Family & Kids Magazine September 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

SeePage 6 for Cover Sponsor

Offering infant survival swimming and traditional swimming lessons.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

by Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

Get Intelligent on ‘Intelligences’

hildren’s learning styles can differ from learning best by seeing content visually, from hearing learning material (auditory) or learning best through ‘handson’ kinesthetic learning. Howard Gardner developed ‘The Theory of Multiple Intelligences' for a more in-depth approach to determine how children learn best. Howard Gardner, is an American psychologist recognized by universities and colleges and has been nationally named ‘one of the most influential intellectuals in the world.’ Gardner has been greatly influential in the field of education. He has written thirty books and several educational research articles but is most known for the book he wrote in the 1960’s called, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

As a professor at Harvard University who studied cognition and the development of the brain, Gardner developed ‘The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.’ Gardner determined that based on our family ‘genetics and life experiences’ we may have various degrees of these ‘intelligences.’

The original theory identified six intelligences but has grown into the nine described below.

The Intelligences

1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence: ability to recognize words and their meanings

Examples: reading and writing

Careers: journalist, teacher, writer and public speaker

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence: ability to recognize patterns and think outside the box mathematically.

Example: coding

Careers: scientist, accountant and mathematician

3. Spatial-visual intelligence: ability to visualize thoughts in the mind as pictures

Examples: learning how to catch a ball

Careers: pilot, photographer, interior designer, architect and sailor

4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: ability to use the body to produce movement

Examples: hand and eye coordination in hitting a baseball with a bat

Careers: dancer, surgeon, carpenter, physical therapist, mechanic and athlete

C5. Musical intelligence:

ability to create music with musical knowledge.

Examples: detecting the pitch in a song

Careers: conductor and musician

6. Naturalist intelligence:

ability to identify and organize items in nature into categories

Examples: organizing the plant species based on similar characteristics

Careers: chef, biologist, geologist, meteorologist, animal trainer, gardener

7. Interpersonal Intelligence:

ability to recognize how others feel and respond appropriately  Careers: teacher, actor, manager, salesperson and social worker

8. Intrapersonal Intelligence:

ability to realize their own feelings and the way that they think

Careers: philosopher, author, entrepreneur and psychologist

9. Existential intelligence:

ability to think at a high level of questioning why things are the way that they are and the ‘meaning of life’

The ‘Multiple Intelligences Theory’ states that everyone has all eight intelligences at varying degrees of proficiency and an individual’s learning style is unrelated to the areas in which they are the most intelligent. For example, someone with linguistic intelligence may not necessarily learn best through writing and reading. Gardner professed that throughout life the ‘intelligences’ can develop and become more pronounced as one ages. However, schools often recognize the most value in the verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences.

Dr. Gardner’s work has been translated into several languages and distributed throughout the world. He created a program commonly used with highschoolers to choose their career, known as the “The Good Project.” The program guides students to find their life’s work. Based on the intelligences identified in the students, specific careers which parallel are recommended.

Gardner suggests that content in school should be taught in various ways to be sure to cover all of the learning styles and enrich children’s knowledge of the material. As a parent, it is important to recognize the various intelligences and encourage learning in your children in different ways. As a teacher to your own children, recognize your child’s strengths and exemplify them. Recognizing and encouraging your child’s ‘intelligences’ will help children to be appreciated for their strengths.

Madison, 4 years Columbus

Ryan-Lynn, 2 years Fort Moore

Atishay, 2 years Midland

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Pool safety involves pool alarms, fences and locking gates that young children cannot open on their own. However, young children sometimes find their way around these defenses or may accidentally fall in the water while visiting a pool or lake. In fact, for young children, one of the leading causes of accidental injury or death is drowning. Many parents are now realizing the need to train their infants and toddlers how to survive aquatic accidents should the horrible need arise.  A program called Infant Swim Resource (ISR) is now being provided to families in the Chattahoochee Valley by certified ISR instructor and certified autism aquatics instructor, Stephanie Hogan, owner of Chattahoochee ISR and Columbus Swim and Scuba. ISR teaches infants and toddlers how to float on their backs and calmly wait for help if they fall in deep water, instead of panicking and sinking deeper into the water. The ISR program was created in 1969 by Dr. Harvey Bannett, a doctor and psychologist. The ISR lessons have been developed through research, and guided by the organization’s mission statement, ‘Not One More Child Drowns.’

