Chatt valleydec15web

DECEMBER 2015

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

Š Giggles And Grins Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Filled With

Cover Sponsor See

Page 7

Holiday Event Info

4th Annual Christmas Spectacular on Dec.12 at CVCC

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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

HOO’s PARENTING

DO YOU RUSH TO

Smooth it Out?!

Parents of young toddlers, who have limited communication skills, are use to quickly stepping in to resolve any issues encountered by their child, such as a dispute over a toy at a play-date. However, for school age children, being the ‘smooth it over’ parent who is always stepping in to immediately resolve issues can deprive your child of the ability to develop vital life skills. Here is how to spot if you are a ‘smooth it over’ parent and how to moderate your involvement as your kids get older:

At school:

We want our school-age children to know we support them, and for some academic issues, you may not have a choice but to get involved. However, stepping in immediately to ‘fix’ every academic issue for your child means he has no opportunity to practice being his own advocate. For example, when you get the news that your 4th grader received a C instead of an A on the science test he studied for all week, do you immediately email or call the teacher, asking for an explanation? Avoid this ‘smooth it over ‘ approach, and, instead, ask your child if he has approached his teacher and politely inquired about the grade himself.

School age children are also given an increasing amount of responsibility each year. If you find yourself driving to the school often to drop off assignments your child forgot to put in his book bag, it’s time to stop ‘fixing’ it for him. Instead, teach your child to embrace added responsibility as an opportunity to learn organizing and time management skills. Have him create a daily checklist of items to pack in his book bag and track assignment due dates on a calendar.

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL:

Avoiding falling into the pattern of being a ‘smooth it over parent’ also extends into your child’s activities. For example, it can be difficult to watch your child spend time on the bench at the soccer game. However, the ability to handle and learn from disappointment is an essential skill your child will need as an adult, along with the ability to advocate for himself.

Instead of approaching the coach yourself to ‘fix’ the situation, encourage your child to ask his coach what he needs to do to get more time on the field. Then, ask your child what he will do with the feedback and have him share with you his plan to resolve his situation.

RELATIONSHIPS:

If your child is having trouble with siblings or peers, don’t try to ‘smooth things over’ for for your child immediately. When he has a disagreement with his sibling, let them try to work it out first. Help him formulate a course of action for dealing with disagreements with peers, including bullying and unkind remarks, so that that he can be his own advocate.

Sometimes, yes, you do have to step in, but your child should have the ability to be his own first line of defense.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

4

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 11

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 23

HOO’S fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30

hoo’s inspired.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14

hoo’s parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 10

HOO’S Healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18

hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

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

5

Visit with Santa!

Friday after Thanksgiving:

November 27

Every Saturday during the Holidays:

November 28 December 5, 12 & 19 11 am to 4 pm In the Courtyard

(next to Barnes & Noble)

columbusparkcrossing.com

Free!

Bring your camera!

Located on Whittlesey Blvd. in North Columbus Off Veterans Pkwy. at JR Allen Pkwy/US 80, Exit 10 off I-185

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance Center.....................11 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....22 Columbus Park Crossing Santa.......4 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 Elite Dance Academy......................... 7 First Baptist Holiday Events.......... 12 FT Benning Holiday Activities...... 18 IFM Arts Academy.............................24 La Bella Party & Tea...........................24 Launch Pad Athletes.........................20 My Gym................................................. 12 NIM IMAX Theater.............................32 Performance Dancer Centre...........23 RiverCenter for Performing Arts..... 8 The Columbus Museum...................

TELL THEM 15 The Nutcracker - The Columbus Ballet.. 11

SENT YOU! Childcare/ education Calvary Christian...............................26 Columbus Academy............................ 3 First Presbyterian Day.....................26 Grace Christian School....................26 Kumon...................................................26 Lakewood Child Development ......27 Oasis After School Program...........20 St. Luke Schools.................................26 Sylvan Learning Center...................27 Westminster Christian.....................27

TELL THEM

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................ 12 Chill Yogurt Cafe.................................. 7 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................ 12

healthcare Columbus Counseling......................29 Columbus Spine & Performance... 19 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 James Lopez, DDS..............................20 Pediatric After Hours........................23 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...29 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center... 15 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 31 Stork Vision Ultrasound.................. 15

