Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley August 2015

AUGUST 2015

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

Š Giggles And Grins Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Create your own pizza, yogurt, sandwiches & salads. Top that!

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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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Exercise Induced Asthma Does your child seem to have a hard time catching his breath when he exercises or plays hard? If so, he may not just be out of shape. He may have a condition called exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise-induced asthma is also called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Some kids with exercise-induced asthma also have an underlying chronic asthma condition. Other kids only experience asthma symptoms when they exercise and are otherwise healthy.

HOO’s HEALTHY EIB occurs when the muscle bands around the airways constrict, resulting in a narrowing of the airways.

This narrowing leads to feeling short of breath while exercising and even difficulty breathing normally after exercise stops. Other symptoms include a feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing, and feeling very fatigued. The symptoms typically appear within 5 to 20 minutes of starting to exercise.

An exact cause for EIB has not been identified but there are certain circumstances that seem to make an attack more likely. When exercising outdoors, an asthma attack may be a reaction to breathing in cold, dry air. For kids with allergies, exercising outside when the pollen count or air pollution level is high can also trigger this reaction.

If your child experiences symptoms of EIB, make an appointment for him to be evaluated by his pediatrician.

The doctor may ask him to perform a breathing test after exercising. A diagnosis of EIB does not mean your child will have to avoid all activities, the doctor may just provide a plan to help manage it. Keep in mind that activities that require short periods of activity, like baseball or gymnastics, are less likely to trigger symptoms than endurance activities like long distance running.

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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

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14

HOO’S Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 & 25

hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 & 15

HOO’S Healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 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 Starbucks: Columbus 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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

The

ticks: These pests are common in grasses and wooded areas. If you have pets, make sure they’re tick free. Ticks are usually harmless but can carry Lyme disease. To remove a tick, use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol or petroleum jelly on the site. Let this swab sit on the tick for 3 minutes. This suffocates the insect and it will back out for retrieval with tweezers.

spiders: Most spider bites don’t actually penetrate the skin, and the majority of spiders found in the U.S are mostly harmless, with the important exception of the black widow and brown recluse spider. Fortunately, spider bites are uncommon. In many cases, presumed spider bites are actually due to another skin condition or an insect sting. A black widow bite is said to feel like a pinprick, and some victims don’t even realize they’ve been bitten. The most common symptoms where the bite occurs are immediate pain, burning, swelling,

Kids

Doctor

preparing for bites & stings part 2 Knowing how to prevent and treat common insect bites and stings, and knowing when to not overreact, can help keep your kids safe and healthy. In last month’s issue we ran Part 1 of our tips for bites and stings which featured mosquitos, fire ants and bee stings. Below are a few more.

5

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

and redness. Other symptoms may include chills, fever, nausea and vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. While black widow spider bites are rarely fatal, deaths have occurred from brown recluse spider bites, and are more common in children than in adults. At first, the bite of a brown recluse leads to a mild stinging, followed by local redness and severe pain. Some reports describe a blue or purple area around the bite, surrounded by a whitish ring and large red outer ring in a bull’s eye pattern.

A blister forms at the site, then sloughs off to reveal a deep ulcer that may turn black.

If bitten by a brown recluse or black widow: 1) Cleanse the wound and skin around the wound, 2) Slow the venom’s spread by tying a snug bandage above the bite and elevating the limb, 3) Apply a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice and seek immediate medical attention.

scorpions: These bites are painful but mostly harmless.

The only dangerous scorpion in North America is the bark scorpion, found in all of Arizona and parts of California and New Mexico. Scorpions usually sting to protect themselves. Scorpion stings without a serious reaction can be treated with ice and over-the-counter pain medication. Bark scorpion anti-venom is available only in Arizona.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance Center...................... 3 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries...... 7 Clement Arts....................................... 19 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 Elite Dance Academy.......................30 IFM Arts Academy............................. 19 La Bella Party & Tea...........................24 Launch Pad Athletes......................... 15 Music Together................................... 19 My Gym................................................. 12 Performance Dance Centre..............11 Oasis After School Program........... 12 The Columbus Museum...................24

