Chatt Valley July 2019

JULY 2019

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Wes Roberts Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor See P age 10 See Cover Sponsor Page 2

ELITE classes for the best in everything dance.

2

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

Valid at the following locations only:

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

FREE

Zax Kidz Meal ®

with any adult meal purchase.

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

Participating locations only.

Mondays

5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Offer only valid Monday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kids 10 and under only. Limit one Zax Kidz Meal per adult meal purchase. Adult meals include any Zalad®, Sandwich Meal or Most Popular Meal. Dine-in only. Not valid at any other locations. © 2018 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC “Zaxby’s,” “Zax Kidz” and “Zalad” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s CUTE

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

Peyton, 5 years Fort Benning

the

Zuhoor, 6 years Columbus

Kyle, 4 years Columbus

on SOY

HOO’s FIT

Soy food products, such as edamame and soymilk, are easily found in your local grocery store and are often marketed as being healthy. However, the safety of eating soy has been much debated in the last few decades.

Here is an overview of what you need to know before including soy in your children’s diet.

Soybeans contain enough protein to serve as a healthy replacement for meat but, unlike meat, are low in saturated fat, have no cholesterol and contain fiber. Soybeans contain many minerals, but also contain organic compounds called isoflavones. The chemical structure of isoflavones look similar to estrogens produced in the body.

Many parents are hesitant to allow their kids to consume soy products due to concerns that isoflavones will femininize boys or cause breast cancer later in life. However, research studies have not found that consuming soy moderately has any impact on testosterone levels in men and some studies found consuming whole soy foods may actually help reduce the chances of developing breast cancer.

Experts recommend serving soy to kids in moderation and to limit kids’ soy consumption to one serving a day. Avoid heavily processed soy foods, like hot dogs, since they may contain large amounts of soRESOURCES: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29506126 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21113655

dium. For kids over a year old, soymilk may be a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. If your child is allergic to milk, consult with her doctor before offering her soymilk, as she may be allergic to it also. Select a soymilk fortified with calcium, and avoid soy that is GMO by purchasing organic soy products. Also, anyone who takes thyroid medication should not consume soy within four hours of taking it.

Some parents consider switching their infant from a formula based on cow’s milk to a soy-based formula. However, the American Association of Pediatrics only recommends a soy-based formula for infants who cannot digest cow’s milk due to a hereditary condition.

The long-term effects of feeding infants a soy-based formula is unknown, but a study published in 2018 found subtle changes in the reproductive tissues of infant girls fed soy formula, which suggests further study of long-term effects is warranted.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28838083 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188409/

3

4

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

www.Familyandkidsga.com

HOO’s Fun

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Living a Life of

ADVENTURE ...with the kids!

BY MELISSA HARGROVE

MEET THE HARGROVES Hello, we’re the Hargrove Family of six, ages five to 40. Our family loves adventuring outside and creating unplugged moments together that turn into lasting memories. We’re living our dreams and making those unforgettable moments by traveling in our RV, kayaking as a family on the Jackson Kayak Regional Team and enjoying all the local fun that Columbus, Georgia provides.

We made a family decision to step away from the normal timetable that comes with public school and traditional sports and decided to create a flexible schedule. This instantly increased our core family time and has allowed us to travel the U.S. in our RV. From January through July, we’ve traveled throughout the East and just returned from a long trip out West. I am currently in Sort, Spain with Mason (16) as he is competing in the World Championships for freestyle kayaking.

We didn’t always have this lifestyle or way of thinking. We worked 8:30-5:30pm, balanced travel soccer, dance, tennis for myself and cycling for my husband, Matt. The only day we came together as a family unit was after church on Sundays. There is nothing wrong with these choices, although we were going to bed at night exhausted, feeling like there was more to life than what we were living.

