Family & Kids Chatt Valley May 2021

MAY 2021

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Timeless Memories by Jessica

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

See Cover Sponsor Pg. 17

We’re Open! Summer Reading Challenge Begins May 15.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

NOW OFFERING IMPLANTS!

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

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.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

g n i c Silen

HOO’s parenting

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s s a S The

It is dinner time and you ask your child to help set the table. She responds “No, I don’t want to right now!” and she walks away. If sassy responses such as these are becoming more common, it is time to employ a few techniques that reduce backtalk while also teaching your child how to assert herself in a respectful manner.

Evaluate your own communication style

The first step in establishing a respectful communication style in your household is to evaluate your own way of interacting with others. Do you manage frustration well when you do not like where a conversation is going or does the anger sometimes lead to sarcasm? Identify anything about your own communication style that needs to change. Also, when your kids watch TV, do they sometimes watch shows full of examples of kids making sassy remarks to adults? If so, reconsider your child’s list of TV shows that you have approved for viewing.

Define your boundaries for respectful communication

One issue that may lead to an increasing amount of backtalk is poorly defined and enforced boundaries. Boundaries set expectations and clearly define how your child should respectfully interact with adults. Take time to draw up some ‘house rules’ that outline expectations on respectful communication, and then commit to consistently enforce them.

Young kids need these boundaries and your coaching to understand what acceptable social behavior is.

The boundaries and the consequences for crossing the line should be clearly communicated to your child. Posting the house rules in a visible place eliminates the excuse ‘I didn’t know that you were going to take my phone away if I talked back.’ The boundaries and consequences should be age-appropriate and match his current level of communication skills. For example, if your child understands not to yell ‘No! I am not going to!’ when asked to do a chore, he should get a

consequence for yelling it at you. However, young kids sometimes parrot sarcastic comments without knowing they are being disrespectful. Those incidents should be used as both a teaching moment and to provide a warning that further sarcasm will lead to the consequence defined for the infraction.

Stay calm and choose the right moment for coaching

As with any set of rules, kids will test those boundaries. A child’s disregard for a known boundary could be an attempt to express frustration or could be an attempt to get your attention. Having a sarcastic comment thrown at you by your child can hurt but resist any urge to respond with an equally sarcastic remark. If needed, take a moment to cool down before responding. If you know your child is using sassy comments to get your attention, it is best to address them later.

That way, you are not rewarding the rude comment with your attention.

When you do respond, use phrases that help your child put her feelings into words, such as ‘You sound angry. Do you want to talk about it?’ While discussing the issue, provide an example of how your child could have expressed her frustration or her need for attention better, such as ‘My homework is hard. Can you please help me with my homework?’ This opens the door for two-way communication, instead of a one-sided lecture on why her comment was rude and that she should not do it again. This may better allow you to discover the root cause of the incident and provide guidance on the correct way to communicate a thought or feeling. Make sure to maintain the boundaries you have set by enforcing any consequences incurred by the incident.

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The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

REGISTER TO WIN! Let’s PlaY Ball from

4 Field Box Tickets

to a 2021 game of your choice includes ‘All-you-Can-Eat’ Service at the game!!

4 Team hats 2 Autographed Baseballs

$200

Value

Register at FamilyAndKidsGA.com/Giveaways

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

www.Familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY If you spend time outdoors in the spring and summer, it is a good idea to be on the lookout for ticks. Ticks are eightlegged bugs that live in grass, trees and shrubs. They feed on the blood of a host, such as a deer or a human. They can be small, almost the size of a pinhead, and, unlike other bugs, when they bite, they do not let go until they are done feeding. Ticks sometimes carry diseases that they can transmit when they bite, and one of the most common and deadly in the southeast is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).

Symptoms of RMSF include fever, rash, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and lack of appetite. Almost all patients with RMSF develop the rash, which usually appears 3 to 5 days after the infected person develops a fever. The rash is red and is not itchy, and usually appears first on the wrists and ankles and then spreads in both directions.

