Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley Dec 22

PARENTS,Be Confident!

Feeling unsure about parenting decisions and parenting style is something that every parent encounters. A period of self-doubt and a loss of confidence in your parenting decisions often occurs while expecting a baby, when the upcoming responsibilities of new parenthood can feel overwhelming. However, experiencing a lack of self-confidence in yourself as a parent can strike at any time in your parenting jour ney. Here are some tips on how to successfully address these feelings of self-doubt and to even use them to grow your parenting self-confidence.

Protecting self-identityyour

Protecting your self-identity can help alleviate feelings of inad equacy as a parent and prevent you from second-guessing your decisions. If you base your self-esteem completely on the suc cesses of your child, you may feel like a failure every time your child makes a mistake. You can guide your child but ultimately your child makes his own decisions, and you have no control over them. Instead, build strong self-esteem by spending time on selfcare and pursuing an interest or hobby of your own. Feeling con fident in yourself helps you act decisively. You may not be sure at the time that the approach will work but your child will sense you are firm about your decision, making success more likely.

Seek supportfrom other parents

There is one positive aspect of social media. Many parents, espe cially those of children with unique needs, find joining a closed, private support group on social media to be helpful. In these moderated groups, parents can safely share their self-doubts about their parenting approach without fear of judgment and re ceive any support needed. Sometimes all it takes is to know that someone else has faced a similar obstacle, such as extreme tod dler meltdowns in public, and was able to overcome it. When in teracting with your support group, remember that the approach taken by other parents may not be exactly the one that will work for your child, but the knowledge the other parents have gained can help guide you.

Use negative experiences to grow

In some instances, doubts about a parenting decision can be an op portunity for growth and change. Your child is continuously growing and developing and so too must your parenting style. Learn from the results of the decision and instead of losing confidence in your parenting style, use the experience to improve your future parenting strategy.

Address buried negative emotions

Some parents carry negative emotions about their interactions with their own parents. Feeling that you do not know how to parent well due to a lack of adequate role models during your childhood can affect your parenting self-confidence. If you find yourself in this sit uation, seek therapy to help manage negative emotions that have carried over from your childhood.

Social media can reduce self-confidence

It is hard not to feel like you have failed as a parent if you constantly compare your child’s achievements to what you see others post on their profile. It is common to construct online profiles to provide an ideal, perfect appearance. When you compare your parenting to the conglomeration of perfected online profiles, it is no wonder that it is easy to feel like your parenting is inadequate. Every child is unique and has his own gifts, meaning your parenting journey is not going to be exactly like those of your friends. Do not fall into the trap of com paring yourself to idealized parenting profiles. Avoid spending a lot of time on social media if you find it to be a strong source of negative emotions and self-doubt.

HOO’s INSPIRED

reverse advent calendar

If you are in search of a new family holiday tradition, the reverse Advent calendar is a fun and meaningful holiday activity that is perfect for the family to participate in together. A traditional Advent calendar typically starts on the first day of December and each day something fun is removed from the calendar as your child counts down to Christmas. A reverse Advent calendar also starts on December 1st and provides a countdown to Christmas. However, on each day of Advent, the donation marked on the reverse Advent calendar for that day is added to a collection box. The items listed on the calendar are either nonperishable foods or hygiene items suitable for donation to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Choose food items, such as canned vegetables, canned fruit, beans, peanut butter, and tuna, that would be nu tritious additions to a meal.

To prepare the Advent calendar, make a list of 24 items to do nate. Create a grid of 24 squares (4 rows of 6) on a posterboard and number the squares 1 to 24. In each square, write one item from the list and then check it off so that the same item is not used twice. Have the kids use markers and glitter to decorate the calendar. Next, make a shopping trip to gather the items on the list. This will ensure the daily item listed on the reverse Advent calendar is available in the house for the kids to add to the col lection box.

During Advent, explain that the items placed in the reverse Ad vent calendar will go to families experiencing food insecurity due to either lack of access to healthy food or having to choose between purchasing groceries and paying bills. After Christmas, have the kids accompany you when you deliver the donation box and explain how your family’s donation will bring some holiday cheer to a family in need.

