Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley Aug 16

AUGUST 2016

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Giggles & Grins Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

ACTIVITIES

ORK HOMEWP HEL TRAINING

Cover Sponsor Pg. 2

Our after-school program is a great mix of fun & structure.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

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HOO’s PARENTING Allowing

social media accounts

It is the first week of school, and your child comes home and asks if you will set up a social media account so she can connect online with her new classmates. Here is what you need to consider before you create that account for her and allow her to enter the sometimes dangerous world of social media for the first time.

First, if you don’t have a social media account yourself, become familiar with the different types of social media your child is interested in. There are texting and chatting sites, photo sites, networking sites, and video sites.

Become familiar with how to control the privacy settings and with the privacy policy.

Next, now that you know how the social media site works, it is time to decide if she is mature enough to have her own account.

Legally, commercial social media sites can’t allow kids under 13 to create their own account without parental consent. This law was put into place to protect kids from being tracked and marketed to online.

Parenting experts recommend that a child should have the maturity to do the following before using a social media account: 1. Discern what is OK to post and what is not.

Many kids younger than 13 may not have the maturity to understand that what they post online now may affect them in the future, such as when they are applying to schools, scholarships or for a job.

2. Have the ability to protect her privacy online.

She must be mature enough to know what personal information she should never share with someone that she has never met in person, such as the town she lives in or what school she goes to. Also, your child must understand the importance of using the privacy settings to keep her profile and her posts from being viewed by someone she does not know. You may need to set them up for her initially, but she should understand how they work and know not to change them.

3. Properly handle any instances of cyberbullying.

In the instance of someone posting negative or disturbing comments about her online, does your child know to share her concerns with you instead of posting nasty comments back?

If you decide to create a social media account for your child, set some ground rules before allowing her to use it. She must let you follow her by connecting with you on the site, let you track what she posts, and allow you to view the list of people who can see her profile. Instruct her to never ‘friend’ anyone she has never met in person. To prevent her account from being hacked, instruct her to never share her user name and password with anyone. Also, set a limit on the time she can spend on social media, and have her use a computer located in the living room so that you can keep an eye on what she is doing. The access to her social media account should be treated as a privilege that can be revoked if she breaks the ground rules you have put in place to keep her safe.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, 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, handy resources and fun features.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www.

HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. 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

The 1st of the month for the next month’s issue

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HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12

HOO knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 7

HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 & 19

HOO’S parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 3

HOO’S Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12

hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 5

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? Publix: Columbus & Phenix City Chick fil-A: Columbus & Phenix City Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops.

Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Hoo’s Tips

Bite Back!

Mosquitoes spread disease when they bite one person, fly to another and bite again, spreading the infection. In fact, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the diseases mosquitoes spread make them the deadliest animal on the planet.

The warmer weather means it’s time to step up your mosquito prevention and protection efforts in order to reduce your family’s risk and exposure.

Eliminate breeding areas Mosquitoes need only about a halfinch of standing water in which to lay their eggs. Get rid of any stagnant water around your home, such as flower pots, bird baths, kiddie pools

and standing water in low areas of your yard.

Use repellent – When spending time outdoors, apply an insect repellent that contains at least 20 percent DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.

Also, consider wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes.

Be aware of the time of day Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, although the variety that transmits Zika prefers to bite during the day. Minimize outside activity during peak biting hours.

Watch what you wear - Dark colors, floral prints and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes can attract

mosquitoes to you. Consider wearing light colors and forego perfume.

Protect your house - Be sure all windows and doors are outfitted with screens, and all tears are repaired to keep mosquitoes from getting inside.

Travel wisely - Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries, so if you travel outside the country, check what travel advisories may be in effect at your destination. If someone gets sick upon returning home, seek medical care immediately.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mosquitoes on your property can still be a problem. A licensed pest control professional can help you manage mosquitoes. To find a professional near you, visit the NPMA’s website at pestworld.org.