The ISR lessons are customized to your child’s developmental stage. All ISR students are first taught the self-rescue skill of floating on their backs. Young children who have learned how to self-rescue by

infants

floating and are ready to swim are taught to alternate short periods of swimming with resting in a floating position until they reach the safety of shore or the side of the pool.

All new ISR students start with a 4-6 week foundation. Each lesson is 10 minutes long and the lessons are Monday – Friday. When the ISR program was being developed, the researchers found that young children learn best from short but consistent lessons. The 10-minute lessons involve intense one-on-one instruction.

All classes are held at the Columbus Swim and Scuba on Veteran’s Parkway in Columbus. The school also offers traditional swim lessons for children up to age 6 and Certified Starfish Aquatic lessons for older kids, adults and competitive swimming. To sign up for lessons, visit www.chattahoocheevalleyisr.com.

HOO’s HEALTHY

Occasionally kids snore when they catch a cold and their nasal passage becomes blocked. Once the cold symptoms disappear and the nasal passages return to normal, the snoring goes away. However, if your child snores during sleep on a regular basis, he may have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. During sleep, the muscles in the mouth and nose become relaxed, which causes a narrowed airway. A condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can then result if the narrowed airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep by larger than normal adenoids or tonsils.

During an episode of OSA, there are pauses in breathing often followed by choking or gasping for air. Oxygen levels fall and carbon dioxide levels rise during an episode of OSA, which can interrupt sleep, although the interruption will be so brief your child will not remember that his sleep was disturbed. Several episodes of OSA can occur during the night, keeping your child from experiencing deep sleep and leaving him feeling tired in the morning. OSA can lead to behavioral issues, such as poor performance in school and hyperactivity.

What is: OSA

Other symptoms of OSA may include: night terrors or sleepwalking, bedwetting, mouth breathing while sleeping or very restless sleep.

Not all children with OSA snore. For some children, daytime behavioral issues are the main clue that their sleep is being interrupted. If your child snores at night or has behavioral issues, consult his pediatrician, who may refer your child to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. During the sleep study, your child’s breathing patterns, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, brain waves, body movements and eye movements are monitored.

If OSA is diagnosed, the doctor will devise a treatment plan. If the doctor concludes that enlarged tonsils and adenoids are causing the OSA, he may recommend surgery to remove the adenoids and tonsils. In some cases, a child with OSA will be prescribed a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for use during sleep. The CPAP machine helps keep the airway from closing during sleep.

RESOURCES: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631

HOO’s INSPIRED

Grief

Dealing With

Into The Teenage Years

By Mark Gregston, Parenting Today’s Teens

We all deal with grief. Whether you grieve losing your family pet, a job loss, or a move to a new town, sorrow and heartache are normal responses to the human experience.  In all likelihood, your tween/teen has experienced these low moments in some form or fashion. Today’s kids are dealing with normal expressions of grief that come after losing a parent or grandparent. But there are other losses as well: loss of a dream or goal, death of a friend, or a fractured relationship.

The tween to teen years are filled with transitional moments. Along with physical changes, your child is also experiencing a change in how he thinks. He is no longer thinking in concrete terms alone. He is beginning to think abstractly. This often makes a person grieve over a childhood loss a second time, because he understands it in a different way than he did when it initially happened. Even if you thought that your child has grieved over a loss in his earlier childhood, it may surface again as he begins to reorder his life with this new abstract thinking skill.

Your teen/tween will mourn differently than you do, even if you lose the same thing. Kids have a hard time realizing that life is not a static experience. It’s always shifting. So when they have major life changes that cause grief, they may end up having panic attacks or self-medicate. A counselor or other trained professional can be helpful in these moments. But before that, we need to allow kids to have time to express their grief. Even if they say that things are good, their behavior will show us how they are feeling.

If your teen/tween holds onto his grief instead of processing it and moving past it, that grief may become a “mood of a lifetime.” Your child is trying to navigate his transition to adulthood, and he needs your help! If he is outgoing, he may be overly demonstrative in his emotions.  You can help him temper his emotions.  If your child is more inclined toward grieving in silence, what he really needs is a silent friend to simply endure the vigil with him.

