Family & Kids Bayou Region Dec 16

DECEMBER 2016

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

BAYOU REGION

Front Cover Sponsor, See Back Cover

Don’t miss free holiday skating fun December 9 - 31!

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Children’s Clothing Girls : Pre -16 Boys : Pre-8

Locations

Boutique hair bows Skin & Hair Care • Gifts & toys Monogramming • Baptismal supplies

CUT OFF LOCATION 17020 West Main St. Cut Off, LA 70345 985-325-7327 M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-3

HOUMA LOCATION 1795B MLK Blvd, Suite B Houma, La 70360 986-868-5280 M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-3

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

WHEN IT COMES TO HAND WASHING, MANY SKIP THE SUDS!

HOO’s tips

HAND SANITATION

According to recent research, 95 percent of Americans admit it is important to wash their hands after using a public restroom. This is particularly true with women compared to men.

What’s even more interesting is that a growing number of consumers admit to simply rinsing their hands with water without using soap in public washrooms. In fact, this number has increased from 54 percent to 70 percent on the national level over the past two years. And just how long are they “washing” their hands?

Suds or no suds, a majority of Americans do not wash their hands long enough. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended time to wash one’s hands with soap and water in order to kill bacteria is at least 20 seconds.

These findings are part of the fifth annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey conducted

by Bradley Corporation, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of washroom accessories.

STAY HEALTHY ALL YEAR LONG

To keep you and your family healthy, Bradley recommends five simple steps to effective hand washing:

WASH MORE FREQUENTLY It’s important to wash your hands not only after using the washroom, but, before and after preparing and eating food; before and after treating a wound; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; and after touching the garbage.

COUNT TO 20 Proper hand washing means scrubbing with water and soap for at least 20 seconds or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

DON’T FORGET TO DRY Smart hand hygiene should not only include washing, but thoroughly drying hands as well. The most hygienic and sustainable method is using an energy-efficient dryer. If not available, a single use towel is preferred.

HAND SANITIZERS AREN’T ENOUGH While 29 percent of consumers surveyed use a hand sanitizer, it may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty. Anti-bacterial gel is not a substitute for soap and water, and should only be relied upon if hand washing facilities are not available.

CLEAN HANDS MEANS HEALTHY KIDS Hand washing among school-age children is especially important because nearly 2.2 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia, according to a 2011 study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Kids should be taught healthy routines like hand washing at an early age.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

sDigest.com

Sales@FamilyandKid

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of Terrebonne & Lafourche Parishes, Welcome to your handy, local, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, fun features, handy resources and things to do.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll enjoy our website too, www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com. There you can read our digital magazine and use our ONLINE SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide will provide you with a list of local, family-friendly businesses that we intend to grow into something more comprehensive in time. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.

AD DEADLINES

1st of the Month for the Next Month’s Issue

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 13 & 22

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9, 23 & 28

Hoo’s inspired.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 & 27

Hoo’s Picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18

Hoo’s Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

Hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 15

HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops and restaurants. Plus grocery stores, coffee shops, and many more places of business in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

Plus read our digital edition at:

www.familyandkidsdigest.com Find us on Facebook

Family & Kids Bayou Region

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

COLD & FLU MYTHS Colds and flu are upper respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. There is no cure for colds or the flu, so prevention is important. However, there are some misconceptions about these illnesses that seem to persist. Let’s clear those up so you have the best chance possible of keeping your family happy and healthy during cold and flu season.

MYTH: Once you have had a cold or the flu, you are immune for the rest of the season.

FACT: Yes, keeping your distance from someone displaying symptoms is wise. However, colds and the flu can be contagious even before the person infected shows symptoms. Also, it is possible for flu and cold viruses to live for short periods of time on hard surfaces, like doorknobs. Use frequent hand washing to help prevent the spread of colds and the flu. For everyone 6 months and older, getting a flu shot every year is an important step in preventing the flu.

MYTH: Taking vitamin C or echinacea can help prevent catching colds and the flu.

