Chatt Valley August 2019

AUGUST 2019

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

AFTER SCHOOL

ACTIVITY GUIDE

© Timeless Memories by Jessica

Pg. 10-15

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

back

to

school

anxieties

in kids

Dr. Ritu Chandra, MD, FAAP, Preferred Medical Group

K

ids have had exciting experiences over the summer; they’ve grown both physically and intellectually, and now it’s time to return to an environment they haven’t seen for several months.

That can be stressful. Kids may be unable to sleep, act hyper in excitement or express reluctance at the idea of going back to school. This is normal. Parents should offer calm reassurances to their children, affirming their feelings and helping redirect their fears into positive opportunities for growth.

You could say, “You’re right that there will be new kids in your class this year, and that can be a little intimidating at first, but just imagine how many new friends you’ll make!”

Sometimes though, a child’s worry about going back to school may reflect a deeper condition that should be treated, especially if their distress starts to impair their day-to-day functioning. For a clinical diagnosis of anxiety, the child’s fear or worry will be out of proportion to virtually any new situation over a period of several months, making the child hyper-vigilant, so that they feel as if any change in their routine represents a looming threat.

Some of the common symptoms of clinical anxiety in children might include headache, tightness of the throat or chest, heart fluttering, difficulty breathing, tummy aches or frequent urination.

They may also have problems with falling asleep or eating, have poor performance at school, explosive outbursts, excessive need for reassurance or feel dizzy. Kids with clinical anxiety also tend to be excessively shy and avoid things that other kids enjoy.

Often times these children get labeled as having “behavior problems.” I have diagnosed and treated several children like this, and it is very rewarding to see that soon after the medication for anxiety is started, the child’s “behavior problems” get better.

Symptoms of clinical anxiety may not be present all the time, nor in all situations. Anxiety is a triggered-affective illness, which means that if the child is in his/her ‘bubble’ they may do just fine.

However, when the child gets out of their safety zone, the anxiety may be triggered.

Sadly, many children who have clinical anxiety go undiagnosed and untreated. This happens most commonly because the adults in the child’s life might see the symptoms, but they fail to recognize them as anxiety. In my practice, I have found that when I ask a parent if their child has anxiety, they say “no.” However, when I ask if their child is a “worry wart,” “shy,” “self-conscious,” frequently gets “home sick” or has “apprehension” or “dread,” they say “yes.” All of these could be symptoms of clinical anxiety.

Along with the lack of awareness, frequently there is also an element of denial. Sometimes parents just do not want to accept that their child has anxiety. Yet, clinical anxiety is a relatively common childhood disorder. It is estimated that approximately 25% of 13-18-year-old children have some form of clinical anxiety. The onset is commonest between 6-12 years of age, though clinical anxiety can be seen in children as young as 3-4 years old.

Chances are that your kid is just having some normal butterflies before school starts. If so, being sensitive and listening to their concerns is the best way to help them negotiate this stressful time. If their resistance to new situations has been going on for a few months though, you may want to check with your pediatrician to see if there’s more you can do to help them out.

Dr. Ritu Chandra is the founder and lead pediatrician at Preferred Medical Group with locations in Phenix City, Fort Mitchell, and Opelika.

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The Scoop!

Follow us @FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants.

TO SUBMIT AD OR EVENT: Tammy Usie, Publisher tammy@familyandkidsga.com 253-212-7270

FamilyAndKidsGA

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BOOK YOUR Event OR PartY TODAY! 706-489-1980

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Good Mood Food Recent studies have found a connection between diet and good mental health. Certain groups of nutrient-dense foods seem to help support brain function and may help prevent depression.

Here are some tips on how to include the ‘good mood foods’ into your diet.

EAT CERTAIN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES RAW A recently published study identified carrots, cucumbers, dark leafy greens, lettuce, banana and blueberries as foods that contain nutrients that may help improve mood when consumed raw. More study is needed on the relationship between eating raw fruits and veggies daily and preventing depression, but the authors of the study suggest the beneficial nutrients in these foods are damaged by heat when the foods are canned or cooked.

FOODS RICH IN ZINC AND OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS MAY HELP WITH DEPRESSION Research has found a link between eating certain types of seafood, such as oysters, mollusks and clams, that contain zinc and an improvement in mood. Researchers also found that eating fatty fish RESOURCES: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00487/full httpi.org//10.3390/nu8110668

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Custom stadium seats with built-in speakers and vibration synced to action PS4, XBOX ONE & NINTENDO SWITCH

HOO’s Healthy

such as salmon, which contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, may also help improve brain health and reduce depression.