Junior & Adult Tennis Programs Register Now For Fall Programs!

Opportunities for any age and skill level

• Junior & Adult Clinics • Homeschool Clinics • Junior & Adult Leagues • Special Needs Programs • Cardio Tennis

corta_tennis @CORTAtennis CORTA Tennis Columbus Regional Tennis Association - CORTA

Use promo code "Hoo Knows” when you register to receive a free gift.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance..................................22 Center Stage Dance Academy........23 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.... 10 Clement Arts/ Studio Elevare........20 CORTA...................................................... 5 CSU Dance Conservatory.................23 Elite Dance...........................................23 My Gym.................................................25 Performance Dance Centre............. 21 Prodigy Dance Centre.......................20 The Columbus Museum..................... 8 Ultimate Youth Sports......................32

TELL THEM Childcare/ education Calvary Christian............................... 31 SENT YOU! East West After School Program..... 2 First Presbyterian Day.....................30 Grace Christian School.................... 31 Growing Room....................................25 Kumon................................................... 13 Lakewood Child Development ......30 Mathnasium........................................ 31 Night Owl Kids Care..........................26 Oasis After School Care...................29 St. Luke Schools................................. 31 Sylvan Learning Center...................30 Ultimate Youth Sports After School ....32 Westminster Christian..................... 31

TELL THEM

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................25 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 10 Little Caesars......................................... 7 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................25

healthcare Care-Well Pediatrics........................... 7 Columbus Counseling...................... 13 Columbus Spine & Performance...26 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 James Lopez, DDS.............................. 15 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 15 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre..... 8 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 18

Home/ Handy Mary Varner, Realtor......................... 15 Turfscapes Lawncare........................26 Warehouse World Mini Storage.....26

Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements....................................26 Jessica Fowler Photography..........26 Mickayla’s Place - Resale.................. 8 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 18

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO knew?

. . . y a s e w o d Why ”put a sock in it” when we want someone to be quiet?

It comes from the time of the earliest windup phonographs, in which the sound emerged from a horn. These early acoustic record players didn’t have electronic controls or any muting device, so the only way to soften the sound was to stuff something into the horn, and a sock was the perfect size.

”hitting the hay (or sack)” when it’s time to go to bed?

When going to sea, early sailors had to provide their own bedding. To fill their need, dock merchants would sell them canvas sacks filled with hay for a shilling. When heading off to sleep, they would say they were going to “hit the hay.” Early North American settlers also used hay to stuff mattresses and pillows, so they too would say the same phrase when heading off to sleep.

1546-A 10th Avenue cor. 16th Street, Cols. GA 31901 Tel. No.: (706) 322-5526 • www.carewellpediatrics.com

Se Habla Espanol | Longest Clinic Hours (8am - 6pm; No Lunch Breaks) Your most competent, caring & friendly Child Care Specialists

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Now Accepting Amerigroup, Alabama Medicaid, Tricare, Georgia Medicaid and All Private Insurance.

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$

99 PLUS TAX

Large Classic Round Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza with the purchase of any Supreme, Meat Treat or Deep Dish Pizza.

Not valid with any other offers.

Must present coupon to redeem by 12/31/16.

Present this coupon at participating locations: Columbus, Ft. Benning, Phenix City, Auburn, Valley

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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August 13

Walk away with a small piece of Pasaquan! Guest artists will help you learn about and create your own Pasaquan inspired beaded necklaces.

Story time: 11 A.M.

© GIGGLES AND GRINS PHOTOGRAPHY

from one child to another (sizes newborn to 16)

Buying Days Mon - Thurs 10 AM - 5 PM Drop off any day

Store Hours Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 7 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday: Closed

a children’s resale shop

706-221-1154 I 2401 Whittlesey Rd I Columbus, GA 31909

HOO’s Fun

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Spot the 12 Differences

Can you find all 12 differences between these pictures?

Can you find all 12 differences between these pictures?