Local food banks include:

• Valley Rescue Mission, 2903 Second Avenue, Columbus GA

• St Anne Community Outreach, 2000 Kay Circle, Columbus

• FOCUS Ministries, 232 Hamilton Square Street, Hamilton, GA

Shopping forOlder Kids

Selecting holiday gifts for older children can be a challenge. Here are some holiday shopping tips that will make selecting gifts less of a chore.

There is a good chance your child has made requests during the year for high price items she wants but did not have the allowance to buy. If you decide to select one of these items for a Christmas gift, start shopping early to get the best prices on the item and to have the best selection. If the high price items she wants are not in your holiday budget this year, consider creating a thoughtful gift basket for her that has a variety of items and includes both wants and needs.

The shopping trips you have made with your tween during the year and the online purchases she has requested have probably given you a good idea of what she enjoys. Some ideas for items include personalized jewelry, items for hob bies or sports, spa items, and a gift card for her favorite store.

HOO’s tips

There are several advantages to giving kids a gift card for their favorite store.

• Older kids are often very picky when it comes to items like clothing and shoes. Purchasing a gift card to cover items that are difficult to shop for makes it much less likely you will have to wait in the return line.

• It is easy to pick up a personalized gift card for your child’s favorite store when you can’t find the exact item from her wish list and you are out of time.

• Using a gift card for her favorite store will teach your child to budget. Show your child how to categorize items into wants and needs and prioritize them before you take her to shop. Also, every time your child uses the gift card, she will need to practice her math skills to find out how much she can spend on the next trip.

• Gift cards are a way to teach older kids how debit cards work. Explain the difference between debit and credit and emphasize spending the gift card thoughtfully.

Bring your outdoor holiday wreath inside with this festive and easy cheeseball. For a cheeseball worthy of any big gathering, you could skip the Bundt pan and roll the ball in toasted sliced almonds instead.

DIRECTIONS

Line the inside of a 6-cup Bundt pan with plastic wrap. Process the cream cheese, shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and few grinds of pepper in a food processor until smooth. Empty the mixture into a medium bowl, and fold in all but 2 tablespoons of the chopped peppers.

Pack in the cheese mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Spread into an even layer and cover (or simply form the cheese mixture into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap). Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour up to 2 days.

Uncover and invert the cheese mold (or unwrap and transfer the ball) onto a serving platter. Sprinkle with chives and parsley and garnish with the reserved 2 tablespoons of peppers. Serve with crackers, sliced bread or crudites.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature

• 2 cups shredded firm cheese, such as Cheddar, pepper Jack or Colby

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 cup pickled piquante peppers, such as Peppadews, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

• Crackers, sliced bread or crudites, for serving

There are many opportunities in the Chattahoochee Valley to enjoy a holiday themed event during the month of December. Here are a few of our top picks highlighted below:

Cascade Hills Church is hosting “Christ mas in The Park” on December 16 after their 5pm church service. In their on-cam pus park, families can enjoy hayrides, s’mores, Christmas crafts, firepits, food trucks and more.

Enjoy shopping at the “Holly Jolly Mar ket” throughout the 1000-1200 blocks of Broadway in Uptown Columbus on December 10 from 9am to 12pm. The event will have Christmas music and tons of vendors offering a wide variety of gift items, holiday crafts and boutique items. alwaysuptown.com

Stop by The Columbus Museum, Wednes day, December 21 from 10am to 12pm to pick up a free holiday activity kit. This kit contains supplies for holiday art projects to work on at home. The kits will be pro vided on a first-come first-served basis. The museum will not be open for tours due to ongoing renovations.

The RiverCenter for Performing Arts decks out its lobby each year with a collection of homemade gingerbread houses called “Gingerbread Christmas Village.” The creative houses of confection are sub mitted by local businesses, clubs and families throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. The village will be on display until December 19, available weekdays from 10am- 5:30pm and on nights of Concerts, from 5:30-7:30pm.

