Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley March 2022 by Hoo Knows

MARCH 2022

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Learn to Fly at Aerial Arts Circus Camp! Summer Dance, Acro Classes & More.

Cover Sponsor See Pg.11

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Valid at the following locations only:

3722 S. Railroad St. • Phenix City 3908 U.S. Hwy. 80 W. Phenix City

FREE

Zax Kidz Meal ®

with any adult meal purchase.

7626 Schomburg Rd. Columbus 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus 6190 Bradley Park Dr. Columbus 7033 Ruffie Way • Columbus

Participating locations only.

Mondays

5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

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

HOO’s PARENTING

Letting

Kids Take Lead the

Parents are often on the lookout for ‘teaching moments’ when they can offer their child guidance or provide information on a topic their child is curious about. Staying engaged with your child is important to his emotional well-being and cognitive development, therefore, using teaching moments properly can be very beneficial. However, according to a study published last spring, stepping in too often when your child is involved in an activity could actually be counterproductive, especially beginning in kindergarten. The study led by Stanford Graduate School of Education associate professor Jelena Obradovic, observed interactions between kindergarten-age children and their parents while the children were engaged in structured tasks, such as learning a game or cleaning up toys. This study used an innovative, granular method to capture data on interactions between the parents and their children. Second-by-second changes in interactions between the kids and their parents were captured and recorded into the study’s set of data. The researchers analyzed the data and noted how often each child had a parent step in to offer advice or correction while the child was engaged in an activity, even though the child was on task. The analysis showed that kids whose parents stepped in more often, even though their child was staying on task, had increased difficulty with self-regulating emotions and behavior. However, the study did not find any harm to the child’s self-regulation skills when the parents stepped in often to offer guidance when their child was not on task. The study results validate the advice often given to parents to begin to take a step back during the preschool years and let kids start to take the lead during some activities. Experts encourage parents to provide the structure for age-appropriate activities and then only step in if kids get off-task. The ability to plan and execute tasks, often referred to as EXECUTIVE FUNCTION, is important as kids reach kindergarten age and enter school. Once kids enter school, they are expected to self-regulate their behavior and work independently, without constant oversight. Teaching moments have a place in the support structure for your child, since he does still need your guidance and encouragement to explore the world around him. The key is to know when to stand by and watch and when it is time to step in.

The ability to self-regulate is a combination of temperament and a learned skill. Here are some ways to provide opportunities for your child to develop his executive function skills: • Provide a well-organized play area that has toys and materials for age-appropriate activities grouped together and accessible to your child. For example, you could set up an art area or a puzzle table. Your goal is to set up a structured area where your child can play and then clean the area up without help from you. • Play games with your child that require listening and following directions, such as ‘Simon Says.’ • If your child’s attention wavers during a task or he disrespects a boundary set for him, it is time to use the teaching moment to get him back on track. Ask him how he thinks he could improve his approach to the task and meet the expectations set for him. • If you get an idea for a ‘teaching moment’ while watching your child play and he is on task, wait until he is finished and then share it with him, especially if the teaching moment involves exploring a new topic. Also, when sharing the teaching moment, avoid lecturing and ask your child to help look up information on the new topic.

RESOURCES: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-18305-001

The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

2022

AD DEADLINE:

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

Feature your summer camp, VBS, activity or attraction in our GUIDE to over 30,000 moms monthly who will use our guide and digital platforms to find options for their kids! TO BOOK: CALL 253-212-7270 OR TAMMY@FAMILYANDKIDSGA.COM

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

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

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Columbus civic center apr 5 | 7pm

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s CUTE

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

Katherine, 5 years Columbus

Autumn, 6 years Columbus

Hayden, 2 years Columbus

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Hoo’s Tips pi c ky

EATERS

Toddlers have a reputation for picky eating and many parents worry that their toddler is not eating enough. Some of the common strategies that parents use to try to get toddlers to eat their food are not actually that helpful and can make picky eating even worse. Here are a few tips to help reduce mealtime frustrations. After 12 months, your toddler’s rate of growth is much slower in comparison to the rapid growth rate she experienced during her first year. Your toddler may not have a large appetite for weeks at a time and then suddenly start eating more when she reaches a growth spurt. Trust that your child knows her appetite and do not try to force her to eat. Remember that you are in control of what is served. If you do not want your toddler to become fixated on unhealthy food, then do not buy it. Avoid food products that contain an unhealthy amount of sugar and do not have much nutritional value. Establish a structure for meals and snacks. Toddlers have small stomachs and do need a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Knowing that she will not be able to eat again