Copyright © 2010-2011 2011-2012 by Education.com Copyright © 2010-2011 2011-2012 by Education.com

More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about BACK TO SCHOOL

Why was the library so busy?

It was overbooked!

Why don’t fish get a summer vacation?

They spend every day in schools!

Why did the boy eat his homework?

His teacher said it would be a piece of cake!

Why did the girl stop using her pencil?

It was pointless!

What is a soda’s favorite subject in school?

Fizzics!

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Captain D’s

5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

Get 2 free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in only

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

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

5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

MOE’s Southwest Grill

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.

sunday

Sweet Frog Yogurt

Steak & Shake

6-8pm. Buy one yogurt mix, get one 50% off

Free kid’s meal with every $8 purchase

Zaxby’s

Stevi B’s Pizza

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

Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Tuesday

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

Atlanta Bread Company

5pm-close: Free kid’s meal with an adult meal 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.

Denny’s

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

Ruby Tuesday

5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

TGI Friday’s

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

Willy T’s

4-9pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase

Texas Roadhouse Willy T’s

11-5pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase

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

every day 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

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

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice.

Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kids’ special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Let us be the background track to your day. thetruthlife.com

HOO’s CRAFTY sand and shell

beachy keepsakes This craft is a great way to take all the sand and shells you brought home from your summer beach trip and turn it into a cute memory for your wall.

Directions Mix together the sand, flour, and salt in a large bowl and slowly add the warm water, mixing as you go with a large spoon. Add the water carefully and add more flour or sand to keep it from being too sticky.

supplies 2 cups of sand

Now roll the dough into a circular shape about 2 cm thick. I rolled mine onto a large baking sheet so they wouldn’t need to be moved.

1 1/2 cups of flour

Then, let the kids push their hands into the dough. You may need to help push their fingers down to get a better imprint. Then let them push their shells and beach finds into the clay around their handprints. If you are going to hang them, take a straw and poke a hole through the top of your discs.

1 cup warm water

Then bake them in the oven at 250° for about 4 hours, or until hardened.

Afterwards, let them cool until your keepsakes are ready to be displayed.

1 1/4 cups of salt seashells baking sheet

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HOO’s HEALTHY Nutritious Nutritious

Snacks Snacks

Drive-through windows, convenience stores and vending machines can become the main source of food for families on-the-go. Making a list of favorite, nutritious foods to keep on hand can make life easier and healthier for the entire family. To make it simple, let’s look at some easy-to-fix foods from each food group: Dairy Foods

Protein foods

Fruits & Vegetables

• Yogurt can be kept in a cooler with ice.

It’s a great substitute for ice cream, which is high in fat.

• Reduced-fat cheese, like string cheese, is another easy snack. Serve with wholewheat crackers, whole-wheat pita bread, fresh fruit or a rice cake.

• A fruit and yogurt smoothie, prepared ahead of time in a blender with in-season fruit and packed in an insulated cup, is a quick and healthy drink.

• Unsalted, dry roasted nuts are a simple snack for kids over 5 years of age. They provide protein, fiber, magnesium and many other nutrients. Since they are high in healthy fat, keep portions to a tight fistful.

• Hard-cooked eggs are great as long as you keep them cold.

• Hummus comes in spicy and mild varieties which are great on crackers, pita bread or cut-up raw vegetables.

• Fruit is the original fast food. Some are always in season, so it doesn’t have to be expensive.

• 100% juice pops are popular on warmer days. Since they are frozen, kids eat them slowly and consume fewer calories than if they drank a similar amount of juice.

• Vegetable soups can also be snacks.

Look for reduced sodium, or make large batches of your own homemade favorites and freeze them for the future.

Whatever your snack idea may be, let’s keep it healthy.

©2015 Kumon North America

Math. Reading.

Confidence.

Now’s the time for Kumon.

Call Today!

