Family & Kids Magazine March 2024

© Tom Scott Photography

ANGER management for kids

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Angry outbursts and temper tantrums are a normal part of early childhood. Toddlers and preschoolers do not yet have the language skills to communicate how they feel and sometimes express their strong emotions with temper tantrums. However, most children outgrow temper tantrums and sudden angry outbursts by the time they start kindergarten.

If your school-age child is still having temper tantrums, you may be wondering how to help your child better regulate his emotions. Here are a few tips:

Stay calm and stay in control

It can be frustrating and embarrassing when your child has an angry meltdown. However, if you keep your cool, you set a good example for your child. If your child is having a temper tantrum because he does not like a decision you have made, stand firm. Do not give in or try to negotiate to stop the angry outburst.

Have a ‘time-out’ area where you can send your child to calm down if he is out of control. The ‘time-out’ area should not contain any toys or anything interesting. If you worry about him hurting himself, remove anything from that area that may be harmful.

Using a ‘time-out’ area gives your child a chance to practice calming himself down and sends the message that temper tantrums are not an appropriate way to get your attention. It is important to enforce your household rules consistently and let your child know that there are consequences for angry and violent behavior.

Help your child problem - solve

While everyone feels angry sometimes, your child needs to understand it is not OK to throw a tantrum just because he is mad. After your child has calmed down, sit down with him and ask him to think about why he is so angry. It could be he had a frustrating day at school, and he let all the negative emotions loose when he arrived home. Having your child explore his feelings and identify them helps him practice finding the words to communicate his emotions. Make it clear that while it is OK to feel

upset, next time he needs to use words instead of an outburst to express his feelings.

Ask your child what he thinks he can do to help calm himself and avoid future outbursts. There are different coping skills your child can try, including utilizing a ‘self time-out’ to give himself a chance to calm down and prevent an emotional outburst. Ask him to think of something that helps him self-soothe, such as drawing pictures or doing push-ups, that he could do next time he feels very angry.

When you see your child putting these coping skills into action, praise him for it. Using coping skills to avoid an angry meltdown is not easy, and positive reinforcement encourages your child to keep trying.

Investigate possible causes for angry outbursts

Some mental health conditions or physical conditions, including ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can lead to intense, angry outbursts. Frustration due to a learning disability or sensory processing disorder can also lead to angry episodes. If you try to help your child find ways to manage his strong feelings of anger and the outbursts continue or become more violent, it may be time to seek help from a health professional. The healthcare professional can refer you to resources, such as therapy, which can help your child learn to manage his emotions. Also, ask about any training available that shows parents how to help kids manage intense feelings of anger.

Virtual Field Trips

The website kidsactivities.com condenses a list of more than 40 different hyperlinks to "virtual field trips" that you can explore with your kids. From ancient ruins, African safaris, museums around the world and into outer space, just search for "virtual field trips" to find this article.

Finders Seekers: Jr Explorers

This subscription box provides hours of fun where kids explore different world cultures while solving mysteries, examining natural wonders and creating art. Each box contains activities that explore the 5 disciplines in STEAM. Designed for ages 5 - 10 and up.

Raising Good Humans

A kinder, more compassionate world starts with kind and compassionate kids. In Raising Good Humans, you’ll find powerful and practical strategies to break free from “reactive parenting” habits and raise kind, cooperative, and confident kids. You’ll learn to examine your own unhelpful patterns and ingrained reactions that reflect the generational habits shaped by your parents, so you can break the cycle and respond to your children in more skillful ways.

Moms Helping Moms

T LIP FEST

T

ickets on sale now!

Saturday & Sunday

March 9th & 10th

March 16th & 17th

March 23rd & 24th

Kid’s Fun Zone Bouncy House

STEAM Activities

www.fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com

Fields of Grace Flower Farm

@fieldsofgraceflowerfarm

Fields of Grace Flower Farm, located just outside Columbus in Shiloh, GA, is a nonprofit ministry that offers a safe retreat for hurting women and caretakers to experience the healing love of Jesus Christ. The rural flower farm is a safe and unhindered environment that is able to provide a therapeutic and peaceful setting for women who have endured any type of trauma, especially those with overlooked trauma, such as infertility issues, miscarriages, loss of a spouse/ child/parent, adoption, mental or medical ailments, relational strains, those with a deep lack of sense of belonging, ambiguous loss, and so much more. Fields of Grace also has a strong focus on the Caregiver, such as social workers and the like.

