Chatt Valley September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY AFTER SCHOOL

ACTIVITY GUIDE Pg. 10-12

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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T wplow ’ N DO a sneont BE par

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We have all probably heard of ‘helicopter’ parents, who ‘hover’ over their kids constantly to ensure nothing goes wrong during their day. Some parents take this form of over-involved parenting a step further and go to extremes to ‘prepare the way’ for their child by removing any obstacles in their child’s path. This is often referred to as ‘snowplow parenting.’

Children of snowplow parents may reach adulthood with little or no problem-solving skills or the ability to advocate for themselves because they were shielded from having to face a challenge or deal with adversity. In addition, a child of a ‘snowplow‘ parent may end up occupying a position in school or in the workforce that he is not prepared for.

Here are some tips on how to serve as your child’s coach on his journey to adulthood, instead of denying him valuable experiences by ‘snowplowing’ any and all obstacles out of his way.

Alleviate the anxiety that may tempt you to ‘snowplow’ We all want the best for our kids and it can be disturbing to watch them struggle and sometimes fail. In addition, some view parenting as a competition and social media makes it easy to get caught up in this competition without realizing it. We may set goals for our kids that make us feel like a success, instead of assisting them in selecting realistic goals that match their interests and talents.

Instead of competing with other parents and ‘snowplowing’ the way to the goal you think your child should attain, teach your child the values and skills he needs to achieve goals important to him and to deal with potential roadblocks.

This includes the ability to cope with failure. You and your child will feel a lot less stressed and anxious.

You can still be a strong advocate for your child when needed The secret to avoiding snowplow parenting is knowing how to advocate for your child when needed and when to step back and coach your child through the process of advocating for himself. Some situations require parental involvement from the beginning, such as requesting special accommodations from the school system for a disabled child or when your child feels unsafe due to bullying. Use these steps to be an effective advocate for your child in these types of situations: a Clearly communicate what your child’s needs are and provide any requested documentation in a timely manner. a Be familiar with your child’s rights. Review school policies and any laws, such as IDEA, relevant to the situation. a Keep the interactions positive but be persistent. Remember, your child is learning by observing you.

In simiplier situations, let your child attempt to advocate for himself a Listen to your child explain the situation and why he feels concerned about it. Ask him what he thinks he should do to address it. If he says he does not know, advise him to think about it for awhile and come up with a few suggestions he can talk through with you. a Once your child has decided upon his next step, give him a chance to try it. a If the approach does not work this first time, coach him through the process of re-evaluating his solution and coming up with a new one.

You may need to step in eventually, if the situation evolves into a more urgent one requiring your intervention, but your child at least learned problem-solving skills from his effort.

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The Scoop!

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

FamilyAndKidsGA

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

www.Familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Vintage and Handmade Market Farmhouse, Antiques, Handcrafted, One-of-a-Kind Finds

Sept.

20 - 22

CONTACT INFORMATION: southernjunkinshow@gmail.com www.facebook.com/junkinshow/ @southernlovinjunkinshow 706-327-4522

Hosted and located at the Columbus GA Convention & Trade Center is the 4th annual Southern Lovin' Junkin' Show.

Tickets are $5 for Saturday & Sunday and Kids 12 & under are FREE! Make sure to come by and see: Handcrafted items such as Candles, Pottery, Jewelry, Soaps, Repurposed and One-of-a-Kind finds.

Friday 's VIP Night, Kids Corner and Football Station.

And, of course, a whole lot of Fall Fun!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

FALL FUN at the

Rock Ranch

Looking for a new family fun activity this fall? Look no further than The Rock Ranch, located in The Rock, GA. It is a 1,500-acre farm created by Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy. It is a family-friendly destination offering an array of attractions for all ages. These attractions include pony rides, locomotive train rides, zip lines, paddle boats, carousel, cane pole fishing, pedal carts, live music, animal zoo, rock climbing wall, tractor wagon rides, gemstone mining, a cow train, sports zone, speed pitch and ball toss area, giant jumping pillow, Tiny Town and more.

In addition to the Rock Ranch’s attractions, they are offering themed days this fall to make every trip a new adventure: October 5 – Superhero Day – Bring the camera for photo opportunities of all your favorite superheroes! Don’t miss the live music and superhero costume contests with prizes (come dressed and ready to compete).

