Family & Kids Magazine November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s learning

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HOME

Schooling 101

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

H

omeschooling is a great way for children to learn from their ‘favorite teacher,’ their own parents. It can become an adventure for the whole family. Homeschooling is more than ‘just schooling at home.’ The opportunity to learn is everywhere and many families encourage their children to learn everywhere that they go!

BENEFITS OF HOMESCHOOLING

There are many reasons parents choose to homeschool. A flexible schedule is one of the most common. Children also receive individualized instruction centered around their interests and educational goals as well as their learning styles and abilities. Children can complete their work at a pace that works for them and if they have special needs, these can be more easily accommodated.

Another reason parents choose to homeschool is that it can provide more opportunities for travel, time with their children and hands-on learning.

Children can be a part of the learning process as they decide what to study and use their creativity and imagination to enhance learning experiences. Homeschooling families often grow closer through spending time doing activities and learning together. They also have more opportunities to visit learning attractions during the regular school day with less crowds.

Homeschooling families can get involved in their community with their kids by volunteering or visiting with professionals to learn from them. This creates wonderful experiences that families can share together. It also gives parents the opportunity to teach their children about being respectful to others, following directions and exploring career paths.

Additional benefits for many homeschoolers include more life-learning skills opportunities such as cooking, gardening, money saving and spending a lot more time outside.

HOW TO HOMESCHOOL

There are many different ways to homeschool. These range from a more traditional schooling approach to more unstructured learning methods. A few common methods include traditional, classical, unschooling, Montessori, unit study, road schooling and world schooling.

Homeschooling can range from daily instruction with a set curriculum to resources selected by the parent to individualize each of their children’s learning needs. Group instruction with a homeschooling co-op is another great option for homeschoolers. Co-ops range from teacher-led instruction with a school-like schedule offered a few days a week to parent-led instructional groups focused on specific topics.

If you’d like to consider homeschooling, first review the requirements from your respective state, which vary and can change from year to year. If your children are currently enrolled in a traditional school, check with your school secretary for the requirements to unenroll. .

Learning to homeschool is easier than you think but it takes the support of many. There are many great resources available to you. Here are a few.

State Requirements

u https://hslda.org/legal/georgia u https://hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-alabamas-ho meschool-law

Websites

u Teacher Pay Teacher u Science experiments on YouTube including SciShow Kids, Science Buddies, Generation Genius u Homeschool Pop on YouTube u PBS on YouTube u Outschool

Local Offsite PE u D.A. Turner YMCA u Impact Performance Rx

Local Facebook Groups

u Bright STEM and Art Enrichment Homeschool Group u Wynnbrook Homeschool Co-Op u Light Homeschool Group u Homeschool Field Trip Club

Books

u Magic Tree House series for science and reading u Discover America by State by State for geography u Life of Fred Math u My Name is America series, American Girl or Dear America series

APPS

u Reading Eggs u Homer u ABC Mouse u Math Seeds

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The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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OVER 30 YEARS OF TRADITIONS

Nightly, November 17 to January 1 SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE.

HOO’s HEALTHY Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is a condition that can occur in children and adults who have been infected with COVID-19. Some COVID-19 infections are very mild, or the patient may even be asymptomatic, but then a few weeks later, the symptoms of MIS appear. MIS causes inflammation of the internal and external organs of the body, including the heart, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, brain and skin. MIS is rare, but the condition can be serious and lead to hospitalization. MIS most often affects children between the ages of 5 and 11, but there have been some cases reported in infants and toddlers.

The symptoms of MIS include an ongoing fever in addition to one or more of these symptoms: stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, bloodshot eyes and skin rash.

MIS is treatable and most children recover from MIS without any lasting damage to affected organs. Some children with severe symptoms require hospitalization. The treatment for MIS most often involves using anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the inflammation in the internal and external organs and protect them from permanent damage.

What is: MELAT ONIN

The symptoms of MIS are similar to those of other conditions, but since prompt treatment can help prevent permanent organ damage, you should call your child’s pediatrician if your child is experiencing MIS symptoms. Seek emergency care for your child if your child is having difficulty breathing, chest pain, is extremely lethargic, hard to wake or has another concerning, severe symptom.