In 2013, Matt decided to try the sport of Whitewater Kayaking and two years later, Mason also jumped into the sport. Watching them both on the river, I made the decision to push past my insecurities, get off the sideline and follow their lead. Our two daughters were not far behind. Let’s just say, that time on the river together was love at first sight and was the start of Hargrove Adventures. Our crew has discovered kayaking is more than a sport; it is an opportunity for confidence-building, stress relief and family bonding. It has opened the doors for our family to live out our dreams and meet beautiful people along the way.

Taking the road less traveled often results with the most satisfaction. Our family thrives on inspiring others to take the leap, live your dream and make every moment count, while gaining joy from God’s creation. As a licensed Foster Family and currently having four kids, we understand the struggle it can be to get everyone fed, dressed, sun-blocked and packed to leave for a couple hours on the river, or homeschooling four different grade levels. However, we’ve decided these things cannot limit our experiences together, especially after seeing the world from a river gorge and then a mountain top. Our encouragement to you: do not let fear be a guide, stop the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘maybe in a couple years.’ You are never too old, too young or too inexperienced. Be confident in who you are, take a chance, close your eyes and fly, feel the fresh air and the excitement of adrenaline through your blood stream. Go to bed at night fulfilled and refreshed, reflecting on the moments you took advantage of that blends the chaos of everyday life with fresh air, camaraderie and exercise.

We’d love to get you started by joining us on a Hargrove Adventure. Take the leap and bring your family to kayak with ours for our new hosted trips starting in mid-July. Follow us on Instagram @hargroveadventures or visit familyandkidsga.com/meetthehargroves for additional details. We’re excited at the possibilities and to you saying “yes” to a journey less taken.

5

6

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s parenting summer transition l Return your household to a regular routine. This includes gradually restoring the bedtime routine and the morning routine until your child goes to bed at about the time you would like her to when school starts. l Have fun shopping for the new school year. Kids love to shop for school supplies and pick out new clothes to wear during the first week of school.

Start shopping a few weeks before school starts to give your child a better selection to choose from. Getting an early start will also help everyone feel less rushed and provide time to search for the best deal on more expensive items, such as laptops. l Ask your child to help design a homework area for the new school year.

Decorate the homework area with some fun but functional crafts, such as holders for pencils or a decorated box to hold crayons. The homework area

It is almost time to say goodbye to summer and prepare the kids for school. Here are some ways to reduce stress during the back to school transition and enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

should be in a quiet corner of the house, not next to the TV, and in a place where you can easily monitor what is going on. l If your child is anxious about returning to school, help relieve her stress by focusing on the new opportunities the new school year will offer. Most schools have a meet and greet before school starts. Attend this event so that your child can meet her new teachers and also can identify any extra activities or clubs that may excite her. l End summer on a positive note by planning fun activities to enjoy in the last couple of weeks. Plan a camping trip or a picnic in the park with family and friends, have fun at home helping your kids create a scrapbook of their summer adventures or take one last trip to the pool before your kids return to their busy school year schedule.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO knew?

Why does your

Skin

Wrinkle after a long bath?

After a long bath or a refreshing swim, you will proba bly emerge with clammy, wrinkled skin. Under normal circumstances the skin is water-resistant, but prolonged immersion in water changes this.

The skin has a protective barrier made up of the protein keratin. Keratin is manufactured by cells in the epidermis to block out moisture, bacteria and other foreign matter.

Prolonged exposure to water causes the cells in the epidermal layer to absorb water and swell. The enlarged cells cause the skin to pucker and wrinkle. Several minutes after toweling off, the water in the skin cells evaporates and the cells return to their normal shape and size. Otherwise, we would all be walking around looking like California raisins.

SUMMER Delights We buy and sell gently used kids clothing.

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

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

7

8

y a d h t Bir Party

HOSTING AWise Choices for You & Your Family

AT HOME

So you’ve decided to host your child’s birthday party in your home. Are you nuts? A dozen crazy kids at your house. Touching your stuff.

