Family & Kids Bayou Region Feb 17

FEBRUARY 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© JoAnn LeBoeuf Photography

BAYOU REGION

See Pg. 5

Cooking classes, camps and parties! Book today!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

Shop Early For The Best

Mardi Gras & Easter looks!

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

HOO’s HEALTHY

Locations ---------------------------------------------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

PEDIATRIC STR KE

A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted and brain cells are deprived of oxygen. It is in common misconception that only adults have strokes. Anyone of any age can experience a stroke, including infants, children, and teens. Certain factors, such as a congenital heart defect, maternal high blood pressure during pregnancy, or head or neck trauma increase the risks of a child having a pediatric stroke.

As with strokes in adults, quickly recognizing the symptoms of a pediatric stroke and seeking immediate medical attention helps reduce the damage to the brain.

In newborns, a stroke can be hard to spot and sometimes

is not diagnosed until months later. However, some of the warning signs are seizures, excessive sleepiness, and lack of movement on one side of the infant’s body.

In older kids, the FAST warning signs used to spot a stroke in adults (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties and time to call 911) may be helpful but there are some additional symptoms to look for that are unique to strokes in children. These include severe headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, and feeling dizzy. Every minute counts when it comes to treating strokes, so call 911 if you suspect your child may be having one.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s PARENTING

BEDTIME ROUTINE FOR KIDS For many parents, one of the top power struggles is the nightly bedtime battle with their kids. Issues like being afraid of the dark can sometimes be the root cause of bedtime struggles with younger children.

However, for many school-aged kids, the bedtime battle is simply an effort to assert their independence or perhaps a symptom of being overstimulated. Here are some tips on how to retain your parental authority over the bedtime schedule and ensure your school-aged child gets the sleep he needs to stay healthy.

Establish a bedtime routine in order to keep transition to bedtime as consistent and pleasant as possible. One essential part to your bedtime routine is creating a peaceful, quiet environment well before ‘lights out’ time. Dim the lights 30 minutes before bedtime, and turn off the TV and video games. Don’t allow your child to take electronics into his room with him. If your child is afraid of the dark, you can put a nightlight in his room, but choose one that is dim.

Some parents use a star chart to help their kids complete all steps necessary to get ready for bed. A star chart that includes tasks like ‘Take bath without an argument’ and ‘Brushes teeth’ can help kids remember what is next and feel a sense of accomplishment when goals for the day have been completed. Be sure to attach some sort of daily and weekly award to completed charts. It could be as simple as an extra few minutes for another bedtime story with you or extra video game time on the weekend.

Make bedtime fun by including some special time with you in your child’s routine. Let him know that if he completes all his tasks to get ready for bed without delay, he will have time left before ‘lights out’ to choose a book to read with you and talk with you about his day. However, when it is time for ‘lights out’, be firm or your child may attempt to stay up later by asking for ‘one last story’ or ‘one last drink of water.’

School-aged kids need about 9 to 11 hours of sleep a night, so backwards plan their bedtime based on the time they have to wake up. If your child is hard to wake and is cranky all day, yet won’t fall asleep at night, he probably needs an earlier bedtime.

Medical issues such as snoring and trouble breathing at night can also cause your child to be overly tired and interfere with his sleep routine.

Ask the doctor for help with any medical issues that are keeping your child from sleeping well.

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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 9

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10

Hoo’s Learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . page 2, 19 & 27

HOO’S parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 8

Hoo’s Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 23

HOO’S picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

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

PA R T I E S C O O K I N G C L A S S E S C A M P S

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SHOPPING GUIDE Food & Beverage

Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy.........15 Bayou Country Children’s Museum. 23 Bayouland YMCA......................................8 Blacklist Martial Arts & Fitness...........8 Bricks 4 Kidz..............................................5 Brushworks Art & Music..................... 26 Creative U..................................................15 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours.........18 Gymnastics Development Center..... 30 James Academy of Gymnastics........ 25 Mix It Up......................................................5 Tiger-Rock................................................ 25

Chick-fil-A on MLK.................................15

healthcare Breast Care Center....................................7 Center for Pediatric Therapy.............. 20 Coastal Urgent Care...............................12 Ellender Orthodontics.......................... 22 Pelican Medical Supply....................... 26 Thieler Orthodontics............................. 11 Total Urgent Care................................... 26

