Family & Kids Magazine December 2023 by Hoo Knows

DECEMBER 2023

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

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At Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus, Smiles Are Always in Season.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Deeper

Hoo’s helpful3

Deeper = Connections Communications

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

earning to communicate well with your partner, like any other skill, takes some practice. If you are in a committed relationship or newly married, having deep conversations is important. Deep conversations help you bond, share feelings and strengthen your relationship. Once you start a family, keeping your relationship strong is more important than ever. However, you may feel that your family’s busy schedule never gives you any time to have deep conversations with your partner. It can feel like you only have enough time for ‘mission critical’ conversations that keep your family’s daily routine on track and your household running smoothly.

Put a priority on good communication

Set the stage for a meaningful conversation by choosing a time when distractions are minimized. This means putting aside your electronic devices and selecting a time when you are less likely to be interrupted by kids. Try to spot opportunities for deep conversations. For example, if the kids are in bed and you anticipate having some time alone with your spouse, it may be a good time to practice your communication skills. If you are used to utilizing quiet time when the kids are sleeping to catch up on housework or other tasks, it can be hard to stop and initiate a deep conversation. However, a strong relationship is the foundation for a healthy, happy family and spending time communicating with your partner is making an investment in your life together.

Initiate the conversation in the right way

When initiating the conversation, ask your partner if it is a good time. If they are expecting a call from work or about to leave for an appointment, you may not have time for a meaningful exchange of ideas and feelings. Avoid trying to start a conversation with a question that can be answered with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ It is too easy for the conversation to stall after the one-word response. Instead, ask open-ended questions, such as ‘How was your day?’ or ‘How was the fishing trip yesterday?’ Do not be discouraged if the first few times you try to start a deep conversation, you seem to be stuck at just skimming the surface instead of taking a deep dive. As with any other skill, communicating well takes practice, commitment and time.

Have fun practicing communication skills

Even if you have been in a relationship for a while, you may feel like you are not even connected with your partner enough to know how to get a deep conversation started. One of the best ways to improve communication with your spouse is to turn it into fun. Find something fun that you are both interested in, such as learning to play golf or scuba dive. Having a shared interest can kick off a conversation about activities you both enjoy and lead to a sharing of feelings and ideas that make you feel closer to your partner. Another way to get a conversation started is to turn it into a fun game. Create some flashcards with some fun discussion topics that help kick off a conversation. Here are some ideas: + What is one thing you have always wanted to try but have not yet? + What is something that happened in the past week that you are grateful for? + What is the best advice someone ever gave you? + What do you feel your purpose in life is? + What is the thing you like the most about our lives together? + If you could travel back in time, what time in history would you visit?

The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

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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DECEMBER 16TH & 17TH THE RIVERCENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FOR TICKET INFORMATION VISIT THECOLUMBUSBALLET.COM/NUTCRACKER

New Releases

Make it a movie night with these new kid-friendly titles.

DECEMBER

1: Candy Cane Lane (Amazon Prime) 1: Teddy's Christmas (Theaters) 4: Dew Drop Diaries - Season 2 (Netflix) 7: The Archies (Netflix) 8: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Christmas Cabin Fever (Disney +) 15: Wonka (Theaters) 15: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Netflix) 20: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney +) 22: Migration (Theaters) All movies listed are rated G or PG. Please check the appropriateness for your own child.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Visit us Online FamilyAndKidsGA.com

FEATURING: Magazine i Digital i Contests Tips i Parenting Guides i Resource Events, And i LARGEST, LOCAL Parent’s Shopping Guide

HOO’s CRAFTY

CREAMY OATMEAL

MILK BATH

This bath soak is a simple way to moisturize dry winter skin, or it makes a great homemade gift to share this holiday season.