Fighting over your kid’s toys. Screaming! Is the thought making you nervous? DON’T BE! The key to a successful birthday party is happy children! Here are a few tips to get you started:

Budget & Guest Limit

If you have a tight budget, you may need to limit guests to make sure you can afford that bounce house or the balloon maker. Perhaps you buy $5 Little Caesars pizzas to feed the crew instead of hosting a BBQ, or maybe you skip on the professional bakery and offer homemade cupcakes.

Consider what is important for a successful party vs. looking Instagram-worthy.

Food or No Food

Depending on the time of the party, you may only need to provide snacks and cake. If you want to serve meals, don’t go extravagant on the food; kids are picky eaters and will be busy having fun. Pick some of your child’s favorites (hot dogs, pizza, crackers) and call it a day.

Activities

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hosting a party is not planning activities. Depending on your age group, even the smallest of crafts or games can be a hit!

Consider decorating cupcakes, musical chairs or an eating contest for an easy success. If you plan a birthday party with a bounce house, movie or pool you can usually bypass other activities.

Stick to a Theme

Host Outdoors

Homemade Projects

The Gifts Can Wait

Surprisingly enough, deciding a theme helps in choosing games, favors and food. Plus, it really hypes up your child!

Once you’ve decided on a theme, turn to Pinterest for some pinspiration. You’d be shocked how many themed treats and games are out there!

Yes, we want to save money but we also value our time.

Although a piñata is $25 and you can make it for $10, is it really worth the mess and time? Plus, if you’re not crafty, you may have to squint a little to see Batman in that DIY mishap. However, if you can make a cake at home for $10 vs. $60…go for it!

Start & End Time

Listing an end time on your invitation prevents awkward exits and helps keep a pace for the party. If you’re hosting a party for toddlers, try to avoid prime nap times, between 1pm-3pm.

If you have the space and weather is on your side, an outdoor party is the way to go! It provides more room for kids to go crazy and saves your rug from dumped juice. Plus, water games are an easy way to keep children entertained.

Don’t waste precious party time making a bunch of kids sit around and watch their friend get a gift. Take this rule very seriously when hosting a party for young, often jealous children.

Goods for the Bag

Plastic trinkets often end up in the trash and therefore would be a waste of your money. If you want to give a gift to your guests, pick one small item. Some safe choices are bubbles, chalk, super hero masks, candy or crayons.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the idea of hosting a party in your home, consider a children’s party venue. Oftentimes these venues include everything and you just show up! For a list of local party venues, HEAD OVER TO PAGE 20.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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

9

10

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Camps & Activities

GUIDE

Summer Camps & Activities Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

11

EWMartialArts.com

DING BUIL

t iden f n co ers d a le RTIAL ARTS MA THROUGH

!

June +July 2019 Mon - Fri @ 1:00pm General Admission

for info call: 706-327-9798

706-326-0153 6440 W. Hamilton Park Dr. Ste 103B, Columbus 1002 VICTORY DRIVE • COLUMBUS, GA 31901 WWW.PORTCOLUMBUS.ORG

12

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Summer Camps & Activities Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

13

14

Summer Camps & Activities Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Summer Camps & Activities Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Summer Drama Camp

July 22-26 | Ages 6-8 9 am - 12 pm

clement-arts.org

Benefits adoption and foster care

STRENGTH SPEED AGILITY POWER CONFIDENCE The Only After School Program for Athletes Ages 7- Adult Go to www.ImpactPerformanceRX.com and schedule a FREE class today!

15

July E 1-7 U.S.A. Softball Intl Cup. $15-$150.