HOO’s FUN October 12 – Great Outdoor Adventure – Experience handson interactions with wildlife; meet and greets with Curious George; birds of prey shows, canoe races and archery.

October 19 – Up, Up, and Away Day – Ride in a hot air balloon (tethered, weather permitting, $5/child, $10/adult, cash only). Plus, After-Dark Ferrell gas Balloon Glow, stilt walkers, world record-holder trampoline performers, paragliders and more.

October 26 – “Not-So-Spooky” Halloween – Dress up in your Halloween best and participate in the Costume Contests for people and leashed pups, trick-or-treating, World Champion Frisbee Dog shows, magic shows, balloon twisting and more.

November 2 – National Pumpkin Destruction Day Pick your method of destruction with Rock Ranch’s pumpkin cannon, pumpkin bowling, monster truck smashing shows, a 40-foot pumpkin drop and more. BONUS: monster truck rides ($6 cash) The Rock Ranch will also be open on Sundays in October and Columbus Day! For information on hours, ticket pricing, discounted pricing, annual memberships and more, visit TheRockRanch.com or follow @TheRockRanch on Facebook and Instagram.

Every Weekend Oct. 5 - Nov 2 Oct 5 – Super Hero Day Oct 12 – Great Outdoor Adventure Oct 19 – Up, Up & Away

Oct 26 – Not So Spooky Halloween Nov 2 – National Pumpkin Destruction Day & Monster Trucks

PLUS! Sunday Fun Days in

October and Old-Fashioned Outdoor Fun on Columbus Day!

TheRockRanch.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

local history stops This school year, help bring the history of our region to life for your kids by visiting some of the historical sites and venues in the Chattahoochee Valley.

This school year, help bring the history of our region to life for your kids by visiting some of the historical sites and venues in the ChattaNATIONAL CIVIL WAR NAVAL MUSEUM through a village of 19th century buildings filled with artifacts from hoochee Valley.

Jeannine Branch Columbus Publicmuseum Library is full that time period. Kids will enjoy seeing the live interpretations of daily This is a Scott, must-see forManager Civil WarNorth history buffs. The 19th century life and demonstrations of 19th century crafts and skills. of authentic Civil War artifacts and contains the largest surviving westville.org. For more, see the Westville feature on page 9.

Confederate warship, the USS Jackson. It also includes a replica of the USS Hartford. Visitors can view a timeline exhibit that walks SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE them through the naval events of the Civil War. portcolumbus.org The Springer Opera House, located in downtown Columbus, is Georgia’s oldest professional theater. Built in 1871, the Springer has ROOSEVELT’S LITTLE WHITE HOUSE been designated as a National Historical Landmark. Tours of this The home in Warm Springs that Franklin Delano Roosevelt built beautiful theater are available on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 in 1932 has been preserved and is open to the public for tours. pm. springeroperahouse.org FDR suffered from polio and visited Warm Springs to swim in the therapeutic 88-degree spring water. The home has remained COLUMBUS MUSEUM very close to the way it looked when it was occupied by FDR The Columbus Museum, located on Wynnton Road in Columbus, for the last time in 1945. gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse was founded in 1953 and is one of the largest museums in the Southeastern US. The museum houses a combination of historical HISTORIC WESTVILLE artifacts from around the local Chattahoochee Valley region and This venue located in Columbus provides an opportunity to experience American fine art. Kids will enjoy the interactive children’s gallery. what life was like in the South in the 19th century. Visitors can walk columbusmuseum.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

CSU DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE $6 - $12

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Riverside 706-507-8444 Theatre, 10th St. and Bay Discounts Ave. Next to available for Woodruff Park Sept. 5-7 at 10 am Sept. 27-28 at 7:30 pm seniors, military, alumni, and Sept. 6-7 at 7:30 pm Sept. 8 at 2 pm

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westville

n i w o n mbus

HOO’s PICKS

Colu

Visiting Historic Westville is like taking your kids on a trip back in time to the mid-19th century. The grand opening of the re-located village was in June of this year and about half of the historic buildings present in the previous location have been moved to the new Columbus location on South Lumpkin Road. Even though the village is still a work in progress, the structures present are maintained to be as historically accurate as possible both inside and out. When we asked Cindy Bowden, Historic Westville’s museum manager, about her organization’s mission, she replied, “Through exhibits, live interpretations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, you’ll be immersed in the history and spirit of the South and the personal experiences of those who called the Pineywoods home.”

