"Family & Kids" January 2024

JANUARY 2024

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

Find your Passion. Find your Y at the Columbus YMCA!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

making HOO’s parenting

friends

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

W

hen parents send their child to school for the first time, they imagine their child building healthy friendships with other students. It can be heartbreaking when a child comes home and says, ‘No one wants to play with me.’ While being popular is not as important as having one or two strong friendships, it is a concern if your child has no friends. Without at least one friendship, your child is not able to learn and practice the process of making and maintaining good relationships with her peers. Here are some tips on how to help your child through the process of making friends.

Ensure your child feels her environment is safe

The first step is to communicate with her child’s teachers and other adults at your child’s school who can observe how your child interacts with others. If a group of classmates is bullying your child, it is no wonder that she is keeping to herself and avoiding interacting with peers at school. No one wants to feel vulnerable in a hostile environment, and working to form new friendships often involves risking rejection. Report the bullying to school officials and work with them to put a stop to the bullying. While it is true that there will be personality conflicts and your child will not be friends with everyone, bullying is never acceptable.

Practice manners at home

If speaking with your child’s teachers reveals that your child is not liked by others because of aggressive or rude behavior, talk with your child to see what is going on. If your child tells you someone hurt her feelings, explain to your child that even if someone hurts her feelings, it is not OK to be rude back. Teach your child how to walk away, cool off and then try to resolve an issue with the other person, instead of responding with anger. The other person may not have felt well that day or been aware that their behavior was hurtful. Keeping her cool when someone hurts her feelings will earn her more friend prospects than an angry, rude reaction.

Take time to practice manners and social skills at home, such as taking turns. When you see your child committing a manners misstep, gently discuss it with her. For example, ask her how she would feel if someone would not share with her. Do not shame or belittle your child. Role-playing is a good way to practice. Be on the lookout for instances when your child does a good job exercising self-control and praise her for them.

Teach your child how to be a good friend

One important part of friendship is listening to your friend and providing support when she needs it. Help young kids gain a better understanding of empathy and feelings by talking with your child and helping her label her feelings. For example, ‘You seem angry today. What happened?’ Teaching your child to see a situation from the perspective of the other person is important, but it takes time and practice. Role-playing can help your child learn to ‘read’ the emotions of others.

Provide other opportunities

If your child has trouble connecting with her classmates at school, sign her up for group activities, such as sports, that provide social opportunities. Shared interests can provide a strong foundation for building new friendships, and you will have the advantage of observing how well your child interacts with others. If your child is an introvert or suffers from anxiety, select an activity where your child will feel safe and welcomed.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s learning

Prepare Your Kids

Kimberly Blaker, for Careers in.... ByFamily & Kids

an AI-Driven, Future-World Bolster enthusiasm in STEM. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills are one of the gateways to job opportunities in a world dependent on AI. But to many kids, 'science' and 'math' spell boring with a capital "B." This is in large part because kids can't always see how these disciplines apply to life. So, unless your child already expresses genuine interest in one or more of these disciplines, discussing STEM may be met with resistance.

Encourage free play and out-of-the-box thinking. Play fosters imagination, creativity, and resilience to deal with challenges. These traits will be necessary to succeed in an ever-advancing world of AI. When kids play freely, they experiment, explore, and dismantle (things, scenarios, and concepts) to understand how the world works.

So, play is one of the best ways for kids to learn and develop skills.

The trick is to provide kids with everyday experiences that put fun in learning or provide experiences that are a natural part of life. Once you've gained their interest, then explain its relationship to STEM. That way, your child has a positive perspective on the discipline and recognizes its value.

Develop kids' ability to deal with the real world. Dave and Helen Edwards, co-founders of Intelligenstia.ai, an AI research firm, point out there will still be careers in the future that are dependent on human capabilities such as interpersonal skills, applying math to business problems, management of our physical world (environmental science and engineering), as well as health care jobs. People will remain ahead of robots in these areas for some time.

Stimulate spatial awareness. This is an integral part of STEM learning and provides kids the ability to visualize their end product, says David Lubinski, a psychology professor at Vanderbilt University, whose study found that spatial ability is a predictor of the development of knowledge and innovation in STEM fields.

Foster social skills and teamwork. These will be valuable assets in the future workforce. Collabora-

1600 Ft. Benning Rd Columbus, GA 31903

706-322-9599

Pediatric Care

Well-child & School Exams Hearing & Vision Exams Infant, Child & Adolescent Care Dental Screening & Treatment

Immunizations Sports Physicals Free Transportation Free Medication Delivery

www.valleyhealthcolumbus.com

Many parents today never experienced a world where computers weren't a standard household fixture, let alone a world without the Internet. When it first became available to the public in 1991, it was archaic compared to today.