Kids 5yrs & under, Free. South Common Softball Complex, 400 4th St; 706-6601996

5 Sensory Friendly Storytime. 2pm. Ages 3-5yrs. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669

2 Miscreant Cosmetics: DIY Cosmetic

1000 Broadway; 706-718-7663

Maker Space. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679

2 Harry Potter Nights. 6:30-8:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

2 Mini Makers: Teensy Textiles. 10:30am.

Columbus Library. 706-243-2679

6 Kids Summer Vendor Fair. 9am-Noon.

6 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-

Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240 Phenix City store; 334-2972045

6 NIM Kids Summer Free Film Fest. 11am

& 1pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5800

2-4 NIM Kids Summer Free Film Fest. 6 Create Your Own Comic. 3pm. Columbus 11am & 1pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5800

3 Fourth of July Celebration. 1pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

3 North Highland Farmers Market.

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

Library; 706-243-2782

8 ARTiculate. 10-11:30am. K-12 on the

Autism Spectrum. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

12 Chattahoochee Challenge Kids Fun Run. 7pm. $20. Ages 3-13yrs. Woodruff Riverfront Park; tricolumbusga.com 13

Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament.

10am. $10-$20. Ages 8-15. Godwin Creek; forekidscolumbus.com

13 Insectival: Honey Harvest. 10am3pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu/insectival

13 NIM Kids Summer Free Film Fest.

11am & 1pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5800

13 Columbus Lions Game. 7pm. Columbus Civic Center; columbuslions.net

16 Mini Makers: Science in the Wild.

10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679

9-11 NIM Kids Summer Free Film Fest. 17 North Highland Farmers Market.

11am & 1pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-5800

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

4 Cool, Pool Summer Splash. 1-3pm. $5 10 Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A; 17-19 Fun in Summer Time. 10amparking. Liberty Bell Pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Hwy 354; 706-663-4858

4 4th of July Celebration. 4-10pm. Phenix City Amphitheater; 334-291-4719

chick-fil-a.com/Cow-Appreciation-Day

10-12 Fun in Summer Time. 10am4pm. $15. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock; therockranch.com

4 VIP Night for Kids with Special Needs. 11 Rock Painting Party (Ages 3-12). 4pm.

6pm. Launch Trampoline Park; Launchcolumbus.com

4-6

4th of July Celebration. 9am5pm. $4-$5. Florence Marina State Park; gastateparks.org/FlorenceMarina

N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

11 LEGOS in the Library. 5:00pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679

4pm. $15. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock; therockranch.com

18 Ventriloquist Marc Griffiths. 10:30am

and 12:30pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2679

19Sensory Friendly Storytime. 2pm.

Ages 3-5yrs. Columbus Library; 706-2432669

Events PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

20

WWE Live SUMMERSLAM Heatwave Tour. 7:30pm. $17.50-$97.50 plus $5 parking; civiccenter.columbusga.gov

20 Rock Painting. 10:30am. Mildred L.

Terry Library; 706-243-2782.

20 Critter Comforts. 3pm. Columbus

Library; 706-243-2679

27 Wild and Wimpy Party (Ages 8-11).

3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679 27 Columbus Lions Game. 7pm. Columbus Civic Center; columbuslions.net

29 ARTiculate. 10-11:30am. K-12 on the Autism Spectrum. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

Get Your Game ON! 3:30-4:30pm. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 7/4)

FRIDAY

24-26 Fun in Summer. 10am-4pm. 30 Moving Up to the Teen Department

Fantastic Fridays: Summer Concerts for Kids. 10:30am. Columbus Museum; 706748-2562 (Not 7/6)

25 Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party 31 A Wild Rumpus Summer Award Pro-

Alligator Feeding. 3pm. Free. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu

$15. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock; therockranch.com

(Ages 12 & under). 4pm. North Columbus Public Library; 706-748-2855

(Ages 11-12). 4pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2679 gram. 1pm. Mildred Terry Library; 706243-2782

25 Summer Concert Series: Bonaven- 31 End-of-Summer Splash Bash. 6pm. S. ture Quartet. 6pm. Free. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

26 Super Splash Party in the Garden.

11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679

Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Weekly Events

27 Kids Summer Vendor Fair. 9am- MONDAY-FRIDAY

Noon. 1000 Broadway; 706-718-7663

Oxbow Presents! 10am. $5. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu

27 Citywide Back 2 School Supply Give- MONDAYS away. 11am-2pm. Spencer Rec Center, 400 8th Ave S, Phenix City; generationalchangers2016@gmail.com

27 Young Eagles Rally at Flightways

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

27 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2679

Family Storytime (Ages birth-5). 10:30am.

