Family & Kids Magazine April 2022

APRIL 2022

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Timeless Memories by Jessica

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor See Pg. 11

Sleeping Beauty on stage at the RiverCenter -- May 14 & 15

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Offer only valid Monday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kids 10 and under only. Limit one Zax Kidz Meal per adult meal purchase. Adult meals include any Zalad®, Sandwich Meal or Most Popular Meal. Dine-in only. Not valid at any other locations. © 2018 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC “Zaxby’s,” “Zax Kidz” and “Zalad” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

HOO’s parenting

3

Storytelling An Effective Parenting Tool

Storytelling is a form of communication that has become almost a lost art in today’s online world. In storytelling, special techniques of communication, such as gestures and vocal variety, are used with the goal of engaging the listener’s imagination and helping the audience visualize the story. You can share a story from your life experiences and family history or select a story to read. Storytelling also involves asking the audience questions and reacting to audience responses, making it an entertaining, interactive experience. Here are some reasons why you should make storytelling a part of your child’s daily routine.

Storytelling improves communication and memory Parents often recognize an excellent ‘teaching moment’ and wish to convey a concept or provide guidance. The interactive nature of storytelling helps you retain the attention of your child and is more effective than a one-way monologue. Once you have his attention, storytelling is an opportunity for your child to practice his listening skills, an important part of effective communication. When your child responds to questions you ask when telling a story, he has a chance to practice putting his thoughts and ideas into words and expressing them. Your child will be enjoying the story so much that he will not realize that he is working on communication skills and building vocabulary.

The interactive nature of storytelling also makes it a good way to give your child’s memory a workout. To see how well your child is listening and retaining the details of the story, occasionally ask questions that test to see how many details of the story’s plot he remembers.

Storytelling helps kids understand the perspective of others When your teaching moment involves improving your child’s social skills and empathy for others, storytelling is an effective technique.

Your child can use his imagination to explore the world when he listens to a story about the experiences of someone from a different culture or social situation. When you tell a story, your child imagines the experience from the perspective of the characters in the story.

He then has a better understanding of what others may experience and why those values guide their actions. For example, if your child is about to become a big brother for the first time, sharing a story about a fun experience you had with one of your siblings can provide your child with some perspective and give him an opportunity to ask questions.

Storytelling exercises the imagination If you are wondering why you’re not just letting your child watch a video about the experiences of others, remember that storytelling requires the listener to use his imagination to experience the story.

While listening to the story and answering questions about it, kids are creating a visual image of what the characters of the story are experiencing and may even be forming ideas of what they think the character should do next. Storytelling can be a good way for kids to practice creativity, unlike less interactive forms of communication, such as watching a video. When telling a story of your own or when reading one, ask questions that spark your child’s imagination.

Here are a few other techniques that can help make your story one your kids will remember: • Choose a story that is simple and has a central takeaway point.

• Use vivid language to set the scene of the story to help your child imagine the setting.

• Change your voice with different characters.

• Use props and create fun sound effects.

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The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

2022

AD DEADLINE:

APRIL 4 FOR MAY, 1ST OF MONTH THEREAFTER SECTION RUNS THROUGH JULY ISSUE

Feature your summer camp, VBS, activity or attraction in our GUIDE to over 30,000 moms monthly who will use our guide and digital platforms to find options for their kids!

TO BOOK: CALL 253-212-7270 OR TAMMY@FAMILYANDKIDSGA.COM

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants; or see our interactive distro map at: familyandkidsga.com/get-a-copy

TO SUBMIT AD OR EVENT: Tammy Usie, Publisher tammy@familyandkidsga.com 253-212-7270 FamilyAndKidsGA

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youth summer camps beginning soon

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY

BAKEDDONUTS

•

IF YOU DON’T WANT THE MESS AND POTENTIAL DANGER OF COOKING WITH HOT OIL AROUND THE KIDS, TRY THESE BAKED DONUTS INSTEAD. THE KIDS WILL LOVE HELPING you prepare them and then get to decorate their own.

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

GLAZE

FOR GLAZE

Preheat oven to 350 and grease donut pan. Mix together sour cream, egg, vanilla, oil and sugar in a bowl. Add in flour, baking soda and salt and stir until combined. Place batter into a large zippered plastic bag. Close and snip off corner.

Squeeze batter into donut pan. Fill pan with batter (about 2/3 full) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and top springs back when touched. Remove from pan and allow to cool on wire rack.