until it is time for her next snack or meal may encourage your toddler to keep eating if she is hungry. Serve the same types of healthy, whole foods for snacks as you do for meals. One way to do this is to save leftovers from a meal and fashion them into snacks for the next day. When introducing a new food, it may take multiple attempts before your toddler will try it. If you give your toddler some control over her menu choice for a meal, avoid giving her too many choices. Limit the choices to two. How much your toddler eats each day is influenced by many factors, including being overtired. Track your toddler’s eating habits over the course of a week instead of daily. If you notice that your toddler is consistently refusing entire food groups, such as dairy, or is losing weight, consult your toddler’s pediatrician.

Considering toddler vitamins? See our story on page 19.

RESOURCE: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/toddler-nutrition

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s INSPIRED

Acknowledge and process your feelings

Letting Go of the Past Watching the natural world come to life during the spring inspires us to take some time to review our personal renewal and growth. We may have set goals for growth in our spiritual life, relationships and professional skills at the beginning of the year but are we making progress? Often, without realizing it, we let the past hold us back from advancing towards our goals and achieving our dreams. Fear of a painful incident occurring again and anger caused by the painful incident can weigh us down so much that we are not able to take a step forward. Here are some tips on how to ‘let it go’ and start moving forward toward your hopes and dreams.

Forgive yourself and others You may feel frustrated with yourself for making mistakes and feel anger towards others about a past incident that was painful. However, dwelling on thoughts like ‘how could I have let this happen’ and reanalyzing mistakes we make means our attention is on the past. It is hard to take advantage of the present moment if we are looking backward at the past and not at the opportunities currently in front of us. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, only taking with you any knowledge you gained from past incidents. Then forgive anyone who hurt you. Even if the person does not apologize for the hurt caused by the incident, forgiving them is not to absolve them but to free your mind so you can move on.

It is common to bury negative feelings about an event to avoid having to go through the painful process of experiencing the feelings. However, the effort of keeping the feelings buried can leave you with little energy to advance forward. Turn this around by acknowledging how you feel, processing the emotions and then ‘letting them go.’ Imagine you are standing by a river, placing those feelings afloat on the water and watching them flow downstream away from you until you cannot see them anymore. Now you feel free of the weight of the emotions and are ready to move forward towards your hopes and dreams. Processing very strong emotions can be difficult and talking with a therapist or close friend about them may help.

Distance from the past hurt & focus on the present Being too close physically and mentally to the source of the prior emotional hurt can make it hard to turn attention away from the incident and start anew. Sometimes, even though you have forgiven someone, it is best to move away from a relationship or situation that only serves as a reminder of emotional pain. Learn from the negative experience and apply what you have learned when planning your future but create distance from past experiences if necessary. The problems from the past do not define you or own you. Use meditation and journaling to help you focus on the present and reflect on all the positive aspects of your present life for which you are grateful. Meditation and prayer can help you look inward and decide what goals you would like to accomplish with the focus and energy you make available by letting go of the past. Journaling is a good way to express your feelings and placing goals in writing can help you stay focused on them. Surround yourself with friends who are also focused on personal growth and living in the present. You can receive support from your peers and offer to help them to, then experience the enjoyment that comes from helping others make progress towards their goals.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Springtime is here, and so is the start of our annual Summer Camp & Activities Guide. Check back from now through our July issue for great options on enriching and fun activities for your child to enjoy this summer and beyond. Do you want to feature your camp or activity to over 30,000 area parents monthly? Contact Tammy at 253-212-7270.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of a child being born with a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The severity of this condition is variable and can include a mix of physical and cognitive deficiencies that are irreversible. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most serious of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) that may occur due to the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists advises that there is no known ‘safe’ amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, the alcohol in the mother’s bloodstream is passed to the developing fetus through the umbilical cord. Alcohol can kill cells in the developing fetus, causing physical defects and can interfere with neurological development. Also, alcohol constricts blood vessels and may reduce blood flow to the placenta, which may then lead to the fetus not receiving enough nutrients and oxygen. Also, damage to the brain of the fetus may occur from the toxic substances created in the mother’s body when alcohol is processed. A child with FAS can have a mixture of physical and cognitive abnormalities. Common physical defects include abnormal

