Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley September 20201

SEPTEMBER 2021

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Lizzie Gemes Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

extracurricular

ACTIVITY GUIDE Pages 8-13 Cover Sponsor See Page 31

Your child and Dr. Vernon, from infancy through adolescence

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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3722 S. Railroad St. • Phenix City 3908 U.S. Hwy. 80 W. Phenix City

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7626 Schomburg Rd. Columbus 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus 6190 Bradley Park Dr. Columbus 7033 Ruffie Way • Columbus

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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.

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HOO’s INSPIRED

Raising Big

Dreamers

Having career conversations with kids

Pre-pandemic, ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’ was an opportunity for children to peek behind the mysterious veil of “work” – to see what their parents do all day and begin to dream about the careers they might like to pursue when they grow up.

For some parents, every day might feel like ‘Take Your Child to Work Day.’ For others, health and safety concerns might make it impossible to bring children to their workplaces. That doesn’t mean it’s any less important to take some time to help your children imagine turning their passions into careers.

Consider these tips to help parents infuse some of the ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’ spirit into everyday life: Expose your children to a variety of career options. Young children tend to

think of careers in terms of the kinds of jobs they see adults doing, like doctors, firefighters and teachers.

Help your children discover careers that are new to them. Talk about essential workers and why they are depended on so heavily. Share details about the work your immediate and extended family members do – perhaps you could arrange a virtual call so your children can see a family member at work.

Point out other kinds of workers as your child encounters them, whether that’s during a walk around the neighborhood or while reading a book.

Help your children imagine turning their passions into careers. Not every

block builder turns into an architect. Some go into construction, some into engineering and some pursue other careers entirely. When children express an interest in a specific career or type of work, help them think about the kinds of skills they could work on now to help turn that dream into a reality. Help your children make connections between the things they like to do and the careers that could result from them. Maybe there’s an activity, club or volunteer experience your children could do that would help nurture that passion and expand their skillset.

Break career stereotypes. Point out people doing non-traditional jobs as you see them in the community or in books or media – like female firefighters, male teachers and nurses – and talk about the diverse viewpoints and experiences each person can bring to his or her career regardless of past norms.

Help your child to see “work” and “jobs” positively. Be honest about the

struggles and successes you have in your own career.

Celebrate your successes and talk with your children about how you problem-solve or persevere through tough times. Model coping skills your children can apply to their own “job” – school. It’s important for children to understand one can still find fulfillment and passion in a career even if there are challenging or tough moments.

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The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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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

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HOO’s FIT

4 foods to fuel fitness Getting up and moving your body regularly is an important aspect of healthy living, but it can be challenging to muster up the energy to kick off a new exercise plan. Fortunately, there are a variety of wholesome, nutritious foods that provide essential vitamins and nutrients to fuel any fitness routine, no matter the skill level.

According to Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Marissa Meshulam, “Many pantry and refrigerator staples provide ample nutrition while giving your body what it craves. Before restocking your pantry with the latest wellness trend, consider turning to wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.”

1. Beans

Dried or canned beans are found stowed away in cupboards across the country but may not be the first item you reach for when you’re hungry. Consider making them a regular part of your meal planning, because this underrated food is packed with a variety of nutrients to support health and wellness. In addition to being an excellent source of plant-based protein, they are loaded with fiber - helping you feel full longer so you can make it through your workout without any pesky hunger pangs.

When buying canned beans, keep in mind purchasing a low-sodium option and rinsing to manage salt intake. From dips and spreads to soups and stews, beans are versatile and great for snacks and meals.

2. Eggs

Eggs are known as a good source of protein, but they offer so much more than that. However, it’s important to recognize that not all eggs are equal. Their makeup of Omega-3s along with protein can help reduce soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise and their Vitamin B12 provides a natural energy boost, making eggs a perfect, versatile food to enjoy before or after a workout.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes are a bit of a misunderstood vegetable. While French fries and chips are not the healthiest choice due to how they’re processed, fresh potato options are nutrient-packed, tasty and easy to make. In fact, one medium 5.3-ounce potato with skin-on provides 26 grams of carbohydrates, which can help boost energy. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and fiber, which prevents blood sugar highs and lows for consistent energy throughout the day.