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education Calvary Christian...............................28 SENT YOU! First Presbyterian Day.....................28 Grace Christian School....................28 Kumon...................................................28 Lakewood Child Development ......29 St. Luke Schools.................................28 Sylvan Learning Center...................23 Westminster Christian.....................29 Wynnbrook Christian.......................29

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A.............................................11 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................32 Crave Soda & Candy Bar..................... 8 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................24 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers............... 12

healthcare Columbus Spine & Performance... 19 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 James Lopez, DDS.............................. 15 Pediatric After Hours.......................... 8 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 18 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center...24 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 31 Stork Vision Ultrasound.................... 9 ZÖe Pediatrics.....................................20

Home/ Handy Sparkles Cleaning Service.............. 19 Turfscapes Lawncare........................ 19

Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements......................................9 Giggles and Grins Photography.... 19 Jessica Fowler Photography............ 3 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................27 Once Upon A Time - Resale............23

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s FIT At the current time, food manufacturers can label a food as trans fat free if it has 0.5 grams of trans fats per a serving or less. In three years, even when the ban goes into effect, food manufactures will be able to apply for special permits to have small amounts of trans fats in certain foods. The amount of trans fats unknowingly consumed in a day can quickly add up, if you eat multiple servings of food labeled trans fat free that, which in truth, contain 0.5 grams per serving.

Recently, the FDA gave food manufacturers in the United States three years to completely remove artificial trans fats from foods. Artificial trans fats are made using a process called hydrogenation, which turns a liquid fat, like a vegetable oil, into a solid. Studies showing a link between artificial trans fats and an increased occurrence of heart disease have prompted this action. In addition, recent studies have reinforced the concern that trans fats are linked to memory loss.

The best way to avoid trans fats is to reduce consumption of processed foods, such as doughnuts and cookies. When purchasing processed food, read labels carefully even if the food is labeled trans fat free. Look hydrogenated oil and partially hydrogenated oil, as they indicate the presence of trans foods. Avoid using trans fats when you cook by buying butter instead of margarine. Also, vegetable oils, which are being used to replace trans fats, are almost as bad for you due to the toxic byproducts of the oxidation that takes place when they are heated. Some experts advise using lard or tallow for frying and using coconut oil or palm oil for cooking.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY pureed fruit

Popsicles using a simple, layer and freeze method, you can create the gorgeous summer treats. they are free of added sugar, but are so pretty even your pickiest eater will enjoy!

DIRECTIONS

Ingredients

One fruit at a time, puree in food processor. Rinse the machine out between fruits. Carefully spoon a layer of fruit at the bottom of each popsicle mold. Gently tap the mold to level the puree. Freeze until solid. Spoon another layer in each mold, then stand a stick upright in each. Push it down gently into the frozen first layer so it'll stand up straight. Again, tap the mold, and freeze until the next layer is solid. Repeat until you use all your fruits and the mold is filled. Make sure to clean any drips against the inside, as not to mess up your design.

Dip mold in a sink of hot water to release them. Enjoy.

• About 2 kiwis • 1 cup of strawberry halves • 1 cup of chopped mango • 1 cup of blueberries • 1 cup of chopped watermelon • 1 cup of pineapple chunks Try using a cupcake liner at the bottom to catch the drips

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1320 Wynnton Rd #B, Columbus

Click the CONTEST TAB at www.HooKnowsTheValley.com to enter with your email. Random drawing held on September 1.

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18 week

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CALLING KIDS

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TO THE KITCHEN! Before prepackaged treats and convenience food sings its siren song, introduce kids first to the rewards of real cooking.

From prepping the mix, and crafting the plate, to consuming something they made by themselves – engaging a child’s interest in the kitchen is a great recipe for cultivating their nutritional education and expanding tastes. The following items are recommended early introductions to cooking for the kids with culinary interests!

Curious Chef Cupcake Set ( Curious Chef)

There are no half measures when it comes to cooking with Curious Chef. This 16-piece Cupcake Set includes a 6-cup muffin tin, frosting decorator, 6 frosting tip designs, 6 silicone cup liners, frosting spreader, stickers and more that quickly move a little chef straight to the business of cooking. With a shopping list included, kids can tailor their recipe choices to their own taste as they plan their cupcake menu.