S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

TUESDAY

Toddler Time. 10am. Barnes & Noble Columbus; 706-653-7880

Youth Reads Book Club (Ages 8-11). 4pm.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2679 (Not 7/26) Classic Movies on the Beach. 8:30pm.

Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens; 855-446-5751

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon; uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details Storytime at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880 Family Movies on the Beach. 8:30pm. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

18

HOO’s CRAFTY

YARN

MONSTERS

These adorable yarn balls leave room for creativity!

Courtesy of bluebearwood.co.uk

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

Bend your pipe cleaner in half and twist it about 1/3 of the way down, just shy of the

YARN

three adult finger width that you will wrap the yarn around. Wrap your yarn around

PIPE CLEANERS

your fingers so you get a nice thick chunk of yarn. Thick is best for this so ‘over doing’ is better than ‘under doing’ this stage. Slide one of the pipe cleaner legs through the chunk of yarn and twist tightly. Carefully snip through the loops of yarn trying to keep

DRAWN OR GOOGLY EYES

the lengths even. Gently pull the yarn strands down to cover the hooped part of the pipe

SCISSORS

cleaner and trim any irregular bits off. Create little feet with the pipe cleaner that will

WHITE GLUE

help your Yarn Monster stand. Curl each of the remaining pipe cleaner strands to create flat tight circles. Add some eyes and let the Yarn Monster fun begin.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hoo’s Tips Make Planning Your Vacation

A Family Affair

An American Express survey reports that a family of four spends about $4,500 on vacations each year. That’s a big chunk out of the budget. Here are some tips for getting the whole family involved in picking up the tab.

Create a simple spreadsheet in Excel, or on paper, so that kids can see what expenses a vacation entails. Not only will they become more aware of real world finances, they’ll also experience the rewards that come from planning goals and achieving them.

Have the kids start their own “spending money” savings account to buy souvenirs and pay for extra activities. Help them earn money by giving them chores around the house, or encourage them to talk to neighbors and friends about small jobs like pulling weeds or dog sitting.

Build a bar chart or graph to show progress toward funding the trip. With younger kids, you may want to chart progress toward funding a specific adventure such as a zip line ride, an ocean fishing trip, or a Cirque Du Soleil show. Let them color the chart to record the progress.

Find ways to save as a family. Save money by not eating out or going to movie theatres. Instead do a cookout in the backyard and fix popcorn for an online movie, then put the savings in the trip fund. Sell unwanted stuff in a yard sale or online, set out a jar to collect loose change and borrow movies and books from the library.

TRAVELING

19

20

HOO’s Fun

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Hosting a birthday party takes a lot of time, energy and money. If you’re not sure how to entertain a bunch of crazy kids for a couple hours in celebration of your child, it’s OK. Columbus is home to dozens of children’s party venues!

These party pads create a memorable day for your child and allow parents to sit back and celebrate too. Not sure which hot spot is right for your child?

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR TOP SUGGESTIONS:

UP! FACTORY

You may think Up! Factory is just a yoga studio, but it offers so much more! Parties are available for all ages, tailored to your child’s party theme and interests. The studio will design games, obstacle courses and more for your child’s enjoyment. If you’re in search of a party venue for your teen, silks, acroyoga and self defense parties are offered. 706-405-1525

LA BELLA PARTY & TEA:

TREADSTONE CLIMBING GYM:

A hidden treasure, Treadstone invites partygoers into a room of bright colors, hanging ropes and tons of area to climb! Guides are on-site to teach partygoers how to climb. Plus, party packages include all required equipment and a fun party space for cake and presents after their climbing adventure. 706-507-7625

BURGER KING:

La Bella is a unique party spot designed for a child’s dress-up tea party! Adorned with all the royal details to have the perfect celebration, you don’t have to worry about set-up or clean-up and the venue is yours for two hours. 706-927-5437

Looking for an inexpensive party? Burger King allows you to reserve space in their play areas with the purchase of party food.

