten child first, then discipline your child. Calmly state something like ‘We don’t bite, we use our words’, and perhaps let him cool down in time out.

If biting is a repeated behavior for your child, learn to spot when your child is about to bite so that you can quickly intervene and redirect his attention elsewhere. Also, take note of what seems to trigger biting.

For example, if an overly large, noisy, playgroup seems to stress your toddler, you may want to avoid those. If, despite your best efforts, your child is still biting after the age of three, seek help from his doctor, as this may be a sign of other developmental issues.

PROTECT YOUR WORLD 5328 Highway 311 Houma

985-447-8150 535 Canal Blvd.

Thibodaux

Insurance and discounts subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co.. Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Ins. Co. & Allstate Assurance Co. Northbrook, IL; Lincoln Benefit Life Co., Lincoln, NE; and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., Jacksonville, FL. Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. © 2017 Allstate Insurance Co.

204693

Brian Mustin 985-873-1411

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY Parents expect they will have to endure the temper tantrums of the ‘terrible twos’ and the defiance of the tween years. However, for some kids, the defiance and resistance to authority does not diminish in the time period between these stages and instead becomes more intense. Episodes of being moody and talking back, along with incidents of easily becoming angered, are frequent and start to interfere with daily life at home and at school.

If a child displays this type of excessively defiant behavior for at least six months or his behavior is more defiant than that of other kids in his age group, he may be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD).

Researchers have not found a specific cause for ODD but suspect it is a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Some studies have linked behavior problems with abnormalities in the brain which interfere with the production of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells in the brain to communicate properly). A genetic link is suggested by statistics that show kids with

WHAT IS: OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANCE

DISORDER

ODD also tend to have family members with mood or anxiety disorders.

If you suspect your child may have ODD, his doctor will ask you specifics about his symptoms, take your child’s medical history, and may perform a physical exam to help rule out any medical issues that may be contributing. Once medical conditions have been ruled out, your child will be referred to a psychiatrist that specializes in childhood behavior disorders.

The psychiatrist will develop a treatment plan for your child that includes psychotherapy and may include medication.

Two important psychotherapy techniques used to treat kids with ODD are cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps teach kids to use coping and problem-solving skills to control anger, and parent management training (PMT), which teaches parents how to guide and improve their child’s behavior.

DISCOVER THE 11 WONDERS INSIDE!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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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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.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

May 31 3:30-6:00 July 26 3:30-6:00

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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The

HOO’s HEALTHY

The health culprits contained in children’s food products are sugar and sodium. A little is fine, but too much is a health disaster waiting to happen in the form of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

The harsh reality is that some of these products have more sodium and sugar in them than adult food products. We’re not talking about natural sugars and sodium contained in food, but added sugar and salt to make the foods “taste better.”

The CDC’s study showed that about one-third of prepared dinners made for toddlers contained at least one kind of added sugar, as well as 97% of breakfast pastries and cereal bars. Researchers found that 88% juices and other drinks marketed for infants and toddlers contained added sugars.

On the sodium spectrum, 72% of toddler dinners were found to be way over the recommended limit, with an average of 2,295 milligrams of sodium per meal. The Institute of Medicine recommends that toddlers consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Some foods marketed to infants and toddlers had more sodium than comparable adult foods. Among 34 types of savory snacks for infants and toddlers – a category that includes crackers, some types

Kids

Doctor

read up on prepackaged baby foods As a parent, you may have assumed that prepackaged food for infants and toddlers surely must be healthy; I mean really, what kind of a company would knowingly put these innocents at risk for long-term health issues? If that has indeed been your assumption, then you may be surprised to learn the results of a new study using a comprehensive analysis of foods sold for infants and toddlers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, if you’ve ever read the confusing Nutritional Facts list on such products, you may not be surprised at all.

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Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

of rice cakes and mini-hot dogs sold in jars – the average concentration of sodium was 486 mg per 100 grams of food. In comparison, salted potato chips intended for adults have about 450 mg of sodium per 100 grams.

The good news is that not all of their findings are negative. More than 80% of the 582 fruit, vegetable, soup and dinner items for infants had no added sugars.

