Family & Kids Bayou Region Nov 17

NOVEMBER 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

BAYOU REGION

Cover Sponsor, Page 2

A traditional children’s boutique with gifts and monogramming

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Thanks & Giving!

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Children’s Clothing

Locations

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Girls : Pre -16 Boys : Pre-8

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

Bows • Skin & Hair Care • Gifts & Toys • Monogramming • Baptismal Supplies • Registries

THIBODAUX SERVICE LEAGUE

presents 2 holiday events!

CRAFTS, PICTURES WITH SANTA & LOCAL, HOLIDAY SHOPPING

THIBODAUX CIVIC CENTER // DECEMBER 2, 2017 More information & tickets THIBODAUXSERVICELEAGUE.COM OR REINDEERROWE.COM ad sponsored by Belle Visage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elementary children are able to save for bigger rewards.

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

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

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

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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 5

Hoo’s Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . page 7, 23 & 31

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . page 13, 21 & 29

HOO’S Learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

Hoo’s Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 & 26

HOO’S parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 30

Hoo Knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 11

HOO’S Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

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

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HOO’s CRAFTY

AUTUMN LEAVES

SUNCATCHERS

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

Courtesy of www.craftsonsea.co.uk

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

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

Contact Paper Colored Cellophane

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

Tissue Paper Black Construction Paper

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

Tape / Scissors

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

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1437 St. Charles St. Ste 131 Houma, LA 985.346.6895

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@kikiandcohouma

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SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy........ 27

Coastal Urgent Care...............................12

Bayou Country Children’s Museum... 9

Dr. Jake E. Bordelon, Chiropractor... 27

Bricks 4 Kidz........................................... 25

Ellender Orthodontics.......................... 28

Brushworks Art & Music Academy...15

Thieler Orthodontics............................ 25

Clutch Time Athletics........................... 23

Total Urgent Care................................... 28

Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours...........8 Gymnastics Development Center........8

Shopping/ Retail

Houma’s #1 After School Program.....15 Houma’s #1 After School Program.....15 Houma’s Christmas Festival.............. 20 Mix It Up Cooking Classes.....................7 Santa’s Land & Reindeer Rowe.............2

TELL THEM

Voice & Piano Lessons......................... 25

YOU! Food SENT & Beverage

Clearwater Pools & Spas.........................7 Felger’s Foot Wear................................. 30 Kiki & Co.......................................................5 Lagniappe 103.7FM.................................19 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Michelle Lynn Photography................ 11 Randi, Beauty Artist.............................. 26 Southland Mall....................................... 32

Healthe Cafe............................................ 25

Tammy Usie, Marketing Agency........31

TELL THEM

PARENTS’ ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

BENEFITS OF

HOO’s HUNGRY

COOKING WITH KIDS

BY APRIL G. SINS, MS, RDN, LDN, OWNER OF “MIX IT UP”

Have you seen the popular kids’ cooking shows on television lately? These shows are inspiring young kids to want to know how to make their own food in their own kitchens!

Kids are naturally better engaged in learning with hands-on activities. That is why cooking and helping in the kitchen is a great way to engage kids to learn a life skill that they can use for years to come.

Not only is cooking FUN, it also helps kids to learn what is in the food that we eat. They can learn that bread is not just something that you buy off of a shelf in a grocery store; but also that bread is made of simple ingredients including yeast and flour. If you have a picky eater, getting them involved in preparing meals may help them be more apt to eat it, or at least try it. They’ll get to have some say on what’s included and see that there are no ‘scary’ ingredients in the dish.

Some recipes can also help kids learn about the science of cooking, such as how combining certain ingredients can form

a chemical reaction, like yeast making bread rise. In addition, math skills are also reinforced by measuring ingredients with various measuring tools. Their motor skills are also engaged with measuring, pouring, kneading, chopping and other preparation actions.

Cooking can also help boost kids’ self-esteem. They are usually proud to eat the food that they made and be able to share it with others. Plus, cooking is a great way to bring families together. It is hands-on, interactive and requires teamwork. The best part is the fellowship of sitting together to share in the fruits of their labor.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s Fun

What’s different?