FACT: Unfortunately there can be more than one variation of the flu virus being passed around during flu season, and just because you catch one version of the virus does not make you immune to all of the different MYTH: If you stay away from people who have cold or strains of flu viruses. The same goes for colds, since there are many different viruses that can cause cold symptoms. flu symptoms, you won’t catch it.

FACT: Vitamin C and echinacea won’t help prevent catching cold or the flu or do much to help to shorten the duration of the illness. However, if you see your doctor right away when you start experiencing flu symptoms, you may be prescribed an anti-viral medication that helps shorten the duration and severity of the flu.

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy........ 20 Bayou Country Children’s Museum..12 Bayouland YMCA....................................19 Blacklist Martial Arts & Fitness.........12 Breakfast with Santa............................ 20 Bricks 4 Kidz........................................... 25 Brushworks Art & Music........................8 Carol Bruno’s Cheernastics..................12 Creative U................................................. 20 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours........ 29 Gymnastics Development Center..... 29 James Academy of Gymnastics........ 25 La Tea Da Party Palace......................... 25 Mix It Up....................................................18 STAGE Performing Arts School............8 TELL THEM 29 Tiger-Rock................................................

SENT YOU!

Childcare/ education Houma’s #1 After School Program.... 26 The Learning Ladder................................8

Breast Care Center................................. 22 Center for Pediatric Therapy.............. 30 Coastal Urgent Care............................... 11 Ellender Orthodontics............................ 9 Pelican Medical Supply....................... 30 Thieler Orthodontics............................ 30 Total Urgent Care................................... 26

party Bayou Inflatables....................................19

Shopping/ Retail Clearwater Pools & Spas.........................5 Downtown Houma................................. 23 Felger’s Foot Wear..................................15 JoAnn LeBoeuf Photography..............31 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Southland Mall....................................... 32

Food & beverage Chick-fil-A on MLK................................ 20

PARENT’S ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO knew?

Crazy Christmas Facts The world’s largest Christmas stocking was 106 feet and 9 inches (32.56 m) long and 49 feet and 1 inch (14.97 m) wide. It weighed as much as five reindeer and held almost 1,000 presents. It was made by the Children’s Society in London on December 14, 2007.

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Approximately 33 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.

In 1836, Alabama became the first state in the US to declare Christmas a legal holiday. In June of 1870, Christmas became a federal holiday in the US and Oklahoma became the last state to declare Christmas a legal holiday in 1907.

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The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was in Seattle, Washington in 1950.

The Christmas tree was 221 feet tall!

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During the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGOs are sold every second.

Tammy Usie creative boutique & brokerage

MARKETING l DESIGN l SALES l EVENTS 253.212.7270 TammyUsie@gmail.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOLIDAY

ROAD TRIP

SUGGESTIONS

A family road trip during the holiday season is a fun way to spend the days when the kids are out of school but the planning involved can be a challenge. Here are some travel tips that will help make your road trip an enjoyable experience.

• Before you hit the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Check tire pressure and fluid levels, and perform any maintenance, like an oil change, that your vehicle needed. If you are not sure your child’s car seat is installed properly, have it checked by a certified technician.

• Create a packing list for each family member. About age 8, kids are able to follow a list and help pack their own bags. Check each child’s bag to see that he actually packed the items on the list and nothing more. Use this list to check items off when packing for the trip home, to avoid leaving items behind. Don’t forget to pack your phone charger.

• A roadside assistance plan is very helpful if your vehicle breaks down in a remote area, so consider getting one if you don’t already have one. Some plans have apps for your phone that allow you to request assistance without having to remember the phone number.

• Have your health insurance cards with you and pack a first aid kit.

• Pack a small cooler full of healthy snacks, like fruit, veggies, and cheese.

