Chatt Valley May 2020

MAY 2020

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

See Cover Sponsor Pg. 23 Page 7

Join our Summer Reading Challenge online through Aug. 1

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

HOO’s learning

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An Inside Look

CIVIL AIR PATROL Today’s Cadets, Tomorrow’s Aerospace Leaders

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was originally established as the civilian auxiliary to the Air Force during World War II to support the wartime effort. Today, members of the Civil Air Patrol continue to serve communities in the United States by providing emergency services such as search and rescue, disaster relief assistance and youth programs. Currently, the Civil Air Patrol has about 60,000 members nationwide.

THE CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET PROGRAM HELPS KIDS EXPLORE FUTURE CAREERS The program offers education and training for kids ages 12-18 in the four focus areas of aviation and aerospace engineering, emergency services, physical fitness and leadership. Cadets can choose one of the areas to specialize in but receive some training in all four areas.

The cadet program provides an opportunity for kids to earn real-world certifications in their areas of interest and explore their future careers. About 8% of Air Force Academy cadets participated in the Civil Air Patrol program.

HOW THE CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET PROGRAM IS STRUCTURED Cadets participate in weekly meetings that last about two and a half hours, plus a Saturday event each month.

Each summer, cadets also participate in a one-week encampment. At the weekly meeting, cadets work on lessons from the four focus areas and complete activities required to earn their rank. As cadets progress through the program and move up in rank, they are assigned tasks with a higher level of complexity and responsibility.

Cadets are often assigned to teams to work on projects, which helps cadets learn important life skills such as collaboration and communication.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FROM EACH OF THE FOUR FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE:

1. Aerospace & aviation FOCUS:

Includes STEM kits containing hands-on activities, such as building aircraft models and learning about computer programming. Cybersecurity lessons and activities have recently been added to the curriculum. Cadets interested in earning their FAA pilot’s license can participate in ground school and take the flight lessons necessary to work towards their FAA pilot’s license.

2. Emergency Services FOCUS: Cadets participate in training scenarios that simulate real-life emergency situations.

3. Physical fitness FOCUS: Cadets learn daily exercise habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle.

4. Leadership FOCUS: Helps cadets learn important problem-solving and relationship-building skills.

HOW TO JOIN THE CAP CADET PROGRAM To be accepted into the cadet program, an applicant must be at least 12 years old, attend an interview, participate in three squadron meetings and pay annual dues. Dues can vary by location but are typically between $24 and $60.

Cadets must also buy uniforms but your local squadron may be able to provide some assistance.

To join the Columbus Squadron, call 706-718-0255 or email william.wood@gawg.cap.gov. Their cadet program meets at the Columbus Airport on Mondays at 6:30pm, excluding holidays. Parents who have a background in the military, aviation or emergency services are encouraged to become cadet program volunteers. For more, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.

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The Scoop!

Due to Covid-19 related event cancellations and scheduling uncertainties, we did not include an event calendar in this month’s issue. We will post events once they confirm to our website at:

FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants; or see our interactive distro map at: familyandkidsga.com/get-a-copy

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

www.Familyandkidsga.com

Hoo’s Tips SCHEDULING for Kids at Home

Creating a daily routine and having a list of activities to keep kids occupied helps provide the structure needed to be at home all day.

Here are a few tips on creating a daily routine for your family and some fun activities that will exercise both mind and body.

CREATE A ROUTINE THAT IS REALISTIC AND FLEXIBLE Your family’s daily routine does not have to be extremely detailed. Trying to create a schedule that fills each hour of the day with a very specific activity is likely to just leave you frustrated. Instead, aim for an outline that assigns a time frame for key parts of the daily routine. Before you create your outline, observe your family’s rhythm for a few days. This will help you assign a time frame to certain activities. For example, does your preschooler still consistently need a nap? If so, nap time may be the perfect opportunity to do a more complex activity with your older kids.

