Family & Kids Magazine December 2024 by Hoo Knows

TTime In VS.

Time Out?

by Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

he parenting method often referred to as ‘gentle parenting’ is, in general, opposed to using timeouts as a parenting strategy to deal with young children’s misbehavior. This is due to concerns that timeouts can be isolating or traumatizing for children. Here is a brief overview of both sides of this controversial topic.

‘Timeouts’ were developed as a parenting strategy by psychologist Arthur Staats in the 1960s. The name ‘timeout’ is short for ‘time-out from positive reinforcement.’ This strategy was intended to help replace physical discipline for negative behaviors such as aggression and talking back. As the full name suggests, time-outs were meant to remove a child from positive reinforcement, such as the presence of toys, in order to discourage a future repeat of the undesirable behavior.

How time-outs are defined

tA time-out cannot work as defined unless the child lives in a warm, positive environment, as the name ‘timeout from positive reinforcement’ suggests. Time-outs are designed to be boring due to the removal from positive surroundings.

tA time-out is not intended to be harsh or punitive.

tA child should be warned first before being placed in time-out and then told why she is being placed in time-out. The time-out is followed by positive parental attention and coaching. The parents should communicate with the young child in a warm, caring manner and help her understand what she needs to change to avoid repeating the behavior in the future. Time-outs are not always appropriate for every misbehavior and should be considered as just one strategy of the many that make up your parenting style.

tA time-out is not intended to be isolating. Do not send your child to her room. Instead, choose a time-out spot where you can see your toddler.

tTime-outs are not intended to be lengthy. Calculate the length of the time-out by giving your child 1 minute of time-out per one year of age, with a maximum length of five minutes.

Benefits of Time-Outs

Numerous studies over several decades have shown that time-outs when used sparingly and appropriately, can help reduce instances of misbehavior in young children. One benefit of time-out is the chance for you and your child to calm down when involved in a highly emotional situation. You can still see your toddler, but you are not interacting with her and have a chance to collect yourself. This may help avoid negative behaviors. such as yelling, when your child misbehaves. Time-outs, and the warm, caring parental communication that follows them, define boundaries and teaches your child the skills she needs to respect the boundaries in the future. However, time-outs must be used consistently to be effective, and improper use may be harmful.

‘Time In’ instead of ‘Time Out?’

Gentle parenting does not support time-outs due to concerns about children feeling isolated. The worry is that the child feels rejected and will be even more angry when she leaves time-out, thus never learning emotional self-regulation. A ‘time in,’ where the parent empathizes with the child and discusses with her the emotions behind the misbehavior, is a strategy often recommended by experts who promote gentle parenting. This aspect of gentle parenting can be exhausting though, because it requires that a parent be engaged in helping a child manage emotions during each outburst, and young children can have many of them during the day.

Parents should remember that ‘time in’ and ‘time out’ are not exclusive and can be used together in the unique parenting strategy they create for their child. What may work best for one type of behavior may not be the best strategy for a different issue.

Tis the Season to Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to teach your kids important life skills. In addition, volunteering during the holidays helps promote an ‘attitude of gratitude’ in your household during the holiday season and takes your child’s mind off her holiday wish list.

Volunteering For the whole Family

It is not only those who you help that benefit when you and your family volunteer. When kids volunteer, they learn important skills, like following directions and collaborating with others. Your child will also learn more about her abilities and talents when she volunteers, including leadership skills. Older kids may discover they enjoy helping to organize volunteer activities and overseeing younger volunteers. This self-discovery is especially valuable to teens trying to decide which career path to select in high school.

Volunteering builds character by teaching empathy and compassion. The real world is a harsh place, and it can be tempting to shelter kids from the hard, cold realities of natural disasters, poverty and illness. However, by allowing kids to see that others in the community need help, many times due to circumstances beyond their control, you allow them to see that their unique set of skills and talents are needed by others in their community. This sense of making a difference and the opportunity to care for others can fill your child with a sense of purpose and an excitement that they won’t be able to get from a new toy or video game.