Home/ Handy Sparkles Cleaning Service.............. 19 Turfscapes Lawncare........................ 19 Warehouse World Storage............... 19

Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements.................................... 14 Giggles and Grins Photography....24 Jessica Fowler Photography.......... 10 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................24 Once Upon A Child - Resale...........30

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

7

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 15 Adults/$5 Children Tickets at Elite Dance Academy or at Event

$

Photo by Giggles and Grins Photography

CVCC Performing Arts Center, Phenix City 5:30pm EST

3760 Opelika Rd, PC I 334-297-0404 Elitedanceacademyinc.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Student tickets only $10! | boxoffice@rivercenter.org or 706.256.3641

upcoming school day matinee Performances Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas Dec. 15 | 9:30 AM Intergalactic Nemesis Jan. 26 | 10:30 AM The Very Hungry Caterpillar Jan. 29 | 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM

Families can Attend the public performance Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas Dec. 15 | 7:00 PM Free photos with Santa starting at 5:30 pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar Jan. 30 | 2:30 PM

Caterpillar crafts and veggie snacks in the Grand Lobby starting at 1:30 pm

900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga • rivercenter.org

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s Tips

Managing Holiday Pressures

By Pam Seldon, B.S.W, Sarah T. Butler Children’s Center, Pastoral Institute

The holiday season is a time of family, giving and holiday traditions.

We enjoy celebrations with garland and trees, delicious food, eggnog, family and acts of kindness toward one another. With all of these fun and enjoyable times and events comes the stress of the season, as well. We worry about money, time and how to meet the expectations of family and friends.

The American Psychological Association (APA) offers several tips to help us cope with holiday stress: Set expectations: Talk to your kids about expectations for gifts and holiday activities.

Be open with them if money is an issue. Depending on a child's age, parents can use this as an opportunity to teach their kids about the value of money and responsible spending.

Keep things in perspective: Avoid blowing events out of proportion and teach your kids how to keep things in perspective, including what type and the number of gifts they receive.

Make connections: Good relationships with family and friends are important. So, view the holidays as a time to reconnect with people. Additionally, accepting help and support from those who care about you can help alleviate stress.

Take care of yourself: Pay attention to your own needs and feelings during the holiday season. Engage in activities that you and your family enjoy and find relaxing. Consider cutting back tv viewing for kids and instead, get the family out together for a winter walk. It promotes activity and takes kids away from sedentary time and possible influence from advertisements.

Note: Portions of this article were excerpted from the American Psychological Association website (http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/parents-holiday.aspx).

As we enter the holiday season, remember we can make new traditions and enjoy the season on a level that is peaceful for our families and our budgets. Keeping our expectations and desired outcomes in the forefront of our minds will help us make choices that are beneficial to our physical, emotional, and mental health.

If holiday stress is synonymous with this time of year for you, consider talking to a counselor. He or she may be able to help you come up with plans to reduce the effects of stress on your holiday plans and make the season more enjoyable!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PARENTING

Curbing Angry

Outbursts

Kids are notorious for becoming angry when everything does not go their way.

However, childhood development experts are concerned about the increased level of aggressiveness kids are displaying when becoming angry. These experts advise parents to take steps to help kids to manage their emotions and avoid angry, aggressive episodes while kids are young, as it is easier to correct than when they become teens.

Before beginning to help your child manage angry behavior, it is a good idea to understand what may be influencing and encouraging your child's explosive outbursts. Studies have shown that kids exposed to TV shows and movies where

the main character displays aggressive behavior are more likely to become bullies or even have anger management issues as adults. Also, kids today seem to be surrounded by examples of adults displaying explosive, angry behavior. For example, when kids see angry adults shove their child's coach at a game, it sends the message that this type of behavior is acceptable.

Since it is impossible to shield your child from all aggressive public behavior, counteracting negative influences by teaching your child to moderate and control his anger becomes even more important. First, you may want to begin by looking at your own style of anger

management, since your kids look to you for guidance. Do you have a caring and gentle parenting style or do you react harshly and yell at your kids when they frustrate you? Teach your kids techniques to soothe themselves when they are upset.