Enjoy the annual Shriners New Year's Eve Gala at the Courtyard Marriot-Columbus/ Phenix City on December 31 at 6:30pm. This Vegas-style event includes a buffet dinner, live music and unlimited games. This event, which benefits Shriners Chil dren’s is for 21 years and older. Cocktail attire is requested. Tickets are $125 each. Tickets: Eventbrite.com

The Columbus Ballet performs the beloved holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” at the RiverCenter on December 17 & 18. Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. $20-$42. Join Clara in this fairytale ballet as she dreams of her Nutcracker Prince one Christmas Eve, who battles the mouse king, then takes her on a journey through the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets. Tickets: RiverCenter.org

“A Christmas to Believe In” is an origi nal musical that features some favorite holiday classics plus original songs and show-stopping dance numbers. Join Hope, her teddy bear Fuzzy and an en semble of timeless Christmas characters as they go on an adventure of a lifetime. This new holiday experience has a Christ mas message of hope and is appealing to all ages. Shows are Dec. 10 at 7pm and Dec. 11 at 2:30pm at the RiverCenter. Tick ets: RiverCenter.org

Join the big man in red for “Cookies and Cocoa with Santa” at the Columbus Bo tanical Garden on December 9, 21 or 22 from 5-6pm. The event boasts extended visits and photos with Santa in the gar den, a cookie decorating station, holiday crafts and the North Pole Postal Express where kids can write their last-minute wishes and personally deliver them to Santa. A spread of your favorite cookies and holiday treats will also be available. Cost of the event also includes admission into the holiday light display, “Shine.”

Tickets: columbusbotanicalgarden.org

Enjoy the Broadway musical “White Christmas” at the Springer Opera House this holiday season. Pick one of thirteen days to see it on stage until December 23. This musical is based on the 1954 Para mount Pictures movie of the same name and is family-friendly, although the use of loud sound and lighting effects make it more suitable for kids over five. The main characters of the show are two World War II vets who have become partners in a song and dance act after the war. Tickets: springeroperahouse.org

When Storytime Ends,

by Deborah Clark, Children’s Librarian, Mildred L. Terry Library

HOO’s learning

Let Their Visit Begin!

When the Librarian closes the book with the familiar words, “the end,” does that mean that the benefit of your child’s visit to the Library is over? A tot’s resistance to leaving after storytime shows that they know there’s more to be done! If your child enjoyed the book(s) read in storytime, capitalize on the chance to reinforce the vocabulary/ concepts introduced. Let your child explore the family area. Reading nooks, alluring animal-shaped bins, and wall manipula tives help build hand-eye coordination and encourage language development through self-talk. Or, be like Grandma Barbara, who left the library with a new hairdo! Her fouryear-old granddaughter invited grandma over to a play mirror, saying, “Come to the beauty shop!” Older children might enjoy the ABC Mouse computer, LEGO®s , Fishing for Sight Words or exploring the STEAM collection.

These activities encourage your child’s confidence to venture away from you safely while still under your watchful eye. And, who knows – as your child follows their curiosity, another ‘ex

plorer’ may join in to play. Wholesome play fosters your child’s social skills, and parents make friendships that allow them to become resources for one another.

And speaking of resources – the CVL Parenting collection covers contemporary topics – and items are available for checkout! Our staff eagerly provides Library cards to storytime goers, discusses upcoming programs, and signs eligible readers up for free books from the Ferst Foundation.

We cannot wait to see you- for storytime-and AFTER! It’s our joy to introduce and support your child in developing a positive, fun, and hopefully a life-long relationship with their public li brary!

Visit cvlga.org/attend-it for a full schedule of upcoming Library programs for all ages.

CLOTHESPIN SNOWFLAKES

DIRECTIONS

Break apart the clothespins and set aside the spring (adults only should do this part). Add some extra-strong craft glue or tacky glue on one piece of the clothespin and place another piece on top. Press the pieces together firmly and allow the individual pieces time to dry. You’ll need 8 clothespins to make 1 snowflake. Glue the clothespin pieces together to form a snowflake. Start by gluing 4 pieces together first. You’ll need to use hot glue for a stronger hold on this step. Adults should do this part for younger kids who cannot properly use a glue gun. For the hot glue, try to only use a very small amount. A small amount goes a long way. If you use too much, it will drip and create some hot glue bumps on the orna ment. Then glue the 4 remaining clothespin pieces in the open areas. Once dry, paint the whole snowflake white. You can also paint them any color you’d like! Make them match your Christmas tree with red, green, silver or gold. Now is the fun part! You can decorate the snowflakes with pom poms, rhinestone stickers, glitter, confetti, fabric snowflakes and more! We were inspired to make these look Frozen-themed with blue and white. Finally, glue a piece of twine to the back for hanging.