DIRECTIONS 1 . Take your oats and grind them into a fine powder in your food processor. 2 . Stir the milk, baking soda and ground oats together. 3 . Place the milk bath into a clean and well-sealed container. 4 . To use, add about 1/8 cup to warm water and stir to dissolve. 5 . Add the oils to the mixture if you want the entire batch to be the same. If not, you can wait add your essential oils directly to the bath water. 6 . Feel free to experiment with adding other holistic ingredients, such as magnesium or Epsom salts. 7 . The batch should store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

SUPPLIES • 1 cup whole fat dried milk • 1/4 cup baking soda • 1/2 cup oats • 1 each Mason Jar • 5-7 drops high quality essential oil(s) of choice

Courtesy of: theidearoom.net

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HOO’s CUTE

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

Quinn, 3 years Fortson

Teagan, 16 months Columbus

Aiden, 10 years Phenix City

HOO’s PICKS

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Gifting By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

beyond

toys

f your child’s toy collection is already overflowing, even after doing a ‘clean out’ of old toys she has outgrown, you may be wondering what holiday gifts you can buy for her that will not add to the problem. It is disheartening to spend time shopping for that special gift, only to have it lost in a sea of toys and forgotten after a day or so. Here are non-traditional, nontoy gift ideas that your child will enjoy and that you will feel good about giving, knowing that the gift serves a purpose. Buy tickets to a fun holiday play at your local theater. In the Columbus area, attending The Nutcracker is a tradition for many families. You will create precious memories and provide a chance for your child to learn about, and even be inspired by, the fine arts. If you have an aspiring ballet dancer, she may enjoy the ballet show so much she decides to try out next year! What better way to keep kids busy during winter, when it is cold outside and the sun sets early, than a craft? Look for age-appropriate craft kits that fit your child’s interests. Often, you can purchase a kit that contains all the materials your child will need to complete the craft. Crafts are a great way for the family to spend time together during the holiday break from school. Food is an important part of the holiday season, so why not give your child the gift of learning how to bake? Encourage your child to learn this life skill by giving her a kid-sized baking set and an apron. Let her have fun learning to read recipes, measure ingredients and mix them together. Choose a high-quality kid-sized baking set that will last. Give the gift of sports to your child. Purchase sports balls, such as footballs and soccer balls, that your kids can enjoy in the backyard. Consider setting up a basketball goal, a volleyball net or a corn hole game that will encourage your kids to get outside and move around. Inspire your school-aged child to explore the amazing world of science by getting her an age-appropriate science experiment kit. There are many types of science kits available, including robotics and simple chemistry experiments. You may even want to consider purchasing a telescope for your child so that your child can enjoy the night sky. Older kids may enjoy a science kit that includes a microscope. Telescopes and microscopes vary in price and quality, so read reviews carefully before purchasing one. If you enjoy spending time outdoors fishing, golfing or camping, get your child kid-sized gear so that she can join you. Your local golf course may offer lessons for kids to help her get started. Read reviews before buying kid-sized camping gear, such as sleeping bags. You want to get her a good-quality sleeping bag that will keep her nice and cozy. If you plan on taking your child out on a boat to fish, give her both a kid-sized fishing pole and a life jacket that fits her. Give the gift of the love of gardening by getting your child her own gardening tools. Get her age-appropriate, kid-sized gardening tools. Kids love to play in the dirt, so why not provide her with the tools she needs to help plant seeds and flowers in the garden? Look for good quality tools that will last. Create a gift certificate for your child that entitles her to a “yes” day for activities of her choice within your creative theme or guidelines, or a coupon book for preset activities.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

JOIN US FOR FUN EVENTS THIS DECEMBER! dec

9-10 dec

dec

23-24 dec

dec

A CHRISTMAS TO BELIEVE IN

Join us for this exciting theatrical Christmas experience at the RiverCenter. Visit rivercenter.org exclusively to purchase your tickets. DEC 9TH 7PM | DEC 10TH 2:30PM

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Fun for the whole family! Enjoy hay rides, s’mores, Christmas crafts, fire-pits, food trucks, and more. DEC 16TH 6:30PM

CHRISTMAS AT CASCADE HILLS

Join us for our exciting Christmas services! From hot cocoa to twinkling lights, it will be a weekend you won't forget. DEC 23RD 5PM + 7PM | DEC 24TH 9AM +11AM

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Join us for an intimate service for the entire family. DEC 24TH 6PM

NYE WORSHIP NIGHT

Ring in the new year together with live music at this exciting midnight event! DEC 31ST 10:30PM

C A S C A D E H I L L S . C O M

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HELPFUL

Watch for Expired Household Items When the term ‘expiration date’ is mentioned, most of us probably think of cleaning out expired food items out of the refrigerator and pantry. However, food items are not the only household items that have an expiration date.