How to Get Your Family Involved in Volunteering

It is important to start teaching empathy and compassion early, before the turmoil of the teen years begins. Make volunteering in your community part of your family’s lifestyle, even if your kids are very young. If your kids are young, keep it simple

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

by looking for age-appropriate opportunities close to home. There are more than you may realize. Many churches organize meals for members who have become ill or experienced the unexpected loss of a family member. You may find opportunities at church or your child’s school to ‘adopt’ a needy family. Your young child who loves to help grocery-shop and cook can help prepare a meal to donate or can have fun using the part of her allowance set aside for charity to shop for toys for a needy child. Another fun opportunity for young kids is creating art work and cards for nursing home residents who do not have anyone visiting them on a regular basis.

As your child approaches her teens, there will be more opportunities available to her. Identify organizations that may have opportunities that match your child’s interests and visit the organization’s website to gather information about how to apply for them. Many organizations require a background check and a volunteer orientation. Some may even require you and your child to interview for a volunteer position. If your teen has a busy schedule, help create opportunities close to home, such as putting together donations of clothing items she and her friends have outgrown.

When your teen is searching for volunteer opportunities to fulfill a requirement for service hours, look for opportunities that will help her utilize and grow her talents and professional skills. It is challenging to be a camp counselor or intern at the hospital but knowing that she made a difference while working towards her career goals is worth the hard work.

Contact these organizations to volunteer:

R Feeding the Valley Food Bank: feedingthevalley.org

R Valley Rescue Mission: valleyrescuemission.org

R PAWS Humane: pawshumane.org

R Salvation Army: southernusa.salvationarmy.org/columbus

R Sara Spano Clothing Bank: 706-575-6975

graphic Novels:

graphic Novels: The gateway to Reading

IThe gateway to Reading

s your child ready for more than picture books but not quite ready for chapter books? Graphic novels are the perfect solution! They combine engaging stories with easy-to-follow visuals, making reading fun and accessible.

Think of graphic novels as comic books with more text and deeper storylines. They’re a great way to introduce children to longer-form narratives while still providing visual support. By reading graphic novels, children can improve their reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Graphic novels offer a wide variety of stories, from dinosaurs to princesses, and superheroes to real-life adventures. Look for titles that have won the Eisner or Harvey Awards, the top honors in the comic book world. These high-quality graphic novels help children develop essential reading skills, such as vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

by April Butler,

Some popular authors of children’s graphic novels include Raina Telgemeier, known for the Babysitters Club reboot and her personal stories like Smile and Drama; Luke Pearson, creator of the magical world of Hilda, popularized by the Netflix series; Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Medal-winning New Kid; Jarrett Krosoczka, known for humorous series like Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy; and Dav Pilkey, creator of the wildly popular Dogman series.

Ready to get started? Visit your nearest Chattahoochee Valley Library branch or our website at cvlga.org. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect graphic novels to help your child become a lifelong reader. Don’t forget to check out the Hoopla app – it has many children’s graphic novels available with no holds and no waiting!

Keep Reading!

Children’s Librarian, Columbus Public Library

the withthe

Family Fun on New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve, include kids too young to stay up until midnight in the celebration by having one for them earlier in the day. Have a dress-up party and create a ball to use for a ‘ball drop’ countdown to noon. Read a book together about New Year’s Eve and the ways different cultures around the world ring in the new year. Have some fun games available and enjoy some holiday sweets. For older kids who are determined to stay up until midnight, create a slumber party in the family room complete with blankets and pillows. This will allow kids who fall asleep before the clock strikes twelve to rest comfortably until it is time to wake up the next day. Keep kids entertained by making some fun New Year’s crafts together, like the paper plate noisemaker craft or the toilet paper tube confetti launcher, that can be used to help ring in the new year later in the evening.

Enjoy creating your family’s New Year’s Day dinner traditions

Holiday family traditions make memories and create a sense of belonging for the family members. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the perfect opportunities to create new family traditions that can be a blend of the ones you grew up with and new activities you think your kids will enjoy. With a little planning, you can keep even young kids entertained at these holiday gatherings.

