Family & Kids May 2023

WAlking the

Mom Path

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

For moms like me, who have two kids with May birthdays, May has always been the month of change and challenges. In May, I had to fit in two birthday parties around graduations, weddings and end-of-school parties. Immediately following the calendar full of events was the transition to a summer schedule for four young kids. Being a person who loves a challenge, I enjoyed taking it on and I learned much from this busy month of change. Here are three principles that I learned to help guide me.

knoW thAt yoUR PARentIng PAth IS UnIQUe

Your child is unique, there is no one else like him. Do not compare yourself and your child to others. It is easy to fall into the ‘if only I had tried harder’ trap when your child does not make the top grades in class or your child is not the best player on his baseball team. Your child has a set of strengths and gifts that are unique to her. Instead of losing time and energy to negative emotions such as guilt, invest them in helping your child find opportunities to build upon his strengths and remedy any weaknesses in essential skills. Summer camps are one fun way for your child to explore her interests and improve any weaknesses in academic skills.

fInD otheR MoMS on A SIMIlAR PAth

Building a network of moms who are walking a path similar to yours is invaluable. It is easy to feel lost when the process of change throws you a curveball. Other moms who have experienced a similar situation are a good source of insight and support. For example, I felt lost when my son lost weight instead of gaining it due to a medical condition when he was a newborn. My other kids never had a similar issue. It was a great comfort just knowing the other members of my mom network were there if I needed them. Establishing a support network of other parents is especially valuable if your child has a special need and you need help navigating the process of getting your child the services he needs. You do not have to do it alone.

Do not neglect yoUR PeRSonAl PAth

Taking care of your physical and mental health makes you all the more prepared for the challenges that change can send your way. Find creative ways to exercise, such as a fitness class where you can bring your stroller or a yoga class that is after work and has child care. Give yourself a mental workout and set a good example for your kids by learning a new hobby or taking an online class.

Find a good babysitter or arrange for a babysitting ‘swap’ with another family so that you can still occasionally go out for a date night or dinner with friends. Your relationships are important for your emotional well-being, and it is essential to invest time in the relationship with your partner. A strong relationship with your partner creates a healthy environment for your household and gives you support when you are faced with an unexpected roadblock in your parenting path.

Each day, no matter how busy your schedule has been, take a few minutes for yourself. Even five or ten minutes of meditation or reading a book can help you feel ready to take on the rest of the day.

MythBusters:

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

HOO’s FIT

Kids’ Nutrition Kids’ Nutrition

When shopping for healthy snacks for kids, it can be easy to fall into one of the ‘nutrition traps’ that have been put in place by common misconceptions. Here are some traps to avoid and some healthy snack alternatives.

Myth: If a label says ‘multigrain’ it is a healthy choice for my child.

Reality: A multigrain bread or snack could have been stripped of the bran or the germ that provides nutrients, leaving it with not much more nutritional value than white bread. If you buy a product labeled 100% whole grain, the nutritious parts of the grain are still intact.

Myth: It is important to limit how many carbs kids eat

Reality: Although many adults try low-carb dieting as a weight loss strategy, it may not be appropriate for kids. A child on a low-carb diet may not be getting the nutrients needed for energy and to support growth. If your child has diabetes or you are concerned about your child’s weight, speak to her doctor for help with planning a diet that fits her medical needs. Healthy kids need the fiber and nutrients found in healthy carbs such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Myth: Products with ‘hidden vegetables’ are healthy

Reality: While feeding your kids veggie chips and other products with ‘hidden vegetables’ may seem like a good alternative to ‘bad’ carbs,’ the reality is that the essential nutrients in the vegetables may have been removed by the processing. The final product is not much better than the one you are trying to replace, such as potato chips. These hidden veggie snacks are often high in sodium. A diet high in sodium is harmful even for young kids.

Fun & healthy snack ideas:

Create colorful fruit kebabs from melon, grapes, and strawberries.