Laundry detergents and bleach have a limited shelf

posable fire extinguisher must be disposed of once it reaches its expiration date. A rechargeable fire extinguisher can be serviced if the pressure inside becomes too low during its lifespan but should be replaced when it reaches its expiration date. If a manufacture date is the only date available, you may need to look at the manufacturer’s information to see what the suggested lifespan is and create your own expiration date tag.

life. After a while, bleach and laundry detergents begin to break down and become less effective. Pay attention to ‘best by’ dates on the containers and do not be surprised if a laundry detergent past Medications have an expiration date. Over its date does not clean as expected. time, the chemical composition of medications may Fire extinguishers have an expiration change. Some medications, date. The expiration date is usually stamped such as epinephrine auto onto the body of the fire extinguisher, but injectors, have been shown it could also be on the label. Over time, fire through testing to be unextinguishers lose their pressure and will stable and not safe to use become ineffective at putting out fire. A dis- past the expiration date. Eye drops with

preservations, insulin, nitroglycerin and refrigerated antibiotics are other medications that may be susceptible to a reduction in potency after the expiration date. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about expired medications.

Cosmetics have a shelf life, especially those that are open and used. Bacteria and fungi may grow in open cosmetics, resulting in eye and skin infections, and sunscreen loses its effectiveness. Throw away cosmetics past the expiration date or that do not look or smell right.

Batteries that were purchased a few years ago may not have a reliable charge. Pay attention to the dates on your batteries before using them for something essential, like a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector.

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY When the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, does not function properly and fails to produce enough thyroid hormones, it can affect metabolism along with a child’s growth. Some infants are born with congenital hypothyroidism. In other cases, hypothyroidism develops during childhood. One of the most common reasons hypothyroidism develops during childhood is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In someone with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells, leading to a decline in thyroid hormone production. Other causes include medication that interferes with the production of thyroid hormones or pituitary hypothyroidism, where the pituitary gland does not stimulate the production of thyroid hormones properly. When thyroid hormones are low, a child may feel sluggish, lack energy and have an increased sensitivity to cold. Other signs and symptoms include: slowed growth, constipation, swollen hands and feet, enlarged thyroid gland, dry, coarse skin, puffy face and depression. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to devastating consequences, such as severely stunted growth and

W h a t is : HYPORTHYRODIS M

permanent mental disabilities. Hypothyroidism is easy to diagnose through blood tests that determine the level of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. If TSH levels are above normal, it is a sign that the thyroid hormone levels are below normal and the pituitary gland is trying to increase the production of thyroid hormones. If TSH levels are high, the level of the thyroid hormone T4 is evaluated. High levels of TSH and low levels of T4 lead to a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Screening for congenital hypothyroidism is part of the routine newborn health screenings typically performed within 72 hours after birth. Further tests to study the thyroid may be ordered by your child’s doctor, including an ultrasound of the thyroid. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement pills. The medication is chemically identical to the thyroid hormone produced in the body.