One of the goals of the daily routine is to ensure everyone gets enough sleep. Give your kids a few days to ease into the routine and slowly adjust their sleep schedule if they have been staying up too late or refusing a needed nap.

THERE ARE SOME KEY ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR ROUTINE OUTLINE:

•

Wake up time: If your child tends to wake-up too early, set an alarm clock and instruct her to play quietly in her room if she wakes up before it goes off. Choose a wake-up time for the kids that works for you and allows you some time to yourself before they are out of their rooms, ready to go.

• Chore time • Structured playtime: Engage your kids in a fun craft, game,

or learning activity. You can plan these ahead, but on some days, let the kids pick from choices you’ve put in a “busy bucket.”

• Mealtimes • Free playtime: Kids decide what toys to play with. Have • Education time: Complete assignments from school. Once plenty of non-electronic toys that encourage open-ended, school session is over, you can have them use a learning creative play. website, app or pre-purchased workbooks.

• Bedtime: Establish a bedtime routine that helps your child settle in for the night and set a ‘lights out’ time. This is a • Nap/quiet time • Screen time: Try to limit the time kids spend on electronics great opportunity to work in reading time. for general play.

CREATE A BUCKET LIST OF BOTH PHYSICAL FITNESS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Have a variety of activities available to fill the free play and structured play blocks of time.

Here are a few suggestions. Links to each are available at: familyandkidsga.com/scheduling-kids-at-home

•

Build a backyard obstacle course with dollar store items like hula hoops, pool noodles and cardboard boxes from the garage. Incorporate a sprinkler for a summer cooldown.

•

Science lab in the kitchen. Kids will be having so much fun making a mess they won’t want to stop. Try edible projects also, like baking bread.

• Need a new book for quiet time? Check out e-books from the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.

• Make homemade treats for pets.

• Take a virtual tour of a museum or historic site.

• Create homemade instruments and use your smart phone to make a concert video.

• Have fun practicing their reading skills on a literacy scavenger hunt.

• Teach kids some exercises and let them take turns leading a daily exercise class.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s INSPIRED

Life During

SOCIAL ISOLATION

By Maria Phillips, Family & Kids Magazine

When the ball dropped on 2020, none of us could have predicted in a few months we would be living in fear of a virus, shutting down schools, locking up businesses and spending major holidays with our family over video chat. Many of us heard of the corona virus, but I don’t think we understood the severity until it started to affect our daily lives. Now, after a month of living in fear and uncertainty, we’ve adapted to a new norm. To “flatten the curve” we’ve been given an opportunity to slow down and spend more time with our families. We’ve returned to simpler time, when we didn’t have so many choices to occupy our times, and we are spending our days enjoying the earth and family given to us.

During this time, I’ve been able to reflect on myself and the distancing a bit, and this is what I’ve learned:

 The definition of social distancing  Despite what I thought, I’m not a good cook  If Walmart shut down, I wouldn’t be able to survive  I am incapable of shopping for long-term meals  I really need to learn how to grow vegetables  A bidet would be a good investment  I balance my sanity by taking my child to the playground  Without a playground, my child and I do not get along  I seriously under appreciated playgrounds  I seriously under appreciated teachers  My child will never be home schooled  Teachers should get hazard-duty pay  It only takes two weeks at home for my child to be corrupted  The people who keep us safest are paid the least  Pinterest cannot make me crafty  Even when I have a lot of free time, my house still isn’t clean  Playing in the dirt will occupy a four-year-old for a long time  I don’t need to shop at Target three times a week  I’m terribly socially awkward on video chat  Shopping carts are terrifying germ carriers  Door handles are terrifying germ carriers  Apparently, I’m “essential”  Apparently, alcohol is also considered “essential”  I needed this eye-opener to re-evaluate how I spend my time  Never take a day for granted

Together We Can Overcome A call for donations Valley Rescue Mission is calling for donations during this pandemic to provide food and shelter for the 1 in 5 people in the Chattahoochee Valley who face poverty.

for those in need.

