Family & Kids Bayou Region Sept 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Michelle Lynn Photography

BAYOU REGION

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Now registering for art and music classes

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Too Cute to

Your Holiday Outfit Headquarters!

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

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

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

Bows • Skin & Hair Care • Gifts & Toys • Monogramming • Baptismal Supplies

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HOO’s PARENTING TAKING THE LEAD IN

SPORTSMANSHIP: WAYS PARENTS CAN SUPPORT THEIR KIDS AND TEACH WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A GOOD SPORT

We’ve all seen it—the parent who stands on the sidelines criticizing the decisions made by coaches and officials; the one who yells at his own child when she makes a mistake; the fan that hurls rude remarks to the opposing team; and the parent who always places blame. Some of us have even had the misfortune of witnessing brawls.

WHAT’S IN WINNING AND LOSING?

There’s no question, winning is rewarding and boosts self-esteem. However, well-meaning parents sometimes are so caught up in the competitiveness that they lose sight of the real value of sports. Winning is not just being the victor of a game, but becoming the best all-around person one can be.

WHAT’S IN LOSING? Plenty. It teaches lessons in perseverance, humility, respect, and acceptance of defeat.

WHAT ELSE DO SPORTS OFFER? Oppor-

tunities to build friendships, lessons on the importance of rules, fairness and honesty, anger management, leadership skills, and how to work as a team. In short, sports teach important principles of life that will be of immense value in the years to come.

TIPS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD Make the most of your child’s involvement by showing your support and what it means to be a good sport.

• Avoid pointing out your child’s mistakes or criticizing in a negative way. This only serves to make kids feel worse, and your child is most likely already aware of the mistake.

• Practice with your child, but don’t push. Offer pointers and demonstrate proper techniques without a constant focus on mistakes.

• Allow coaches and officials to do their jobs. If you feel an error was made, remember it’s a tough job and that we all make mistakes.

Realize it will probably come out in the wash.

• Praise your child’s efforts, and cheer on your child and her team.

• Don’t put down the other team’s players, and be courteous and respectful of the other team’s fans.

• When talking with your child about a game, point out specific displays of sportsmanship that took place to show the difference between being a good sport and poor one.

• If your child isn’t enjoying the

sport, don’t force him to stay in it.

Team sports aren’t for everyone.

Help find another activity or a solo sport that is more suited to him.

• Acknowledge and show interest in team members whose abilities don’t stand out.

• Don’t place blame when the team loses.

• Read It's How You Play the Game: Reclaiming Sportsmanship and Honor by Bobby Newman.

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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.

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Click the CONTEST TAB at www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com. Drawing October 1.

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

Plus read our digital edition at:

www.familyandkidsdigest.com Find us on Facebook

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HOO’s HEALTHY Having a bit of ‘tummy trouble’ every once in a while is not the most pleasant experience but is usually not a cause for concern. However, some people find symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea occur frequently enough that it starts interfering with their daily routines. One possible cause of these symptoms is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

What is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth?

The small intestine is about 21 feet long and connects the stomach to the colon. It is home to specific types of bacteria that help digest food. After food is digested, the small intestine then absorbs it into the body. The colon is also home to a population of bacteria, which is typically larger and different than that of the small intestine.

When an abnormally large population of bacteria of the type typically found in the colon is present in the small intestine, issues with the digestive system can occur. These bacteria produce gas and compete with the small intestine for nutrients. The abnormal bacteria also excrete substances irritating to the small intestine.

WHAT IS: SIBO

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors may use a hydrogen breath test to help determine if a patient has SIBO. Sugar is ingested and then the patient’s breath is analyzed to see if there is an abnormal production of hydrogen. This test may not detect SIBO in patients where the bacteria causing SIBO symptoms do not produce hydrogen, so it is not 100% accurate.

How is SIBO treated?

SIBO can be the underlying cause for a digestive condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or it can be a result of another medical condition, such as a disorder of the intestinal muscles or an intestinal obstruction. Antibiotics are used to bring the population of bacteria in the small intestine back to normal. For patients with IBS, a probiotic is often prescribed along with antibiotics.