RESOURCES: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hypothyroidism-in-children

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Share your

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tammy@familyandkidsga.com

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

for Kids

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

Thursday

Barberitos

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

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

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

Saturday Denny’s

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

Sunday The Simple Greek

Denny’s

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

Ruby Tuesday

Multiple days

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

Wednesday

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Your Pie

McAlister’s

Red Robin

The Food Mill

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

Kids under 40” get free baby cone Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order Kids receive half off a breakfast egg and cheese biscuit with the purchase of one full price breakfast item (M-F, 9-11am)

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 Tips

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

“Tough to buy for” Gift Ideas

by Kimberly Blaker, Family & Kids

re you tired of spending hours, days, or weeks scouring the planet for just the right gift only to find yourself giving the usual standby, such as a sweater, candle or bottle of cologne? After a while, doling out the same boring gift feels like giving a worn-out consolation prize. This year, try one of these gift ideas that’ll elicit surprise and enthusiasm for your thoughtfulness.

Concert tickets. Whether the person on your list is a rock-n-roller or symphony fan, a pair of concert tickets will be a sure pleaser, especially if you can swing the best seats.

Dinner at a posh restaurant. The old adage goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Women enjoy gourmet dinners just as much. So give a gift certificate to a top-notch restaurant that your recipient’s reluctant to splurge on. It’s the perfect way for the person on your list to enjoy a gourmet meal without guilt.

Golf package. Give a round of golf at an elite course or a weekend away at a favorite golf resort. Self-Care certificates. Most usually won't buy this for themselves, so help them splurge on some self-care with a gift card for a massage, facial or pedicure.

Chef supplies. Who says kitchen appliances and gizmos are for women only? Men who enjoy playing chef will appreciate the tools to create their gourmet dishes. Consider a top-quality butcher block knife set, rotisserie, food processor, blender or crockpot.

Sporting event tickets. Whatever your gift recipient’s favorite sport, a pair of tickets, particularly to a top rival game, is sure to be a best bet for a memorable experience.

Magazine subscription. Whether the person on your list is a sports fan, outdoors person, world traveler, hobbyist, professional or business owner, there’s a magazine out there for every niche.

Gadgets. A person can never have too many of these. How about a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, multi-device charging valet, night vision binoculars, heated ice scraper, smartphone Wi-Fi storage, espresso maker or wireless TV speakers?

Record player & LPs. These are gaining new popularity. You can find collectible vintage record players as well as brand new ones online in every price range. Look for LPs at vintage record stores, antique malls or online.

Audiobook subscription. If the person on your list loves to read but just doesn’t have time for it, an audio subscription may

be the perfect alternative. Your recipient can download books to his or her smartphone or iPod. Then they can listen while working out or on the drive to work.

Music download subscription. One can never have too much music. Find subscriptions for music downloads at Amazon, Napster, iTunes, eMusic and Spotify, to name a few.

Annual non-profit membership. Make the person on your list a card-carrying member of the National Audubon Soci-

ety, Earth Policy Institute, National Coalition for the Homeless, American Humane Society or another organization that fits their interest. Most organization memberships include periodicals, among many other benefits.

A trip or weekend away. This gift could be as simple as a nearby weekend away for rest and relaxation or a week-long adventure to a favorite destination. Watch for travel deals at Travelzoo, Travelocity, Google Flights, Airfairwatchdog and Kayak.

Museum membership. Is the person on your list an art enthusiast or history buff? If so, look for museum memberships that are

in your recipient’s area. In addition to free entrance, museum memberships typically include extra perks such as entry into special exhibitions, discounts on special events and periodic newsletters.

A PLACE TO LEARN AND GROW

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Children & Family Programs 15

columbusbotanicalgarden.org | 3603 Weems Rd, Columbus | 706-327-8400

Join us for our Annual Holiday Light Display!

December

1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16 21-23, 28 & 29

Nov. 29 - Members FREE!

Twinkling lights * Festive fun * Heartwarming memories * Santa photo ops Stroll through the “Walk of Stars” * Warm up and make some S’mores Live holiday music or performances * Learn about bioluminescence Holiday craft stations * Festive concessions

December 17 * 2-4pm

Christmas Teddy Bear Tea Party

Bring your favorite teddy to enjoy a fun Tea Party. Food and drinks included from Lavender Blooms! Special appearance by 2 Majestic Sugar Plum Fairies!