Mix together powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Add enough milk to make a nice dipping consistency. Dip donuts and then sprinkle with desired toppings.

Courtesy of yourhomebasedmom.com

• 1 cup sour cream • 2 eggs • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup canola oil • 1 cup sugar • 2 cup flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Sprinkles of choice for toppings • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar • 3-4 tablespoons milk • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or flavor of choice

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HOO’s learning

ng Playful Readi Builds Toddlers’ Attention Span

As part of their awesomeness, preschoolers are wigglers; but a major goal in a child’s development is attaining an attention span realistic to the factors personal to the child.

The Dictionary of Psychology used by the American Psychological Association (APA), defines attention span as, “The length of time an individual can concentrate on one specific task or other item of interest…”

Get A

4X6 PRINT BY

Simple Steps Storytime at your Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is crafted to benefit your child. And though storytime encourages play, a child also learns how to ‘tune in’ and begin playing or sharing for manageable spans of time.

Incrementally, the child advances his/her early literacy and socialization skills to set a foundation for ‘paying attention’ in school and life.

From the age of six months, a father brought his twins (now ten) to storytime at his local branch. He shared for this article that he feels the twins developed strong listening and comprehension skills as a result. He added, “They are achieving all of their Accelerated Reading (AR) goals.”

From the age of three months, a grandmother has brought her grandchild to storytime. She marvels constantly at how the toddler is opening up, functioning better in a group, using new words, and mimicking skills modeled in storytime. She shares that the child repeats rhymes at home and in the car.

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So, until we see YOU in storytime, have fun with your child by repeating rhymes, singing silly songs, dancing and clapping your way towards building your child’s attention span, one delightful activity at a time!

Engage your child at home with playful reading books like: Giraffes Can’t Dance

by Giles Andreae

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?

by Bill Martin

Five Little Ducks

by Penny Ives

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

by Bill Martin

Find storytimes and other early literacy programs at your nearest library location by visiting cvlga.org/attend-it today.

The Landings @ Old Kinnucan’s

April 2-3 and 9-10 4 - 7pm

Face Painting, Kids Activities, Vendors & More

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Pet

HOO’s tips

les tt li he t r fo et p a g in os Cho

If adopting a cat or dog is out of the question and you are considering adding an alternate type of pet to your household, it is important to do your homework first. Many pets, even if they are small, require a lot of time-consuming care or are not very compatible with young kids.

not

Pets that are a good choice for young kids

Birds

may seem like a good idea for kids since they are small pets. However, young kids may get excited and handle small birds, such as parakeets, too roughly and hurt them. Also, young kids may forget to close the cage and let the birds escape. Birds need a lot of care and owning one is a big commitment.

– Keeping the bird’s cage clean is a daily task and one that must be completed without fail. Birds need a clean, sanitary environment to stay healthy.

– Birds are social animals and need plenty of attention. If they do not get the attention they need, they may become unhappy and aggressive.

– Some birds have a long potential life span. Small birds can live about 10 years and larger parrots may live up to 50 years.

Rabbits

are adorable but they are sensitive, delicate animals that startle easily and therefore not a good choice as a pet for young kids. Rabbits do not like loud noises, and even though they look cuddly, rabbits do not like being held. When rabbits feel threatened, they may bite and scratch. Also, rabbits have fragile bones and can be injured if not picked up correctly. Rabbits can live up to 10 years, making them a long-term commitment and one that you will have to take on if your child loses interest in helping with the extensive care rabbits need.

– Rabbits should be kept inside, and their litter needs to be cleaned every day.

– Daily care includes making sure rabbits have a supply of timothy hay and fresh leafy greens.

– Rabbits are social animals and companionship helps rabbits stay healthy.

This means it is best to adopt rabbits in pairs, which doubles the work and expenses.

good

Pets that are a choice for young kids

Guinea pigs are cute and fuzzy and are friendlier

than hamsters. They have a longer expected life span than smaller rodents and are less skittish than hamsters and mice. Guinea pigs are not as delicate as rabbits and are relatively easy to teach small kids how to properly hold them. They enjoy interacting with humans and with each other, and the whole family will enjoy playing with them. The care of guinea pigs is fairly easy.

– Guinea pigs need toys and a large cage with plenty of space.

Their cage should be spot-cleaned daily and fully cleaned once a week.

– Guinea pigs need fresh water, hay, guinea pig food and fresh vegetables to eat and a vitamin C supplement.

