Family & Kids Chatt Valley Nov 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Jessica Mitchell Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover

See Inside Back Cover

Performance Dance’s Nutcracker Showcase - Dec. 9 & 10 at Brookstone Sponsor Pg. 5

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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.

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HOO’s PARENTING TEACHING CHILDREN HOUSEHOLD RESPONSIBILITY According to H. Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelsen in Raising Self-Reliant Children in a SelfIndulgent World, “A belief in one’s personal capabilities is an essential building block for successful adulthood.”

The best way for children to achieve this sense of capability is to be assigned household responsibilities.

Offering children such opportunities makes them feel essential to the family unit and teaches basic skills, acceptance of responsibility, and selfdiscipline. Ultimately, it leads to self-esteem and a successful, fulfilling life.

REWÇARD Whether to compensate and reward children for their work is a difficult question, and conflicting opinions held by child specialists don’t help.

Experiencing self-satisfaction from work is important. Yet even adults receive compensation for their work and then reward themselves in many ways. So your best bet is to take a middleof-the-road approach. Assign your child some responsibilities without reward, such as cleaning his room and taking care of personal belongings, which can provide self-satisfaction.

But offer an allowance or rewards for additional tasks. Children learn valuable lessons from earning as well. They learn to budget and handle money and come to understand that hard work pays off, just as it does in the adult world. Whether your child receives a reward for a particular task or not, always praise the efforts. This helps to reinforce the intrinsic value of completing a task.

a favorite game together, to invite a friend over, or a fun sticker or favorite treat. You can also purchase prizes that come in a set, such as markers. Then offer one piece of the set for each completed task until your child has earned the complete set.

Elementary children are able to save for bigger rewards.

Use a chart and offer prizes for accumulated stars. But don’t make your child wait more than a week or so for a reward.

Otherwise, the reward will lose its motivational value. Rewards for elementary age children might include additional television or computer time, a trip to the zoo or museum, baking together, having a friend overnight, or new matchbox car.

Older kids are able to accumulate points for longer periods and begin to look toward long-term rewards. A teen could accumulate points for several weeks to earn a concert ticket or trip to the amusement park, a new outfit, When selecting prizes, choose or a special privilege such as something your child wouldn’t staying out later or additional receive otherwise. If you go to phone time. the park several times a week, an extra trip to the park won’t seem If your child is beyond preschool much of a reward. But if you or elementary age and you normally go only once a week, an haven’t offered many household extra visit will be more enticing. responsibilities in the past, don’t despair. While it’s better to start For toddlers and preschoolers, when children are young, it will immediate rewards are be more difficult, but it’s not too important. Offer to go to the ice late. Make a plan today to set cream store or park, to play your child on a path toward selfreliance.

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

activities Academy Dance..................................24 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.... 25 Growing Room....................................28 Oasis Child Enrichment Center....29 Performance Dance Centre............. 31 Prodigy Dance..................................... 18 RiverCenter.......................................... 15 The Columbus Museum................... 13 The Nutcracker..................................... 8

Columbus Counseling......................20 Comprehensive Women’s Care......22 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Ctr for Reproductive Services.........11 Dr. Alberto Lugo, DMD......................20 Family Counseling of Columbus..... 6 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 10 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...22 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 19

Home/ Handy

Childcare/ education Brookstone School.............................27 TELL THEM Calvary Christian...............................26 First Presbyterian Day School.......26 Grace Christian School....................26 Highland Kids Academy. .................29 SENT YOU! Kumon...................................................26 Lakewood Child Development ......28 St. Luke Schools.................................26 Sylvan Learning Center...................29

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................ 13 Chill Yogurt & Pizzeria..................... 14 Zaxby’s..................................................... 2

American Painting & More.............30 Turfscapes............................................20 Warehouse World...............................20

Shopping/ Retail AutoNation Honda.............................32 Bricks & Minifigs..................................6 Edward Jones, Brad Brooks............20 Happy Honey Pot............................... 18 In this Place with God......................20 Jessica Mitchell Photography......... 5 Kilwins Columbus.............................30 Lula and Mae....................................... 13 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................22 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 21 The Posh Peach.................................. 21

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

TEACHING KIDS STRANGER SAFETY

HOO’s HELPFUL

GETTING ACROSS TO CHILDREN THE DANGERS OF STRANGERS AND SOMETIMES OF ACQUAINTANCES REQUIRES TALKING TO YOUR CHILD ON HIS LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING. THEN OFFER REALISTIC WAYS FOR YOUR CHILD TO PROTECT HERSELF INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:

If your child is on a bike and someone tries to grab him, he should wrap his full body (arms and legs) around the frame of his bike. Because the bike moves with the child, it makes difficult for the abductor for a fast getaway.