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Columbus - North 1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963

kumon.com/columbus-north Special morning hours available for HomeSchoolers!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS Rated PG | Ok for kids 7+

Set in Japan, this story features Kubo (Art Parkinson) who enjoys a humble living, telling stories to the people of his town. But his quiet existence is shattered when he summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Rooney Mara) to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and fulfill his heroic destiny.

PETE’S DRAGON PG | Ok for kids 7+

This wonderful reimagining of the 1977 Disney classic, blends live action and CGI to tell the story of the special bond between an orphaned, 10-year-old boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete claims to be an orphan who lives in the woods with his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. Directed by David Lowery, this film also stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace, a park ranger who discovers the existence of Elliott; Wes Bentley as Jack, a local mill owner; Karl Urban as Jack’s brother, Gavin; Oona Laurence as Natalie, the young girl who befriends Pete and sets out to investigate if this fantastic claim can be true; and Robert Redford as Grace’s father.

nine lives Rated PG | Ok for kids 7+

Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey) is a billionaire at the top of his game. His company FireBrand is nearing completion on its greatest achievement yet - the tallest skyscraper in the northern hemisphere. But Tom’s workaholic lifestyle has disconnected him from his family, particularly his beautiful wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and their daughter Rebecca (Malina Weissman). For her 11th birthday, Rebecca wants what she’s always wanted - a cat. So Tom buys a cat named Mr. Fuzzypants at a mystical pet store run by eccentric owner Felix Perkins (Christopher Walken). One thing leads to another and after a car accident, Tom finds himself trapped inside the body of Mr. Fuzzypants! Will he be able to return to his family as a newly energized husband and dad?

florence foster jenkins PG-13 | Ok for kids 14+

Set in 1940s New York, this musical comedy is the true story of the legendary New York heiress and socialite (Meryl Streep) who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a great singer. The voice she heard in her head was beautiful, but to everyone else it was hilariously awful. Her “husband” and manager, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), an aristocratic English actor, was determined to protect his beloved Florence from the truth. But when Florence decided to give a public concert at Carnegie Hall, St. Clair knew he faced his greatest challenge. Directed by Stephen Frears, this movie also stars Simon Helberg and Rebecca Ferguson.

suicide squad PG-13 | Ok for kids 15+

Created by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru back in 1959, the Suicide Squad team has included countless DC villains among its ranks, including Deadshot (Will Smith), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), among others. The story centers on the imprisoned supervillains recruited by a secret government agency to execute a mission, to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity, in exchange for clemency. Directed by David Ayer, this action thriller also stars Jared Leto, Viola Davis, Common, Scott Eastwood and Joel Kinnaman. Once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their inevitability to fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Proudly serving the families of Columbus. #1 Bradley Park Ct, Columbus 706.315.7075 Mary@MaryVarner.com l

l

Halloween Candy NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Buy Back!

Complimentary

$1 per pound!

Fluoride Redeem Monday November 2 Treatment from 5pm - 7pm at ForWarm New Springs Patients 1834 Road

706.324.1834

ColumbusKidsDentist.com

1834 Warm Springs Road Columbus, Georgia 31904

$42 Value

All candy sent US Soldiers Mention thistoad when making your appointment for Operation Gratitude!

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AUGUST E provided in partnership with:

1

American Girl Book Club.

6:30pm. Ages 6-9. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880

2

Scavenger Hunt. All day. Mildred L. Terry Public Library; cvlga.org/events/kids

4

Carmike Summer Kids Series.

10am. $4 (includes small drink & popcorn), 1683 Whttlesey Rd, Columbus

5

Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party. 2pm. North Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/ events/kids

6

Home Depot Kids Workshop.

9am-Noon. Ages 5-6. Columbus store 706-322-9240. Phenix City store 334-297-2045

Library activities

Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org 706-243-2669

Phenix City-Russell County 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City www.phenixcitylibrary.com 334-297-1139

Troup-Harris 706-628-4685 www.thclibrary.net

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Y Kids Tri. 9am-10am. Ages 6-13. John P. Thayer YMCA; ykidstricolumbusga.com

6

Swim with a Mermaid.