RMSF is easily treatable with antibiotics but if this bacterial infection is not caught in time, it can cause permanent damage to the lining of blood vessels. This damage may lead to heart, lung or kidney failure and may cause inflammation in the brain. In some cases, amputation of limbs is necessary.

If left untreated, RMSF can be fatal. RMSF can be difficult to

WHAT IS: ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

diagnose since many of the symptoms are similar to those of other common diseases. If you have been bitten by a tick or have spent time outdoors recently and develop symptoms of RMSF, let your doctor know right away.

Avoiding exposure to infected ticks can help prevent RMSF. Wear long pants when walking through the woods or areas with tall grass and use a tick repellant. Check everyone for ticks afterward and if you find one, remove it promptly. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and pull straight up. Remove any remaining part of the tick and wash the area with soap and water. Seek advice from a doctor right away to see if further treatment is necessary.

RESOURCES:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rocky-mountainspotted-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20361032

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WE'RE HERE FOR OUR HEROS NO JOINING FEES The YMCA of Columbus, GA is offering no joining fees in May for our military community. This membership special is for all military service members, veterans, and family members (living in the same household).

REGISTRATION Register online or by visiting the Front Desk of any of our branches.

For a full list of our Membership options, please visit our website at: www.columbusymca.com /membership

Offer Valid May 1st - 31st *Military ID Required

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

May Events 15

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

1 Presidential Flyer Excursion Train. 7-8 Miss Nelson is Missing. 7:30pm. 22 10am. SAM Shortline, Cordele; 1-877-GA-RAILS

Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd; 706-431-3752

Presidential Flyer Excursion Train. 10am. SAM Shortline, Cordele; 1-877-GA-RAILS

4pm. RiverCenter; yogc.org

$30-$35. Woodruff Park; 706-322-6186

MOPS of Midland/Columbus.

9:30-11:30am. Church on the Trail, Columbus; cottmops.cheddarup.com

1 YOGC presents Our Town Concert. 8 Teen Advisors 5K & One Mile. 8am. 25 1

Miss Nelson is Missing. 7:30pm.

Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd; 706-431-3752

1-2 Cotton Pickin’Fair. 8am-5pm. $5$8. Gay; cpfair.org

1-2 2021 RiverBlast Festival. Free.

National Civil War Naval Museum; 706-327-9798

2 SAMPOSIUM for Kids. 2-5pm. $12.

Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400

3 *Simple Steps Storytime: Think

Outside the Box. 10am. Ages 12 and under. CV Libraries; 706-243-2669

4 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. Ages 0-5. $5/family. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400

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9 A Mother’s Day Celebration.

1-4:30pm. $15-$40. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

11 MOPS of Midland & Columbus.

9:30-11:30am. Church on the Trail, Columbus; cottmops.cheddarup.com 14 Homeschool Friday. 1:303:30pm. Treadstone Climbing Gym; 706-507-7625 14-15

Miss Nelson is Missing.

7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd; 706-431-3752

15 Community Spring Market. 9am-

3pm. $5. National Infantry Museum; 706-566-3514 10am. SAM Shortline, Cordele; 1-877-GA-RAILS

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for Friends. 10am. Ages 0-5. CV Libraries; 706-243-2669

21 Parents Night Out. 6pm. (RSVP) Treadstone Climbing Gym. 706-5077625

5 *Mommy & Me Resource Fair. TBA. Georgia Strong Families; bigdreamsga.org

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*Discovery Hub: Kaleidoscope.