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Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

MONDAY

wednesday

Cajun Critters. 6240 W Main St, Houma. Kids eat free from kids’ menu. 5-9:30pm. Balloon art face painting.

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

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

Buffalo Wild Wings. 1783 MLK, Houma. Up to two kid’s meals for $1.99, per adult meal, all day.

La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thib. 5-8pm. Kids’ meals $2.99 for12 and under. Face painting.

El Paso Mexican Grill. 4560 Louisiana 1, Raceland.

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

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thib.

Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.

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

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

sunday

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

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

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

Ground Pati. 101 Bayou Gardens, Houma. Up to 2 kids eat free per adult, required drinks not included.

Dine in only.

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

Hooters. 1619 MLK, Houma. Free kid’s meal with each paid adult, all day. Drinks not included.

Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thib.

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.

everyday Foundry on The Bayou. 15 West 1st St, Thib.

From10:30am-2pm, free ice cream & face painting.

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 knew?

Fruit Fly Maneuvers Science journal reports that these tiny fighter jet pilots are not only too fast for our swats, they outmaneuver us as well. Using high speed cameras, the study revealed precise banking and rolling movements and perfectly controlled spin-offs at 90 degrees or greater, sometimes upside down.

They execute the rapid evasive maneuvers in half the time it takes to start blinking in response to a camera flash. It’s faster than the 200 times-per-second rate at which they flap their wings.

This explains why our big, clumsy paws are no match against fruit flies. But studies have also revealed two, barely perceptible, moments of vulnerability in these hotshot fighter pilots.

In response to the looming threat of a hand or swatter, flies actually take the time – not long in fly time- to get their feet ready to hop into flight in the opposite direction. And their 360-degree field of view allows them to see danger coming from all directions. Researchers suggest it’s better not to swat at a fly’s starting spot, but rather try aiming just forward of where it first saw your swatter.

The second flight weakness involves the escape tactic of a resting fly - an initial leap and a stumble. When threatened, flies pull their wings down close to their bodies and shove off with their feet in a tumbling launch. This slight stumble at take-off might be why a fruit fly can be pinned against the table or wall easier than it can be swatted out of the air. So, if you see a fruit fly land, that’s the time to make your move. Make it smart and make it fast!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

what is

Fluoride?

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

Why Too Much Fluoride is A Concern

Track Your Child’s Fluoride Intake

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

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

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

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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

Reading for Fans of Felines Whether they enjoy a pet kitten or the occasional cat encounter, children are quick to recognize a common world view with their feline friends. Both are masters of testing boundaries, mastering hide-and-seek, climbing into laps to snuggle or serving as unofficial alarm clocks for adult sleepers. The shared experience of kids and cats easily fosters a unique kinship between them. The following titles explore the ways cats model independence and confidence while celebrating the unconditional love that connects felines and their fanciers.

Black Cat, White Cat

By Silvia Borando (MiniBombo / Candlewick Press)

Dark and lovely from his ears to the tips of his toes, Black Cat only goes out in the day and only seeing things that come out in daylight hours.

Bright and beautiful from her nose to her tail, White Cat only goes out after dark, reveling in the sights that are only seen in the night. When curiosity inspires each cat to seek out their opposite’s world, their paths cross and what follows is a sweet exchange that highlights the shared joys in their diverse settings. Illustrated in stark black and white, the simple language and silhouette styling celebrates the cats’ curiosity as they discover together how much black and white have in common.

The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon

By A. N. Kang (Disney/Hyperion)

He’s not just fluffy. Like the butterfly he’s named for, Papillon is so fluffy that he floats around lighter than air. Worried that he could just drift away, his companion Miss Tilly contrives a variety of ways to hold him down to earth. Pizza, costumes, hats and eye patches help keep him grounded, but Papillon is having no part of it. When an open window and a beautiful day lure the fluffy cat outside, a blue sky adventure quickly turns frightening. Floating past the wilder side of the great outdoors, a scared Papillon uses Miss Tilly’s ideas and the help of a friend to find his way back home. With physical comedy and adorable expression, Papillon strikes a delightful balance between living the high life and keeping your feet on the ground.