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy.........12 Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 27 Best of the Bayou Festival....................31 Blacklist Martial Arts & Fitness........ 24 Bricks 4 Kidz........................................... 20 Brushworks Art & Music Academy.....5 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours.......... 9 Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu.....................................2 Gymnastics Development Center......18 Houma’s #1 After School Program.... 27 James Academy of Gymnastics........ 25 Mix It Up Cooking Classes.................. 29 Voice & Piano Lessons......................... 20

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education SENT YOU! Sylvan Learning of Houma................... 9

Bayou Behavioral Services..................15 Coastal Urgent Care.............................. 23 Dr. Jake E. Bordelon, Chiropractor... 24 Ellender Orthodontics............................ 9 Thieler Orthodontics.............................15 Total Urgent Care................................... 30

Shopping/ Retail Allstate - Brian Mustin..........................15 Bayou Inflatables................................... 28 Clearwater Pools & Spas...................... 28 Downtown Houma..................................19 Felger’s Foot Wear................................. 20 Healthe Cafe............................................ 20 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Michelle Lynn Photography..................7 Randi, Beauty Artist...............................10 Southland Mall....................................... 32 Tammy Usie, Marketing Agency........ 11

TELL THEM

PARENTS’ ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

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SENT YOU!

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HOO’s PARENTING One common phrase parents may hear, after the ‘screen time’ limit is reached and the electronics are shut off for the day is, “I am bored! There is nothing to do!” While your kids might not think so, feeling bored is actually good for them.

Here are some reasons why.

age-appropriate

chores If your child is feeling bored, it may be a signal that he needs to reconnect with you. Even if you are very busy working, don’t react to the whining by turning the TV back on. Instead, put aside your work for a few minutes and focus on your child. Help him reconnect with you by talking to him or playing his favorite game outside for five or ten minutes. If you sense he needs more time with you, postpone your work or help get him involved in it.

When your child feels his need to reconnect with you is fulfilled for the moment, he may start asking again for something to do. At this point, don’t provide him with a list of possible activities. Instead, encourage him to come up with ideas on his own. The ability to be self-directed and to self-entertain is an important life skill. By refusing to be your child’s entertainment

director, you allow him the opportunity to look inward and explore his own interests, while at the same time looking around at the external surroundings for possible activities to fill his free play time.

It is in free play time that creative, innovative ideas are constructed. Most kids, after a few minutes of boredom, will find something interesting to do, like building a fort out of sticks or playing with bubbles in the yard. However, some kids who are used to a day filled with structured activities and screen time, may at first need a little help finding activities. Sit down with your child and help him brainstorm ideas.

Write the ideas down and put them in a ‘boredom jar’ he can draw from whenever boredom strikes.

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HOO’s Fun

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Bee to Flower Maze

Copyright of www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CRAFTY

SHARPIE SWIRLED TILE COASTERS

This is an easy craft and is a great afternoon activity. You can give them as gifts, or you can hide them around town as part of the ColumbusGaRocks movement.

DIRECTIONS Lay down newspaper over your work surface, just in case.

Then use a little alcohol to clean your tile and let dry.

SUPPLIES 4x4 White Tiles Rubbing Alcohol

Now let your littles color the whole surface of the tile using a variety of Sharpie colors and patterns.

Spoon or Dropper

Use a straw or dropper or small spoon and add a few drops of alcohol onto your tile. Let the drops dry a bit before adding more drops.

Newspaper

You can clean your tile and start over, but once your masterpiece is done and dry, clear coat it well, and enjoy your coaster!

Sharpies Clear Coat Spray

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HOO’s PARENTING

STAY ON TASK with School Projects

Why do school projects cause stress and tension for some families while other families have fun with them from start to finish? Most often, it comes down to time and material management. Use these tips to help your child’s next project run smoothly.

• Organize the project first. Determine what will be needed to complete the project and make a list of materials.

Get everything you’ll need together before starting on the project.

• Determine how much time you will need to spend working on the project. Don’t try to do everything all at once—break it up. A five year old may not be able to work on a project for more than thirty minutes, while a twelve year old may be able to devote two or more hours at a time to the project.

• Use your calendar. Set aside specific times to work on the project and mark the family calendar so you have a constant reminder.

• Stay focused. Work in a quiet place without interference from electrical distractions like the television, computer, and phone.

• Praise your child on his hard work. This encourages them to keep working.