Either way, your child will use the relationship that you established before the loss to determine how much he will rely on you while he is grieving. Build your relationship with your child now so he is willing to come to you when he has a problem. Be intentional about listening. Appoint deliberate time when you shut off your phone and focus on your child. Help your child identify feelings and express them. Help him understand that he might not get over the grief, but the grief doesn’t have to control him.

It’s important not to ignore the sorrow, but don’t make a big deal about it either. Be attentive to your child and notice those things that will show you what he’s really experiencing. Even when it seems like something should be over and done with, there’s a reason that it’s surfacing again. When those times come, it’s important to think about why it’s coming up again. Maybe your child didn’t have a chance to properly grieve the first time, or maybe another cause of grief is compounding his earlier loss.

Grief is a season, not a lifestyle.  The only reason we grieve is that we value what we lost.  I hope your tween/teen never forgets his loss, but let’s make sure it doesn’t consume him.

Reading Disorders

HOO’s learning

If your child struggles with his assignments in school, it is important to take steps early to rule out reading disorders. Identifying a reading disorder early helps a child get the specific help he needs to improve his reading skills and keeps him from falling even further behind in school.

Some medical issues can affect reading. If your child has trouble focusing on tasks, struggles with following directions, squints while reading or has a delay in developing speech, he should be screened by a pediatrician for both medical issues, such as vision and hearing problems, along with being screened for reading disorders.

Experts have grouped reading issues into three types. Some kids have more than one type of reading challenge.

Word accuracy issues: A child with this type of reading disorder has difficulty ‘decoding’ written text. He may have trouble matching the written letters and words with their sounds. This decoding deficit is a key sign of dyslexia, a condition that affects the ability to identify letters and words and affects spelling.

Reading comprehension issues: Reading comprehension is the ability to understand what has been read. A child may be able to decode and read the words but has difficulty understanding the meaning of the words he is reading. One common condition called hyperlexia occurs in many children with an autism spectrum disorder. A child with hyperlexia has a high ability to read before age 5 and can remember what he has read but does not comprehend the meaning. ADHD, which can affect working memory, can interfere with reading comprehension.

Reading fluency issues: Reading fluency is the ability to read text accurately and at a good speed. A fluent reader can read aloud in a way that shows that he understands the words he is reading. The decoding issues of dyslexia can affect reading pace. If a child can decode but has a slower-than-normal reading pace, he may have a disorder called slow processing speed.

Work with your child’s pediatrician, teachers and occupational therapists to create an intervention plan for your child that can help get his reading development back on track.

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

HOO’s tips

Ideal for our SOUTHERN SOIL

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

An old Chinese proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago." The second-best time is now. Fall is the best time, as long as it still feels like fall and isn’t winter yet, so the roots have time to set first. Planting the right trees in your landscape can add value to your property and even can even save you energy by shading your house. Ideal trees are those that are long-lived, disease-resistant, can tolerate the amount of sun the location receives, and doesn’t create a mess with droppings. Also, planting a species native to your area helps the environment, since some non-native species can harm the ecosystem.

These trees make good additions to landscapes in the Chattahoochee Valley:

TULIP POPLAR This tree is also called a Yellow Poplar and is a member of the magnolia family. It has a medium to fast growth rate and produces orange-yellow tulip-like flowers in the spring. It is a fast-growing deciduous tree that should be planted in full sun, in well-drained, moist soil.

SOUTHERN RED OAK This is a fast-growing deciduous shade tree that has a rounded shape and a short trunk. It can tolerate dry sites with clay loam or sandy soils.

SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA This is an evergreen tree that can be used for shade or privacy. It produces beautiful white flowers in the early summer and seeds for the birds. It has a slow to medium growth rate and needs to be planted in moist soil that receives full sun or light shade. It won’t survive in a hot, dry site.

SCARLET OAK This deciduous tree has a pyramidal or rounded form and does well as a shade tree or specimen tree on dry sites that get full sun. It is drought-tolerant once the roots are established and does prefer well-drained soils. It produces acorns that are used for food by wildlife and the leaves turn a brilliant red in the fall. It has a medium to fast growth rate.