WWW.VALLEYRESCUEMISSION.ORG/DONATE

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PICKS *Review* K ids’ Subscription

Boxes!

During the last month and a half of isolation I’ve discovered I’m not prepared to be trapped in the house with my kid for an excessive amount of time. I don’t have the supplies, the imagination or the patience to keep a preschooler occupied. Since we are supposed to limit our social exposures, I found myself surfing the web for things I could order to keep my child entertained. Then, I discovered a much simpler solution…subscription boxes! These are monthly, mail-order programs that bring so much excitement and convenience right to your doorstep. In the last month, here are a few I’ve discovered:

By Maria Phillips, Family & Kids Magazine

Literati

( literati.com )

In each box, you receive five age-appropriate books, cardstock printed art and adorable book labels with your child’s name. Since the library closed during the pandemic, having new books delivered to our doorstep was a great treat. You can buy the books you love and return the ones you don’t.

Cost: $9.95 per month + the cost of books

Raddish ( raddishkids.com ) This recipe subscription box comes with beautifully illustrated and laminated recipe cards, a utensil for cooking, crafts to go with your themed meal night and tableside conversation starters.

Plus, Raddish Kids sends your grocery list before the box is delivered, so you’re prepared for your child’s meal night! Cost: $24 per month

Kiwi Co ( kiwico.com ) They have project crates based on your child’s age and interests. In addition to craft crates, they also offer “tinker” STEM crates and art design crates. The best part, these crates are even available for adults! Personally, for my four-year-old, I love that the crates are interesting enough to keep his attention and easy enough to create a nice memento. Cost: $19.95 per month

Sensory Theraplay (sensorytheraplaybox.com) This box is specially designed with sensory needs in mind. The items are favorites in the “therapy world,” “tried and true” goodies used by parents for sensory needs or everyday toys that aren’t geared toward special needs children but have developmental and sensory benefits. Most importantly, these are fun toys! Cost: $39.95

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Online Learning

HOO’s learning

r e s o u r c e s

Since schools have been closed, many parents are tasked with teaching their children from home. For some, the packets sent home and the virtual classrooms only take a fraction of the school day leaving many parents to improvise when creating lesson plans. Here are some of the resources we’ve found helpful for online learning: GEORGIA PRE-K RESOURCES decal.ga.gov/PreK/

This website offers new activities daily, plus story time, virtual field trips, and tips to making at-home learning successful.

SCHOLASTIC AT HOME LEARNING scholastic.com/learnathome

They provide interesting and colorful lesson plans that are divided by age and grade and organized into a weekly calendar.

THE ROCK RANCH FACEBOOK: @TheRockRanch

The Rock Ranch is getting creative with virtual field trips on farm agriculture through their Facebook page. They are giving lesson plans on the growth of frogs, Georgia insects, rock classification and so much more.

RIVERCENTER rivercenter.org/education-2/rivercenter-teaching-artists

TED-ED ed.ted.com/lessons

RiverCenter’s website now includes an education page with shared lessons and projects from their teaching artists, such as the scientific study of centripetal force with juggling or exploring literature through puppetry.

STARFALL starfall.com

The Columbus Museum is offering activities for the young (and young at heart!) inspired by the Museum’s collection. These activities include projects, coloring sheets and video tours.

TED-Ed is working with expert educators and TEDTalk speakers throughout the world to create free, high-quality, interactive, daily, video-based lessons. Input your criteria, and TED-Ed will email you tailored lesson plans.

StarFall is a free, interactive way to teach children (PreK-3rd) to read using phonics, kids-can-play games, short videos on letters and sounds, and “books” of stories.

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS weareteachers.com/best-virtual-field-trips

This huge list compiled by ‘We are Teachers’ includes zoos, farms, aquariums, museums, caves and even MARS! It’s a great way to take a field trip right from home!