11am. Families. Chattahoochee Valley Libraries; 706-243-2669

Homeschool Friday. 1:303:30pm. Treadstone Climbing Gym; 706-507-7625

28-30 Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament. Callaway Gardens; 800-CALLAWAY

29 Young Eagles Day: Free Flights for Kids. 8:30-11:30am. Ages 8-17.

Flightways Columbus; 706-323-6565

Weekly Events

15 Plains Express Excursion Train. SATURDAY Market Days on

*Craft-o-Mania: DIY Gummy Bears. 11am. Ages 12 and under. CV Libraries; 706-243-2669

5 *Simple Steps Storytime: Hooray

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Summer Reading Challenge Drive-Thru Kickoff. CV Libraries; 706243-2669

22 CSO presents Appalachian Spring

Concert. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; csoga. org/tickets

Broadway. 9amNoon. 900, 1000 &1100 blocks of Broadway; uptowncolumbusga.com Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680 *B&N Virtual Saturday Storytime.

11am. Free. YouTube.com/Barnes andNoble Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. [ Denotes Virtual Event]

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s tips

Get Them Their Own Library Card Open your wallet and what do you find?

Cards!—cards that allow you to buy things, drive a car, and save money at the pharmacy. Do you remember your very first card? For many people, the first card they received was a library card. Children get excited to have their very own library card and take pride in being a member of the library. According to the article: Top 7 Reasons Your Child Needs a Library Card | Knox County Public Library (knoxlib.org).

Other reasons to get your child a library card include:

Responsibility

Asking children to be responsible for their card and for items they’ve checked out on their card teaches them to be accountable.

Self-Discipline

Checking out a book is one step in a decision-making process. Selecting their

books for the week helps them learn how to negotiate a collection, choose thoughtfully, and learn patience when a title isn’t available.

Ticket to Explore and discovery

The library is a risk-free place where kids can explore different kinds of books, movies and music. Studies show that when kids choose their own materials, they tend to enjoy reading more and develop into life-long readers. A library card is truly a window to the world.

Chattahoochee Valley Libraries Card

To find out how to get your child a library card from the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, visit www.cvlga. org/get-a-library-card/

By Charmette Perry, Librarian, South Columbus Public Library

HOO’s CRAFTY

STEP 1

DISSOLVING INK CRAFT

& EXPERIMENT Intrigue your kids by showing them how they can make permanent ink dissolve with a solvent that breaks the bonds, while making a cool and unique shirt for them to start the summer. Courtesy of kidsactivitiesblog.com.

STEP 2

DIRECTIONS Fill the spray bottle with rubbing alcohol. Cut your foil or cardboard and put it inside the shirt to keep your marker from bleeding through. Color your shirt with the markers and spray the shirt with alcohol.

Watch as the colors morph into a colorful explosion!

Pro Tip: After your shirt is dry, wash it alone so the colors don’t bleed onto the rest of your laundry.

SUPPLIES

Spray bottle, 70 percent rubbing alcohol, Aluminum foil or cardboard, White T-shirt, Colored permanent markers

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

h c a e r t u O r o ri s & H eali ng www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

War

Providing H e

HOO’s HELPING 19

lping Han d

Warrior Outreach is a non-profit organization based in Fortson, GA that assists members of the military, veterans, and their families. The organization was founded in 2008 by US Army (Retired) Command Sergeant Major Sam Rhodes. The mission of the organization is to provide support to veterans and service members through difficult times, such as returning from deployment or dealing with PTSD. The organization offers multiple programs to military families in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Horsemanship Program The Warrior Outreach Ranch is completely staffed by volunteers and offers a horsemanship program for service members, veterans and their families to give participants a chance to relax and spend time with their families. Equine instructors lead program participants through the horsemanship program which teaches the basics of horse care, such as how to put on a saddle and bridle, and then how to ride. Lynda Brooks, a program participant at The Ranch, says “The kids have learned how to interact with the horses. It is fun because all the horses have a story. Also, there is something very relaxing about being around a horse.”

Ashley Horn, an equine instructor at The Ranch, says “We found The Ranch six years ago. It was a healing place for us after I lost my husband to PTSD. We are all one big family. When Sam feels like someone needs something, I will meet with them and tell them my story. My story helps them to be able to relate and let go. The animals here help you heal. You get to know the horse well.”