Tammy Usie creative boutique & brokerage

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HEALTHY

tips on trampoline safety Trampolines are a lot of fun and great exercise, but they also come with risks for injuries. All the hopping, bouncing and tumbling can sometimes lead to accidents, particularly if more than one child is on the trampoline. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a list of safety precautions parents should take if there is a trampoline at the house.

The AAOS and the AAP both say that children 6 years and younger should not be allowed on trampolines.

“Children younger than age 6 are less likely to have the coordination, body awareness and swift reaction time necessary to keep their bodies, bones and brains safe on trampolines,” said Dr. Jennifer Weiss, a Los Angeles pediatric orthopedic surgeon and academy spokesperson.

The most common injuries children suffer on trampolines are sprains and fractures caused by falls on the trampoline mat, frame or springs.

Collisions with other jumpers; stunts gone wrong; and falls off the trampoline onto the ground or other hard surfaces, are also injuries physicians see.

Landing wrong can cause serious or permanent injuries even when the trampoline has a net and padding. The majority of injuries occur when there is more than one person on the trampoline.

The AAP doesn’t recommend that parents buy a home trampoline, but if you decide to have one, they offer these safety guidelines: • Adult supervision at all times • Only one jumper on the trampoline at a time • No somersaults performed

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

• Adequate protective padding on the trampoline that is in good condition and appropriately placed • Check all equipment often • When damaged, protective padding, the net enclosure, and any other parts should be repaired or replaced The AAOS adds these safety precautions: Place the trampoline-jumping surface at ground level. Remove trampoline ladders after use to prevent unsupervised use by young children.

Regularly inspect equipment and throw away worn or damaged equipment if you can’t get replacement parts.

Don’t rely on safety net enclosures for injury prevention because most injuries occur on the trampoline surface. Check that supporting bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces have adequate protective padding that’s in good condition.

Close adult supervision, proper safety measures and instruction are crucial when a trampoline is used for physical education, competitive gymnastics, diving training and similar activities.

Have spotters present when participants are jumping. Do not allow somersaults or high-risk maneuvers unless there is proper supervision, instruction and protective equipment such as a harness.

Another tip that the AAP offers trampoline owners is to check their homeowner’s insurance policy to obtain a rider to cover trampolinerelated injuries if not included in the basic policy.

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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.

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

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

La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thib. 5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under. Face painting.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 4560 Louisiana 1, Raceland.

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

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thib.

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

thursday

Tuesday

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

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.

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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September Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main Library TD - Thibodaux

2

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

985-873-9622 to reserve a booth.

RSVP 447-4119.

2 Grandparent’s Day Tea Wreath

Craft. TD. 10:30am. RSVP 4474119.

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

RSVP 876-5861.

3 Noise Makers: Movement and Music. TM. 3pm.

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Grandparent’s Day. BCCM. 124pm. Crafts, play time. bccm.info

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20 Constitution Day Activity &

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22-23 Best of the Bayou Mu-

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CYOC Hurricane Festival. Cut Off Youth Center. Celebrate Cajun culture w/ food, music, and carnival rides for all ages.

Cajun Hawg Bassmasters Fishing Rodeo. Market Pavilion. 4484 Hwy 1, Raceland. Kids 2-15. Fresh and saltwater categories. Food and music. T-shirt and prizes for all participants.

Escape the Library. 4th grade and up. TM. 3pm. Group, timed, mystery activity. RSVP 876-5861.

12 Bingo. 10am. All ages. TD. 12 Self improvement seminar

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

with Michele Caruso. TD. 5:30pm.

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Bloxels for Tweens. TD. 3:30pm.

Ages 10 and up. Create video games, then play them. RSVP 4474119.

6 Magna Tiles STEM Playtime.

Ages 2+. TD. 11:30am.

8-10 TaWaSi Collectables and

Antiques Show. Warren J. Harang Auditorium, Thibodaux. Fri and Sat 10-5pm and Sun 10-4pm.

9 Fiddle Stitches Club. TM. 11am.

4th and up. All skill levels. Some supplies provided.

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Second Saturday Storytime.

TM. 3pm.

9 Teddy Bear Coloring. TD. All day, all ages.

4pm

Virtual Reality Demos. TM.

14 Electronic Snap Circuits. Ages 8 and up. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

16 LEGO Club. TM. 11am and 3pm. All ages.

16 Let’s Make Playdough. 5 and up. TD. 10:30am. RSVP 447-4119.

17 Terrebonne Comic Con. TM.

2-5pm.