MIS is diagnosed through tests, which could include blood tests, ultrasounds of the heart and abdomen, and a chest X-ray. If your child is diagnosed with MIS, he will be scheduled for close follow-up care by the pediatrician. Most children diagnosed with MIS are also scheduled for a cardiology checkup.

The exact cause of MIS is not known, but one theory is that MIS results from the immune system going into ‘overdrive’ when the body is infected with the COVID-19 virus. You can reduce the risk of your child getting the COVID-19 virus by teaching him good handwashing techniques, sanitizing high-touch surfaces and keeping him away from anyone who is sick.

RESOURCES: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-for-children

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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lead with

HOO’s INSPIRED

Gratitude

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

S

everal research studies have linked gratitude with children feeling happy, more optimistic and able to engage well in their schoolwork and activities in their community. When your child has a meltdown every time she does not get her way, it may seem like teaching her gratitude is an unreachable goal. However, remember that learning gratitude takes time and requires building perspective, something that young children do not yet have. Here are some ways you can help teach your child to appreciate all she has and use a feeling of gratitude to treat others with kindness and compassion.

Model gratitude in what you do and say

It is all too easy to just complain about what went wrong that day. When you do not feel well and the car did not start in the morning, it is easy to sit down at dinner and air your frustrations. Instead, try to think of something positive you experienced that day that you are grateful for and share it. Also, say ‘thank you’ when your kids help you. Let them know how it made you feel when they helped you out and why you were grateful for their assistance. When you are out with your kids and someone helps you, thank them and then discuss with your kids how it made you feel when someone stopped to help.

Provide opportunities for your kids to learn gratitude

You could make it a practice for everyone to share one thing they are grateful for at dinner. One fun way to do this during the holidays is to create a ‘thankfulness’ jar. Each day, help your child write one thing she is grateful for on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. Seeing a jar filled with thoughts of gratitude is a great visual reminder of how much there is to be thankful for. Also, try taking a few minutes at bedtime to discuss with your child how her day went. Ask her if there was something that someone did to help her and how it made her feel. It is important that your child not only say ‘thank you’ to others but also understand what gratitude feels like.

Give kids a chance to practice showing gratitude

As well as discussing with your child what she is grateful for, help your child come up with ways she can help others. Here are some ideas for the holiday season: • Teach gratitude by having your kids help shop for food to donate to a local food bank, such as Feeding the Valley. This food bank serves an 18-county area in the Chattahoochee Valley. If you have kids aged 16 and up in your household, the organization has opportunities for them to volunteer by helping pack up food. Visit their website for the items most needed and drop-off instructions. Feedingthevalley.org/give-food.

• Another fun way for kids to show gratitude during the holiday season is to prepare a shoe box with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse.

The boxes are collected Nov. 13-20 and then shipped to children in need throughout the world. Samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child.

• At home, ask kids to help you sort through toys and clothes that are in good condition but have been outgrown. Explain that these items will go to someone in the community who is in need. Have them ride with you to drop them off at one of the local Valley Rescue Mission retail sites. valleyrescuemission.org.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

Cold Covid OR

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

M

any of the symptoms of COVID-19, flu and colds are similar. However, although all three of these illnesses are caused by viruses, there are some differences in the symptoms that can help you discern which illness someone in your household may have.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARSCoV2 virus. Some people do not show symptoms when they have COVID-19, so it is possible to be exposed to the virus without knowing it. COVID-19 spreads between people by respiratory droplets from an infected person landing in the mouth or nose of people who are in close proximity. The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary but the main ones are fever, cough and fatigue. Some people also

get headaches, vomiting, a sore throat or may lose the sense of taste or smell. Unlike the common cold or seasonal allergies, COVID-19 usually does not cause sneezing.

sense of smell and taste. Infants and young children may also develop a fever. The virus is spread through droplets of fluid that are touched or inhaled. OTC medications are often used to ease cold symptoms. Check with The less common, more severe symptoms of your doctor first for the correct dosage for OTC COVID-19 include shortness of breath, pain in medications before taking them. the chest, an inability to stay awake and blue or pale skin. If someone in your family has concerning symptoms, contact the doctor or The flu is caused by the influenza A or B viruses seek emergency care. and the symptoms, such as fever, cough and body aches, are very similar to COVID-19.