THE COLUMBUS MUSEUM columbusmuseum.com/virtual-museum

OXBOW MEADOWS oxbow.columbusstate.edu/oxbow-at-home and on Facebook @CSUOxbowMeadows

Each Wednesday, Oxbow Meadows goes live on Facebook to give viewers a wildlife encounter. These educational demonstrations focus on native species. Additionally, Oxbow Meadows has online resources to give parents ideas to explore nature.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.comGUIDE EDUCATION/CARE

Preparing young men to excel.

An all-boys prep school for advanced learning in math and science.

Pre-K through 3rd grade | Fall 2020 Limited spots available 10107 Veterans Pkwy, Midland, GA 31820 info@emanuelprep.com emanuelprep.com Call to schedule a private tour 706.327.1978

HOO’s PICKS

Highlight On The Emanuel Preparatory School of Math and Science, located at 10107 Veterans Parkway in Midland, is a private Christian school for boys, founded in 2016. The school’s certified teachers provide instruction for boys in grades K through 3rd grade, and plans are in place to accept students from one new grade level a year until the school serves students up to 8th grade. Administrators are also currently working towards becoming the first STEM certified school in Columbus.

in robotics projects and a discovery lab. The robotics projects use physical manipulatives to teach students robotics fundamentals and help them learn the start-to-finish process of building robots.

In the discovery lab, students perform experiments that explore the in-depth science and math concepts they are learning. The school’s outdoor learning center allows students to expand their exploration into the outdoors and investigate natural elements such as plants and rocks.

Founded to create a learning environment where boys can excel Research studies show that boys learn differently than girls. The school administrators have created a learning approach that utilizes the teaching methods proven by research to help boys excel in their studies. The curriculum is STEM-based and involves a project-based, integrated approach to learning that is individualized for each student. The projects allow students to apply skills they are learning in multiple areas to real-world situations.

The literacy program instills a love of reading and writing Literacy is one of the key focal points of the school’s curriculum. The ‘Six Steps to Reading Phonics’ model is used to help their students develop excellent reading and writing skills. The teachers fill the classrooms with literacy development materials that reinforce reading and writing skills, and literacy instruction is integrated into all curriculum areas.

STEM program lays foundation for future success in STEM careers The hands-on activities in the school’s STEM program include learning programming languages by developing video games, participating

Parents interested in finding out more about the Emanuel Preparatory School of Science and Math can visit emanuelprep.com to take a virtual tour of the school, or call 706-327-1978 with any questions or to schedule an in-person visit.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family HOO’s PARENTING

Should I be my Child’s

?

best friend

BY LINDA LIGON, FAMILY & KIDS MAGAZINE

The work of parenting is not easy. As children grow, the amount of guidance they need from their parents is constantly evolving, and it is hard work to adjust and enforce boundaries as situations and a child’s maturity changes.

It is very unpleasant to be the target of your child’s anger when you made a decision he does not like.

Would being your child’s friend be more effective, since one could assume that if your child likes you, he will be more likely to openly share and listen to your advice?

Parents should spend time together with their kids having fun and engaging in friendly conversations. However, there are some important reasons you should not swap your parenting role for that of your child’s best friend.

Children with structure and boundaries feel more secure and confident When parents decide to take on a friend role, they step back from the task of defining and enforcing limits. Kids are then left to make most decisions with a lack of maturity and full knowledge. Without someone to guide them from making dangerous mistakes, kids can feel more stressed and vulnerable. To develop into confident, successful adults, kids benefit from a coach they respect who models proper behavior, sets limits and provides correction when necessary.

Perceived as a “friend,” he may no longer respect you and other adults When kids do misbehave, if you are in a best friend role, you may have difficulty putting an end to your child’s bad behavior and it may spiral out of control. By taking on a friend role, parents signal to their kids that they no longer have the authority to correct and discipline. After all, is your teen going to respect rules that someone he sees as a peer tries to set? Also, by acting as your child’s friend, you have denied him the chance to learn how to properly relate to adults. He may have trouble showing appropriate respect for the other adults in his life such as teachers and sports coaches. This can result in discipline issues at school and at after-school activities.