• Have a supply of games or drawing supplies available to keep the kids busy, or be ready to go with a good old fashion iSPY or the alphabet sign game.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Learn to Draw

HOO’s FUN

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies a monster calls Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

A visually spectacular drama, based on the award-winning children’s fantasy novel, from director J.A. Bayona (“The Impossible”). This movie follows 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall), who attempts to deal with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) illness and the relentless bullying of his classmates by escaping into a fantastical world of monsters and finds a most unlikely ally when a Monster appears at his bedroom window. This feel good movie follows fairy tales that explore courage, loss, and faith. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, this movie stars Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell, Liam Neeson, Sigourney Weaver and Lewis MacDougall.

sing PG | Ok for kids 6+

In “Sing,” Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Tori Kelly star in a musical comedy about finding the shining star that lives inside all of us. Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, “Sing” stars Buster Moon (McConaughey), a dapper Koala who presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. Buster is an eternal optimist (and scoundrel) who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Now facing the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition.

space between us Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

A space shuttle embarks on the first mission to colonize Mars, only to find that one of the astronauts is pregnant. Shortly after landing, she gives birth to the first human born on the red planet – never revealing who the father is. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Gardner Elliot – an inquisitive, highly intelligent boy who reaches the age of 16 having only met 14 people in his very unconventional upbringing. While searching for clues about his father, and the home planet he’s never known, Gardner begins an online friendship with a street smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa. When he finally gets a chance to go to Earth, he’s eager to experience all of the wonders he could only read about on Mars – from the most simple to the extraordinary.

LA LA LAND PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

In this modern take on the Hollywood musical from director Damien Chazelle, the Academy Awardnominated writer and director of “Whiplash,” Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts, they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart. Also stars John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt and Finn Wittrock.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+

A rogue band of resistance fighters unite to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” takes place before the events of “Star Wars: A New Hope” and will be a departure from the saga films but have elements that are familiar to the Star Wars universe, exploring the galactic struggle from a ground-war perspective while maintaining that essential Star Wars feel that fans have come to know. Directed by Gareth Edwards, this movie stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelsen and Alan Tudyk. .

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Merry Christmas ! from our family to yours Gift Cards Available!

Jiu-Jitsu • Kickboxing • MMA • Kids Classes for 3-14 • Skillz Fit 5756 W Main St, Houma / 985-303-0170

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY Holiday Gift Idea

PEPPERMINT & GREEN TEA

BATH SALT

Bath salts purchased at a local bath and body store contain ingredients that are not necessary for a fantastic and effective product and they can be really expensive! Try making your own at home where you can control the ingredients and you’ll see just how simple it is, not to mention the money you will save creating your own mixture!

Make a jar for yourself and one to gift to a friend or deserving family member- they will thank you for this indulgent treat. The best thing about this diy though? It allows you to change up the essential oil to get whatever effect you desire! Peppermint is engergizing, Chamomile and Lavender for calming, Rose and Sandalwood are relaxing and sensual.

Green Tea has antiseptic and antioxidant properties as well as soothing irritated skin. Epsom salt has long been known to relax tired, aching muscles. It reduces swelling and draws toxins from your body. There are over 80 minerals in sea salt that are good for nourishing the body, increasing blood circulation, and promoting your body’s natural detox process. Peppermint for aromatherapy is an invigorating scent and can help alleviate headaches. If you’re feeling down and out, this soak is just the ticket!

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

1 Combine epsom salt and sea salt in a medium mixing bowl.

2 Add loose tea or if you’re using tea

bags, cut them open and add the loose tea to the mixture.

3 Mix well.

4 Add peppermint oil and either the coconut or almond oil and stir it well to combine.

3 cups epsom salt 1 cup sea salt 3 Tbsp. loose or 9 green tea bags 4-6 drops of peppermint essential oil 6-8 drops coconut or almond oil (For extra dry skin try olive oil, for oily skin use a lighter oil like almond.

5 When mixed well, cover with a paper or kitchen towel and let sit for a bit to absorb the scent and oil.

6 Store in an airtight container.

RECIPE AND PHOTO BY ADVENTURESINCOUPONS.COM

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Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

MONDAY Cajun Critters. 1029 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma. Kids eat free from kids’ menu. Balloon art and face painting.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 602 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux.

Kids10 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

Face painting.

IHOP. 1719 MLK Blvd, Houma. 4-9pm. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thibodaux.

5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under. Face painting.