However, the flu will only rarely cause a loss of The common cold can be caused by many sense of taste. The best way to determine if it different viruses, including the rhinovirus and is COVID-19 or the flu, is through testing. Call the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus your doctor if you have flu symptoms. Anti-viinfects the nose and throat. Cold symptoms ral treatments are available that may shorten include a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, the duration of the flu. sore throat, and, in some cases, a weakened

FLU

COMMON COLD

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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thankful

HOO’s learning

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I

t’s November, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Besides cooking and eating a festive meal with your loved ones, let's remember to take time and think of all the things we are thankful for.

When giving thanks for things such as family and friends, does the Library ever come to mind?

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries offer so many things that we can be thankful for! We serve the total population. From storytimes to book clubs, and eBooks to the latest newspapers, we have something for all ages.

The Library can save you thousands of dollars not only for reading materials, but also in entertainment spending. Be sure to check out our collection of DVDs, and streaming music and videos. We also offer free programs and passes to Georgia State Parks and other state attractions. Libraries provide countless tools and amenities – all free with a Library card.

e

a

d

s

by Pam Burgamy • Cusseta-Chattahoochee Public Library

remove barriers to information and to give access to resources our communities need.

Libraries are sacred, magical places that lead to so many discoveries. Discover genealogy, computer skills, confidence, self-identity, imagination, and other wonderful things. We are so much more than a book depository.

The Library is a destination, a creator’s workshop, or wherever your imagination can carry you.

As you gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving, please know that Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is grateful for you! You are the reason we have the privilege to serve.

ENJOY these recommended Thanksgiving reads with your little ones this November.

Be Thankful, Pout-Pout Fish • Dino-Thanksgiving • Thanksgiving Where else can you learn to use a 3D printer, access continuing education, prepare for college, start a new hobby, get tech support, or jump-start a business?

Libraries serve as their community hub where you can get information about community events, resources, or host your own meeting. Libraries have always provided unmatched accessibility to resources. Our goal is to

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2521 Airport Thruway • Columbus, GA 31904 706-507-3737 • www.OnceUponAChildColumbusGA.com

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HOO’s HUNGRY

Mini

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APPLE PIES A perfect bite-sized recipe for fall that little hands can enjoy creating.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Peel one apple and then cut in half.

2. Slice the apple into small pieces.

3. Mix 1 Tablespoon packed brown sugar.

4. MIx 1 Tablespoon white sugar.

5. Mix 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour.

6. Add a pinch of cinnamon.

7. Add a pinch of nutmeg.

8. Mix ingredients all together.

9. Put mixture into pie container.

10. Put 1 teaspoon butter on top.

11. Bake for 15 minutes until brown.

12. Cool and enjoy!

Courtesy of theeducatorsspinonit.com

INGREDIENTS • 1 apple • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar • 1 tablespoon white sugar • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour • a pinch of cinnamon • a pinch of nutmeg

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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DECEMBER 16TH & 17TH THE RIVERCENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FOR TICKET INFORMATION VISIT THECOLUMBUSBALLET.COM/NUTCRACKER

HOO’s HEALTHY

Newborns and Vitamin K V

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

itamin K is a family of fat-soluble vitamins best known for the role it plays in helping produce the proteins necessary for blood clotting. Proper amounts of Vitamin K in the body also help support good bone health and cardiovascular health. Vitamin K is obtained from food and is also made by the ‘good’ bacteria that live in the intestines. The body stores Vitamin K in the liver and in fatty tissue.

Newborns have very small amounts of Vitamin K stored in their bodies at birth and do not yet have the intestinal bacteria that creates Vitamin K. Babies with low amounts of Vitamin K may be at risk for Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) because there is not enough Vitamin K present to help their blood clot. VKBD can involve bleeding anywhere in the body and can be hard to notice at first if it is internal. Bleeding into the brain can lead to seizures, brain damage or in some cases can lead to death.

