Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley September 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

Š Giggles And Grins Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor Pg. 2

Providing Gentle Dentistry For The Entire Family.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dr. Cathy Cook

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www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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900 BROADWAY, COLUMBUS, GA • 706.256.3612 • rivercenter.org

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, 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, handy resources and fun features.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www.

HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. 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

The 1st of the month for the next month’s issue

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 11 & 15

hoo’s learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 & 28

HOO’S Healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 & 23

hoo’s parenting.. . . . . . . . . . page 5, 14, 18

HOO’ Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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? Publix: Columbus & Phenix City Chick fil-A: Columbus & Phenix City Starbucks: Columbus Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops.

Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO’s PARENTING

Having Conversations

with your Kids

Even if your child was a non-stop talker as a preschooler, once he nears the tween years you may find he has suddenly become very quiet. Here are some tips on how to keep the lines of communication with your child open.

First, choose the right time to strike up a conversation with your child. Don’t attempt to find out about his day right after he arrives home from school. Give him a chance to eat a snack and relax for a few minutes first. Also, if your child seems uncomfortable having a face-to-face conversation, look for other opportunities, such as when you in the car together or playing a video game with him.

Phrase your questions in a way that encourages an indepth conversation, instead of a one word response. If you ask, ‘How was school today?’ you probably will just get ‘OK’ for an answer. Instead, ask more specific, open ended questions like ‘What project did you do in art class today?’ Also, keep in touch with your kid’s interests, such

as books and music. Knowing some facts about them gives you some ‘talking points’ that can serve as conversation starters.

When your child seems upset, don’t interrogate him.

Instead, say something like ‘It seems you are upset today.

Let me guess what it might be about.” Then take a few guesses and ask him if you are getting close or not. If your child is not interested in sharing his concern with you, ask him if he would like to write it down instead. When you do succeed in engaging your child in a conversation, listen carefully, instead of immediately offering advice. By doing so, you give him a chance to vent along with an opportunity to share his ideas on how to resolve the situation.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance Center.................... 12 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....32 Clement Arts........................................11 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 Elite Dance Academy........................11 IFM Arts Academy............................... 8 La Bella Party & Tea............................. 8 Launch Pad Athletes.........................23 My Gym.................................................20 Performance Dance Centre.............20 Skippy Jones Snow What.................. 3 Oasis After School Program...........22 The Columbus Museum...................32 YMCA....................................................... 8

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education SENT YOU!

Calvary Christian...............................27 First Presbyterian Day.....................27 Grace Christian School....................27 Kumon...................................................29 Lakewood Child Development ......29 St. Luke Schools.................................27 Sylvan Learning Center...................28 Westminster Christian.....................28

Finance Breaking Free Seminars.................. 19

Fitness & nutrition

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A.............................................11 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 12 Crave Soda & Candy Bar...................30 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................24 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers...............25 Zaxby’s................................................... 12

healthcare Columbus Spine & Performance... 19 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 James Lopez, DDS..............................23 Pediatric After Hours........................ 14 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...24 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center...20 Rivertown Pediatrics........................32 Stork Vision Ultrasound.................... 9

Home/ Handy Sparkles Cleaning Service.............. 19 Turfscapes Lawncare........................ 19

Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements.................................... 14 Giggles and Grins Photography.... 19 Jessica Fowler Photography..........30 Mickayla’s Place - Resale.................. 5 Once Upon A Time - Resale............ 18 Wee Blessing....................................... 19

The Up Factory..................................... 5

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO knew?

The real meaning of...

Hello. Goodbye.

Why do we say hello when we answer the phone?

The first word used to answer a phone was the nautical greeting, ahoy because the first phone system was in the maritime state of Connecticut. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor, answered with “hoy” but it was Thomas Edison’s greeting of “hello,” an exclimation of suprise from the middle ages, that caught on.

Why do we say “goodbye” or “so long” when leaving someone?

Good-bye is a derivative of the early English greetin “God be with you,” or as it was said then, “God be with ye.” Over the years it’s appreviated form and pronunciation became “goodbye.” As for “so long,” it came to Britan with soldiers who had spent their time in Arabic-speaking countries, where the expression of goodwill was “salaam.” This unfamilar word to the Englishmen sounded more like “so long.”