A visit to the village starts at the Welcome Center, which is in the historic Thornton House. This building offers a gift shop filled with types of crafts common in the 19th century, such as woven baskets and pottery. Some of the crafts in the shop are made in the village by skilled crafters. After purchasing tickets at the Welcome Center, visitors proceed to the village on a stroller-friendly path.

Once in the village, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the historic buildings. The interiors of the buildings are filled with artifacts from the mid-19th century or historically accurate replicas. In many of the buildings, visitors who enter are given a tour by an interpreter dressed in the clothing of the time period. Plan your visit to allow enough time to tour as many as the structures as possible, as each tells part of the story of 19th century living.

Here are a few of the highlights:

BLACKSMITH SHOP: This a favorite of kids and adults alike. A skilled blacksmith, using historically accurate tools, demonstrates how blacksmiths made both everyday objects for household use and decorative pieces of art.

CLOTHING SHOP AND BOOT SHOP: These two shops provide excellent opportunities for kids to learn about skills and services of the time period. In the clothing shop, interpreters describe the pre-industrial 19th century process of turning raw wool and cotton into clothing. At the boot shop, visitors can view and touch examples of handmade footwear and observe the process of handcrafting footwear using tools and materials available in the mid-19th century.

VARIETY OF HOMES FROM THE MID-19TH CENTURY: Visitors to the village have the to opportunity to tour homes from the mid-19th century that reflect the differences in lifestyle between city residents and those who lived a rural, pioneering lifestyle in the countryside. Interpreters dressed in period clothing describe the activities of day to day mid-19th life for the family who occupied the home. Visitors to the Native American home learn about the creek culture local to the Chattahoochee Valley area and view examples of Native American crafts.

BUILDINGS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO COMMUNITY LIFE: Tour the courthouse and the churches in the village to get a feel of what 19th century community life was like.

Schools and homeschool groups can arrange for a guided educational tour of the village. A Fall Festival event is planned for November 2nd and 3rd, and soon they will host family-friendly crafting workshops. Historic Westville does have volunteer opportunities for teens and adults interested in learning more about the mid-19th century time period and sharing it with those who visit the village.

Visit westville.org for more info. For highlights on other local, historical attractions, see our list on page 7.

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AFTERWise SCHOOL ACTIVITY Choices for You & Your FamilyGUIDE

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family GUIDE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY

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G

IN T EA

CR

HOO’s PARENTING 13

S

E C SPA

by Gabrielle Tullis

I can’t be the only Mom who gets tired of saying “no.”

“No, you can’t climb on the counters.”“No, you can’t ride the dog around the house.” That’s all within the first 15 minutes of waking up. It’s EXHAUSTING! Parents aren’t the only ones who get tired of hearing “no.” Imagine being constantly told NO to everything you want to eat, play with and climb on… all while still having limited emotional coping mechanisms. It’s a lose/ lose situation. This is where the YES Space comes in.

and happiness. It’s perfect for daily playtime or when you need to do something crazy, like shower.

I choose my son’s room to be his YES Space. While we’ve reshaped our shared spaces to be more toddler-friendly, we have 98% of his toys stored in his room to regain some sanity throughout the rest of the house. His room is all about entertainment for his specific age and interests. It’s also completely baby-proofed so that I never have to worry about his safety while he plays in A YES Space is a room or enclosed area where every- there. His toys are easy for him to access, but I don’t thing within it is kid-approved. There’s nothing in keep all of his toys out at once so that he doesn’t bethe YES Space that they can’t touch and play with. come overwhelmed with options. By rotating toys, There’s nothing that can hurt them. It helps children he also feels like he gets to play with “new” toys! develop independent play, build their concentra- Among the toys he has out are books, puzzles, cars, tion, work on their decision-making skills, explore blocks, washable art supplies, musical instruments, a freedom of movement and experience more calm slide, mini trampoline, climbing blocks and soft toys.

TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR YES SPACE  Focus on safety. Cover all outlets and sharp corners, hide cords (blinds and electrical), and anchor all furniture  Keep toys in easy reach so kids don’t get frustrated  If there’s something in the area they shouldn’t touch or play with, keep it out of reach and out of sight  Store special toys in there that they only get to play with during independent play time  Be mindful of toys that make a mess or can break. If you know you would freak out if your child draws on the wall with crayons, don’t keep them in the room. It is your responsibility to make sure that this room can be used freely for them  Be realistic on what rules your child can and cannot follow based on what’s developmentally age-appropriate I can honestly say that finding the balance between having an “adult,” yet toddler-safe, living space and a YES Space for my son has improved our home. Knowing there’s a safe place for my son to play, learn and explore without me having to oversee every moment is a breath of fresh air and an opportunity for growth and freedom for my son. No matter how you parent or how you set your home up, remember that you’re doing a kick butt job; there’s no one-way to parent. Raising little people is hard and we’re all in this together, mamas.

Gabrielle Tullis is a military spouse, mother of a two-year-old boy, who writes and works in social media marketing.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

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Autumn is in the Air

HOO’s HUNGRY MINI

FRITATTA

WITH SPINACH AND PEPPERS Quick and easy to throw together, and reheats well for a quick weekday breakfast. Courtesy of jessfuel.com.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray and set aside. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onions, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into muffin cups so that each one is about ½ to full. Add sautéed vegetables evenly to each.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Cool in muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then remove and serve immediately, or transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling if you are going to refrigerate for later.

INGREDIENTS • 1 tsp olive oil • ½ cup finely diced onion • ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper • 3 cups loosely packed spinach, chopped • 6 large eggs • ¼ cup milk • 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese • salt & pepper to taste

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Septemb

PROVIDED IN PARTNER

1-2 ​ Hot Air Balloon Festival. 7am-9pm. 7 Grandparent’s Day Tea Party. 2pm. N. Co- 14 Family Fun Festival. 9am-3pm.

Callaway Gardens; callawaygardens.org Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat, Fort lumbus Library; 706-748-2855 Mitchell; FB:@msbt.btsr

2 Labor Day Fair. 10am-4pm. Seale Russell 7$5 parking.

Dog Splash & Luau. 1-4pm. $10 per dog.

County Courthouse, Seale; 706-573-0620 Liberty Bell Pool, FD Roosevelt 14 Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament.

State Park; 706-663-4858 10am. $10-$20. Ages 8-15. Godwin Creek; 3 At Home in Nature (ages 7-10). 10am-Noon. 7 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry forekidscolumbus.com $7. RSVP. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8559 Library; 706-243-2782 14 Fairy Fest. 11am-2pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 3S. Columbus STEAM Punks: Stories & Science. 3:30pm.

Library; 706-683-8805 10Discovery Hub: Art. 10:30am. Columbus 14Teen Pumpkin Glassblowing Workshop.

Library; 706-243-2669 $25. RSVP by Sept 11. Columbus 3 Harry Potter Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. 10 Blockheads LEGO Challenge. 3:30pm. S. Noon-4pm.

Museum; columbusmuseum.com Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 17 Mini Makers: Circuit Critters. 10:30am.

4MercyMed North Columbus Farmers Market. 4-6pm.

Parking Lot; 706-507-9209 11 Little Naturalists (ages 3-6). 1:30pm. $5. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669 RSVP. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 17 Rice Krispies Treats™ Day. 3:30pm. S. 5-8 Charlotte’s Web. Thurs & Fri Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 10am, Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm, . $6-$12.

12 Books Before Bedtime. 6pm. N. ColumCSU Riverside Theatre; 706-507-8444 bus Library; 706-748-2855 17 At Home in Nature (ages 7-10). 10am6brary;Sensory Storytime. 3pm. Columbus Li- 13 La Leche League. 10:30-11:30am. Co- Noon. $7. RSVP. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8559 706-243-2669 lumbus Library; lllofga.org/columbus.html 18 Mommy Meet-Up. 11:00am. N. Co6MildredGrandparent’ s Day Celebration. 4:30pm. 13-14 Harris Co. Rodeo. 6-9pm. Mike lumbus Library; 706-748-2855 L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Tracy Arena, Hamilton; 706-321-5555 18 North Columbus Farmers Market.

4-6pm. MercyMed Parking Lot, 3702 2nd Ave, 6-7 The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe.