Yet at the time, it was quite the phenomenon. But, the rapid speed of technological progress over the past couple of decades will resemble the crawl of a tortoise in another decade or two as technology continues to advance.

This means the rapid change in recent years is nothing compared to what's to come. The world in which tomorrow's young adults will enter will be startlingly different from the one in which we live today. That's because our world is increasingly dependent on robotics, technology, and now artificial intelligence (AI).

But what is AI? It's machines or programs with the capabilities of human intelligence. AI capabilities include learning, presenting knowledge, reasoning, problem-solving, planning, perception, manipulation, and motion. Right now, AI is in its infancy, and much of what's purported to be AI is actually pseudo-AI. Whether imitation or the real thing, there are several current AI technologies: chatbots, Tesla, Siri and Alexa, Facebook feed, and Pandora, to name a few – and AI is on the brink of changing the world as we know it.

But, with all good things come drawbacks. Within the next 20 years, AI will result in a loss of anywhere between 9 and 47 percent of jobs, according to various studies by Oxford University and other institutions. So, kids must be fully prepared for our vastly changing world and careers of the future.

tion requires a combination of skills and traits: emotional intelligence, humility, communication, listening, conflict resolution, goal setting, prioritizing, decision-making, and framing problems.

Emotional intelligence is particularly crucial to the development of excellent social skills and teamwork. Both interpersonal and intrapersonal skills are the framework for emotional intelligence. Interpersonal skills include social awareness and relationship management, while intrapersonal skills include self-awareness and self-regulation.

Cultivate entrepreneurial characteristics and skills. Even though automation and technology will reduce the need for laborers, people will always be needed to develop and manage companies. Add to this, the growing trend toward companies outsourcing independent professionals for a broad range of needs is likely to continue and become more common. Some essential entrepreneurial skills kids should develop are financial literacy, goal-setting, problem-solving, creativity, and good work habits.

Promote tech skills. Greg Satell says the tech skills of tomorrow will be vastly different from today, in his article, "These Are the Skills That Your Kids Will Need for the Future (Hint: It's Not Coding)." By the time kids grow up, computer programming will no longer be based on current coding languages. It'll be based "more on quantum laws and the human brain," he explains. But, because the future of computer programming is unknown, there's no way to teach it to kids. So, Satell recommends kids learn more about quantum dynamics, the logic of code, and genetics, on which future systems will be based.

Still, learning to code has its benefits. Though the coding language of today will unlikely be of use in the future, learning how to learn a code can make learning future codes easier. Coding also helps kids develop problem-solving skills.

Finally, it's an excellent way for kids to discover a career path and boost their self-confidence in a STEM discipline.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

8

HOO’s Healthy

The Deets on

detoxing

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

T

here are many ‘detox’ diet products on the market that claim to help your body filter out toxins, claim to help with weight loss and also claim to provide your body with nutrients. However, following a detox diet does involve some risks and the detox products can be expensive. Here is what you should know before considering trying a ‘detox diet.’

There is no strong scientific evidence that shows detox diets help the body filter out and eliminate toxins. More research into the effects of detox diets on the human body is needed. It is important to remember that in the human body, the liver does a good job of filtering out toxins, which then are excreted from the body when you sweat or use the bathroom. There are certain toxins that the body has trouble removing, such as heavy metals and BPA, which build up in the body, and it can take the body an extended period of time to eliminate them. However, there is no evidence that detox diet products help the body eliminate these toxins any faster.

Detox diets often use fasting, severe calorie restrictions and dietary supplements to aid weight loss. Some research has shown that detox diets similar to intermittent fasting diets may aid in short-term weight loss. However, a diet that severely limits calories is unlikely to result in long-term weight loss. Losing weight quickly while on an extremely restrictive detox diet may be put back on after you resume your normal diet.

There are a few health benefits to a detox diet. Eating healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables, eliminating processed food, drinking more water and exercising are elements of detox diets and do provide some health benefits. However, someone following a detox diet may experience serious side effects. A diet that requires long-term fasting and is very restrictive may cause imbalances in essential nutrients. The detox products used for colon cleansing can lead to dehydration. Detox diets that include the use of supplements can also present a risk of overdose.

Before starting any diet, speak with your doctor to see if you are at risk for serious side effects.