Crafted with BPA-free materials, this set features real dishwasher-safe cooking implements that are made with children’s size and safety in mind. If your kid’s mind is on food preparation, foster their interest by

Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven

(Hasbro)

There’s nothing that tastes quite as authentic as home-made ice cream. For younger kids, waiting for the traditional ice cream churn is the real challenge. Enter YayLabs’ Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball that keeps kids engaged in the process from start to delicious finish.

Just add the ice cream mix in one side, ice and salt in the other, lock it down and get the ball rolling. Kids passing, flipping, spinning and shaking the ball generates the movement needed to activate the icing process which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Time flies (and ice cream freezes) while you’re having fun! It’s perfect to take along on trips, picnics and more! The best home-made ice cream is on a roll with the Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball.

Play & Freeze Ice Cream Ball

(Yaylabs)

The new Easy-Bake oven gets a big makeover with a sleek new design, more safety features and a cosmetic overall that makes it appealing to chefs of all ages. Simply whip of a batch of cookies with the included mix, then shape and set them on the small baking pan.

Once the oven is preheated, just slide the pan into the slot on one side using the pan tool, When the cook time is complete and the cool down period finished, your pan of delicious cookies can be removed from the slot on the other side. Refill mixes and additional tools are available from Easy-Bake for the all new cooking tool that makes kids’ baking easier than ever.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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My Gym

RULES fo r

Millions of kids agree. . .

Back to School!

Enroll Now! Award-winning classes and programs for ages 3 months to 13 years (706) 507-2966 • mygym.com/columbus

HOO’s tips

Cold Savings Looking for some ways to save energy to help offset the hot month power bills? Consider changing your laundry routine. It is not necessary to wash most clothes in warm water, so opt for cold water instead. Also, make sure your dryer’s lint filter, hose, and pipes leading to the outside vent all stay clean and free of blockage. Finally, consider taking advantage of the abundance of free solar energy and line dry some of your clothes.

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

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

5-8pm: $.99 kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Get 2 free kid’s meals with purchase of an adult entree. Dine in only

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

5-9pm: Free kids meal per $5 minimum adult entree Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Thursday Nights: Kids 11 and under eat for $1.99

Sweet Frog Yogurt

saturday

Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entree (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

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

Zaxby’s 5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with per adult entree

Tuesday Atlanta Bread Company

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

Chick-fil-A, Midland

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo 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.

Steak & Shake Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

sunday Steak & Shake

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Stevi B’s Pizza

Kids eat for .99 after 4pm

Texas Roadhouse

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

Denny’s

Willy T’s

TGIF Friday’s

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

everyday

Willy T’s

Golden Corral

4-9pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

wednesday

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entree. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

4-10pm: Up to two free kid’s entrees with adult entree. For kids 10 and under

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

11-5pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet PhoVy

Free kids meal when you show their “Family & Kids” ad in this issue

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.

There’s no better way to make it through the day than with some tunes, a couple laughs, and someone to listen and listen to. We hear you, we thank you for listening and voting us your READER’S CHOICE favorite radio personalities.

N O’BRIA BEAR WATER S BRIAN

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RADIO.

D WOO E AR DAV

VOT E D FAVO R I T E R A D I O P E R S O N A L I T I E S

WiseDJChoices You & 5:28 Your PMB-Who Knows The Valley AD:Layoutfor 1 8/4/14 PMFamily Page 1 14

PMB

HOO’s CRAFTY back-to-school

apple zip ups

The time has come again to shop for school supplies, but what if you could make a few things of your own.

This craft is a great end of summer project that is sure to be used all year long.

Directions Clean the soda bottles and let dry. Then cut evenly around the perimeter, about 3 inches from the bottom of the bottle.

Paint the inside and let dry. Clear coat the paint and let dry.