By partnering with local organizations and individuals in the Columbus area, Fields of Grace offers free classes and events for Grace Guests, as well as free three-day retreats to include food

and a therapist - all while being surrounded by fields of beautiful flowers. If you are interested in becoming a Grace Guest or Grace Partner, please visit their website.

For three weekends in March, Fields of Grace Flower Farm is hosting their Tulip Fest to help raise funds for the farm and its programs. The fundraiser will be held March 9-10, March 16-17 and March 23-24. The community can help support the healing of women who have experienced trauma by attending this event. The Columbus community can also help support this ministry by purchasing flower arrangements, signing up for classes, and scheduling group farm tours. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

See the Fields of Grace Flower Farm website at www. fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com to learn more, purchase flowers and Tulip Fest tickets, and sign up to volunteer.

RESOURCES:

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

4 need Things Kids

We all have heard that keeping mentally and emotionally healthy is just as important as paying attention to our physical health. Physical health and mental health are inseparably intertwined, as mental health affects our outlook, attitude and how we physically feel. As parents, we want to do everything possible to provide what kids need for good mental health. Here are five ways you can help your kids care for their emotional and mental well-being.

Children need the love of parents & family

The first thing every child needs to know is that she is loved by her parents and family and that her parents and family will protect her and keep her safe. A loving, caring relationship with her parents provides a strong foundation for forming relationships with others outside the family and lays the basis for good development of academic skills. When your child knows she is loved, she will approach new opportunities with confidence as she explores the world around her.

What you can do: Set aside plenty of time to keep the relationship with your child strong. Include activities in your family’s daily routine, such as family dinners, which encourage good communication and bonding. This means putting aside your phone and letting your child know you are there to listen to her and provide any guidance she needs.

Also, provide the structure your child needs. Set boundaries for your child and enforce them. However, instead of harshly criticizing your child for mistakes, talk with your child about the boundaries you have set and ask her what she thinks she could do differently in the future to avoid making the same mistake.

Children need others to listen to them

Your child needs to know you are willing to listen to her when she is explaining her thoughts and feelings. Listening to your child share her thoughts on expectations you have set for her does not mean you are weakening your parental authority. Both kids and adults need to know that their feelings and thoughts are respected, valued and listened to by others. Your child’s self-esteem is strengthened when she feels others value her ideas and feelings. No one wants to feel ignored.

What you can do: Although you may have a strong opinion on the subject, take the time to listen to what your child is sharing before launching an explanation of your point of view.

Children need to have a sense of meaning

Your child needs to have opportunities to discover her interests and talents and to build strong relationships with others.

What you can do: Help your child find activities that allow her to explore her interests and discover her talents. Meeting other kids who share the same interests can inspire your child to work hard towards her goals.

1 2 3 4

Children need a sense of belonging

Your child has good self-esteem, knowing she has your love and support, and she is ready to start forming strong friendships in the outside world. Your child wants to have a sense of belonging. However, she does not need to change her values to fit in with a certain group. Instead, your child needs to use the strong foundation you have provided at home to form her values and define her identity. Then, she should look for groups of friends who share her values and interests.

What you can do: Provide support and guidance to your child as she navigates ‘friend issues’ at school, especially when she feels her values are being challenged.

Find the Hidden Pictures

HOO’s HUNGRY

Zucchini

TATER TOTS

These healthy baked sweet potato zucchini tots are the perfect kid friendly vegetable recipe. Made with just 3 key ingredients, these baked veggie tots are also nut-free, paleo and vegan!

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with baking paper. Start by grating your zucchini on a box grater and measure 2 cups or 300g tightly packed. Then use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the grated zucchini. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for getting the tots to stick together and come out golden and crispy around the edges. Place with zucchini in a large bowl. Add the sweet potato, coconut flour, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Use your hands to form the mixture into tablespoon sized totseither round balls or small log-shaped pieces. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden. These tots freeze well. Freeze before cooking and make sure to separate them to avoiding sticking together. Can be frozen for up to 3 months in a large Ziplock bag. To prepare from the freezer: warm them in the oven at 160°C/ 350°F for about 10-15 minutes!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (about 250g) grated zucchinis

• 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

Dyslexia is a common reading disorder, affecting approximately one in five people. Someone with dyslexia has trouble reading ‘fluently’ due to difficulty in connecting speech sounds with letters. This process is often referred to as ‘decoding,’ and someone who is a fluent reader can perform this process automatically, without having to concentrate on the mechanics behind it. The brain of someone with dyslexia is wired differently and it causes the decoding process to be very slow and difficult.