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

IFM Arts Academy Piano - Violin - Cello - Art - Dance For children and adults to help them develop their talents and skills for the glory of God.

3400 University Ave. Columbus, GA www.ifmga.org (706) 653-0097

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

averting peanut allergies There’s been a lot in the media lately about peanut allergies -- and it’s good news.

For several years, it was recommended that children not be given any peanut products until at least age 2, due to concerns about peanut allergies. At the same time, some physicians even recommended that breastfeeding mothers not consume peanut products. This was a difficult scenario for both parents and children, as what young child doesn’t eat peanut butter?

Many parents wouldn’t even allow peanut butter in the house and were consumed with reading labels on other products looking for peanut content-- even if their child was not peanut allergic and there was no family history of this allergy. I’m afraid I would have failed as a mother during this time, as my kids ate peanut butter sandwiches almost daily!

I can remember a patient coming to my home for a house call, and at the end of the visit I offered her child (about 22 months old) a peanut butter cookie I’d just baked. As the child took the cookie from my hand, ready to take a big bite, her mother screamed, “She’s never had peanut butter. Don’t let her have that!” Too late. Thankfully, the child had no reaction, and the mother was finally convinced that her daughter would not die if she ate peanut butter before age 2.

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

Now, based on new research studies, the recommendations have changed. Children may have peanut butter, or peanut products before they’re even a year old -- and thereby seem to actually have a lower chance of developing peanut allergies. Young children should not eat whole peanuts, due to the risk of choking, but other peanut products are fine.

I had never been convinced that withholding peanuts made a difference, and peanut butter is a childhood staple, full of good protein. And newsfrom Duke University shows that very peanut-allergic children may be de-sensitized to peanuts by giving them miniscule amounts of peanut protein on a daily basis.

After 8-to-10 months of gradually increasing doses of peanut powder, several of the children were able to tolerate peanuts in their regular diet, and several more were able to tolerate up to 15 peanuts at a time without serious reactions.

This is significant data for those children suffering from peanut allergies, and who have the risk of developing anaphylaxis and even death if exposed to peanuts. It seems that scientists are making inroads into developing oral immunotherapy to de-sensitize children with food allergies, and further studies are underway.

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ANIMAL TOYS ON THE GO Most children are crazy about animals from the outset – and the toys that celebrate the wild kingdom. When you add a little something extra to animal toys, kids go wild. Sounds and movement that mimic their living counterparts take an ordinary animal figure and turn it into an engaging plaything that adds new life to the toy box.

The following items are recommended for the sights, sounds and interaction that they add to the animal kingdom of toys!

Zoomer Interactive Puppy

( Zoomer)

Couple the lifelike silhouette and mannerisms of a real dog with cutting edge technology and the result is the cool interactive pet, Zoomer! Mimicking the actions of his real-life pups, Zoomer can sit, follow, and wag his tail as he responds to instruction in English, French and Spanish. He’s also ready to be taught tricks and with time will be rolling over, laying down, chasing his tail and more. Just like with a real puppy, communicating with Zoomer comes with a learning curve.

Kids will need some patience as they discover what work best for commands, but in no time at all, Zoomer can be following directions and delighting the entire family with his canine appeal.

Little Live Pets Bird Cage

(Little Live Birds)

For the fans of feathered friends, Friendly Frankie is a ready-made bird buddy as he interacts with kids from both inside and outside of his colorful home. When Frankie is happy he sings his own special song. Kids can also press a button his chest to record their own voice which the bird buddy will play back on demand. When he’s at happy at home in his cage he may chirp, tweet or swing on his bar. Frankie is also a portable pal, with feet that can gently grip little fingers like a real bird as he travels with your child to greet friends and family.

The Little Live Pets Bird Cage door is open and ready to welcome a new friend!

Lolly Musical Giraffe

(GUND)

Very young children may be startled by sudden or abrupt movements from an interactive toy, but Lolly Giraffe features just the right speed and volume to delight the littlest animal lover. As a nursery toy, Lolly is crafted with a soft body with coloration that mimics a real giraffe.