VKDB can be prevented by giving a newborn a Vitamin K shot. This shot is a routine part of post-birth care and is administered within 6 hours after birth. Babies who do not receive a Vitamin K shot are at higher risk for VKDB. Breastfed infants who do not receive a Vitamin K injection have an even greater risk of VKDB. Also, infants with a liver disorder or whose mothers took certain anti-seizure or blood-thinning medications during pregnancy may have a higher risk of VKDB. Babies can develop VKDB at any time, up to the age of 6 months. Health experts have separated VKDB into three types:

Early onset: The bleeding takes place in the first 24 hours after birth and can be severe. This mainly occurs in infants born to mothers who took anti-seizure medication during pregnancy.

Classical: Bruising and bleeding from the umbilical cord are common signs. The bleeding shows up 2 days to 1 week after birth.

Late onset: This occurs 1 week to 6 months after birth and the bleeding may start without warning.This type tends to occur in

breastfed babies who did not receive a Vitamin K shot.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY

PIPE CLEANER BEADED CORN

This colorful pipe cleaner beaded corn makes for great fall decor, plus is a sensory and pattern activity for kids.

DIRECTIONS Using 7 pipe cleaners, twist the bottoms together then spread them out (almost like a spider). Place 20 assorted pony beads on each pipe cleaner. If you do not have pony beads, spaghetti beads would work just as well. Once all 7 pipe cleaners have 20 beads, pull the tops up together with the twisted bottoms on the inside of the “corn.” You can use more pipe cleaners to create a filler ear of corn but I do not recommend using less than 7 pipe cleaners.

Twist the top of the corn together and trim with wire cutters if too long. Regular scissors work as well, but I personally suggest basic wire cutters if you happen to have some on hand. Make sure to leave them fanned out a bit for that signature look. This is where you’ll see your corn husk come together!

Repeat these steps to create as many ears of corn as you’d like! This is a great activity for teaching patterns or even exercising fine motor skills. There are several different corn on the cob color schemes that you can create! The possibilities are up to you!

SUPPLIES • Brown pipe cleaners • Assorted pony/craft beads • Scissors or wire clippers

COURTESY OF: smartschoolhouse.com

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HOO’s parenting

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Y

our toddler has pulled out every toy in his toy basket and scattered them all over the floor and the dog is chasing the cat again. All of us have days that seem like a test of patience that are not made any easier by kids choosing to ignore household rules and expectations. However, it is important to remember that yelling at your child or scolding and shaming her is not the way to improve your child’s behavior. Getting angry with your child and displaying angry behavior teaches her that aggressive behavior is okay. Also, your child will feel afraid of you and will not listen to what you have to say.

Staying calm and addressing the infraction in a loving but firm way reduces misbehavior, sets an example of good emotional control and helps build a strong relationship between you and your child. Here are some tips on how to ‘keep calm and carry on.’

Are you meeting your own needs?

It is important to take a moment to see how well you are taking care of yourself. It is more difficult to manage emotions and stay calm when you are extremely tired, very hungry or do not feel well. Eat healthy snacks, try to get enough sleep and make time for exercise. Take a few moments alone each day to recharge. If your internal battery is drained, you will not have the energy to properly manage your emotions and address issues in a calm manner.

Keep your cool and do not overreact

One important part of addressing issues is thinking before you speak. Resist the temptation to lose your cool and react in anger to attention-seeking behavior. Reacting immediately will only reinforce this type of negative behavior. Instead, give yourself a moment to manage your own feelings and analyze how to best address the situation. If your child is engaging in unsafe behavior, calmly take her to a safe but boring ‘time out’ spot while you cool down and decide how to address it. You could say, ‘That was not appropriate, and we are going to sit here while I decide what to do about it.’

Although spectacular meltdowns can cause you to doubt your parenting skills and lead to worry about your child, approach the situation with confidence. Negative thoughts will only lead to stress and make it harder to stay calm. Focus on a positive thought, such as how you would like to see your child handle the situation the next time or what you can do to prevent the situation.

Putting things in perspective will help also. For example, a very young child is not yet good at putting her thoughts into words.

However, if you ‘carry on’ and calmly help her practice labeling her feelings, in time she will be able to express herself with words instead of screaming when she is upset.