The exact cause of dyslexia is unknown, though researchers have found that the condition seems to have a genetic component and tends to run in families. There is no cure for dyslexia, but there are interventions that can help someone with dyslexia learn to read. The earlier that dyslexia is diagnosed, the sooner your child can start getting the help she needs to learn how to overcome reading difficulties.

Sometimes, signs of dyslexia can appear even before your child starts school. Early signs of dyslexia include: difficulty learning new words, delay in starting to talk, trouble memorizing letters and numbers, confusing words that

sound alike, difficulty forming words correctly, and including reversing the sounds in a word.

The signs of dyslexia can become more obvious once a child starts school. Signs of dyslexia in school-age kids include: reading well below her grade level, difficulty with spelling, trouble with recognizing words that rhyme and difficulty memorizing nursery rhymes, difficulty sounding out words, and having difficulty finding the right words to express thoughts.

There are many harmful myths about dyslexia. One is that dyslexia is a sign of reduced intelligence. There is no connection between dyslexia and your child’s level of intelligence. With the proper interventions, a child with dyslexia can become highly successful. If you think your child is showing signs of dyslexia, notify your child’s doctor. If your child receives a diagnosis of dyslexia, meet with her school to find out what educational interventions she can receive. Help your child practice reading at home by spending time together reading aloud.

RESOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html and https://mayocl.in/3tDcYvp

Dining Deals for Kids

With deals this good, save the mess and dine

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

Saturday

Denny’s

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

Sunday

The Simple Greek

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

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.

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

2 Read Across America Storytime. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

2 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

2 I Can Read Book Club. 4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

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

5 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5-$7. Ages 3-5 years. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400

5 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

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

5 Teen Takeover: Creativi-Tea-Anything But A Paintbrush. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

5 Journey Through the Night: Music Under the Dome Series. 5pm. $8. CCSSC.org or 706649-1477

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

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

6 Dungeons & Dragons. Teens. 5pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

6-12 J4K Consignments Sale. Times vary. 3201 Macon Rd, Columbus; 706-587-1819

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

7Edible Engineering-Kids Version: Jello Earthquake Challenge. Ages 6-12. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

7Edible Engineering-Teen Version: Jello Earthquake Challenge. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

8 Mario Day. Families. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

8 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:35pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

8-10 The LIttle Mermaid. Times vary. $21-$56. Springer Opera House; 706-3273688

9 Cookies with the Easter Bunny. 10amNoon. $5-$15. Columbus Trade Ctr; eventbright.com

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

9 CSU Schwob School of Music Kaleidoscope. 7:30pm. $22-$35. RiverCenter; 706256-3612

9-10 Tulip Fest. 11am-6pm. $14.95. Fields of Grace Flower Farm, Ashmore Rd, Shiloh; fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com

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

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

12 Budding Naturalist. 5:30pm. $5-$7. 1st-5th grades. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

12 Teen Takeover: Food & Fun-Snack Taste Test. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706243-2811

12 Breakout or Get Locked In: Mini Escape Room. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

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

13 Pi Day. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

13 MomCo of First Baptist Church. 6-7:30pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; odonawhiddon@gmail.com

14 Family Fun Night-Paint Your Pet’s Portrait. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706243-2813

14-17 The LIttle Mermaid. Times vary. $21-$56. Springer Opera House; 706327-3688

16 Family Saturday at the Museum. 10amNoon. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

16 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

16 Big Dog St. Paddy’s Day 5K. 6:30pm. $30-$40. Big Dog Fleet Feet; runsignup.com

16-17Tulip Fest. 11am-6pm. $14.95. Fields of Grace Flower Farm, Ashmore Rd, Shiloh; fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com

16-17River Dragons Hockey Game. Times vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706-6534460

