Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor Page 28

At Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus, Smiles Are Always in Season.

22

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.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s parenting

g n i t t Se s e i r a d Boun When you set boundaries for your kids, you provide a set of expectations that create structure and predictability.

Some parents worry that having too many rules prevents children from becoming more independent.

However, boundaries are necessary to provide an emotionally and physically healthy environment that encourages the development of life skills, such as critical thinking and decision-making.

Boundaries provide guidance and security

Young kids are not able to perform the abstract thinking needed to make complex decisions. Therefore, you need to set firm, non-negotiable boundaries for behaviors that involve safety, health and values critical to your family. When you refuse to allow negotiation of these crucial boundaries, you show that you are in charge and you also provide the predictability young kids need. A young child wants to discover the world around her, but she needs to know that adults have put rules in place that keep her environment safe. Also, when you say ‘no’ to moving a boundary, you provide an opportunity for your child to learn how to properly manage the disappointment that she feels due to not immediately getting what she wants. If you are consistent, your child will learn this important life skill.

Standing firm and not allowing young kids to budge these important boundaries is not always easy. For example, you may feel like a ‘mean’ parent for telling your five-year-old she cannot have an extra serving of ice cream. However, if you allow your child to negotiate a boundary, you introduce uncertainty about the integrity of the boundaries and structure you have created, which may cause her to feel anxious.

Use communication to reduce resistance to boundaries

One way to reduce resistance to non-negotiable boundaries is to talk to your child about why the rule has been set. To young kids, the world is very black and white and either something is against the rules or it is not. There is no need to launch into a complex lecture on the topic. Instead, use a simple, age-appropriate explanation, such as ‘It is not safe to ride without a helmet,’ to explain to a young child why a boundary is non-negotiable.

As your child grows, you may need to add new nonnegotiable boundaries to help your child stay safe and to provide guidance for new situations she encounters.

Have a discussion with your child about why a new non-negotiable boundary is necessary and what the consequences are for violating it. Confirm her understanding of the boundary by asking her why she thinks the boundary helps her stay safe or enforces an important family value. If your child clearly understands why you are setting a boundary, it may reduce the number of power struggles over it.

Encourage critical thinking but stand firm on your boundaries

When your child crosses a boundary, follow through with the consequences you defined when you discussed the boundary with your child. The consequence could be a natural one, such as having to repeat a chore not done right the first time, or an imposed consequence, such as imposing a restriction for disrespectful behavior.

Providing choices for your child is one way to let your child exercise her independence without compromising your rules and boundaries. For example, you could provide your toddler a choice between two healthy snacks or allow your tween to choose how to budget her allowance. Your toddler still gets a healthy snack, and your tween has a limited amount of money that she must do chores to replace once it is spent.

3

44

The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Intermission is over & it’s time for

Christmas Cheer!

Register to Win: $200 in Event Tickets The

Columbus Ballet’ s

December 18 @ 2:30pm

December 12 @ 2:30pm

Win a Family 4 pack to these holiday shows at the RiverCenter

REGISTER: FamilyAndKidsGA.com/Giveaways

Follow us @FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

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

tickets go on sale october 3oth

two showtimes december 11th at 7pm december 12th at 2:30pm

river center for the performing arts | rivercenter.org ach r istmastobeliev ein .com

55

66

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

KIDS’ Nutrition If an adult in your household is following a restrictive diet, it may be tempting to avoid extra meal prep by having everyone in your household follow it. However, kids need a different amount of essential nutrients than adults, and restricting certain food types may leave a child with nutritional deficiencies that could affect growth and development.

Here is an overview of the types of foods that should be included in your child’s diet. The amount of food from each food group that should be served daily depends on your child’s age. Ask your child’s pediatrician for the specific guidelines for your child’s age group.

Protein: The body needs enough protein to sustain the recovery and repair of tissues in the body. Many sources of

HOO’s FIT

protein also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron. Kids who have a protein deficiency may experience health issues and slowed growth. To prevent a protein deficiency, include seafood, lean meats, beans, soy products, eggs and unsalted nuts (if there is no allergy) in your child’s diet.

fiber and antioxidants. Vegetables are low calorie and low fat when eaten raw or cooked in a manner that does not add extra fat and calories. Starchy vegetables, such as peas and potatoes, contain carbohydrates that provide energy and are fine when served in moderation.