Make a watermelon fruit pizza by spreading yogurt or cream cheese on a slice of watermelon then top it with your favorite summer fruit.

Make a celery caterpillar by spreading a celery stick with peanut butter and then placing grapes on top.

Make your own apple or banana chips by dehydrating them.

Here Comes The Fun

Teaching kids to stay safe should start early. The instruction you provide your child could be lifesaving for her or someone else in your household. Practice each of these so your child will become proficient in your absence.

Teach kids how to call for help. Even if your child does not yet have her own phone, show her how to use a phone to call an emergency number, whether that is 911 or a family member.

Teach kids who and where they belong. Should you become separated, your child should know their parents’ full names and street address.

Teach kids what to do if they get separated from you outdoors. Cell phones do not always work in the backcountry.

u Teach your child to stay where he is, as a stationary target is easier to find.

uTeach your child to take emergency water, snacks and clothing with him when he goes on a hike or camping trip.

HOO’s tips

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Review online safety with kids. Remind them to never give out personal information to strangers. Talk to kids about cyberbullying and let them know they should report it to you or a school administrator.

Teach kids water safety. Teach kids to never enter the water without permission and how to float if they fall into the water accidentally.

Develop a fire escape plan. Teach your kids what to do if they hear the smoke alarm at home and go over fire safety concepts.

u Practice ‘get low and go’ – test the bedroom door first to make sure it is not hot, then crawl towards the exit you identified in your escape plan.

u Teach kids ‘stop drop and roll’ if their clothing catches fire.

u Teach kids not to hide from firefighters. Firefighters in full gear look and sound scary to young kids. Take your child to tour a fire station so they can become familiar with the sights and sounds.

u Teach kids not to overload outlets and not to cook with heat except when supervised.

MOCKTAIL blackberry

This is the perfect drink for any occasion. It comes together quickly, easily and is full of flavor. Even the kids can feel fancy.

DIRECTIONS

Start by adding the blackberries, basil and lime juice to a cocktail shaker, then muddle them until the berries are broken down and there is a good amount of juice.

Next, add in the coconut water and ice and shake until well combined. Prepare a glass by brushing a lime wedge around the rim, and then dipping in chili powder. This is optional, but strongly encouraged. Fill the glass with ice and then pour in the blackberry mixture 3/4 of the way full. Finish it off with the sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

TIPS: Use a cocktail shaker and muddler for best results. If you don’t have one, you can also use a fork to smash the berries and basil together. Rim the line of the glass with chili powder, salt or tajin.

Courtesy of lovelydelites.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries

• 2 basil leaves

• Juice from 1 lime

• 1/2 cup coconut water

• 1/2 cup sparkling water

• Ice

OPTIONAL

• Chili fruit powder- for the rim

• Lime wedge for garnish

MOM making friends

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

Most recently while at my favorite chicken venue, my little girl was playing on the playground with another friend her age. They spent about an hour together, smiling and laughing while climbing stairs and sliding down the playground slide. They had the best time! When we went to leave, my daughter and I agreed that we should invite them to future park days. I walked up to the mom and introduced myself. She was appreciative and excited that her daughter had found a friend. This is the perfect example of what moms everywhere looking to find friendships should do! Walk up to that mom across from you and say ‘hello.’ I learned this pro-tip from my very extroverted daughter.

There are many advantages to having friends with children the same age as your own. Having mom friends creates a sense of unity through the trials of motherhood. The ups and downs can be shared and support can be given. Motherhood is a connector; it is a commonality that you share. Spending time with other moms is a way to feel supported, confident and happy throughout life. The support given builds self-esteem, gives a sense of belonging, reduces stress and according to studies it may even help our brains stay healthy as we age. Dr. Harding states that “as a medical doctor,” she wishes she could “prescribe friendships to everyone.”

Assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, Kelli Harding, MD, shares that healthy relationships include two friends caring about the needs of each other and providing positive support. You may be thinking, is there a friend limit? According to evolutionary anthropologist, Robin Dunbar, you can have up to 150 meaningful friendships of various levels at the same time.

All moms want to build friendships, there is just an obstacle to overcome in getting there. That obstacle is the very first step, starting a conversation. This week, I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and meet just one new friend. Say ‘hi’ to that mom on the playground. Say ‘yes’ to an invite and plan that playdate. You got this!

As a mom, find ways to encourage other moms. Create a mom tribe, meet with a group of other moms that have similar interests and encourage each other. There are local groups for preschool moms, military moms, workout moms and homeschool moms. To find some local mom groups, see our directory at: familyandkidsga.com/just-4-parents/columbus-ga-mom-groups/

A friendship is a ‘two-way street,’ said psychologist Marisa Franco, PhD, who studies relationships and friendships. Part of finding a good friend is being one. Support, encourage and spend time with your friends. A few ideas to do this include making meals for new moms, welcoming a new neighbor with cookies or inviting a friend over for dinner and game night.

Places to Meet Moms

v Volunteering

v Church, church groups, middle school and high school groups

v Get involved in sports

v Restaurant play places

v Mom’s night out

v Mom’s morning out

v MOPS groups (mothers of preschoolers)

v Gym or workout area

v Neighborhood friends

v After school activities: sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, dance lessons etc.

v Mom meet-ups

v Head to the library for special events

v Join a local mom's Facebook group

“

“

As moms, we are in this together - raising the future. We are a tribe of future makers, so let’s support each other.

- Marissa Hermer

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

When you were a kid, did you dream about living on a farm one day?

Did you know that there are actually many benefits to spending time with kids at the farm? One of the best ways to teach children about compassion and teamwork is spending the day at the farm. Kids can learn problemsolving skills, independence and responsibility by taking on farm chores, raising farm animals and caring for crops. They can learn all about lifecycles, farm safety, weather and the crops harvested on a farm. They will develop an appreciation for how our food gets from a field to their dinner table after seeing all the steps it takes to accomplish that. Plus, they will have family bonding time, learn how to communicate with others and live an active lifestyle all while roaming the fields of the farm. Raising

children on a farm is hands-on parenting at its finest!

Did you know that being around livestock actually helps children develop immunity? According to the National Farm Medical Center, there has been less asthma and allergy cases in children raised on a farm. The local 4-H has opportunities for all ages to experience their livestock and environmental education programs. Visit Georgia4H. org for more information.

Bring a little bit of the farm home by planting a garden. Give your child a role such as watering, weeding or picking the harvest. In Georgia, among the best vegetables to plant are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and Vidalia onions. Sweet food choices are pumpkins, peaches, apples and strawberries.

HOO’s parenting

Would you love to give your children time to play on a farm but you don’t live on one? Visit one of these great farms to experience a little bit of farm life.

• The Farm House Restaurant - thefarmhousega.com

• Oakhurst Farm - oakhurstfarms.com

• Fields of Grace Flower Farm fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com

• Lane Southern Orchards lanesouthernorchards.com

• B.J Reece Orchards - reeceorchards.com

• Burts Farm - burtspumpkinfarmga.com

• Scottsdale Farms - scottsdalefarms.com

• Taylor Orchards - taylororchards.com

• Iron P Homestead Zoo - ironphomesteadzoo.com

• Warbington Farms - warbingtonfarms.com

DIY BUG AWAY LUMINARIES

Not only do these easy homemade mosquito repellent candles make beautiful outdoor decorations, but they are also super functional!

DIRECTIONS

1 . Slice one lemon and one lime. This will be enough for two candles.

2 . Add a couple of slices of lemon and lime to the jar.

3 . Add a couple of sprigs of basil.

4 . Fill jar with water up to threads.

5 . Add in 10-15 drops of lemongrass or citronella essential oil and stir.