6:30pm. Liberty Bell Pool.

Pine Mountain; gastateparks. org/FDRoosevelt

8

School begins; Muscogee Co School District.

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American Girl Book Club.

6:30pm. Ages 10+. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880

10

La Leche League monthly meeting. 10am. Free. Columbus Public Library; lllcolumbusga@gmail.com or lllofga. org/columbus.html

10

Storytime. 10am. Near the children’s play area, Peachtree Mall. peachtreemall.com

12 -13

Music Together Columbus: Free trial class. Fri 11:30am, Sat 10:30am. Infants - 5 years.

Trinity Episcopal Church; MusicTogetherColumbusGa. com

13

Columbus Color Vibe 5K Run. 9am. $30-$70. Columbus Civic Center; thecolorvibe. com/columbus.php

13

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic.

10-11am. Free. 1st-5th grades. 6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706-320-9292

13

Second Saturday. 10am. Free.

Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

13

Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids Outdoor Vending Fair. 10amNoon. Broadway Median 1000 Block; bit.ly/1TTqdyW

13

Carmike Sensory Movie: Pete’s Dragon. 11am. RSVP. Hollywood Connections, 1683 Whittlesey Blvd; autismhopecenter.com

EVENTS 14

Brown Bag Book Sale. 10am5pm. $5 admission. Columbus Public Library; facebook.com/ events/541055462765112/

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Scrabble & Board Games.

5:30pm. Mildred L. Terry; cvlga.org/events/kids

20

My School Color Run. 7am. $20-$35. Troup High School; LaGrange; thsmscr.eventbrite. com/

20

Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/ events/kids

20

LEGO Build Event. 4pm. Free.

Ages 6+. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

20

Columbus Black Rodeo.

7:30pm. $19-$25, $5 parking, Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org

21

Spot the Puppy Costume Character Visit. 2pm. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

23

Autism Support Group Meeting. 6:30pm. Columbus Regional Conference Center, 710 Center Street; 706-6046333/ autismhopecenter.com

23

Family Night @ Your Library.

6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Public Library; cvlga.org/ events/kids

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Weekly Events thursday

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

Friday

Make & Take Craft. 4pm. Free.

Phenix City-Russell Co Library; phenixcitylibrary.com

Saturday

Storytime. 10am. Near the children’s play area, Peachtree Mall; peachtreemall.com

Market Days on Broadway.

9am-noon. Different activities each week. 900, 1000, & 1100 blocks of Broadway, Columbus; 706-596-0111 or uptowncolumbusga.com

Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids Outdoor Vending Fair. 10amNoon. Broadway Median 1000 Block; bit.ly/1TTqdyW

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

10am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

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Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:3011:30am. Free. Ages 8-17.

Columbus Airport; 706-3236565 or youngeagles.com/ flightplan/flight.asp

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880 Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more, visit MuscogeeMoms.com.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

STYLE OUTSIDE THE LINES

Back-to-school looks for less!

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

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

The

HOO’s HEALTHY

Ear pulling not always sign of infection I see a lot of parents who bring their baby/toddler/child in to the pediatrician with concerns that their child might have an ear infection. One of the reasons for their concern is often that their baby is tugging on their ears.

Babies find their ears, just like their hands and feet, around 4 to 6 months of age. I guess a baby must think “this ear tugging is fun and feels good,” as maybe babies have “itchy” ears just like adults.

It also seems to be a self-soothing habit for other children who seem to pull on their ears when they get tired and cranky.

Maybe it is related to new molars coming in at the back of the jaw line?

Whatever the cause, it often concerns parents who are told by their friends or relatives, “This ear pulling probably means the child has an ear infection.” So, being a good parent, off you go to your pediatrician only to find out that the ears are beautiful and clear.