Childcare/ education TELL THEM Messiah Montessori School............... 28 SENT YOU! St. Bernadette Catholic.........................31 St. Francis Catholic............................... 29 St. Genevieve Catholic.......................... 28 St. Joseph Catholic.................................31 St. Matthew’s Episcopal....................... 30 Sylvan Learning......................................18 The Learning Ladder............................. 26 Terrebonne Parish School Board....... 11

Shopping/ Retail Allstate - Brian Mustin......................... 20 Clearwater Pools & Spas.......................19 Downtown Houma................................. 20 Felger’s Foot Wear.................................. 11 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Southland Mall....................................... 32

PARENT’S ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

166 Corporate Dr, Houma 985-858-3333

Caring for women is a

WAY OF LIFE for us.

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE road trip This adorable game is perfect for your toddler. Featuring a dozen quirky vehicles, a handful of characters and destinations to pick from, with no time limits, no inapp purchases, and no wifi needed! It is everything you want in a kid’s app.

eat sleep This app is designed to track your baby’s eating, sleeping, and diaper habits so you don’t have to mess with timers, alarms, or typing. All the important stuff can be entered with a one-finger tap. You can also track more than one child at a time.

white noise baby Sooth your baby to dreamland with a little white noise. Sounds on the app range from a car ride to a vacuum cleaner, all looped for seamless ongoing play. Put it in Baby Mode to avoid naptime interruptions. Then turn your smart phone into a high-contrast rattle to soothe baby when you’re out and about.

brain pop Give kids the chance to explore hundreds of subjects on a mobile device. It does have in-app purchases, but you don’t need to buy things to enjoy this award-winning app. You may even be able to use your school’s login to access more content. There is also a Jr. edition for younger kids and an ESOL version.

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Where confidence,

discipline, determination and

friendships are forged.

Jiu-Jitsu • Kickboxing • MMA Kids Classes for 3-14 • Skillz Fit

5756 W Main St, Houma / 985-303-0170

HOO’s PARENTING

RESPONDING TO ANGRY OUTBURSTS Many parents expect that by the time their child enters kindergarten, the temper tantrums of toddlerhood will be just a memory. However, some school-aged kids have a bit of difficulty managing their angry feelings and seem to always be exploding when they become upset.

Here are some tips to help your child bring his temper under control.

First, it is important to remember that during an angry episode, trying to reason or bargain with your child will not help. Simply stay with him, and ensure that the area around him is safe and that he can’t hurt anyone or himself. Keep your cool, even if your child calls you names, and speak to him in a calm tone of voice. Let him know that you will speak with him once he calms down. Express that it is OK to feel angry sometimes but the unacceptable behavior he is displaying is not the right way to manage his emotions. If the episode is a

response to you enforcing expectations or denying his request to purchase something, it is important to stand your ground and don’t give in.

When he has calmed down, it is time to help your child identify what makes him so upset. If he came home from school feeling angry and he won’t talk about it, you may have to talk to his teacher and do some detective work to find out what went wrong that day.

At home, watch your child for signs of frustration to identify what seems to trigger angry episodes. After the angry episode is over, make a comment like ‘I notice you are feeling frustrated and angry when it is time for bed.

What can be done to make this transition easier in the future?’ By doing this, you are teaching your child to use problem-solving skills to resolve frustration. Hopefully, over time, your child will use his coping skills, without a reminder from you, to avert angry episodes.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY ADORABLE BFF

JEWELRY ORGANIZER This is a great little “girl’s day” project to do with your girls and their BFFs. And when they are done, they will have a craft they can use and cherish.

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

Remove the back and glass from the frames. Then trace the glass insert on a woven placemat using a marker. Cut out the pieces using scissors.

Cover the inside edges of the frames with glue and add the placemat pieces; let dry completely.

Put the frames together, paint a red heart that’s divided between the two frames; let dry completely. Paint “BEST FRIENDS” in white paint, dividing the letters between the frames; let dry, then give your BFF the other half and add your pins or earrings.

2 wide-edge frames 1 woven placemat Markers/ scissors super glue red and white paint paint brushes pins and earrings

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

HOO’s FUN

Learn To Draw Cupid

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

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

Call for a complimentary consultation!