December 16, 21 & 22 * 5-6pm

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Decorate cookies, write a letter to Santa, have your photo made with Santa, enjoy storytime, and make a reindeer treat bag.

Tickets at columbusbotanicalgarden.org/shine

December

1Meadows; Little Naturalists (4-5yrs). 9:15am. $5. Oxbow 706-507-8550 1Conference WSC Holiday Market. 11am-7pm. Wynnbrook Center; 706-464-6378 1Columbus A Holiday Whodunit for Young Detectives. 4pm. Library; 706-243-2813 16:30pm. Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. 1100 Broadway; alwaysuptown.com 1Holidays. Fort Moore MCOE Band Presents Moore for the 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612 1-2 Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $5$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400 1-23 Elf: The Musical. Times/days vary. $21$56. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688 2Columbus Breakfast with Santa. 8-11am. $15-$100. Trade Center; 706-327-4522 2Country’23rds onAnnual Reindeer Run. 9-10am. $20. Broad; Runsignup.com 2$8.Spectacular Science Saturdays. 9am-4pm. $5Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 2$15Wreath Making Workshop. 10am & 1pm. $40, lunch. RSVP. The Farm House Restaurant; 706-561-3435

2City toBi-CityUptownChristmas Parade. 10-Noon. Phenix Columbus; columbusga.gov/parks 2Community Christmas Craft Fair. 11am-3pm. Midland Farmers Market; midlandmarket.org 2busCrafts 4 A Cause. Families. 3pm. North ColumLibrary; 706-748-2855 2-3 The Polar Express 2D (G). Times vary. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5800

5Library;Kids’706-243-2813 Art Studio. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus

5Library;Teen706-243-2811 Takeover: Karaoke. 4:30pm. Columbus 12BradleyDecember Kids Night. 4:30-7:30pm. CFA Park Drive; 706-660-8914 56:30pm. Harry Potter Night @ Your Library. Families. 13Town.Simple Steps Storytime: Santa is Coming to Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Families. 10am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 7Columbus ‘North’ Pole-Holiday Kids Crafts. 4pm. North Library; 706-748-2855 13meeting MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support (Part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pe75:30-8:30pm. Santa at Riverside & Tree Lighting Ceremony. diatric Assoc; 706-221-4602 100 Vibbert Ave, Fort Moore; 706545-0522 14under.Books4pm.&N.Cookies with Santa. Ages 12 and Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 7busLEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. ColumLibrary; 706-243-2813 14706-243-2813 Family Fun Night. 4pm. Columbus Library; 8-9 Breakfast with Santa. 9am & 6:30pm. $10. RSVP. The Farm House; 706-561-3435 14ons. 4:30pm. Get Your Game On! Teen Dungeons & DragColumbus Library; 706-243-2811 8-9 Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $5$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400 14-23 A Tuna Christmas. Times Vary. $28$44. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688 8-9 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:05pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625 1Library; 5 Bluey’706-243-2813 s Birthday Bonanza. 4pm. Columbus 9way;Hollyalwaysuptown.com Jolly Market. 9am-Noon. 1100 Broad1Civic5 TheCenter;Harlem706-507-4625 Globetrotters. 7pm. Columbus 9townChristmas in a Railroad Town. 6-9pm. DownOpelika; opelikamainstreet.org 1$5-$15. 5-16Columbus Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. Botanical Garden; 706-3279-10 The Polar Express 2D & 3D (G). Times 8400 vary. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5800 1Nutcracker. 5-16 FriThe10am, Columbus Ballet presents The Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. 9-10 A Christmas to Believe in. Sat 7pm. Sun $22-$44. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612 2:30pm. $15. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612 16Church;Christmas in the Park. 6:30pm. Cascade Hills 102-6pm.NIM$10.Kids:AgesHome5-11.for theRSVP.Holidays Mini Camp. 706-327-5743 National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2614 16lumbusRiverCivicDragons Hockey Game. 7:05pm. CoCenter; 706-507-4625 12bus Library; Santa is Coming to Town. 4pm. South Colum706-683-8805 16-17 The Polar Express 2D & 3D (G). Times vary. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National In12Elf Candy Get Your Game On! Unplugged: Santa Cookie fantry Museum; 706-685-5800 Snowman. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811 19Columbus Teen Takeover: Cookie Decorating. 4:30pm. Library; 706-243-2811

r Events

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Weekly 19dred L.Dungeons & Dragons. Families. 6pm. MilTerry Library; 706-243-2782 19erCenter;Celtic706-256-3612 Angels Christmas. 7pm. $29-$59. RivEvents 20 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 1). 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