Fruit: Fresh fruit and fruit canned in 100% fruit juice are high in fiber and low in calories. Fruit is a good source of essential nutrients required by the body, such as potassium, vitamin C and folate. Many kids do not eat enough vegetables and fruit can be an alternative source of important nutrients.

Whole grains: Whole grain foods provide fiber that keeps kids from feeling hungry too soon and the carbohydrates in whole-grain foods provide energy.

Vegetables: Fresh, frozen and low sodium canned vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals,

Dairy and dairy alternatives: Nutrients essential for your child’s health, such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus and B vitamins, are provided by dairy products.

These nutrients help kids build strong bones and keep their teeth healthy. Dairy is also a good source of protein and energy.

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

77

HOO’s CRAFTY

NUTTY FALL WIND CHIME This homemade decor is a fun craft to create with the kids using construction, music, and art in one. www.easy-crafts-for-kids.com

DIRECTIONS Paint your tin can with a base color. Set the can aside to dry. You may need a few coats for an even color. Decorate the can with fall leaf designs of choice. Glue the two walnuts to a piece of string. We used hot glue for a sturdy hold. Make the string long enough so one walnut hangs slightly out of the bottom of the tin can and enough to hang from desired location. Punch a hole in the top of the can. Parents can drill a hole, or carefully use some scissors. Thread the end of your stringed walnuts through the hole. Glue or tie a bead on both sides of the hole to keep the can at that length. Now you are ready to hang this music maker or gift this homemade creation to a loved one that would appreciate the creativity and sounds.

SUPPLIES • Clean tin food can • Paint • String • Two walnuts • Bead • Glue • Scissors

88

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

to swaddle or

not to swaddle

Swaddling a newborn baby is a traditional technique used to help promote better sleep.

The process of swaddling your newborn involves laying your baby down on a lightweight blanket made of a breathable material, wrapping it around his body and tucking the blanket in. Swaddling helps to recreate the snug environment your newborn was used to before entering the world and also helps keep your newborn’s ‘startle reflex’ from waking him up when he is put on his back to sleep. For these reasons, swaddling can help your newborn ‘self soothe’ and fall asleep more easily.

Hoo’s Tips

If you are expecting a new baby, it is a good idea to start searching for a pediatrician for your baby a few months before your due date.

You will probably interact with the nurses and other staff members at the pediatrician’s practice regularly, and you want to have plenty of time to select the practice that matches your family’s needs.

The American Association of Pediatrics approves swaddling newborns if it is done safely, but swaddling does have risks. Here is what to know when deciding if you should swaddle your newborn.

1. If a baby is swaddled too tightly and cannot move his hips freely, he may develop a condition called hip dysplasia which can lead to long-term issues. A swaddled baby’s legs should be bent up and out, not held straight by a tightly wrapped blanket, and your baby should be able to move his hips. Ask your midwife or pediatrician for a demonstration of a ‘hip healthy’swaddling technique.

2. A baby who is wrapped too tightly may have trouble breathing. Make sure you can insert two or three fingers between the blanket and his chest. Never swaddle your baby’s neck or head.

HOO’s HELPFUL 3.

Choose a swaddling blanket or swaddling product made of lightweight, breathable fabric, and keep checking on your swaddled baby to ensure he is not overheating.

4. If a baby is improperly swaddled and the fabric comes loose, it could lead to suffocation.

5. Always put a swaddled baby on his back to sleep. If there is any chance he could roll over onto his stomach, your baby should not be swaddled. Some babies gain the ability to roll over on their stomachs as early as two months of age.

6. If you choose to use a swaddling product, such as a sleep sack, instead of a traditional swaddle blanket, follow the safety instructions that come with the product.

ediatrician Choosing a P First, visit your insurance plan’s website to get a list of providers in your area who specialize in pediatrics. Read the bios of the different providers and note their credentials. Doctors graduate from medical school with either an MD degree or a DO degree (Doctor of Osteopathy). A DO may practice a more holistic, ‘whole body’ approach to medicine, while an MD usually takes a more traditional approach to practicing medicine. However, the licensing process is the same for a DO as it is for an MD. An additional credential you may see is ‘Board Certified.’ A physician can take a board exam in her field of focus, such as pediatrics, once she has completed her residency, and the exam is not easy to pass.