4. Leafy greens

Fresh leafy greens are a must-have to keep in your fridge or even grow in your own garden.

Some of the most nutrient-dense options include spinach, kale, collard and chard. Don’t worry if you’re not a salad person; there are so many ways you can still enjoy leafy greens and reap the nutritional benefits. Add greens to a wrap or sandwich or top your soup or pizza with a handful of greens for a crunchy twist.

You can also blend into smoothies or juices or add to an egg frittata or omelet.

Get creative and you’ll be surprised how many ways you can enjoy your greens.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CRAFTY

TOILET PAPER ROLL

PUMPKINS

Let the kids help you spruce up the house for fall with this easy craft. Courtesy of madetobeamamma.com

DIRECTIONS

T.P. Pumpkins

Unwrap your toilet paper roll a few times and wrap it back up. This adds a bit more “body” to the pumpkin. Place roll in the middle of your square piece of fabric.

Start at one corner of the fabric pull up and push into hole. Work your way around the fabric pushing it into the center hole. You can use the end of a wooden spoon if needed.

Add your cinnamon sticks, leaves and twine. We actually didn’t need to use any hot glue for this as the cinnamon sticks kept the fabric and everything in place, but if needed you can use a bit of hot glue.

SUPPLIES

Toliet paper rolls, festive fabric, cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus leaves and twine

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HOO’s PICKS

Highlight On The Blanchard Leadership Institute program at Brookstone School was launched in the fall of 2020 and offers the Brookstone School community a unique opportunity for leadership development. The program is a partnership with The Developmental Edge and is based upon the proprietary Developmental Sprint©, a personal and professional growth methodology developed in conjunction with Harvard University professors. The faculty, students and staff at Brookstone experienced the pilot session of the leadership program last October.

A four-week session of the program is referred to as a Developmental Sprint®. During the four weeks, participants set a goal for themselves, analyze the steps needed to reach the goal and then work towards making the changes necessary to achieve the goal. Participants learn how to modify their approach to problem-solving to clear obstacles that may be keeping them from making progress towards goals. The methodology has been used by many corporations worldwide to help build teams and stimulate personal growth.

BLANCHARD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

This year, a summer session of the program was held for Brookstone parents and alumni. Avery Wolff, the director of the Blanchard Leadership Institute, says, “The feedback was tremendous. It created such a sense of community and many participants experienced personal and professional growth in ways they never had before.” This school year, students, teachers and staff will participate in a fall Sprint® and a spring Sprint®.

All students at Brookstone School will have an opportunity to participate at an age-appropriate level. During a Sprint®, each student will be able to choose a personal goal to work towards.

The goal is typically a skill that the student has identified that he needs to work on or a personal goal he wishes to achieve.

The program at Brookstone School was made possible by a gift from Jim and Sis Blanchard. Ms. Wolff says, “The Blanchards have a long history of bringing the best and brightest minds here to Columbus and this new endeavor with Brookstone builds on that legacy. The program will be one more thing that sets Brookstone apart. To have world-renowned professors working directly with our school, it is truly an opportunity like no other.”

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ExtraCurricular Activities Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com ExtraCurri cular Activities Guide

FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN! FALL 2021-2022 SEASON

Classes in

Jazz• Ballet• Tap Lyrical • Hip Hop Acro • Preschool Dance • Aerial Arts (Silks, Hammocks, and Lyra)

706-563-4255 4187 MILGEN RD,

#3,

COLUMBUS

WWW.PERFORMANCEDANCEGA.COM

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Wise Choices for YouActi & Your ExtraCurri cular viFamily ties Guide

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com ExtraCurri cular Activities Guide

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Wise Choices for YouActi & Your ExtraCurri cular viFamily ties Guide

FALL OPEN H OU SE S TH IIS S FAL L!