A New Year’s Day dinner menu full of special recipes is a tradition in many cultures. If you are looking to create a unique dinner tradition for your family, have fun combining your favorite recipes with ones from other cultures. Research the New Year’s Day food traditions of other countries with your kids and ask them to help you select a new item to add to your family’s New Year’s Day dinner menu. For example, the European tradition of baking a special cake for New Year’s is one that the whole family can enjoy (just leave out hiding a coin in the cake). Some other traditional New Year’s foods from other cultures include rice, noodles and grapes.

New Year’s Day family activities that make memories

One tradition shared between cultures is spending time to reflect upon the year past and making resolutions for the new year. At first, this might seem like an activity only adults would be interested in, but here are some ways to make it a kid-friendly tradition that will create memories you will cherish.

With your kids, write a letter that touches on the highlights of the year past to send to friends you don’t see very often or to add to a scrapbook.

Help kids create a list of family outings and activities from the year past that they enjoyed and a wish list of family adventures for the upcoming year. You could also create a time capsule and add this list plus pictures and souvenirs from your family vacations.

Create a holiday ornament on New Year’s Day for each child by helping her write her name and the year on a glass ball ornament, along with one thing she wishes to achieve in the new year.

Even if your holiday tradition is to vacation in a new location you have never visited before, you can pack up the supplies for these family activities and take them with you.

Resources: www.thriftyfun.com/Toilet-Paper-Tube-Confetti-Launcher.html www.kixcereal.com/kix-cereal-paper-plate-noise-maker

OVER 30 YEARS OF TRADITIONS

Nightly, November 15 to January 4

HOO’s HELPFUL

A B C

Gifting Toddler T YS

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Your baby has transitioned into toddlerhood and is ready to leave the baby toys behind. He is learning new words and starting to use them to communicate and is trying to explore the world around him. Here are some toddler holiday gift ideas that will help your toddler develop his motor and language skills while having fun.

Push and pull toys are an excellent choice for toddlers. This type of toy helps your toddler build muscles in his arms and legs and helps him improve his balance. Toddlers also enjoy using push toys for creative play, such as pretending they are vacuuming the house.

Stacking toys, such as stacking cups and stacking blocks, are a good choice. They help your toddler develop critical thinking and spatial perception skills, along with developing a knowledge of shapes and colors. This type of toy is great for enhancing motor skills and coordination. Your toddler can also use his creativity and find different

ways to stack the toys. When shopping for a set of stacking toys, select a set that is age-appropriate for your toddler. A very young toddler may have difficulty stacking heavy blocks, while a stacking set made of foam blocks may be easily torn up by an older toddler.

Open-ended toys such as dress-up clothing, toy kitchens and toddler-size toy tool sets encourage pretend-play and inspire your toddler to use his imagination. Toddlers often enjoy mimicking the everyday activities of adults, such as cutting the grass or playing the piano. Select toddler-size pretend-toys that match the activities your toddler shows interest in. For example, if your toddler likes pretending to help outside, he may enjoy a toddler-sized toy lawnmower.

The toys for pretend-play do not have to be elaborate. If toddlers have too many toys, it can be distracting, as your toddler may feel overwhelmed by the selection and have trouble focusing enough to get involved in pretend-play.

HOO’s CRAFTY

Cinnamon ORNAMENTS

Let the kids enjoy the classic tradition of making homemade ornaments for their tree with these cinnamon ornaments. They smell SO GOOD and they’re really simple to make.

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Stir together with a spoon. If the dough is too dry, add more applesauce. If it's too wet, add more cinnamon.

2. When it's too hard to stir, use your hands to kneed the dough into a ball.

3. Press the dough onto the counter using your hands to flatten it. Use a rolling pin to smooth out the surface. Use your hands to press in the edges and reshape the dough.

4. Continue flattening/rolling the dough until it's about 1/4" to 1/2" thick.

5. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Use a drinking straw to cut a hole in each shape.

7. Bake at 225°F for 2 to 3 hours until they are solid and dry, flipping half way through. If the edges are curling up, flip the shapes a second time and continue baking another 20 to 30 minutes (so they end up right side up when you're done) and they should flatten out.

SUPPLIES

1 cup ground cinnamon

• 3/4 cup applesauce

• 2 tablespoons white glue

Makes 10-12 using normal shaped cookie cutters.