13-15 The Lion, The Witch & The WardColumbus; 706-507-9209 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 robe. 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 Just 4 Kids Consignment 7 Kids Summer Vendor Fair. 9am-Noon. $5 14 Kids’Yoga Storytime. 11:30am. Colum- 18-28 Sale. 10am-7pm. 7607 Veterans Pkwy; 706vendor fee. 1000 Broadway; 706-718-7663

bus Library; 706-243-2669

587-1819

7Free.Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon.

14 Keris Kares Royal Superhero 5K/1 Mile 19 Yoga Storytime. 2pm. N. Columbus LiAges 5-12. Columbus; 706-322-9240 Run. 7-10am. Woodruff Park; runsignup.com brary; 706-748-2855 Phenix City; 334-297-2045

ber Events

RSHIP WITH:

20 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 5-10pm. 25 Little Naturalists (ages 3-6). 1:30pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 Uptown Columbus; 706-327-6838 Get Digital: Computer Skills & Safety 20 Sensory Storytime. 3pm. Columbus for26 Kids. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669 Library; 706-243-2669

26 La Leche League. 6:30pm. N. Colum20 Fiesta Friday: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. 3:30pm. S. Columbus Li- bus Library; lllofga.org/columbus.html brary; 706-683-8805 27-28 The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe.

7:30pm.

Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 20-21 The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 27-29 Peter and the Starcatcher.

Fri & Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2pm. $12-$20. CSU 21 Click, Clack, Type! 10am. Mildred L. TerRiverside Theatre; 706-507-8444 ry Library; 706-243-2782 28CSO706-256-3645 Open Dress Rehearsal. 12:30pm.

21 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Library; RiverCenter; 706-243-2669

21 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 21 Kids Summer Vendor Fair. 9am-Noon. $5 vendor fee. 1000 Broadway; 706-718-7663 21 CCSSC’s Star Light Star Bright. 8-10pm. $5 parking. FD Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858 24 Discovery Hub: Art. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669 24 Picture Book Club. 3:30pm. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 24

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

28 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17.

Family Storytime. 10:30am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 9/2)

TUESDAY

Afterschool Games. Yancey Children’s Garden.

3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669 Chess: Unplug for Chess’ Sake. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

WEDNESDAY

Family Storytime. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669

THURSDAY

Get Your Game On. 3:30pm. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

FRIDAY

Music ‘n Motion. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2669

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

Uptown Columbus Concert Series. 7-10pm.

Uptown Columbus/Broadway; uptowncolumbusga.com

28 Your State Parks Day: Outdoor Discovery. 10am-1pm. $5 parking. FD Roosevelt

SATURDAY

State Park; 706-663-4858

Weekly Events MONDAY

ASL: Silent Chat. 4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 9/2)

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

Ages 3+. See store for details Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am.

5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880

Optimizing

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their

HOO’s PARENTING

PLAYROOM

If you are ready to bring order to the chaos in your toddler’s playroom by thinning out his toy collection, your plan has the support of scientific research. A research study recently published by the University of Toledo in Infant Behavior and Development found evidence that the quality of a toddler’s play improves when there are less toys to choose from in the play area. The researchers discovered that the toddlers with fewer toys in their play space engaged in more in-depth play with each toy, taking more time to explore the different ways to interact with a toy before moving on to another one.

There are many studies that reinforce the importance of quality unstructured play time for young children. Play time is a chance for toddlers to explore the world around them, engage their creativity and develop social skills. Here are some tips for reducing the toy inventory and optimizing your child’s play area in a way that encourages quality unstructured play.

Optimize the quality of the toys in your toddler’s collection After your toddler is in bed for the night, collect all his toys together in one place and weed out the ones that have been outgrown, are redundant or are broken. Consider removing toys that do not require much interaction from your toddler and are more of an entertainment than a toy.