Studies suggest that these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help keep the cell membranes in the brain healthy and help facilitate the movement of messages between cells in the brain. Those who don’t eat fish but do eat tree nuts can incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into their diet by eating walnuts, which contain an omega-3 fatty acid called ALA. When ALA is consumed, the body breaks it down into small amounts of EPA and DHA. EAT FERMENTED FOODS IN YOUR DIET Researchers have found evidence of a connection between gut health and mental health. Fermented foods, like miso contain probiotics, which may help keep the gut healthy by reducing inflammation. When the gut is healthy, it is able to efficiently produce hormones which helps regulate serotonin. Remember while eating brain healthy foods may help improve mood, it is not a substitute for following a treatment plan for depression provided by a medical professional. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30415609 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2014/313570/

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s learning Blues The new school year has started, and every parent wishes their student to have a successful school year. If your child still seems to be struggling to adjust to his new routine and new classroom, here are some troubleshooting tips to get him back on track.

Adjust your child’s sleep schedule During the summer, your child may deviate greatly from his school routine. A lack of sleep can affect your child’s performance in the classroom and his behavior. If he is still having trouble going to bed early enough to get the sleep he needs, try pushing back ‘lights out’ time a few minutes each night. Have him put away electronics an hour before bedtime.

Get your child’s meals back on a schedule During the summer, your family may have gone to a more casual meal schedule while on the go and while away on vacation. Nutrition is important for success in school so return your child to a more structured meal schedule. A nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch, & dinner with small snacks in between meals will keep your child’s body fueled and his mind ready to learn.

Don’t overreact to ‘My teacher is mean!’ Ask your child to explain why he feels this way and ask for details on why he feels his teacher is ‘mean.’ Most likely, his teacher has a more demanding teaching style than he would like. This is an opportunity to teach your child how to adjust to working with someone who has high expectations. However, if you feel your child is being treated unfairly, schedule a meeting with the teacher. Avoid putting the teacher on the defensive by starting the meeting with a positive comment, such as ‘Let’s work together to find a solution to John’s concern.’ Only approach the principal as a very last resort.

Don’t tolerate bullies If your child dreads going to school each day and you suspect he is the target of a bully, choose a time when he is calm (not right after school) and ask him about what is going on. Bring any bullying to the attention of the school administration.

Back To School PHYSICAL! – SCHEDULE YOURS TODAY–

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER • AUG. 27 & 28

© 2019 Spin Master. All Rights Reserved.

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE Dyrt Camping

picniic family organizer

Search campgrounds and cabins for tent & RV camping. Get campground reviews from the fastest-growing camping community.

Make campground reservations directly from the app. Easily bookmark & share campsites to plan your next trip.

All family members (mom, dad, kids, caregivers, etc) can easily access Picniic to keep everyone organized and on the same page, with features such as: family locator, shared family calendar, shopping lists, grocery lists, recipe tips, meal planners, information lockers, and more.

forest stay focused

If you want to temporarily put down your phone and focus on what’s more important in real life, you can plant a seed in Forest. As time goes by, this seed will gradually grow into a tree. However, if you cannot resist the temptation of using your phone and leave the app, your tree will wither.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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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

!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Settle Down i’m trying to drive

HOO’s parenting

Georgia recently enacted a “hands-free” driving law to prevent crashes caused by cell phone usage behind the wheel. But what about the distraction in the back seat? How often have you done something reckless behind the wheel to pacify your child? A study from the Monash University Accident Research Center now confirms the risks parents have known for years. Driving with children is 12 times more dangerous than texting and driving. When researchers installed cameras in the cars of 12 families over a three-week period, they found talking on the phone only accounted for one percent of distractions. Distractions from children, meanwhile, accounted for 12 percent of all distractions (reported by MedicalDaily.com).

Over the course of an average 16-minute trip, parents that had kids present spent three minutes and 22 seconds with their eyes not on the road. Drivers take their eyes off the road most often to look at their child behind them, either fully turning their heads or looking in the mirror. Parents are also guilty of reaching in the back seat or handing back snacks and drinks. Although it may seem like common sense, just keep your eyes on the road, it may be a hard task to accomplish.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO DECREASE THE DISTRACTION IN THE BACK SEAT: No Fuss Car Rule:

Keep the Peace:

From the get-go, let your child know you are not able to cater to them during a car ride. Ask your child what he needs before getting behind the wheel, set up any electronics, open any snacks and offer a bathroom break. If you have an infant, consider pacifier leashes and multiple soft toys to keep them entertained during the trip.