Courtesy of: onelittleproject.com

New Releases

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

DECEMBER

That Christmas (Netflix)

Win or Lose (Disney Series)

Dream Productions (Disney Series)

Unstoppable/ PG13 (Theaters)

A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina

Carpenter/ Not Rated (Netflix)

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Theaters)

Mufasa: The Lion King (Theaters)

HOO’s HEALTHY

By Amy E. Brown, MD, Azalea Pediatrics

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It generally circulates at high levels during the fall and winter. It is particularly concerning for infants and young children, as well as older adults and those with compromised immune systems. RSV is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also survive on surfaces for hours, making it easy for children to contract it.

Some people will experience cold symptoms, but others will have more serious symptoms that can lead to hospitalization.

RSV symptoms typically appear about four to six days after exposure and include runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing or difficulty breathing. In infants, symptoms also include fussiness, poor appetite, and lethargy. Most children will recover in 1-2 weeks.

While RSV can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness including infants, particularly

What is:

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS

premature infants, children with chronic lung issues or heart problems, and children with compromised immune systems.

To help prevent RSV, parents can take some precautions which include good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with individuals who are known to be sick. For young infants and newborns, there is now an antibody that can be administered during RSV season known as Nirsevimab (Beyfortus). This is administered to infants under 8 months of age during their first RSV season and some children may qualify during their second RSV season. Pregnant women can get an RSV vaccine during their third trimester at least 2 weeks prior to delivery to help protect their newborns. Infants born to mothers who had the RSV vaccine during their pregnancy do not need Nirsevimab. The RSV vaccine is also approved for people over 60.

If your child exhibits severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or persistent coughing, seek medical attention. There is no specific treatment for RSV, but supportive measures can help. As always, if you have questions about your child’s health, please discuss them with your pediatrician.

Event and Everyday Florals

December

1 Fort Moore MCoE Band Holiday Concert. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

2 Dinner with Santa. 5:30-7:30pm. Chickfil-A, 5520 Whittlesey Blvd; 762-583-2614

3 Santa Visit! Ages 12 & under. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

3 Kids Explore! Ages 5-12. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

3 Harry Potter Night. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

4-22 Gingerbread Village. 10-5:30pm. RiverCenter Lobby; 706-256-3612

5 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

5 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

5 Books & Cookies with Santa! Ages 12 & under. 4pm. N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

5 Wreath Making Workshop. 4-6pm. $55$65. Columbus Garden; 706-327-8400

6 WSC Holiday Market. 11am-7pm. Wynnbrook Conference Center; 706-464-6378

6 A Cozy Holiday Mystery. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

6 Broadway Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. 6:30pm. 1100 Broadway; alwaysuptown.com

6-7 Shine Light Festival. 6-7:30pm. $8-$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

6-22 A Christmas Story: The Musical. Times vary. $21-$56. Springer; 706-327-3688

7 Breakfast with Santa. 8-11am. $15-$100. Columbus Trade Center; 706-327-4522

7 Country’s Reindeer Run. 9-10am. $25. Ages 1-13. Country’s on Broad; Runsignup.com

7 YMCA Christmas Bazaar. 9am-1pm. J.P. Thayer YMCA; 706-322-8269

7 Christmas Craft Fair. 9am-2pm. Midland Farmers Market; midlandmarket.org

7 Christmas with The WAVE Concert. 9:30am. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

7 Holiday Market. 10am-3pm. 10630 Lee Road 240 #C, Phenix City; facebook.com

7 2024 Bi-City Christmas Parade. 10-Noon; columbusga.gov/parks

7 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:05pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

7-8 Christmas with C.S. Lewis. Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. $64-$80. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

7-8 The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. $22-$44. RiverCenter; rivercenter.org