Unzip the zipper and use hot glue to adhere one side to each half of your apple. Do not get hot glue in the teeth of the zipper and let the glue fully dry before zipping the halves together. Cut your stem/leaf pieces out of the cardstock. Fold the ends of the stem piece inward to make a tent shape with a flat bottom, and glue to the center of one apple end. Use a needle to poke a hole at the bottom of your leaves. Then, run your thread the opening of the stem and tie a knot. Affixing your leaves to your craft, but still allowing movement.

supplies 2 plastic soda bottles glue gun/sticks zipper to fit around bottles spray paint/clear coat cardstock for stem and leaves embroidery floss/needle

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s Tips

Compost It!

If your community has once a week trash pickup, it can be a challenge to find a place for all those smelly bags of garbage. Composting can help reduce the amount of trash your household collects over the course of a week and, in addition, the compost can be used to enhance your garden’s soil. Here how to get started: • Find a location for your compost pile. A well-drained, partially shady spot in your backyard away from the house and near a water source is ideal. You can either choose to use a bin or to just create a compost pile on the ground, directly on top of the soil. A compost pile should be about 1 square yard in size.

• The microbes that do the composting work need air to live. Provide oxygen to the bacteria in your pile by turning it often with a pitchfork or shovel, and don’t compress the materials into your pile when you add them. Anaerobic composting is possible, but the pile will smell.

• Never put meat or pet waste into your compost.

• Add the right combination of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ compostable materials and water to your compost pile. ‘Green’ materials provide nitrogen to the pile and include fresh grass clippings, fruit, and vegetable scraps. ‘Brown’ materials provide carbon and include hay, dried leaves, dried weeds, and shredded paper towels. Cardboard and paper, when shredded, will compost, but it is better to recycle them. Green materials add moisture to the compost pile, while brown materials should be soaked down first, so they don’t dry out the pile. Keep the pile moist, but don’t overdo watering it or you will end up with a slimy mess.

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AUGUST E

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pr o vi d e d in partne r ship w

1

Home Depot Kids Workshop.

9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12.

Columbus store; 706-322-9240.

Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

5 -8

3

Columbus Kids Market.

Wed10am-5pm, Thur 2-8pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 8am-1pm.

Central Baptist Church, 8303 Whitesville Rd, Columbus. 706565-5442

4

Carmike Summer Kids Series.

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

4

Movies on the Beach. 9-11pm. $2.50-$5. The Boxtrolls. Callaway Gardens; www.callawaygardens.com

American Girl Book Club.

6:30pm. Ages 6-9. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880 Heroes at the Movies. 5:30pm.

X-Men. at Phenix City-Russell Co. Library; www.phenixcitylibrary.com Parenting Workshop: Change for the Child. 6-7pm. $50-$90.

4-week series. Pastoral Institute; www.pilink.org

6 7

8

Y Kids Tri. 9am-10am. Ages 6-13.

John P. Thayer YMCA; ykidstricolumbusga.com

8

Librar y activities Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org

Phenix City-Russell County www.phenixcitylibrary.com

Troup-Harris

www.thclibrary.net

9

Fandom Film Fest. 3pm. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga. org/events

10

American Girl Book Club.

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

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Heroes at the Movies. 5:30pm.

X-Men 2. Phenix City-Russell Co. Library; phenixcitylibrary.com

12

Music Together Columbus: Free trial class. 9:30am. Ages: Infants - 5 years. Trinity Episcopal Church; www.MusicTogetherColumbusGa.com

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Movies on the Beach. 9-11pm. $2.50-$5. The Avengers (2012).

August Second Saturday. TO 10am.

Callaway Gardens; SHOWCASE YOURwww.callaBUSINESS Storytime and craft. Columbus ON OURwaygardens.com MOM’S MARKETPLACE Museum; www.columbusmuseCALL 253-212-7270 um.com

8

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 1011am. Free. 1st-5th grades.

6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706-320-9292

15

Music Together Columbus: Free trial class. 10:30am. Ages: Infants - 5 years. Trinity Episcopal Church; MusicTogetherColumbusGa.com

EVENTS ith:

18

Heroes at the Movies. 5:30pm.

X-Men the Last Stand. Phenix City-Russell Co. Library; www. phenixcitylibrary.com

19

Midday Movie Matinee: Here Comes the Boom (PG). Noon.

Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events

21

Movies on the Beach. 9-11pm. $2.50-$5. MacFarland. Callaway Gardens; www.callawaygardens.com

22

Couponing 101: Clipping Down Your Debt. 10am-12:30pm. $15. Wingate Conference Center;breakingfreeseminars.com/

23

Fandom Film Fest. 3pm. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga. org/events

25

Heroes at the Movies. 5:30pm.

X-Men First Class. Phenix City-Russell Co. Library; www. phenixcitylibrary.com

25

Autism Support Group Meeting.

6:30pm. Columbus Regional Conference Center, 710 Center Street; 706-604-6333 or www. autismhopecenter.com

28

Movies on the Beach. 9-11pm. $2.50-$5. Guardians of the Galaxy. Callaway Gardens; www. callawaygardens.com

and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free.

3711 U.S Hwy 280, Phenix City Astronomy Nights. 9pm. Free.

Overlook Pavilion at Callaway Gardens; www.callwaygardens.com

Thursday

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd.

706-653-7880

29

Saturday

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

Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles. com/flightplan/flight.asp

Market Days on Broadway.

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

Weekly Events

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

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

Monday

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Wynnton Rd/Midtown. 5-7:30pm.

Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free. 2421 Wynnton Rd, Columbus Family Night at Chick-fil-A Phenix City. 5-7:30pm. Crafts & fun.

Buy a combo at regular price

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 event info, visit MuscogeeMoms.com

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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

Aliyah-Michelle, 3yrs Columbus

Payton, 6yrs Columbus

Paige, 7yrs Columbus

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19

Moms Marketplace LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING COMPANY

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Dance Classes.

Art Lessons.

Orphan Care. www.clement-arts.org

IFM Arts Academy Piano - Violin - Cello - Art - Dance For children and adults to help them develop their talents and skills for the glory of God.

Family Music Classes for children ages birth–kindergarten (917) 612-9568 MusicTogetherColumbusGA.com

Call for a free trial!

3400 University Ave. Columbus, GA www.ifmga.org (706) 653-0097

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

20 20

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ZOe Pediatrics Excellent Medical Care for Your Children

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A Page In A Book www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Recommending the Best Books

21

for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

A Word to Beginning Readers

The murmurs of a nursing child, the peals of laughter that reflect the silly faces we make, and even yowls of discomfort are all part of babies’ first attempts at communication with us. But we are all on the edge of our seats as we await the magical moment when the first real word emerges from the lips of our children. Once that door opens, the verbal exchange between our kids and the larger world begins.

Use Your Words, Sophie!

By Rosemary Wells (Viking/Penguin)

Rosemary Wells’ beloved and challenging two-year-old, Sophie, is back with a vocabulary of words that are simply misunderstood. When her parents come home with a new baby, they can’t seem to settle on a name for the new arrival, and Sophie’s speech ranges from disgruntled Hyena talk to Baboon-influenced song. But the baby communicates her own unhappiness with fluent Howler Monkey, Sophie steps in to use her words in a way that both her and her baby sister can understand with delightful results! a grandchild that bring history to life for both.

Edgar’s Second Word

By Audrey Vernick (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin)

Maybe it’s just an easy word for little mouths to say. Or perhaps it reflects the real feelings kids experience. But the word “no” always seems to appear early on. Little Hazel eagerly awaits the arrival of her baby brother, Edgar, collecting books that she can’t wait to share with him. Only to be rewarded with Edgar’s only and emphatic word “no”. But, once Hazel finally gets a sleepy Edgar to settle in by her side with a good book, his next new word is one that bears repeating. Edgar’s Second Word is a sweet story that rewards the patience of family as they wait for the right words that help babies communicate what they want.

Cuckoo!

By Kelly Starling Lyons and E. B. Lewis (G.P Putnam’s Sons/Penguin)

From the moment his over-sized, oddly colored egg hatches among his siblings, Cuckoo’s journey to speak the language of the realm begins. But his only word (cuckoo) doesn’t connect with his family (too-too-wheet). Even language classes and self-study can’t twist his only word into something in common with the world around him. Just when Cuckoo is becoming resigned to being the only speaker of his language, a single word carries over the rooftops and leads him to understanding. Onomatopoeia abounds in this delightfully illustrated testament to finding your own voice and a tribe to share it with.