I Don’t Know What to Call My Cat

By Simon Philip, Illustrated by Ella Bailey (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

When a stray cat shows up on a young girl’s front steps, welcoming it into her life and home is easy. But finding the right name is a bit harder. The name “Kitty” calls every cat within ear shot. ‘Betty’ and ‘Ethel’ sound good until a vet visit changes the focus more toward ‘Butch’ and ‘Arnie’. Before the girl can decide what to call him, her cat escapes. But their journey back toward each other may just provide the perfect name for adventurous cat. Don’t know what to call your cat? Give it time, they practically name themselves.

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#Pr1ogram Aftoeorl Sch

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Call to save a spot! I 985.262.3321 I HoumaAfterSchoolProgram.com

HOO’s Fun

A Turkey

LEARN TO DRAW:

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Novembe Legend: TM - Terrebonne Main Library TD - Thibodaux

1 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to 8 STEM for preschoolers. Ages 3+. TD. 18 Painted scarecrow décor. TD. 2pm. Ages build decks, trade and battle.

11:30am.

11+. RSVP 447-4119.

1 Magna Tiles STEM Playtime. Ages 2+. TD. 10 Big Boys Main Street Cook off. Down- 18 Pumpkin Cooking Party for parents and 11:30am.

2 International Game Week: Turkey Dice Game. TD. 5pm. Ages 5-8.

2 Kids Sewing Class. 2pm. TD. Ages 11+.

RSVP 447-4119.

town Thibodaux. 6-11pm. Downtownthibodaux.org

10 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

11 Thibodauxville Fall Festival. Downtown Thibodaux. Starts at 8:30am.

kids. 10:30am. Mix it Up. Mixitupcooks.com

18 LEGO Club. TM. 11am and 3pm. 2nd Grade and Up.

18 Mickey Mouse Birthday Party. 10:30am.

TD. Ages 2-6. RSVP 447-4119.

3 Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

19 Create! All ages craft with ancient Greek 11 Fiddle Stitches Club. TM. 11am. 4th art. TM. 3pm.

4 Community garage sale at Bayouland grade and up. Club of crocheters, knitters and fiber artists. All skill levels.

YMCA. 7am-noon. 985-873-9622 to re20-22 Thanksgiving Cooking Camp. 1-4pm.

Mix it Up Houma. Mixitupcooks.com. serve a booth. RSVP 447-4119.

11 Painted scarecrow décor. TD. 2pm. Ages 4 Louisiana Swamp Stomp. 4484 Hwy 1 11+. RSVP 447-4119.

20 LEGO Robotics. Ages 8+. 10am. TD. Raceland. Live Cajun Music and more.

RSVP 447-4119.

12 Escape the library. TM. 3pm. Solve clues 4 Southdown Marketplace. 8am-4pm. to solve the mystery. RSVP 985-876-5861. 20 Electronic Snap Circuits. Ages 8 and up.

Southdown Plantation. 1208 Museum Dr, TD. RSVP 447-4119.

Houma.

14 Magazine mosaic flag craft. TD. Ages 8+. RSVP 447-4119.

21 Turkey Tuesday Camp. 10am-3pm.

BCCM. Ages 5-10. Bccm.info 4 LEGO Robotics. TM. 11am 2nd & 3rd grade 3pm. 4th-7th grade. RSVP 87615 Spanish storytime. TM. 2pm. Songs, 5861. stories and crafts.

24 Black Friday Pancake PJ Party. 9am. Mix it Up. Mixitupcooks.com 4 International Game Week: Monopoly 15 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to Marathon. TD. 10am. Ages 9-12. build decks, trade and battle.

24 Pokémon Gym. TM. 4pm. Open play to build decks, trade and battle.

5 Noise Makers: Movement and Music. 17 Dancercize for all ages. TM. 4pm.

TM. 3pm. Build reading skills through 25 MoboRobo Robotics Lab for PreK and movement.