L I M I T E D S PAC E I N U P P E R S C H O O L W I T H A WA I T L I ST I N K I N D E R G A RT E N A N D M I D D L E S C H O O L .

V I S I T U S AT W W W. B R O O K STO N E S C H O O L . O R G / A D M I S S I O N S WHY BROOKSTONE?

PEOPLE MATTER

INNOVATIVE PROCESS

PERSONAL APPROACH

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com ExtraCurri cular Activities Guide

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Locally Owned!

THEIR WORLD We Buy and Sell the Cutest Styles

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com facebook.com/onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO’s CUTE

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

Jackson, 9 months Fort Benning

Emersyn, 2 years Phenix City

Brayson, 6 years Columbus

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HOO’s HUNGRY

MEATLESS VEGGIE CHILI OWL

It’s a healthy fall dish that your kids will think is cute and probably not mention all the hidden veggies!

Courtesy of kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com

DIRECTIONS

Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Chop your veggies into small pieces to hide them from your picky eaters. Add your chopped onion, bell peppers, garlic, and zucchini to the pan. Cook until softens and turns translucent, about five minutes. Add the chili powder and cumin, cook and stir one minute.

Stir in the Red Gold tomatoes and black beans (reserving 2 for the eyes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to medium/low, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the reserved quinoa after the 20 minutes. Spoon the chili into a bowl. Add sour cream for the eyes and place your reserved black beans on top for the pupils.

Add the 2 mini crescents to the sides for wings. Cut out a beak and feet with your cheddar cheese.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed • 2 cups water • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 chopped onion • 4 cloves chopped garlic • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes • 2 (19-ounce) cans black beans • 1 cup chopped green and red bell peppers • 1 chopped zucchini • 1 slice of cheddar cheese • Sour cream • 2 mini crescent rolls

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Septembe PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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Food Truck Friday. 11am-1pm.

Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400 Labor Day Hot Air Balloon Festival. Callaway Gardens; 800-CALLAWAY Puppy Tales. Families. 10:30am.

North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 A Glance Back at “a Slice” of the Liberty District. Families. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 STEAM Saturdays: Slimy Science.

Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Una celebración para los abuelitos: ¡Bienvenidos a su biblioteca! 3pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Murder Mystery Dinner Train.

5:30pm. Sam Shortline, Cordele; 877-GA-RAILS Labor Day Mini Camp. 9am-1pm. $10. Ages 5-11 years. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-9214 Labor Day Fair. 10am-4pm. Old Seale Russell County Courthouse; 706573-4389 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400 Blockheads! LEGO Challenge. 4pm.

Ages 8-12. South Columbus Library; 706-683.8805 Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

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7 Back in Time & Back to Hogwarts 15-25 Just 4 Kidz Consignment with Harry & Friends! Families.

6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782 LENA Start Kickoff Meeting. 1pm.

Ages 0-36 months. Columbus Health Dept; 706-321-6322 Presidential Flyer. 10am. Sam Shortline, Cordele; 877-GA-RAILS Artful Babies. 10:30am. Registration required. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 ex. 6520 A 9/11 Remembrance: 20 Years Later & Still Standing. Families. 11am.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Families. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Craft for a Cause: Knitting How-To for Warm Up America. Families. 2pm.

North Columbus Library; 706-7482855 Free Family Movie Night: The Goonies. 6:30pm. Woodruff Riverfront Park Artful Babies. 10:30am. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 ex.

6520 Fall Paint Night. 5:30-8pm. $40 supplies, $15 dinner. Ages 8+. RSVP. The Farm House Restaurant, Ellerslie; 706-561-3435 Hydrate My State: A Water Appreciation Program. Families. 11am.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

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Sale. 10am-7pm. 3201 Macon Road; 706-587-1819 Parents Night Out. 6-10pm. $25. Ages 5-12. Treadstone Gym; 706-507-7625 Family Screen on the Green: Wonder Park. 7pm. Free. Evangel Temple; 706-323-1876 Harris Co PRCA ProRodeo.