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HOO’s Fun

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Sharpen your skills for

Back to School

Find the missing class bunny.

Then count the remaining animals; then carrots.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

SMART

IS THE

NEW COOL

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Locally Owned!

A new year brings new friends, new teachers, and new opportunities. Help the kids put their best foot forward by dressing them for success!

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

HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around Why did the boy stop using his pencil?

It was pointless!

How did the pig write a letter?

With a pig pen!

Why did the boy eat his homework?

The teacher said it would be a piece of cake!

What kind of homework do you do in a taxi?

Vocabulary!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s Fun

Encourage imaginative

play

Between the everyday obligations of school, sports and other extra-curricular activities, many children equate playtime with sitting in front of the television, computer or other electronic device.

This dependence on electronic devices can be linked to a list of issues, including childhood obesity, as well as reduced cognitive and muscle development.

Children who instead engage in imaginative or pretend play are offered a stress-free environment where their dreams have no boundary. This type of activity just comes naturally for kids because it’s just plain fun.

Create a pretend play paradise. A make-believefriendly setting begins with the parents. Here are a few ideas to create an environment that fosters creative, imaginative play for your little ones.

Focus on fun A truly free setting for imaginative play is one without structure or rules. Let your child know there are no expectations or wrong outcomes while they are pretending. There may be moments where you have to intervene, but the atmosphere should be relaxed and free from rules. Make sure your kids have toys that allow them to express themselves.

Read to your children The benefits of children who are regularly read to are immense, from enhanced bonding between parent and child to better test scores. So, begin the reading ritual as early as you can. You will find your child will love and look forward to sharing this healthy activity with you.

Play along Young children mimic everything their parents do, so be a model of imaginative play for them.

Go ahead and act silly — dress up with them, act out puppet shows or build forts with bed sheets.

You may be surprised by how much enjoyment you get out of it.

Create a fantasy prop box Fill a box with various trinkets found throughout your home for kids to create their own forts, homes, businesses or simply a rousing game of dress-up. Just make sure to pick items that are safe and you won’t miss if they are lost or damaged from heavy play.

Plan open-ended activities Instead of starting an art project with a finished model for them to create, plan free painting or crafting sessions with your kids. This will allow your children to fully express themselves any way they desire. Just make sure you have plenty of fun supplies on hand, such as glitter, paper, glue, markers, boxes, feathers, sequins or any other trinkets you have on hand.

By creating an atmosphere open to imaginative play, your child will be open to new worlds and have tons of fun while exploring them.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies fantastic four Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+

This movie offers a modern take on Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team. The story centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The team must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy. The cast includes Miles Teller as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Kate Mara as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Stars also include Toby Kebbell as Doctor Doom, Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm, and Tim Blake Nelson as Harvey Elder/TheMole Man.

The prophet PG | Ok for kids 8+

Based on Khalil Gibran’s best known fictional work, this animated production involves collaborations across many borders. Each of the 89-year-old classic’s chapters is directed by a different award-winning filmmaker, including Tomm Moore, Nina Paley, Michal Socha and others, with Roger Allers (“The Lion King”) connecting the narratives together. Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, Quvenzhane Wallis, John Krasinski, Alfred Molina and Frank Langella are a few of the actors voicing characters in the film. One of the bestselling books of all time, “The Prophet” has sold more than 100 million copies since its original publication in 1923.

the man from u.n.c.l.e.