18 Monocrome finger painting. TD. 2pm. up. TM. 4pm. RSVP 876-5861.

Ages 11+. 11 Painted scarecrow décor. TD. 7 Craft night at Chick-fil-A on MLK, Houma. 2pm. Ages 11+.

26 Family Movie Matinee: Disney’s Born in

5-8pm.

China. TM. 3pm.

er Events

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Branch Library BCCM - Bayou Country Children’s Museum

Dec 1 Polar Express Outdoor Movie Night.

Houma Courthouse Square. See Facebook event for more.

Dec 2 Houma Downtown Christmas Fes-

tival. 11am-5pm Festival, 5:30-7:30pm Parade, 7:30-9pm Tree lighting and Santa Meet and Greet.

Dec 2 Santa’s Land and Reindeer Rowe.

Shop, activities and pictures with Santa.

Thibodauxserviceleague.com.

WEEKLY EVENTS

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

Lafourche Central Market. Farmers, fishermen, artisans and activities. 8a-noon.

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

Thibodaux Main Street Market. 8am1pm, next to Jean Lafitte Park. Buy fresh, buy local.

Crafternoons for PreK-6th. 4pm. TM. Craft varies. RSVP 876-5861.

ESL Class. 6:30pm. TM.

FRIDAY

Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7. $10 nonmem. Adult required for ages 5 and under. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985851-3001.

MONDAY

Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer Thibodaux.

6-9pm. $10. 605 St. Mary St, Thibodaux.

693-7109. (Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 20)

TUESDAY

Open Gym. Alstarz Cheer Larose. 6-9pm. $10. 13347 W. Main St, Larose. 693-7109.

(Nov. 10 & 17)

Toddler Time. TM. 10am and 6pm for 19mon-3yrs. (none 9/4) Storytime. TM. 10am for newborns-18mon, and 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families.

Family storytime. TM. 6pm. Ages 4-8

WEDNESDAY

Pre-K storytime. TM. 10am.

Sensory storytime. TM. 4pm. Ages 3-7.

All ages storytime w/ craft. 10:30am. TD.

THURSDAY

Tales for Tots. BCCM. 10:30am. Ages 2-5. bccm.info

SATURDAY

Open Gym. JAG. 7-9pm. $7. $10 nonmem. Adult required for ages 5 and under. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985851-3001.

STEMulating Saturday. Sylvan of Houma.

12-1pm. Classes in robotics, coding and engineering. 985-223-3798.

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

Kids’ Club. Michael’s, Houma. 10am12pm. $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. 985-223-1485.

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

Sawyer, 2 years Larose

Kardae, 10 months Raceland

Ysabel, 9 months Houma

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Your Local Home For Weekdays 6 to 9am & Today’s Best New Music Mix!

TEACHING KIDS STRANGER SAFETY

HOO’s HELPFUL

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

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

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

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

Your child should always walk with others, never alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

MORE FAMILY FUN!

DON’T MISS IT!

THE POLAR EXPRESS OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT

Friday, December 1 • 6:00 - 9:30 Houma Courthouse Square Free cookies and milk, popcorn, souvenir ticket, and silver bell ornament while supplies last

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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HOO’s HEALTHY

Just slow development or a speech disorder?

Speech is defined as the ability to produce and form the sounds used in the words we speak, and is a skill needed to communicate and interact with the world around us. Speech skills have their own developmental milestones associated with them, which parents can use to track their child’s progress. A delay in a speech developmental milestone is sometimes dismissed as ‘He’s just shy’ or “He will get to it when he is ready.’ However, such a delay may be an indication of a speech disorder, so it is best to have your child evaluated if he seems to be struggling to achieve his speech milestones. Here is an overview of the common speech disorders and how to tell if your child may have one.