Safety comes first at The Ranch, and program participants attend an orientation session to learn about safety and riding techniques before their first ride.

Children under 18 are provided helmets and there are safety seats for babies to ride in. The horses are led by staff members until riders are comfortable with riding without help. Participants who display control and confidence in riding alone may be scheduled for trail rides.

Music Therapy at the Ranch

Warrior Outreach partners with the Operation Song organization annually to offer service members and their families a unique opportunity to experience music therapy. Each family selected through an application process meets with professional songwriters at The Ranch to create a song that tells their story. Then each family performs their song with the professional musicians from Operation Song, and all the songs from that session are placed on a CD that is provided by Operation Song and Warrior Outreach at no cost at a later date.

Veterans Helping Veterans

Warrior Outreach volunteers also partner with local organizations, such as House of Heroes, to provide home repair assistance. Veterans and their families in need of help with a home repair can receive an application by emailing warrioroutreachvetassistance@gmail.com.

Community Center Available

The Ranch includes a community center with seating capacity of 75-100 individuals and a full kitchen with two exterior seating areas. Community members interested in holding an event in the community room can fill out an online application available at warrioroutreach.org. Once a month, the Warrior Outreach organization partners with Feeding the Valley and uses the Warrior Outreach facilities to distribute food to families who request support.

Military families interested in the programs offered by Warrior Outreach and members of the community interested in donating or volunteering can call 706-505-0708 or email warrioroutreachvetassistance@gmail.com.

Ashley Horn, Equine Instructor with Warrior Outreach

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Start a Veggie Container Garden If you have a limited amount of space in your yard or do not have the time to dig a garden, container gardening is a good alternative. Many summer vegetables grow well in containers, and container vegetable gardens are a great way to teach kids about the lifecycle of plants and healthy eating. Here are some tips for success.

Select the right containers Plants need enough soil mass to get the moisture and nutrients they require and to spread out as they grow. They will run out of nutrients and water quickly in small, shallow containers. It is best not to try to plant vegetables in a container less than 12” wide.

The container needs to be well-drained so that the plants do not develop root rot. You will need to drill either one large hole or several small holes in the bottom of the container if there are none present. To keep from losing soil through a large hole, cover it with some plastic mesh before filling the pot with soil. Plastic or ceramic containers hold moisture better than unsealed terra cotta pots, which can be important in the hot summer months.

HOO’s tips Select the right plants Almost any vegetable can be grown in a container that is large enough, but tomatoes, peppers, green onions and eggplant are especially well suited for containers. If you want to grow zucchini or cucumbers in containers, it is best to choose a bush variety instead of a vining variety. All the plants selected for a single container must require a similar amount of light and water. Once you select your plants, check their instructions for soil depth, sun exposure, watering and fertilization.

Select the right soil Use potting soil that is intended for container vegetable gardening as it is formulated to drain well and contains the nutrients the vegetables need to stay healthy. Potting soil is designed to retain water, so take care not to over-water the plants. Over time, the plants will deplete the soil of nutrients.

HOO’s CUTE

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

Omarion, 5 years Salem, AL

Kendall, 9 years Columbus

Kali, 3 years Columbus

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PICKS

Highlight On Lane Southern Orchards, located about an hour and a half from Columbus in Fort Valley, GA, offers families an opportunity to have fun outdoors and enjoy delicious fresh produce. The farm includes 11,000 acres of peach orchards and pecan groves along with a sixacre strawberry patch and is the largest grower of peaches and pecans in the United States.

There are over 35 different types of peaches grown on the farm and ten types of pecans. Peaches are harvested mid-May through August and pecans are harvested from October through January.

Kids can learn about farming and harvest a sweet treat in the six-acre “you-pick” strawberry patch that is available from early April into May. In October, visitors can enjoy an outdoor adventure through their six-acre corn maze to find the ‘corny’ signs hidden in the patch to win prizes.