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Engaging Kids in Non-Fiction

by Ericka Hall, Children's Associate, Columbus Public Library Nonfiction books are a great way to build foundational knowledge, introduce young readers to new concepts and vocabulary, and help a child build or discover new talents. At first, it may be daunting to introduce a picky or reluctant reader to books that don’t have fantasy settings, action-filled plots, or charismatic personalities. Here are some creative ways you can spark your young readers’ interests in nonfiction and form a lifelong habit of loving to learn new things.

1. Incorporate hands-on play.

Does your child love LEGOS? There are LEGO project books that you can easily combine with broader books about architecture or engineering. Do they love to draw? This is also a great opportunity to introduce them to art history or a history book on the Italian Renaissance.

Suggestions from our collection: The Lego Architect by Tom Alphin, The Lego animation book: Make Your Own LEGO Movies by David Pagano, Who was Leonardo Da Vinci? by Roberta Edwards, Cultured Donuts: Take a Bite out of Art History by Chloe Tyler

2. Encourage natural curiosity.

Every child goes through a period where they are constantly asking questions about how the world around

them works. For example “Why is the sky blue?” “How big is the sun?” “How do birds fly?” You may not know the answers to these questions, but this is a great opportunity to let your child find books on space, biology, chemistry, etc, to answer these questions.

Suggestions from our collection: The Periodic Table of Elements: Understanding the Building Blocks of Everything by Jon Chad, Ask a Scientist by Robert M. L. Winston, Great STEM projects: Tried-and-True Experiments for all Budding Scientists by Jack Challoner

3. Learn to cook a new dish.

Cookbooks are great nonfiction starters because they introduce young readers to vital scientific concepts like how to follow directions, measuring quantities of solids and liquids, how different ingredients react to heat or cold, and dissolving substances. Readers get to express their creative side while learning science through cooking.

Suggestions from our collection: Disney Villains cookbook by Joy Howard, My Pokemon Cookbook: Delicious Recipes inspired by Pikachu and Friends by Victoria Rosenthal, Children’s Quick & Easy Cookbook: More than 60 Simple Recipes by Angela Wilkes

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having deeperwith

HOO’s parenting

CONVOSyourKIDDOS M

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

any parents feel disconnected from their child to the point where it feels like a struggle to find out how their child’s day went and how their child is feeling. This is not surprising, since a child may try to hide in her room with her phone after a busy afternoon of homework and after-school activities. Here are some tips on starting meaningful, productive conversations with your child that will help you bond with her and feel more in touch with her thoughts and feelings.

FIND THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE

When you need to start a serious conversation, choose a quiet place where it is unlikely you will be interrupted. Also, consider your child’s attention span. It is harder to start a productive conversation with your child if she is overtired or distracted by electronics. Many parents put aside time, such as family dinner time, when everyone has to put their phones away. If your child’s after-school schedule makes it difficult to have dinner together on some days, put aside time before bed on those evenings. You could make a short conversation about her day a part of her bedtime routine. On the weekend, schedule a ‘no phone’ family activity such as game night or an outdoor activity.

START OFF THE CONVERSATION THE RIGHT WAY

If you start a conversation with ‘Yes and No’ questions, it may be difficult to engage your child. After all, especially if something is bothering her, she may just provide a one-word answer and offer nothing else. Instead, ask open-ended questions such as ‘What was the best part of your day and the worst part?’ or ‘What do you like about school this year and what do you wish you could change?’ Avoid making your child feel like she is being interrogated.

One fun way to kick off conversations is to play a game. Write down some fun questions, one per note card, and take turns with your child drawing a card and answering the question. Fun questions such as ‘If you could be any animal, which one would it be and why?’ are a good way to break the ice. Another good conversation starter is to read a book. You could start a conversation about the characters in the book that may inspire your child to share how she would feel and what she would do if she were in their situation.

It also helps to be familiar with your child’s favorite TV shows, video games and sports. You could use those topics to kick off the conversation and then sneak in questions that help you find out more about your child’s thoughts and feelings.

Also, look for opportunities to turn what may start out as a complaining session on your child’s part into a productive conversation. For example, if your child remarks that her homework is too hard, make neutral comments such as 'Oh OK, that is why you seem frustrated this evening?' Do not dismiss the complaint. Instead, let your child know that you are listening to her and want to hear about what is bothering her.

DON’T LECTURE

Once you have engaged your child in a conversation, be mindful of how much you are talking.