Disfluency

A disfluency is a disorder in which sounds, words, or phrases are repeated. Stuttering is the most common disfluency disorder. It typically appears between the ages of 2 and 4, when toddlers and preschoolers begin attempting to string words together and increase their vocabulary. A child who stutters may seem to struggle to speak and to have to force the words out, as if the words were being blocked. No one knows for sure exactly what causes a child to develop this disorder.

However, research has shown that stuttering runs in families due to a DNA gene. Stuttering typically goes away on its own after 3 to 6 months. If the stuttering seems to be frequent or to get worse after 3 months, or if you have a strong family history of stuttering, you may want to seek the advice of a speech language pathologist. Speech therapy can help manage this disorder and reduce your child’s frustration.

If your child starts stuttering after the age of 3, he is even more likely to require speech therapy.

D-d-dad I love you!

Articulation disorders

A child with an articulation disorder has trouble correctly producing the letter sounds that make up words. He may substitute a ‘w’ in place of an ‘r’ or leave out sounds, saying ‘cool’ instead of ‘school’. Some kids with articulation disorders distort the letter sounds, making them difficult to understand. In many cases, the exact cause of articulation disorders is unknown. However, in some instances, this type of speech disorder is linked to problems with the teeth, hearing loss, cleft palate, problems with controlling the muscles needed to form sounds (oral-motor disorder), or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.

All kids make ‘baby talk’ while learning how to speak, so when should you be concerned that your child may have an articulation disorder and needs treatment? Here is a general idea, age by age, of when you should have your child professionally evaluated for an articulation disorder to see if treatment is necessary:

Infants

If your baby does not babble and make consonant sounds by 8 or 9 months or cannot say at least one word by 12 months of age. (Test also for hearing loss, since this may be the cause of the speech disorder).

Toddlers

If your child still communicates mostly by pointing and gestures after the age of 18 months.

Preschoolers and school age

If your three year old cannot be understood by non-family members, has difficulty making sounds and being understood by age 4, or cannot make a wide variety of sounds after age 6 and still leaves sounds out.

Mom, I had fun at cool!

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THE ATTRACTION OF MAGNETS! Manipulating levers, scoops, and wheels demonstrate the mechanical ways that objects move and perform. Concepts that involve invisible forces like gravity and magnetism are more mysterious and easier to grasp when introduced through play.

Explore beyond obvious mechanical power and toward an expanded understanding of other marvelous forces. The following items are recommended as ideal introductions to the powerful attraction of magnets.

Brain Power Blocks

(Kidoozie)

Combining basic shapes of plane geometry with the pull of magnetic connections, Brain Power’s Magnetic Blocks encourages tactile play and mental exploration with sixty-five translucent tiles that not only support three-dimensional thinking as the building progresses, but also add a colorful artistic aesthetic that keeps kids engaged with their construction. Much like tangram shapes, the tiles’ basic elements of geometry encourage mathematical thinking and problem-solving as little fingers manipulate the pieces into structures of their own design.

Whether kids are making architecture or art, these beautiful elements all come together through the invisible power of magnetism.

Bellz! Magnetic Game

(Wiggles 3D)

Using magnetic attraction to collect a player’s designated bell colors, a simple element camouflages real dexterity and strategy challenges. Players choose the end with strong pull, or weak, to use as they try to lift their color from the game surface without attracting other players’ colors. Delicate manipulation and forward thinking come into play using the wand among forty bells of various colors and sizes to gather their own. Neatly gathered in a zippered pouch that opens up to become the playing surface, is this game that’s sure to please!

3D Magfun 32-Piece Set

(Magfun)

With brightly colored, environmentally friendly blocks in a variety of shapes and sizes, kids can explore the power and versatility of magnets. The Magfun set includes thirty-two pieces that feature squares, wheels, balls, caps and more 3D shapes. The strong diversity of elements will quickly inspire small hands to craft their own masterpieces. The magnetic connections on all sides make quick assembly easy and intuitive. Whether children are taking their lead from the included instructions or designing their own builds, creating the shape of things to come is a magnetic snap with this Magfun set.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

MOCKTAIL CRANBERRY AND LIME

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

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Helping To Develop Their

HOO’s learning

STUDY SKILLS

Try to remember. When you were a student, did you ever ask, “How will grammar (or geometry or social studies) benefit me later in life?” Be honest.