• Large and medium-sized clothespins

• White acrylic paint

• Glitter paint – fine blue

• Snowflake confetti or fabric snowflakes

• Small white pom poms

• Blue or silver rhinestones

• Tacky or extra-strong craft glue Hot glueCOURTESY OF: bhg.com

These clothespin snowflakes are low-cost and really easy to make with the kids with endless options for colors and decorations.

By Kimberly Blaker

So you’d like to further your education, but you don’t know where you’d find time with your current job and parenting role? Even if you could, there are costs for courses and books to squeeze into your budget. Fortunately, today, there are many ways to overcome these obstacles.

If you’re undecided about your career goals, get started by reading What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles, or Who Do You Think You Are? by Keith Harary and Eileen Donahue. You can also check with a local institution for the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator test to discover your interests and strengths. Finally, visit nearby colleges or visit their websites. Find out which courses, degrees, and options for earning credits suit your needs.

Non-traditional college credit

Today, more accredited colleges offer a variety of options for earn ing nontraditional course credit. Look into this first to save time and money.

At some colleges, you can earn Self-Acquired Competency (SAC) credits, which may have different names at various institutions. Such credits are available for a wide range of skills and life experiences. They require compiling a portfolio for faculty evaluation. You can in clude on-the-job training, work and volunteer experience, workshops, seminars, and more in your portfolio. If you served in the military, you might be eligible for Military Service Credit for education you gained through schools, experience, or service.

You can also earn credits by examination. Some of these include:

Correspondence and online courses

• Credits for College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP)

• Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)

• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

Credit by examination can also save time and money if you have knowledge in a particular area or if you study and test well. But be sure to check with your institution before enrolling since credit may not be awarded following admission.

Another possibility for credits is if you’ve completed any noncolle giate or in-company sponsored programs or courses. Find out if those programs have been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE). If so, ask your academic institution if they award credits based on ACE recommendations.

Independent study programs offer a couple of options. You can take online courses in the convenience of your home. These usually require atten dance (at your computer) at specific times. Correspondence courses are a good option also because there are no schedules. They typically allow 6-18 months for completion with a 1-year extension. Evening and weekend courses, as well as accelerated programs, also offer some flexibility.

How to pay for tuition and books

There are many options for financing your education, such as the Fed eral Pell Grant which is awarded based on financial need. Several other options include:

• The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• The Federal Work-Study program

• The Federal Perkins Loan

• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

• Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

Many scholarships are also available. For example, if you’re a single mother, you might qualify for grants and scholarships available to sin gle parents. Ask your academic institution what it offers.

A wide variety of other scholarships are available as well. Check with your institution, a scholarship guide, or an online scholarship search. Ask your employer if it offers reimbursement for college courses. If the classes relate to your job, your employer may cover the costs.

Finally, don’t forget the HOPE Scholarship, a tax credit available for el igible Georgia taxpayers. There’s also the Lifetime Learning tax credit, but specific requirements and restrictions apply. For links to colleges that offer independent study and links to financial aid resources, visit our full story at www.familyandkidsga.com/college-for-parents.

HOO’s HEALTHY

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that may occur in infants who are premature or weigh less than 3 pounds at birth. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. This disorder involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels into the retina, which is the light-sensitive nerve tissue in the back of the eye. The retinal blood vessels start developing in the womb at about 16 weeks gestation and continue to develop until birth. Premature birth at less than 31 weeks of gestation can interfere with the proper development of these blood vessels. Abnormal retinal blood may grow in the wrong direction and pull the retina off the back of the eye, causing a partial or a full retinal detachment. The retina sends messages about light to the brain, and a detached retina may lead to vision loss and blindness.

Babies at risk for ROP should receive an eye examination a few weeks after birth. During the examination, the eyes are dilated, and the retina is observed. Based on the results, a schedule of follow-up examinations is set up by the doctor to carefully monitor the infant’s retinas for ROP progression.