Your goal is to be a good listener and give your child an opportunity to express herself and share her ideas. Even if you must discuss a difficult topic, it is best to open the conversation by asking your child to share what she already knows about it. Listen carefully to her and then provide any further information you decide it is necessary to share.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

for Kids

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

please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

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January PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

1 First Day Hike: Dowdell’s Knob Loop.

9 Teen Takeover: Creativi-Tea-Block Print

1 Fantasy in Lights. 6-9:30pm. Callaway Gar-

9 Breakout or Get Locked In: Mini Escape

9:30am-12:30pm. $5 parking. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858 dens, Pine Mountain; 855-923-7299

2 Christmas Bird Count. 8am-3pm. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

2 Improv @ the Library. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

3 Get Your Game ON! Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

4 LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

4 Tik Tok Art. Teens. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

4 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

5 It’s A Happy Birthday Celebration For Everyone. 4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

5-6 River Dragons Hockey Game. Fri

7:30pm, Sat 7:05pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

6 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo.

1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

6 Craft 4 A Cause. Families. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

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

9 Kids Explore. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Pencil Pouch. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

Room. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

9 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo.

1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

10 Dungeons & Dragons. Teens. 5pm.

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

11 Family Fun Night-Line Dance Class.

4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

11 Edible Engineering-Kids Version:

Cookie Cars. Ages 6-12. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

11 Edible Engineering-Teen: Cookie Cars.

16 Dungeons & Dragons. Families. 6pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

17 Teen Takeover. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 17 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:05pm.

Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

18 LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

18-20 Murder on the Orient

Express. 7:30pm. $21-$52. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

20 Family Saturday at the Museum.

10am-Noon. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-7482562 ext 6520

20 Mardi Gras Pop Up Market. 10am-

6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

3pm. Columbus Trade Center; eventbright. com

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Civic Center.

12 Collage Bookmarks. Families. 4pm.

12-13 River Dragons Hockey

Game. Fri 7:30pm, Sat 7:05pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

13 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

13 The Life and Music of George Michael.

7:30pm. $35-$45. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

16 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4.

1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

16 Teen Takeover: Food & Fun-Biscuits

From Scratch. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

20 Rodeo Columbus. 7:30pm Columbus

20 CSO: Shostakovich and Brahms.

7:30pm. $20-$42. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

20 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8y. 3pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

20National Popcorn Day. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

21 Murder on the Orient Express.

2:30pm. $21-$52. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

23 Shen Yun. 7:30pm. $90-$200. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

23 Kids Explore. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

y Events 23 Get Your Game On!-Unplugged: 90’s/Early 2000’s Trivia. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

24 National Puzzle Day. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Weekly 30-minute one-on-one practice session.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not Events 1/21) Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm.

24 Dungeons & Dragons. Teens. 5pm.

MONDAY

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 1/1 or 1/15)

4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855

TUESDAY

25 LEGOS® in the Library. Families.

25 LEGOS® in the Library-Teen Ver-

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855

25 Sip + Shop. 5-8pm. $10. Columbus

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

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Express. 7:30pm. $21-$52. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) 10am; Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

sion. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855 Trade Center; facebook.com

25-27 Murder on the Orient 26-27 River Dragons Hockey

Game. Fri 7:30pm, Sat 7:05pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

28 Murder on the Orient Express.

2:30pm. $21-$52. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

30 Teen Takeover: Creativi-Tea-Basic

WEDNESDAY

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

THURSDAY

Sewing. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432811

Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5.

10am. Columbus Public Library; 706-2432813

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880

30 Neighborhood Game Night. 6pm.

31Get Your Game ON! Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

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Simple Steps Storytime. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme.

Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 Fun Fridays. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855. (Not 1/5)

SATURDAY

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $12. Ages 0-5.

Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680 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

16

in a Jar

Sn owsto rm e x p e r i m e n t

HOO’s learning

With only a few steps, you’ll be able to create snow while staying warm indoors! This STEM experiment is perfect for showing your kids what a snow blizzard looks like! Plus you can do it more than once, by letting the water and paint mixture settle down again before you add more Alka-Seltzer tablets.

Experiment

1. Fill up ¼ of the jar with water.

2. Add about a teaspoon of white paint in the water and stir to mix. The mixture should look like milk. If necessary, add more paint.

3. Fill up the rest of the jar with baby oil. Let the water and paint mixture settle to the bottom.

4. Add glitter in the mixture if desired (not necessary, but it makes the snowstorm prettier).

5. Add a few drops of blue food coloring, if desired (to simulate the color of the sky).

6. Let the water/paint mixture settle on the bottom.

7. Break up an Alka-Seltzer tablet and drop the broken up pieces one at a time into the jar. Then, watch the magic happen!

Conclusions:

• Oil and water don’t mix. The water molecules are polar, which means they have a small positive charge

at one end and a small negative charge at the other end. Therefore, they are attracted to each other like a magnet and form strong bonds. Oil molecules are non-polar, and therefore, they are more attracted to each other than water molecules.