YOUR CHILD SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF BEING YOUR CONFIDANT Parents who try to become their child’s best friend can inadvertently burden their child by confiding in him as if he were an adult friend. Yes, the relationship between a parent and child does involve friendly communication but this communication should not involve adult matters. It is your job as a parent to serve as a barrier between your child and adult problems that do not concern him. Issues with your child’s other parent or your spouse should especially not be discussed with your child. If you share your concerns about them, he may see this as a weakness and try to play you against each other to get what he wants. Instead of oversharing adult issues with kids, parents should be listening to the concerns their kids have and providing any guidance they need.

It can be hard to weather the storm of your child’s frustration that may come your way when you exert your parental authority during your child’s tween and teen years. You will need to make a lot of decisions your child may not like. The good news is that as your teen gets close to adulthood, you will be able to gradually step back and allow your child to have increasing ownership of his decisions.

?

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

CREAMYLICIOUS

CORN SALAD

Crisp and tender sweet corn combined with a creamy dressing is super easy to make.

COURTESY OF PEARTREEKITCHEN.COM

DIRECTIONS Combine corn, celery, green pepper, and tomatoes in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine remaining ingredients.

Taste and add additional vinegar or sugar as desired. Pour dressing mix over the vegetables and stir to combine.

Cover salad and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 cups corn cooked and cooled • 1/4 cup thinly sliced celery • 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper • 1/2 cup chopped tomato seeds removed • 1 cup mayonnaise • 2 tablespoon buttermilk • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon vinegar • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

for Kids

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

MONDAY Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Sapo’s

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

Zaxby’s

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

Tuesday

The Chicken Lady’s COOP 5-8pm: Kids’ chicken plate for $3.25

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

Hudson’s Free kids’ meal for 12 and under with adult entrée

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

Ruby Tuesday

Thursday MOE’s Southwest Grill 5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Captain D’s Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

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

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

Every day 219 On The Lake 5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

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

Bruster’s Ice Cream

TGI Friday’s

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

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

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

Pita Street Food 4-9pm: Kids eat free, per $8 min. adult buy; dine-in

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

McAlister’s Kids’ meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

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

O’Charley’s

Your Pie

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

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

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.

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

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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 HEALTHY Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition that is most often diagnosed in adults and only rarely affects kids and teens. Researchers estimate that only about two in 100 children are affected by CFS. CFS is a condition that is difficult to diagnose since the common symptoms are shared by other conditions, such as mono. Childhood cases of CFS most often appear during the teen years but in rare cases, younger kids may develop it also.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?

Kids are more likely to develop CFS after an illness such as the flu or mono but scientists are not sure exactly why. In other cases, symptoms develop gradually over time. Researchers have not identified what causes CFS but it does appear to sometimes run in families. The symptoms that are often experienced by kids with CFS include: • Extreme fatigue that is not relieved by sleep or rest and is not the result of a high level of activity • Headaches and stomach aches • Trouble sleeping • Trouble focusing and feeling confused • Feeling dizzy when standing up or sitting up.

• Anxiety RESOURCES: cdc.gov/me-cfs/index.html, Crawly, Esther, Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Current Perspectives. Pediatric Health Med Ther, 2018 Mar 29; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5919160/

WHAT IS: CHRONIC FATIGUE

The symptoms of CFS are worsened by activities that would not have previously caused an issue before developing CFS. This is referred to as post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM can be debilitating and interfere with school attendance.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED AND TREATED? It may be hard for parents to discern at first if their teen is exhausted from a demanding schedule of sports practices or if the extreme fatigue is a symptom of a medical condition. If you suspect your child may have CFS, help him keep a journal of incidents when he experienced symptoms and schedule an appointment with his healthcare provider.