(985) 876-4484 www.thielerorthodontics.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+

In the spirit of irreverent fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide hit, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – gets his own big screen adventure. There are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Directed by Chris McKay, this movie stars Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes.

the great wall PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by visual stylist Zhang Yimou (“Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers”), this movie tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou, this is the largest film ever shot entirely in China. “The Great Wall” also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.

rock dog Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+

The Tibetan Mastiffs living on Snow Mountain have one goal: guard a peaceful village of wool-making sheep from the thuggish wolf Linnux (Lewis Black) and his rabid pack. To avoid distractions, Mastiff leader Khampa (J.K. Simmons) forbids all music from the mountain. But when his son Bodi (Luke Wilson) discovers a radio dropped by a passing airplane, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed: Bodi wants to be a rock star. But that means defying his father’s wishes, heading to the city, and locating the legendary musician Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard), who needs to write a new song and fast. If Bodi can put a band together, help Angus with his song, and defeat the wolves; his life will be in tune.

collide PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

After a heist goes terribly wrong, Casey Stein (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself on the run from a ruthless gang headed by mob boss Hagen (Anthony Hopkins). Now Casey has precious cargo that belongs to Hagen, who will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Left with no choice, Casey calls his former employer and drug smuggler Geran (Ben Kingsley) to protect his long-time girlfriend Juliette before Hagen gets his hands on her. Casey embarks on an adrenaline-fueled car chase on the German highways to save the love of his life before it’s too late. Directed by Eran Creevy, this movie also stars Felicity Jones.

the space between us PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

A space shuttle embarks on a mission to colonize Mars, only to discover after takeoff that one of the astronauts is pregnant. Shortly after landing, she dies from complications while giving birth to the first human born on the red planet – never revealing who the father is. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Gardner Elliot – an inquisitive, highly intelligent boy who reaches the age of 16 having only met 14 people.

While searching for clues about his father and the home planet he’s never known, Gardner begins an online friendship with a street-smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa. When he finally gets a chance to go to Earth, he’s eager to find his father and experience all of the wonders of the planet. But all doesn’t go as planned.

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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

starting in march Issue

Camp & Activities Guide 20 1 7 For ads call Tammy 253-212-7270

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FEBRUARY Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main Library TD - Thibodaux Branch

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Gears Building. TD. 11:30am.

Simple STEM activities. RSVP 985447-4119.

10 Middle School Valentine So- 15-17 Terrebonne Parish Pre-K cial. Alstarz Cheer. 6-9pm. $10.

6th-8th grade.

1 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open 10 Valentine’s Day Pizza Party. play to build decks, trade and battle

Brushworks. 6:30-9pm. $35.

School Registration. 8:30am2:30pm. For qualifying families.

Visit tpsdla.schoolloop.com/ecp1 for more info.

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2

“Elena of Avalor” and snacks.

Crafternoons. 4pm. TM. PreK6th. “Jazz Music Mosaics.” RSVP 876-5861.

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18 LEGO Club. TM. 11am and

2 Craft night at Chick-fil-A on

Fiddle Stitches Club. TM. 11am.

4th grade and up. Group of crocheters, knitters and fiber artists.

All skill levels. Some supplies provided.

Crafternoons. 4pm. TM. PreK6th. “Groundhog Grassheads.”

RSVP 876-5861.

MLK, Houma. 5-8pm.

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Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer.

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

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

RSVP 876-5861.

4

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

985-873-9622 for booth.

10 Toddler TV Time. TD. 10am.

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French Toast & Friends. Alstarz Cheer. 10am-1pm. Breakfast, craft & workshop. $10. Ages 4-12. 985693-7109.

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Alstarz Tryout Workshop. 1:303:30pm. 985-693-7109.

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Second Saturday Storytime. TM 3pm.

3pm. All ages.

18 Coco’s Storybook Spectacular.

BCCM. Crafts, storytime, your costumes. $6 admission.

18 Kid & Tween Craft. TD. 10am.

Ages 6-12. Mardi Gras Theme.

RSVP 985-447-4119.

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Create!, an all ages craft. TM. 3pm. “Collages.”

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Alstarz Cheer’s registration for spring sessions. 985-693-7109.