When you wind her key, she quietly plays “Hush Little Baby” as her neck slowly sways side-to-side. Echoing the graceful neck movement of a real giraffe, this gently active toy is ideally engaging for young tots – offering just the right amount of soft sound and slow movement that small children will welcome and love.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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8/10/15, 4:55 PM

Optical Illusion

HOO’s FUN Are these lines crooked or straight?

Are they the same width from start to finish?

Or, are your eyes playing tricks on you!

Dance, music, & art in support of foster care & adoption.

Page 1 of 1

www.clement-arts.org

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

S

FREE Zax Kidz Meal between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.

(Limit one Zax Kidz Mealsper adult meal purchase. Dine-In only) VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus •706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7033 Ruffie Way • Midland • 706.289.1258

Limited-time offer. Offer valid at this location only, on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult meals include any Most Popular Menu Item, Meal Deal, Zalad or Sandwich Basket.

Kids must be present when ordering. Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zax Kidz” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Captain D’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

5-8pm: $.99 kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Get 2 free kid’s meals with purchase of an adult entree. Dine in only

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

5-9pm: Free kids meal per $5 minimum adult entree Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Thursday Nights: Kids 11 and under eat for $1.99

Sweet Frog Yogurt

saturday

Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entree (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

6-8pm. Buy one yogurt mix, get one 50% off

Zaxby’s 5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with per adult entree

Tuesday Atlanta Bread Company

5pm-close: Free kid’s meal with tan adult meal

Chick-fil-A, Midland

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.

Steak & Shake Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

sunday Steak & Shake

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Stevi B’s Pizza

Kids eat for .99 after 4pm

Texas Roadhouse

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entree (certain holidays are excluded)

Denny’s

Willy T’s

TGIF Friday’s

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entree

everyday

Willy T’s

Golden Corral

4-9pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

wednesday

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entree. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

4-10pm: Up to two free kid’s entrees with adult entree. For kids 10 and under

Applebee’s Kids meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entree. Limit: 4 kids per adult

11-5pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet PhoVy

Free kids meal when you show their “Family & Kids” ad in this issue

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice.

Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kids’ special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PARENTING When kids reach school age, they become more aware of mistakes and failures and may react strongly, as if each mistake is the end of the world. Here are some tips on how to teach your child to cope and learn from them.

Create environment that encourages resilience Let your child know that your love for him is unconditional and is not based on his performance. Knowing he is loved and accepted, no matter what, provides him with the confidence he needs to venture out and try again after suffering a failure. Also, set a good example for your child by not letting fear of failing keep you from trying again when you experience a setback.

Don’t try to ‘smooth it over’ Right after your child has made the mistake, don’t say things like ‘There is always next time’ in an effort to try to take away the hurt and calm him down. Instead, help him manage his emotions by asking him if he would like share his feelings with you. After he has calmed down, turn his mistake into a valuable learning experience by asking him what he thinks he could do to avoid the same mistake and how he could cope with it if it does occur.

how to teach

Making Mistakes Put an emphasis on the effort your child makes instead of how he performs If you only praise positive outcomes, such as scoring the winning goal, he may feel only his performance is valuable and that all his hard work goes unnoticed unless he performs perfectly. In a research study, when students were praised for their intelligence, they did not cope as well with mistakes or perform as well as students who were praised for their effort.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO’s Fun

There’s no better way to make it through the day than with some tunes, a couple laughs, and someone to listen and listen to. We hear you, we thank you for listening and voting us your READER’S CHOICE favorite radio personalities.

N O’BRIA BEAR WATER S BRIAN OS CHA

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RADIO.

IS CHR

VOT E D FAVO R I T E R A D I O P E R S O N A L I T I E S

PMB-Who Knows The Valley DJ AD-2015:Layout 1 8/10/15 2:14 PM Page 1

PMB

Septembe

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pr o vi d e d in partne

1

5

4-5

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Parenting Workshop: Understanding ADHD and Autism Diagnosis.

6-7pm. $50-$90. 4-week series.

Pastoral Institute; www.pilink.org

Fancy Nancy: The Musical. 7:30pm.