– Guinea pigs need a little attention from their owner each day to stay happy but are good at self-entertaining, especially when they have another guinea pig as a companion.

Fish are an excellent way to introduce your child to the

responsibilities of pet ownership. Daily care for fish only involves feeding the fish once or twice a day and checking the tank to ensure the fish have a healthy environment. Changing the water in the tank only needs to be done about once a week. Watching colorful fish swim in an aquarium is a calming activity everyone in your household will enjoy.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

CSU YOUTH DANCE CONSERVATORY SUMMER CAMPS: JUNE 6-10

Royal Ballet Camp (ages 4-6): 9am-12pm Beginner (Level 1/2) Intensive: 9am-12pm Intermediate (Level 3/4) Intensive: 1pm-5pm Advanced (Level 5/6) Intensive: 1pm-5pm

columbusstate.edu/ydc | 706-507-8070

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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April E Wise Choices for You & Your Family

8-10 CSU presents Pippin. 7:30pm Fri 14-16 CSU presents Pippin. 7:30pm. & Sat, 2:30pm Sun. $12-$24. Riverside Theatre; 706-507-8444

$12-$24. Riverside Theatre; 706-507-8444

Little House on the Prairie: The Musical.

1 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer Game. 8-9 Spring Fling Festival. 10am-5pm. 15 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 5:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460 Free. Warm Springs; WarmSpringsGA.com Haiku Poetry Weekend. Fami2 Puppy Tales. Families. 2pm. North Colum- 9 Cookies with the Easter Bunny. 10am- 15-17 lies. Columbus Library. 706-243-2813 bus Library; 706-748-2855 Noon. $15. Columbus Trade Center; cookFort Benning MWR’s Eggstravaganza.

2-3 Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Old ieswiththeeasterbunny2022.eventbrite.com 16 8am Color Run. 11am music and egg hunts Kinnucans /The Landings. $10 for 4x6. 4-7pm. 9 Dry Land Swim Exercises (3-12yrs.). begin at Riverside. benning.armymwr.com Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2434 Tuning into Kids: Increasing Emotional 10:30am.

16 Uno, Dos, Tres, Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm. Mil2782 Intelligence. A free seminar with light dinner. dred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Details on page 25.

9 Puppy Tales. Families. 2pm. Columbus 16-17 Easter Services at Cascade Hills 4 STEAMpunks: Stories & Science. 3pm. Public Library; 706-243-2813 Church. https://easter.watch.

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 9 CSO presents Northern Lights. 7:30pm. 18 Tuning into Kids: Increasing Emotional 4-8 Activ8 Spring Break Camp. 8am- RiverCenter; 706-256-3612 Intelligence. A free seminar with light dinner.

5pm. Ages 4-14. CSU Turner Center; Colum- 9 Columbus River Dragons Hockey Game.

Details on page 25. busstate.edu/ce 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-65318 Blockheads LEGO Challenge. 3pm.

5 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. $5/family. Co- 4460 South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 lumbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400 9-10 Pictures with the Easter Bunny 19 T.A.G. (Teach, Art, & Games) Night.

Old Kinnucans at The Landings. $10 for 4x6.

5 Tracing Colors: Music Under the Dome. in4-7pm.

Teens. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2435pm. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706649-1470

5 Harry Potter Night. Families. 6:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

10 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer Game. 19 Marriage Workshop. 5:30pm dinner, 4:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-6532811

4460

6:30pm workshop. Free. RSVP. St Luke Ministry Center; nmayne@stlukeum.com

Tuning into Kids: Increasing Emotional 5 Harlem Globetrotters. 7pm. Columbus 11 20 Otaku Club. Teens. 4pm. South ColumIntelligence. A free seminar with light dinner.

Civic Center; 706-653-4460 Details on page 25.

bus Library; 706-683-8805

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

706-243-2782

5-8 Spring Break Fun at Oxbow. 10am 11 Christian Robinson’s Art of FUN. 3pm. 20 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Sup& 1pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 port. 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 6 Midweek Movie. Teens. 10am-6pm. Co- 12 Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.). 5:30pm. 706-221-4602 lumbus Library; 706-243-2811 20 Robert Dahl’s Charlie and the ChocoMildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Factory. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-2566 Otaku Club. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus 12 Showcase Your Talent. Teens. 6pm. Mil- late 3612 Library; 706-683-8805 dred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 ‘G’ is for Garbage! What Shall We Do? 7 Crafternoons: DIY Confetti Tumblers. 13 Whatever Wednesday. Teens. 4pm. 21 Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; Teens. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

Events www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

23 Autism Awareness Resource Fair & 23 Columbus Lions Football Game. 7pm.

Columbus Civic Center. columbuslions.net.