• Oil is less dense than water. Therefore, the water mixed with paint sinks to the bottom.

• When you drop Alka-Seltzer tablets, which contains baking soda, into the water, the reaction between the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid and hydrogen oxide (water) creates carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles filled with carbon dioxide gas push the water and paint mixture upward, but the oil exerts pressure downward and pushes the mixture back down – creating the snow effect.

MATERIALS Baby oil • White paint • Alka-Seltzer • Clear glass jartablets • Glitter (optional) • Blue food coloring (optional) •

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HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE Family wall FamilyWall helps manage your Family's everyday life by sharing everyone's schedules and activities, tracking grocery lists, planning for dinner, managing todos as well as locating kids when they are outside.

lala lunchbox This app makes lunch planning and packing easier and helps save time and money. Kids set up virtual lunchboxes, selecting items by feeding a hungry monster, which becomes a handy grocery list for parents from items they pre-load.

Homey Homey helps your kids learn about money through completing chores and working towards goals. The app enables you to set responsibilities and paid jobs for each family member, and manage their privileges, rewards and allowance.

chatbooks It has never been easier to get your photos off of your phone and into your hands with this app. You can build a book right in your phone with a few clicks to show off your everyday photos, to preserve them or give the books as gifts to your loved ones.

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Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extra Curricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extracurricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Joinr Ou

Seal Team Intro to Scuba Diving for Ages 8-11 706-748-8995

rcskids@rivercity-scuba.com

Share your

extracurricular ACTIVITY

with us!

tammy@familyandkidsga.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot make insulin or the body is unable to use insulin effectively, resulting in blood sugar that is too high.

Cells in the body use glucose as their main source of energy and insulin helps the glucose enter the cells. (Insulin is like a ‘key’ that ‘unlocks’ the ‘door’ for the glucose and allows it to enter the cells). Unmanaged high blood sugar can cause heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease.

Two common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. The pancreas of a person with Type 1 diabetes is unable to make insulin. Someone with Type 1 diabetes takes insulin every day in order to survive. This type of diabetes only affects about 5% - 10% of the population of people with diabetes and it is usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults. The cause of Type I diabetes is still being researched but is thought to be the immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Researchers think that genes and some environmental components, such as viruses, may be involved in the development of Type 1.

W h a t is : DIABETES MELLI TUS

In a person with Type 2, diabetes, the muscle, liver and fat cells do not use insulin well, a condition called insulin resistance.

When the disease first develops, the pancreas attempts to compensate by making more insulin but eventually the pancreas is unable to keep up and blood sugar levels rise.

Obesity increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Though Type 2 diabetes used to be mainly diagnosed in adults, there are now teenagers and even children being diagnosed with it. Along with obesity, lack of exercise and genetic factors can increase the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes include increase urination, feeling very thirsty, feeling very hungry, blurry vision, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, fatigue, losing weight without trying, sores that heal more slowly than usual, more infections than usual, and nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (Type 1 diabetes).

Your child should see her healthcare provider if she has symptoms of diabetes.

RESOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html and https://mayocl.in/4a6UFzi

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HOO’s HUNGRY

healthy hot

•

CHOCOLATE

You don't have to feel guilty about making this sweet treat for your kids.

It's free of refined sugar, dairy, high fructose corn syrup and other ingredients you can’t pronounce that are found in store-bought packages.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Warm the almond milk in a small saucepan, then whisk in the cocoa powder,

honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to remove any lumps from the cocoa.

2. Optional: place in your blender (make sure the cocoa isn’t too hot – you don’t want to get burned) and blend until frothy.

3. Add more or less honey, depending on how sweet your kids like it 4. Serve warm.

VARIATIONS:

• Peppermint hot chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract while you are whisking.

• Creamy hot chocolate: Top with a dollop of your favorite whipped cream (use a non-dairy one if you want to keep this recipe dairy-free).

• Peanut butter hot chocolate: Yes, I have an entire recipe showing you how you can make a peanut butter hot chocolate!

Courtesy of livingwellmom.com

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups almond milk (or your milk of choice) • 2 Tbsp cocoa powder • 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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January

January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways, who symbolizes beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for this first day of the year; this month is our door into the new year.

The months of January and February were not originally in the ancient Roman calendar as the winter months were considered dormant, both in terms of agriculture and also in terms of making war. This was a time of peace. Until 450 BCE, the Roman calendar was 10 months, beginning in March (Martius), due to the March Equinox.

January's birthstone is the garnet, which is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. The month's birth flowers are carnation and snowdrop and its zodiac signs are Capricorn and Aquarius.

Resource: Almanac.com

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