8pm. Mike Tracey Arena, Hwy 116, Hamilton; 706-321-5555 Strut the Hooch Parade. 9:30-11am.

Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111 Bluebelle’s Fall Outdoor Market.

10am-4pm. 2301 Airport Thruway, 706-327-1181 Plains Express. 10am. Sam Shortline, Cordele; 877-GA-RAILS Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4.

RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-7482562 ex. 6520 Waverly Hall Classic & Custom Car Cruise In. Noon-6pm. Downtown Waverly Hall; 706-582-2381 Barks & Blues Musical Festival.

Noon-9pm. Phenix City Art Park; 706565-0035 Coding Basics. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 A Wrinkle in Time. 2:30pm. $5-$14.

Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

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Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4.

RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-7482562 ex. 6520

er Events 21 Picture Book Club. 4pm. Families.

S. Columbus Library; 706-683.8805 24 Friday Family Flicks: “Raya and

the Last Dragon.” 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Foodie Friday. 7-9pm. Heritage Art Center; 706-442-9470 Shrek The Musical. Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688 Vintage Market. 9am-6pm. The Farm House Restaurant, Ellerslie; 706561-3435 Fall Mini Market. 10am-5pm. $5.

801 Front Avenue Ole Chipley Town Fair. 10am5pm. Downtown Pine Mountain; 706628-0010 Craft for a Cause. Families. 2pm.

North Columbus Library; 706-7482855 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Families. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Shrek The Musical. 7:30pm.

Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

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Weekly Events MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. 10am. Ages 0-5. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 9/6)

Simple Steps Storytime. 10:30am.

Ages 0-5. South Columbus Library; 706-683.8805 (Not 9/6)

TUESDAY

Little Naturalists Homeschool. 9am. $20. Ages 2-5. RSVP. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies. Ages 0-24 months. 10am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Simple Steps Storytime: Preschoolers.

Ages 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Unplug for Chess’ Sake! Families.

4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

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FRIDAY

Friday Fun Day: Afterschool Hangout.

Grades K-5 & Parents. 2:30pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens.

5-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY (Not 9/3) Concert Series. 7-10pm. Free. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111 A Wrinkle in Time. 7:30pm. $5-$14.

Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 (Not 9/3)

SATURDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Preschoolers.

Ages 3-5. 10am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies. Ages 0-24 months. 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon.

Uptown Columbus; 706-322-0522 Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt. 9am-4pm. $5 parking. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-649-1477 Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens.

5-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY (Not 9/4) A Wrinkle in Time. 7:30pm. $5-$14.

Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 (Not 9/4)

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. 10am. Ages 0-5. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 At Home in Nature Homeschool. 1:303pm. $55. Ages 6-10. RSVP. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 Get Your Game ON! 4pm. Ages 8-12. South Columbus Library; 706683.8805

Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens.

5-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY (Not 9/5)

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

*

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

therapy Biblio Using Books to promote healing

By Deborah Clark, Children’s Associate, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

Just as your child’s doctor prescribes a dosage of medicine to heal what ails him or her physically, books may similarly be used to help promote your child’s mental and emotional healing.

Books may be employed as therapy when your child is experiencing concerns about a new sibling, divorce, death, stress, bullying or other real life issues. Some topics are hard to talk about. Books can provide a place to start a conversation and may even promote a discussion that leads to healing. When your child listens to, or reads stories about book characters that have faced a similar problem, this may guide and empower your child into facing his or her own issue.

Bibliotherapy is not limited to crisis situations, nor is it suggested as a cure for severe psychological difficulties. It may not meet the needs of all children, especially those who are not yet ready to face their specific issue. Yet, experiences with literary characters have been shown to be beneficial to many.

Here are three titles that may be helpful to your child. These titles may be found or requested for pickup, at your neighborhood branch of Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae This wonderfully illustrated book is about a sweet giraffe who just can’t dance like all the other animals. By the end of the book, the other animals have learned to accept their friend, despite his differences.