5 Noise Makers: Movement and 12 Game Day for all ages. TM. 22 Krewe of Bookworm Parade.

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

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

6 Baseball & Softball registration 14 Eloise’s Valentine’s Day Tea for TPR. Boys 7-15 and girls 7-18.

985-873-6584.

Party. TD. 10:30am. RSVP 985447-4119.

6 Pokémon League at Thibodaux 15 MoboRobo Robotics Lab for Library. Ages 10 and up. 4pm.

4-6th graders. TM. 4pm. RSVP 876-5861.

8 Virtual reality demos. TM. 4pm.

15 Magna Tiles Playtime. TD. 9 Valentine’s Day Party. TM. 4pm. 11am. Ages 2+. 11am.

Storytime, crafts, snacks.

TD. 10am. Under age 6. Line up at 9:15 at Warren J. Harang Jr. Auditorium.

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

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Craftganza. TM. 4pm. 4th grade and up. “Mardi Gras Mosaics.” RSVP 985-876-5861.

Y EVENTS Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

24 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm.

Storytime with craft. TD. 10:30am.

All ages welcome.

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

Open play to build decks, trade and battle Family Movie Matinee: The Secret Life of Pets. TM. 3pm.

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY

Creative Toddler Time. TM. 10am and 6pm for 19mon-3yrs. (not 9/3)

TUESDAY

Storytime. TM. 10am for newborns-18mon, and 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families (not 2/28).

Family storytime. TM. 6pm. 4-8yr olds & families (not 2/28).

Tales for Tots. BCCM. 10:30pm.

Ages 2-5. bccm.info Bingo. TD. 10am. All ages. Prizes awarded.

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

THURSDAY

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

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

Free kids’ yoga. Anela’s. 6:30pm.

7720 Main St, Houma. anelaslounge.com Prenatal yoga. Anela’s. 6pm. anelaslounge.com.

Computer instruction classes.

2pm. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

English as a second language.

TM. 6:30pm.

FRIDAY

Wiggle, Move & Giggle. BCCM. 1:30pm. bccm.info Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7-$10 for non members. Adult required for ages 5 and under. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.

Storytime for PreK-3rd grade. TM. 10am.

Open Gym. LA Sports Gym. 6:309pm. $10. Toddler Time 10amnoon. $7. Kids 4 and under. 544 S Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-5809746.

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am for 3-5 year olds.

Exercise class. 11am. TD. Style varies.

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

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-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.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY CREAMY & BLENDED

VEGGIE SOUP

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a chilly night and is picky eater approved! No big chunks for them to frown at, but still full of great flavor!

DIRECTIONS Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Add frozen veggies and broth. Boil the vegetables until they are tender, 5 to 7 min.

Pour into a blender. Purée until smooth and creamy.

Divide into 4 bowls.

Divide yogurt, dalloping each bowl with 1/2 tbsp, then serve topped with crackers, if desired.

INGREDIENTS • 1 tsp canola oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 4 cups frozen vegetable mix, such as broccoli and cauliflower • 2 garlic cloves • 3 cups vegetable broth • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt • small crackers or croutons

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Kids in the age range of 9 to 12 years old have a little more freedom to make choices about what they eat and about their daily routine. Here are some tips to remember when coaching your tween on making lifestyle choices that will keep them healthy and happy.

Keep communication open. First, make an effort to keep communication between you and your tween open.

Try not to lecture or preach. Especially avoid negative comments about his/ her weight or body type.

Teach your child healthy skin care and oral hygiene habits, like washing her face and brushing her teeth twice a day. If her skin is oily and she is prone to breakouts, help her find the right cleanser for preventing acne.

Keep healthy food in the house.

Leave the sweet treats for special occasions and keep the kitchen

TWEEN BODY HEALTH

stocked with plenty of fresh fruit, veggies, and other healthy snacks.

You don’t need to put your tween on a diet. Just teach her to eat right.

However, remember that begins by setting a good example by eating right yourself.

Get your child involved in sports.

A combination of watching what your family eats and keeping your family moving helps ensure your tween stays at a healthy weight. If your child does not enjoy team sports, try an activity like swimming or running.

If your child is overweight despite efforts to eat right and exercise,

speak with your child’s health care provider. Your child may be scheduled for an obesity evolution and tested for any conditions that accompany obesity, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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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. Š 2017 Allstate Insurance Co.