21 Winter Activity Kits. 10am-Noon. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 21 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 21 Holiday Traditions for All. Families. RSVP. 5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 21-23 Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $5-$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

21 TGIF TV Night. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811 22 TGIF TV Night. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811 23 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8yrs. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 27 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

28 Teen Takeover: Dream Boards. 5pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 28-29 Shine: Holiday Light Festival. 6-9pm. $5-$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

29 Noon Year’s Eve. 11:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813 (Not 12/25)

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 2-5 yrs.) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 12/26) Simple Steps Storytime. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 12/26) Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 12/26) Kids Explore! 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805 (Not 12/26) Live Music in the Library. Families. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 12/25)

WEDNESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

THURSDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm. 30-min one-on-one practice session. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 12/21) Get Your Game ON! (Ages 0-12). 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805. (Not 12/21 and 12/28) Get Your Game ON! Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805. (Not 12/21 and 12/28)

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Fun Fridays. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 12/22 and 12/29) Lo-Fi Fridays. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811 (Not 12/29) Candlelight Weekend. 10am-8pm. Historic Warm Springs; 706-655-3322 (not 12/29)

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com Boredom Busters: Board Games for All Ages. 10am-6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855 (Not 12/23 and 12/30) Candlelight Weekend. 10am-8pm. Historic Warm Springs; 706-655-3322 (not 12/30)

EVERY DAY

Fantasy In Lights. 6-8:30pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; 800-CALLAWAY Santa Pictures at Center Court. All day. Reservations encouraged. Peachtree Mall; 706-3271598 Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Be merry, bright & beautiful this holiday season!

Seasonal Peppermint facial

$75

XEOMIN/BOTOX FILLER MICRONEEDLING HAIR RESTORATIONS CHEMICAL PEELS SKINCARE SERVICES FULL BODY WAXING WEIGHT LOSS AND MORE!

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!

HOO’s HUNGRY

Reindeer

POOP

•

Surprise everyone with delicious 'Reindeer Poop' for a fun and sweet treat!

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Set aside. In a double boiler over low heat, melt your nut butter and chocolate together and stir until smooth. In the microwave safe bowl, add peanut butter and chocolate and microwave on high for 60 seconds and stir. Then continue in increments of 30 seconds, stirring after each, until mixture is melted and smooth. Add 3 cups of Corn Pops to a large bowl. Pour half of the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Add remaining Corn Pops to the bowl and then pour the rest of the chocolate/peanut butter mixture on top. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated. If there are pools of chocolate/peanut butter at the bottom of your bowl, add more Corn Pops 1/3 cup at a time until there is no extra pooling chocolate mixture. Transfer to an extra large Ziploc bag. Pour cocoa powder mixture over Corn Pops in Ziploc bag, seal, and shake until well coated. Pour out onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and let cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

TIPS: Leave the cocoa powder out of the recipe above and this recipe becomes

white snowman poop! Store any leftovers, unrefrigerated, in airtight bags or containers on the counter. It does not freeze well, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Courtesy of thenovicechefblog.com

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips • 1 cup creamy nut butter • 6 cups Corn Pops Cereal • ¾ cup cocoa powder • ¾ cup powdered sugar

Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Extra Curricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extracurricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

John P. Thayer 706.322.8269 A.J. McClung 706.322.25.79 D.A. Turner 706-563.7001

Math. Reading.