However, food content begins to change after kids turned 1 and moved on to toddler foods. Cereal bars, fruit and dry fruit snacks for this age group were still low in sodium, but most contained at least one type of added sugar. The most common additive listed was “fruit juice concentrate,” a somewhat creative name for squeezing out most of a fruit’s water and fiber so that only the fruit sugar is left.

So what can you do as a parent? Become a label investigator and check for these four things: · · · ·

How many servings are contained in the product.

The sodium content per serving The sugar content per serving The list of ingredients

Added sugars may have names such as high fructose syrup, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, maltose, dextrose, sucrose, honey and maple syrup. Added sodium may be listed as monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrite, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

Look at where these items fall in the list of ingredients. Ingredients are listed in order of the quantity they contribute to the overall food. When you see any ingredient listed first or at the top of the list, there’s a lot of it in the food.

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May Ev

Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main Library TD - Thibodaux Bra

1 C2 Craft night at Chick-fil-A on MLK, Houma. 5-8pm.

7 Noise Makers: Movement and

2 “Let’s Make a Book” Kids Craft.

TD. 4:30pm. Ages 8 & up. RSVP 447-4119.

9 Mother’s Day Craft: Wall Shelf.

4:15pm. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

3 Pokémon League. TD. Ages 10 and up. 4pm.

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13 Second Saturday Storytime.

TM. 3pm.

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

12 Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

14 Escape the Library. TM. 3pm.

4-7

Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair.

1101 Tiger Dr, Thibodaux. Carnival, bands, parade and Cajun food. Firemensfair.com.

4 & 6

Garage Sale Benefit at Alstarz Cheer. 7am. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Music. TM. 3pm. Build reading skills through movement.

Magna Tiles STEM Playtime.

Ages 2+. 11am. TD.

12 Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer.

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

12 Creative manicures with mom.

TD. 10am. RSVP 447-4119.

12-14

13 Crawdaddy’s Crawfish Boil Off to benefit CASA Lafourche. The Foundry, Thibodaux. 3-10pm.

Crawfish races, costume contest, games, crafts, inflatables, bands, characters and auction.

Work in teams to solve clues before time runs out. RSVP 8765861.

19 Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer.

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

19 Zumba. TD. 10am.

Bayou Cajun Fest. Fri. 6-mid and Sat. 1-mid. Larose Civic Center. Carnival, bands and vendors. Bayoucivicclub.org.

19 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

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Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

13 Dream Catchers Craft. 1pm.

TD. Ages 10 and up. RSVP 4474119.

20 Mis Cherie’s Memorial Touch-

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4

Tween Star Wars Craft. 4pm.

TD. RSVP 447-4119.

Dr. Seuss Space Event.

10:30pm. TD. Storytime, space video and craft.

6 LEGO Robotics. TM. 11am 2nd & 3rd grade 3pm. 4th-7th grade.

RSVP 876-5861.

6 Movie Madness: Sing. TD. 1pm.

6 Community garage sale at Bay-

ouland YMCA. 7am-noon. 985873-9622 to reserve a booth.

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

13 TFAE 5K and Food Fest. Down-

town Houma. 3pm Register, 6pm Race, music & food court. Tfae. org.

13 Mud Bug Boil Off Fundraiser.

Downtown Thibodaux. $10. Live music, crawfish and auction. 985587-3000.

A-Truck. TM. 10am.

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Stomp’n On Da Bayou. Evergreen Cajun Center. 11ammid. Bands, food, crafts and kids games. 4694 W Main St, Houma.

20 Wounded Vets Fishing Rodeo.

Pointe Aux Chene Marina. 985637-0156 for more info.

20 Parent’s Night Out. Martial Arts

Studio, Houma. 6-9:30pm. $20.

RSVP 985-772-1861.

vents

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anch Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

21 Create! All ages craft w/ polymer clay. TM. 3pm.

26 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

Open play to build decks, trade and battle 27

LEGO Robotics. Ages 8+.

10am. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

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.

Tales for Tots. BCCM. 10:30pm.

Ages 2-5. bccm.info

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

Exercise class. 11am. TD. Style varies.