What is:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip, small head size, abnormally slow growth and vision or hearing problems. There may also be issues with the heart, kidneys or skeletal system. Issues with the central nervous system may include hyperactivity, learning disorders and delays, issues with attention and poor memory. A child with FAS may have difficulty with planning and executing tasks and also have trouble with social skills. A doctor reaches a diagnosis of FAS by asking about alcohol consumption during pregnancy and watching an infant for signs and symptoms of FAS over time as the infant grows and develops. While there is no cure for FAS and the deficiencies last a lifetime, early intervention may help reduce the impact of some of the effects of FAS. RESOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/ symptoms-causes/syc-20352901

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HOO’s CRAFTY

WIND CHIME

SUN CATCHER This craft gets the kids outdoors to make something unique, with a dual purpose, a sun catcher and wind chime all in one!

DIRECTIONS Invite the kids into the backyard or on a walk to find colorful flowers and interesting leaves. You can make it a scavenger hunt for certain colors, textures, or shapes. Then head back home to cut a piece of contact paper and trace the mason jar rings onto the contact paper side (not the part you peel off). Trace as many as you have rings for. Then peel the backing off the contact paper and tape the paper onto the table or other surface, sticky side up. Hand over the nature items and let them fill in those circles. peel apart the flowers if they were big, or open them up. Once their collages are complete, finish off the sun catcher with another piece of contact paper over top. Press them as flat as you can, sticking the contact paper wherever you can. Then cut them out along the circles you traced. You may need to trim them a bit to fit inside the mason lids. Tie a knot around the rings using the string, but leaving a long enough piece to tie to your stick at the top. Tie the individual strings onto a stick to make them into a wind chime. Hang inside or on your porch.

on Sundays

(AKA YOU DON’T HAVE TO COOK)

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

• Contact paper • Scissors • Marker or pen • Mason jar lids • String/ yarn • Sturdy stick COURTESY OF: handsonaswegrow.com

KIDS EAT FREE

SUPPLIES

March

1 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5-$7. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

6 Dear Anne, From Nina. 2:30pm. $5-$15. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

lumbus Library; 706-683-8805

8 Artful Babies. 10:30pm. RSVP. Columbus

12Uno, Dos, Tres, Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm. Mil-

Museum; 706-748-2562

14 Pi Day: A Mathematics Celebration. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

5pm. $8. CCSSC.org

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

lumbus Library; 706-683-8805

1 Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. 3pm. South Co1Reveries: Music Under the Dome Series.

2 Whatever Wednesday. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

2 Read Across America: Celebrate Reading. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

2-3 Blue Man Group. 7:30pm. $42-$69. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

3 First Thursday Crafternoons. Teens. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

3 YA All Day. 6-12th grade. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 3/31)

3 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer. 5:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

4-5 Dear Anne, From Nina. 7:30pm. $5$15. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

4-6 River Dragons Hockey. Times vary.

8 STEAMpunks: Stories & Science. 3pm.

8 Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) Meeting.

Teens. 5:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

8 March Into Art. Teens. 6pm. Mildred L.

Museum; 706-748-2562

5 Puppy Tales. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

6 Samposium for Kids! 2-5pm. $10. Ages 0-12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

16 Mama B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support 16 Midweek Movie. Teens. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

con Rd, Columbus; 706-587-1819

16 Whatever Wednesday. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Columbus Library; 706-243-2703

16-17 Hairspray. 7:30pm. $42-$69. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

9-19 J4K Consignments Sale. 3201 Ma10 Wine, Women & Shoes. 6pm. $100.

10Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer. 5:30pm.