Kids LOVE Burger King’s play place. It’s a great way to save and still celebrate your child’s big day! https://locations.bk.com/ ga/columbus.html

BARE WARE POTTERY:

HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION:

Rent out a party room for a paint party at Bare Ware! Choose your craft-fused glass, canvases, collectibles or tiles and party it up.

Hosts can bring their own food or pizza can be supplied for an extra charge. The venue also offers tea parties. 706-571-0507

Princesses or Dinosaurs? Choose your private party room when celebrating at Hollywood Connection. Then, decide if you want skating, mini golf, lazer tag or arcade fun! 706-571-9350

COCA-COLA SPACE & SCIENCE CTR:

Experience bowling, lazer tag, bumper carts, and a top-of-theline arcade! Stars & Strikes is the ultimate party destination and it’s fun for kids and parents too! 678-965-5707

The little astronaut in your life will love this birthday party destination! CCSC provides an out of this world “space” for your child’s celebration and each party includes a show in the Omnisphere. 706-649-1470

STARS & STRIKES:

OXBOW MEADOWS:

SkyZone Trampoline Park offers all-inclusive party packages.

Each party guest gets an hour of jump time, pizza and drinks. For a super unique party experience, SkyZone turns off the lights and turns up the music for glow parties! 706-507-3958

This environmental education center offers animal encounters, science experiments and nature crafting for a unique and educational party experience. Predesigned party themes are available, like Mad Scientist, Walking with Dinosaurs, Slithering Snakes and more! Oxbow even offers night parties for late night explorer hikes or owl searches. 706-507-8550

COLUMBUS AQUATIC CENTER:

G & H PARTY MASTERS:

SKYZONE:

Available all year, Columbus Aquatic Center allows party hosts to rent a private party space for a poolside celebration! 706-2253980

They bring the fun to you with a mobile video game truck for up to 16 players who can enjoy competing on X-Box One, X-Box 360, PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch across five 50 inch HD flat screens and one 65 inch screen. 762-207-2303

When booking a party at one of these popular venues, be sure to call far in advance to reserve your date. Ask important questions like what’s included and if there’s a guest limit. For more local party venues, visit our website at familyandkidsga.com/cat/party.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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

PEDIATRICS at brookstone centre 706.571.9699

2001 Brookstone Centre Pky

pediatricsatbrookstonecentre.com

21

22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Dining Deals

for Kids

23

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

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

Captain D’s

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.

Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

Zaxby’s

sunday

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

Pita Pit

Tuesday Denny’s 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.

Ruby Tuesday

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

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

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

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

Weekdays

TGI Friday’s

219 Food & Spirits

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

wednesDAY Applebee’s

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (not Fridays)

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

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

every day

Pita Street Food

Golden Corral

Kid’s meal per adult with min. $8 purchase, 4-9pm

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

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

Kids 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.

24

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Become a Knight!

CURRENTLY ENROLLING FOR THE 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR!

K3-12th grade * Biblical Instruction * Weekly Chapel Challenging Academics * AP & Honor Classes Dual Enrollment * Fine Arts 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 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

Learn math & reading through physical activity

Convenient Our Tutors come to you! day care centers, schools, in-home, sports leagues, churches and more

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

Fun Ways

9

(762) 208-5048

HOO’s learning

to prevent

summer

learning loss

Education experts have known for some time that kids who don’t go to school year-round experience summer learning loss. The good news is there are ways to reduce your child’s summer learning loss such as these fun activities.