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

Sicily’s Buffet. 1539 MLK Blvd, Houma. Up to 2 free kids’ buffets for kids 12 and under with paid adult.

wednesday Big Mike’s BBQ. 3034 Barrow St, Houma. From 4pm to close. Kids’ meals $.99.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 4560 Louisiana 1, Raceland.

6-8pm. Free balloon art and face painting.

La Casa Del Sol. 1257 Grand Caillou Rd, Houma.

5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under.

thursday Dynasty Buffet. 6425 West Park Ave, Houma. Kids 3-6 eat free. Free balloon art and face painting.

Tuesday

sunday

Applebee’s.1039 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma. Kids eat free from kids’ menu from 3-9pm (1 kid per adult).

Crabby Crab. 5726 LA 1, Lockport. Free ice cream for kids, live mermaid, balloon art and facepainting from 6-8pm.

Chick-fil-A. 1741 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free 4 count kid’s meal with any meal purchase from 5-8pm. First Tuesday of each month is Kid’s Craft Night.

everyday

Golden Corral.1724 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free balloon art and face painting.

Foundry on The Bayou. 15 West 1st St, Thibodaux.

For brunch (10:30am-2pm), free ice cream for kids and free face painting.

La Casa Del Sol. 4647 Louisiana 1, Raceland and 169 Monarch Dr, Houma. 5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under.

Dave’s Cajun Kitchen. 6240 West Main, Houma. Kids 10 & under get kid’s meal for $.99 with a purchase of a drink. Dinner only.

Pepper’s Pizzeria. 600 W 3rd St, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under get $1.99 pizza and free ice cream.

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

Specials are subject to change without notice. Please verify them directly before dining. “Family & Kids” and the restaurants listed accept no liability, so please call them first to verify. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Sales@FamilyAndKidsDigest.com.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s tips

capturing your kids The holiday picture-taking season has begun! Digital photography makes it easy to create your own holiday photos that you can use for greeting cards or give as gifts. Here are some tips that will help you capture holiday memories with great-looking photos.

For outdoor pictures, the light is the best an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. During the other times of the day, have your subjects stand in the shade if possible, or at least position everyone so that the sun is behind them. If your subjects have the sun behind them, use your flash or your subjects may look too dark. If you are taking pictures indoors, take your pictures at a time of day when you can use the natural light, instead of having to turn on lights.

Set up your picture by making sure there is nothing unattractive in the background. Try to use a plain background that won’t be distracting, like a brick wall, wooden fence, or a window. Using a plain,

neutral background is especially important if your kids are wearing brightly colored clothes. You don’t want the colors of their clothes to conflict with or blend into the background.

When your subjects are small kids, taking a picture when everyone is still and is smiling can be a real challenge. However, resist the temptation to just start taking a bunch of pictures, hoping at least one will turn out. Slow down and take a second to look through the viewfinder to see if the composition of the picture is what you wanted. If it is not, take a second or two to make adjustments.

If you desire a higher quality for your photos and finished image products, then consider hiring a professional. They have a greater understanding of lighting, composition, camera settings and postproduction editing that can help you achieve finer details, effects and a more polished overall look.

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Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main Library TD - Thibodaux

1 Community garage sale at 9 & 11 Gingerbread Hous- 17 Papa Noel Visit. 6-8pm.

Bayouland YMCA. 7am-noon.

985-873-9622 to reserve a booth.

es & Hot Chocolate. Mix It Up. 6:30pm. RSVP 985-868-3534

1 Craft night at Chick-fil-A on

saurs. Houma Civic Center.

10am-7pm. Tickets through Ticketmaster. Discoverthedinosaurs.com.

MLK, Houma. 5-8pm.

2 Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer.

6-9pm. $10. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

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Santa’s Land & Reindeer Rowe. 8am-4pm. $12-20.

Warren J Harang Auditorium.

Crafts, snacks, photos and photos with Santa. Thibodauxserviceleague.com.

3 Christmas Festival. Down-

town Houma. 11am festival, 4pm parade. Shopping, music, crafts, storytelling, 5K and more.