17 Weather Wonders Kids’ Day. 2-5pm. $5-$12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400

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

19 Get Your Game On!-Unplugged: Jeopardy. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706243-2811

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

20 Teen Takeover. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Events

PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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

20 Dungeons & Dragons. Teens. 5pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

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

21 LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

21 LEGOS® in the Library-Teen Version. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

21-24 The LIttle Mermaid. Times vary. $21-$56. Springer Opera House; 706327-3688

22

360 ALLSTARS: Urban Circus. 10:30am & 7:30pm. $29-$49. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

22-24 River Dragons Hockey Game. Times vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

23-24 Tulip Fest. 11am-6pm. $14.95. Fields of Grace Flower Farm, Ashmore Rd, Shiloh; fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com

23

CSO Open Rehearsal. 12:30pm. Free. All ages. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059

23

CSO: Handel’s London. 7:30pm. $40. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

26 Teen Takeover: Creativi-Tea-DIY Fantasy Maps. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

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

27 March Madness. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

27 MomCo of First Baptist Church. 6-7:30pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; odonawhiddon@gmail.com

27 Swan Lake. 7pm. RiverCenter; 706256-3612

28

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

29 On Your Feet!: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan. 7:30pm. $69-$79. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

Weekly Events

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 3/19)

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (024 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (3-5 yrs) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

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

WEDNESDAY

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

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

Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

THURSDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Public Library; 706-2432813

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble; 706653-7880

Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm. 30-minute 1-on-1 practice session. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 3/21)

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

SATURDAY

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-2218680

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

DAccess to Aerial Arts EXPANDS

By Carrie Paris, Artistic Director/Owner of Performance Dance Centre

o you want to experience the exhilaration of dancing in the air?! Well, there are now more opportunities to make this a reality for those interested with the expansion of our aerial program at Performance Dance Centre. We have three certified instructors making it possible to offer more classes in this unique art discipline.

We offer classes in silks, hammocks and lyra, for beginner through advanced levels for ages six to adult. Though no experience is necessary to start, our classes are grouped by ages and level of ability. Students can choose from our three disciplines. Silks are using two straight pieces of fabric. Hammocks is the traditional hammock in one piece of fabric. Lyra is a metal hoop very similar to a giant hula hoop.

The benefits of participating in any of the aerial art disciplines are many, such as building core and total body strength and increasing flexibility, all with very minimal impact. Extra added benefits are increased focus, stress relief and balance. Did we mention it is also extremely FUN! Our aerialists have the opportunity to participate in two yearly showcases where they have the chance to show off what they’ve learned.

Our program is run by Courtney McCutcheon. Courtney began her aerial arts journey, learning the practice as her Columbus High School Senior Project. After high school, she continued to perfect her art, eventually helping to establish the very first aerial arts program in Columbus. Courtney now has 13 years of experience teaching aerial arts to adults and children. Her favorite thing about aerial is that it constantly challenges her to push her limits—physically, mentally, and creatively. Aerial is always evolving, so there are always new skills to learn. But it’s not just the challenge of learning new skills that excites her. Courtney loves to perform, and aerial encourages her to push herself creatively when putting together a new piece.

This January, experienced aerial instructors Sarah Morgan and Makynleigh Roberson joined Performance Aerial Arts. Sarah and Makynleigh both started silks in the summer of 2019 and each began teaching in the discipline by the following spring and summer, respectively. Both have become experienced aerialist performers. With Courtney, Sarah, and Makynleigh’s expertise, we can grow our aerial program to the next level and be able to offer it to more students who are interested in learning these disciplines and perfecting their craft.

There is no experience necessary, and anyone can join aerial arts. It is great, not only for children and teens, but adults too. Our adult program offers a great, fun new way of exercising to change up your routine and challenge yourself! If you want to keep your exercise and your art form on the ground, we also offer instruction in acrobatics as well as dance classes such as lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet and special classes for preschoolers.

To register for any of our classes, please visit us at performancedancega.com or on Facebook.

Summer Camps & Activities Guide

Summer Camps & Activities Guide

Every parent wants to ensure their family eats a healthy diet. Here are some pitfalls that many encounter when attempting to improve the quality of the foods they select for snacks and family meals. You think they are good, but in ways can be bad.

