Family & Kids Bayou Region November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

BAYOU REGION

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

Boutique hair bows Skin & hair care • Gifts & toys Monogramming • Baptismal supplies

Locations

CUTOFF 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

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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 22

HOO’S helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8 & 12

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 & 29

Hoo hungry?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

Hoo’s tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13

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 out digital edition at:

www.familyandkidsdigest.com Find us on Facebook

Family & Kids Bayou Region

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Clothing

Newborn–size 8

Shoes & Gifts Embroidery Monogramming Holiday Items 416 Jackson St, Thibodaux I 985-447-5889 11-5 M-F & 10:30-2:30 Sat (Most of the time)

We Deliver with Care.

Experienced Care You Can Trust Erin H. Pennison MD Channing K. Sanders MD Casey Pech FNP-C

www.spobgyn.com

985.223.8994 l 8120 Main St., Suite 202, Houma 985.446.8994 l 2100 Audubon Ave, Thibodaux

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy.........12 Bayou Country Children’s Museum..18 Bayouland YMCA................................... 29 Bricks 4 Kids............................................21 Brushworks Art & Music......................21 Creative U..................................................10 Extreme Cheernastics.......................... 26 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours........ 30 Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu..................................12 James Academy of Gymnastics.........12 Martial Arts Studio...................................7 Mix It Up....................................................19 STAGE Performing Arts School..........15 Tiger Rock.................................................. 9

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education

healthcare Beehive Behavioral Health..................15 Ctr for Pediatrics & Adolescent Med...7 Ellender Orthodontics.......................... 22 Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic............... 25 Lafourche Urgent Care......................... 26 Pelican Medical Supply....................... 25 Premier OB/GYN Specialists.................5 Thieler Orthodontics.............................21 Total Urgent Care......................................8

party Bayouland Inflatables............................12 La Tea Da Party Palace..........................15 Party Palooza..............................................5

SENT YOU! Adventure Awaits.................................. 28 GDC Young Learners/ Merry Oaks.... 28 Messiah Montessori School............... 28

Food & beverage Chick-fil-A on MLK.................................10 Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse...............15

TELL THEM

Shopping/ Retail Belle La Vie...............................................21 Cajun Nutrition....................................... 30 Faith Varnes, Ruby Ribbon................. 25 Felger’s Foot Wear..................................10 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Live 4 Sports............................................ 25 Lynn’s Little Feet.................................... 29 Melinda Gilmore Photography.............7 Rudolph’s Route.........................................3 Santa’s Land............................................. 30 Southland Mall....................................... 32 The iClinic.................................................12

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

We have evening hours.

WHAT A

RELIEF! 314 Hwy 3162 • Cut Off, LA 70345 (985) 632-1820 Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM • Sat & Sun 8AM-5PM MyTotalUrgentCare.com

Hoo’s helpful

Injuries from

Sports If your kids play sports, it is important to take steps to prevent acute sports injuries, which can be painful and even life threatening. Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma and occur most often because of a lack of proper training or improper use of equipment. Here are a few common ones.

Head injuries like skull fractures, concussions, and hematomas are caused by a forceful blow to the head. A hematoma is bleeding in and around the brain. Prevent this type of injury by buying the appropriate helmet for the sport your child is playing and have it fitted for your child. Your child should never participate in a practice or game without wearing his helmet. Head injuries can be serious, even life threatening. If your child has a head injury and experiences a change in consciousness or is not functioning normally, he should receive emergency medical care.

Neck injuries occur most in contact sports like football or in

sports where there is a risk of falling, like gymnastics. Injuries to the neck include sprains and strains along with more serious injuries like fractures and spinal cord damage. Especially in football, the teaching of proper technique and a focus on strengthening the neck muscles helps prevent neck trauma. If your child may have a neck injury, don’t move him. Keep him still and call for emergency medical help.

Foot and ankle injuries like sprains and fractures are common in sports that involve a lot of running. Help prevent these injuries, as well as injuries to the wrist and hands caused by falling, by ensuring that your athlete’s footwear fits properly and the field where he is playing is well maintained. If your child is in a lot of pain or has lost range of motion after injuring his foot, ankle, wrist, or hand, he should be seen by a doctor.

Eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the protective eyewear appropriate for the sport. Look for protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses that meet ASTM standards.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY how are

meals?

One of my favorite questions to ask during a wellchild visit is “how are meals?”

There’s been a lot of data substantiating the many positive side effects that stem from family meals.

Not only does eating together as a family help improve food choices, which may help prevent obesity, but it also improves a child’s vocabulary and language skills, social skills and manners.

Family meals have also been shown to lessen the chance of risk-taking behaviors in adolescents.

Also, adolescents have fewer eating disorders when they have regular family meals. When I ask children about their meals, I also get parental feedback, which is normally about “picky eaters.”

Many children and parents will say that they don’t

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

eat together as a family because everyone eats something different. I don’t think being a “shortorder cook” is a job requirement of any parent.

Social worker Ally Slater delineates parents’ responsibilities with regard to food as “what, when and where” while leaving children, “how much and whether.” I love that! Parents control the grocery cart, meal and snack choices and food offerings on the plate, and kids decide how much they eat and if they want to try something new.

It’s nice to always offer at least one food that most family members like. Once that food is offered and everyone is gathered at the table to eat, parents need to back off. Is that easier said than done?

Maybe, in the beginning, but over time it actually simplifies family life.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

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

El Paso Mexican Grill. 602 N Canal Blvd Thibodaux.

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

Face painting.

IHOP. 1719 MLK Blvd. Houma. 4-9pm. Free kids meal with adult entree.

La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thibodaux.

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

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

wednesday Big Mikes BBQ. 3034 Barrow St. From 4pm to close.

Kid’s meals $.99.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 4560 Louisiana 1, Raceland.

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

thursday

La Palma Mexican Restaurant. 710 Saint Mary St. Thibodaux. Kids 8 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

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

Moe’s Southwest Grill. 1826 MLK Blvd, Houma Kid’s Eat Free Thursdays - Kids eat free every Thursday from 4pm to close. Dine In only.

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

sunday

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

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 also from 5-8pm.

La Casa Del Sol. 4647 Louisiana 1 Raceland. Every other Tuesday night, kids 11 and under eat for $2.99.

Face painting.

Pepper’s Pizza. 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.

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

everyday Bare Essentials Café. 6224 W Park Ave, Houma.

Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s mini wrap or Ryley special (a small plate of healthy items such as vegetables, fruits and eggs) per adult entree.

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

Dinner only.

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 kids special not listed here, contact Sales@FamilyAndKidsDigest.com.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Kitchen Hacks Burnt Pans - Fill bottom of pan with water. Add a cup of white vinegar. Bring to a boil and remove from stove. Add 2 tbsp of baking soda. Empty the pan and scrub.

Cast iron pot - Add 1/4 cup of kosher salt and wipe with a paper towel.

Plastic cutting boards - Soak in bleach and hot water for an hour.

Coffee/tea stains in mugs - Sprinkle baking soda and warm water inside and leave for 5-10 minutes.

Scrub with warm wet cloth.

HOO’s HELPFUL Glass Dish - Ball up aluminum foil, add dish soap and scrub.

Oven - Fill an oven safe bowl with 1/2 cup of ammonia and leave overnight in cold oven. Wipe clean after.

Oven Racks - Cover with hot water in tub. Add 6 dryer sheets and 1/2 cup dish soap. Use sheets to scrub remaining build up the next day.

Microwave - Heat a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes and then wipe clean.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Creating LEADERS

www.evolutiontraining.org

985.226.8846

DO YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE?

HOO’s tips

TECH OR OUTDOOR Advancements in technology over the last decade have children spending more time with gadgets and gizmos, and less time enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, kids are now indoors up to 10 hours a day, according to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. But kids’ increasing use of technology and opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature do not have to be mutually exclusive.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTSIDE PLAY A new National Wildlife Federation (NWF) report shows that kids’ media habits can both positively and negatively impact health, and provides realworld advice to help parents serve as positive role models and teach children to use technology in moderation.