While reading the bios of the pediatricians in your area, note the number of years of experience the doctor has. Some parents prefer a very experienced doctor while

others look for a doctor who has recently begun her career but gained an extensive knowledge of new medical advances while attending medical school and participating in research. Reviewing the background of the providers is especially important if you have a strong opinion about a controversial medical topic that is currently being debated by medical professionals or if you are looking for a provider with knowledge of a certain specialty, such as neonatology.

Make appointments to visit the pediatricians you are considering and ask any questions that help you determine if a practice is a match for your family. Inquire about the ease of making appointments for a sick baby and ask about the process for contacting the doctor after hours.

Some practices offer an after-hours nurse line you can call or online video chat appointments.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

9

10 10

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S PLUGGED IN www.familyandkidsga.com

Healthy kids.

Happy moms.

Quality Pediatric Care | 334.664.0463 | preferredmedgroup.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Kid-Friendly Ways

HOO’s learning

to Learn About World History

Building an appreciation for history is one way to help kids understand and connect with the world around them.

History not only shows how people lived long ago, but it also gives clues about how society evolved into what it is today.

From playing games and visiting museums to exploring cultural heritage sites virtually, there’s no shortage of ways to engage kids in fun history lessons.

Historical literature From traditional bound books to digital formats, there’s a practically endless list of titles dedicated to historical people, places and events. If your child has an interest in a particular topic, consider starting with an ageappropriate non-fiction book that gives a high-level perspective of the topic.

Then delve deeper by looking into biographies about the people involved and even related fictional tales to build knowledge and a broader perspective.

Movies or theater Like books, there are hundreds of options for historically-themed movies and theatrical productions. All you need to do is pick a topic or era. It can also be fun to look at how different movies depict the same historical topic at different points in time. Watching

different genres can help give a fuller picture of an event or topic. Informative documentaries and entertaining historical dramas are also options for looking into the past.

Virtual tours Another way to look at history is through visiting historical destinations with cultural significance. Travel isn’t always practical, but you can go nearly anywhere in the world with a virtual tour where you can move around sites and monuments to see the details up close. An option like those at www. flyoverzone.com take you a step beyond seeing the monuments as they look today. You can see current ruins as well as virtual reconstructions of how they originally looked.

Online classes Numerous organizations offer online classes that let you learn about a wide range of historical subjects. Some may offer credit toward a diploma or college degree, but many are simply for the joy of learning. Check with your local library and search the internet for options. Many classes are offered for free and, in most cases, available to do at your own pace in your spare time.

Cultural events Events that celebrate cultural heritage provide a unique look at history and the way it influences modern times.

These celebrations often include a well-rounded sampling of everything from traditions to cuisine and artistic styles. You can find lectures, demonstrations, performances, samplings and more as you explore the diverse aspects of almost any chosen culture.

Historical games Play is an important way kids learn, and historical games can provide insight to the past. While some are more historically accurate than others, games set in a historic time period can provide insight about the scenery, lifestyle and customs of the era. Historic video and board games can even pique an interest in learning more about history through other methods.

Museum exploration Collections of actual artifacts (or replicas) in museums can bring history to life in a tangible way. Especially for younger children, understanding historical details can be difficult.

However, seeing museum displays about the kinds of homes or dishes or utensils a historic family used, lets kids connect a visual reference with stories they’ve heard, lending a greater sense of reality.

11

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

12 12

HOO’s FIT Choosing a Fitness

App

It can be hard to keep on track with your fitness goals when you spend a lot of time on the go. A fitness app can help you track your progress and provide access to fitness tools, such as workout planners, no matter where you are. Here are a few points to consider when selecting a fitness app.

There are a lot of apps out there, so it is best to narrow down what you are looking for in an app before you start shopping. Do you need an excellent training app that provides a daily workout plan and helps track your progress, or are you focusing on keeping a food diary and tracking what you eat?

It is more important to find an app that does a good job of helping you track your primary goal than to find the app with the largest variety of features.

Avoid buying an app cluttered with features you are not interested in using. Read the reviews for the app to get an idea of how well the app features live up to the description.

When considering a training app, determine if the workouts match your skill level. For example, a workout that targets experienced bodybuilders may not be the one you want to buy if you are just getting started with weight training. Also, if you are looking for guidance and support in your training, consider an app that enables you to communicate with a personal trainer.

