Family & Kids Chatt Valley Jan 2018

JANUARY 2018

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Jessica Mitchell Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

NOW OFFERING IMPLANTS!

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

S

FREE Zax Kidz Meal between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.

(Limit one Zax Kidz Mealsper adult meal purchase. Dine-In only) VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus •706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7033 Ruffie Way • Midland • 706.289.1258

Limited-time offer. Offer valid at this location only, on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult meals include any Most Popular Menu Item, Meal Deal, Zalad or Sandwich Basket.

Kids must be present when ordering. Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zax Kidz” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PARENTING

conflict resolution teaching

Resolving disagreements is an important life skill that takes time and practice to perfect. It may seem easier to try to shut down disagreements with your kids quickly, with a comment like 'because I said so', however this often just results in a display of anger or crying. Here are a few steps to help resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner that also will allow your child to practice and learn the skill of resolving disagreements with others.

First, keep emotions of all parties involved in check. If you feel like you are becoming overwhelmed because the baby is crying and the dog needs to go out at the same time that your child decides she wants to challenge her scheduled bed time, then take a step back and calm down for a few minutes. To successfully resolve the conflict, both you and your child need to be ready to have a conversation. If your child immediately went into a display of emotion upon your response, let her know you are willing to discuss it and possibly work something out, but she must calm down first.

Once your child is ready to have a conversation, let her know that you want to work together to find a resolution. Explain what your reasons are behind your response, and then give her a turn to respectfully describe why she thinks you should grant what she is asking for. Being able to state your case and communicate your point of view to the other person is an important step in conflict resolution that is missed by the 'because I said so!' method, which often leave all parties feeling unheard and frustrated.

After your child has explained why she believes you should grant her request, it is

time to come to an agreement. If the request is not one you can grant, offer your child some choices. This works well with younger kids. For example, you tell your child she can't stay up late to watch a movie during the school week, but on Friday you’ll have movie night earlier so she can watch it too. If your older kids don't like the choices you give them, ask them to help you come up with a possible solution.

Sometimes, your child will stick by a request you can't grant, and you will need to stand firm by your decision. Let your child know you empathize with her disappointment, but your decision is final.

In some cases, your child may make a good enough case for her request that you are willing to grant it, as long as the boundaries you’ve set are respected. For example, your child may get to see a movie with a friend on Sunday afternoon even though that time is usually reserved for visiting grandma, as long as she goes to see her the next week. By granting the request, you are not 'giving in' or turning control over to your child, but you are being flexible enough to allow your child to negotiate, when what she is requesting is not completely out of the question.

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

activities Academy Dance.................................... 5 CSU Dance Conservatory.................22 Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair..... 31 Oasis Child Enrichment Center....29 Performance Dance Centre............. 14 Prodigy Dance..................................... 10 RiverCenter.......................................... 21 The Columbus Museum...................22 “The Talk”............................................. 13 YMCA of Metro Columbus............... 13

Childcare/ education TELL THEM Brookstone School. ............................26 Calvary Christian...............................26 Emanuel Prep......................................24 First Presbyterian Day School.......27 SENT YOU! Grace Christian School....................24 Growing Room....................................28 Highland Kids Academy..................29 Kumon...................................................29 Lakewood Child Development ......28 St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic................25 St. Luke Schools.................................27 Sylvan Learning Center...................24

Food & Beverage

Columbus Counseling......................20 Comprehensive Women’s Care......22 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Ctr for Reproductive Services........30 Dr. Alberto Lugo, DMD...................... 13 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...30 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre.....8 Rivertown Pediatrics.........................11

Home/ Handy American Painting & More............. 15 Turfscapes............................................20 Warehouse World...............................20 Zen Windows.......................................20

Shopping/ Retail AutoNation Honda.............................32 Bricks and Minifigs........................... 14 Edward Jones, Brad Brooks............20 In this Place with God......................20 Lula and Mae....................................... 13 Mickayla’s Place - Resale.................. 8 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 18 The Posh Peach.................................. 19

Chick-fil-A.............................................. 8 Zaxby’s..................................................... 2

Where to Find HOO? BULK LOCATIONS: Area Chick-fil-A Locations PLUS: 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

www.Familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

NEW WEBSITE

FamilyAndKidsGA.com FEATURING: Magazine i Digital i Contests Tips i Parenting Guides i Resource Events, And i LARGEST, LOCAL Parent’s Shopping Guide

..