“Kids need to be outside all year long, especially in the winter when days are short and we’re all a little more cooped up than usual,” said Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for National Wildlife Federation. “In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wildlife around them no matter where they live, it helps them burn off energy, stay fit, and be mentally focused for school, homework and all activities in their busy day.”

SCREEN TIME PLUS GREEN TIME Technology can be a valuable tool to help families balance the lure of screen time with the importance of green time for kids. Today’s connected world enables children to experience nature in ways never before imagined.

NWF’s report offers families these ideas for combining technology with the outdoors: Rely on technology to plan or inspire outdoor adventures. This can include anything from finding great nearby hiking trails to interactive, outdoor treasure hunts.

Keep a record of outdoor experiences with the help of electronic photos, videos or an electronic journal. They’ll love the ability to share their experiences with family and friends.

Use tools such as Ubooly, an app-based learning toy that can turn a walk in the park into an interactive experience with activities such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, mindfulness games and plenty of exercise.

For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors visit www.

BeOutThere.org.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies My all american Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

When Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) is deemed too small by the usual athletic standards, his father trains him hard. Freddie noticed by legendary University of Texas coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart).

Awarded a scholarship and a chance to play, Freddie moves to Austin with his high school sweetheart Linda (Sarah Bolger), determined to make the team. Alongside his old teammate Bobby Mitchell (Rett Terrell) and new pal James Street (Juston Street), Freddie is put through the paces of a grueling practice schedule. But just as the team is reveling in the success of the season, Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis and the biggest challenge he will ever face.

the good dinosaur G | Ok for kids 6+

What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers that he’s stronger than he thought. Directed

by Peter Sohn, this cute movie features the voices of Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Anna Paquin and Steve Zahn.

the peanuts movie Rated G | Ok for kids 4+

In this nostalgic series brought to the present, we find Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle (and flying ace!) embarking on his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their archnemesis.

Meanwhile back home, his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest. So fun to see the all of your favorites from the Peanuts, like Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, Sally, Marcy, Pigpen, Peppermint Patty, back up on the big screen, but in a way you have never seen them before. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE is directed by Steve Martino, and brought to you in CGI animation and 3D.

victor frankenstein PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in this thrilling twist on the legendary tale written by Mary Shelley.

Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation. Directed by Paul McGuigan, this movie also stars Jessica Brown Findlay and Andrew Scott.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY- PART 2 PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

During a Directed by Francis Lawrence, “The Hunger Games” franchise arrives at its final chapter with “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2,” in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) now fully realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival, they are for the future. With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, she confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with her closest friends - including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) - Katniss goes off mission, using the unit from District 13 to stage an assassination attempt on President Snow, who’s intent on destroying her.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Mental, Behavioral, Relational Health Services

Nicole Bourgeois, PHD, LMFT l beehivebhavioral@att.net

801 Barrow St #313, Houma l 985-293-7401

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1

Novembe

First Baptist Church of Houma Trunk or Treat. 4-7pm. 4863 W.Park Ave, Houma.

2

K’Nex at Thibodaux Library. 4pm.

Ages 8-12. Construct buildings and objects with K’NEX kits. RSVP 985447-4119.

3

Chick-fil-A Kids Night on MLK, Houma.

5-8pm. Crafts and free 4 count kids meal with adult meal purchase.

Santa’s Stroll in Thibodaux. Shop to benefit St. Francis Vegetable Garden.

10am-5pm. See ad inside for participaiting retailers.

Thibodauxville Fall Festival. 8:30am5pm. Arts & crafts, music, food, duck race, car show and more. Thibodauxchamber.com

Southdown Marketplace Arts & Crafts Festival. Southdown Plantation. 8am4pm. $5.

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Sweet Harvest Saturday at Bayou Country Children’s Museum. $7. Sugar crafts, tasting, talks and demonstrations. 211 Rue Bethancourt, Thib.

985-446-2200.

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Lego Robotics at Thibodaux Library.

4pm. Ages 8-18. RSVP 985-447-4119.