“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn An incredibly sweet book for children experiencing separation anxiety. Mama raccoon kisses baby raccoon’s hand and tells him that by putting his hand to his cheek, he will feel her kiss, even though they are not together.

“The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas The author of this book is an art therapist, who wisely engages color to help an adorable monster sort out emotions and arrive to a place of calm.

HOO’s PARENTINGwww.FamilyAndKidsGA.com Here are some tips to help your kids become more accountable:

Instilling

Accountability Accountability is an important concept that you can start teaching as soon as the toddler years. Some parents who adopt a method of ‘positive parenting’ in their household shy away from holding kids accountable for responsibilities out of concern that negative consequences may damage their child’s self-esteem. However, positive parenting does not mean being permissive. Here are some reasons why you should not avoid holding kids accountable.

When your child is held accountable for her actions, she learns that poor decisions have consequences. If you avoid the unpleasant tasks of enforcing consequences or protect your child from the natural consequences of neglecting a responsibility, your child will only learn she can get away with the negative behavior and repeat it.

Kids who are not held accountable for their actions do not learn how to set boundaries for themselves. Without the ability to self-regulate, kids have difficulty setting goals and working towards them. Kids who have not learned accountability try to use lying and excuses to justify why no progress towards a goal has been made.

If kids are not held accountable, they do not learn the proper emotional response to the stress of experiencing the consequences of a mistake or an unfulfilled expectation. Being held accountable help makes kids more resilient.

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• Remember to model accountability. If your kids see you make excuses for a mistake instead of apologizing for it, they will not take you seriously when you try to teach them accountability and how to make amends for their mistakes. Apologizing to your kids will not undermine your authority. Instead, acknowledging your mistake models empathy and sends a consistent message to your kids about what types of behavior are acceptable.

• Teach young children accountability by using gentle reminders. Toddlers and preschoolers need the help of parents to understand expectations and how to fulfill them. Work side-by-side with your young child to help her understand the responsibility assigned to her and use gentle reminders to redirect her attention to the expectation she needs to fulfill. For example, you can try saying “We pick up our toys when we are done” if your child has left toys out and you need to step in and show her how to clean them up. Through these reminders, your child will learn your household rules. Using a reward chart for good behavior is a method used by many parents to teach young kids the cause-and-effect relationship involved in accountability.

• Use consistent consequences to teach accountability. As kids grow, their level of responsibility should increase. School-aged kids are capable of understanding responsibilities assigned to them and the consequences you have defined for not fulfilling them. Do not let your child make excuses for poor decisions, and do not ‘rescue’ her from every mistake. Suffering a consequence, such as making a bad grade for homework turned in late, is a learning experience for your child and encourages her to use her problem-solving skills.

• Help her get started on the problem-solving process by gently asking her questions about what she could do to prevent the mistake from occurring again. Teach her the difference between having an explanation for a mistake and making an excuse. An explanation helps someone understand why the mistake occurred and includes an apology, but an excuse is an effort to dismiss accountability. Avoid being overly harsh during the conversation. Your goal is to encourage her as she learns accountability, not to ‘punish.’ The consequence has already provided the incentive to change her behavior.

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HOO’s Fun

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

WORD SEARCH & COLOR

AUTUMN ANIMALS

SOLUTION AT: familyandkidsga.com/solutions/

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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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

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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for Kids

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

MONDAY

Thursday

Barberitos

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

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

Kids meals are .99 cents all day

Saturday Denny’s

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

sunday The Simple Greek

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

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée

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

Newk’s

4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W)

O’Charley’s

Free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 10 & 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

Richard Mansfield, D.O. FAAP Amy Cool, M.D. FAAP Veronica Manka, MD, FAAP Neha Potini, MD, FAAP Trina Williamson, FNP

PEDIATRICS at brookstone centre 706.571.9699

2001 Brookstone Centre Pky

pediatricsatbrookstonecentre.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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our family wizard APP

Are you co-parenting and need a better way to communicate and keep track of shared information? With this APP, your schedule, expenses, and communication are contained in one place, so you can solve shared custody challenges faster and without confusion. That means less conflict and more energy to focus on your children. Powerful tools document your parenting time, reimbursement requests, payments, exchanges, and more.