To see a list of some tree types to avoid here, see the next page.

HOO’s tips

AVOIDING problem trees

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Landscaping your property with the right trees can definitely add curb appeal to your home and provide many other benefits. However, there are some trees that you should avoid because they are listed as an invasive species, while others can cause damage to your property or are disease-prone. Here are some that experts recommend avoiding and why.

BRADFORD PEAR This tree is fast growing and provides shade to your yard, but its pyramidal shape makes the branches weak and prone to breaking during storms. Also, the white flowers have a strong, rather unpleasant smell and the frequent droppings from the fruit of the tree requires clean-up. One other downside is the short lifespan of the tree, about 20 to 30 years.

CHINESE TALLOW TREE The Chinese tallow tree is not native to North America and is one of the most invasive species of trees you can plant in your yard. It can grow to 40 feet in width and 40 feet in height, so it provides good shade but therefore has a massive root system. In some states, planting a Chinese tallow tree is illegal because it is invading woodlands and displacing native species.

WEEPING WILLOW The weeping willow has shallow roots that suck water out of the soil and can crack driveways and invade septic systems. They grow quite large, about 50 feet tall and may be even wider than that, so they don’t easily fit on most residential properties. They need lots of water and look sickly when they don’t get enough, plus they are very disease-prone.

MIMOSA TREE This tree, native to Asia, is very invasive and is another you should not plant due to the harm it can cause to the environment. It also has weak wood, is short lived, and is very prone to diseases. Many consider the seed pods that hang from it all winter as unattractive.

Now that you know some trees not to plant, I’m sure you are wondering which ones you should plant. See the previous page for a great list of those that would work for our area to get you started.

1 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Launch Party. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

1 Labor Day Weekend Balloon Festival. All Day. Callaway Gardens; 800-CALLAWAY

2 Cool Pool End of Summer Splash at Liberty Bell Pool. 1-3pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

2 Star Light, Star Bright with the CCSSC. 8-10pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

3 8th Annual Labor Day Tailgate & Fireworks Extravaganza. 6-9pm. Mike Tracy Arena, Hamilton; jeeahshope.org

3 Labor Day Weekend Hikes. 9am-1pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-6634858

4 Red Rox Run 5K & Fun Run. 7am. $20$35. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; runsignup.com

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

4 Labor Day Fair. 10am-4pm. Old Russell County Courthouse; Seale; 706-575-4389

5 Little Sprouts. 10am. Ages 3-5. $5-7. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

5 Kids’ Art Studio. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

5 Get Your Game On! Unplugged: P is for Pizza. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706243-2811

7 Storytime Campout & Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Ages 10 & under. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

7 Homeschool in the Park: Survival Skills. 10-11:30am. $8 + $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

7 LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

8-11 Chattahoochee Valley Motorcycle Rally. All day. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4482

9 Teddy Bear Clinic. 10am-Noon. Free. The Children’s Hospital at Piedmont Columbus Regional; 706-660-6115

9 Dog Splash & Luau at Liberty Bell Pool. 11am-2pm. $10/dog + $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

12 Teen Takeover: Murder Mystery Game Night. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432811

12-13 Paw Patrol Live! 6pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

13 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

13-23 Just 4 Kidz Consignment Sale. 3201 Macon Road; just4kidzconsign.com

14 Gala in the Garden. 6-9pm. $95. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

14 Get Your Game On! Teen Dungeons & Dragons. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2811

14 Family Fun Night. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

15 Garden Luncheon 2023. 11am-1pm. $75. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

15-16 Kids of Bristol. 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

15-16 Harris Co PRCA ProRodeo.

5:30pm. $10-$20. Harris County Agri-Center, Hamilton; hccaonline.com

15-17 Pumpkins at Callaway.