1. KEEP ‘EM READING. Chattahoochee Public Libraries

offer an array of summer programs for kids. Take your kids to the library for special programs and books to read.

2. PLAY WORD, MONEY, NUMBER AND LOGIC GAMES. Look for board, video and computer games, that have won educational awards. Also, search online for ideas for boardless games that don’t require materials.

3. INCORPORATE LEARNING INTO YOUR TRAVEL. Look for science centers, history museums and historical sites to build into your trip.

4. SUMMER JOURNALING. Give your kids a journal to write in and let them know it’s their private journal to encourage your child to invest more time into it.

5. MESSY SCIENCE. Summer is the perfect time to do experiments outdoors. Pick up a kids’ science experiment book. Your child will learn just from reading about the different experiments. Then they’ll have a blast pulling experiments off.

6. SUMMER CAMP. Look for one with a strong emphasis on learning activities to help your child in a particular subject or interest.

7. BAKING AND COOKING. Have your kids choose a recipe to make. Then have them make half or triple the batch and calculate the measurements.

8. FORM A BOOK CLUB. Kids of similar ages can choose one book to read each week. Then they can meet to talk about the book they read.

Another option, especially for younger kids, requires more parent involvement. Create a log so each child can keep a record of the books they’ve read. Then hold a pizza party for the participants. Give out certificates and inexpensive prizes to all the participants and award a winner.

9. WORKBOOKS OR PUZZLE BOOKS. Give your child one for the grade your kid just finished in school. Another option is puzzle books. Consider mathematical, logic, word search, crossword puzzle books and more.

25

26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Preparing Minds • Living for Christ

Now Enrolling for 2019–2020

BE THE ONE WITH ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

open houses coming this fall Brookstone school

K4-8th Grade • Preschool Early Learning Center

706.256.1301 | stlukelions.com

Hoo’s helpful

27

Road Trippin’ with Kids The vacation your family is anxiously anticipating is almost here. Are you prepared for the sibling squabbling, food and drink spills, umpteen rest stops and the famous question, ‘are we there yet?’ With a little pre-planning, you can reduce the hassles and turn your time on the road into fun.

Restroom break s: Immediately before heading out, have everyone use the bathroom. Limit beverages, particularly caffeinated ones. When you do stop, have everyone use the restroom.

Car entertainment: Before your trip, visit the library to pick out books, audio books, and music CDs. But don’t let the kids have the items until you’re on the road. Also, take along car games and a list of games that don’t require pieces to play.

Drive through the night: Kids will feel they’ve reached your destination in the blink-of-an-eye and reduce your overall stress.

Try the license plate game: Have everyone write down the states of the license plates as they spot them. The person with the most states wins.

Snack s and drink s: Bring a cooler and variety of drinks and snacks to reduce pit stops. Break up time with small snacks like carrot sticks and apples to keep kids pacified. To reduce messes, avoid foods that melt, smear and squish.

Also, play the “Would you rather?” game. Take turns asking everyone their choice between two gross or unpleasant situations. For example, would you rather be trapped in a closet crawling with hundreds of centipedes or eat a worm?

Plan fun or scenic stops: Do advance research to find a fun stop along the way, and build it into your vacation.

Look for a state or national park, national monument, beach, kiddie fun-land, river walk, or water park.

Screen time: Consider making an exception for screen time on your road trip. Then break up screen time by allowing kids 30-minute cycles of screen time broken up by other activities.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

28

HOO’s HUNGRY

Watermelon SALSA This salsa is a refreshing treat for your summer picnics. Courtesy of frugalmomeh.com DIRECTIONS

Combine watermelon, strawberries, lime juice and mint in Large bowl. Let stand for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving, to allow flavors to blend. For Cinnamon Tortilla Chips, Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush butter over one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar. Use a pizza cutter to divide each tortilla into wedge slices. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. *Optional: Clean out 1/2 of the watermelon to use as a serving bowl and pour fruit mixture into the cleaned out "bowl" to serve.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 Small Seedless Watermelon finely chopped

• 2 Cups Strawberries finely chopped

• 2 Tbsp Fresh mint leaves finely chopped • 1 Lime

• 1 package Whole wheat tortillas 10" • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp cinnamon • Butter

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s Fun

29

30

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Visit us Online FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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

..