Weekly

source Fair. 10am-2pm. Crawford Walking Trail, Hwy 80, Phenix City; 334-742-2111

MONDAY

Fun Day. 10:00-1:00 pm. Cascade Hills Church; 706-604-6333

23 Prescription Drug Take Back & Re23 Dry Land Swim Exercises (3-12yrs).

10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782

23 Puppy Tales. Families. 2pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Events

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (0-36mo) 10am; Preschoolers (3-4yrs) 11am.

Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 Simple Steps Storytime. Families (0-5yrs).

10:30am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

23-24

Sight Words Support: 30-minute 1-on-1 practice. K-3rd grade students. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

25-30 Merry Pop-Ins. Teens. All

Kawaii Club. Middle Grade Learners. 4pm.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

April Showers. 10am, 12:30pm, 2pm (Sun just 2pm). Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688 Day. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

25 Tuning into Kids: Increasing Emo- TUESDAY Simple Steps Storytime. Babies (0-24 mo.) tional Intelligence. A free seminar with light dinner. Details on page 25.

10am; Preschoolers (2-5 yrs.) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

lumbus Library; 706-683-8805

Origami Afternoons. Middle Grade Learners.

4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

25 Picture Book Club. 3pm. South Co-

26 YOGC presents Rock-n-Roll with the

Symphony. 7:30pm. Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Theatre; yogc.org

Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

27 Whatever Wednesday. Teens. 4pm.

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

WEDNESDAY

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Discovery Hub. 11am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

29 Friday Family Flick: Sing 2 (PG). 3pm.

30 April Showers. 10am, 12:30pm, 2pm.

Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688 30 Reptile Fest. 11-3pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies (0-24 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Cozy Club. Middle Grade Learners. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

THURSDAY

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble; 706-653-7880 (Not 4/7) Simple Steps Storytime. Families (0-5yrs.)

10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Sight Words Support: 30-minute 1-on-1 practice. K-3rd grade students. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 4/28) Get Your Game ON. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 LEGOS in the Library. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 YA All Day. 6th-12th graders. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Families (0-5yrs.)

10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 TGIF! Afterschool Hangout. K-5th graders.

2:30pm. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855 (Not 4/15) Uptown Columbus Concert Series. 7-10pm.

Uptown Columbus/Broadway; uptowncolumbusga.com

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. 1100 Broadway, Columbus; 706-596-0111 Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680 Crafts for a Cause. Families. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 4/30) Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more events, visit our website at: familyandkidsga.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Gardening with Kids Children learn in the garden. On this ‘Gardening with Kids’ board, they share tips and creative ideas to do with children in the garden to raise eco-friendly, healthy kids. Raised bed gardening, farm to table, homesteading, home gardening, garden care and more. For more ideas on gardening with kids, please visit www. theeducatorsspinonit.com

The Magic of Motherhood Are you an imperfect, trying-her-best mom?

If you’re over reading parenting advice, this book should be your next read. It is a curated collection of honest stories weaving together the love, joy, and magnificent heartache of motherhood. Instead of offering advice, the writers offer something even better: their hearts. You’ll read essays about identity, adoption, body image, miscarriage, friendship, faith, and more. This book is a love letter to mothers everywhere, both new and seasoned.

Trending Sound Sleep APP

APP

Having trouble getting your newborn to fall asleep? The Sound Sleep app helps you and your baby fall asleep with white noise, soothing lullabies and relaxing melodies.

It includes a variety of sounds as well as the unique “Listen” mode, which “listens” for your baby and starts playing the sound you’ve chosen, automatically – the instant he begins to cry.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in this sequel.

After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero.

His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s NEWS

New CHEER CLASS for SPECIAL NEEDS forming

Several years ago, cheer coach, Shrean Fawcett, of “Champions in Motion” wanted to give others the opportunity to participate in cheerleading alongside their typically-abled peers. Inspired by a love for cheerleading, and a love for children, she recently created the “Columbus Shining Stars,” a FREE cheerleading class for adults and children with any special ability.

According to Fawcett, “This team gives athletes with special needs the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and determination, experience joy and success, and participate in the social aspects of friendship and teamwork in a safe and encouraging environment.”