Happy New Year

isaiah 43:19

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HOO’s NEWS WOMEN GET

WILD

When deciding on a career, you’re often told to figure out what you love, and find how to make a living doing it. Local mom, Sanna Moravek, has found a way to make her passion for nature also her career, by protecting our local watersheds as the Chattahoochee River Warden. As her knowledge and access to the outdoors expanded, she desired a way for women to discover the outdoors in a secure, open environment: outdoor education taught by women—for women…and with that, WILD was born.

Women’s Initiative for Learning and Discovery (WILD) is an organization for all types of women: for ladies in a new place during their husband’s deployment looking for a hobby, to those who have outdoor skills but who want to meet others with similar interests and discover the local area.

“WILD is really about getting women outdoors and connected with one another. We provide an encouraging environment to teach hiking, camping, kayaking…everything from how to hold a kayak to water purification,” Sanna explains. “It’s for all ages, too, the youngest

out doors

member being a 13 year who attends with her mother, all the way to a 72-year-old woman.”

WILD teaches the very basics of outdoor exploring through free clinics held at Outside World twice a month on Wednesday nights. Affordable rentals and loaners are available in partnership with Outside World.

WILD then helps women take the skills they learned into nature, offering group hikes on Coosa Backcountry trail to their upcoming paddle trip to see monkeys (yes, monkeys) and gators at the Silver River in Florida.

“The community really embraces one another, whether it’s lending gear, or answering female based questions like, ‘what if I’m on my period, will I attract a bear when we’re camping?’” said Sanna. “The best reward of WILD is taking a woman on her first hike and watching her reaction as she reaches the top. Just knowing, they did it.” The accomplishment never gets old.

…to read more about Sanna, her role as a river warden, and how she’s raising her daughter with a passion for nature, visit FamilyandKidsGA.com/Hoo-Knows-Sanna ….to learn more about WILD, visit WildOutdoorLearning.org. To follow the latest WILD journeys, check out their Instagram @wildcolumbus

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

is sanitizer putting your kids at risk?

Hand sanitizer is available just about everywhere you go, especially during the flu and cold season.

From grocery stores, to hospitals, to schools with dispensers in classrooms and halls, and of course families make sure that sanitizer is available in the home to help keep bacteria and viruses at bay.

While gel hand sanitizers are convenient, they are also contributing to a rise in kids getting sick after ingesting the products, according to a new government report.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers tracked illnesses from 2011 to 2014 for children aged 12 and under. Older children [aged 6-12 years] were more likely to report intentional ingestion and to have adverse health effects and worse outcomes than were younger children, suggesting that older children might be deliberately misusing or abusing alcohol hand sanitizers,” wrote the team led by Dr. Cynthia Santos, of the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health.

Typical hand sanitizers contain 60 to 90 percent ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, as well as scents that children might find appealing. However, ingestion comes with serious consequences, like breathing difficulties, excessive acid buildup in tissues, and even coma.

So, what’s going on with kids and hand sanitizers? The researchers said that answer might depend on the age of the child. Most of these exposures may have been accidental, with 91 percent occurring in kids, aged 5 and under.

But about 6,200 incidents affected kids aged 6 to 12, and these have much higher odds of being intentional ingestions, the research showed.

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

Santos noted that ingestion of alcohol sanitizers was also associated with worse symptoms in kids.

While vomiting and eye irritation were the most common symptoms, much more serious events were also recorded, including five cases of coma and three cases involving seizures.

What’s influencing this change? According to the CDC team, in recent years many schools have installed gel hand sanitizer dispensers, or requested that children bring their own hand sanitizer gels to school.

A study from 2000 to 2011 found that, among 385 kids who ingested hand sanitizer, 35 percent of ingestions occurred at school.

The CDC team noted that “hand washing with soap and water is the recommended method of hand hygiene in non-health care settings” such as the home and school. Hand washing is a safe, effective germ-killer, they said, without the risks to children that can come with hand sanitizers.

If hand sanitizers must be used, the researchers said adult supervision and proper storage -- away from children’s reach when not in use -- could help lower poisoning risks.