Kids Craft at Thibodaux Library.

4:30pm. Ages 12 and under. Thanksgiving centerpiece. RSVP 985-4474119.

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Mommy & Me Zumba at Thibodaux Library. Free. 11am Open Gym at Alstarz Cheer Academy.

6:30-9:30p. Ages 4-16. $10 mem/ $15 non. Fun, games and tumbling. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

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Cinderella craft & movie at Thibodaux Library. 1pm. Refreshments provided.

Lego Robotics at the Terrebonne Main Library. 11am. 2nd-3rd Grades and 3pm for 4th-7th grade. RSVP 985876-5861.

Mommy & Me at Mix It Up. 10-11am.

1517 Polk, Houma. www.Mixituphouma.com Mikey & Minnie at Kids Club of Houma. 11:30am. Singing, dancing, playing. $10. RSVP 985-209-7351.

Open Gym at Extreme Cheernastics.

6:30-8:30pm. $10. 6909 Alma Dr, Houma. 985-872-0339.

Open Gym at Alstarz Cheer Academy.

6:30-9:30p. Ages 4-16. $10 mem/ $15 non. Fun, games and tumbling. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Mommy & Me Night at CreativeU. All ages. $25 to paint one canvas together. Houma and Thibodaux locations.

Creativeuart.com.

Parent’s Night Out Gameroom Cooking at Mix It Up. 6-9pm. 1517 Polk St, Houma. Mixituphouma.com

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Family decorating craft. 10am.

Thanksgiving napkin rings. RSVP 4474119.

Second Saturday Family Storytime at Thibodaux Library. 3pm.

Lego Mania Craft at Thibodaux Library. 4pm. Ages 6 and up. Create a lego-themed craft watch & lego movie.

RSVP 985-447-4119.

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Rudolph’s Route in Downtown Houma. Shopping from 10am-6pm. See ad inside for participants.

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Thanksgiving Art Party at Brushworks. 6:30-9pm. $30. Pizza & drinks provided. 615 S Hollywood, Houma.

985-868-0580.

Kidz Night Out at Bricks 4 Kidz of Houma. “Bucks & Ducks.” Wear your camo.

6-9pm. Ages 5 and up. Pizza Included. $25. bricks4kidz.com/houma

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Lego Club at Terrebonne Main Library.

11am for PreK-1st graders and 3pm for 2nd-6th graders.

Lego Robotics at Thibodaux Library.

4pm. Ages 8-18. RSVP 985-447-4119.

Santa arrives at Southland Mall.

10am. Crafts, games, face painting and more.

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Angry Birds Day at Bricks 4 Kidz.

1-4pm. Ages 5 and up. $30. RSVP at bricks4kidz.com/houma.

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Cooking Camp at Mix It Up. 1517 Polk St, Houma. Mixituphouma.com

er Events

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Holiday camp at Bayouland YMCA of Houma. 7am-6pm. Ages 4-12. Arts & crafts, playground, movies, games, and sports. 985-873-9622

Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga at Anela’s.

4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. www. anelaslounge.com.

Friday Fun Night at LA Sports Gym. 6:30-9pm. $10. Snacks Additional.

544 Hollywood, Houma. 985-580-9746.

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TUESDAY

Storytime at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 10am for newborns-18mon, and at 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families

JAG Open Gym. 7-9pm. $7 for members, $10 for non members. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.

Martial Arts Studio’s Fall Kids Camp.

130 Alliance Ct, Houma. 985-7721861.

Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse Kiddie Camp. 7:30am-5:30pm. Snacks & lunch provided. Experiments, art & crafts, mini golf, games, lazer tag & more. 117 Prevost Dr, Houma. Contact LaLa 985-580-2000.

Thanksgiving Arts Camp at CreativeU. Ages 5 and up. $75. Houma and Thibodaux locations. Creativeuart.com

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Board Game night at the Thibodaux Library. 5pm. All ages. Prizes awarded. Snacks provided.

Lafourche Central Market with Farmers, Fisherman, Artisans and Activities. 8a-noon.