SATURDAY

PreK and up. TM. 4pm. RSVP 8765861.

Bingo. TD. 10am. All ages. Prizes awarded.

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

985-223-3798.

28 Family Movie Matinee: Middle

Board Game night. TD. 5pm. All ages. Prizes awarded. Snacks provided.

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

WEDNESDAY

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

27 MoboRobo Robotics Lab for

School. TM. 3pm.

30 Summer Reading KickOff. TD. 9am-4pm.

31 Mini Light Bulb Moss Aquarium

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am.

Craft. TD. 4pm. Ages 8 and up.

RSVP 447-4119.

Storytime with craft. TD. 10:30am.

All ages welcome.

31 Craftganza. TM. 4pm. 4th grade and up. “Poke’ Ball Keychains.” RSVP 985-876-5861.

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

Weekly Events MONDAY

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

Game Night. TD. 4pm. Different theme each week. Snacks provided.

THURSDAY

Toddler Storytime. TM. 2pm. 19 mon-3 years.

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 non-members. Adult required for ages 5 and under. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.

Thibodaux Main Street Market.

8am-12:30pm 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.

985-2237575.

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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Choices for & Your Family SUMMER Wise CAMPS &YouACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Choices for & Your Family SUMMER Wise CAMPS &YouACTIVITIES GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Choices for & Your Family SUMMER Wise CAMPS &YouACTIVITIES GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

r e m m u S Special 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 • 270 Hwy 3185, Thibodaux, & 220 Civic Center Blvd, Houma

therapyforpeds.com

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Choices for & Your Family SUMMER Wise CAMPS &YouACTIVITIES GUIDE

PIRATES COVE MAZE

HOO’s FUN

Pirate’s Cove Maze

Arr! Help the pirate in the rowboat make his way to the treasure!

FINISH fin

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sta

RT A ST

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

An Uplifting Christian Atmosphere!

a ime to dance DANCE EDUCATION SUMMER WORKSHOPS Aubrey, AT2D Beginner Ballerina

Kristi, AT2D Senior Student

18 mos. thru Advanced Level Boys and Girls

Sharing and growing in God's love through the art of dance!

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Ecclesiastes 3:4

401 Bayou Gardens Blvd I 985.851.2623 I AT2D@att.net

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter:

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

Avianah, 6 years Gray

Alex, 4 years Houma

Alivia, 4 years Houma

You broke a bone.

Don’t break the bank.

Up to seven times less expensive than the ER.

Cut Off (in front of Walmart) 314 Hwy 3162 | (985) 632-1820 M-F 8am-8pm | S-Su 8am-5pm Trusted. Proven. Affordable.

MyTotalUrgentCare.com

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Hoo’s helpful

• Inspect the roof and repair shingles that are loose or have been damaged by winter weather. You don’t have to climb up there to spot trouble. Using a good pair of binoculars, you should be able to spot any cracked or loose shingles or nails that have popped out.

• Inspect the chimney for any damage and if it’s a masonry chimney, for any loose or missing bricks or stones. Check Spring home maintenance is not just for the also to ensure there are not any missing joints between inside of your house. Here are some simple the bricks and stones and no vegetation growing out of the maintenance tasks that will give your home joints. If there is, you probably have water leaking into your masonry chimney. Repair the masonry and seal it with a exterior a fresh look for spring. clear, water-resistant barrier material.

• Decks should be cleaned once a year and spring is the perfect time. Repair any loose and splintered boards, and if • Take a look at the weather stripping and caulking around needed, stain and refinish the deck after you have cleaned it. windows to ensure the windows are sealed tightly. Any air leaks will allow air conditioning to escape during the hot • Get your home ready for all those spring and summer summer months. If you have noticed there is condensation downpours by cleaning debris out of gutters and in between your windows during the winter, the weather downspouts. Check the gutters and downspouts to ensure seal on the window may have gone bad and you may need they are not loose or damaged. The water should flow freely to replace the window or the glass. Also, inspect the wood out of the downspouts and away from the foundation of casings and trim around windows for any rotted wood that the house, to avoid getting water in the crawlspace or needs repairing. basement.