Now, return to today. When was the last time you took notes at a meeting? Or prioritized your “to-do” list? Or organized a project from start to finish? The skills you use to do these tasks at work and at home are the same skills you learned and honed in English class (and geometry and social studies).

Now, your children are developing those skills that will enable them to read analytically, write and speak expressively and think strategically.

And when they ask, “What good is this going to do me?” - you know that it all starts with taking notes in history class, studying for that bio exam and juggling time to accommodate school, sports and social calendars!

Organization, time management, note taking, test taking and strategic reading are all essential study skills that are first introduced to young people in the classroom, but ultimately transfer far beyond school. To help your child develop these skills in a way that is meaningful to them, mainly applying them to their “job” which is school, we have a few tips for you below.

Studies show that the more involved parents are with their children’s education, the better the children do in school. What the studies don’t say is that this involvement is not just in the children’s school, but in the children’s lives. Because life is a balance of basic core skills (reading and math) and personal skills, such as communication and responsibility skills (organization and time management), parents need to nourish all of these skills, not just the ones that yield a grade.

ORGANIZATION & TIME MANAGEMENT

TEST TAKING

• Have students use a planning calendar to track daily, weekly and monthly assignments and responsibilities.

• Encourage children to break down large, complex tasks into manageable pieces.

• Have children prioritize homework and other tasks when they get home from school, then complete the tasks in that order.

• Urge a student to study over a period of days or weeks instead of cramming.

• Be sure students go into the test with the right equipment, i.e. calculator, class notes, textbooks or simply a pencil.

• Encourage them to answer test questions they know first and then go on to the more challenging questions.

READING

NOTE TAKING

• Encourage them to use all the clues available to them while reading, such as headlines, pictures, captions, charts, tables and graphs.

• Urge them to read different types of writing, such as books (fiction and nonfiction), newspaper, magazines, letters and web sites.

• Talk with kids after they read a book or article. Have them tell you what the story was about, why it did or didn’t interest them and how it related to their life.

• Don’t panic if a child’s notes look sloppy and disorganized. It’s often just a sign of a student with an active mind who is organizing things in ways that work best for him or her.

• Encourage students to review their notes and even rewrite them, if necessary, to be sure they make sense.

• As they review their notes, have children identify the most important points and highlight them.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

When Thunder

Roars, Go Indoors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.familyandkidsdigest.COM

’

Talking!

Sign Language for "All Done"

HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about Thanksgiving

What do math teachers do for Thanksgiving?

Count their blessings!

Why did the turkey cross the road?

To prove he wasn’t chicken!

When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?

In the dictionary!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

learning all about bruxism When parents check in on their sleeping child, the grinding sound of teeth is not what they expect to hear. While it may be a bit unsettling for parents, it’s not uncommon.

The medical term for this condition is called bruxism and 2 to 3 out of every 10 kids will grind their teeth or clench their jaws during sleep, according to experts. Bruxism often occurs during deep sleep phases or when kids are under stress.

No one knows for sure why bruxism happens. In some cases, kids may grind because the top and bottom teeth aren’t aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, like an earache or teething.

Kids might grind their teeth to ease the pain, just as they might rub a sore muscle. Many kids outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding.

Children under stress may also grind their teeth or clench their jaw. Worry over a test or a change in routine can be released through teeth grinding during sleep. More serious family problems or being the recipient of bullying can prompt bruxism. Some kids who are hyperactive also have bruxism. And sometimes kids with other medical conditions (such as cerebral palsy) or who take certain medicines can develop bruxism. The suspected reasons are many.

The effects of undetected teeth grinding can vary as well. Sometimes, kids have little or no effect from light teeth grinding. However, other children may experience headaches or earaches. In some cases, nighttime grinding and clenching can wear down tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase temperature sensitivity, and cause severe facial pain and jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). However, most kids with bruxism do

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

not have TMJ problems unless their grinding and clenching happen a lot. Most of the time kids aren’t aware they are grinding their teeth.