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM

204693

Brian Mustin 985-873-1411

A Page In A Book

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www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

Pencil in Picture Books

In a picture book world largely populated with bright colors, bold shapes and creative fonts, there are very few titles that choose pencil illustrations to carry the weight of a tale. With few or no words, the following masterpieces wield the power of graphite to drive the story. Young readers are freed from neon distractions to really delve into the imagery, to let their own dialogue and imaginings form the story along the way.

The Whale

By Ethan Murrow and Vita Murros (Templar / Candlewick)

When a local paper revisits an old news event about two kids who claimed to have seen an enormous spotted whale offshore, the hook is set for another couple of kids who want to find proof the behemoth exists. A girl equips her small boat with improvised video devices while a boy loads his dinghy with tools to capture audio of the elusive spotted whale. But after their boats collide, teamwork becomes their only option to salvage their mission and prove the mysterious monster exists. Brilliantly executed pencil illustration reveals a wordless journey that is rich with atmosphere, intrigue and excitement in this whale of a tale!

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

By Chris Van Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

First published in 1984, this revolutionary picture book continues to attract new readers. A fictional note introduces the images as material left behind by a writer who never completed the stories. Only a title and caption for each drawing hint at what the story might have been. Adding to the mystery, each illustration features a surreal element at its center. These bizarre elements transform every reader into an original storyteller as their minds reach to fill in the blank spaces, to craft their own stories for the orphaned artwork.

The Only Child

By Guojing (Schwartz & Wade / Random House)

Sneaking out to visit her grandmother, a young child’s wandering evolves from misadventure into a magical tale of wordless wonder.

Accidentally stranded in the woods, the little girl encounters a stag who introduces her to paths through forest and sky, ocean and snow.

Pencil illustrations soften the edges of the lonely landscapes while sharpening the focus on brighter elements in the story. Drawing from her childhood during China’s ‘one child’ policy and her own experience of getting lost, Guojing’s stunning story finds the perfect balance between the beauty of solitude and the comfort of companionship.

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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

Taelyn, 1 year Houma

Ava, 3 months Houma

Matthew, 2 years Grand Isle

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HOO knew?

The Amazing Heart The heart has four chambers, the left and right atrium and the left and right ventricles. Did you know the word ‘atrium’ is the Latin word for entrance hall and ‘ventricle’ is the Latin word for little belly? So, there’s a little belly inside our hearts…interesting.

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The heart weighs between 7 and 15 ounces (about 200 to 425 grams) which is about the same as a bottle of Heinz Ketchup! Pick up a bottle of ketchup and you’ll be able to feel how much your heart actually weighs.

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l l Did you know that when you listen to music your heartbeat changes and it takes on the same beat as what you’re listening to? So when you’re listening to super-fast music your heart beats faster and slower when you listen to calming music. Amazing huh?

Blood entering the heart is darker due to lack of oxygen and when it is pumped back out of the heart, it is much brighter red, because it is full of oxygen.

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MONEY TOYS MAKE SENSE!

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As our regular partners on daily errands, children also have a front row seat to observe our financial transactions along the way. Kids see us swipe debit cards, listen to us count change and even watch us struggle to remember our PayPal passwords. Introducing commerce and currency through play can take the mystery out of money.

The following toys help kids understand the coin of the realm and start their own smart money habits.

Just Like Home Cash Register (My Cash Register)

Giving kids the opportunity to explore commerce from the other side of the aisle, the Just Like Home Cash Register offers a simplified experience of the retail end of shopping. Children can use the handheld scanner to light up the included grocery items on the movable conveyor belt. The register processes payments using the credit card slot or play money transactions through the pop-open cash drawer.

There’s also a working calculator that reinforces counting and number skills. Sized for the preschool set and available in different colors, the Just Like Home Cash Register adds valuable learning to pretend play.

Magic Penny Magnet (Dowling Magnets)

Beyond counting coins, an appreciation for its form and properties can also be educational and fun. The Magic Penny Magnet Set features a super magnetic base and thirty-two freshly minted British coins (plus a bonus U.S. penny). The powerful attraction of the magnets allows kids (and adults) to explore building structures and shapes with the coins as they connect and bond through force alone. Guided by the included activity book or simply enjoying independent creativity, this set supports an interest in coin that goes beyond its monetary value.