RESOURCES: https://bit.ly/3sONlE5

What is: ROP

Cases of ROP are classified by doctors into stages. Stages 1 and 2 are mild cases that usually resolve on their own without treatment and do not result in permanent vision loss. These babies are watched carefully to ensure their ROP does not suddenly become worse. In Stage 3, some patients may get better on their own while others may require treatment. If the retina has partially detached, the case is classified as Stage 4. A case where the retina has detached completely is classified as Stage 5, which is the most severe. Infants in Stages 4 and 5 require treatment.

The treatment for ROP involves a combination of surgical procedures that aim to protect the baby’s vision. If your baby is diagnosed with or is at risk for ROP, carefully keep all the followup exam appointments. Early treatment of ROP can help prevent vision loss. Babies with severe cases of ROP may still suffer vision loss even with surgery.

1

Teen Crafternoon: Take & Makes. 3pm. Co lumbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

1-23 White Christmas: The Musical. Times vary. $25-$50. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

2 Teen Takeover: Fandom Club. 4pm. Colum bus Library; 706-243-2811

2

My Mad Science Lab: States of Matter. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

2 WSC Holiday Market. 11am. Wynnbrook Conference Center; 706-464-6378

2 Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. 6:30-8pm. 900-1200 blocks of Broadway; al waysuptown.com

2

Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $8$12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400

2-3 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

3 Breakfast with Santa. 8-10am. Columbus Convention & Trade Center; 706-327-4522

3 Country’s Reindeer Run. 9-10am. $20. Coun try’s on Broad; Runsignup.com

3 Holiday Cookie Decorating Class for Adults. 10-11:30am. $40. Columbus Botanical Garden; RSVP 706-327-8400

3 Victorian Christmas. 10am-4:30pm. Nation al Civil War Naval Museum; 706-327-9798

3 End-of-Year Book Sale. 10am-5pm. Colum bus Public Library; 706-748-2855

3

2022 Bi-City Christmas Parade. 10-11am. Uptown Columbus; alwaysuptown.com

3 Puppy Tales. Families. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

3

Christmas with The Wave. 11am-1pm. River Center; 706-256-3612

3

Christmas Craft Fair. 11am-3pm. Midland Farmers Market; midlandmarket.org

3

Holiday Candlelight Concert. 7-8:30pm. $15-$20. Columbus Botanical Garden; RSVP 706-327-8400

4

Victorian Christmas. 12:30-4:30pm. Nation al Civil War Naval Museum; 706-327-9798

6 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. $5/family. Colum bus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

6

STEAMpunks-Stories & Science. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

6

Picture Book Playdates. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

6 Teen Takeover. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

6

Harry Potter Night. Ages 5-12yrs. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

7 Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop. 10am. $50. Columbus Botanical Garden; RSVP 706327-8400

8

Family Fun-Nights: DIY Fashion Show. 4pm. Columbus Library;. 706-243-2813

8 Santa at Riverside & Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 5:30-8:30pm. Riverside, 100 Vibbert Ave, Fort Benning; 706-545-1853

8-10 Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $8-$12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

9

Home School Friday - Rock Climbing. 1:303pm. Treadstone Climbing Gym; 706-507-7625

9 Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. 6pm. $30. Columbus Botanical Garden. RSVP 706-327-8400

9

Christmas in a Railroad Town. 7pm. Down town Opelika; facebook.com

10 Breakfast with Santa. 9am. The Farm house Restaurant; RSVP 706-561-3435

10 Holly Jolly Market. 9am-Noon. 1000-1200 blocks of Broadway; alwaysuptown.com

10 Holiday Cookie Decorating Class for Kids. 10-11:30am. $40. Ages 6+. Columbus Botani cal Garden; RSVP 706-327-8400

10 Pictures with Santa. 2-5pm. Free. Piggly Wiggly, Stadium Drive, Phenix City; 706-570-5300

10 NIM Kids: Home for the Holidays Mini Camp. 2-6pm. $10. Ages 5-11. National Infantry Museum; RSVP 706-685-2614

10 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

10-11 A Christmas to Believe In. Sat 7pm, Sun 2:30pm. $15. RiverCenter; 706-2563612