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE My water balance

We require water for almost every function within our bodies, from flushing out toxins to digestion. Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary between individuals.

This app can help ensure you drink enough fluids. trucks hd

An award-winning educational, creative play app, Trucks has 5 engaging activities: carwash, tow truck, garbage and recycling, bulldozer and dump truck and a car and truck parade. Trucks teaches sequencing, sorting and problem-solving.

Happy timer A simple to use app for children which helps them complete their morning or evening routine easily and on time. This app is operated by your child, whom carries the mobile device with him to each area where the task needs to be carried out/completed.

DaddyUp Whether you’re a new dad or adding another cub to the family, Daddy Up is the man’s field guide to pregnancy. With wise words from seasoned dads who have been down this trail before, Daddy Up is a handy tool for upcoming dads with more fun, and fewer dainty details.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Clubfoot is a congenital foot abnormality in which the tendons that connect the leg muscles to the foot bones are short and tight, causing the foot on the affected leg to turn downward and inward. In severe cases, the bottom of the foot faces sideways or upwards. The calf muscles in the leg affected by clubfoot are usually underdeveloped, and the affected foot may be slightly shorter than the unaffected foot.

The exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, but research has found that a combination of genetics and environmental factors, such as smoking during pregnancy, may increase the risk of a baby being born with clubfoot. Clubfoot is most often an isolated condition (baby is otherwise normal and healthy) but in some cases, clubfoot occurs in conjunction with other conditions, such as spina bifida.

Clubfoot is sometimes diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound, allowing parents to plan ahead for the treatment, but if it is not, it will be identified by the doctor shortly after birth. Although clubfoot looks painful, the condition in itself does not cause pain. However, without treatment, a child with clubfoot will not be able to wear shoes and walk normally.

31

WCHAT IS: LUBFOO T

The treatment for clubfoot begins soon after birth and initially consists of non-surgical methods. The most widely used treatment is called the Ponseti method. The first phase of this method involves manipulating and stretching the foot into the proper position and then applying a cast to hold it in place. This process is repeated once a week, typically over a period of about 6 - 8 weeks. After this phase is completed, a minor procedure may be performed to relieve tightness in the Achilles tendon and a cast is then applied. After a few weeks, the cast is removed and the infant wears a brace to keep clubfoot from recurring.

In some cases, the foot deformity does not respond to the stretching treatment and surgery is required. The good news is that once treatment is completed, the structure of the affected foot should be nearly normal, allowing for normal, pain-free walking and running.

RESOURCE: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/clubfoot

DON’T JUST SMILE,

SMILE HAPPY!

Just bring this ad, or snap a photo of it. New patients only. Monthly payment depends on initial investment (down payment) made.

May not be combined with other offers. Some restrictions may apply.

Columbus

6440 Bradley Park Dr

(706) 323-7217

Adam Reynolds, DMD, MS Dana Fender, DMD

SmileDoctors.com/columbusga Owned and operated by Dana Fender, DMD | Dana E. Fender DMD PC.

New 2019 Honda

Odyssey LX LEASE FOR

359

$

A MONTH FOR 36 MONTHS + TAX

Automatic Transmission. 36 month lease. $2499 down + $359 first month payment + $699 dealer fee + $595 acquisition fee plus sales tax or other taxes, tag, registration, and government fees due at signing. $0 security deposit. 12k miles per year. With approved credit through Honda Financial Services. Expires end of month.

3000 North Lake Pkwy, Suite 400 (877) 768-2630 AutoNationHondaColumbus.com Follow us socially for special offers and discounts

Drive Pink. Drive Safe. Drive Now.