Enacting and enforcing this rule from an early age will teach your child to be independent during travel.

Unfortunately, car manufacturers have yet to install privacy walls to separate children in the back seat. If your children are constantly bickering in the back, consider adding a line with painter’s tape to identify each child’s space. Also, become firm with pulling over during a bickering match. Your children will eventually realize they will not get to their destination without the peace, so enacting a clear “quiet rule” can reduce any distractions.

Secure Children First: Oftentimes parents are rushing to arrive at their destination. With this rush, parents may rely on children to buckle up. Noticing your child is unbuckled mid-trip is unsafe and can result in a major distraction. Spend the extra few minutes to secure your children and confirm correct usage of restraints. This is also a good time to verify your child has anything needed for the journey: toys, opened drinks, snacks, etc.

Pull Over: Whether you are pulling over to grab a pacifier your infant dropped or to extinguish an argument, just do it. Always remember safety is your sole priority during a car trip. Drivers often forget that it only takes one mistake on the road to change your life permanently; you don’t get a “do-over.” So, even if you are going to be terribly late to your destination, pull over and safely handle the distraction in the back seat. After awhile, your frustrations and the delays will wear on your children too, and they will become better backseat passengers.

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AFTERWise SCHOOL ACTIVITY Choices for You & Your FamilyGUIDE

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family GUIDE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY

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Choices for You & Your FamilyGUIDE AFTERWise SCHOOL ACTIVITY

Fall Semester 2019 Dance • Music Art • Drama

Supports adoption and foster care

clement-arts.org

HOO’s INSPIRED www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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An Inside Look

IMPACT Chason Perry, owner, trainer, father, friend at

performance RX

Chason Perry recently relocated his sportsathlete gym, Impact Performance RX (IPRX), to a larger location from Veterans Pkwy to 506 Manchester Expressway, Suite 4D. The gym offers programs for kids to adults, designed to build strength, speed, endurance, balance, coordination and most importantly, confidence. IPRX has had over 20 high school athletes obtain scholarships this year, some athletes are getting national recruiting recognition, and one member recently signed with the NFL. In the last year and a half, IPRX has trained three state championship baseball teams, helped Northside High School win their first title and trained Calvary Christian athletes as they won back-to-back titles. IPRX’s team of impressive coaches is helping to shape these area athletes to be champions.

who just wants to be a better baseball player, or even retired clients who just want to extend their quality of life.

Each coach has ample experience and a true love for the field. Owner Chason Perry was a coach for the NHL and at West Virginia University. He was part owner of a large training center in Cincinnati, OH, as well as the Human Peformance Director for a Special Operations Unit. He decided to open Impact Performance after searching the Columbus area for a youth physical training center and found a void. Impact’s director of Youth Training, Jonathan Karastury, has his Bachelors in Exercise Science as well as his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.

Experienced staff coaches, Landon Rush and Kenderick Pratt, are currently finishing their CSCS certification as well. Although these coaches can work with professional athletes who are the top 1% in their game, they are also able to train a 7-year-old

Impact Performance offers a variety of programs including some with unlimited training. The kids’ classes are limited to 10 each for more attentive instruction. Membership options available:

One of the features that sets Impact Performance apart is it’s not only for young athletes, in fact, it is the only facility in the area that allows parents the option to work out while their kids are trained. Their new location has 12,000 sq. ft. of space with 6,000 sq. ft. of turf. The gym and training floor area is roughly 3,500 sq. ft., and there is space for a future golf simulator and golf performance center. This fall, IPRX plans to offer an Adaptive Sports Training program for athletes who are recovering from an injury or have a disability. During the day, IPRX has adults training, youth sports speed and agility classes, introduction to weight lifting classes for middle school aged kids, and even the “Head Start” program going at the same time. IPRX also hosts sports camps, bringing in professional athletes to work with the kids, as well as facility rentals where teams can rent the indoor turf area for practice.

• The Head Start program (ages 7-10): $95/month and they can come 5 days a week if they choose to.

• Junior Varsity and Varsity (ages 11-14): as little as $115/month and offers classes 6 days a week.

• Adult memberships: $65/month for open gym to $115-$250 with personal training.

Discounts are provided for additional family members.