WEDNESDAY

Thibodaux Main Street Market. 8am12:30pm next to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. Home grown or produced items.

PreK Story Time at Terrebonne Main Library. 10am for 3-5 year olds.

Storytime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. All ages welcome. Ends with a craft.

Storytime and craft at Thibodaux Library for kids 12 and younger. 4pm.

Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga at Anela’s.

4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. www. anelaslounge.com.

Black Friday Kids Workshop: Sweet Ornaments at Mix it Up. 1517 Polk, Houma. www.mixituphouma.com

Weekly Events MONDAY

Toddler Time at the Terrebonne Parish Main Branch Library. 10am and 6pm for 19mon-3yrs.

Downtown Houma Market in the Courthouse Square. 8am-noon. Local produce and artisans.

Yoga at Alstarz for kids at 4:30pm and 5:30pm for adults. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.

Brickzgiving Fun Day. 1-4pm. Ages 5 and up. $30. RSVP at bricks4kidz.com/ houma.

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SATURDAY

THURSDAY

Laptime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. Ages 2 and under.

Interactive storytime.

Crafternoons at the Terrebonne Main Library. 4pm. PreK-6th. RSVP 985876-5861.

Free Kids Yoga at Anelas. 6:30pm.

7720 Main, Houma. anelaslounge.com

FRIDAY

Toddler Fun Day at LA Sports Gym. 9am-12pm. $7 for interactive play with parent. 544 Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-580-9746.

Kid’s Club at Michael’s on MLK, Houma. 10am-12pm. $2 for craft. Adult must accompany. 985-872-3132.

Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe’s on MLK, Houma. 10am. Free. Register online at lowes.com/buildandgrow.

985-223-7575.

Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot on MLK, Houma. 9am-12pm for ages 5-12 with parent. Free. Register at homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops. 985-223-1485.

JAG Open Gym. 7-9pm. $7 for members, $10 for non members. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.

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

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s 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

Rita Claire, 4 years Dularge

Savannah, 10 mon Houma

Skylar, 7 years Houma

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HOO’s HUNGRY

peanut butter pumpkin fudge

This

peanut butter pumpkin fudge has only 5 ingredients and comes together in minutes! Peanut butter and pumpkin belong together, especially in fudge.

DIRECTIONS Line an 8x8” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.

Gather all your ingredients; making fudge is fast work.

Place white chocolate chips and peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. (Or, you can do this in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir continuously.)

Once they are melted together and smooth, immediately stir in the pumpkin puree, spice, and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan and let cool to room temperature on the counter. Chill until set, then cut into squares.

Ingredients • 4 cups white chocolate chips • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ** Store in the refrigerator **

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

LET KIDS DESIGN THEIR STYLES! It’s cool to watch a child grow and develop their own sense of style. The littlest kids will bounce back and forth between their superhero capes in the grocery store to the latest fashions at school without batting an eye. Whether they master all the latest fashion trends or march to their own drummer in the dress-yourself department, the following items let kids put their own distinctive stamp on their personal style!

Duct Tape Wallet Kit

(Alex Toys)

It’s common knowledge that duct tape can fix everything. It can also make almost anything – including uber-cool wallets. The Duct Tape Wallet Kit from Alex comes with everything a kid needs to design and craft a wallet that suits their own distinct style. With five rolls of duct tape (three yards each), plus non-stick paper, stencils, pre-cut fabrics and easy instructions, the stage is set for kids to quickly learn wallet design and construction. Duct Tape Wallet is a satisfying way for kids to pour their style into something that’s useful, unusual AND uniquely theirs!

Hair Chalk Salon

(Alex Toys)

Easy and no mess are some of the first words to describe how the Hair Chalk Salon makes temporary hair coloring a snap. With five washable chalk pens, plus 24 metallic beads and elastics, kids can experiment with all kinds of colors using their hair as the canvas. Ideal for hair of any color, boys and girls can make a temporary hair statement adding a range of color to their locks (colors which wash out easily with shampoo).Perfect for spa play at a sleepover or for adding some heady excitement before a festival or party, the Hair Chalk Salon is a fun, easy and colorful way kids can add flair to their hair!