Hand sanitizers play a role in making sure that germs aren’t spread or for a quick cleanup when water and soap aren’t available, but as with most chemicals, they need to be kept out of the mouths of young children. Older kids may not understand the dangers of ingesting products with alcohol listed as an ingredient. What may seem like a lark could put them in a coma. A discussion about drinking alcohol and the facts about the different types of alcohol – such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol – may save them from a trip to the ER.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY

DIY STRING ART

ICE CREAM CONE

String art has become a big thing in home decor lately, and it’s no wonder! It’s such a cute idea that lets your kids make something they can treasure for years to come.

DIRECTIONS Start by either drawing a design on your board, or going to their website to download and print a paper template to use.

Now let your littles hammer a nail at the top of the cherry and bottom of the cone to hold it in place, then go around nailing nails about 1/2” apart. When you’re done, pull off the template.

Time to start stringing! Pick a color and start on a section, and go until you get the coverage you want. Once you have all ice cream cone done, go back and outline the sections to give a more finished look. Then display your art proudly!

SUPPLIES painted wood board (approx 5.5”x 13”) wire nails embroidery floss hammer Courtesy of: amotherthing.com

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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MONDAY

wednesDAY

Barberitoes

Applebee’s

Cafe La Rue

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

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

thursday

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm 5-9p: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée 5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with adult entrée (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

Zaxby’s

MOE’s Southwest Grill

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

sunday

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

Pita Pit

Tuesday

Stevi B’s Pizza

Free kids pita, cookie & juice box with a purchase of regular size pita combo Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1.

Denny’s

Texas Roadhouse

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entrée (certain holidays are excluded)

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

Monday-Friday

Ruby Tuesday

Steak & Shake

5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

TGI Friday’s

Happy Hour, 1/2 price shakes or drinks from 2-5pm

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

every day

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. All specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

Golden Corral

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Follow us

@FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

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TALK The awkward conversation about puberty that most parents would prefer to avoid!

This 2.5 hour Christian focused, gender specific workshop is fun, frank, factual and full of activities!

You can relax while we handle the tough questions.

ST. LUKE MINISTRY CENTER

Wednesdays, January 31 - February 28 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. Dinner) Registration fee: $50 for one child/one parent (dinner included)

Register now or for more information go to www.rightfromthestart.org

Relationships Matter

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE School of Dragons Join Hiccup, Toothless, and Gobber in the School of Dragons Learn everything from science basics to the art of shooting fireballs, all while soaring through the skies on your very own dragon! Raise, nurture and train your dragon and rise in the ranks!

lego duplo train Driving the colorful LEGO® DUPLO® Train from station to station is any kid’s dream.

Your child will play the role of the train driver, load cargo, build bridges, stop at crossings, help passengers, refuel, and lay new tracks to steer the train safely around obstacles.

pet bingo Kids learn and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division! Play the mixed math mode that adapts to each kid’s level so they understand the concepts while having fun. Also includes a Report Card so parents and teachers can monitor progress. Great for ages 5-10.

full term A great app to have in your pregnancy arsenal. This app keeps track of your baby’s kicks, of weight gain, and also has a fantastic contraction counter. As if that wasn’t enough, this app is also full of reference info for expecting moms. This has thought of everything you need to make it to full term.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

CHICKEN NOODLE

ALPHABET SOUP

I’ll wager an alphabet that this one pot, homemade soup is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s such a quick, tasty, and fun recipe.

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot, pour the chicken broth, the salt and pepper, and the bouillon cube. Mix slowly until the bouillon cube dissolves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Add in the celery, carrots, onions, and chicken. Cover and cook on medium heat for 25 minutes.

Stir in the cans of cream of chicken and slowly mix until lumps are gone. Add in the alphabet noodles, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the noodles soften.

Serve your soup with either your favorite rolls or crackers while warm. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS • 8 cups Chicken Broth • 1 large chicken bouillon cube • 1 tsp. salt • ½ tsp. ground pepper • ½ onion, diced • 1 cup celery, chopped • 1 cup carrots, chopped • 1½ cups of chicken, cubed • 2 cans of cream of chicken • 1½ cups of alphabet pasta

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January PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP

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First Day Hike. 1pm. $5 parking. Ages 8+.