Family Theatre; familytheatre.org

4-6

Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Fri 10am, Sat & Sun 6am. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA; www. callawaygardens.com

5

Miles for Autism 5K and Fun Run. 7-9:30am. Uptown Columbus; www.eventbright.com

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Pete The Cat Party! 10:30am. Mildred Terry Public Library; www. cvlga.org/events

Librar y activities Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org

Phenix City-Russell County www.phenixcitylibrary.com

Troup-Harris

www.thclibrary.net

Eye Spy Camera Scavenger Hunt.

8am-4pm. FDR State Park, Pine Mountain; www.gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt

Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9amNoon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

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11-12

Fancy Nancy: The Musical. 7:30pm.

Family Theatre; www.familytheatre.org

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Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 1011am. Free. 1st-5th grades. 6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706320-9292

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Movie on the Mountain: Big Hero 6. 8-10:30pm. FDR State Park, Pine Mountain; gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt

Junior League Character Breakfast.

8:30am and 10:30pm. $30 adult; $15 kids, St Luke Ministry Center, 301 11th Street, Columbus; www. jlcolumbus.com

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12

American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm.

Ages 6-9. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706653-7880

7

Seale Labor Day Fair. 10am-4pm.

Free. Old Russell County Courthouse, Seale, AL. 706-573-0620

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La Leche League meeting. 10am.

Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd; www.lllofga.org/columbus. html

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Family Fun: Grandparent’s Day Celebration. 4:30pm. Mildred Terry Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

September Second Saturday. 10am.

Storytime and craft. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

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Puppy Tales. 2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events

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Oxbow Meadows Garden Party.

10am-2pm. Free. Oxbow Meadows; www.facebook.com/Oxbowgardenparty

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Expectant Mommy Expo 2015.

2-4pm. Free. Phenix City Childrens, 3700 South Railroad St, Phenix City; www. preferredmedgroup.com/ phenix-city-childrens/

er Events

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e r ship with: 14

American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm.

Ages 10+. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706653-7880

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Minecraft Monday. 4pm. North Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga. org/events

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Midday Movie Matinee: A Mighty Wind (PG-13). Noon-2:30pm. Free.

Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

18-19

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Friday Family Flicks. 3pm. South Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

25-26

Fancy Nancy: The Musical. 7:30pm.

Family Theatre; www.familytheatre.org

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Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-3236565 or http://youngeagles.com/ flightplan/flight.asp

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Fancy Nancy: The Musical. 7:30pm.

Family Theatre; www.familytheatre.org

Hope for Autism Walk & Family Fun Day. 9am-Noon. North Highland Church, 7300 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; autismhopecenter.com

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Annual Harris Co PRCA ProRodeo.

6pm gates open. 8pm Rodeo begins. Mike Tracey Arena, Hwy116, Hamilton; www.hccaonline.com

Couponing 101: Clipping Down Your Debt. 10am-12:30pm. $15. Wingate Conference Center; breakingfreeseminars.com

17-20

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Columbus Children’s Book Festival.

10am-4pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org

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Autism Support Group. 6:30pm. Columbus Regional Conference Center, 710 Center St; 706-604-6333 or www.autismhopecenter.com

Fall Family Fun Days Grand Opening. 10am-8pm. $15. 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; www. therockranch.com

Weekly Events Monday

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Wynnton Road/Midtown. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free.

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Phenix City. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free.

Thursday

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

Saturday

Market Days on Broadway. 9amnoon. Different activities each week. 900, 1000, & 1100 blocks of Broadway, Columbus; 706-5960111 or uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10amNoon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd.

706-653-7880

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more event info, visit MuscogeeMoms.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Locally Owned!

THEIR WORLD We Buy and Sell the Cutest Styles

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com facebook.com/onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO’s PARENTING

Good aspects to bad behavior

According to child development experts, there are some positive aspects to some annoying childhood behaviors. It turns out that some problem behaviors indicate that your child is beginning to develop important cognitive and social skills. Here is how to build upon those skills while, at the same time, correcting the negative aspects of these behaviors.

Tattling: If your child is constantly telling on others kids who break rules, it indicates that he is developing a sense of right and wrong as well as a respect for rules and boundaries set for him by adults. You want to moderate his tattling without discouraging him from paying attention to the rules.