4 Christmas Fest. Downtown

10-11 Discover the Dino-

10 Breakfast with Santa. Van-

debilt Catholic Cafeteria. 7am. $6-7. Kiwanisofhouma@gmail. com. mas. 5-9pm. Houma Visitor’s Center. Music, food, activities and Santa.

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Kids Bully Prevention class at Evolution Training.

Ages 6 & up. 4:30-5:30pm.

407 N Hollywood Rd, Houma.

985-226-8846.

16 Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer.

6-9pm. $10. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

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16 Christmas Art & Pizza Par-

9-30

Winter Wonderland Indoor Skating Experience at Southland Mall.

Free.

Skates provided.

19-20 Christmas Art Camp. Brushworks. 9am-noon and 12:30-3:30pm. $35. RSVP 985-868-0580.

Brushworksacademy.com.

19-20 Christmas Mini Camp. Mix It Up. 9-11am.

RSVP 985-868-3534.

10 Papa Noel’s Cajun Christ- 19-30

Thibodaux. 4pm. Parade ends at Dansereau House with the Clauses for a holiday festival.

Make edible Christmas gifts. Mix It Up. 4pm. RSVP 985-868-3534.

BCCM. Crafts, story, playtime, hot chocolate and cookies. $515. Bccm.info.

ty. Brushworks. 6:30-9pm. $35.

RSVP 985-868-0580. Brushworksacademy.com.

17 Parents’ Night Out. Mar-

tial Arts Studio. 6-9:30pm. $20. 985-772-1861.

17 Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade.

5:30pm. Begins at Bourg Volunteer Fire Station to Humble Canal Bridge.

Christmas Camp.

Bayouland YMCA. 7am-6pm.

Ages 4-12. 985-873-9622.

19-22 Winter Break Camp. 9am-3pm. BCCM. $3540. Bccm.info 19-30

Holiday Camp.

Martial Arts Studio. 7:15am6pm. 985-772-1861.

21-23

Christmas Mini Camp. Mix It Up. 9am-1pm.

RSVP 985-868-3534.

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Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer. 6-8pm. $10. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-6937109.

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Girls Gym Sleepover.

Alstarz Cheer. 9pm-8am. Ages 4-14. $24. Tumbling, games, and fun. RSVP 985-693-7109.

28-30 Winter Restaurant

Camp. Mix It Up. 9am-1pm.

RSVP 985-868-3534.

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Branch Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

31 Noon Year’s Eve. BCCM. THURSDAY Noon. Free with admission.

Bccm.info

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY

Toddler Time. TM. 10am and 6pm for 19mon-3yrs. (not 9/3)

TUESDAY

Storytime. TM. 10am for newborns-18mon, and 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families. (not on 25th) Family storytime. 6pm. TM. 4-8yr olds & families.

Tales for Tots.

10:30pm. bccm.info

BCCM.

Bingo. TD. 10am. All ages.

Prizes awarded.

Board Game night. TD. 5pm.

All ages. Prizes awarded.

Snacks provided.

WEDNESDAY

Storytime for PreK-3rd grade.

TM. 10am.

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am for 3-5 year olds.

Storytime with craft. TD. 10:30am. All ages welcome.

Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga.

Anela’s. 4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. anelaslounge.com.

Interactive Storytime for infants and toddlers. TD. 10:30am.

Toddler Storytime. 19 mon-3 years. TM. 2pm.

Crafternoons. TM. 4pm.

PreK-6th. RSVP 985-876-5861.

(24th) Free kids’ yoga. Anela’s.

6:30pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. anelaslounge.com Prenatal yoga. Anela’s. 6pm. anelaslounge.com.

Computer instruction classes.

2pm. TD. RSVP 447-4119.

English as a second language.

TM. 6:30pm.

FRIDAY

Wiggle, Move & Giggle.

BCCM. 1:30pm. bccm.info Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7$10 for non members. Adult required for ages 5 and under.

308 Venture Blvd, Houma.

985-851-3001.