Most babies and children do not get an ear infection without ANY other symptoms besides ear pulling. In most cases, infants and toddlers will get a secondary ear infection during cold and flu season. Basically, the multitudes of viral respiratory infections that children

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

get in the first three years of life often cause continuous runny noses and congestion. This congestion then causes fluid to build up in the middle ear space, which connects to the nasal passages via a small canal called the eustachian tube.

Infants and children have “immature” eustachian tubes that are soft and don’t drain well. The tube gets inflamed and swollen from the viral infection, and at times this fluid gets secondarily infected from bacteria that find their way to the middle ear. Voila -- an ear infection ensues.

So, if parents bring their children in for “pulling on their ears” and they are otherwise well (no cough, congestion, runny nose and sleeping well) I usually ask if they want to “wager” if their child has an ear infection. That is really not fair, as these sweet parents are only concerned because typically someone else told them they should be. But, in this case a quarter bet is usually made. And I end up with a lot of quarters. Bottom line: Don’t worry about simple ear pulling, especially when you see it happening all of the time.

Dr. Sue Hubbard is an award-winning pediatrician, medical editor and media host. “The Kid’s Doctor” TV feature can be seen on more than 90 stations across the U.S. http://www.kidsdr.com.

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DANCE

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

y r o t c e r i D

Dance • Music • Art • Drama Fall 2016 registration now open: www.clement-arts.org

Classes help support adoption and foster care.

REGISTER FOR FALL 2016 Dance Directory Classes Begin August 8th! www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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• Ranked #1 Reader's Choice BEST DANCE STUDIO

by Ledger-Enquirer for 3 years in a row.

• 2015 Winner for Performing Arts in Georgia • Only Dance Studio in the Valley area CERTIFIED for Acrobatic Arts Professional Tumbling Curriculum

Top Training facility for Dance and Acrobatics in the Valley Area!

Recreational and Competitive Dance Companies Audition Inquiries please contact Artistic Director Carrie Paris

BOYS ONLY DANCE PROGRAM!

GREAT for Rhythm, Coordination & Self Esteem!

Taught by PDC Faculty Andrew Winston Professional Dancer in Disney Channel's High School Musical 1 & 2 movies!

JOIN OUR RECREATIONAL THROUGH ADVANCED LEVEL PROGRAM!

Mommy & Me - 18-24 months PreJazz - 3-4 yr olds PreDance - Tap/Ballet 2 1/2-3 yr olds, 3-4yr olds, 4-5yr olds AcroDance - Tumbling beginning at 3 years old

NEW! PreSchool Dance Program

Classes for all levels and ages beginning 5 yrs old - Adult & pre-professional levels in p Jazz, Tap, Ballet ,Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acro, Boys only Classes, Conditioning, Turns & Leaps, and Adult Fitness!

WANT TO BE IN THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC THE NUTCRACKER? Come to our Audition Class August 27th!

Everyone is welcome and ALL dancers receive a role!!!

AUDITION and Placements Class

9 - 10am: 5–7 yr olds • 10 - 11:30am: 8-11 yr olds • 11:30 - 1pm: 12 – up

"TEA WITH CLARA, SANTA, AND FRIENDS" – DEC. 10TH 3PM

Meet and Greet with Clara, Santa, and her friends, and much more! Photo session included.

“THE NUTCRACKER” – DEC. 10TH 7PM Columbus State University Hall

Presented by Performance Ballet Company Director Shayla Hewitt

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2016 Dance Directory Wise Choices for You & Your Family

2016 Dance Directory www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Leaps/Turns, Lyrical, Ballroom, Predance, Tumbling, Breakdance

Serving Harris County for over 17 years!

The BEST preschool program around, starting at 18 months. Come join our studio family and experience so much more than dance! We dedicate our resources to building a positive, Christian dance environment.

Foremost center for classical ballet training in the region

Ages 3 to Adult Open Enrollment Register Today!