17-23 230th Anniversary of

the signing of the Constitution.

Fly your flags in honor of this week and read the Constitution to be better informed on your rights.

Craft. TD. All day, all ages.

sic Fest. Music & kids korner. Tickets and more: Bobmusicfest.com

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Coco’s Estuary Experience.

BCCM. 10-2. Celebrate Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary with activities and presentations. Bccm.info

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MoboRobo Robotics Lab for PreK and up. TM. 4pm. RSVP 8765861.

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LEGO Robotics. Ages 8+.

10am. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

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Family Movie Matinee: LEGO Batman. TM. 3pm.

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Recycled Party Ball Adult Craft. TD. 5pm. RSVP 447-4119.

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Banned books movie marathon. TD. All day, all ages.

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Parent/Child 3D Doodler Pens. TD. 4:30pm. Ages 8 and up.

RSVP 447-4119.

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Sensory Storytime. 4pm. TM. RSVP 876-5861. Special needs, ages 3-7. 8

er Events

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Branch Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

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Bricks 4 Kidz Ninjago. Kids Night Out with Ninja Training at Endeavor Fitness, 6-9pm, ages 5 and up, w/ pizza. 243 Enterprise Dr. #A, 985-872-2772.

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Coco’s 4th Birthday Party.

BCCM. 1-5. Movie themed with crafts, music, cake, and more!

Dress as your favorite movie character. Bccm.info

WEDNESDAY

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am.

All ages storytime with craft.

10:30am. TD. Prime Time Storytime. TD. Ages 3-10pm. 6-8pm. (only 9/20 & 27) Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle. (only 9/6 & 20)

30 Science Saturday Story Time. THURSDAY PreK and up. 3pm. Read science books and conduct experiment.

Weekly Events MONDAY

Toddler Time. TM. 10am and 6pm.

19mon-3yrs. (none 9/4)

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. 10:30am.

Ages 2-5. bccm.info

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

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

Crafternoons for PreK-6th. 4pm.

TM. Craft varies. RSVP 876-5861.

FRIDAY

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

Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer Thibodaux. 6-9pm. $10. 605 St. Mary St, Thibodaux. 693-7109.

Open Gym (Only Sept. 8 & 29).

Alstarz Cheer Larose. 6-9pm. $10.

13347 W. Main St, Larose. 6937109.

Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle. (only 9/8 & 22)

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. 985223-3798.

Downtown Houma Market.

Courthouse Square. 8am-noon.

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.

985-2237575.

Kids’ Workshop. Home Depot, Houma. 9am-12pm. Ages 5-12.

Adult required. Free. RSVP homedepot.com/wor kshops/ 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 FUN Jokin’ Around about stationary

I have a joke about paper...

Nevermind... it’s tearable!

What did the paper say to the pen?

Write on!

What does an envelope say when you lick it?

Nothing! It just shuts up!

HOO’s HEALTHY

GOOD DIGESTIVE HEALTH

When the digestive system is working properly, the foods we eat are broken down and turned into the fuel needed to support a busy daily schedule. Here are some tips for maintaining good digestive health, many of which don’t cost anything to try.

Eat enough fiber. There are two kinds of fiber, soluble and insoluble, and your digestive system needs enough of both kinds to work properly. Insoluble fiber, which is also referred to as roughage, adds bulk to the stool and helps keep you regular. Soluble fiber absorbs water and keeps stools from being too loose and watery. Sources of insoluble fiber include whole grain foods, leafy dark green vegetables, nuts, skins of fruit, and seeds. To take in more soluble fiber, include oatmeal, apples, blueberries, and legumes in your diet.

for 10 to 15 minutes a day after eating a meal can be beneficial. However, wait about 30 minutes after eating a large meal to start exercising. Right after eating, the blood flow to the digestive system increases. Exercising right after you eat will increase blood to the heart and muscles, leaving the digestive system with insufficient blood flow to work properly.

Include food containing probiotics in your diet.

Some yogurts contain live cultures of bacteria strains that occur naturally in the digestive tract and aid with Drink enough water. Staying hydrated will keep digestion. If you are sensitive to lactose and can’t eat dairy you from becoming constipated. Water speeds up the products, consider asking your doctor to recommend a digestive process by helping to dissolve fat and soluble probiotic supplement. fiber.