Next, consider the cost to download the app and note if there is a monthly subscription fee for the app. Some apps might have a free basic version but then you have to upgrade to unlock some features or to get an adfree version. It is common for apps that provide meal plans or workout videos to require a monthly subscription free.

If you are looking for help with meal planning or new workouts to try when you need a change in your routine, these subscriptions can be worth paying the fee.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that occurs when the bones in an infant’s skull fuse together too early, before the brain is fully formed. Usually, the spaces between the bones in the skull, called sutures, consist of fibrous material. The ‘soft’ spots, also called fontanels, on the top and back of an infant’s head are locations where sutures meet. The sutures do not normally harden into bone and fuse the bones of the skull until about age two. In an infant with craniosynostosis, one or more of the sutures hardens and fuses the bones early, while the brain is still growing.

The brain continues to grow even though some or all of the sutures have fused, causing the head to have a misshapen appearance. In some cases, increased pressure in the skull occurs if there is not enough room for the growing brain.

The symptoms of craniosynostosis include a fontanel that feels abnormal or is disappearing, hard ridges along the lines of the sutures, a misshapen skull and reduced or absent growth of the head. However, not all babies with a misshapen head have craniosynostosis. There are other reasons for a misshapen skull, such as laying a baby on his back for long periods of time without changing the position. Some indications of craniosynostosis are usually

W h a t is: Craniosynostosis visible at birth and become more noticeable during the first few months of life as the baby grows.

The exact cause of craniosynostosis is not known, but there does appear to be a relationship between some genetic disorders and the development of craniosynostosis. Researchers have also found evidence that certain environmental exposures during pregnancy may also increase the chances of having a baby with craniosynostosis. For most babies with craniosynostosis, the primary treatment is surgery, which helps relieve or prevents the pressure on the brain, provides room for the brain to grow and corrects the abnormal shape of the head. Some babies with a mild case of craniosynostosis only need helmet therapy to help reshape their heads. If craniosynostosis is treated early, the damage to the brain due to increased pressure can be minimized.

RESOURCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/craniosynostosis.html https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/craniosynostosis/ symptoms-causes/syc-20354513

13 13

14 14

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

FUELING KIDS.

Changing Lives.

DONATE $5 - GET A BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE ENTRÉE Order Ahead at thesimplegreek.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

15

November

2 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5. Colum- 6 Puppy Tales. Families. 2pm. North 13

Christmas in the Vineyard, 11am-5pm. Wolf Creek Plantation, Americus; 229-942-0091

bus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

South Columbus Library; 706-6838805

2pm. $12-$20. CSU Riverside Theatre; theatre.columbusstate.edu

13 Puppy Tales. Families. 2pm. Co-

Under the Dome Series. 5pm. $8.

Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706649-1477

ers). 9:30-11:30am. Church on the Trail, Midland; 720-602-1440

Workshop.

2-3:30pm. Ages 5-10. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 ext. 6520

Camp. 9am-1pm. $10. Ages 5-11.

RSVP. National Infantry Museum; 706685-2614

thoven & Schubert. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059

2 Blockheads! LEGO Challenge. 4pm. 7 A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

lumbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

2 Synesthesia on the Dome: Music 10 MOPS (Mothers of Preschool- 13 Parent & Child 4 Simple Steps Storytime. 10am.

Ages 0-5. Columbus Public Libraries; 706-243-2813

11 NIM Kids: Veterans Day Mini 13 CSO presents The Greats: Bee-

5 Food Truck Friday. 11am-1pm. 12-13 River Dragons Hockey Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400

5-6

A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 7:30pm. $12-$20. CSU Riverside Theatre; theatre.columbusstate.edu

Game. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

12-21 James and the Giant Peach (G). Springer Opera House; 706327-3688

5-7 Family Redeemer. 7:30pm. 13 Smiths Station Holiday Bazaar. $5-$15.Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

5-14 2021 National Peanut

Ages 0-5. Columbus Public Libraries; 706-243-2813

19 Foodie Friday. 7-9pm. Heritage Art Center; 706-442-9470

Adult Gingerbread Houses Workshop. 10am-Noon. $65. Hills & Dales Estate; 706-882-3242

19-30

8am. $35, Woodruff Park; runsignup. com

13 Cordele Railfan Festival. 10am-

11am-3pm. Lane Southern Orchards; Fort Valley; 478-221-7358

18 Simple Steps Storytime. 10am.

19 River Dragons Hockey Game.

13

6 Christmas Market at the Farm.

Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

9am-2pm. Smiths Station Government Ctr Campus; smithsstational.gov

Festival. All-day. $6-$8. Dothan, AL; 334-793-4323

6 Run for Hope 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run.

16 Picture Book Club. 4pm. South

7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706653-4460 Fantasy in Lights.