Thank your child for paying attention to the rules when he tattles on others, but keep your response to his tattling low key by simply reminding the rule breaker to follow the rules in the future. If the situation involves his relations with other kids, not just a rules violation, then help him devise a strategy for trying to work the issue out on his own.

Telling Lies: If your preschooler is telling tall tales, this indicates that he has the ability to reason and plan. He has thought through his story and planned it out in a way what will help him hide the truth. Correct this behavior gently by reminding him of the value of honesty and then asking for the truth. Find positive ways to help him grow his reasoning skills, like helping plan a meal.

Bossing friends: Your preschooler may have an aptitude for leadership, but at this age, he does not have the maturity to moderate this ‘bossy’ behavior, and others may tire of constantly receiving commands. Help your child improve his leadership style by having him practice speaking to others in a more kind way.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Moms Marketplace LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Perfect for children ages 2 to 4 years

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A Page In A Book www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

The Book of Grumpy

We all have our moments when anger or frustration settles into a bad case of the grumpy. Kids are especially vulnerable. But often there’s an underlying issue that, once discovered, can help move a black mood back into the light. The following titles all feature the effects sour behavior and offer some insights that may help parents and children find new ways to turn a grumpy frown upside down.

The Very Cranky Bear

By Nick Bland (Orchard/Scholatic)

It’s a rainy day in the jungle when the lion, moose, zebra and sheep settle into a dry cave for a friendly game of cards. But they quickly learn they are not alone as a very cranky bear, roused from his sleep, chases them back into the rain. Each friend offers his best bribe to bring peace. But when each friend’s gift is angrily rejected by the bear, the sheep suggests that communication is a good first step toward solving this case of the grumpy, this book ends by sharing a soft solution for a very cranky bear!

The Grudge Keeper By Mara Rockliff (Peachtree) At first glance, everything in the town of Bonnyripple seems bright and idyllic. But beneath the sunny exterior, an underpinning of old harms, grudges and noses out of joint is building to capacity.

The source of the build-up is in the house of the Grudge Keeper who collects the notes and letters in which townsfolk outline their grudges against friends and neighbors. But when a windy storm blows through the Grudge Keeper’s house and airs all the residents’ grievances, the people of Bonnyripple get a chance to mend fences and put their grudges behind them. Communication and forgiveness win in this thought-provoking exposition of the harm caused by holding a grudge.

Pardon Me!

By Daniel Miyares (Simon/Schuster)

Enjoying the solitude of a lonely island in the middle of the swamp, one yellow bird’s peace quickly evaporates as other residents discover his patch of dry land. The bird’s expression becomes more and more sour as his personal space is invaded.After yet another animal intrudes, the bird starts shouting at them all to leave. And, he’s so busy scolding the others away that he fails to hear an important warning about his treasured perch. Despite the “final” outcome for the crabby bird, there’s a toothsome bit of schadenfreude in the last “Pardon Me!”

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CRAFTY DO-it-yourself LEGO

pencil jars

These little crafts are a great way to recycle all those left over baby food jars. They can be a fun, custom way to store pencils/crayons, and could even be used for party favors, teacher gifts, or as homemade presents.

Directions

Remove the lid to the glass jar and remove the label and sticky residue. Clean thoroughly and let dry. Now, take yellow paint and pour it into the jar, using only enough paint to completely cover the sides when shaken. Put the lid back on, making sure it’s properly sealed, and shake until the inside is completely covered. Then, remove the lid and pour out any excess paint. I like to clear coat the inside to help keep the yellow from scratching so easily, but you can skip that if you want. Lastly, draw a face using your black permanent marker. You don’t have to be an amazing artist to pull this off–the beauty of LEGO is its simplicity. Add a beard, an eye patch, glasses, or anything else that strikes you.

supplies baby food jars yellow acrylic paint black permanent marker spray paint/clear coat white paint/paint pen

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HOO’s HEALTHY

NSIADs reduce fertility

A recent research study has shown a direct link between daily usage of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a reduction in fertility in women. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available over the counter and are commonly used to reduce pain and fever. The results of the study were presented by Dr. Sami Salman at the European League Against Rheumatism Congress 2015 in Rome, Italy in June.