Rated PG-13 for violence, suggestive content, partial nudity | Ok for kids 13+

Directed by Guy Ritchie and set against the backdrop of the early 1960s at the height of the Cold War, this spy thriller centers on CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Ilya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), who are forced to put aside longstanding hostilities and team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization that’s bent on causing chaos via nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization. It’s a race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe. Also stars Alicia Vikander, Jared Harris, Elizabeth Debicki, Luca Calvani and Hugh Grant.

underdogs PG | Ok for kids 7+

Underdogs follows Jake (Matthew Morrison), a shy but talented foosball player whose passion for the game is rivaled only by his love for free-spirited Laura (Ariana Grande). With her encouragement, he beats the town bully, Ace (Nicholas Hoult), in a foosball game, but everything changes when Ace becomes the world’s best soccer player and returns years later to turn their village into a new sports stadium. He starts to destroy everything, kidnaps Laura in the process, and just when all hope seems lost, the toy figures from Jake’s foosball table come to life. He and the players embark on a wild adventure to save Laura, reclaim their village and save the day with the help of his team, histown, and a little magic.

crouching tiger hidden dragon II: the green legend PG-13 | Ok for kids 15+

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II: The Green Legend is an upcoming American-Chinese wuxia film directed

by Yuen Woo-ping and written by John Fusco, and based on the novel Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Du Lu Wang. It is also a sequel to the 2000 film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and centers on a story of lost love, young love, a legendary sword, and one last opportunity at redemption. Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Yu Shu LeinThe film stars Donnie Yen as Silent Wolf, Harry Shum, Jr., Jason Scott Lee, Roger Yuan, Eugenia Yuan, JuJu Chan, Chris Pang, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo. It will be the first feature film to premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in IMAX theaters .

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

S

FREE Zax Kidz Meal between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.

(Limit one Zax Kidz Mealsper adult meal purchase. Dine-In only) VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus •706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7033 Ruffie Way • Midland • 706.289.1258

Limited-time offer. Offer valid at this location only, on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult meals include any Most Popular Menu Item, Meal Deal, Zalad or Sandwich Basket.

Kids must be present when ordering. Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zax Kidz” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

a children’s resale shop

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

Store Hours Mon - Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday: Closed

from one child to another

shop

Come in and shop for all your favorite baby gear, all the brands you know and love..

sell

Come in and sell your gently used baby gear and get cash on the spot!!

save

Save on all your favorite baby gear.

Savings starting at a least 50% off retail prices.

MICKAYLA’S PLACE 706-221-1154 I 2401 Whittlesey RD I Columbus, GA 31909

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Traditional

Infants through 3 year olds

Building a strong foundation for life.

Montessori

1100 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

3 year olds through Kindergarten

2, 3, or 5 Day Class Options Art, Music, Spanish, Chapel, Field Trips Classes 9am to 1pm with options for early drop off and after school care

706-322-4523

www.fpcdayschool.education www.columbusfpc.org/day-school

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

Math. Reading.

Confidence.

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

706.257.6963 kumon.com/columbus-north Š2014 Kumon North America

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Hoo’s helpful

Car Seat Laws In Georgia, there are child passenger safety laws that spell out the measures that need to be taken for children from birth to age 8 to ensure they stay safe when travelling in a motor vehicle.

Here is an overview.

• The law requires children under the age of 8 to be properly secured in a car seat that is appropriate for their height and weight when riding in cars, vans and pickup trucks.

The car seat must be one that meets US Federal standards and must be properly installed, so check that it is certified before purchasing the car seat and carefully follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. Kids in this age range must ride in the back seat.

• Secure your child under the age of four in the harness of a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. An infant under the age of 12 months must always be in a rear-facing seat. The 3-in-1 or conversion seats are a good purchase, since they can be used both as a rear-facing seat and a forward-facing seat.

If you have purchased an infant car seat, you will need to move your baby to a conversion or 3 -in- 1 seat once he reaches the maximum height and weight for his infant seat.

• It is recommended that kids in the 4 - 7 years age range ride in the harness of a forwardfacing seat until they are too tall for the harness or over the maximum weight of the seat.

Once the forward -facing seat with a harness is outgrown, move your child to a booster seat.

• The law permits children 8 years and up and children under the age of 8 whose height is over 4’9” to ride without a booster seat in the seat belt of a car. However, don’t move your child out of a booster until the shoulder and lap belts in the car fit properly across the hips and collar bone.

The lap belt should cross the upper thighs, not the stomach.

The shoulder belt should cross the shoulder and not contact the neck or face. Kids 12 years and under should always ride in the back of the car.

Remind tweens and teens that they must wear their seat belt.

It’s the law in Georgia.

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