F. D. Roosevelt State Park; gastateparks. com/FDRoosevelt Fantasy in Lights. 6pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com

1-5

Ice Skating. 2-7pm. $5-$7, plus $3 rental.

Columbus Ice Rink; columbusicerink.org

2-5

Lego Robotics Camp by Bricks 4 Kidz at Bricks & Minifigs. 1-4pm. my.bricks4kidz. com.

STEAMpunks Stories & Science. 3:304:30pm. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

Columbus Libraries United with Education (C.L.U.E.) Study Hall. 4 – 5:00pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

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Unplug from the Computer for Chess’ Sake. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

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Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon.

Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-3229240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

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Board Book Club (BBC). 10:30 – 11:30am.

Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

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Puppy Tales. 10:30 – 11:30am. North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

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Face 2 Face Teen Support Group. 6pm.

Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Assoc; ccacolumbus.com

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Black History Trivia Challenge. 3:30 – 4:30pm. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

I Saw the Sign: ASL Storytime. 4:00 – 5:00 pm. North Columbus Public Library. 706748-2855

A Story for You, Un Cuento Para Mi: Bilingual Storytime. 11:45am-12noon. North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

Brilliant Builders: Lego Mania! 4 – 5:30pm.

North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am.

5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

Unplug from the Computer for Chess’ Sake. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782

2-5

NIM Kids Winter Film Fest. 10am and 2pm.

Free. National Infantry Museum; nationalinfantrymuseum.org

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La Leche League morning meeting. 10am.

Columbus Library, 3000 Macon Rd; lllofga. org/columbus.html

Winter Break Open Jump. Noon- 8pm.

Launch Trampoline Park, Columbus; launchcolumbus.com

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Uno, Dos, Tres Crafts. 3-4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

RiverDance. 7:30pm. $57-$62. RiverCenter; rivercenter.org

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Parent & Child class: Self Portrait. 10amNoon. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

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Check It: Try Something New the Youth Edition. 2-3pm. Columbus Library. 706243-2669.

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“I Wouldn’t Trade Ya For the World” Couples Scavenger Hunt. 10am. Columbus Trade Center. Rightfromthestart.org.

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CSO: Family Dress Rehearsal. 12:30pm.

RiverCenter; 706-256-3640 or csoga.org/ openrehearsals

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Winnie The Pooh Walk. 1-3pm. $2. Ages 4 plus. $5 parking. FDR State Park; gastateparks.com/FDRoosevelt

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Family Fun Night. 6:30 – 7:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782

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y events WITH:

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Junie B. Jones IS NOT A CROOK. 10am. $5-$10. CSU Riverside Theatre, 901 Front Avenue; 706-507-8444 or theatre.columbusstate.edu

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La Leche League evening meeting. 6pm.

Iron Bank Coffee (Upstairs Conference Room), 6 Eleventh St; lllofga.org/columbus.html

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Craft Your Family Tree: Genealogy Basics for Pre-Teens. 4:30-5:30pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669

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Friday Family Flicks. 3-4pm. South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805

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Family Theatre presents “The Hiding Place.” 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; familytheatre.org

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Junie B. Jones IS NOT A CROOK. 10am & 7:30pm. $5-$10. CSU Riverside Theatre, 901 Front Avenue; 706-507-8444 or theatre.columbusstate.edu

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Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus.

8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles. com/flightplan/flight.asp

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The Wheels on the Bus: Theatre for the Very Young. 10am and 2pm. $4-$8. McClure Theatre at Springer Opera House; SpringerOperahouse.com

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The Ugly Duckling: Theatre for the Very Young. 10:45am and 2:45pm. $4-$8. McClure Theatre at Springer Opera House; SpringerOperahouse.com

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Uno, Dos, Tres Crafts. 3-4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782

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The Wheels on the Bus: Theatre for the Very Young. 2pm. $4-$8. McClure Theatre at Springer Opera House; SpringerOperahouse.com

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The Ugly Duckling: Theatre for the Very Young. 2:45pm. $4-$8. McClure Theatre at Springer Opera House; SpringerOperahouse.com

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Junie B. Jones IS NOT A CROOK. 2pm. $5$10. CSU Riverside Theatre, 901 Front Ave; 706-507-8444/theatre.columbusstate.edu

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Picture Book Club. 3:30-4:30pm. South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805

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Bang, Boom, Woops: Youth Science Club.