HOME MAINTENANCE

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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

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.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s Tips

DRY DROWNING While our kids are swimming in a pool or lake, we watch them carefully to ensure they stay safe.

However, there are types of drowning called ‘dry drowning’ and ‘secondary drowning’ that can occur after you leave the water and return home. Both occur when your child breathes in water while swimming. In dry downing, water is breathed in and causes the vocal cords to spasm and close off the airway. Secondary drowning is when water is breathed into the lungs and causes pulmonary edema, usually 1 - 24 hours after the incident. Symptoms of both types include difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and feeling very tired. Keep an eye on your kids after they have had any kind of incident while swimming and seek immediate emergency treatment if you notice these symptoms.

HOO knew?

This Month In

History MAY

1 England releases the first adhesive postage stamp. (1840)

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

1 Cereal food “Cheerios” hits store shelves.

(1941) 1 Mr. Potato Head is introduced. (1952) 8 The U.S. Post Office is established. (1794) 11 Einstein’s presents his Theory of General Relativity. (1916) 14 Vaseline petroleum jelly slides onto store shelves for the first time. (1878) 15 Nylon stockings hit the market for the first time. (1940) 19 Ringling Brothers circus premieres. (1884)

Nicole Thieler, DDS, MSD

21 The American Red Cross was formed.

(1881)

Call for a complimentary consultation!

24 Nursery Rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” was written by Mary Hale of Boston.

(1830)

206 Mystic Boulevard Houma, LA 70360

(985) 876-4484 www.thielerorthodontics.com

27 The pop-up toaster is patented. (1919)

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Jump into Summer!

Pool packages starting at only $2,500. Financing available.

6868 W. Park Avenue, Houma • 985.868.4809 306 Jackson Street, Thibodaux • 985.446.7418 www.clearwaterswimmingpools.com

Pools – Spas – Billiards – Drinking Water Systems

Hoo’s Tips

SAVE

ON GAS MYTH: Premium gas will help ensure your vehicle performs well and helps protect the engine from damage, even when using premium fuel is not required by the car’s manufacturer.

TRUTH: A recently published study found that for vehicles not required to have the higher octane or ‘premium’ gas, using premium gas has little or no benefit. Higher octane gas is able to be compressed more before igniting, helping reduce the possibility that the gas vapor will ignite prematurely before the spark plug fires and cause a ‘knocking’

Properly maintaining your vehicle keeps it performing well and can help you avoid expensive repairs. However, there is one myth that persists about car maintenance that may lead some owners to spend money unnecessarily.

sound. Recently manufactured cars have electronics that monitor any ‘knocking’ and adjust the timing of the firing of the spark plug accordingly to eliminate ‘knocking.’

For this reason, cars designed to work when fueled with regular gas do not experience improved performance when fueled with premium gas.

For some vehicles, premium gas is ‘recommended’ by the manufacturer.

For these vehicles, using regular gas may cause a slight decrease in acceleration in extreme conditions, such as on a very hot day, or when

the acceleration is very sudden.

Under normal driving conditions however, you will probably not notice a difference in how fast you accelerate when using regular gas.

However, do be cautious about where you buy your gas. Choose stations that sell gas that meets the ‘Top Tier’ standards governing the amount and quality of detergents added to gasoline. These detergents keep the car’s engine running well by reducing engine deposits. Gas that meets Top Tier standards is not usually available at independent retailers.

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HOO’s CRAFTY

FUNKY MARBLED

PAPER WEIGHTS These pretty rainbow rocks are perfect for brightening up your desk! With a little nail polish and water, you can transform an ordinary rock into a beautiful paperweight.

DIRECTIONS Find a great rock outside, wash it well, and apply two coats of a bright white paint, and let it dry completely.

SUPPLIES rocks

Now, fill a bowl with enough cold water to submerge your rock.

white paint

Add a drop of nail polish to the center of the bowl. Continue adding drops of nail polish to the center of the previous color.

And be quick so the polish doesn’t harden.

toothpicks

Drag a toothpick through the polish to make a marbled pattern.

Then carefully dip your rock and watch the polish stick to it!

bowl nail polish paintbrush