Don’t eat too much fat. Fat is hard to digest. You do Get plenty of exercise. Exercise helps stimulate the need some fat to stay healthy, but eat fatty foods in small contractions of muscles in the digestive system, reducing portions and try to pair them with a high fiber food. the amount of time it takes to process food. Just walking

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HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE Relax melodies Escape sleepless nights, outside noises, and calm babies with this awesome app. Select sounds and melodies you like, combine them, adjust the volume of each, and create a mix. It’s that simple and it works. Create different and new mixes every time!

busy water Busy Water is a puzzle game that challenges kids to problem-solve and apply basic physics to get a fish safely through a maze of pipes. Over 100 levels that unlock only after the user completes the previous level, and kids can also design their own levels.

baby center Track your pregnancy day by day with pregnancy tips and fetal development facts and videos for your exact stage of pregnancy.

Explore fun and helpful pregnancy tools like the bumpie photo diary, baby names finder, baby kick counter, contraction timer, and birth plan checklist for expecting mothers.

peek-a-zoo Duck Duck Moose, brings you another award-winning interactive experience that asks children to identify different animals who dance, eat, wag their tails, wear sunglasses, sleep and more. Children will learn about animals, emotions, actions and sounds. Great for ages 2 and up.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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NUT-FREE Hoo’s helpful

YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL IS NUT-FREE. NOW WHAT?

This can be frustrating for all parents, especially with all those confusing food labels and dealing with finicky eaters of your own.

These banned foods are, after all, inexpensive, nutritious and shelfstable proteins perfect for the lunch box.

surfaces at school can transfer particles that can trigger a mild reaction in allergy sufferers, such as itchy skin. If your child eats peanut butter toast for breakfast at home, for example, be sure hands are washed thoroughly before leaving for school.

However, the statistics are clear, the number of children suffering from food allergies is rising, growing 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, according to a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But no one is sure as to what is causing this increase. The CDC estimates that 4 to 6 percent of U.S. children have some form of food allergy, and 90 percent of food allergies are caused by one of these eight foods: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, pine nuts).

Use some creativity to pack their lunch, even looking on Pinterest for ideas can be helpful. Some kids might enjoy hummus and fresh veggies on bread or a tortilla.

Or pack fun separates so kids can assemble their own meal, such as small soft tortillas with taco toppings, such as cheese, diced chicken breast and lettuce.

Leftovers may be your surprise noontime hit, especially if they include fare like pasta, pizza and homemade soup and chili.

Ultimately, we need to remember that the bigger picture is to keep allergens out of the school to save lives - and spare your child the trauma of witnessing a classmate suffer from a severe reaction. Here are five ways to navigate in-school food allergies.

PRACTICE SAFE HYGIENE: In some cases, touching shared

LUNCH ALTERNATIVES:

READ LABELS LIKE A PRO: It may seem like common sense can steer you clear from danger, but allergens can be found in many not-so-obvious foods, especially breads and baked goods, so read all labels very carefully. Food manufacturers are required by the Food and Drug Administration to list the presence of any of the eight most common allergens at the bottom of an ingredients list,

making it easier for all parents.

Packaged food may also include a voluntary advisory that reads, “manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts,” or “may contain tree nuts.”

SNACK SAFELY: Some food companies make it a practice to keep certain allergens, like tree nuts and peanuts, out of their facilities and will label this on the package to assure their customers.

Sending safe and shareable treats that are easy to identify takes the burden off your child’s busy teacher, and the kids with food allergies will feel included on treat day.

HAVE THE NO-BULLYING TALK:

The nut ban can seem like a challenge when sending your child off to school, but don’t share your frustrations with your child. In fact, this is a great opportunity to talk about how important it is that everyone feels safe. Food allergies are not a joke, yet one-third of students with a food allergy report they were bullied because of their allergies, according to Food Allergy Research and Education. Have a talk with your child about what’s safe and appropriate and what isn’t.

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TOOLS FOR YOUNG SLEUTHS! As a child’s inquisitive nature grows, the quest for obscured information leads them to seek out play roles that put them in the middle of a mystery. Self-sufficiency, independent action and sleuthing talent are some of the beneficial skills that can emerge from pretend-play that casts them as clue finders. The following items are ideal for equipping the young clue-collector on his mission to explore mysteries, real and imagined!