Sew Cool Sewing Studio

(Sew Cool)

Without thread, without a needle, the New Cool Sewing studio offers a whole new way for kids to craft purses, pouches, soft figures and more with fabric. Complete with patterns and projects pre-cut from felt, the machine uses enclosed prongs that clamp together, fusing the felt as it’s fed across the base. When kids get the hang of guiding the felt through the machine as it “sews” the pieces together, they will quickly develop the confidence and skill to take of bigger felt projects and maybe even design some of their own. A great intro to the world of machine sewing, kids will soon be ready to show off their stitching style with the projects they create.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

accepting new patients

call for free consultation!

THieLER

ORTHODONTICS Braces for children teens & adults!

Nicole thieler, dds, msd

985.876.4484

206 Mystic blvd. houma la 70360

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Fall in love with your new, straight smile!

Braces for Children and Adults!

Free Consultation

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HOO’s CRAFTY

the very thankful

turkey book An easy DIY craft that will give your little ones a place to store their favorite photos, memories, and thankful thoughts during this holiday season.

Directions Fold the bags in half and punch two holes along the folded edge. From the back, stick the rubber band through to the front, and slide the popsicle stick through the loop. Then, pull the rubber band down the back and through the bottom hole and again, put the stick through that loop, making your binding.

Create your turkey face with googly eyes, a triangle beak, and a tear drop shaped waddle, and glue it down. Next, make the tail feathers using your child’s favorite snack wrappers and glue to secure. Then, let your child fill their new book with all the things they are thankful for this year. Courtesy of B-inspiredmama.com

supplies 3- paper bags popsicle stick googly eyes hole punch rubber band construction paper scissors/ glue snack wrappers

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A Page In A Book Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

A New Twist On Old Tales

Traditional nursery tales are important touchstones of most kids’ childhood. From “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” to “Cinderella” and the like, these common tales create a familiar storytelling landscape that most children can jointly reference throughout their youth. For the folk tale savvy child, the following titles offer refreshing twists on beloved traditional stories

Goatilocks And The Three Bears

By Erica S. Perl, Illustrated by Arthur Howard (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster)

When Goatilocks spies a family of bears, leaving for the afternoon, she’s hungry to peek inside their house while they’re gone. As in the traditional story, the intruder tries the the porridge, chair and bed of each occupant. Diverging from the original tale, Goatlilocks (being just a ‘kid’, after all) eats all of the things that are “just right”.

When the bears return, Goatilocks quickly beats a retreat. But because doing the right thing is important to the impulsive kid, this delightfully illustrated twist on the Goldilocks fable has a deliciously redeeming ending.

Ninja Red Riding Hood

By Corey Rosen Schwartz, Illustrated by Dan Santat (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin)

Once upon a time, there was a wolf who was a failure a catching his prey, so he enrolled in ninja school to learn all the swift moves he needs to secure a square meal. Armed with his new skills, the wolf takes to the woods where he meets Red , and learns that she’s on her way to visit her Grandma. Rushing ahead, the wolf disguises himself as Grandma lies in wait for Red to arrive. But when he’s ready to pounce, he discovers that he wasn’t the only student to attend the ninja school. Action-packed with Asian-influenced comic imagery, this colorful treatment of the Little Red Riding Hood cautionary tale gets an invigorating curtain-call with smashing results!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella

By Jan Brett (G.P Putnam’s Sons / Penguin)

When a young girl nods off in her snowy chicken coop, reality slips into dreams as the community of chickens around her prepare for a ball hosted by the Prince among roosters. Feathers are ruffled, pecking orders are established and poor Cinders is left behind when the others fly off to the ball. Following the traditional tale, Cinders transformation and meeting with the Prince are intact – but Brett’s uniquely edge-to-edge illustrations make the whole story new again. When the girl awakens to her father returning with a handsome cockerel to add to the roost, the reader remains looped in on the secret lives of the chicken realm.