13 LEGOS in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

13 Teen Takeover: Crafting Christmas. 6:00pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

14

A Visit From Santa! 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

14 Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop. 10am. $50. Columbus Botanical Garden; RSVP 706327-8400

15 Books & Cookies with Santa. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

15 Chapter Book Tasting. Grades 3rd-5th. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

15 Winter Wonderland Extravaganza. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

December Events

15-23

A Tuna Christmas. Times Vary. $25-$50. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

16 Finger Paint: Holiday Tree. Ages 0-5yrs. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

16-17

Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $8-$12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

16-17

River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

17 Ukulele 101: Holiday Edition. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

17-18 The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. $20-$42. RiverCenter; Tickets at RiverCenter.org

19 Christmas Camp. 8am-3pm. $30. The Farmhouse Restaurant; 706-561-3435

20 Frosty’s Frosting Party. 3pm. South Co lumbus Library; 706-683-8805

20 Picture Book Playdates. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

21 MAMA B.E.A.R.S.Breastfeeding Support meeting. 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

21-22

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. 6pm. $30. RSVP required; and Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $8-$12. Columbus Bo tanical Garden; 706-327-8400

22 Ugly Sweater Holiday Sing-Off. 5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782.

27 Kwanzaa. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

27-28 Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $8-$12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

30 Noon Year’s Eve. Families. 11:30am. Co lumbus Library; 706-243-2813

31 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:30pm. Co lumbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

WeeklyEvents

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 1st or 26th)

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies (Ages 0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 2-5 yrs.) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Simple Steps Storytime. Families. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 20th or 27th)

Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

WEDNESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies (Ages 0-36 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Games in the Garden. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 28th)

THURSDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5yrs. and Fam ilies. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Sight Words Support. 3-5pm. 30-minute oneon-one practice session. K-3rd grade students. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Get Your Game ON! 3pm. South Columbus Li brary; 706-683-8805 (Not 22nd or 29th)

FRIDAY

Candlelight Weekend. 6:30-9:30pm. Historic Warm Springs; 706-655-3322 (not 12/30)

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. and Families. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 23rd)

Fun Friday. Ages 5-12yrs. and Families. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 23rd or 30th)

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com

Candlelight Weekend. 6:30-9:30pm. Historic Warm Springs; 706-655-3322 (not 12/31)

EVERY DAY

Fantasy In Lights. 6-8:30pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; 800-CALLAWAY

Santa Pictures at Center Court. All day. Peachtree Mall; RSVP 706-327-1598

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was ob tained. For more events, visit our website at: familyandkidsga.com

APPS toAPPS to LOVE

Supercook

How many times have you opened the fridge and thought to yourself -- what can I make? SuperCook to the rescue! Unlike other recipe apps, SuperCook only shows you recipes that require the ingredients you already have.

Keepy

Save your kids’ memories and declutter your home. With Keepy, you and your kids can record voice-over stories about each photo. Share privately your photos with grandparents and loved ones, and preserve your family’s enriched memories forever.

APPClose

This is for co-parenting, even if the other party doesn't participate. You can also add third parties, so everyone is on the same page with messaging, scheduling, documents, reimbursements, check-ins and more!

Playground buddy

Search for playgrounds near you and across the world. See photos or street views before you go, get directions and share details with others. Create and save your favorites list. Even add new listings for the benefit of others!

Children with special needs often experience difficulty socializing and mak ing friends, leaving them feeling lonely and isolated. A pet that is carefully selected to match your child’s abilities and personality can help provide com panionship and comfort to your special needs child. Here are a few tips if you are considering getting a pet for your special needs child.

Dogs can be a good choice since they are faithful companions that tend to love unconditionally. Also, research studies show that petting a dog or a cat can help reduce stress and provide a calming effect. Look for a trainer near you who can provide the appropriate training for your dog.

A dog may not be the right choice if you do not have time to ensure the dog is walked each day. A cat may possibly be a good fit since they do not require as much attention. Many cats enjoy being loved and petted at times and are of ten playful. However, in general, cats are not as friendly as a dog and may bite or scratch when annoyed. Small pets such as gerbils or hamsters, may not be the best choice since they can easily be hurt and will quickly escape if their cage is left open.