Their staff is hand-picked, trained coaches who have a passion for working with athletes with special needs. All coaches are required to complete additional training through the Special Olympics, as well as concussion training and more certifications. Fawcett says safety is a top priority, so the additional staff training helps ensure the best experience for the athletes with special needs. “Parents can rest assured that their athletes are being trained in

a safe environment that caters to the needs of their athlete individually, all to maximize the training within the parameters of the athlete’s diagnosis and abilities,” said Fawcett.

Athletes are taught specific choreography to be performed at showcases both locally and nationally. Fawcett says the team will compete in a virtual competition at the end of March and then in person on May 7th in Douglasville. “However, the great thing about our program,” Fawcett said, “is there is no commitment required. If they want to travel nationally, then we decide as a unit and see if we want to fundraise for it, then we will.”

The classes are being held locally at the A.J. McClung YMCA on 1175 MLK Blvd in Columbus. If you know someone interested for themselves or their child, they can contact Shrean directly at 919-535-8304. She will set up an in-person registration and assessment prior to the student’s first class. You can visit their website for more at www.CIMUSA.com.

Champions in Motion does also host low-cost, traditional cheerleading classes for kids. Fawcett said for any of their classes, no experience is necessary.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Prescription Drug Take Back

& Resource Fair

Turn in expired & unused prescription medications (For a chance to win from our raffle prizes)

Crawford Walking Trail

(Phenix City - HWY 80)

IDR. 20K

April 23, 2022

(10AM-2PM EST)

A community event with food, raffle, games, music and fun!

Prevention Coalition Against Opioid Addiction

East Alabama Mental Health Center Prevention Services

Resource, food, craft vendors, contact : Emi Brooks emi.ajero@eamhc.org 334-742-2111 • 3334-695-2787

HOO’s Fun

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hidden Picture: find spring things!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

for Kids

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

MONDAY

Saturday

Barberitos

Denny’s

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Zaxby’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Tuesday

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

sunday The Simple Greek

Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined

Chicken Salad Chick

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée

Denny’s

Every day

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

Jason’s Deli

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

Ruby Tuesday

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

219 On The Lake

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s

Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

Wednesday Applebee’s Half off kid’s meal per adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids to adult

Your Pie

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

Red Robin

Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

Newk’s

4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W)

Do you offer a Kids’ Dining Deal, or know a restaurant that does?

Let us know at tammy@ familyandkidsga.com

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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WWW.ADVANCEREHAB.COM

Visit Us At Our Columbus Location 2045 Centre Stone Ct, Suite B Phone (706) 507-3794 Fax (706) 507-3681

PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ENTER YOUR CUTIE: www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hank, 1 year Columbus

Violet, 2 years Midland

Carson, 3 years Phenix City

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HOO’s CRAFTY

EDIBLE CRESS EGG HEADS

This is a quick and creative STEM project for kids to learn about seed germination, while growing an edible micro green.

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

Carefully crack your eggs, so they are as whole as possible. You could also carefully clean out your soft boiled eggs to make these easy cress heads. Get the kids to decorate their egg shells. Encourage them to go crazy and have fun! You can use marker pens for this. Stuff each egg with 2 to 3 cotton balls. Sprinkle your seeds and add a little water. Place in a sunny place and watch them each day. In just a few days you’ll have sprouts. You could also do a science experiment with sunlight by placing them each with different sun exposure to see how the cress grows differently. Once grown, cut their hair so you can use the cress on your favorite sandwich or get creative and find new recipes to make use of this healthy micro green.

• Packet of Cress Seeds (Amazon)

on Sundays

(AKA YOU DON’T HAVE TO COOK)

5555 Whittlesey Blvd • Columbus, GA 6516 Kitten Lake Dr • Midland, GA *One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée of $6 or more. Kids must be 12 and under. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

• Cotton Balls • Water

COURTESY OF: redtedart.com

©2021 Moe’s Franchisor SPV LLC-550344

KIDS EAT FREE

*

• Egg Shells

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

You could reach over 15,000 moms in this space for only $65.

Call 253-212-7270 Math. Reading.

Confidence.

Kumon Math & Reading of Columbus - North 1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963 kumon.com/columbus-north ©2014 Kumon North America

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Find 2 of the same CHICKS

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HOO’s HEALTHY Cytomegalovirus, better known as CMV, is a very common respiratory infection. It affects 50-85% of American adults, and most people have been infected at least once by the time they turn 2 years old. In the United States, nearly one in three children are already infected with CMV by age five.