Laugh and Learn Piggy Bank (Fisher-Price)

Piggy banks are often a child’s first intro to the notion of saving money. Fisher-Price expands on the tradition pig with a bank that makes money a full sensory experience. In addition to dropping colorful over-sized coins into the slotted back, the bank offers interactive features as well. Pressing the pig’s nose generates silly songs, music, and entertaining phrases. From basic words and sounds for wee ones, to colors, numbers and Spanish for the older tot. Counting coins is just the beginning with this little piggy!

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We do flu shots!

No appointment necessary.

We’re sick of the flu. That’s why our experienced medical staff, great service, and trusted tradition are in place to keep your family healthy during flu season.

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HOO’s HEALTHY

the benefits of music therapy Can music therapy help young children and adolescents suffering from depression? A new study finds that allowing children to create their own music can help them recover from depression and low-self esteem.

In a study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, scientists at Bournemouth University in England and Queen’s University Belfast recruited 251 children between the ages of 8 and 16 years old. All the children were being treated for emotional, developmental or behavioral problems. The study included 128 children that received a typical treatment program, and 123 that received music therapy in addition to typical treatment. The research took place between March 2011 and May 2014.

Children assigned to the experimental group received the Alvin model of “free improvisation,” which encouraged them to create their own music and sound using their voice, instrument, or movement while receiving encouragement. Instruments included guitars, keyboards, drums, and xylophones.

According to the authors, participants treated with the supplementary music therapy had significantly reduced depression and higher self-esteem than those who were treated with typical methods only. Children treated with music therapy also had improved communicative and interactive skills.

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

Early findings indicate that the benefits are sustained in the long term.

“This study is hugely significant in terms of determining effective treatments for children and young people with behavioral problems and mental health needs,” first author Sam Porter said in a press release. “The findings contained in our report should be considered by healthcare providers and commissioners when making decisions about the sort of care for young people that they wish to support.”

It’s not surprising that creating music can help lift depression. Music is feeling. Composers, songwriters and instrumentalists use music to express all kinds of emotions from joy and excitement to grief and loneliness. Love, or the lack of it, is the most written about human experience. Rhythm and movement can give expression to deeply held convictions or emotions. Allowing children to express those emotions with music in a safe environment may help break the loop of insecurities and fears in their head.

“Music therapy has often been used with children and young people with particular mental health needs, but this is the first time its effectiveness has been shown by a definitive randomized controlled trial in a clinical setting,” music therapy partner Ciara Reilly said. “The findings are dramatic and underscore the need for music therapy to be made available as a mainstream treatment option.”

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EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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Toddlers through High School Find us on the web at www.mms-edu.com Messiah Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.

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ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL NEW STUDENT REGISTRA REGISTRATION TION

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MARCH 7, 2017

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MARCH 8, 2017 NON-CATHOLIC FAMILIES

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HOO’s learning

keeping them healthy AT SCHOOL

In the cold, dreary days of winter when kids spend more time inside, it is easy for colds and other illnesses to spread quickly through a classroom at school. Here are steps you can take to help prevent your child from becoming sick or shorten the time your child is sick and out of school.

1. One of the most important ways to prevent catching an illness caused by a virus or bacteria is to have everyone in your family wash their hands frequently. It is not necessary to spend money on antibacterial soap. Regular soap and warm water will lift germs off skin just fine, as long as your child washes for about 30 seconds.

2. Make sure to keep your child hydrated every day. Making sure you consume enough water is something that is overlooked when the weather gets cold, but it is still a very important step in keeping your immune system strong.

3. Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Studies have proven that sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase the likelihood of getting sick. Adults need at least seven good hours of sleep, and have younger kids get 10 to 13 hours of sleep.

4. Pay attention to nutrition. Offer a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and yogurt.

Getting enough of the vital nutrients found in these foods will help support your child’s immune system. While taking vitamin C will not help prevent a cold, studies suggest it may help shorten the duration of illness. Always give your child a vitamin C supplement appropriate for his age and weight, since high doses of vitamin C can cause an upset stomach.

5. Keep your child’s vaccinations up-to-date, including the yearly flu shot.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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Excellence

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