6-8:30pm. Callaway Gardens; 844887-6735

4pm. Cordele; 229-276-0755 PROVIDED IN PA

RTNERSHIP W

ITH:

r Events 20 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 27 2-4. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706748-2562 ext. 6520

20 Holiday Market. 10am-4pm.

Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

Plains Christmas Lighting.

4pm. SAM Shortline Train Depot at GA Veterans State Park; Cordele; 229276-0755

December

20 Holiday Wreaths for House of Heroes. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

24 River Dragons Hockey Game.

7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706653-4460

27 Young Eagles Day at Flightways

Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. RSVP. Columbus Airport; 706323-6565

Breakfast with Santa. 8am10am. Columbus Trade Center; 706327-4522

Friday Fun Day: Afterschool Hangout.

2:30pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855 (Not 11/26)

4

Weekly Events

Simple Steps Stations. 10am. Ages 0-5. Columbus Public Libraries; 706243-2813 Simple Steps Stations. 10am. Ages 0-5. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805

27 Small Business Saturday. 9am- TUESDAY Simple Steps 6pm. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111

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

THURSDAY

Block of Broadway; 706-596-0111

25 Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet. MONDAY 11am. $20-$32. RSVP. The Farm House Restaurant, Ellerslie; 706-561-3435

Simple Steps Stations. Preschoolers (3-5 yrs.) 10am. Babies (0-24 mo.)

11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 11am.

5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880 (Not 11/25)

20 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 3 Broadway Holiday. 6-9pm. 1000 2-4. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706748-2562 ext. 6520

WEDNESDAY

Stations. Babies (0-24 mo.) 10am. Preschoolers (3-5 yrs.)

11am. North Columbus Public Library; 706748-2855

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon.

Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. [ Denotes Virtual Event]

*

18

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s learning The holiday began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance of Armistice Day. In 1938, Nov. 11 became a national holiday for Armistice Day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all American wars.

Veterans Day is always observed on November 11 as a day to honor all living military veterans.

HISTORY OF

Veterans Day th NOV. 11

On November 11, 1921, an unidentified American soldier killed in World War 1 was retrieved from France and buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. in a grave called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to represent “the soul of America and the supreme sacrifice of her heroic dead.” An official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb.

Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11.

Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Memorial Day” (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s CUTE

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

Ha’ani, 3 years Phenix City

Lorenzo, 5 years Columbus

Molly, 2 years Columbus

19

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

20 20

for Kids

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

Zaxby’s

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

Tuesday

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.

Chicken Salad Chick

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée

Denny’s

Every day

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

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

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

McAlister’s

Wednesday

Newk’s

Applebee’s

O’Charley’s

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

Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order 4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W) Free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 10 & under

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.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

21 21

KIDS EAT FREE

*

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. ©2021 Moe’s Franchisor SPV LLC-550344

22 22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Don’t forget about

HOO’s Healthy

the FLU

By Pediatrician Dr. Ritu Chandra

It’s that time of year again… Flu season is coming up, and we are offering the Flu vaccine to all patients. Everyone who is older than 6 months of age is eligible to receive the Flu vaccine.

While COVID-19 is front and center, let us not forget the Flu virus will also be circulating and that school age children are especially at risk of catching the Flu. I always encourage patients to get the Flu vaccine, and I tell parents, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” The Flu is not entirely innocuous because it does sometimes cause serious infections and complications, and each year several children die due to the Flu. It is recommended that every individual get vaccinated with the Flu vaccine by November. The Flu vaccine can be co-administered with any other vaccine, including the COVID vaccine. The nasal and the injectable preparations of Flu vaccine are equally effective.