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

Contact your local branch for more info

www.columbusymca.com

706.257.6963 kumon.com/columbus-north

Give the Gift of Wellness

YMCA Family Membership!

and community to your family through a 2024

December

8: Polar Express Night 6-9pm; $25 for up to 5 tickets. Enjoy crafts, pictures with Santa, Gingerbread house decorating and hot cocoa bar. 16 & 25: Parent Shopping Day;

2-5pm; $5 per child; Members only

27-29 & Jan 2-3: Winter Camp

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Donate to O

HOO’s INSPIRED

banks

ne favorite volunteer activity for the holiday season is shopping for food to donate to a local food bank. This is a project that kids can assist with and is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. When shopping for items to donate, follow these tips to help you provide maximum benefit to the recipients. If you select boxed macaroni and cheese meals, avoid the ones that require the addition of milk and butter, as they may not always be available to the recipient. While you can’t donate perishable items such as butter, non-perishable staples such as cooking spray, oil and shelf-stable, unrefrigerated salad dressings are much appreciated. Think about donating non-perishable items, such as canned fruit, peanut butter and tuna, that can be used to create snacks and lunches. Non-perishable, unrefrigerated boxed milk is useful because kids can use it for cereal. Canned vegetables are appreciated but the recipient may not have a can opener, so opt for cans with a pull tab. Corn and green beans are especially appreciated during the holidays.

Cerea

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Spices, salt and pepper can help make the holidays special, along with canned pumpkin and boxed stuffing. Avoid donating massive bags of rice, flour and sugar. The food bank may not have a way to divide the donation between multiple families. Instead, donate family-sized bags of these staples. Personal hygiene items such as diapers, period products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toilet paper and deodorant are often accepted by food banks and are very much appreciated by recipients. Your donation may allow someone to prepare for a job interview or avoid being bullied at school. Food banks cannot accept homemade foods, as they cannot verify how the foods were prepared. Do not donate expired food or food with damage to the packaging or the can.

Feeding the Valley: accepts food donations, Mon. – Thurs. from 7am – 4pm at 6744 Flat Rock Rd, Midland, GA. St. Anne Outreach: accepts donations of food and toiletries, Mon. – Thurs. from 8:30am - 3pm at 2000 Kay Circle, Columbus.

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HOO’s PARENTING

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Your child is excited about starting a new activity, such as a sport or learning a musical instrument, that requires time and hard work to learn. Working to learn something new and not quitting when the going gets tough is an essential life skill.

Help your child set goals Is the goal of learning the new activity realistic for your child? Choosing a goal that she feels inspired to achieve and has enough time for is important. For example, if your daughter wants to try ballet, ask a local studio if she can come and observe a practice, and take her to a professional ballet performance. This provides her with an idea of where she would be starting out, and what her end goal might be. Take her to different types of activities so she can explore her interests before committing to one. The goals she chooses should be ones she has a passion for, not just that you do.

Help your child stay on track Your child has decided that she wants to participate in a new activity and has set her goals. Having the self-control to stay focused on a goal is a learned skill. She needs your guidance to navigate through the hard times. For example, if your child misses a big catch at her softball game and yells ‘I want to quit!,’ she needs you to help put everything in perspective. It takes time to learn a new sport or skill and every frustrating instance can be treated as a learning experience. Provide an example from your own life where working through the tough spots and never losing sight of the ultimate goal helped you succeed.

Have your child pledge not to quit When your child joins a new sports team or other activity, create a ‘no quit’ agreement. Knowing you have made a commitment to your team, coach and parents can be a powerful motivator. Of course, there are some instances when it is OK to quit, such as an abusive coach, an injury or a family emergency.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Showcase your child care or educational offering in this special section so parents who are seeking new choices can see yours! tammy@familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.comGUIDE EDUCATION/CARE

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s learning

Celebrate A R O U N D

T H E

by Kim Scott • Marion County Public Library

Let’s Celebrate!