Open Gym. LA Sports Gym. 6:30-9pm. $10. Toddler Time 10am-noon. $7. Kids 4 and under. 544 S Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-580-9746.

Exercise class. 11am. TD. Style varies.

SATURDAY

Lafourche Central Market.

Farmers, fishermen, artisans and activities. 8a-noon.

Thibodaux Main Street Market. 8am-12:30pm next to Jean Lafitte Park. Buy fresh, buy local.

Kids’ Club. Michael’s, Houma.

10am-12pm. $2. Adult required. 985-872-3132.

Build and Grow Clinic. Lowe’s, Houma. 10am. Free. RSVP lowes.com/buildandgrow.

985-223-7575.

Kids’ Workshop. Home Depot, Houma. 9am-12pm. Ages 5-12. Adult required. Free.

RSVP homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops. 985223-1485.

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

LIBRAR Y ACTIVITIES Terrebonne Parish

http://mytpl.evanced.info/signup/ EventCalendar.aspx

Lafourche Parish

www.lafourche.org Click on Locations & Contacts

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

PA R T I E S C O O K I N G C L A S S E S C A M P S

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE ChoreMonster Take the tension out of chores with this app for your 4-12 year olds. Kids earn points by completing chores and earn rewards like ice cream, an hour of Xbox, or even a family camping trip. Parents manage the chores and the rewards they can earn.

the playmatic Bursts of color and popping bubbles engage little ones who need only tap the screen or shake the phone to make things happen.

Bonus! No annoying noises or pop ups or in game purchases! Literally made so there is no need for you to help or worry.

sky guide Sky Guide’s interactive experience makes learning your way around the sky intuitive and fun. Hold up your device and the app automatically aligns with the sky above (day or night!) to show you constellations. Click on stars to learn about them, track satellites, and monitor the path of comets.

toca hair salon In this kid-friendly app, your little ones get to be the stylist, with six fun characters to choose from. Cut, color and style hair any way you want, using lots of different hair styling tools. Trim mustaches, spray mohawks bright pink and give someone the curls they’ve always wanted!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

RED VELVET HOLIDAY

COOKIES by betty crocker.com

DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, cocoa, butter, sour cream, food color and egg until soft dough forms.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 9 minutes or until set. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

Frost cooled cookies with frosting. Sprinkle with nuts. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) sugar cookie mix • 1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1 tablespoon red food color • 1 egg • 3/4 to 1 cup cream cheese frosting • 1/4 cup chopped nuts

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Kiwanis Club of Houma Foundation

Breakfast with Santa presents

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 (7:00-11:30 am) $6.00 Advance Â&#x; $7.00 at the Door Vandebilt Cafeteria

For tickets and info email: KiwanisofHouma@gmail.com

A Page In A Book

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Recommending the Best Books for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

A Wonderfully Different World

Children are born into a world where a diverse world population is increasingly connected through technology. Each new generation has an increased opportunity to make friends with kids whose journeys may be very different from theirs. These titles explore common ground shared between the variety of cultures, lifestyles, and belief systems in our child’s world.

Peace is an Offering

By Annette LeBox, Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin (Penguin Random House)

Whether it’s a shared cookie or the comfort of a hug, peace is a gift that is within every child to offer...and to receive. Peace can be the calm that follows worry, the departure from conflict or the quiet times that offer respite from our busy lives. Soft pencil and watercolor images illustrate simple gestures and kind words can both act as a balm as well as enhancing our sense of community. In a world characterized by so many differences, this title takes a step back to refocus on the shared pleasures and generous actions that all people welcome as a part of offering the peace that everyone deserves.

Happy in Our Skin

By Fran Manushkin, Illustrated by Lauren Tobia (Candlewick)

A celebration of skin and all its marvelous power, this rhyming romp touches on all the good things that our skin can do. It keeps our insides in and the outside out. When our skins gets a scrape, it creates its own patch as it heals. Decorated with freckles, bumps, dimples and fingerprints, our skin is our own special everyday covering that is distinctly our own. With shades of cinnamon, honey, cream and cocoa, this lively title is a delicious celebration of the very special skin we live in.