The next step is to ensure the remaining inventory contains a variety of toys that promote quality play. Toys are often placed into these categories: l Educational toys that introduce reading and math skills, such as a toy that helps toddlers explore phonics

or counting

l Active toys that get your toddler moving, such as balls and play tunnels to crawl through l Toys that promote imaginary and creative play such as dress-up clothes, a play kitchen, art materials and

toys that mimic real world objects such as a cell phone

l Toys that develop problem-solving skills and fine motor skills such as puzzles, blocks and nesting cups

If you find one of the categories is under represented in the inventory, consider adding a toy to that category’s inventory. It doesn’t have to be something that you buy. For example, a big box makes an excellent pretend house.

optimize the toys and put them on display for easy access Set up a toy rotation to keep the number of toys down to a level where you can have toys out on display, instead of stored in a toy box. Create several groups of toys, with each group having its own theme, such as dinosaurs or fire station. Ensure each group contains different categories of toys (active, educational, etc.), and place each group in its own labeled bin.

Hide the groups that are out of rotation in a place your toddler cannot access. Rotate the group that is on display every few weeks or whatever schedule works best for your toddler. If there is one toy your toddler can’t do without, it’s OK to leave it in the play area permanently.

When taking the current group of toys out of the bin, put them on display in ‘stations’ in your child’s play area. For example, set up a cozy reading station with books from the present toy rotation, a station with toddler-friendly puzzles and crafts and a station for pretend play that contains that rotation’s dress up outfits. Your goal is to have the toys where your toddler can see them and easily access them.

Resources:

Dauch, C., Imwalle, M., Ocasio, B., and Metz, A. (2018). The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play. Infant Behavior and Development. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2017.11.005 childrensmuseums.org/images/MCMResearchSummary.pdf

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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

706.571.9699

2001 Brookstone Centre Pky

pediatricsatbrookstonecentre.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

20

The “COOLEST”

Place in Columbus... Literally

Learn to Skate Columbus Ice Rink 400 4th Street • Columbus

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Mondays:

Traditional or Chicken Gyro $ 5.55 w/ 1 side

Tuesdays: Falafel Gyro $ 5.55 w/ 1 side

Wednesdays:

Kids Eat FREE! 4pm - close, one kid’s meal per min. $8 adult purchase

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Dining Deals

for Kids

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

MONDAY

thursday

Barberitos

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

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

Zaxby’s

Captain D’s

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

Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

Tuesday

saturday

Denny’s

Denny’s

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

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

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

sunday

Jason’s Deli

Pita Pit

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

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

TGI Friday’s

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

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

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

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

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

Your Pie

every day

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

Golden Corral

Red Robin

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

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

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

22

HOO’s learning

Finding

Your child’s teacher can help identify his or her independent reading level. The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries can help you find great books to match those levels.

“just the Right” Books

By: Greta Browder, Children’s Outreach Coordinator, Chatt.

Valley Libraries

Coaches and teachers provide instruction on the skills needed for success, but the individual must practice those skills in order to improve. If practice is fun, a person practices more and gets better faster. For reading, the same can be applied by finding high interest material written in our comfort zone.

Those are called “just right” books.

Reading materials can be divided into 3 levels:

Stop by any CVL branch and let our staff show you how to find “just the right” books, or log onto our catalog at cvlga.org. In the search box type in Lexile followed by level number, or for Accelerated Reader type in AR followed by level number. An assortment of titles will come up for you to browse, or use the menu choices on the left to fine tune your choices.

INDEPENDENT LEVEL

RELATIVELY EASY TO READ (95% WORD ACCURACY)

Remember, children’s reading choices and assignments may be written at their Instructional or frustration level and that means they need support while reading. They can understand the material if you read and discuss it with them! You can also find thousands of free read-a-longs and audiobooks to support your young reader on our website: Tumblebooks for our youngest readers, Tumblebook Cloud Junior for grades 3 to 8 and RBdigital for audiobooks for all ages.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL

CHALLENGING BUT MANAGEABLE FOR THE READER (90% WORD ACCURACY)

Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is here to support your child’s success in reading and learning. Come discover our many resources.

FRUSTRATION LEVEL

DIFFICULT TEXT TO READ (LESS THAN 90% WORD ACCURACY)

Sources:

www. readingrockets.org/article/fluency-introduction www. Cvlga.org

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

23

Locally Owned!

THEIR WORLD We Buy and Sell the Cutest Styles

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

FIND 10 DIFFERENCES

24

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

For a list of private schools, preschools, tutors and home school resources, visit familyandkidsga.com/cat/education To feature your school option, call Tammy 253-212-7270.