The holidays can be a great opportunity to teach your children about cultures and customs, which allow them to have a little more insight into how the world works and how different groups of people celebrate. Books help translate stories about holiday customs from all corners of the world. Picture books such as the ones listed here give beautiful illustrations to enhance the words of the stories. When we share these stories with those around us, we all learn and celebrate the world around us. From poinsettias to latkes, cultures are embodied by symbols. These showcased picture books below are just a few of those you can check out from your local library to learn and teach about our vastly unique and amazing cultures around the world. Visit cvlga.org for more information.

The Legend of the Poinsettia Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend of the poinsettia in this traditional Mexican Christmas tale. Our Favorite Day of the Year Over the course of the year, young students learn more about each other, the holidays they celebrate, their favorite foods, and what they like about school. Mrs. Greenberg’s Messy Hanukkah Though it’s the first night of Hanukkah, Rachel’s family won’t really be celebrating until

next week. But Rachel wants to celebrate now, so she comes up with a good idea: she’ll visit her neighbor, Mrs. Greenberg, and they can make latkes together. It’s Ramadan, Curious George This playful tabbed board book makes a great holiday gift for all fans of Curious George—those who celebrate Ramadan, and those who are learning about it for the first time. Silent Night Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated picture book, based on the world’s best-loved carol. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Wise Choices for You & Your Family Recognizing

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

HOO’s Healthy

Allergies

ood allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to food as if it were a foreign invader, resulting in an allergic reaction. The body’s immune system releases histamines in response to the perceived invader, and this may lead to a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. It is important to recognize the symptoms of food allergies in kids. If you suspect your child has a food allergy, have her evaluated and her specific food allergies identified. Food allergy symptoms in infants and kids Offering your baby solid food for the first time is an exciting experience. However, there is always a chance that your infant or toddler could be allergic to a new food. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include vomiting, hives, wheezing, mood changes, swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, scratching the skin, a rapid heart rate, lethargy and fainting. Researchers have discovered that the most common symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to food in infants are vomiting, hives and wheezing. The researchers found that allergic reactions to food in infants tend to be milder than those in older kids and adults. Older children and adults are more likely than infants to experience a sudden narrowing of the airway and a severe drop in blood pressure during anaphylaxis. In some instances, someone experiencing anaphylaxis will have a sudden drop in blood pressure without experiencing other symptoms. One indication that an allergic reaction to food is severe is that it occurs soon after contact with the allergen, within seconds or a few minutes. It is important to call for emergency help promptly if you think your child may be having an allergic reaction. The first time a child is exposed to a food allergen, the reaction is mild. However, once your baby has been exposed to a food, either by eating it or by exposure through breast milk, the body forms IgE antibodies to the allergen. The antibodies may lead to a severe reaction the next time your child is exposed to the food. It does not take very much of a food to trigger an allergic reaction to the food, and a reaction can occur just by touching the food. In some patients, just smelling the food can trigger a reaction. A mild reaction may occur minutes or even a couple of hours after exposure to a food allergen. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction to food include itching, rash or hives, an upset stomach, a tingling sensation in the throat or mouth, eczema, and swelling in the eyes, lips and face. What foods are most likely to There is no cure for food allergies. The treatment for food cause food allergies allergies is preventing exposure to the foods your child is The foods most likely to cause an immune system allergic to. Food allergies are diagnosed through allergy testresponse and an allergic reaction include the following: ing. A skin prick allergy test and a blood test for specific IgE • Milk antibodies to food allergens may be ordered by your child’s • Eggs doctor. If your child is at risk for a severe allergic reaction, • Wheat your child’s doctor may prescribe her an epinephrine au• Soy to-injector. Epinephrine can help reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction by opening the airways and increas• Tree nuts ing blood pressure. Ask your child’s doctor to show you how • Peanuts to use the epinephrine auto-injector and to provide you with • Fish an allergy action plan that you can share with your child’s • Shellfish school.

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CATERING | PREPARED MEALS

Hassle-Free Holidays Private event room, charcuterie trays, flexible catering, heavy hors d'oeuvres, prepared meals & more...

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