8 Historic Columbus’ Holiday Tour of Homes. 1-5pm. $25-$30; historiccolumbus.com

8 Connecting Georgia Multicultural Festival. 1-5pm. Woodruff Park; connectinggeorgia. org/Columbus

8 Auburn Christmas Parade 3pm. 100 North College St, Auburn; facebook.com

8 Christmas Wreath Class. 3:30pm. $125. R.L.T. Wildflowers, 7 10th St, Columbus; 762534-7385

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

10 After School Art Break. 2:30-4:30pm. Ages 5-10. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

11 Santa Visit! Ages 12 & under. 10am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

11 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

12 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

12 Family Fun Night: Bingo! 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

12 Sensory-Friendly Santa Visit for 12 & under. RSVP. 4pm. N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

13 North Pole Kids’ Craft. Ages 12 & under. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

13-14 River Dragons Hockey Game. Times vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

13-16 Shine: Light Festival. 6-7:30pm. $8-$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400

14 Breakfast with Santa - Phenix City Parks. 8am. $50/table. Martin Idle Hour Community Center; 334-291-4719

14 Holly Jolly Market. 9am-Noon. 1000-1100 Blocks of Broadway; alwaysuptown.com

14 Brunch with Santa. 10am, 11:30am & 1pm. $14.95-$25.95. RSVP. Hudson’s at Main Street; 706-507-5384

14 Holiday Sing-a-long class. 10:30am. $20/ family. Novo Fitness; musictogethercolga.com

14 Mercer Medicine Teddy Bear Clinic. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

14 Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. 4-6pm. Nissan, 1725 Whittlesey Rd; 706-225-8100

14 Cookies and Cocoa with Santa! 5-6pm. $30. Columbus Garden; 706-327-8400

14 “All is Bright” Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus Concert. 7pm. RiverCenter; voicesofthevalleychorus.org

14-15 Christmas Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market. Sat 11am-8pm, Sun Noon-6pm. Peachtree Mall; 706-327-1598

15 The Harlem Globetrotters. 3pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

December Events

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

15 “Come to Bethlehem” Adult Choir Christmas Musical. 6pm. First Baptist Church, 212 12th St, Columbus; 706-324-7422

16 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:05pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-507-4625

17 Santa Visit! 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

17 Dungeons & Dragons. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

18 Baby Basics. Noon. Free. Azalea Pediatrics, 6801 River Road; 762-208-5025

18 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 1). 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

19 Simple Steps Storytime: Play. Ages 0-5. 10am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

19 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

19 Holiday Traditions. Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

20 The Polar Express 3D (G). 2pm. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5809

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

20-21 Christmas Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market. Sat 11am-8pm, Sun Noon-6pm. Peachtree Mall; 706-327-1598

20-23 Cookies and Cocoa with Santa! 5-6pm. $30. Columbus Garden; 706-327-8400

20-23 Shine: Light Festival. 6-7:30pm. $8-$15. Columbus Garden; 706-327-8400

21 Big Dog Jingle 5K. 9am. $30-$40. Big Dog Fleet Street; runsignupcom

21 The Polar Express 3D (G). 10am & 2pm. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5809

22 The Polar Express 3D (G). 11:30am & 3pm. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5809

23-Jan 7 YMCA Thayer Christmas Camp. Ages 5-12. 706-322-8269.

24 The Polar Express 3D (G). Noon. $8-$10. Giant Screen Theater, National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5809

26-27 Shine: Light Festival. 6-7:30pm. $8-$15. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400

27 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. Families. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

27-28 River Dragons Hockey Game. Times vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706-5074625

30 Happy Noon Year! Families. 11:45am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Weekly Events

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-24 mo. 10am; Preschoolers. Ages 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855 (Not 12/24 or 12/31)

Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 12/24 or 12/31)

WEDNESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers. Ages 3-5. 10am; Babies & Toddlers.