Kidzlane Walkie Talkie

(Kidzlane)

Young investigators are best equipped when they have a communications tool that keeps the information flowing. Lightweight and durable walkie talkies give kids the means to share discoveries, directions and news as it happens and from a distance. The range of the Kidzlane walkies is exceptionally broad, exceeding one mile.

With three separate channels, kids can use these walkies to host exclusive communication for competitive games, secret plans and more. Simple push-to-talk operations and long battery life ensures that kids can keep the conversation going for hours. Recommended for kids and families when communication is important to the mission.

Room Defender

(SmartLab)

A simple door alarm gets the high-tech treatment with the Room Defender. Designed with kids’ tastes and abilities in mind, this door unit comes with instructions that can guide kids through basic programming that lets them choose the alerts, and levels of room access for friends and family. From a range of sound effects to access themes that include secret knocks, codes and key cards, the Room Defender offers young minds the means to service their own fun security through simple programming. Empowering a kid to create a safe and secure space while learning basic computer input skills is easy with SmartLab’s Room Defender.

Ultimate Night Vision Goggles

(Spy Gear)

The Ultimate Night Vision Goggles allow kids to peek through the black curtain of darkness and discover what lies hidden just behind it. Using infrared technology, these goggles project a specific stealth beam that highlights what is cloaked in darkness. When the infrared goggle attachment is flipped down into place, the viewer can see for distances up to 30 feet through the night. Perfect for evening missions and nocturnal backyard safaris, this hands-free resource peels back the darkness and lets young sleuths discover the wonders of a world without light.

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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 Submit your child’s photo online to see it here!

Maddox, 2 years Bourg

Maisyn, 10 months Houma

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM

Cha’ Bebe Down da Bayou

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Coaching them to

HOO’s HELPFUL

School Success

FOR SCHOOL-AGED KIDS, SUCCESS IN SCHOOL IS JUST NOT DECIDED BY ACADEMIC SKILLS. THERE ARE SEVERAL LIFE SKILLS YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO DEVELOP AND PRACTICE THAT WILL HELP HIM TO REACH HIS FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL.

Organization: As your child starts school, he will have to plan how to complete assignments. Also, he will be expected to help keep his desk in order. You can start teaching your child this by asking to help pick up toys at home and help decide how to keep them organized. Also, ask him to help keep his folder and book bag organized. Show him how to track his assignments on a calendar.

as soon as your child starts learning how to speak. Your child needs to be able to understand why he is feeling a certain way and have the ability to discuss these feelings, instead of losing control and having a tantrum Independence: Encourage or getting into an altercation with your child’s self skills, like tying shoes and prepping for the next day. Basic another child. self care skills help take the stress out of getting ready for each school day and reduce the likelihood your child will be distracted during the day. child how to share toys with others and have him practice using good manners. Help your child practice and refine his social skills by arranging play dates for him outside of school.

Social skills: When your child starts school, he needs to know Managing emotions: The how to get along with his classmates ability to properly express emotions is and form friendships. Teach your a skill you can start working on early,

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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

Home is Where the Heart Is Every child’s home is unique. Some kids live in spacious places with bedrooms of their own. Many children share their lodgings with extended family, experiencing cozier quarters. Others split their days between two places that they call home. The places where children live don’t always have the same footprint. While lodgings vary in shapes, sizes and settings, the things that make them into our homes are indefinable. The following titles explore alternate living spaces and the ways that children claim those spaces making them into their own unique home..

Ella

By Mallory Kasdan, Illustrated by Marcos Chin (Scholastic Press)

For little Ella, living in a hotel comes with as many adventures as there are rooms. In this cheeky, updated parody of the classic children’s book “Eloise,” readers are taken along on a delightfully manic exploration of Ella’s daily life as an urban dweller at The Local Hotel. The tour is viewed through Ella’s lens as the people and practices filling her days are introduced in random order. As Ella reveals the things that make her happy at her hotel home, the reader gets a growing insight into the truly fabulous life she enjoys at The Local. Celebrating the meaningful small moments that shine in such a broad environment, “Ella” highlights the connections that anchor her personal home within a populated space.

Stella’s Starliner

By Rosemary Wells (Candlewick Press)

Stella’s home is a gleaming silver house on wheels, it has cozy hiding spots and a sofa that transforms into a bed with a push of a button.