Freshly harvested produce is available for purchase in the farm’s Roadside Market. The fresh peaches and pecans, along with apples grown on the farm’s acreage in Reynolds, GA, are available when in season, and shelled pecans are offered in the market

and online year-round. A variety of other fresh produce from neighboring farms along with jellies, salsas and other Southern gourmet treats are also available in the market.

The famous Lane Southern Orchards peach ice cream and peach cobbler, along with smoked BBQ and other Southern cooking favorites, are served in the farm’s Peachtree Café. The café is open for breakfast and lunch and offers daily and weekend specials. After enjoying a meal, parents can relax in the rocking chairs on the front porch while the kids play on the farm-themed playground that includes real tractors.

Information for planning your visit or school field trip, as well as further details on annual events such as the 4th of July BBQ and the Fall Festival, can be found at lanesouthernorchards.com.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Dining Deals

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for Kids

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

MONDAY Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Sapo’s

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

Zaxby’s

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

Tuesday

Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

The Chicken Lady’s COOP

5-8pm: Kid’s chicken plate for $3.25

Denny’s

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

Hudson’s

Free kid’s meal for 12 and under with adult entrée

Jason’s Deli

Thursday MOE’s Southwest Grill

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Captain D’s

Kids meals are .99 cents all day

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.

Every day 219 On The Lake

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

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

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Ruby Tuesday

McAlister’s

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

Kids under 40” get free baby cone Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

Wednesday

Newk’s

Applebee’s

O’Charley’s

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

4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W) Free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 10 & under

Pita Street Food

4-9pm: Kids eat free, per $8 min. adult buy; dine-in

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

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.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Taking a Break from Online Learning

HOO’s learning

To keep kids engaged in learning over the summer, it may be tempting to continue their online activities to keep their essential skills sharp, but it may be difficult to get cooperation from kids who have grown weary of virtual learning.

Bring STEM concepts to life with hands-on activities A concept that your child may have considered ‘boring’ and did not pay attention to during online schooling can be brought to life by hands-on STEM activities. There are plenty of ideas online for lowcost STEM activities that use common household items. Activities like creating a candy DNA model or a mini drone are fun ways to see science and math concepts in action. There are even screen-free activities to teach kids computer programming and software development concepts. They may also enjoy a summer camp that provides STEM activities.

Create a summer reading list With a little planning, you can tie hands-on STEM activities into reading as another great alternative to online tutorials. For many kids, the only time they read is when it is required for an assignment, and they do not realize how enjoyable reading for leisure can be. Reading has many benefits, including building vocabulary, helping kids learn proper grammar, and expanding their imagination to create the world being described by the book. Have your kids sign up for their local library’s summer reading program, which will encourage their progress and reward them for meeting goals. Get your child their own library card as recommended on page 16.

Then, help your child search for books that cover the topic

of the STEM activities for the week. Use the books to answer any questions about the topic for the week, instead of the internet. Many kids are reluctant to read because it seems like hard work compared to watching a video, so you may need to read books out loud at first to get them interested.

Mix it up by adding some fun books to their list too.

Take learning outdoors and stay active

Physical activity is not only important for heart and physical health, but it also assists with cognitive development and may even help lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Take a walk with your kids and have an alphabet scavenger hunt by keeping an eye out for anything that starts with a letter you select. Have kids spend time working in the garden.

Gardening is an excellent way to combine hands-on STEM learning with physical activity. Make gardening fun by taking pictures of the results of the hard work and placing them in a collage she can share with others, or have them keep a journal to log the plants’ growth and harvest yields.

If your child enjoys martial arts, theater or dance, encourage her to keep practicing by attending a summer camp where your child can hone her technique and learn new skills. Turn to pages 6-13 to find a visual directory of summer camps and activities or for an online directory, visit familyandkidsga.com/cat/camp.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

APPLE FRUIT

DONUTS Everyone loves donuts, but just maybe not the calories or the sugar crash that follows. here’s a fun and healthy ‘donut’ version with apples that you can do at home with the kids.