What should you do if your child has bruxism? You can talk with a pediatrician about it and a visit to the dentist is a good idea. Your dentist can check for chipped enamel and unusual wear and tear on your child’s teeth as well as misaligned teeth.

Most children outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits can help keep the problem in check until they do.

If your child’s grinding and clenching is caused by, or is causing, a dental problem, the dentist may prescribe a special mouth guard that is worn at night. It looks similar to protective mouthpieces worn by athletes. While it may take a little time to get used to, positive results typically happen quickly.

For bruxism that’s caused by stress, ask what’s upsetting your child and find a way to help. For example, a kid who’s worried about being away from home for the first time may need reassurance that mom or dad will be nearby if needed.

If the issue is more complicated, such as moving to a new town, discuss your child’s concerns and try to ease any fears. Talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned that your child may need professional help with discussing what is bothering him or her.

If stress relievers aren’t enough to stop bruxism or if your child has trouble sleeping or is acting differently, your doctor may suggest further evaluation. This can help find the cause of the stress and a proper course of treatment.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s PARENTING

UNDERWEAR TRAINING Transitioning into underwear is a big deal for every toddler.

However, while the end result is rewarding, the road to get there can be challenging for parents and kids alike. Here are a few tips to follow as you begin the journey.

PATIENCE IS KEY

KNOW THE UNDERWEAR 123S

Potty training is a developmental milestone and should never be rushed with any child. A toddler is usually ready around two to three years old.

When underwear training, little ones need to be able to know a few things to ensure success: when they need to go, how to get to the bathroom and how to get themselves onto the potty chair. Sometimes your child will learn a bit later than their peers, that is OK.

BUILD EXCITEMENT The journey to potty training is two-fold. First your child has to get used to the potty and then get used to no longer wearing diapers and wearing underwear. Therefore, many may call the transition ‘underwear training.’

It’s a big deal for children to transition to big-kid underwear, so parents should build excitement to celebrate this important accomplishment. For example, shop together for training underpants and fun underwear and place them in your child’s dresser drawer. This will help make the connection that they’re graduating from diapers.

LOOK FOR SIGNS You will typically start to notice cues that your child is ready for underwear training, such as signaling you before they go in their diaper, interest in what goes on in the bathroom, the desire to start using the potty, the ability to pull underwear off and on and the desire to wear big kid underwear.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE As a parent, you are the best role model for your child.

Modeling good bathroom habits and giving examples can help speed up success.

Allow children into the bathroom with you so they can see how easy it is. It is also important for parents to teach their children to wash their hands immediately after so that good hygiene practices are instilled from an early age.

BE POSITIVE Always remember that positive reinforcement is key and never discipline them for not going. Small immediate rewards are the best way to make underwear training a breeze. Try creating a fun little dance that you do right after they successfully go, or use stickers or hand stamps.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HUNGRY HEALTHIER

PANCAKES Forget the box mix, you probably have all the ingredients to make much healthier pancakes...low fat, low sugar and high protein.

DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients to a nice consistency. Should not be too thick, or too watery. Add more dry ingredients such as protein or oats to thicken or add more egg whites, yogurt or bananas to moisten. Can add splashes of almond milk to thin as well.

Coat skillet with coconut oil or other healthy oil.

Heat skillet to medium fire. Pour desired size portion and shake to spread or spoon to even out. Flip when bubbles form on the surface.

Top with choice of peanut butter, berries, nuts, or yogurt.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 mashed banana • 2 egg whites • 1/2 cup low sugar yogurt, cottage cheese or pumpkin, or try tbsp. peanut butter • 1 scoop protein powder, or oats • sweeten w/ tsp. vanilla extract, or agave syrup, or shredded coconut Optional additions or toppings: nuts, berries, chia seeds, flax seeds

Tammy Usie creative boutique & brokerage

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

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