4-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

16 Bluebelle Fall Outdoor Market. 11am4pm. Bluebelle Local Mercantile; 706-3271181

16 Tri-City Latino Festival. Noon-9pm. $5. Columbus Civic Center; 706-530-0393

16 Mercer School of Medicine Teddy Bear Clinic. Families. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

19 Get Your Game On! Unplugged: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

19 Dungeons & Dragons @ Your Library. Families. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

20 Lunch & Learn: Native Bees. Noon1pm. $10.25. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

20 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting. 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

21 LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

21 Edible Engineering for Kids. (Reservations Required). 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

21 Edible Engineering for Teens. (Reservations Required). 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

22 Homeschool in the Park: The Creeks. 10-11:30am. $8 + $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

22 Forbidden Broadway. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

22-23 Kids of Bristol. 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

22-23 Elvis: A Musical Revolution. 7:30pm. Springer Opera House; 706-3273688

22-24 Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens. 4-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

23 Local Mini Market. 10am-5pm. Columbus Trade Center; 706-327-4522

23 Your State Parks Day - Outdoor Discovery Stations. 10am-1pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

September Events

23 Auburn Oktoberfest. 5-9pm. AG Heritage Park; oktoberfest.com

23 Peanut Festival. All day. Downtown Plains; 229-824-5373

24 Elvis: A Musical Revolution. 2:30pm. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

24 Kids of Bristol. 2:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

26 Teen Takeover: DIY Button & Sticker Making. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2811

27 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

28-30 Elvis: A Musical Revolution. 7:30pm. Springer Opera House; 706-3273688

28 Teen Takeover. 5pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

28 Creative Kids Theatre Storytime. Ages 0-5yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

29 Camp Out Storytime. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

29 TGIF TV Night. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2811

29-30 Kids of Bristol. 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

29-30 Pumpkins at Callaway. 4-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

30 The Greenhouse Market. 9am-Noon. The Greenhouse Venue, 145 Lee Rd 223, Smiths Station; 334-557-0800

30 The Itsy Bitsy Spider. 11pm. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

30 Hispanic Heritage Month Program. Families.10am-2pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

30 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8yrs. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

WeeklyEvents

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers

Ages 0-36 mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813 (Not 9/4)

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers 0-24 mo. 10am; Preschoolers 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; 706-683-8805

WEDNESDAY

Little Naturalists & Enviro Explorers. 10-11am. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers 3-5 yrs. 10am; Babies & Toddlers 0-36 mo. 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Teen Takeover: You Decide. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

THURSDAY

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

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble Columbus; 706-653-7880 (Not 9/7)

Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Get Your Game ON! Ages 0-12yrs. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Get Your Game ON! Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

FRIDAY

Farmstand Friday. 9-Noon. The Food Mill, 3280 2nd Avenue; 706-507-9209

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813 (Not 9/1)

Fun Fridays. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Lo-Fi Fridays. Teens. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

Friday Night Concert Series. 7-10pm. Free. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111 (Not 9/1)

SATURDAY

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

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt. 9am-4pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

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

Board Game Boredom Busters. All Ages. 10am6pm. N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Excursion Train Ride. Times vary. Sam Shortline, Cordele; 877-GA-RAILS

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

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extracurricular Activity Guide

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extracurricular Activity Guide

by Anna Kay Mildred L. Terry Public Library

HOO’s learning

“Serve & Return” BABY-STYLE!

“Serve and return” is a term coined by researchers at Harvard University, for interactions that a baby initiates or (“serves”); which, if encouraged or (“returned”) by the caregiver, help to develop baby’s brain.

It is well known that a baby spends much of his or her waking hours making sounds and movements. It would be a mistake to habitually ignore baby’s sounds and movements as usual and inconsequential, for it is through these behaviors that a baby “serves,” and it is in these moments that a caregiver could find and seize opportunities to “return” on the “serve.”

If a baby is furiously kicking his little feet, excitedly flapping his tiny arms, cooing contentedly, or squealing in the caregiver’s direction, the caregiver must hold out the possibility of a “serve” and should be prepared to “return.”

To “return” on a “serve,” the caregiver must choose to stop and focus in on the overtures that baby makes. For example, if a baby coos, a caregiver may choose to make the same sound, tickle

baby, or make up an animated sentence. If baby excitedly waves his arms, the caregiver may start a game of Pat-a-Cake. And if baby’s squeal was in response to a pleasing sound, the caregiver can mimic the sound to provide an encore.