Create a secret family password that only specific family members and friends would be given in order to pick up your child. If your child is approached and the password is not immediately relayed, your child should run away, even if approached by a police officer.

Your child and even your teen should always tell you where he is going (the exact address), who he will be with (first and last names), and for how long. If the time is unknown, give your child a checkin time.

Your child should always walk with others, never alone.

Adults and children especially, live in the moment and tend to believe, “It can’t happen to me.” Sharing a real event that has happened to someone that you or your child knows, in an age-appropriate way, reveals that it can happen to anyone—but that there are ways to protect oneself.

Teach your child to say “No!” to adults that she doesn’t know and even to adults she does know if something doesn’t seem right.

Keep doors locked, even when an adult is at home. Teach by example, and never open the door to a stranger regardless of his appearance. If your child is home

alone, she should not even open the door for acquaintances unless parents have approved for that particular person.

For parents, in the event of a carjacking, do not argue or talk to the hijacker.

Simply attempt to remove your children from the vehicle as quickly as possible.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY

MOCKTAIL CRANBERRY AND LIME

Welcome the holidays with this fun mocktail. Full of bubbles and a hint of lime and cranberry. It is sure to please even your littlest holiday guests.

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Start making your simple syrup by blending thawed cranberries well, using a blender or food processor.

• 10 oz frozen or fresh cranberries • 1 cup of water • 1 cup of granulated sugar • 2 (12 oz) cans of DASANI® Sparkling Lime • Homemade cranberry simple syrup

Put chopped cranberries, sugar, and water in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat, for about 2 minutes, until the sugar is all dissolved. Then remove it from heat and store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Fill 2 highball glasses with ice and layer each glass with 2 tablespoons of your homemade simple syrup and a can of sparkling lime. Then garnish with frozen cranberries rolled in sugar and twists of lime.

• Optional: frozen cranberries and twist of lime wedges for garnish Courtesy of www.foodlovinfamily.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s tips

HOME FIRES THAT DON’T TAKE A SPARK TO IGNITE At least half of home clothes dryer fires involve the ignition of clothing and lint, according to research by the National Fire Protection Association. But the source of ignition isn’t always a spark. Instead, dryer fires often spontaneously ignite due to extreme heat conditions.

What is the source of such excessive heat? Airflow blockage caused by homeowner oversight. FEMA website states, “the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them” and the Consumer Safety Product Commission warns, “fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or the exhaust duct.” Both reports warn that excessive lint blocks airflow which leads to extreme heat buildup, greatly increasing the chances of a fire starting.

The temperature inside the drum of a clothes dryer with blocked airflow can become hot enough to cause clothing to ignite, without a spark.

Heat buildup inside the dryer box can overheat the motor and heater coil housing causing lint overflow to ignite during contact. Again, without a spark.

Removing lint from the lint screen between loads is one way homeowners decrease the probability of heat ignited fires in their dryer.

Another way is to keep the exhaust ducts free from clogs by regular cleanings, FEMA recommends every 2 to 3 years. Also confirm the ducting is properly installed by having a technician check for pinched ducts, too many bends, or duct pipes too long.

Watch the outdoor vent for blocks caused by lint buildup or birds’ nests.

Anything that causes heat inside the dryer to be unable to escape, causes the dryer to get hotter and hotter.

Indications that venting is not happening properly include heavy clothes (blue jeans or towels) taking a long time to dry and clothes that feel hotter than usual at the end of the dry cycle.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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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

Ellie, 4 months FT Benning

Coleton, 15 months Midland

Aryn, 5 years Columbus

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HOO knew?

Super Random Facts l l l

A male ostrich can actually roar like a lion!

In Peru, it is considered very good luck to wear yellow underwear. l l l l l l l l l Sharks have eight different senses, but humans only have five. l l

l l l l

You can find a coral reef, shaped like a heart, in the waters off Australia.

All of the major lakes in Georgia are actually man made and not natural lakes.