WEB: impactperformancerx.com FB & INSTA: @ImpactPerformanceRX

August 1 ​Get Your Game ON! 3:30pm. South 7 North Columbus Farmers Market. 14-17 Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

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Wild & Scenic Film Festival: “Wonderful Wildlife” Youth Screening.

10-11:30am. $18. Riverside Theatre; 706-571-0436

3 Kids Summer Vendor Fair. 9amNoon. 1000 Broadway; 706-718-7663

3 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-

Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240 Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

4-6pm. MercyMed Parking Lot, 3702 2nd Ave, Columbus; 706-507-9209

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AMC Summer Movie Camp. 10amNoon. $4. AMC CLASSIC Ritz 13, Columbus; amctheatres.com/summer-movie-camp

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School begins; Muscogee Co School District; muscogee.k12.ga.us

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Butterfly Bonanza. 9am-9:45pm. $5 parking. FD Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

3 Plains Express Train Ride. 9:30am. 9 Life is Better at Benning Expo. Fort

Sam Shortline, Downtown Cordele Depot; samshortline.com

4 Sensory Sensitive Sunday. 9am-

11am. Chuck E. Cheese, 3201 Macon Rd; 706-568-6887

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Chess: Unplug from the Computer for Chess’ Sakes. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

6​Harry Potter Night. 6:30pm. Mil-

dred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Benning; benning.armymwr.com

Columbus Kids Market. Wed. 10am-5pm, Thur.

2-8pm, Fri. 10am-8pm, Sat. 8am1pm. Central Baptist Church, 8303 Whitesville Rd, Columbus; 706-5655442

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Kids Summer Vendor Fair. 9amNoon. 1000 Broadway; 706-718-7663

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Butterfly Release. 9am-Noon.

Columbus Botanical Gardens; 706327-8400

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Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament. 10am. $10-$20. Ages 8-15.

Godwin Creek; forekidscolumbus.com

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10 Plains Express Train Ride.

National Honeybee Day. 9:3011am. $5 parking. FD Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

10​Uno, Dos, Tres Craft (ages 4-8).

Columbus Toy & Comic Book Show. 11am-4pm. $5. Coca-Cola Space Science Centre; 706.649.1477

9:30am. Sam Shortline, Downtown Cordele Depot; samshortline.com 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

14AMC

Summer Movie Camp.

10am-Noon. $4. AMC CLASSIC Ritz 13, Columbus; amctheatres.com/ summer-movie-camp

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20 ​Chess: Unplug from the

Computer for Chess’ Sakes. 4:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

21 North Columbus Farmers Market. 4-6pm. MercyMed Parking Lot, 3702 2nd Ave, Columbus; 706-5079209

t Events PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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Butterfly Bonanza. 9:3010:30am. $5 parking. FD Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

22 Summer Concert Series: Rab-

bitfoot. 6pm. Free. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

24 Dog Days of Summer - Doggy

Swim Day. 10am-3pm. $5. Double Churches Waterpark; parks.columbusga.gov

27-28 Paw Patrol Live! Race

to the Rescue. 6pm. $22-$118, plus $5 parking. Columbus Civic Center; 706225-4482

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Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-3236565

Weekly Events WEDNESDAYS

Preschool Story Hour. 10am. PCRC Library, Phenix City; 334-197-1139

FRIDAYS

27 ​Chess: Unplug from the Com-

Summer Movies on the Beach.

8:30pm. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens; callawaygardens.com (not 8/30)

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SATURDAYS

puter for Chess’ Sakes. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Family Fun Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

30-31 Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; 800-CALLAWAY

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Cool Pool Summer Splash.

1-3pm. $5 parking. Liberty Bell Pool, Pine Mountain;

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon.

Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10amNoon. Ages 3+. See store for details Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706653-7880 Family Story Time. 11am. PCRC Library, Phenix City; 334-197-1139 Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT

New School Year!

FROM

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SMART

IS THE

NEW COOL

Locally Owned!

A new year brings new friends, new teachers, and new opportunities. Help the kids put their best foot forward by dressing them for success!

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 HUNGRY

slow cooker creamy italian chicken This flavorful comfort food will end up on your regular menu line-up! courtesy of life-in-the-lofthouse.com

DIRECTIONS Spray a large slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Lay chicken breasts in the bottom. Season with Mrs Dash's original seasoning (I use a teaspoon or two) and a sprinkle of pepper.

Pour cream of chicken soups and Italian dressing mix evenly over chicken. Lay the cubed cream cheese all over the tops. Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low heat 5 to 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours.