Ages 0-36 mo. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 12/25)

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 12/25)

Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813 (Not 12/25)

THURSDAY

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

Sight Word Support. K-3. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

Fun Fridays. Ages 5-12. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

SATURDAY

Concerts by Candlelight - Columbus. 7-8pm. $30-$50. CSU University Hall Auditorium; tinyurl.com/columcandle

EVERYDAY

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

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

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

By Linda Ligon, Family &

Harmful Plasticsavoiding

Agroup of man-made chemicals, called PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they resist heat, water and grease and do not break down in the environment. These chemicals are present in many household items, such as cleaning products, non-stick cookware, and water-resistant clothing such as rain jackets. PFAS also enter the environment through industrial processes that pollute the air, water and soil. The presence of PFAS in the environment is so common that almost everyone in the U.S. has a low level of PFAS in their blood. Some of the ways exposure to PFAS can occur include:

• Drinking water contaminated with PFAS

• Eating food wrapped in products containing PFAS

• Eating fish contaminated with PFAS

• Swimming in water contaminated with PFAS

• Contact with soil contaminated with PFAS

Research of PFAS has found that high levels of some types of PFAS may have some of the following effects on humans:

• Increase in cholesterol levels

• Increased risk of some types of cancer

• Increased risk of pregnancy complications such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia

• Increased risk of thyroid disease

• Low infant birth weight

There are many different types of PFAS and only a small group or a number of them have been studied to determine their possible effects on humans. There are some steps you can take to lower your family’s risk of exposure to PFAS.

• Vacuum your home regularly to remove soil and dust that have entered your home. Soil and dust can be contaminated with PFAS and removing it from your home with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter can reduce the risk of exposure.

• If you do not need the functionality of water-resistant clothing, avoid wearing it, since it may contain PFAS. Manufacturers are not required to alert consumers about garments that are manufactured using PFAS. However, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to see if they certify that their garments are PFAS-free. Be aware that a label that says PFOS-free or PFOA-free means that the garment is just free from these two types of PFAS but not necessarily free from all PFAS.

• Select furniture and carpet that is labeled PFAS-free. Many textiles contain a stain-resistant layer that may contain PFAS.

• The levels of PFAS in drinking water are monitored. Find out the levels of PFAS present in your drinking water by reading the water system report for your area. If you use a private well, you may need to arrange for your own testing. Certain types of home water filters, such as reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon, can help remove PFAS from your family’s drinking water. Select a water filtration system certified to remove PFAS. Boiling water does not remove PFAS and could increase the concentration of PFAS in the water.

• Avoid the use of personal care products that contain PFAS, such as dental floss, makeup, nail polish, hair and body cleaners. Until recently, many skin care lotions contained the PFAS called PTFE, which is commonly the Teflon brand. Read the manufacturer’s website to check your personal care product to see if the use of PFAS in the product has been phased out. Avoid products with ‘flouro’ or ‘perfluoro’ in the name.

• Take steps to reduce PFAS contamination in your family’s food. Use cast iron cookware, stainless steel or ceramic cookware in place of non-stick cookware. Many disposable food packaging products contain PFAS. Do not heat your food in plastic containers. Keep in mind that BPI-certified compostable packaging is PFAS-free.

To find toxic-free products, visit the non-profit Environmental Working Group’s website for an extensive list at ewg.org.

Dining Deals for Kids

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

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

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

thursDAY

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

friday

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

multiple days

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 $2.79 with dine-in order

The Food Mill

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 HUNGRY

LASAGNA ChristmasCookie

Make this Christmas cookie lasagna dessert that requires no baking! It’s a unique and delicious treat to make for your next holiday party!

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper to make slicing easier but it is not necessary. In your food processor, crush 36 cookies into crumbs. Place the cookies into a large bowl and add the melted butter. Stir until well blended. Add in ½ tablespoon Christmas sprinkles. Press the cookie crumbs into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish. In large bowl using an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 container of whipped topping. Gently stir in ½ tablespoon Christmas sprinkles. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie mixture. In medium bowl, whisk together the dry pudding mix and milk until combined. Let set 3 minutes until slightly firm. Gently stir in ½ tablespoon sprinkles. Spread over the cream cheese layer. Top with the remaining container of whipped topping. Crush the remaining 12 cookies and sprinkle over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the top with the remaining sprinkles. Refrigerate for 4 hours or freeze.

INGREDIENTS

• 48 vanilla Oreo cookies divided

• 6 tablespoons butter melted

• 1 package 8 ounce cream cheese softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles divided

• 2 8 ounce tubs whipped topping

• 1 3.4 ounce cheesecake instant pudding mix

• 2 cups cold milk or milk alternative

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