Discuss expectations calmly and carry on

It is worth taking the time to cool down and calmly analyze the situation. Sometimes, the episodes of inappropriate behavior are addressed with a simple change in routine, such as ensuring your child takes her nap on time. Once you are ready to discuss the situation with your child, talk with her about why her behavior was inappropriate. Calmly and gently, ‘carry on’ by guiding her on how to better process and express her feelings and discuss with her how you expect her to act in the future. Watch for the times when she does use good self-control and praise her when she communicates with you instead of seeking attention with negative behavior.

A PLACE TO LEARN AND GROW www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Children & Family Programs 13

columbusbotanicalgarden.org | 3603 Weems Rd, Columbus | 706-327-8400

Join us for our Annual Holiday Light Display!

December

1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16 21- 23, 28 & 29

Nov. 29 - Members FREE!

Twinkling lights * Festive fun * Heartwarming memories * Santa photo ops Stroll through the “Walk of Stars” * Warm up by the fire and make some S’mores Live holiday music or performances * Learn about bioluminescence Holiday craft stations * Festive concessions

December 17 * 2-4pm

Christmas Teddy Bear Tea Party

Bring your favorite teddy to enjoy a fun Tea Party. Food and drinks included from Lavender Blooms! Special appearance by 2 Majestic Sugar Plum Fairies!

December 16, 21 & 22 * 5-6pm

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Decorate cookies, write a letter to Santa, have your photo made with Santa, enjoy storytime, and make a reindeer treat bag.

Tickets for all events at columbusbotanicalgarden.org

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SPONSORED BY CASCADE HILLS CHURCH

saturday, dec 9th | 7pm sunday, dec 10th | 2:30pm tickets available exclusively at rivercenter.org

HOO’s Fun

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Hidden Pictures

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Novembe

1NorthDíaColumbus de los Muertos Celebration. Families. 4pm.

7706-748-2562 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Columbus Museum; Library; 706-748-2855 ext 6520 2busLEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. Colum7ca-ColaMusicSpaceUnderScience the Dome Series. 5pm. $8. CoLibrary; 706-243-2813 Center; 706-649-1486 3-5 The Importance of Being Earnest. Fri & 8lumbus; MOPS/MomsNext. First Baptist Church of CoSat 7:30pm. Sun 2:30pm. $5-$17. Family Theatre; 706-322-4468 706-315-6202 8 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support 3-12 2023 National Peanut Festival. Dothan, meeting (Part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric AL; 334-793-4323

4StationSmithsGovtStation Holiday Bazaar. 9am-2pm. Smiths Ctr Campus; smithsstational.gov 4706-324-6252 Steeplechase. 9am-5pm. Callaway Gardens; 4706-748-2562 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Columbus Museum; ext 6520 4ruffFallPark;Foodalwaysuptown.com Truck Festival. 11am-5pm. $5. Wood4334-707-2934 YMCA Fall Festival. 1-4pm. J.P. Thayer YMCA; 4$20.33rdAJ McClung Annual Fountain City Classic. 2pm. $12Memorial Stadium; fountaincityclassic.com

4Families.

Mercer School of Medicine Teddy Bear Clinic.

10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

4busCrafts 4 A Cause. Families. 3pm. North ColumLibrary; 706-748-2855 5tivityVeterans Day Concert. 3pm. St Mark UMC AcCenter; visitcolumbusga.com 6TerryBooksLibrary;By 706-243-2782 Kids For Kids. 4:30pm. Mildred L. 7Library; Kids’ Art Studio. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus 706-243-2813 7Library; Teen Takeover: Family Feud. 4:30pm. Columbus 706-243-2813 7Garden; Little Sprouts. 10am. $5. Columbus Botanical 706-327-8400

Assoc; 706-221-4602

127:30pm.American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. $39-$49. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612 14lumbusMiniMuseum; Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. RSVP. Co706-748-2562 ext 6520 14tality.Get4:30pm.

Your Game On! Unplugged: Herd MenColumbus Library; 706-243-2813 14-17 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. 9:30am & 11:30am. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

810am.JuiceColumbus and Jams: A Mini Foundation Event.