11 Casting Crowns, featuring We Are the

or virtual). $25-$30. Runsignup.com

5 Artful Babies. 10:30am. RSVP. Columbus

Museum; 706-748-2562

Library; 706-683-8805

9 Otaku Club. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus

Meadows; 706-507-8550

nue; jlcolumbus.com or 706-327-4207

15 Mini Makers. 10:30am. RSVP. Columbus

Group. 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Associates; 706-221-4602

Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

5 Project Prom. 10am-1pm. 1512 3rd Ave-

15 St. Patrick’s Day Party. 3pm. South Co-

Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Messengers & Jonathan Traylor, 7pm. Columbus Civic Center; ticketmaster.com

5*Can You Beat Beethoven? 5K. (In-person

dred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

12 All About Owls. 10am. $7. Oxbow 12 Mini Makers. 10:30am. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

12 Dry Land Swim Exercises (3-12yrs). 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782

12 Feathered Friends Hike. 11:30am. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

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

18-20 River Dragons Hockey. Times

22 Blockheads LEGO Challenge. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

23 Otaku Club. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

25 Friday Family Flick: Ron’s Gone Wrong.

3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

26 Dry Land Swim Exercises (3-12yrs). 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782

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

26 CSO presents Beethoven Eroica Sym-

phony. 7:30pm. $20-$39. RiverCenter; 706256-3612

Events

26 Spring Food Truck Festival. 11am-6pm. Woodruff Park; 706-596-0111

Kawaii Club. Middle Grade Learners. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 3/14)

$15-$30. RSVP. Excel After School, 6600 Flat Rock Road; 706-251-8808

TUESDAY

26 Parents Night Out. 6-10pm. Ages 5-12.

29 Picture Book Club. 3pm. South Colum-

Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

Simple Steps Storytimes. (0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (2-5 yrs.) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Origami Afternoons. Middle-Grade Learners. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2813 Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

$15. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

WEDNESDAY

bus Library.; 706-683-8805

29 T.A.G. (Teach, Art, & Games). Teens. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

30 Whatever Wednesday. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

31 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer. 5:30pm.

31 CSO Carnival of the Animals. 7pm. $531 Parents Read The Darndest Thing Podcast. 4pm. anchor.fm

Weekly Events MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytimes. Babies & Toddlers (0-36mo) 10am; Preschoolers (3-4yrs) 11am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813 Simple Steps Storytime. Families (05yrs). 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Simple Steps Storytimes. (3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies (0-24 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 3/30) Discovery Hub. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 3/31) Cozy Club. Middle-Grade Learners. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 3/2)

THURSDAY

Sight Words Support: 30-minute 1-on-1 practice. K-3rd. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Get Your Game ON. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 LEGOS in the Library. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytimes. (0-5yrs) 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 TGIF Afterschool Hangout. K-5th. 2:30pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855

SATURDAY

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680 Presidential Flyer. 10am. SAM Shortline Train Station at GA Veterans State Park, 2459 US Hwy 280 West, Cordele; 877427-2457 Crafts for a Cause: Family Saturday. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more events, visit our website at: familyandkidsga.com

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HUNGRY LUCKY CHARMS

MAGIC BARS

•

These Bars are a magical dessert for everyone! Filled with Nilla wafers, marshmallows and coconut, these make for a quick snack and the perfect way to catch a leprechaun.

DIRECTIONS 1. Combine Nilla Wafer crumbs and melted but-

ter; press into bottom of 8x11 inch pan. 2. Pour green-tinted sweetened condensed milk over crust. 3. Top with miniature marshmallows, Lucky Charms, white chocolate chips, and coconut. 4. Sprinkle with additional Lucky Charms Marshmallows for a pop of color. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Courtesy of lemontreedwelling.com

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ c. Nilla Wafer crumbs • ½ c. butter melted • 1 can sweetened condensed milk • 4 drops green food coloring • 1 ½ c. Lucky Charms • 1 c. mini marshmallows • 1 c. white chocolate chips • 1 c. coconut

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HOO’s FIT

OFFER a balanced diet FIRST A diet based on the USDA MyPlate guidelines helps toddlers receive essential vitamins and minerals, such as:

Do s Toddler Need ns? Vitami Many parents become concerned that a toddler who refuses to try new foods is missing out on important nutrients and consider putting their toddler on a multivitamin. However, nutrition experts caution parents to consult their child’s doctor before starting their toddler on supplemental nutrition. Many essential vitamins and minerals are provided in food and fortified milk and some of these vitamins and minerals can be toxic when the recommended daily amount is exceeded.

• •

•

Vitamin A supports healthy vision and skin and is found in liver, yellow and orange vegetables and dairy products. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that strengthens muscles, skin, tissues and helps develop strong bones and teeth. Foods that contain this vitamin include citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli. B Vitamins support metabolic health and the creation of red blood cells. Whole grains, fish, meats, leafy green vegetables and beans are some sources of B Vitamins. Vitamin D is essential for the formation of strong bones and teeth and aids in the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D is created by the body through sunlight exposure and is found in some types of fish, such as salmon. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and keeps red blood cells healthy. Whole grains, egg yolks, nuts and leafy green vegetables contain this vitamin. Minerals important to toddler health include calcium, iodine, iron and zinc.