4:30-5:30pm. Columbus Library. 706-2432669.

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“The Talk – for Guys.” Puberty class for 6th grade boys. 5-7:30pm. St. Luke School. $50 w/ meal for one child/one parent.

RSVP 706-327-4343 ext. 1023 or hsims@ stlukeum.com

WEEKLY EVENTS Monday

Read & Play Storytime. 10:30 -11:30am.

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

friday

Kids Night Out. $10. 6pm practice. 7pm competition. Ages 5-18. Bows not provided. Archery Connection; 334-480-9997 or archeryconnection.net

saturday

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details.

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-6537880 Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:30 -11:30am. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805 Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more events, visit our website at: familyandkidsga.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

PerFect 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 |

HOO’s PARENTING

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

Mean Moms

Many parenting books cover the topic of parenting styles. However, from the perspective of kids today, it seems parents either fall into the ‘cool’ category or the ‘mean’ category. A phrase often overheard when kids compare notes on the playground is ‘My mom is so mean, she made me clean my room!’, as if this is a major offense. While the thought of being labeled a ‘mean’ mom may not seem very appealing, here are some reasons why it may not be a bad thing after all.

First, what is meant by ‘mean’ is not being insensitive or hurtful. It actually means the opposite. Kids need parents to care enough to set boundaries and to provide a loving but structured environment where they can thrive. It seems in today’s world, you are perceived as being a bad parent if you tell your kids ‘no’. However, by being consistent and enforcing your expectations and household rules, you are showing that you are good to your word and will stand by the boundaries you have set.

‘Mean’ moms have less cleanup to do.

As their kids grow, mean moms assign their kids age appropriate chores and expect them to help clean up behind themselves. Computer or TV time is not

permitted until the daily chores are complete. This is truly a win-win situation. You feel less overwhelmed by household chores and your kids learn skills they will need later to live on their own.

Kids of ‘mean’ moms learn the skills of problem solving and critical thinking. Mean moms slowly take a step back as their kids grow, and eventually find themselves not constantly having to rush around ‘fixing’ things that go wrong during their child’s day. Those little failures, like forgetting to turn in a homework assignment and making a bad grade, do hurt but the experience of resolving their issues independently will help your child become a more self-sufficient and confident adult.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. F a m i l y A n d K i d s G A . c o m

Connor, 4 years Pine Mountain

Lakshita, 4 years Columbus

Miles, 1 year Columbus

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Life without Ballet is Pointeless

Spring 2018 New Classes Start January 8!

Join Anytime Find our SCHEDULE online.

Register today!

ColumbusState.edu/Ballet • 706.507.8070

We are expecting

Y ou!

Maria V. Gonzaga, MD OB/GYN

1900 10th Ave. Suite 300 Columbus, GA (706) 341-3311 | comprehensivewomenscare.com

Sim

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Hoo’s helpful plify your

Getting the family out the door on time every morning is no small feat. Seemingly simple tasks like getting dressed, packing backpacks and making breakfast can quickly turn into chaos. Before you know it, you’re running late and the kids haven’t even eaten as you dash to the car.

routine Select a week’s worth of clothes Sunday night.

Instead of choosing outfits the night prior, supersize your time-saving efforts by doing this task just once on Sunday night. Involve kids in selecting their clothes for the week so they feel empowered in their choices. Then hang entire outfits in the closet or stack in one drawer dedicated to weekday wear. When mornings come, kids know exactly where to find the day’s duds. Bonus: you don’t have to worry about midweek laundry.

Create a routine and set alarms.

Create a morning routine and stick to it. For example, kids wake at 7 am, eat breakfast at 7:15 am, get dressed and ready at 7:30 am, then out the door by 8 am. And if the kids need to share a bathroom, set a daily bathroom schedule with alarms to keep kids on track and avoid arguments in the morning.

Get ready before waking up the kids.

Trying to ready yourself for the day while helping the kids is a recipe for disaster. This is why waking before the rest of the family really makes mornings happier. Try getting up 30 minutes before the kids so you have time to get ready and enjoy a cup of coffee. You’ll be fully awake, much happier and can focus on helping the kids stay on-task.

Stop dreading the stressful start to the day and start taking control of your mornings.