1meeting 5 MAMA(PartB.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support Library; 706-243-2813 1). 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602 8Celebration.

Secret Pizza Party! A Picture Book Month 4pm. North Columbus Library; 70616NorthEdible Engineering for Kids. RSVP. 4pm.

748-2855 Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 8-9 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

16NorthEdible Engineering for Teens. RSVP. 6pm.

9:30am & 11:30am. Springer Opera House; 706Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 327-3688 17brary;TGIF706-243-2813 TV Night. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Li9tanicalBudding Naturalist. 10am. $7. Columbus BoGarden; 706-327-8400 17lumbusRiverCivicDragons Hockey Game. 7:30pm. Co9706-243-2813 Family Fun Night. 4pm. Columbus Library; Center; 706-653-4460 17-18 Candlelight Weekends 2023. 10am94:30pm.

Get Your Game On! Teen Dungeons & Dragons.

8pm. Warm Springs; 706-975-0622 Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 18-19 Merry Sip & Shop. 6-9pm. Pine 9brary;CSI706-748-2855 Lab for Teens. 5pm. North Columbus LiMountain; pinemountain.org 17-30 Fantasy in Lights. 6-8:30pm. Calla9-12 Disney on Ice presents Mickey’s Search way Gardens; 844-887-6735 Party. $25-$75. Columbus Civic Center; ticket18Greenhouse The Greenhouse Market. 9am-Noon. The master.com Venue, Smiths Station; 334-557111pm.NIM$10.Kids:AgesVeterans Day Mini Camp. 9am0800 5-11. RSVP. National Infantry 18Noon.Family Saturday at the Museum. 10amMuseum; 706-685-2614 Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 ext 1111:45am.

2022 Tri-City Veterans Day Parade. 106520 Broadway, Columbus; columbusga.

18ages.CSORiverCenter; Open Rehearsal. 12:30pm. Free. All gov/parks 706-323-5059 11Museum; Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. Columbus 18 CSO: From Mozart to the Birds. 7:30pm. $20706-748-2562 ext 6520 $42. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 11Roosevelt Astronomy Night. 6pm. Liberty Bell Pool, F. D. State Park; ccssc.org

er Events

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

21 Family Floral Arranging Workshop. 10:30Noon. $25-$35 per centerpiece. Ages 5+. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 ext 6520

21 Upcycling & Giving Thanks. Families.

4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 21 Teen Takeover: Perler Bead Creations.

4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 21 Dungeons & Dragons. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 22 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

24 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460 24-25 Candlelight Weekends 2023.

10am-8pm. Warm Springs; 706-975-0622 24-25 Merry Sip & Shop. 6-9pm. Pine Mountain; pinemountain.org 25 Small Business Saturday. 9am-10pm. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111 25 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. 7:30pm. $49-$69. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 25 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8yrs. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 28 Get Your Game On! Unplugged: Artsy Fartsy.

4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 29-30 2023 Gingerbread Village. 10am5pm. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 30 Creative Kids Theatre Storytime. Ages 0-5yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 30 Teen Takeover: Teen Writing Lab. 5pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 DECEMBER

1Broadway; Broadway Holiday. 6:30-8pm. 1000 Block of 706-596-0111 1-3 Jingle ARRGH the Way! CSU Riverside Theatre. Ticks at the box office and 706-507-8444.

Weekly Events MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813 NaNoWriMo Writing Lab. All ages. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 2-5 yrs.)

11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Simple Steps Storytime. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Kids Explore! 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5yrs.

10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 11/23) Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm. 30-minute one-on-one practice session. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 11/23) Get Your Game ON! (Ages 0-12). 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 11/23) Get Your Game ON! Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 11/23)

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 11/10 and 11/24) Fun Fridays. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 11/24) Lo-Fi Fridays. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Library-

SATURDAY

Eye Spy 20 Scavenger Hunt. 8am-4pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 mo.)