There is not a lab test for CFS but his provider will perform a physical exam and order any tests necessary to rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to CFS. The diagnosis of CFS usually takes at least six months.

There is no cure for CFS but the symptoms can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and therapy. Teens are more likely than adults to experience a complete or partial recovery over time.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s INSPIRED

PROJECT LINUS If you enjoy crafting, the Columbus chapter of Project Linus has a volunteer opportunity for you. Project Linus is a non-profit organization that, as the name suggests, seeks to provide comfort to kids in need by giving them gifts of donated handcrafted blankets and afghans. In the past seven years, the Columbus chapter of Project Linus has delivered over 6,000 blankets to kids in the Chattahoochee Valley area. The organization delivers blankets to Damascus Way, Twin Cedars, Russell County Child Advocacy Center, Piedmont Regional NICU and the Piedmont Regional children’s department.

The Columbus chapter of Project Linus is planning to expand its outreach to other agencies in the Chattahoochee Valley area and to increase the number of blankets delivered to hospitals. However, to make this possible, the organization needs more volunteers to handcraft blankets. Project Linus volunteers create blankets and afghans at home and take them to the drop-off location at Joann Fabrics in Columbus or to the monthly meeting of the Columbus chapter of Project Linus.

Giving Comfort through Blankets

The monthly meeting takes place on the second Saturday of each month at the Gallop Center at 1212 15th Street at 10:30am. This meeting is also a good opportunity for volunteers to swap new blanket design ideas.

Sewn, knitted, crocheted, quilted and no-sew fleece tied style blankets are accepted. All sizes of blankets are needed, though it is best if the blanket at least measures 36 inches by 36 inches. Project Linus serves kids from birth to 18 years so there is an opportunity for volunteers to create a variety of styles of blankets for different age groups.

This volunteer opportunity is perfect for older kids and teens who enjoy crafting, and even younger kids can help pick out blanket designs or help tie a no-sew blanket.

More info about the Project Linus organization can be found at www.projectlinus. org and on the Project Linus - Columbus, GA Chapter Facebook page.

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GRUB GUIDE Wise Choices for You & Your Family

GRUB GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Tuesdays Kids Eat Free!

From 5-9pm with each adult entrée

Over 10 Kids Meals under $4 each!! (includes drink)

FREE ICE CREAM

Because everyone deserves dessert! ll-natural A ingredients Diet Restriction Friendly Online ordering Catering

jasonsdeli.com 706-494-8857 • 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus • Hours: 10am-10pm

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

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

Kade, 2 years Seale, AL

Amara, 2 years Phenix City

Noble, 1 year Columbus

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY

HOMEMADE KINETIC SAND This DIY project makes great birthday gifts, stocking stuffers or party favors! Courtesy of fun365.orientaltrading.com

DIRECTIONS Measure out 1 1/2 cups of colored sand and pour in mixing bowl.

Pour 1/4 cup cornstarch over sand in your mixing bowl and whisk until all cornstarch clumps are gone. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap into a 1/4 cup of water and mix until combined and you see a few bubbles. Slowly pour your water and soap mixture into the dry ingredients and combine with your hands until desired wet consistency. We like to let our kinetic sand sit for 10-15 minutes before playing with it.

SUPPLIES CORNSTARCH DISH SOAP COLORED SAND

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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FOR MORE SUMMER CAMP INFO AND LISTINGS, VISIT: FAMILYANDKIDSGA.COM/SUMMER-CAMPS-COLUMBUS-GA

FLEXIBILITY FOR YOUR FUTURE columbusstate.edu/ce online courses

business

accounting

health care

photography

art

fitness

lifestyle classes

CSU YOUTH DANCE CONSERVATORY

ACTIV8 PROGRAMS AGES 4-18

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

columbusstate.edu/ballet

columbusstate.edu/activ8

columbusstate.edu/photography

visit our websites for our latest information and online programs!Â

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

SCRUBS

Our sleepaway summer camp offers the unique blend of traditional outdoor camp experiences and one of a kind animal encounters in our AZA accredited Zoo. Campers sleep in real teepees!