A few simple tips and tricks will turn the morning craze into smooth sailing. Plus, when you have a stress-free start, the rest of the day just seems to go better.

Create morning rules.

Just like you don’t let kids eat dessert before dinner to ensure they eat well, set rules for the morning to keep things moving. For example, no TV until all morning tasks are completed. For teens, smartphones and other mobile devices must remain on the kitchen table until they are ready to go.

Sundays = meal prep.

If you have to prepare your child’s lunch, try to make five servings ahead of time, like even freezing PB&J sandwiches works well to pop in a lunch box and have it defrosted by lunch. Take it one step further and do the same for dinner. Then that just leaves you to worry with breakfast each morning. If you are really short on time, set out shelf-stable items the kids can make and take themselves, such as nut butter toast, fruit and cereal. Or want to up the ante for breakfast without spending extra morning time?

Get a recipe for delicious overnight oats that can be made in the evening and customized for each family member at www.familyandkidsga.com/ overnight-oats-recipe.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

To feature your school or child care option, call Tammy at 253-212-7270.

Preparing Young Men to Excel.

A boys prep school for advanced learning in math and science.

Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade | Fall 2018 Limited slots available for qualified boys.

10107 Veterans Pkwy, Midland, GA 31820 info@emanuelprep.com | emanuelprep.com Call to schedule a private tour. | 706.327.1978

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

HOO’s learning

CHOOSING SCHOOLS

Selecting a private school is not a simple task, since there is not a universal ranking system to determine if a private school is the right fit for your child. Choosing a school can also be a daunting, high pressure process, since it is the framework of your child’s future. Here are some tips to help you get started on your search for a private school: MAKE A LIST OF SCHOOLS THAT INTEREST YOU.

In your list, note deadlines for applying and any dates for admissions testing. You also want to make notes regarding other criteria you will be considering in your final decision.

Are the school’s values and culture a match for your child?

For example, it is important to some parents that a school that teaches religious values are ones that match their own.

CONSIDER ACADEMICS FIRST WHEN SEARCHING FOR A PRIVATE SCHOOL. Determining which curriculum style is a match for your child can be complicated if your child has special educational needs or needs additional assistance.

DETERMINE WHICH PRIVATE SCHOOLS FIT YOUR FAMILY’S LIFESTYLE, SCHEDULE AND BUDGET.

It is important to be realistic, since switching your child to a new school is a lengthy, involved process that is difficult to reverse.

Consider if you felt comfortable while talking with the staff and the other parents. Did the students and staff seem happy to be there?

Get a sense for the mood and structure, then consider if you can picture your child thriving in this environment.

SCHEDULE TO VISIT THE SCHOOLS.

PREPARE FOR THE PRIVATE SCHOOL INTERVIEW

The private school admission interview is important, since the school administrators will be trying to determine if your child is a fit for their school. You can also use the interview as an opportunity to gain knowledge needed to make your final school selection.

AND THE ADMISSIONS TEST.

For a great starting point, check out the schools contained within this education directory.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

ONE DAY, SHE WILL BE A NEUROSCIENTIST.

But today, she’s taking a neuroanatomy class at Brookstone School. Tomorrow?

Forensics. Next semester, marine biology.

Brookstone is home to tons of mindopening academic experiences. Here, fourth graders use power tools to build book benches. Middle schoolers make cat houses for PAWS Humane. Lower School kids tour history classrooms turned Civil War museums.

Welcome to Brookstone. We’re the ones who take learning to the next level.

BE THE ONE

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brookstoneschool.org 706.324.1392

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Now Enrolling for the 2018-19 School Year!

Dual Enrollment K3-12th Grade Fine Arts Biblical Instruction Full Athletic Program Weekly Chapel Challenging Academics Extra-Curricular Activities AP & Honor Classes Before & After School Care

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

OPEN HOUSE Thursdays, 9A to 1P or call 706.323.0467, ext. 204 CalvaryKnights.com 706.323.0467

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www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Teaching the

in the Heart of Columbus.

Jr-K & Kindergarten Sign-Up Begins Wednesday, January 3 school.stlukeum.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Schedule a Parent Orientation today!

Kumon Math & Reading Center of

COLUMBUS - NORTH

1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K

706.257.6963

kumon.com/columbus-north

©2015 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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