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Balancing the Spine and Pelvis by “ADJUSTMENTS”

Holisitc Health Medical Center 985-223-3811

567 Corporate Dr. Houma www.drmikeflynn.com

J.Michael Flynn, DC, FICC

Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Forecast Calls for Fun

HOO’s Fun

Get Kids Outdoors No Matter the Weather Parents often keep a running list of rainy day activities, crafts and games to keep kids indoors when the forecast is soggy. But if your kids have never dodged rain drops, built a snowman or enjoyed a lazy summer afternoon outside, they’re missing out on something wonderful.

Weather was cited as the biggest barrier to getting kids outdoors by 61 percent of parents recently surveyed by the National Wildlife Federation. But the outdoor activities kids love, such as running, jumping, climbing, playing games with friends and taking nature walks, are a great strategy for keeping children healthy and happy.

“Children are safe to play outside in most kinds of weather barring the extremes,” said Lindsay Legendre, manager of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement. “Regular outdoor play is so important to kids’ healthy development and a little rain shouldn’t stop them from being out there. Parents might enjoy puddle jumping again

Bring on the Rain.

Rain can sometimes be blamed for causing children to catch colds or flu, particularly when their hair or feet get wet. However, rain cannot make you sick. Dress children in waterproof hats, boots and raincoats to keep kids from getting too soggy. If storm conditions develop, get out of any body of water and seek shelter in a nearby building. Prepare for mud and splashes in advance by keeping a heavy mat and dry towels by the front door.

How Hot is too Hot?

When temperatures climb, make sure to have plenty of water available and take precautions, such as applying sunscreen and wearing loose clothing that is light in color. Try to schedule outdoor time during the early morning and evening, which are often the coolest part of the day.

Allergies.

Seasonal allergies are another challenge for parents to contend with in regard to outdoor play.

Experts say, in addition to any allergy medications recommended by your pediatrician, there are steps you can take to help allergic kids enjoy the outdoors. Encourage kids to go outside in the early morning and evening when pollen counts are lower. Cool shades or sunglasses can prevent allergens from entering their eyes. Have them shower and wash their hair once they come back in.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

Many moms and dads are reluctant to send kids outside when temperatures drop. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to dress kids in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm, including warm coats, boots, gloves and hats. It’s also important to set reasonable time limits on outdoor play and have children come inside periodically to warm up. And don’t forget the sunscreen, as sunlight, especially reflecting off snow, can cause burns.

“Kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, and it’s great if they can do so outside for the fresh air and more room to play,”

- Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and author of Heading Home with Your Newborn.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

ENROLL NOW Toddlers, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary, and beyond!

985.857.8808

www.mms-edu.com

HOO’s PARENTING

Tug of War with after-school time

Research has shown that after-school activities, such as sports and music, have proven benefits, like increasing self-confidence, social skills, and academic performance.

However, overbooking your child’s after-school schedule with activities can be detrimental to your child’s well-being. Here are some tips on how to find a healthy balance when deciding upon an activity schedule for your child.

Decide on your budget for actives. If your child wants to participate in an activity that does not fit in your budget, ask him to select another, less expensive one. Help him understand that your family has a limit on what can be spent on activities and what he has asked for exceeds this limit. While it may feel uncomfortable to have to say ‘We can’t afford it’, it is a good opportunity to teach your child about responsible money management.

Have your child prioritize the list of activities he is inter-

ested in. How much time does the top activity take per week? There is no reason to feel as if you are depriving your child of an opportunity to be successful in the future by saying ‘no’ to a very overflowing, stressful schedule of extra activities. Children need free time to build and maintain family relationships. They also need time for free play, during which they can explore their interests and use their creativity. It is better for your child to master a few activities he is enthusiastic about than to know just a little about many activities and have no free time at all.

When deciding on activities for your child, also consider how these commitments fit in your schedule. Neither you nor your child will be very happy if you constantly feel exhausted and stressed from having to rush him from one activity to the next.

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HOO’s Fun AUTUMN WORD SEARCH Autumn Rake Leaves Kites Windy Brown Fun Trees Yellow Orange

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