INGREDIENTS • 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts • Mrs Dash’s Original seasoning blend

• 20 ounces fat-free cream of chicken soup • 1 envelope Good Seasons Zesty Italian dressing mix

Carefully shred chicken with two forks and mix up the sauce/gravy. If it's too thick you can thin it out with a little milk.

• 8 ounces low fat cream cheese, cubed

Serve over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes and garnish with Parsley. Enjoy!

• ¼ to ½ cup milk, as needed

• chopped fresh Parsley, for garnish

• Cooked noodles, rice, mashed potatoes to serve chicken over

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hoo’s Tips READING

TO

1.

2.

3.

4.

baby

Relax! Your goal is to make reading enjoyable. Your baby can pick up on your emotions and stress levels, so take a break if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

You can read to your baby at any age. Often, parents wait to introduce books until they’re preparing their child to start school. Don’t wait! Your baby benefits from your reading starting before they’re even born.

Don’t worry about reading every single word on every single page. Your child will gain important skills and information when you just point out pictures, colors, etc.

Babies do not have to sit still in order to listen. Encouraging your baby to clap, jump, dance, and move while you read will help them connect to the text.

Jeannine Scott, Branch Manager, North Columbus Public Library

We get it. Sometimes it is hard to read to a baby. They squirm, talk, and even try to gnaw on the book! Plus, depending on their age, they cannot even show that they’re paying any attention.

We’ve been there, and we understand. Here are a few tips to make the experience fun – for both of you:

5.

6.

Remember that this is an activity for more than just mom. In fact, reading is a great way for any family member/caretaker to bond with baby.

It is an anytime activity! Reading can be used as a calming activity before bed or as entertainment at any point of your day. It is beneficial to set up a reading routine, but do not feel like you can only read at certain times of the day.

7.

If you’re having trouble getting into the reading groove, or if you’d just like some pointers, attend a free storytime at any one of your local libraries. All ages are welcome!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Dining Deals

for Kids

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

MONDAY

thursday

Barberitos

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Zaxby’s

Captain D’s

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

Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

Tuesday

saturday

Denny’s

Denny’s

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

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

Jason’s Deli 5-9pm: Free kids’ meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée. Dine-in only. Whittlesey location.

sunday

Ruby Tuesday

Pita Pit

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

TGI Friday’s 3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

wednesDAY Applebee’s Kids’ meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids per 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

Free kid’s pita, cookie & juice box with a purchase of regular size pita combo

The Simple Greek Kids 12 & under get free kids bowl with purchase of regular bowl or pita

Weekdays 219 On The Lake 5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (not Fridays)

every day Golden Corral Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

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.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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COME & enjoy the Stories you'll hear

NOWHERE

else!

1002 VICTORY DRIVE • COLUMBUS, GA 31901 WWW.PORTCOLUMBUS.ORG

HOO’s CRAFTY

WATER BALLOON LUMINARIES A fun and easy project with a beautiful payoff.

Courtesy of candletech.com

DIRECTIONS Fill a balloon with tepid water. Melt your wax. Optimum working temperature is 180 degrees.

Slowly dip your balloon into the wax just below the water level in the balloon. Hold the balloon in the wax for a few seconds, and slowly lift it out. Dip the balloon a few more times, allowing some time between dips to let the wax cool. While it is still warm, carefully set the balloon down, level, onto a piece of paper or a cookie sheet. Dip your balloon a few more times until it is the desired thickness, 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch. Set the balloon on the paper or cookie sheet again & let it cool.

When completely cooled, hold the balloon over a sink or bucket, facing away from you. Carefully pop the balloon with a skewer or knife and let the water drain. To level the top of the luminary, heat a cookie sheet on the stove and place the luminary top-down onto the hot sheet & melt the edges until level. Place a tea light or votive inside the luminary and burn on a candle holder.

SUPPLIES HIGH-MELT PARAFFIN WAX PARTY BALLOONS DOUBLE BOILER COOKIE SHEET

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s CUTE

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

Coker, 10 months Columbus

Beckett, 4 months Columbus

Paxton, 4 years Smiths Station

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

BE THE ONE

For a list of private schools, preschools, tutors and home school resources, visit familyandkidsga.com/cat/education

WITH ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

open houses coming this fall

To feature your school option, call Tammy 253-212-7270.

Brookstone school

SCIENCE, MATH, & LITERACY CHARACTER EDUCATION SIGN LANGUAGE FREE TECHNOLOGY GEORGIA “HEALTHY ME” MENU PRE-K AND MORE!