Classes begin August 8

ballet.columbusstate.edu 706-507-8368

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A Page In A Book

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

Feeling Right At Home In A Book

Home means different things to everyone. Home can be a house, a town, or a country. Home can be defined by the presence of family, the company of friends or the sense of community. It can be a place of refuge, a place to rest, and a place for reunion. The following titles explore different homes, leaving home and coming home – with each tale connected by the common thread of appreciation for the things that make our homes so uniquely special to each of us.

Audrey’s Tree House

By Jenny Hughes and Jonathan Bentley (Scholastic Press)

Certain that she has grown too big for her small house, young Audrey convinces her Dad to build her a place of her own in a tall tree. Audrey insists that it needs a spiral staircase, a place to sip tea, and more features to make it her perfect new home. But when the last nail is pounded and Dad collects his tools to return to his small house, Audrey’s big new space seems filled with big worries. So her Dad reminds her that even though she has grown bigger, she always has a snug bed in a warm little house just beneath the tree. ‘Audrey’s Tree House’ lovingly illustrates the big love that nestles in small homes.

Home

By Carson Ellis (Candlewick Press)

The whimsical folk art style of Carson Ellis introduces readers to a wonderful sampler of living spaces. Such as, a country home in a pastoral setting and an apartment in the heart of the city. But the tour of homes quickly takes a surprising and delightful turn as homes from history appear alongside modern abodes. Palaces of mythical beings rotate with dwellings from various cultures in this unpredictable parade of homes. While the wild swings between real and imagined houses could become silly, Ellis treats the sense of home for each being with dignity and beauty.

The Day The Crayons Came Home

By Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers (Penguin / Philomel)

In this hilarious follow-up to “The Day the Crayons Quit,” Duncan’s crayons are as disgruntled as ever. But this time they are scattered, damaged, and lost and they (mostly) just want to come home to their crayon box. Through a series of postcards (addressed to Duncan’s room), each wayward crayon has a tale of woe. Semi-melted, partially digested, over-sharpened, and under-appreciated crayons can only take so much outside adventure before they just want back in the box they call home.

Full of fun details cleverly tucked into the illustrations, this new ‘crayons’ book promises to be a favorite repeat read!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Millions of kids agree. . .

. . . My Gym RULES for Back to School!

(706) 507-2966 • mygym.com/columbus MyGymColumbus

Bradley Park 706-660-8914 Macon Road 706-321-5880 Midland 706-561-6040 Phenix City 334-214-5599

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Moms’ Marketplace

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Call 253-212-7270

TERRITORIAL GAINS FOR KIDS! Kids find something universally attractive about having a space all to themselves.

Blanket forts, closet clubs, and tiny tents are some of the small territories that kids claim as their own. Some kids like having a space where they can enjoy solitude. Others prefer the camaraderie of pals in the close quarters that a clubhouse or tent creates. The following child-sized spaces are great starts to help kids carve out their own small territory in an adult-sized world.

Crazy Forts

(Crazy Forts)

Going way beyond the limitations of sofa cushion walls and card table roofs, Crazy Forts is a 69-piece kit that allows kids to craft their own vision of the ultimate blanket fort. Reminiscent of Tinker Toys assembly, one kit contains 25 ball joints and 44 sticks that join together in a multitude of structural possibilities. The ball joint’s multiple openings allow for a variety of unique angles and connections that foster the creative vision of young architects. Once the framework is created, just add your own bed sheet and an original Crazy Fort is ready for occupants. With endless design options, each fort can be crazier that the one before it.

Galactic Bed Tent

(Hearthsong)

Sleeping under the stars has a whole new meaning with the Galactic Bed Tent! Creating an enclosed personal space right around a child’s twin-size mattress, this tent offers both a marvelous interstellar tableau for waking hours as well as a cozy celestial surrounding for the slumber hours. The dark blue interior is decorated with silver stars and features a starburst LED light in the apex. Giving a small inner space the big outer space treatment, the Galactic Bed Tent is a stellar choice for creating an inspirational personal place for both rest and play!