Mel science subscription Monthly subscription boxes by MEL Science are science experiment sets with VR and AR lessons for kids ages 5-16 that make learning look like magic.

Each box contains three hands-on lessons built by staff PhDs in Science to help kids gain practical knowledge in a fun way. The subscription also comes with VR/AR technologies for current tech devices, and a live chat to conduct the experiments with a science teacher and other subscription kids.

Trending Zenimal Kids+

Zenimal Kids+ is a screen-free meditation device that helps children develop mindfulness. Loaded with nine guided meditations (pre-loaded via removable SD memory card), this super portable device can be used at home, in school, or on the go. If plugged in, this turtle-shaped device also plays three sleep soundtracks continuously for a peaceful night’s sleep. www.zenimal.com

NO-drama discipline This New York Times Bestseller, by Daniel J. Siegal and the experts behind “The Whole-Brain Child“and “The Yes Brain,” tackle the ultimate parenting challenge: discipline. It highlights the link between a child’s neurological development and the way a parent reacts to misbehavior. No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs in boys and is caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome. Instead of having the normal male XY chromosomes, a boy with Klinefelter is born with XXY chromosomes. This condition is not inherited.

Instead, it is caused at conception, when either the egg or the sperm has an extra X chromosome. Older women are slightly more likely to have a baby with Klinefelter syndrome.

Klinefelter syndrome can appear in several forms: • The most common form, where there is an extra X chromosome in every cell • Mosaic Klinefelter, in which the extra X chromosome is only in some cells • A rare form in which there is more than one extra X chromosome Klinefelter syndrome can result in delays in learning to crawl, walk and talk during infancy. Babies with Klinefelter may have testicles that do not descend and may have weaker muscles than usual.

Once boys with Klinefelter start school, they may have difficulty socializing and with academic skills such as reading, writing and math. Puberty may be incomplete or not arrive at all. Teenage boys with Klinefelter often have low testosterone, may grow extra

What is: Klinefelter Syndrome

breast tissue and may have small genitals. Teen Klinefelter patients often have longer than usual arms and legs, a torso that is shorter than usual for teen boys and hips that are wider than those of other boys the same age. Men with Klinefelter syndrome produce little or no sperm.

The severity of symptoms can vary. Sometimes men with Klinefelter are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood and find out they are infertile. Other complications of Klinefelter syndrome include metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, depression, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and autism spectrum disorder.

Klinefelter syndrome is typically diagnosed using hormone testing and a chromosome analysis is used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes hormone replacement, and men with Klinefelter may sometimes be able to father a child through fertility treatments. If hormone replacement begins at the start of puberty, the risk of some of the complications may be reduced, but it does not prevent infertility.

RESOURCES: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/klinefelter-syndrome/ symptoms-causes/syc-20353949

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

t a h W o d o t if…

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

When an emergency strikes, you may only have minutes or seconds to respond appropriately. Here are some common household emergencies and what you need to know when responding to them.

You are cooking and a pan or oven catches fire If a pan on the stovetop or the oven catches fire while you are cooking and you have any doubt about your ability to stay and fight the fire, evacuate your home and call 911 once you are outside. If the fire is still contained to the stove, and you decide it is small enough to fight: • Call 911 to have help on the way.

• Turn off the heat source.

• Smother the flames by covering the pan with a metal lid or cookie sheet. Do not try to pick up the pan and take it outside.

Leave the lid on until the pan has cooled. If an oven is on fire, keep the door shut. If you do not open the oven the fire may go out due to a lack of oxygen.

• Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water. Salt or baking soda can be used to smother a small stovetop fire.

However, do not try to put a fire out with flour or any other cooking powder other than baking soda.

• As a last resort, use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher to put out the stovetop fire.

• If the fire starts to grow despite your efforts, get out and stay out.