ILD AN GIVE YOUR CHNTAGE IN VA AD ACADEMIC BEYOND! SCHOOL AND To learn more, we invite you to schedule a Free Placement Test today.

Kumon Math & Reading Center of

COLUMBUS - NORTH

11290 Double Churches Rd., Suite K, Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963 • kumon.com/columbus-north

©2018 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Become a Knight!

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

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

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Learn through physical activity & Sports

Don’t wait until report cards come home!

Tutoring & Enrichment

We introduce physical activity into learning activities that are designed to promote learning

Math & Reading

Ages

3-11

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

Sign up Online Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

www.btglearning.com (762) 208-5048

Cunningham Center 3100 Gentian Blvd, Suite 121 Room 25 Columbus, Ga 31907

25

26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

BE THE ONE

WITH AMBITION. THE ONE WHO ATTACKS A PROBLEM WITH INSATIABLE CURIOSITY. Who stands up for the little guys and gals. The one to speak for what’s right and fair and just. Whoever you choose to be, be the one who leads the way. Visit us at brookstoneschool.org

Preparing Your Child For Success!

Now Enrolling for the 2019-2020 School year!

Our children enjoy a curriculum focusing on language development that includes the study of math, science, social studies, phonics, sign language, art, music, self-help skills, emotional growth and character. 6 weeks to 12 years.

Growing Room - 706-596-1234 1200 Manchester Expressway Growing Room Too - 706-653-0088 6110 Bradley Park Drive GR Christian Academy - 706-221-3248 7572 Kayne Blvd.

www.growingroomusa.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Preparing Minds • Living for Christ

Be a Lion!

Openings Available in Select Grades

706.256.1301 | stlukelions.com

27

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

28

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE cozi

faces imake

The surprisingly simple way to manage everyday family life. With a shared calendar, reminders, grocery list and more, Coziis a 3-time Mom’s Choice Award Winner and The TODAY Show “must-have app” for a better life.

Cozi is free, easy to use, and available from any mobile device.

Faces iMake is a modern day take on Mr. Potato Head. It is a tool for expanding visual awarenes, visual associations and activities mostly controlled by our right brain. It enables a kids’ expression in a non-verbal way. An enthusiastic student will have more incentive to articulate on his/her creation.

marco polo

fiton Earn cash back rewards and gift cards every time you shop! Members have earned over 1 billion points and redeemed over $3 million in rewards - join now to start earning your FREE rewards today!

Marco Polo works when you have a moment to talk, even if your schedules don’t match. Talk whenever it’s convenient for you. Your friend can watch in real time or later. Unlike other video apps, you don’t need to be live.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

29

HOO’s CRAFTY

POPSICLE STICK

BRACELETS A great craft for a wide range of ages!

Courtesy of www.inspirationmadesimple.com

SUPPLIES

DIRECTIONS Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add popsicle sticks. Some may break, so use a few extra.

Soak for 15 minutes. While sticks are boiling locate a small cup that is about the size of a wrist. Remove sticks one at a time and slowly bend them and work them into the inside of the glass. You can also wrap them around the cup and secure with an elastic band. Set these aside to dry for 24 hours. Once dry, remove them from the glass. Gather any supplies you want to use to decorate. I used Mod Podge, paint, glitter dots, rub-onsayings, scrapbooking paper and hot glue. Use a jumbo craft stick and a pencil to trace the shape onto some scrapbook paper and then cut it out. Slather Mod Podge onto your bracelet. Lay the design onto the bracelet and press it down flat, making sure to work out any air bubbles. You could paint your bracelet with craft paint instead. Set aside to dry.

Using 150 fine grit sand paper, sand the edges of the bracelet and paper to get rid of any overhang and to create smooth edges. Add embellishments as desired.

COME & enjoy the Stories you'll hear

NOWHERE

else!

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

Jumbo Popsicle Sticks Small Cup Rubber Band 150 Grit Sandpaper Modge Podge Stickers Scrapbook Paper Embellishments

30

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

7 2 7 5 4 t h St r e e t C o l u m b u s , GA 3 1 9 0 4

S AT U R DAY S 4:30PM | 6:00PM

S U N DAY S 9:30AM | 11:00AM *CHILD CARE IS PROVIDED AT ALL SERVICES

www.cascadehills.com

31

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.