Ask about supplements A recently published study found that the formulation of many children’s multivitamins may need reconfiguring. According to the study, many of the multivitamins contained too much of the vitamins and minerals that children typically receive plenty of in foods, but not enough of the nutrients that some kids find difficult to take in through diet alone. If you are concerned about possible gaps in your toddler’s nutrition, track what he eats and ask his pediatrician for a recommendation. The doctor may also want to perform certain tests before recommending a supplement.

If your child is a picky eater, see our tips on page 7.

RESOURCES: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/multivitamins/ faq-20058310 | https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/food-group-gallery | https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/ news/18890/Many-multivitamins-do-not-match-nutritional-needs | https://bit.ly/3cgWCMD

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

WWW.ADVANCEREHAB.COM

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

PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES

NOW OPEN

WE LOVE KIDS. MOMS LOVE US. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm

Located next to Publix on Macon Road off I-185 in Columbus We accept all major insurances including Medicaid! KidsStreet Urgent Care Columbus

(706) 225-8773

www.kidsstreeturgentcare.com

KidsStreet Urgent Care Columbus

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Dining Deals for Kids

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

Saturday

Barberitos

Denny’s

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

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

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

Zaxby’s

sunday

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

The Simple Greek

Tuesday Chicken Salad Chick

Kids 12 & under get free kids bowl with purchase of regular bowl or pita

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

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

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

Ruby Tuesday

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

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

Your Pie

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

Red Robin

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

Every day 219 On The Lake

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

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s

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

Newk’s

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

Do you offer a Kids’ Dining Deal, or know a restaurant that does? Let us know at tammy@ familyandkidsga.com

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

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Leprechaun Match www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Findof them the 2 theMatching are exactly same. Keep a sharp eye out for details. These mischievous leprechauns look similar, but only two

Leprechauns Circle the two matching leprechauns.

Courtesy of Education.com

GO DIGITAL WITH US!

More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets More worksheets at www.education.com/workshee

FamilyAndKidsGA.com For digital editions, giveaways, events, resource guides, features & more!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Math. Reading.

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

26 26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

HOO’s NEWS

CELEBRATE READ ACROSS AMERICA THIS MONTH! The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries are kicking off National Reading Month with a special celebration on Tuesday, March 2, at 4pm, at the Columbus Main Library. Young children are invited to come dressed in their favorite book character costume and join our free “Celebrate Read Across America Day” program. Fun will be had by all as you enjoy a variety of literacy-themed stations, games, crafts, and free play! And, the celebration doesn’t end there. We’ll also connect you with more activities that you can do at home!

Enroll in Beanstack, our free online portal, to track your daily •reading with your child. Set a goal to read 1,000 books before

they start Kindergarten. You’ll also be ready for the Library’s wildly popular Summer Reading Challenge scheduled for May 14-July 31. You can win prizes just by reading books! Visit our website at cvlga.org/attend-it and plan your next visit. •We’ve recently resumed story times and look forward to seeing you in person again! We can help you shape your little one’s growing mind with rhymes, games, songs and stories!

up for Ferst Readers of Muscogee County and your child •willSignreceive up for a FREE Library Card and check out up to 40 books to •takeSignhome a FREE book every month until their for your reading pleasure. Our friendly staff is available to assist with reading recommendations and can customize a Book Bundle by genre, topic or AR/Lexile level. Kids can also get hands-on and learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) from home with a STEAM kit. Snap Circuits, musical instruments, and Launchpads are all available for checkout. For busy on-the-go parents and caregivers, we’re offering Curbside Service for items placed on hold in advance.

5th birthday.

If you were fortunate enough to have a parent read to you as a child, you probably have fond memories of it. So find time each day to model a love of reading. Working together, we can create another generation of readers!

You could reach over 15,000 moms in this space for only $65. Call 253-212-7270

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

FREE and FUN educational workshops for ALL couples: • • • •

Virtual and In-person workshops available. Up to $160 in e-gift cards per couple when both partners complete the program. Up to $95 in e-gift cards for each partner who participates in the research.