Who We Are! All About Being the Same and Different

By Robie H Harris, Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott (Candlewick)

Entering a crowded amusement park with his family, Gus remarks that there are so many people there. His sister Nellie points out that while that’s is true, there only ‘one’ of Gus and ‘one’ of her.

As they navigate the park, filled with other patrons from various cultures and backgrounds, they discover the importance of their own individuality along with an appreciation for the rich tapestry of likewise unique people in their world. Celebrating diversity, Who We Are is a rich examination of all the little things that make each child a uniquely special individual.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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166 Corporate Dr, Houma 985-858-3333

Caring for women is a

WAY OF LIFE for us.

HOO’s CRAFTY HANDPRINT TREE

CHRISTMAS CARDS If you are looking for an easy keepsake idea for the kids to make and gift to the grandparents and/or other family members this holiday season, this is the craft for you!

DIRECTIONS First trace your child’s hand on the green cardstock. Trim out. Repeat for each card you want to create.

SUPPLIES

Now grab your brown cardstock and cut out a rectangular tree trunk shape.

blank cards or folded cardstock

Using glue dots, glue down the handprint “tree” and the tree trunk piece underneath it to the front of the card.

green, brown, yellow paper

Grab your rhinestones. Have children place glue dots on the back of each rhinestone and then place them in the center of the “handprint tree.”

Then, cut out a star from the yellow cardstock and add it to the top of your tree. At this point, you can either add more or go straight to personalizing the inside so you can mail it right away! Don’t forget to add your child’s name and age on the card, so the receiver will always know when it was made!

glue dots rhinestones pencils and pens

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HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about Disney life

What kind of car do Disney moms drive?

Minnie Vans!

Why can’t you hand Elsa a balloon?

She’ll Let it Go, Let it Go!

What is Tarzan’s favorite Christmas song?

Jungle Bells!

’

Talking!

Saying "Thank You" Spanish: Gracias German: Danke sehr Japanese: Domo Arigato French: Merci Italian: Grazie Hawaiian: Mahalo Russian: Spasiba Chinese: Do jeh, daw-dyeh

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EVERYDAY SCIENCE IS CHILD’S PLAY!

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Our kids live in a world filled with opportunities for science learning. Finding meaningful ways to explore everyday science can sometimes be a daunting task. Giving kids the tools to explore simple physics, chemistry and structures around them can expose them to scientific principles through play. The following toys and tools explore more closely scientific principles that are constantly working in the world around us, every day.

Primary Science Mix & Measure (Learning Resources)

While children are early arrivals to the attraction of scooping and pouring, this kind of play is also an ideal opportunity to fine tune the activity into an introduction to volume measurement and very basic math. The Primary Science Mix and Measure set includes 4 measuring cups, 3 measuring spoons, a lidded bowl and a simple scale.

Designed with small hands and short attention spans in mind, activity cards guide young learners through explorations that expose them to density, quantity, weight and more. Kitchen counters, tub ledges and bathroom sinks are the new frontiers of early science learning!

Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set (Learning Resources)

As STEM learning increases for our kids, finding resources to support it is more important than ever. For the kids who are curious about computers, programming, and video games, the Robot Mouse Coding Set is an ideal primer for understanding the science behind these marvels. Coding cards guide kids through simple click programming as they plot the mouse’s path through a maze toward the cheese. Spatial reasoning, forward thinking and problem solving become child’s play as the basic concepts of coding are made simple.

Smartphone Science Lab

(SmartLab Toys)

What if a smart phone could become a conduit that channels kids’ attention past the screen and toward exploring the world around them? The Smartphone Science Lab comes with a collection of optical attachments (plus slides and an experiment book) that transforms the phone into a tool for exploration. Opening young eyes to light waves, pixels, microscopic viewing, satellites, filtered optics and more, this smart phone ceases to be the destination for a child’s attention, and becomes a channel for their broader, independent learning.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

We have holiday hours!