DIRECTIONS 1. Slice your apples about 3/4″ thick. Use a knife or corer to make a hole in the center.

2. Color your cream cheese if you’d like. We just added a

drop of neon food coloring to get these bright colors. Then spread on your donut slices.

3. Add sprinkles or other creative toppings of your choice such as fruit, nuts, caramel, honey or even bacon!

INGREDIENTS

• apples • cream cheese • food coloring (optional) • apple corer • sprinkles or other creative toppings of choice such as nuts, fruit or even bacon!

Courtesy of hellowonderful.co

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HOO’s Fun

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

REWILD YOUR CHILD

By Lauren C. Johnson, Ed.D, Program Manager, CSU’s Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center

This past year, we have all experienced an increase in screen time, either in virtual classrooms, virtual meetings, and virtual family visits while also experiencing a decrease in time spent outdoors. Even before the year 2020, there had been a decline in the amount of time that children spent outdoors. However, you can “rewild” your child by having them explore the environment and through nature-play.

Connecting to nature has many positive impacts on the lives of children and adults. Spending time outdoors can benefit not only children’s physical health, but their social, mental and environmental health. Playing in nature allows children to be creative, problem-solve and develop positive interactions with the environment.

Nature-play in an outdoor setting is an amazing way for families to reconnect to nature and disconnect from technology. Nature-play is just that, letting children play in nature while using natural elements, such as rocks, mud, sticks and leaves to play with.

Deer Ear Tag! Do you “deer” what I “deer?” is a game of listening tag. Have one person be the “deer.” They keep their eyes closed and can only use their sense of hearing, or “deer ears” to tag people. Everyone else will form a large circle around the deer and try to “capture” the deer by sneaking up on it while being as quiet as possible. If the deer hears anyone, they point in their direction and they have to go back to the starting circle. This game works best in a “noisy” environment, filled with leaves or sticks, that make noise as you walk across them.

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a great time to get outside and “rewild,” or reconnect everyone with nature. Here are some easy nature-based activities for you to enjoy with your family:

Feed the Birds! Create bird feeders for wild birds. First you will need some type of fat (nut butter, lard, or solid vegetable fat), bird seeds, pinecones and string. Have the kids spread the fat on the pinecone and then roll in the seeds. Find a good spot to hang up the feeder and spend time observing it to see what birds visit!

Leaf Puzzles!

Have fun putting a leaf puzzle back together. Find a large leaf, break it into smaller pieces, then have everyone put it back together.

Adjective Scavenger Hunt!

Explore nature and learn to use adjectives. Create a list of adjectives such as soft, hard, fuzzy, spiky; either as a family or write down words for younger children.

Explore nature finding items to match the adjectives, then ask the children to describe the items with the adjectives.

If you and your family are excited for more nature-play, visit Oxbow Meadows on South Lumpkin Road in Columbus. There we host hands-on activities and animal displays, or you can hike our trails and spend free time in our nature play-inspired Discovery Forest.

To see a list of upcoming programs and event dates, visit oxbow.columbusstate.edu.

REFERENCES: Dankiw, K.A., Tsiros, M.D., Baldock, K.L., & Kumar, S. (2020). The impacts of unstructured nature play on health in early childhood development: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 15(2). Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3mcHAvQ. Reilly, J. J., & Tremblay, M. S. (2021, March 16). If in doubt, send them out!: Rewilding your children post-pandemic. Independent. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3sFEqmL

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Getting ColumbUS moving again.

Whether you’re running your errands or running a marathon, being active is a big part of a full and healthy life. That’s why we’re here with the best orthopedics and sports medicine care possible to help you get moving again. Because life is full of possibilities. What’s yours?

call us at 800.424.DOCS (3627) or visit online at MyStFrancis.com/joint