Fish are a good choice if you do not have the time to commit to caring for a dog or if your child would do better with a pet to observe than a pet to touch.

Caring for a pet teaches your child how to care for and be sensitive to others. A study performed by researchers at the University of Missouri in 2015 found that interacting with pets can help autistic children build social skills. When teaching your child all the necessary daily tasks involved in caring for your pet, demonstrate them first. Point out that just like people, pets have daily care requirements and need love.

There are many opportunities to enjoy riding your bike through the beautiful scenery in the Chattahoochee Valley. Some of the bike trails are paved and are appropriate for a family outing while others are technical trails more appropriate for experienced mountain bikers.

Below are some of our favorites. Before embarking on a bike ride, carefully consider how far you will go before heading back. If you are new to bike riding, it can take some time to build your endurance. Ensure everyone has properly fitting bike helmets and that the bikes are free of maintenance issues. Hydrate well and pack water, sunscreen and snacks for your ride. Take a map of the trail with you and download a map app such as AllTrails to your phone.

Standing Boy Creek State Park

located at 2120 Old River Rd in the northern part of Mus cogee County between the Green Island Hills and the Chat tahoochee River, offers mountain biking trails that range from easy to very technical. Some of the trails in the park are dual-use, meaning that they can be used for both hiking and mountain biking, while others are for mountain biking only. Gravity trails are available for a more challenging rid ing experience. The trails are sometimes closed after heavy rain, so check the Standing Boy Trails website before you go. A collection box for the daily $5 park pass is available in the parking lot off Old River Road.

Man O War Trail

is a 15-mile trail located in Harris County, GA and is a paved ‘Rails to Trails’ bike path of moderate difficulty that runs from downtown Pine Mountain to Hamilton. Dogs are per mitted but must be on a leash. Parking is available in down town Pine Mountain. This trail provides beautiful woodland scenery. Further extension of the trail into southern Harris County is planned. Parking and access to the trail are avail able in downtown Pine Mountain. Parking in a paved park ing lot near the trail is available off Gardenview Drive in Pine Mountain. Parking is also available in the paved parking lot across from the Callaway Country Store, with trail access be hind the Callaway Country Store.

The Dragonfly Trail Network

includes about 32 miles of interconnected trails such as the The Fall Line Trace and the Riverwalk Fall Line Trace.

• The Fall Line Trace is an 11-mile paved trail through Mus cogee County. This trail is a fairly easy ride. The Fall Line Trace is appropriate for bikes of all types as well as bike trailers and for running. Intersections with roadways are marked. Use caution in locations where the bike path crosses a roadway. The trail runs between the Psalmond Road Recreation Center and the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge in Uptown. Parking is available at Midland Elementary and Middle schools, Flat Rock Park, Coo per Creek Park, Columbus State University campus, Hardaway High, and a park-and-ride lot near Hannan Magnet Academy on Warm Springs Road and on Manchester Expressway across from Legacy Chevrolet.

• The Riverwalk in Columbus, GA is a 15 mile linear park that runs alongside the riverfront of the Chattahoochee River and provides a scenic bike ride that includes historic markers and views of the river. Parking and access locations include Rigdon Park (1600 Howe Ave.), Rotary Park (1808 Victory Dr.) Woodruff Riverfront (1000 Bay Ave.) and the Oxbow Meadows Environ mental Learning Center (3535 South Lumpkin Rd.).

Flat Rock Park

at 6106 Warm Springs Rd, Columbus, includes a system of mountain biking trails that range in difficulty from easy to technical. The Fall Line Trace is accessible from Flat Rock Park.

Find 23 Differences

HOO knew?

TOYtidbits

As the famous jingle goes: “What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs, and makes a slinkity sound? A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing! Everyone knows it’s Slinky.”

In 1943, while stationed at a Philadelphia shipyard, U.S. Naval engineer Richard T. James was searching for a way to use springs to help sensitive equipment hold up in turbulent seas. One day, Richard knocked a spring off a shelf and watched as it gracefully “stepped” from a stack of books to a table and then to the floor, where it landed upright. James told the story to his wife, Betty, who wondered if the industrial spring could be transformed into a toy.