The study was conducted by Dr Salman and his colleagues at a rheumatology clinic and involved a group of 39 women of child-bearing age who were either given a placebo or an NSAID on a daily basis. The researchers found that when taken on a regular basis, NSAIDs reduce progesterone levels and interfere with ovulation. Progesterone is necessary for ovulation and is also essential for successful implantation of the fertilized egg. A significant number of the women in the study taking the NSAIDs did not ovulate at all during their monthly cycle.

If you are planning a pregnancy and take NSAIDs often, it is important to discuss this possible side effect with your doctor, who may decide to modify your pain management plan. NSAIDs have other side effects, such as an upset stomach or even stomach bleeding, so anyone taking them on a long-term basis should do so under the supervision of a doctor. The good news is that for women of child-bearing age, the secondary infertility caused by NSAIDs is reversed and ovulation returns to normal once the NSAIDs are not longer taken.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Expanding Your Child’s Freedom

If you have a child in the age range of 8 - 11 years old, they are probably starting to ask for some 'big kid' privileges. However, you are probably wondering just which requests you should grant, and which ones your child is not ready for. Here are a few of the most common freedoms tweens ask for and some tips on how to tell if they are ready for the responsibility.

Your tween wants to use a public restroom alone.

In some instances, like when you are at a restaurant, you can allow your child to go into a public restroom alone, as long as you wait outside the door. However, in a busy place like the shopping mall or an amusement park, the answer is no. Send them in with a friend or an adult you trust, or take them in with you.

Your tween wants to separate from you in the grocery store.

As long as your child stays close enough so that you can still see them, you can let them venture off on their own in the store. However, before letting them do so, let them know you expect them to return to you right away, and to not wander off. Make sure to talk with your child about what to do if they ever get lost in the store, and how to handle interaction with strangers.

Your tween wants to use the stove or microwave.

Using the stove or microwave unsupervised is a privilege that tweens may not quite be ready for. However, you can start your tween on the path to being granted this privilege later by allowing them to help you prepare meals. Keep your child back from the stove when you are cooking food over high heat that might splatter.

Your tween wants a cell phone.

If your tween is mature enough to care for a cell phone, and the rules that come along with it, they may be ready for a basic phone. A benefit to your child having a phone is being able to reach each other quickly in case of an emergency. Once your tween has shown responsibility for a basic phone, they may request a smart phone.

There are heavy responsibilities associated with owning a smart phone, like ensuring info is kept private, harmful apps aren’t downloaded, and the data plan isn’t exceeded.

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.HoOKNOWSTHEVALLEY.COM

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies fantastic four Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+

This movie offers a modern take on Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team. The story centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The team must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy. The cast includes Miles Teller as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Kate Mara as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Stars also include Toby Kebbell as Doctor Doom, Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm, and Tim Blake Nelson as Harvey Elder/TheMole Man.

The prophet PG | Ok for kids 8+

Based on Khalil Gibran’s best known fictional work, this animated production involves collaborations across many borders. Each of the 89-year-old classic’s chapters is directed by a different award-winning filmmaker, including Tomm Moore, Nina Paley, Michal Socha and others, with Roger Allers (“The Lion King”) connecting the narratives together. Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, Quvenzhane Wallis, John Krasinski, Alfred Molina and Frank Langella are a few of the actors voicing characters in the film. One of the bestselling books of all time, “The Prophet” has sold more than 100 million copies since its original publication in 1923.

the man from u.n.c.l.e.

Rated PG-13 for violence, suggestive content, partial nudity | Ok for kids 13+

Directed by Guy Ritchie and set against the backdrop of the early 1960s at the height of the Cold War, this spy thriller centers on CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Ilya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), who are forced to put aside longstanding hostilities and team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization that’s bent on causing chaos via nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization. It’s a race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe. Also stars Alicia Vikander, Jared Harris, Elizabeth Debicki, Luca Calvani and Hugh Grant.

underdogs PG | Ok for kids 7+

Underdogs follows Jake (Matthew Morrison), a shy but talented foosball player whose passion for the game is rivaled only by his love for free-spirited Laura (Ariana Grande). With her encouragement, he beats the town bully, Ace (Nicholas Hoult), in a foosball game, but everything changes when Ace becomes the world’s best soccer player and returns years later to turn their village into a new sports stadium. He starts to destroy everything, kidnaps Laura in the process, and just when all hope seems lost, the toy figures from Jake’s foosball table come to life. He and the players embark on a wild adventure to save Laura, reclaim their village and save the day with the help of his team, histown, and a little magic.