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com

11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Nature Play. 10am-Noon. Oxbow Meadows; 706507-8550 (Not 11/4 or 11/25)

Springer Tours. 1:30pm & 3:30pm. $10. Springer Opera House: 706-327-3688 Teen Takeover: You Decide. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

Boredom Buster Board Games. All Ages. 10am6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 11/11 and 11/25) Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Share your

extracurricular ACTIVITY

with us!

tammy@familyandkidsga.com

Fall into

S

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s Fun

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Outdoor Fun

ummer may be seen as the outdoor season, but autumn also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Try some of these family activities and fill your kids’ senses with delight.

Host a campfire cookout. Have the kids round up neighborhood friends for a cookout. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and s’mores are a traditional way to top off the season. Have everyone take turns telling stories around the fire. If you have little ones, check-out library books with autumn themes to read.

Attend a football game. Gather your blankets and head to the stadium. High school, college, and pro football games are great fun for kids and parents alike. Take along a bag of popcorn and thermos of hot cocoa, then snuggle up and get ready to cheer on your team.

Make a scarecrow. What’s fall without a scarecrow on your porch? It is easy to make. Just buy a couple of bales of straw, then have each family member gather some old clothes and hats. Stuff it using string to tie off the hands, feet, and head.

Walk in the woods. As flies and mosquitoes retreat, it’s the perfect time of year for a walk in the woods. Look for animals scurrying about gathering for the cold months ahead. Don’t forget your binoculars. Pull up the All-Trails App to find area trails, their difficulty rating, length and any other recommendations before planning your nature walks.

Leaf fun. Remember as a kid diving into the crisp fall leaves? Grab the rakes, and have your youngsters pitch in. Pile up the leaves to jump in, build a fort, and even have a leaf fight.

Find an outdoor fall event. Fall is the time for festivals, and we have plenty in our area. Just check out the event calendar on our center spread to find lots of fall fun happening all month long to enrich and entertain.

Roast pumpkin seeds. Grab a pumpkin with the kids and make a yummy treat. Clean out the pumpkin, rinse the seeds, pat them dry, and coat with melted butter. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 350 until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Go biking. As fall fills the air, it’s a great time to hop on your bikes for a ride. If you don’t have a safe path near your home, find a spot to put in your bikes such as the Riverwalk, the Fall Line Trace or Dragonfly Trail. If you don’t have enough bikes, you can rent them by the day through Ride on Bikes.

Plant perennials and bulbs. Let your kids try out their green thumbs. After all, fall is the time of year to plant perennials and flower bulbs. Let your kids choose some plants from the gardening store and give them the opportunity to help design the garden. A hand-painted rock or two adds color until the spring blossoms bloom.

Make a bird feeder or house. Kids will enjoy the carpentry experience and marvel at watching birds make use of their creation. Kits are available in hobby stores and online for making bird feeders. To make one from scratch, visit a library and check out a book on how to build a birdhouse, or find free instructions on the Internet.

Parades and marching bands. Find out when your favorite college or high school will hold its homecoming parade. Be sure to take a blanket and snacks, and enjoy the colorful floats, majorettes, cheerleaders, and marching band. Get ready for Christmas with the Broadway Holiday Parade on December 1 in Uptown Columbus.

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Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Joinr Ou

Seal Team Intro to Scuba Diving for Ages 8-11 706-748-8995

rcskids@rivercity-scuba.com

Extra Curricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extracurricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

24

I asked what kind of family Amina wanted.

She said, ‘A family like yours.’ That’s when I knew I had to adopt her.

Denise, adopted 17-year-old Amina

LEARN ABOUT ADOPTING A TEEN YO U C A N ’ T I M AG I N E T H E R E WA R D

A D O P T U S K I D S . O R G

HOO knew?

Why Do... leaves change colors?

Chlorophyll is the dominant pigment in green plants and gives tree leaves their green color in the summer. Other pigments are also present but are masked by the abundant chlorophyll. As the daylight shortens in autumn, and the nights become cooler, deciduous trees sense the onset of winter and prepare to shed their leaves. They do this by sealing the leaves off from the vascular system of the tree. Deprived of water and nutrients, a leaf’s chlorophyll breaks down, and the green color fades while the yellow and orange pigments become more prominent. Some leaves turn red and purple. This is due to the cold nights, which causes the breakdown of sugars and their conversion into red and purple pigments. The best autumn weather conditions for good leaf colors are sunny days followed by clear, cool nights with temperatures below 45 degrees. Because trees drop their leaves in autumn, we call this season fall.