Richard soon took that idea and designed a machine to coil 80-feet of wire into a 2-inch spiral, which Betty named “Slinky,” inspired by the flowing movement and distinct sound of the spring in motion.

The toy was introduced during the 1945 Christmas season at a Gimbels department store in Philadelphia. Priced at $1, the Slinky was an immediate hit, with 400 Slinkys selling out in just 90 minutes.

Resource: www.interestingfacts.com

Did you know this toy was created by accident?

Dining Deals for Kids

MONDAY

Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm Sapo’s 5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée The Office 4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.

Tuesday

Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal Denny’s 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

Wednesday

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

Saturday Denny’s

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 MOE’s Southwest Grill Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée

Every day

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

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.

HOO’s HEALTHY

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in the food and water we consume. Research studies have shown that fluoride, when added at the appropriate level to drinking water and applied topically with fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash, can help prevent tooth decay. Adding flu oride to community drinking water is a common practice in the United States and many other countries, such as Australia. Fluoridated drinking water is viewed by dental experts in the US to be critical in preventing dental decay in children who do not have access to proper dental care and to topical sources of fluoride.

How does fluoride prevent decay?

When fluoride is consumed in water or food, the fluoride becomes part of the saliva in your mouth, where it fights the demineralization of tooth enamel by bacteria and helps promote the strengthening of tooth enam el. When young children take in fluoride through water or food, the flu oride enters the bloodstream and becomes incorporated into developing teeth, which makes the teeth stronger.

Concerns that fluoridating com munity drinking water may lead to cognitive deficits in children have sparked debate amongst experts. A recent research study performed by researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia and published In the Journal of Dental Research in October 2022, found no adverse effects to exposure to fluoride during the first five years of childhood development. The study found no impact on emotional development, behavioral development or executive function. Children exposed to flu oridated water throughout their childhood measured at least equally when their development was compared to that of peers who had not been exposed to fluoridated water.

Per the CDC and dental experts, fluoridating community water at the recommended levels helps prevent the negative health and economic impacts of dental decay on families. However, parents should carefully supervise young children when they are using fluoridated topical prod ucts, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. These products should be ap plied per a dentist’s or physician’s instructions. Teach kids not to swallow toothpaste and mouthwash, as excess topical fluoride can be harmful.

Is exposure to fluoride safe for kids?

Highlight On

There are about 500 children in the foster care system in the Chattahoochee Valley. There are about 115 foster homes in our area and not all those homes are open to taking in more than one child or sibling groups. If 85 of these homes were to each take two children in, that would only be providing care for 170 children. This would leave 330 children separated from their siblings and potentially moving away to have a home. This is a crisis that Clement Arts has chosen not to ignore.

Clement Arts is a nonprofit ministry that exists to make a difference in the lives of adoptive and foster families through gospel-centered support and creative experiences. They partner with churches in our community to help them create Family Advocacy Ministries to bring awareness to our area’s foster care crisis and surround foster families with support to assist them in fostering longer and stronger. Sometimes this looks like creating a foster closet, taking a meal to a foster family once a month, or gathering hygiene items to donate to the Department of Family and Children Services.

They also offer fine arts classes for area kids, and make them tuitionfree for foster children. They offer ballet, theatre, toddler music and a variety of visual arts courses to include interior design, pottery,

creating a comic book and more! Proceeds from the classes help create adoption grants, but primarily exist to teach children that they are valuable and add beauty to all they do.

It’s overwhelming to hear that 500 children need homes in our community. However, the solution to this crisis, Clement Arts believes, is primarily through local churches, but also by engaging the local community to support their efforts through practical ways such as these:

• Invite Clement Arts to speak at your church or group

• Volunteer in our art classes or at an event

• Participate in our workshops

• Attend our upcoming events

• Apply as an arts instructor

• Enroll your child(ren) in our classes

Clement Arts has several upcoming events including Ballet Magnificat!’s “Deliver Us” on February 17 and "Poets, Painters, & Storytellers" on March 18 featuring Sarah Kroger. Visit clement-arts. org for tickets and more information.