crouching tiger hidden dragon II: the green legend PG-13 | Ok for kids 15+

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II: The Green Legend is an upcoming American-Chinese wuxia film directed

by Yuen Woo-ping and written by John Fusco, and based on the novel Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Du Lu Wang. It is also a sequel to the 2000 film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and centers on a story of lost love, young love, a legendary sword, and one last opportunity at redemption. Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Yu Shu LeinThe film stars Donnie Yen as Silent Wolf, Harry Shum, Jr., Jason Scott Lee, Roger Yuan, Eugenia Yuan, JuJu Chan, Chris Pang, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo. It will be the first feature film to premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in IMAX theaters .

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Building a strong foundation for life.

school.stlukeum.com 318 11th Street 706-256-1301 St. Luke School Early Learning Center Preschool

Traditional

Infants through 3 year olds

Montessori

1100 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

3 year olds through Kindergarten

2, 3, or 5 Day Class Options Art, Music, Spanish, Chapel, Field Trips Classes 9am to 1pm with options for early drop off and after school care

706-322-4523

www.fpcdayschool.education www.columbusfpc.org/day-school

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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HOO’s learning

Being Physical is Smart!

Many schools have reduced the amount of physical education and recess time in an effort to make more the time in the classroom to improve academic skills and test scores. However, taking physical activity out of the daily schedule all together may actually harm academic performance. Here is why weekly physical activity is important for academic success.

1. Kids who are able to participate in physical activity

for about 20- 25 minutes a day for about 3 - 5 times a week show an improvement in attentiveness and the ability to learn. Studies have shown that kids perform better when given a break from behind the desk and allowed to explore the world around them.

2. The activities in PE classes help lay the foundation

for motor skills kids need to develop to be successful in school and later in life. Also, the sampling of activities and different skills helps kids to find ones they enjoy

and want to continue participating in. This enthusiasm for a sport or activity helps kids to continue enjoying the benefits of exercise in the future. This is important because, once they are in high school; kids may not have as much opportunity to participate in P.E.

3. Participating in physical activities helps kids build

self esteem and improves mood. Studies have shown a connection between exercise and the reduction in depression. A happy, healthy, and confident child will have an easier time taking on academic challenges.

4. PE classes and sports are excellent ways for kids to learn team building and problem solving skills. These skills make success in the classroom easier to achieve.

For example, kids used to playing on a sports team may have an easier time with group projects. Physical Education class is much more than an exercise of the body. Kids are also getting a workout of the mind.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Insight to impart on your kids 1. Great minds discuss ideas.

2. Honesty and respect matters.

3. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.

4. If you don’t step forward, you’ll never move.

5. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

6. Your words are powerful, use them wisely.

7. Will this problem matter a year from now?

8. All great achievements require time.

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. h o o k n o w s t h e v a l l e y. c o m

Hunter, 15 months Phenix City

Izaiah, 1 year Phenix City

Dorian, 5 years FT Benning

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HOO’s HUNGRY

kid approved spinach muffins

getting kids to eat their veggies can be tricky, but these muffins are here to save the day. that's why we call them hulk muffins in our house. my boys love to gobble them up and flex their growing muscles!

DIRECTIONS Place the first six ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend. Then, pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Next, combine the dry ingredients in a smaller mixing bowl. Now, slowly mix the wet and dry ingredients until well combined. The mixture will be very dense! On occasion, if it seems too dense, I’ll add a splash of milk to loosen it up, but the mixture should resemble a thick cookie dough. Finally, scoop the batter into greased muffins tins and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes for mini-muffins or 17 minutes for regular muffins. This will make 9 regular muffins or 24 minis. Let them cool on a rack and then make an annoucement that it's time to eat and show off your muscles!

Ingredients • 1/2 cup applesauce • 1 large egg • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 cup of fresh spinach, packed • 1/3 cup sugar • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda & salt

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