But Georgia does contain the largest swamp in North America—the Okefenokee.

l l l l l

l l l The world's biggest flower, the Rafflesia arnoldii, is grown in the rainforest in Indonesia, and can grow bigger around than a car tire and can weigh up to 15 pounds! l l

If you run in the rain, you will get twice as wet as you would standing still.

l l l l l l l l l l

Applesauce was the first food eaten in space by an astronaut.

The world’s smallest frog is about the size of single Cheerio cereal.

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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 purchase of 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 Stevi B’s Pizza

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

Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Texas Roadhouse

Tuesday

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

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 per customer, with ID only.

Monday-Friday

Denny’s

Steak & Shake

Ruby Tuesday

every day

4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée. For kids 10 and under 5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

TGI Friday’s

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée 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@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

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

Golden Corral

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

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@FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s Fun

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Solution at familyandkidsga.com/hoosfun

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NOVEMBER 14 7:00PM

PRESENTED BY:

DISCOVERY SEriES

media sponsors:

900 BROADWAY, COLUMBUS, GA | 706.256.3612 | RIVERCENTER.ORG

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2 The Magic Of Recycling. 4:30-5:30pm.

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

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

2 VIP Time for kids with special needs.

6-8pm. $10. Launch Trampoline, Columbus; launchcolumbus.com 3 MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:1511:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; (706) 323-4374

Novembe 7 Mini Makers: Tinker Time. 10:30 – 11:30am. Columbus Library. 706-2432679.

11 Elf: The Musical. 2pm & 7:30pm. $57$62. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; rivercenter.org

7 VIP Time for kids with special needs.

6-8pm. $10. Launch Trampoline, Columbus; launchcolumbus.com

11 Night Walk benefiting March of Dimes during “Fantasy in Lights.” 6pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com

8 La Leche League Morning meeting.

10:30am. Columbus Library; lllofga.org/ columbus.html

9 I Saw the Sign: ASL for Kids. 4-5pm. N. Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

4 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon. 9-19 Greater Columbus Fair. $3-$7. Co-

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

lumbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

4 Frogwarts. 1-5pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 10 Veterans Day Celebration. 2:30pm to oxbow.columbusstate.edu

4 Steeplechase. 10am-4pm. Callaway Gardens; Steeplechaseatcallaway.org

3:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-2432782.

11 NIM Kids Veterans Day Mini Camp.

12 Bicycle Night at “Fantasy in Lights.”

6pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com

13 Multicultural Monday: Native Americans. 5:00-6:00pm. Columbus Library.

706-243-2679.

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Thanksgiving Crafter-Noon. 3:304:30pm. S. Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

14 Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live. 7pm. $29-$49.

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; rivercenter.org

4 Pumpkin Destruction Day. 10am-8pm.

9am-1pm. $10. Ages 5-11 years. National Infantry Museum; nationalinfantrymuseum.org/nim-kids

4 Uno, Dos, Tres Crafts. 3:00-4:00pm. Mil-

11 Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament.

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

6 Monday Makers Club. 3:30 – 4:30pm. S. Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

11 Uptown Columbus Fall Food Truck Fes- 16 Picture Book Month Celebration. 4 –

7 Science Says: Chameleon Color Chal-

17 MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:15-

The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; 706-647-6374, therockranch.com

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

lenge. 4:00-5:00pm. N. Columbus Library.

706-748-2855.

tival. 11am-5pm. Woodruff Park; uptowncolumbusga.com

15 Tween Art Class: Drip Art. 4:00-5:00pm.

N. Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

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

5pm. N. Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706- 323-4374

er Events

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

18 Puppy Tales. 2-2:30pm. Columbus Li- 25 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Co- SATURDAY brary. 706-243-2679.

lumbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17.

Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles.com/flightplan/flight.asp

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

28 Picture Book Club. 3:30-4:30pm. S. Co-

Michael’s Kids Club Classes. 10am-Noon. $2. Ages 3+. See store for details.

30 I Saw the Sign: ASL for Kids. 4-5pm. N.

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com

21 Blockheads LEGO Challenge. 3:30 – 30 La Leche League Evening meeting.

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-6537880

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Kidz Flicks: Thanksgiving Break Edition. 10:30 -noon. Columbus Library. 706243-2679.

21 Kidz Flicks: Thanksgiving Break Edition.

10:30 -noon. Columbus Library. 706-2432679.

lumbus Library. 706-683-8805.

Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

4:30pm. S. Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

6pm. Iron Bank Coffee Co; lllofga.org/columbus.html

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WEEKLY EVENTS

Kidz Flicks: Thanksgiving Break Edition. 10:30 -noon. Columbus Library. 706243-2679.

22 Face 2 Face Teen Support Group. 6pm. THURSDAY

Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Associates; 706-327-1222 or ccacolumbus. com

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Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular kicks off. 5784 Ironstone Drive, Cottonwood Subdivision, Columbus; www.ludychristmas.com

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am.

5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880 Public Ice Skating. 5-7pm. $3 admission and skate rental. Columbus Ice Rink; columbusicerink.org

FRIDAY

25 Picture Books Book Club: My Lucky Day

Make & Take. 4pm. Free. Phenix City-Russell County Library; phenixcitylibrary.com

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

by Keiko Kasza. 10:30 – 10:45am. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

Kids’ Yoga. 11:30am-12:15pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2679.

Saturday Kids Class. Noon-1:30pm. $25.

Painting with A Twist, paintingwithatwist. com/columbus 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

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HOO’s CRAFTY

AUTUMN LEAVES

SUNCATCHERS

These adorable suncatchers are sure to make any window glow with the spirit of autumn, and make a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

Courtesy of www.craftsonsea.co.uk

DIRECTIONS First tape a piece of contact paper about the size of the leaf you want to make, sticky side up, onto a flat surface.

Now cut a leaf shape out of black construction paper, then carefully cut the middle out, leaving 1/4 of an inch edge on it, for your kids to fill in with their colorful paper.

Then it’s time to let your littles stick tissue paper or cellophane into their leaf shapes in whatever pattern makes them happy.

Finally lay another piece of contact paper over the top to seal it. And poke a hole in one end and string it up so they’ll hang!

SUPPLIES Contact Paper Colored Cellophane Tissue Paper Black Construction Paper Tape / Scissors Needle & Thread

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s Fun

19

A Turkey

LEARN TO DRAW:

We are so Thankful...

for our Rivertown Families

www.RivertownPediatrics.com // 2416 Capstone Court, Columbus, GA // 706-327-1281

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HEALTHY Fluoride is a mineral that is found in the earth’s crust and is commonly found in nature. This mineral is important to dental health. For children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years, fluoride is deposited in permanent teeth during their development, making them more resistant to the acids formed by plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth that cause dental decay.

what is

Fluoride?

For both kids and adults, fluoride taken in through food, water, or applied topically in toothpaste is replaced to tooth enamel through a process called re-mineralization. This repair of the tooth enamel also helps prevent tooth decay.

Why Too Much Fluoride is A Concern

Track Your Child’s Fluoride Intake

In some places in the world, the drinking water naturally contains fluoride. However, this most often is not the case in North America. In many communities in the US, a carefully regulated amount of fluoride is added to the municipal drinking water to help promote strong teeth and prevent dental decay. However, a long term intake of excess of fluoride can cause a condition called dental fluorosis, which is a staining of the permanent teeth as they are being formed before age 6. In addition, a condition called skeletal fluorosis involving pain and damages to joints can be caused by long term exposure to very high levels of fluoride in the environment. Dental fluorosis most often happens when children drink water that naturally has a high level of fluoride, such as well water, or are swallowing fluoridated toothpaste. Most cases of dental fluorosis are mild and consist of lacy white markings that are barely noticeable but more severe cases, while less common, can cause pitting of the teeth and brown discoloration. Skeletal fluorosis is rare in the US and occurs mainly in parts of the world where the water supply is contaminated with high levels of fluoride. A sudden high dosage of fluoride can be toxic, which is why parents are encouraged to store all products that contain fluoride out of the reach of children.

To ensure their kids are receiving the correct amount of fluoride, parents should evaluate how much fluoride their children are taking in each day. First, ask your community’s water system for the level of fluoride added to tap water. The maximum amount is regulated by the EPA and is set at 4.0 mg/L. Also, be aware that fluoride is often added to bottled water. The Food and Drug Administration requires the amount of fluoride added to bottled water (and other bottled drinks) to be on the label. Bottled water that comes from natural sources, like spring water, may have low amounts of naturally occurring fluoride. Bottled water that comes from a municipal water source may have an amount of fluoride and the source will be required to abide by the EPA standards. Distilled and dematerialized bottled water has gone through a process that removes all but trace amounts of fluoride but check the label to see if fluoride was added back in. If a brand of bottled water does not have the amount of fluoride on the label, contact the manufacturer and ask for it.