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HOO’s HELPFUL

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You wake up to find a pipe has burst • Act fast to reduce water damage and keep everyone safe.

• Shut the water off at the main water shutoff valve, typically located where the water comes into the house near a crawlspace or water heater, and turn it clockwise. If you cannot find it, look outside under a metal plate in the front of your house and give the valve one-fourth turn clockwise with a tool called a meter key or an adjustable wrench.

• Turn on a faucet to drain the rest of the water from the plumbing.

• Shut off the main electrical breaker to your home before starting to clean up water. If there is water between you and the breaker box, call an electrician.

• Call a plumber to schedule a repair. If you must wait a few days for your appointment, you could try to temporarily repair a hole with a sleeve clamp or epoxy putty.

• Call your insurance company to see if your policy covers water damage. If there is a large amount of water to clean up, contact a water removal company. A toxic mold clean-up can be even more expensive than water mitigation.

Your house is struck by lightning • A direct lightning strike produces an unmistakable explosive ‘boom’. First, make sure no one was injured. If you smell smoke and see fire, get everyone out immediately and then call 911. Even if you do not see fire, call 911. Lightning strikes can start fires in the attic or inside walls that are hidden at first. The fire department will use a thermal imaging camera to spot any signs of fire or hot spots.

• Call an electrician to inspect the electrical systems in your home for damage. Damaged breakers, wiring and HVAC systems can be dangerous, so this is treated as an emergency call. When in doubt if the situation is safe, let the electrician handle shutting off the power.

• Inspect the exterior of your home for damage, such as a hole in the roof. Call a professional for help inspecting the roof if needed.

• Call your insurance company.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Hoo’s helpful

Reading Children at Home

to

Early Child Development through Reading and Free Classes

By Rhea Bentley, Ed.D, UGA Muscogee County Extension Coordinator

Reading to infants and young children is one of the best things parents can do! Many parents begin reading to their children before the age of one but reading aloud to children should start at birth.

Reading aloud helps children build language skills, prepare to learn how to read, and begin a lifelong love of books. Cuddling together over a favorite story also facilitates great parent-child bonding. Over 80% of children enjoy or enjoyed being read a book aloud at home, and 78% said they enjoyed that special time with their parent.

Reading and storytelling provide valuable developmental experiences for young children. Children who are read to or told stories regularly are more likely to develop an interest in reading and may start school better prepared to learn.

By reading and telling stories at home, parents can become actively involved in their children’s education even before the children start school.

Babies and young children thrive when they are properly cared for and nurtured by adults.

resources and community services through First Steps Columbus. This is a communitybased parenting support and education service that is available to all expectant moms and families with young children (birth to age 5) that reside in Georgia.

UGA Extension of Columbus also offers family support services with personal visits through Healthy Families Columbus and Parents as Teachers. Currently, these programs are offering virtual personal visits with families due to social distancing restrictions.

Our Family Support Programs offer a variety of family-focused services to pregnant mothers, fathers, grandparents and families with infants and young children, that are free and voluntary. Our programs provide families with support, education and referrals to community services to address the following : • promoting positive parent skills and parent-child interaction • ensuring optimal prenatal care • child health and development • increasing parent’s self-sufficiency

For more info call 706-225-3859 or visit The UGA Extension Family Support https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/ Programs connect families to parenting muscogee.html.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hoo’s helpful Don’t

Bedshare to Bond Many new parents are concerned about properly bonding with their new baby. Keeping your baby in the bed with you when you sleep, often referred to as bed-sharing, may sound like a good way to strengthen your bond with your baby. However, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against bed-sharing, as it can increase the risk of infant loss due to SIDS or suffocation. Additionally, a study recently published by Dr. Ayten Bilgin of the University of Kent found that bed-sharing did not increase the level of bonding between infants and their mothers.

Experts instead recommend that parents ‘room share’ with a baby under 12 months. Place your baby on her back to sleep in your room on a separate surface, such as a crib or bassinet, that meets the safety standards for infant sleep devices and, per

the manufacturer’s specifications, is appropriate for her weight and size. You may not be in physical contact with your baby, but you will be able to keep an eye on her and she will be able to sense that you are near.