Become a Knight!

K3-12th grade * Biblical Instruction * Weekly Chapel Challenging Academics * AP & Honor Classes Dual Enrollment * 5th & 6th Grade Academy Pre-engineering and Space Science Class 1 of 5 schools worldwide with an experiment on the International Space Station Full Athletic Program * Extra-Curricular Activities Fine Arts * Before & After School Care OPEN HOUSE: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guided tours at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. or contact our Admissions Director at saraketcham@calvaryknights.com

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Christian School CalvaryKnights.com / 706.323.0467, ext. 204

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Enroll them in Kumon today!

Back to school is the perfect time to advance your child’s math and reading skills.

Many Kumon Students are studying above grade level .

For over 60 years, our method has benefited millions of kids around the world.

SCHEDULE A FREE PLACEMENT TEST

AR, THIS SCHOOL YE AN D IL CH GIVE YOUR

Kumon Math and Reading Center of COLUMBUS - NORTH Whitesville Crossing 1290 Double Churches Road, Suite K Columbus, GA 31904 706-257-6963 • kumon.com/columbus-north

VANTAGE. ACADEMIC AD Where Smart Kids Get Smarter.

©2019 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Learning through physical activity & Sports

Tutoring Individual, group, organization, sports leagues and more, also Day Care Center Early Learning and in-home tutoring

Math & Reading

Ages

3-11

Call to schedule your child’s free academic assessment & your Parent Orientation

Sign up Online Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

www.btglearning.com (762) 208-5048

Cunningham Center 3100 Gentian Blvd, Suite 121 Columbus, Ga 31907

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Preparing Minds • Living for Christ

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Be a Lion!

Openings Available in Select Grades

706.256.1301 | stlukelions.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s Fun

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HIDDEN PICTURE:

A Day at the Lake

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HOO’s tips

Online Safety Online OnlineSafety Safety for kids

Accessing the internet has become an unavoidable part of our kids’ daily lives. During the summer, kids game online and keep up with their circle of friends by chatting on mobile apps. Once summer is over and the school year begins, kids are given homework assignments through Google Classroom and parents communicate with teachers through apps. Here are some updated cybersafety tips that can help your family avoid any hidden threats while using devices online.

Evaluate online games and apps before they are downloaded Mature content or privacy risks can lurk in apps and games. Some criminals even develop apps that look legitimate but actually contain a ‘Trojan,’ a malicious piece of code that can compromise your computer or mobile device. Require your child to seek your approval before downloading any app or game onto any of your devices.

• The app should come from a reputable source (Google contain undesirable concepts, such as judging other users Play, iTunes or Amazon) and be rated for kids. Research on their looks. Some simulation games may contain the developer before downloading the app to ensure their ‘worlds’ with mature content. You should also screen websites. Some websites contain characters that look like legitimacy. they are for kids but actually contain mature content.

• Dating apps that share the user’s location and profile are meant for adults. They do not have the same safeguards • Be cautious about free apps. They often have embedded and privacy standards as apps designed for kids. Delete any ads and may try to entice your child to pay a fee to upgrade and get more features. Disabling the ability for in-app you find on your child’s phone. upgrades can help prevent your child from accidentally • Screen the contents of the app, site or game thoroughly. spending large sums of money.

It may look innocent enough on the surface but actually

Teach your child to protect personal information Teach your child to never give out personal information or chat with strangers online. Your child should never use his real name while gaming online or provide any information that might help someone identify him. Criminals sometimes pose as a child in an online game and may attempt to befriend kids while participating in the game, with the intent of piecing enough personal information together to steal identities and use them for fraudulent purposes. Even more concerning, sexual predators sometimes set up fake identities in online games and then try to lure a child into meeting in person. Keep an open dialogue with your child about what he is doing online and let him know to report to you any chat messages he is getting from a stranger.

Set up your online defenses Remind your child to protect his online accounts by not sharing passwords or user names with anyone, and periodically review the privacy settings on your child’s apps. Protect your child’s email account from ‘phishing’ attacks by teaching him to only give his email address to family members and close friends and to not open email from someone he does not know. All devices should have up-todate anti-malware apps installed and you may also want to consider purchasing a parental control app such as Bark (bark.us) or Qustodio (qustodio. com) that monitors online activity or an app like Circle (meetcircle.com) that also limits screen time. In the end, educating your child is the best defense against the dangers that lurk in the shadows online.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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