This year is going to be especially difficult because we will simultaneously be in the midst of the COVID-19 infections and

Flu infections. The symptoms of the Flu and COVID-19 are similar except for only one difference- COVID-19 may cause loss of smell and taste but Flu does not.

If a child was to have any combination of symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, body ache, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, and/or vomiting, the parent is automatically going to worry about possible COVID-19 infection, and the child’s school may require the child to get tested. So, the parents would have to get an urgent appointment with the child’s doctor, and everyone further puts themselves at risk by visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care, or Emergency Room and being exposed to other infections, plus the child may have to stay in quarantine until the results are back.

My final thought…please get the Flu vaccine...it is so much simpler and gives you peace of mind!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

BREAD IN A BAG This easy bread recipe is a great way for kids to contribute to your thankgiving table. Courtesy of yourhomebasedmom.com

DIRECTIONS

Place one cup of flour into the bag. Add yeast, sugar and warm water. Zip up the bag and smoosh it all together until the flour is all mixed in. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the yeast will activate. Add in olive oil, salt and remaining flour into the bag. Smoosh some more until dough forms.

Take dough out of bag and place onto a lightly floured table. Knead bread until smooth, add extra flour as needed.

Grease mini loaf pans. Form dough into loaves and place in loaf pan. You will get two small loaves out of one batch.

Let dough rise for 20-30 minutes. Since we are using rapid rise yeast, it won’t take long. Bake at 375 degrees F for 2530 minutes for mini loaves.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 C all purpose flour divided • 3 Tbsp white sugar • 1 .25 package rapid rise yeast (2 1/4 tsp) • 1 C warm water • 3 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil • 1 1/2 tsp salt

23 23

24 24

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Learning through physical activity & Sports

Math & Reading Tutoring & Enrichment

Ages

3-11 free academic assessment

You could reach over 15,000 moms in this space for only $65.

Call 253-212-7270

Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

Sign up Online btglearning.com (762) 208-5048

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Math. Reading.

Confidence.

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

706.257.6963 kumon.com/columbus-north ©2014 Kumon North America

25

26 26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Trending Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting

Big little feelings Two moms, Kristin and Deena, talk about the everyday challenges of little ones running around.

Deena is also a child psychologist, so she offers some practical advice. So, if you’re wondering how to juggle motherhood and work and what are the right words to say to your toddler, this is a good mom blog for you.

Economics is the science of decision-making, and Cribsheet is a thinking parent’s guide to the chaos and frequent misinformation of the early years.

Emily Oster is a trained expert, and mom of two, who can empower us to make better, less fraught decisions—and stay sane in the years before preschool. Armed with the data, Oster finds that the conventional wisdom doesn’t always hold up.

Unqualified parenting In this blended family podcast, hosts Cody and Jen will discuss the ins and outs of parenting, step parenting, and navigating the tumultuous relationships that come with being blended. This podcast is for grown-ups, so if you’re a bio parent or a stepparent looking for someone to relate to, laugh with, or sometimes at, while learning something along the way, then this is the podcast for you!

Finch: Self-Care Widget Pet APP

Is self-care a chore? Struggling with habits, selflove, or depression? Self-care finally feels rewarding, lightweight, and fun with Finch. Complete quick self-care exercises to grow your pet, earn rewards, and improve mental health! People who struggle with mood-journaling, habits, and depression found it easier to be mindful with their selfcare pet in Finch!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s learning

ive ING ct CH spe TEA Per

November is the time when we take a step back and remember to give thanks to all that we are grateful for.

Reflection is a great activity for fostering gratitude and is an essential skill we can pass on to the children in our lives.

One of the best ways to practice a reflective mindset is to gain perspective, and November just happens to be one of the best months of the year to participate in the most practical activity for gaining perspective: stargazing.

r, ee ente och erm taho gh P hat alei ta-C mm sse ry

By E ant, Cu c Libra ist bli Ass Pu

With cooler weather and an extra hour to view the night sky, you can easily see wonderful constellations such as Andromeda, Pisces, and Cassiopeia. But if stargazing isn’t your cup of tea, try practicing perspective on the opposite end of the spectrum with a microscope. Almost everything ordinary looks extraordinary under the lens of a microscope while exploring the world of microorganisms.

In light of it all, remember that perspective-building activities like these help us gain a better understanding about

the world around us and all that we are grateful for. Check out the items below from your local Chattahoochee Valley Library branch if you’re interested in teaching your child the importance of perspective.