Open 8AM-3PM Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 314 Hwy 3162 • Cut Off, LA 70345 (985) 632-1820 Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM • Sat & Sun 8AM-5PM MyTotalUrgentCare.com

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HOO’s HEALTHY

How to tackle the norovirus What a week in the office! There has been an outbreak of presumed norovirus in our community, and we are seeing tons of sick kids.

Norovirus is extremely contagious, and you may already be shedding the virus (exposing others) before you even get sick. At the same time, you may also be contagious for two to three days after you are better.

Norovirus is the most common cause of the “stomach flu” or “food poisoning.” Knowing this, it is difficult to know when you have been exposed to this virus. But, a day or two after exposure, your child (or you) may suddenly develop abdominal cramping, vomiting (more common in children) and diarrhea (more common in adults). Some children and their parents are “lucky” enough to get both.

The mainstay of treatment is to stay hydrated.

This illness is typically fast and furious, but you have to make sure that you are replacing the fluids that you are losing (from both ends). After your child has vomited you want to wait for at least 30 minutes before offering sips of clear fluids; some sort of liquid with electrolytes (it’s very important to replenish what you are losing). And I mean SIPS. If you give the fluid too quickly and in too large a volume, you may see it come right back up. As your child tolerates sips, you may advance to a

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

larger volume each time. If your child is doing well for several hours but then vomits again, start back over with smaller volumes.

Continue to make sure your child has tears when he or she cries, wet diapers (they may not be soaked), urine when asked to go try and “potty,” and drool or a moist mouth. These are signs of hydration.Once the vomiting has subsided, you can let your child begin to eat.

But I would avoid all dairy. It is important to offer foods with some protein as well.

I start with crackers, noodles and rice; then I add in chicken or beef. Veggies and fruit are OK as well. As your child feels better, his or her appetite will return; don’t push. You probably don’t want a big meal either if you have been sick. Fluids are more important than food.

Adding probiotics is also helpful to put “good bacteria” back into a damaged gut.

Prevention is key but difficult, as there are millions of viral particles in your child’s stool and vomit; and these particles can be spread via the air as well. Clean surfaces with a dilute bleach solution and wash your hands.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s Fun

Hidden Picture

Sleepy Santa Can you find...

More Santa Fun at SantaTimes.com

© All rights reserved. Not for commercial use.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Braces for Children, Teenagers, and Adults Nicole Thieler, DDS, MSD 206 Mystic Boulevard Houma, LA 70360

Call for a complimentary consultation!

(985) 876-4484

www.thielerorthodontics.com

HOLIDAY STRESS HOW TO DEAL

Decide what traditions are most important to you and be realistic when selecting ones you want to follow this year. For example, if you have a baby that has just learned to crawl or a toddler, your decorating will need to be toddler-proof. That may mean those breakable ornaments should stay safely packed away and should be replaced with homemade, nonbreakable ornaments and crafts. Also, don’t feel pressured to master Pinterest level crafts and events, or what you see friends share on Facebook. Do what you are comfortable with so you are not overstressed trying to meet expectations that don’t work with your available time, budget and abilities.

It is all too easy to feel stressed rather than joyful during the holiday season. There are so many distractions that it can feel like the minute you start to finish up one task, ten other obligations come up that are difficult to say ‘No’ to.

Here are some tips that will help Next, use modern technology to help you plan a holiday season that you you filter all the overwhelming input will look back upon as a joyful one. you receive during the holiday season

HOO’s INSPIRED about where to shop to find the best gifts and the best bargains. Send email ads to a ‘junk email’ folder, so you don’t have to look at them every time you check your email.

When it comes to holiday events, you may also have to pick and choose in order not to feel overwhelmed. Some events, like the annual family holiday gathering, you can perhaps simplify to avoid feeling stressed. For example, if you are hosting, ask family members to assist by bringing a dish. Also, it is important to anticipate in advance how busy you will be with attending seasonal events during the holidays and give yourself a break in other areas. Consider delaying setting new, challenging fitness or professional goals until January, when you make your resolutions for the New Year.

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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 D i g e s t . c o m

Maddie, 12 years Labadieville

Cohen, 2 years Larose

Finn, 1 year Raceland

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