Resource: The Book of Totally Useless Information

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s Fun

Find 10 Differences

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

TEACH YOUR KIDS

‘TIME’

WITH A TWIST!

Showcase your child care or educational offering in this special section so parents who are seeking new choices can see yours! tammy@familyandkidsga.com

Get Free ebook! www.klockalendars.club

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.comGUIDE EDUCATION/CARE

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

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for Kids

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

MONDAY

Thursday

Barberitos

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

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

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

Denny’s

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

Ruby Tuesday

Multiple days

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under 5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

219 On The Lake

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

Wednesday

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Your Pie

McAlister’s

Red Robin

The Food Mill

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

Kids under 40” get free baby cone Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order Kids receive half off a breakfast egg and cheese biscuit with the purchase of one full price breakfast item (M-F, 9-11am)

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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CSU RiveRSide TheaTRe UpComing Family ShowS ingle ARRGH the Way!

A “Christmas Pirate”Adventure!

By Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman DECEMBER

Mark Your Calendars!

2 @ 10:00am 1-2 @ 7:30pm 3 @ 2:00pm

Junie B.

The Toothless Wonder Based on the books by Barbara Park

JANUARY 18 - 20 @ 10:00am 19 - 20 @ 7:30pm 21 @ 2:00pm columbusstate.edu/theatre/productions.php RIVERSIDE THEATRE BOX OFFICE 10TH STREE T & BAY AVENUE 706-507-8444

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

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

Milena, 2 years Midland

Yuvraj, 4 years Columbus

Chozyn, 5 years Phenix City

HOO’s PICKS

Highlight On Textile manufacturing is part of the history of the Chattahoochee Valley and two local manufacturing companies, Muscogee Mills and Muscogee Sports, seek to continue that legacy. Muscogee Mills produces the Stork and Loom line of baby products at its Columbus facility and Muscogee Sports manufactures the Magic Circle outdoor products in its Columbus plant.

The Stork and Loom line of brand baby products are made with love by local seamstresses in the Muscogee Mills facility. Stork and Loom baby products come in a variety of styles and patterns, including several colors of seersucker fabric, adventurer printed fabrics, safari printed fabrics, peach printed fabrics, deer printed fabrics and blue and pink Oxford fabrics. The line of products includes items such as baby bibs, burp cloths, hooded towels, minky dot blankets, and toddler robes.

Stork and Loom products are designed for both fashion and durability, and they are carefully inspected for quality. Many of the seamstresses have decades of experience and help train newer seamstresses, which helps preserve the art of sewing

and provides valuable job training. The line of Stork and Loom products can be purchased online at https://storkandloom.com/ Muscogee Sports, a sister company to Muscogee Mills, manufactures the Magic Circle trampoline and the Sportspower Patriot swing set at its Columbus facility. These products are made in the USA and are designed for durability and safety. Magic Circle products and the replacement parts for Magic Circle trampolines can be purchased online at https://magiccircletrampolineusa.com Jeff Vinson, CEO of Muscogee Mills and Muscogee Sports, says ‘One of the inspiring things about our company is the pride each Team Member contributes to every product. I am able to get a behind-the-scenes view of the manufacturing process and I can see the pride in their faces. I see it while they make the products and I see it at the end of the day as their shift ends. They are proud of their skills and proud of the quality products they make.

Knowing our products will be used by a young child or help a growing family guides our culture is such a positive way. Our RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/ products truly are Proudly Made in the USA.’

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.FAMILYANDKIDSGA.COM

Visit our website to get plugged in, join our HOOsLetter list, read our online issue, and enter contests.

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Early Detection Saves Lives.

The CDC refers to mammograms as: “The best tests physicians have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.” Lower your risk of getting breast cancer by living a healthy lifestyle and, if you’re 40 years or older, regularly getting a mammogram at the St. Francis Center for Breast Health.

We offer 3D mammography, which produces better images than ever before.

Schedule Your 3D Mammogram Today

706.257.7700 MyStFrancis.com/Breast