Telescope Kit: constellations for kids - This Celestron 70mm Portable Refractor

Travel Scope features a high-quality potent 70mm objective lens and a custom backpack.

Constellations - a glow-in-the-dark guide

to the night sky by Chris Sasaki - Identify groups of stars known as constellations and discuss their origins and the legends behind them.

Microscope Kit part 1 - Set includes

everything you need to explore microorganisms: microscope, prepared glass slides and blank glass slides, petri dish, probing needle, user guide, carrying case, and much more!

Look and Be Grateful by Tomie dePaola - A young boy awakens with the dawn,

opens his eyes and looks closely at his world. He admires all that surrounds him, large and small, from the radiant sun to a tiny, but exquisite, ladybug.

27

28 28

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PARENTING

n i g n i t t i F WITH THE COOL KIDS

When kids approach adolescence, they start to search for who they are as an individual. Building strong friendships with peers is part of this process, and tweens desire to have a close circle of friends they can look to for support and advice. Many tweens fear being rejected by the ‘cool’ kids at school and becoming an outcast. They feel pressure to change their appearance and their behavior in ways they feel make them more likely to be accepted by the ‘cool’ group of kids.

Here are some ways you can coach your tween to properly manage peer pressure. Your goal is to teach your tween how to discern what to do when pressured, not to step in and solve the issue for her. Learning how to handle pressure from others is an important life skill.

Start teaching your child early about core values and respecting boundaries

One problem tweens encounter when trying to fit in with a group of peers is the pressure to cross boundaries. Your tween must have the ability to spot when she is being pressured to cross a boundary and refuse to give in. Tweens sometimes try to justify risky or inappropriate behavior with phrases like, ‘...but, we will not be hurting anyone...’

Your tween needs to know to stand firm and push back when she is being pressured to cross the line.

Emphasize that respecting boundaries and holding fast to values defines a person’s character and no friendship is worth crossing the line and possibly harming herself or someone else. Role-playing can be a useful tool to teach your child what action to take when she feels pressured to cross a boundary.

When reviewing different types of scenarios, include a discussion on what options your tween has if she feels that her situation is unsafe and needs to leave quickly. Many parents set up a ‘come and get me now’ code word for their kids to use when they need to be picked up, no questions asked.

Emphasize that drugs and alcohol are not ‘cool’

One important subject to cover with your child when discussing boundaries is drug and alcohol use.

Ask your child what she knows already about drug and alcohol use and clear up any misinformation.

Share facts about what abusing drugs and alcohol does to the mind and body, and ask your tween if she has any questions about drug and alcohol use.

Ask open-ended questions when discussing this topic and listen carefully to the responses. Knowing the facts about drugs and alcohol will help your tween reject any ‘it won’t hurt anything’ reasoning that her peers might use to try to justify drug or alcohol use.

Teach your tween to evaluate her friendships

If you see your tween trying to hide her personality in an effort to fit in with her ‘cool’ friends, it can be disturbing. Your tween may start rejecting new friendships with anyone she does not think will fit in with the ‘cool’ group or even start copying rude behavior she sees her ‘cool’ friends display.

However, even if you see that your child’s ‘cool’ friends are leading her down the wrong path, telling her she should not be friends with them will not go over well. Instead, talk with your child about what makes someone a true friend. Mention that a friend would not discourage her from being kind or from using the talents that make her unique.

29

30

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

31

the magic returns to RiverCenter

our 25th anniversary production of

DEC. 18

2:30pm 7:30pm

LIVE AT RIVERCENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TICKETS ON SALE AT RIVERCENTER.ORG. 10% DISCOUNT WITH ID AT THE BOX OFFICE FOR STUDENTS, MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS

JOIN US ON 12/17 FOR AN ABBREVIATED LIVESTREAM PERFORMANCE FOR SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY. VISIT THECOLUMBUSBALLET.NET FOR INFORMATION.

Your health means everything. If you suffer with knee, hip

or other joint pain, we can help you find a healthcare provider who offers treatments and solutions. Don’t make your health wait. Take our free, online joint pain assessment today.

Are You Experiencing Joint Pain?

Take our free joint pain assessment at MyStFrancis.com/Joint To find a healthcare provider, call 800.424.DOCS (3627)