Pirate Ship

(Box Creations)

Designed for high-seas adventure, the Box Creations Pirate Ship combines durable cardboard with easy assembly to create an ideal play space for young buccaneers. The ship is covered with fantastic graphics of a pirate ship while also hinting at creatures of the deep.

While the ship comes with four markers, these graphics really deserve a broader range of colors (adding a full pack of markers will enhance this kit’s appeal). Building on the versatility of the cardboard box, the Box Creation Pirate Ship takes this popular recyclable medium and adds all new avenues of creativity and pretend play.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. h o o k n o w s t h e v a l l e y. c o m

Aja, 3 years Columbus

Buckley, 9 months Columbus

Pippen, 4 years Fortson

HOO’s HUNGRY

chickpeas parmesan garlic Roasted

These parmesan garlic oven-roasted chickpeas are crunchy, warm, and add a punch of protein. Instead of snacking on crackers or chips, these are a great (and flavorful) replacement.

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse and drain the chickpeas and remove the skins. To remove, pinch the chickpea between your thumb and index finger. Discard the skins.

Toss the chickpeas in a bowl with olive oil, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and pepper until they are fully coated.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the chickpeas in a single layer on top.

Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the tray halfway through to toss them. Enjoy!

Ingredients • 15 oz can chickpeas (drained) • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese • 1 teaspoon garlic salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • baking sheet • parchment paper

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s FIT

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Good digestive health

When the digestive system is working properly, the foods we eat are broken down and turned into the fuel needed to support a busy daily schedule. Here are some tips for maintaining good digestive health, many of which don’t cost anything to try.

Eat enough fiber. There are two kinds of fiber, soluble and insoluble, and your digestive system needs enough of both kinds to work properly. Insoluble fiber, which is also referred to as roughage, adds bulk to the stool and helps keep you regular. Soluble fiber absorbs water and keeps stools from being too loose and watery. Sources of insoluble fiber include whole grain foods, leafy dark green vegetables, nuts, skins of fruit, and seeds. To take in more soluble fiber, include oatmeal, apples, blueberries, and legumes in your diet.

for 10 to 15 minutes a day after eating a meal can be beneficial. However, wait about 30 minutes after eating a large meal to start exercising. Right after eating, the blood flow to the digestive system increases. Exercising right after you eat will increase blood to the heart and muscles, leaving the digestive system with insufficient blood flow to work properly.

Include food containing probiotics in your diet.

Some yogurts contain live cultures of bacteria strains that occur naturally in the digestive tract and aid with Drink enough water. Staying hydrated will keep digestion. If you are sensitive to lactose and can’t eat dairy you from becoming constipated. Water speeds up the products, consider asking your doctor to recommend a digestive process by helping to dissolve fat and soluble probiotic supplement. fiber.

Don’t eat too much fat. Fat is hard to digest. You do Get plenty of exercise. Exercise helps stimulate the need some fat to stay healthy, but eat fatty foods in small contractions of muscles in the digestive system, reducing potions and try to pair them with a high fiber food. the amount of time it takes to process food. Just walking

After School Program PreK-Middle Grade Specific Classrooms Certified Teachers Homework, Reading & Tutor Time Save with monthly rates and sibling discounts We pick up! See our website for a school list

6959 WARM SPRINGS RD, MIDLAND WWW.SOLIDROCK.COM l 706-562-0935

O

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Building a strong foundation for life.

school.stlukeum.com 318 11th Street 706-256-1301 St. Luke School Early Learning Center Preschool

Calvary Christian School Currently Enrolling - 2016-17 School Year

CalvaryKnights.com

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

706.323.0467

K3-6th Grade | Small Classes | Military Discounts 2303 Double Churches Road | 706-323-4441 westminsterchristianschool.org

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