7 . Add in floating candle or tea light candle.

8 . Light the candle and enjoy a pest-free summer! The fresh ingredients should last 3-4 days.

SUPPLIES

• Pint Mason Jars

• Floating Candles

• Lemons

• Limes

• Basil

• Lemongrass or Citronella Essential Oil

COURTESY OF: thecountrychiccottage.net

Dining Deals for Kids

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

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

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

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

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.

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

May Events

1 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 months) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

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

3 Spring Tea. 11:30am. Reservations required. The FarmHouse Restaurant, Ellerslie; 706-561-3435

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

5 Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

5 Museum at the Library: Artful Babies. Ages 0-24mo. RSVP. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

6-7 Cotton Pickin’ Fair. 8am5pm. $5-$8. Gay; cpfair.org

6-13

A Superhero for all Seasons. Times vary. $13-$18. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706-324-1100

8 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 months) 10:00am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

9 Museum at the Library: Artful Babies. Ages 0-24mo. RSVP. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

10

2nd Annual Mother’s Day Tea Party. 6pm. $45. RSVP. Hudson’s at Main Street; 706-507-5384

10

MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-2214602

10

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. 6pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; facebook.com

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

12 Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

12-13 Uptown’s RiverFest 2023. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111

13 CSO presents Beethoven & “The Scottish.” 7:30pm. RiverCenter; csoga. org/tickets

13 Museum at the Library: Mini Makers. Ages 2-4yrs. RSVP. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

15 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 months) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11:00am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

16 Museum at the Library: Mini Makers. Ages 2-4yrs. RSVP. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

16 Bluey’s Big Play. 6pm. $39-$70. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Events

18

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

19 Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

20 Closet Cleanout. 10am-2pm. Columbus Trade Center; 706-653-4460

20-21 The Rescuers by Academy Dance Center. RiverCenter. 7pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Tickets 706561-8085

20

Armed Forces Day Celebration Auto Show. 9am-1pm. National Infantry Museum; 706-566-3514

20

Barks and Blues Music Festival. 3-10pm. Woodruff Park; live bands, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors; barksandblues.com; 706-596-0111

22

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 mon) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11:00am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

24

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

24 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. 6pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; facebook.com

25

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

26 Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

27 Bugs on the Hooch 2023. 8am3pm. National Civil War Naval Museum; 706-527-7365

28

Columbus Rapids game. 3:05pm. $15. Columbus Civic Center; 706-225-4482

29

Memorial Day Mini Camp. 9am-1pm. Ages 5-11. $10. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2614

Weekly Events

THURSDAY

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble Columbus; (706) 653-7880 (not 5/4)

SATURDAY

Presidential Flyer Excursion Train. 10am. SAM Shortline, Cordele; 1-877-GA-RAILS (Not 5/20)

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. 900, 1000 &1100 blocks of Broadway; uptowncolumbusga.com

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680

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

HOO’s HEALTHY

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used by medical professionals as a tool to identify patients who may have a large amount of body fat. A high amount of body fat can be a risk factor for conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

A BMI calculation is not very complex and involves only two factors, making it perfect for use as an initial screening tool when evaluating patient health. For adults, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. For children and teens, their BMI is compared to the BMIs of other kids of the same age and sex and a BMI percentile is found. This percentile is recorded in the child’s growth chart and changes in BMI percentile are tracked over time.

A BMI in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9 usually indicates that someone has a normal amount of body fat. A high BMI of 30 or more in an adult patient may be an indicator of obesity and prompt a doctor to consider a weight loss program for the patient. BMI should not be used for pregnant women.

RESOURCES: http://bit.ly/3KBmC7q

What is: BODY MASS INDEX

BMI is a ratio that involves the total weight of a person, including the weight of bones, muscles, fat and skin. If someone is active and had built a lot of muscle mass, he may have a higher-than-normal BMI. Also, BMI does not consider other determinantal factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse and being sedentary. Another issue is that BMI does not consider where the patient’s excess fat is stored. Research has found that fat stored in the abdominal region and close to vital organs, such as the liver and pancreas, is more dangerous than fat stored in other regions, such as the thighs.