While adults are likely to not even notice the mild cold-like symptoms, that is not the case for newborns, infants and children under 5. Because of the smaller, less developed breathing passages they have, they often can have serious infections like bronchiolitis—a small amount of inflammation in smaller lung systems have much more severe and immediate effects.

Children are at risk for birth defects as well, as CMV is a leading cause. As a virus, it can stay in our system once exposed, and re-activate at a later point in life. About 20% of babies with a congenital (at birth) CMV infection experience long-term effects, one of the most common being hearing loss.

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WhCaMt is: V CMV causes more birth defects and congenital disabilities than many other well-known diseases, including spina bifida, Down syndrome, and pediatric HIV infection. It is important to understand the risks and realities of CMV. Currently, there is no cure for CMV, only symptom management. And as a specific threat to our young populations, it is one that adults can help minimize.

Healthy women, ages 16-40 may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial to help develop a vaccine to prevent against CMV. Your participation in one of these studies will help researchers develop treatments to protect babies, children, and adults in the future.

There is no cost to participate. All treatments, labs and provider visits regarding the study are included. To find out more and check eligibility, call Centricity Research, formerly IACT Health, 888-737-7408 or contact@iacthealth.com.

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Richard Mansfield, D.O. FAAP Amy Cool, M.D. FAAP Veronica Manka, MD, FAAP Neha Potini, MD, FAAP Trina Williamson, FNP

PEDIATRICS at brookstone centre 706.571.9699

2001 Brookstone Centre Pky

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Overview on

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Autism

Typically, autism is identified after 18 months, often due to delays in speech development. However, research recently published in November 2021 by researchers at the Society for Research in Child Development found that delays in the development of social behavior and communication associated with autism may be identified in the developmental window between 9 months and 12 months. This research, along with similar studies, supports the idea of starting interventions for autism before the first birthday. While a doctor is unlikely to spend enough time with an infant during a well-child appointment to spot signs of autism, this study supports the idea of parents advocating for their child when they have concerns about their infant’s development.

Key patterns exhibited by infants 9 to 12 months of age with ASD:

Some signs of ASD that are in the social interaction category include:

• Lack of communication with expressions, sounds, eye contact • Delay in the symbolic use of toys at the age of 12 months • Lower use of gestures and reduced number of communications overall in comparison to infants in the same age group

• • • •

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that can cause difficulty with social skills, communication and behavior. ASD is usually diagnosed in the first three years of life but could be diagnosed later also. The symptoms of ASD and the issues related to it can be so minor that the patient is able to work and live on his own or the symptoms could be so severe that full-time care is needed for the patient. The exact cause of ASD is not known but research suggests that a combination of genetics and environment may lead to the development of ASD.

Behavioral signs of autism include:

The two-fold impacts of ASD

The treatment for ASD can include a combination of therapy that teaches communication, social skills and academic skills and medication that helps alleviate anxiety and hyperactivity.

A therapy called Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is often used to modify behavior, teach social skills and improve focus and academic performance.

The effects of ASD are placed into two categories, social interaction and communication and patterns of behavior. The behaviors of someone with ASD are repetitive and restrictive, setting them apart from someone who simply has difficulty with social interactions. The early recognition of signs of ASD is important. During the developmental window of the first three years of life, interventions can take place that help with the development of physical skills, communication skills, social skills and cognitive skills. In some cases, early intervention may even allow a child diagnosed with ASD to eventually come off the spectrum. During the first three years of life, the brain is ‘plastic’ and still in the process of forming, making it more likely that interventions will be effective.

Not relating well to others, doesn’t understand others’ emotions Avoids or does not keep eye contact Does not understand own feelings Does not show facial expressions

• Obsessive interests - may line up toys and get upset the order is disturbed • Not handling change well • Flapping hands, spinning in circles, rocking body • Reacting unusually to routine sensory interactions with the outside environment

If you have concerns about your child’s development, discuss the concerns with your child’s pediatrician and ask about autism screening for your child. You could also make an appointment to see a specialist in your area, such as a child psychologist, who performs autism screening and interventions.

RESOURCES: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928 | https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cdev.13683

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A healthier ColumbUS. with high quality healthcare that’s close to home to help you live the life you want.

From annual exams and immunizations to chronic disease management and pre and postnatal care, we’re here to help you get and stay healthy to take advantage of all life’s possibilities. What’s yours?

To find a doctor call 800.424.DOCS (3627) or visit online at MyStFrancis.com