Consult with your child’s dentist or pediatrician about the sources of fluoride your child consumes to see if your child may be getting too much or too little fluoride. The correct dosage of fluoride depends on your child’s height and weight.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

When Thunder

Roars, Go Indoors

Soon cool showers cut through the humidity, so you grab a glass of iced tea and pull up a chair on the front porch to watch the storm.

Or, like one mom in New Hampshire, you might decide to carry your child with you onto the porch to watch the rain. But when she did, this mom and son were hit with a jolt of electricity when lightning struck a nearby tree and traveled through a dog lead connected to the porch. Both survived, but not without burns, bruises, and some hearing loss.

Prior to centralized AC, escaping pre-storm heat and humidity by moving to the front porch was a common practice. Not coincidentally, lightning strike deaths were also as high as 400 per year. Happily, that number is down to between 20 and 40 per year due to improved education and fewer people making their living outdoors.

HOO’s tips Still, lightning is Georgia’s #2 weather-related killer. In the entire US, lightning killed more people than tornadoes and hurricanes combined in 2016, according to The National Weather Service. The majority of lightning deaths occur during outdoor recreation. When seeking shelter outdoors, don’t run under a tree. It’s the second most common location of lightning casualties.

Other unsafe locations include open-sided structures such as pavilions, golf carts, or off-road vehicles. Stay away from metal bleachers, railings, and fences. While these don’t attract lightning, they do conduct electricity. If no home or enclosed building is available, get into a hard-top vehicle.

Life-threatening thunderstorms include any storm near enough for you to have heard thunder in the last 30 minutes, advises the National Weather Service. Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the storm center. And a “Bolt from the Blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the storm cloud.

Teach your kids “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.”

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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

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

OUSE OPEN yHs, 9A to 1P a d rs u Th Admissions or call 467, ext. 204 706.323.0

CalvaryKnights.com 706.323.0467

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

Experience St. Luke School at Our Open House Events Jr-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Wednesday, November 8 Campus Wide PK3-8th Grade Sunday, November 12 318 11th Street 706.256.1301 school.stlukeum.com

318 11th Street • 706.256.1301 • See our website for more details: school.stl

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com 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.

BE THE ONE

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

HOMEWORK STRUGGLES

brookstoneschool.org 706.324.1392

HOO’s learning

EVERY PARENT KNOWS WE CAN’T FORCE OUR KIDS TO PICK UP THEIR PENCIL AND COMPLETE A MATH PROBLEM. WE CAN GIVE THEM A BOOK, BUT WE CAN’T MAKE THEM READ IT. THANKFULLY, THERE ARE WAYS WE CAN HELP OUR KIDS WANT TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK.

Settle in your mind the question of how much homework is OK. If kids today seem to have more homework than ever, statistics disagree. Homework loads have remained virtually unchanged for the past 30 years, reports Brooking Institution’s Brown Center on Education Policy. Acceptable amounts, says the National Education Association (NEA), are 10-20 minutes per night in the first grade, and an additional 10 minutes per grade level thereafter (e.g., 20 minutes for second grade, 120 minutes for twelfth). High school students may do more, depending on the level of classes they take. As kids progress in school, those who do homework perform better. However, there is such thing as “too much homework.” At some point when homework is assigned beyond the recommended levels, the law of diminishing returns takes effect, reports the Journal of Educational Psychology. If your child has excessive homework that causes a lot of stress, talk to their teacher.

When it comes to getting your kids to do their homework, your confidence that they have an appropriate amount will go a long way.

Get your priorities straight. Parental support plays a major role in encouraging children’s academic success. In fact, nearly half of a child’s achievement in school, says Ronald Ferguson, Harvard Graduate School of Education, can be accounted for by outside factors, including parental support. One way parents do this is by helping their kids prioritize homework above other activities. Kids will be more motivated to do homework if they see parents place a high value on providing the place, the time, the tools, and the support to complete the work.

Set aside a work space that is free of distractions. Turn off the TV and electronics, yours too. Have a snack available, or start supper. Make homework a part of the daily family routine.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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