She loves every bit of it. But when some neighborhood weasels mock her home, calling it a tin can, asking her if she’s poor because she lives in a trailer, the words hurt so much. But when the truth comes out, Mama and Daddy use the opportunity to show Stella what their home can really be. As the shining silver Starliner treks through the night, readers will find a new appreciation for the special aspects of our own lodgings that make them a treasured home to us.

The House on Dirty-Third Street

By Jo S. Kittinger, Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (Peachtree)

A young girl is dismayed as she sees Thirty-Third Street where her mother has bought a new start for them. Their new home is the shabbiest of them all; run-down, full of trash, she calls it the house on ‘Dirty-third Street.’ Mother and daughter work long and hard to repair it, but the enormous task of bringing the house back from the brink is beginning to overwhelm them. When their vision of transformation is unexpectedly embraced by others, they discover there are many small ways to save a damaged house and turn it into a real home.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO knew?

Etiquette Around the World l l l In America, learning to eat with a fork is a rite of passage, but in Thailand, your fork is only used to push food onto your spoon, and never to enter your mouth.

Burping is rude and a no-no here in America, but in China, it is a sign of appreciation for eating a fantastic meal.

l l l l l

Here in the states, we love cheese on just about everything, but in Italy you will never see someone ask for extra cheese with their meal. It is only taken if offered and extra cheese is never put on top of pizza or on a seafood dish.

l l l l l l l

l l l In the U.S., being talented enough to eat with chopsticks is a big deal. But make sure if you head to Japan, that you never cross your chopsticks, never lick them, and never stick them vertically into a bowl of rice. All of these are considered very rude.

Americans are known for just eating however much suits them, but in India, they only take what they think they can eat, and always finish what’s on their plates.

Throwing food away is considered wasteful and utterly disrespectful.

l l l l l

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HOO’s HUNGRY

FUNKY FUNFETTI WHOOPIE PIES

These funfetti whoopie pie cookies only require 5 ingredients to make. They are so easy, so good and turn out so fun! You’re going to love them!

DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Combine cake mix, butter, and egg and mix till smooth.

Now pour in a bunch of sprinkles, and mix again.

Form your dough into 1 inch balls and arrange on a silicone baking mat. Press lightly to flatten them a little.

INGREDIENTS • 1 Box of White Cake Mix • 1/2 C Butter (softened)

Bake them for 8-10 minutes and then let them cool.

• 1 Whole Egg

Separate your frosting into different bowls and brightly color them.

• 1 Container of Bright Sprinkles

Put a dollop of frosting on a cookie, then add the top cookie and squish until it’s evenly spread, then enjoy!

• Neon food coloring

• White frosting (bought or made)

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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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Toys, Toys EVERYWHERE! How early can kids start learning to put away their toys? It depends on the kid, but even toddlers under the age of 2-years-old can be an “assistant” to someone who is picking up their toys.

Here are a few fun ways to get preschoolers moving toward taking responsibility for their things.

Rake and scoop it.

Keep a small-sized rake and dustpan ready for kids to use as they cleanup blocks, LEGOs, and other small items. Then show them how to empty the dustpan into the right toy box.

HOO’s tips TEACHING PRESCHOOLERS TO PICK UP THEIR THINGS

Do a “quick tidy countdown.” Suggest that your preschooler see how fast they can put away toys in 10 seconds. Start counting backwards while demonstrating how to pick up toys fast. Or set a timer and race to pick up before it dings.

Assign one task at a time. Have them put away the blocks, while you pick up the train parts. Or assign them a specific area to clean.

Make it a routine. Teach kids when to clean up toys such as before getting a snack, before going to the park, or before snuggling together on the couch for a bedtime story. They can learn that cleaning up is a part of everyone’s normal daily routines.

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SEptember 22-23, 2017

Houma’s premiere music festival

LOUISIANA LEROUX CHECK OUT OUR KIDS KORNER PROVIDED BY KIM PLAYHOUSE MUSEUM FOR MORE INFO AND TO BUY TICKETS GO TO

www.bobmusicfest.com

HOUMA CVB, RUSHING MEDIA, SYNERGY BANK, GAS PUMP TV, KCIL, HTV10 WHAT NOW MAGAZINE, TERREBONNE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER, COBURN’S SUPPLY COMPANY, WHERE Y’AT MAGAZINE, SOUTHEAST NEUROSCIENCE CENTER