Researchers have found that different ethnic groups tend to have different body compositions when it comes to percentages of lean muscle mass and fat. As a result, the BMI scale may overestimate the risk for African Americans and underestimate it for those of Asian descent.

Get Outdoor to Grow & Learn!

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

Did you know that there are many benefits to playing outside including increased confidence and creativity along with decision-making and problem-solving skills. More time outside has even been shown to be helpful in schools. According to a study done by the University of Wisconsin, outdoor education improves performance from standardized test scores to overall behavior. Hands-on outdoor activities have been shown to increase students’ excitement for learning and memory of the learning material. Overall, outdoor learning can be fun for both children and their parents. This spring is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor education opportunities around Columbus. Here are a few recommendations.

Oxbow Meadows

– oxbow.columbustate.edu

Columbus State’s Environmental Learning Center, Oxbow Meadows offers programs for all ages. Displays at Oxbow Meadows feature fish, snakes and other wildlife including turtles and alligators. They also offer field trips, workshops, offsite programs, birthday parties and events such as beekeeping workshops and animal and science shows in their auditorium. Their annual festivals include FairyFest, FrogWarts, ReptileFest and Honey Harvest. Oxbow also offers summer programs, scouting programs and team building activities for businesses. Some of their recurring programs for kids include: Nature Babies: 0-23 months • Knee-High Naturalists: 2 & 3 year olds • Little Naturalists: 4 & 5 year olds • At Home in Nature: 6-10 year olds

BRIGHT Stem Enrichment

– brighthomeschoolco-op.com

Bright offers weekly outdoor education classes all around Columbus. Classes focus on a topic in science and incorporate art, STEM and reading.

Columbus Botanical Garden

– columbusbotanicalgarden.org

The Columbus Botanical Garden is a great way to share your love of nature with your little ones. They offer classes during the week centered around the gardens. The garden hosts holiday camps and school field trips throughout the year. They even have discovery backpacks for kids to check out while exploring the garden, nature bingo and a trail trek tree hunt. Some of their recurring programs for kids include: Budding Naturalists: 1st-5th grade • Little Sprouts Series: Ages 3-5

Wild Animal Safari –

animalsafari.com

Wild Animal Safari is a 300-acre drive-thru park where giraffes and zebras are right on the other side of your car door. A 2.5 mile drive through the park will take you on an adventure where you can view 75 different species of animals. Zookeepers are there to care for the animals and answer the questions of guests throughout their visit.

Callaway Gardens –

callawaygardens.com

Callaway Gardens offers 2,500 beautiful acres full of flower gardens and bike trails. During the spring, ride through their vast trails, see vibrant azaleas and catch educational demonstrations such as “Birds of Prey.” They also offer vacation accommodations, golfing and a unique indoor butterfly garden.

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts – 91bsa.org

and gshg.org

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer a lot of outdoor education programs in Columbus. They plan camping trips and teach members about nature. Find a group in your area for your child’s age group at their websites.

Iron P Homestead Zoo – ironphomesteadzoo.org

Located north of Columbus in Hogansville lies a fairly new animal oasis. This zoo offers a 70 minute “Wildlife Walking Trail” with a Safari Guide who presents over 50 species along the way! They offer close encounter experiences with exotic animals while teaching about them and conservation. Plus, learn how they care for their youngest animals by visiting their nursery.

Delivering joy to ColumbUS.

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyous events. We know that compassionate quality care for you and your baby is one of the most important parts of your family’s journey. We’re here for your first step and all the possibilities after.

To learn more about our childbirth services or to schedule a tour call us at 706-320-8001 or visit online at MyStFrancis.com