Earn up to

350

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tips

for Tween

Conflicts

n, blog author of

By Mark Gregsto

Conflict presents a great opportunity to reinforce your values and beliefs. All the things you have been teaching your child are brought into focus through applying your values to real-life situations. They may not agree with it, but they can at least begin to connect the dots.

Conflict gives you a chance to get to know your child better. Sometimes during conflict, kids are more willing to open up and express themselves. Make them feel comfortable to say how they are feeling. They may blurt out things they don’t really mean, or that could shock you, so don’t take offense. Try to understand the meaning behind the words and give grace to the actual words that are being said.

Conflict may show you a place where you are wrong. It’s a huge relationship-builder to admit a mistake and to tell your child that you are changing your position because of what they said. This will show them you value them as an independent individual. If you’re wrong, own up to it. If you’re right, don’t cave in just to keep the peace.

Conflict provides crucial preparation for your tween to learn how to deal with future conflict. The skills for dealing with conflict that your tween learns from you will be needed throughout their lives. The adult world is going to require them to resolve issues and conflicts with others, so you need to be sure you are giving them the tools they will need. One day they will have kids too, so you need to show them what positive parenting looks like.

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y’s Te “Parenting Toda

DON’T 1.

Don’t allow disrespect from either party during conflict resolution. When that happens, the discussion needs to be put on hold until cooler heads prevail. That way, the tween knows they won’t get their way just by being angry or disrespectful, and parents can use the time-out to consider a better approach that will keep the conversation calmer and more productive.

Don’t allow the crisis at hand to spill over and contaminate the rest of the relationship. It’s easy for the conflict to take over every conversation. Be willing to press the pause button—not to overlook or ignore the problem, but to have time to re-establish connections over a meal or shared moments that have nothing to do with the conflict at hand.

Don’t lose the “concept of we” in the middle of the conflict. The relationship that you have been building with your child will bear fruit over time as long as you protect it. The conflict can challenge us as parents, but we need to approach it as an opportunity rather than as a sign of failure on our part. Don’t allow it to create a permanent breach in your relationship.

Don’t let conflicts build up—deal with them when they happen. A problem that you overlook doesn’t just go away; it becomes a building block in a wall that can grow and prevent both you and your child from properly responding to future conflicts. Each one that you address and resolve provides training for future conflicts.

The bottom line of dealing with any conflict is that there are root causes for every behavior. Don’t lose that perspective in the heat of the battle. The symptoms of conflict are not the problem; so you can’t resolve the problem by dealing with the symptoms. Keep the lines of communication open and the relationship strong, and you’ll successfully resolve any conflict that arises in your family.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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SPRING STEM

The changes in the natural world around us during spring make it the perfect time to take the kids outdoors for STEM activities. Here are some activities that are so much fun, the kids will not realize they are practicing science and math skills.

Plant A Seed Planting vegetables is messy fun with plenty of opportunities to practice STEM skills. Once the threat of frost is over, seeds for easy-togrow vegetables can be directly sown into the soil in the garden or containers. Peas are a good pick since the seeds are large and easy to grasp. Ask the kids to help calculate on what date, according to the seed packet, the seeds should germinate, and the date plants will be mature. Also, ask the kids to calculate, based on the spacing of the seeds and the length of the garden, how many rows one packet of seeds can plant. Plant the peas in moist, loose, well-drained soil full of organic matter. Use wooden stakes or a trellis to support the peas as they grow. Ask the kids to observe the plants as they move through their lifecycle and produce peas.

Measure Spring Showers Use a homemade rain gauge to track the rainfall this spring. You will need an empty two-liter bottle, some clean pebbles or marbles, masking tape, a ruler, a permanent marker and scissors.

1. Help your child cut off the top of the bottle at the wide part, below where the bottle begins to narrow. Remove the cap. 2. Put a handful of pebbles in the bottom of the bottle.

Turn the top of the bottle upside down and place it inside the bottom, then secure it with tape.

3. Get a Sharpie and draw a line on it just above the level of the pebbles. This is the bottom. Use a ruler and a marker to mark every ¼ inch above the bottom line.

4. Place the bottle on a level surface and pour water in until it reaches the bottom line. 5. Place the gauge outdoors in a level spot that is open to the sky.

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