Avoid:

Eating too much protein

You may have heard that high protein, low carb diets can help you build muscle and lose weight. While protein is an essential nutrient that keeps your body healthy and strong, eating too much protein can be harmful to your kidneys. This is especially true if you are already at risk for kidney disease. You may also find that you are having digestive issues if you are eating a high-protein diet and not getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables provide the fiber you need to avoid becoming constipated. A high protein, low carb diet is harmful to kids because kids need the energy from carbs to grow and to do well in school. A child on a low-carb diet may experience impaired growth and low blood sugar.

Instead:

Eat a balance of protein and carbohydrates. Choose good quality carbohydrates.

Avoid:

Sugary smoothies

Smoothies can be an excellent way to help increase the amount of fruits and vegetables your family consumes. However, if you are not careful, smoothies can do more harm than good. Many store-bought smoothies include a large amount of sugar per serving because they have fruit juice as the liquid base or they have sugar added to them. Also, it is easy to add too much fruit when making homemade smoothies. You may end up consuming a lot more calories than you would have if you had just eaten one or two servings of fresh fruit. Frequently, consuming high-calorie smoothies loaded with excess sugar can cause weight gain and lead to dental issues.

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Instead:

Use low-fat milk, unsweetened Greek yogurt or unsweetened almond milk as a liquid base for your smoothie instead of fruit juice, and limit the amount of fruit used in the smoothie to one or two servings.

Avoid: Veggie burgers

Many people assume that veggie burgers are a healthy alternative to beef hamburger patties. However, veggie burgers tend to be highly processed and can contain a large amount of sodium and preservatives.

Instead:

If you decide to purchase veggie burgers, read the nutritional information and the list of ingredients carefully. Avoid veggie burgers with excess sodium or saturated fat or that have a very long list of ingredients. There are many delicious and easy veggie burger recipes that you can make at home from ingredients such as black beans or portabella mushrooms. Make a big batch of homemade veggie burger patties and freeze them for up to three months.

Avoid: Assuming pasta is unhealthy

Due to the popularity of low-carb diets, many people assume that pasta is the enemy because it is a carbohydrate. However, per the USDA, two ounces of dried white pasta has about 200 calories, 7 grams of protein and about 2g of fiber. Whole wheat pasta has about twice the amount of fiber of white pasta. Pasta also contains iron and B vitamins. Pasta is a component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. If you enjoy pasta, there is no reason to completely avoid it because it is a carb.

Instead:

Enjoy pasta in moderation. If you have special diet concerns such as diabetes but enjoy eating pasta, ask a dietician for advice on fitting it into your diet plan.

“Series”ously Satisfied Readers

By Brittany Harte • South Columbus Public Library

From

Nancy

Drew to The Boxcar Children to Goosebumps to the Wimpy Kid, children’s series books have a long history of transforming their audiences into lifelong readers. These books are wildly popular and have won the hearts of young readers. Here are three reasons to encourage your new or reluctant reader to get serious about a series.

1. Read one, read all! Once you find something you like, you want more of it! Series books encourage continuous reading and put off that dreaded search for the next best thing. There are two main types of series books: sequential and non-sequential. While a sequential series needs to be read in a specific order to follow a timeline, a non-sequential series is not dependent on chronological plots but connected by characters, setting, and plot formats.

2. Comfort food for the brain. Series books are predictable and comfortable making the reader feel successful, not frustrated. Encountering new names, places, and plots can be daunting for less confident readers. By embracing the familiarity, the

HOO’s learning

reader can focus on the story from the first page. Reading should not always be hard work. Let it be a fun, entertaining pastime that your child chooses.

3. On trend and just right, for now. Children’s publishing trends reflect popular culture. Whether the reader is interested in unicorns, pets, superheroes, or magic, there is a book series to match the latest trend. Remember that the topic should appeal to the child, not the adult. Don’t fret over the content: too many illustrations, too few pages, or uncomplicated plots. Avoid the impulse to push your child to something new. Be patient and remember all the times you’ve listened to Baby Shark. Because just like all trends, readers evolve. They will move on to new books over time and at their own pace.

Bring your child to any branch of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries and our staff can help match your reader to a new series such as: CatSronauts by Drew Brockington; Dragon Masters by Tracey West; or Isadora Moon by Harriet Muncaster.