Although bed-sharing is not a safe option, there are other aspects of ‘attachment parenting’ that can help you bond with your baby.

Learn about safely ‘wearing’ your baby in a wrap or baby carrier. These devices allow you to be close to your baby and experience skin-to-skin contact each day. Your baby should be carried upright, with her back and hips supported. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for using the device. Some infants have medical conditions that may prevent baby wearing, so it is a good idea to check with the pediatrician first.

• Set aside time to clear away distractions and interact with your baby. Make eye contact with her and copy her sounds and gestures.

• Bond with your baby by giving her a massage. Gently rub her arms, legs and back after her bath or before bed.

• Sing to your baby and read her stories. Your baby knows your voice and singing to her helps strengthen your bond with her.

RESOURCES: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34117203/ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/ sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx

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HOO’s INSPIRED

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Laughter

-is-Medicine Whether you chuckle, chortle, cackle, roar, howl, or giggle, the ability to laugh is shared by all people around the world.

Humans even share this ability with apes and other primates!

Charles Darwin and many other researchers have recorded observations of laughing in various primate species during play and especially when being tickled. These findings suggest the ability to laugh goes back millions of years to a shared ancestor. Tickling may not be what makes you laugh – but everyone has something that tickles their funny bone.

Although the jokes people tell have shifted and developed throughout history, laughter’s positive benefits are unaltered.

Laughter may really be the best medicine. Scientific research has backed up the positive effects a good laugh can have on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Laughing is so beneficial to health that laughter therapy has even become an alternative approach to treating depression, stress, and other mood disorders.

Evidence from numerous studies finds laughter to be an effective method in cognitive-behavioral therapy because of its effects.

Gelotology is the term used to describe the study of laughter. One of the founders was William F. Fry, who would watch comedic movies while drawing blood samples. His results showed that

laughter increased the activity of immune system cells.

At the age of 50, Norman Cousins was struck with a disease with a low recovery rate. But he noticed that he experienced less pain and fewer symptoms when laughing. He prescribed himself regular laughter by watching Candid Camera and Marx Brothers movies and lived another 25 years. He worked with the California University Hospital to more formally study the health effects of laughter.

Just a few of the recorded benefits of laughter on mental, physical, and emotional health include: • Increased endorphin levels • Increased production of immune cells and antibodies • Decreased levels of stress-causing hormones like cortisol and epinephrine • Improved memory • A refreshing mental break that helps replenish mental resources • Strengthened social bonds • Increased intake of oxygen, which stimulates organs • Reduced muscle tension • Ability to better handle scary or stressful situations

As our understanding of the benefits of laughter has grown, people have started to incorporate laughter for other aspects of health, too.

Humor as a source of laughter has been around as long as humans have been able to communicate, and the heart of it has remained the same. It has always dealt with “taboos,” witty retorts, pointing out ironies, making light of difficulties, or come at someone’s expense. The format of jokes may change, and the details may shift to reflect the times, but the basic elements remain the same.

Humor and laughter are universal and vital parts of a happy and healthy life. Keep your spirits up by finding ways to keep laughing. Though each person’s sense of humor may be a little different, you just have to seek out what you find funny or enjoyable. Especially when you are feeling down, it is even more important to try to find something to laugh at to lighten your load. Socialize with people who make you laugh for a boost. Sign up for a daily joke or comic strip. Follow your favorite comedian. Keep a running list of books, songs, tv shows, or movies that make you laugh. Or start a‘funny file’for emergencies with cards and pictures that bring a smile to your face. Even if you don’t feel like laughing, try forcing a few chuckles. You’ll likely find yourself genuinely laughing before you know it!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Your health means everything.

And every minute matters when an emergency puts your health or the health of a loved one at risk. That’s why our emergency department provides quality care 24-7. Get to the hospital now, and get well soon.

Check our average ER wait time at MyStFrancis.com