The most important thing is that more serves be returned than unreturned. Caregivers should anticipate being “served” throughout the day, and connect with baby at every opportunity. Baby’s brain depends on it!

Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child recommends these 5 steps for encouraging “serve” and “return”:

1. Share the focus

2. Practice endings and beginnings

3. Name it

4. Take turns, back & forth

5. Support and Encourage

HOO’s HUNGRY

SWEET POTATO TATER TOTS Air Fried

With only five ingredients, these tots are easy to make ahead, then pop in the air fryer for a kid-approved snack or side dish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Form into 1 tablespoon tots (a cookie scoop helps) and arrange on 1-2 plates. Spray with spray oil, and move the tots around to coat the bottoms with oil as well. Carefully arrange tots on the air fryer basket so there is space between them. You will need to cook in 2-3 batches. Cook for 6-7 minutes, and carefully flip them over. If the tots feel very soft and mushy when you turn them, leave them for a few more minutes. Cook for 5-7 more minutes, until both sides are crispy but not burned. Serve hot with guacamole, ketchup or chipotle mayo.

Courtesy of sweetpeasandsaffron.com

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups sweet potato puree

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon coriander

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• Spray oil

Dining Deals for Kids

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

MONDAY

Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

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

The Office

4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.

Tuesday

Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Denny’s

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

Jason’s Deli

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

Ruby Tuesday

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

Wednesday Your Pie

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

Red Robin

Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

Thursday

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

Saturday

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

Sunday

The Simple Greek

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

Multiple days

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

The Food Mill

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.

Aggressive TODDLER BEHAVIOR

Your baby has learned to walk and is making the transition to toddlerhood. He has developed a strong sense of independence, is busy exploring the world around him and starts interacting with other toddlers. Then, suddenly, at his weekly playgroup, he bites another toddler and hits you when you try to remove him from the situation. Here is an overview of what is behind aggressive behavior in the toddler developmental stage and how to help prevent it.

Why do toddlers hit and bite?

For your toddler, exploring the world involves using all his senses to gather information. Your toddler may wonder what it feels like to bite someone or what will happen if he hits someone. This may sound strange but remember that toddlers have not yet developed a sense of empathy and do not understand that biting and hitting hurts the other person.

Toddlers have a strong desire to assert their independence but have not yet developed the ability to regulate strong emotions or the vocabulary needed to describe how they feel. When your toddler has his toy snatched away by his sibling or friend, he may turn to biting or hitting to express his intense feelings of displeasure, even if you have previously told him that ‘hitting and biting hurt the other person.’

Toddlers may act aggressively to express that they are not feeling well. Your toddler needs to communicate that he is overtired or is feeling ill, but he does not have the words to express it, so he bites or hits you. Toddlers also may bite when experiencing teething pain.

How to address toddler aggression?

First, keep your emotions in check. Even if you feel embarrassed due to a hitting or biting incident, try not to let your emotions show. Toddlers may use unacceptable behaviors such as hitting or biting when seeking attention, and you certainly do not want to reinforce this by providing a strong emotional reaction.

Do not yell at your child or give a long, angry lecture. Instead, remove him from the situation and check on the toddler who was the victim of his aggression. If your toddler bit another child, inspect the bite to see if the skin was broken and administer the appropriate first aid.

Take your toddler aside and remind him ‘We do not hit or bite, it hurts.’ Do not punish your toddler. Instead, give him a ‘time out’ area where he can cool down for a few minutes. Give your toddler an alternate way to express his frustration, such as mashing up Play-doh or drawing a picture. If you think your toddler is biting due to unrelieved teething pain, provide a safe teething toy for him.

When your child has calmed down, provide another gentle reminder like, ‘You can go back and play but no hitting or biting.’ For older toddlers who are starting to express themselves with words, you can remind them to say ‘No’ or ‘Stop’ when someone is upsetting them instead of hitting or biting them. Use positive reinforcement when you see your child act appropriately when he is upset.

One of the best preventions for hitting or biting incidents is to stay attuned to how your toddler is feeling and interacting with others. Step in quickly if you sense he is about to hit or bite a playmate. If you know your toddler is having a rough day, it is best to leave playdates and errands for another time and head home for a nap.

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