Hands-on Adventures in Healthcare

Rising 9th Graders - College Sophomore

Offering twice this year!

June 15-18, 9am - 4pm July 20-23, 9am - 4pm

sessions are a full week or 4 days boys & girls ages 8-14 sessions begin at $250

Enjoy lab demonstrations, facility tours, surgical videos, hands-on activities, and a variety of career experts.

Housing available (separate charge) For registration & payment information: www.hughston.com/2020-summer-camp

Early Registration Deadline: April 15th - $200 Regular Registration Deadline: May 29th- $250

Albany, GA www.chehaw.org

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Learning through physical activity & Sports

Math & Reading Tutoring & Enrichment

Ages

3-11 free academic assessment

Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

Sign up Online btglearning.com (762) 208-5048

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Virtual Camps & Lessons Too!

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HOO’s FIT

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Avoid Diet Talk Stop talking about all the diets you should or shouldn’t be doing or what worked or didn’t work. Your child is listening and watching even when you least expect.

Maybe they’re overhearing your conversation on the phone or on the playground. Make a point to talk positively about not only your child’s body but also your own. Emphasize health instead of weight.

Encourage Open Dialogue

“Diet Talk”

Could Be harmful to Kids

by melissa reid, ms, rdn, indulge in nutrition “Does this make me look fat?” “I have to start a new diet before swimsuit season.” “I need to lose weight.” We have all said these phrases before without considering their potential impact on our kids. Our kids are like sponges, soaking up everything they hear. When children, both boys and girls, hear their parents talking about dieting and negative body image, they are more likely to develop a negative body image that can lead to an eating disorder or disordered eating.

Adolescents who have a misperceived body weight are more likely to develop an eating disorder. Eating disorders usually begin between the ages of 13-25, but the age of onset was recently lowered to age 11. Some eating disorders can start as early as seven. Eating disorders begin as disordered eating that commonly manifests through an excessive focus on weight, calories, and/or food type. Disordered eating is an unhealthy relationship with food that results in routine abnormal eating patterns or behaviors. Most people know the detrimental effects eating disorders cause both mentally and physically, but many people are unaware that disordered eating also negatively impacts mental and physical health.

Our children are being exposed to negative diet talk and negative body images everywhere. While it may be difficult to control their exposure to celebrities, movies, social media, and magazines, we can control what we say in our own homes. So what can we do to stop this trend of disordered eating in our children?

Talk to your children about body weight and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about body image. When they do share, acknowledge that their feelings are real. Discuss with them that bodies come in every shape and size, and that you love them no matter what size body they have.

Your child says, “I’m Fat” Find out why your child is saying this. Did a coach or instructor tell them they need to lose weight? Did a classmate tease them about being fat? Did a grandma or relative tell them they are chubby? Find out the root cause and immediately address the issue. If your child is a healthy weight, reassure your child and don’t focus on weight.

Kids Shouldn’t Diet When children lose weight, it can be detrimental to their health and body image. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, then have the whole family embrace some new healthy habits without singling out the child. If you do have obesity concerns for your child, consult your pediatrician.

Focus on Health Instead of focusing on dieting, focus on healthy habits.

Develop habits of eating properly and exercise that lead to a healthy lifestyle instead of fad diets. Focus on a balanced plate with more nutrient-rich foods at meals. Focus on family fitness like playing tag or sports outside. Compliment your child when they choose to play outside instead of play video games.

Need help changing your family’s health habits? Stay positive and seek help if you need it, such as hiring a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Remember that health is more important than weight, and everyone benefits from a positive attitude and healthy eating.

For assistance, visit www.indulgeinnutrition.com.

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