A preschooler could be taught to hug his stuffed animal or pretend like he is blowing bubbles when he is angry.

Teach older kids to think before they act. It helps to role play and practice appropriate responses to incidents that may make them angry. For example, if your child tends to blow up when his brother won't let him play with a toy, you could teach him to instead calmly say, 'May I please have a turn?'

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

11

HOO’s CRAFTY

whimsical advent

calendar

Time to put your toilet paper tubes to good use. Not only is this calendar adorable, it will cost a fraction of what you would pay for a store bought version.

Directions Start by painting your cardboard and toilet paper tubes, white.

Once everything is dry, cut all 12 toilet paper tubes in half, being careful not to squish them. Then glue them, in rows of four, to your 10x15 inch piece of cardboard. Set aside to dry. Next, grab your colored tissue paper and cut it into 48- 3 ½ inch circles. Now, fill your calendar with little toys, treats, or even inspirational quotes. Then, take two sheets of your tissue paper and wrap over the opening and rubber band so the paper is taut. Using markers or stickers, number them 1 through 24.

Lastly, punch holes in the corners and affix a ribbon to hang.

supplies 10x15 cardboard 12 toilet paper tubes marker/stickers rubber bands tissue paper scissors/glue toys/candy white paint

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Millions of kids agree. . .

. . .A Healthy Start Is a Gift from the Heart!

(706) 507-2966 • mygym.com/columbus

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

13

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 an adult meal Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.

Denny’s

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

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)

Willy T’s

TGIF Friday’s

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

Willy T’s

everyday

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entree 4-9pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

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

Golden Corral

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet

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

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.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s FUN

Spot the differences

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

15

December 12

Join guest artist Meghan Lacey for a special art-making activity inspired by the Romantic Spirits exhibit.

Participants will discover artists who used nature as their inspiration and create their own still life collages.

Story time: 11 A.M., Leaf Man

by Lois Ehlert

16

Decembe pr o vi d e d in partne r ship with:

1 MOPS meeting. 9:30-11:30am. Wynn-

brook Baptist Church, 500 River Knoll, Columbus; 706-323-4374.

4 Cottonmouths vs. Ice Bears. 7:30pm, $14-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

1 Trim the Tree. 4:30pm. Help decorate

4-5 The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever.

1-5 Register for Columbus Youth Basket-

5 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon.

the Children’s Dept Tree. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

ball. $45. Ages 7-14. Birth certif. required.

Register at Shirley Winston Supercenter, Frank Chester Supercenter, or Northside Supercenter; 706-322-0418, 706-6588016, or 706-653-4958.

1 Trees for Troops. 10:30am-6pm. Free.

Must show military ID. Wetherby Field, FT Benning; www.benningmwr.com

2 MOPS & MOPS NEXT. 6-8pm. Philadelphia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smith Station; 303-374-4912 or pbcministry.com 3-5 Phenix City’s Night of Lights. 7pm.

Free. Reception for Santa. Phenix City Amphitheater, 508 Dillingham St; Phenix City

3-5 Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

7:30pm. $16-$32. CSU Riverfront Theatre, 901 Front Ave, Columbus; 706-507-8444

3-6 Beauty and the Beast. 7:30pm.

(2:30pm Sunday). Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.com

4 Broadway Holiday. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

RiverCenter Lawn, Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com

Librar y activities Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org

Phenix City-Russell County www.phenixcitylibrary.com

Troup-Harris

www.thclibrary.net

7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; familytheatre.org

Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus 706-322-9240.

PC 334-297-2045

5 2015 Annual CMN Reindeer Run for Kids.

9am. Country’s on Broadway; runsignup. com/Race/GA/Columbus/CMNReindeerRun

5 Bi-City Christmas Parade. 10am. Route

begins Colin Powell Pkwy in PC, to Broad St, over the 13th St Bridge to Columbus and ends Broadway & 9th St; 334-291-4719

5 “Let it Snow” storytime: featuring Fro-

zen’s Elsa and Oxbow’s Elf on the Shelf.

11am-3pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow. columbusstate.edu

5 Cottonmouths vs. Meyhem. 7:30pm,

$14-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

5 The Nutcracker Ballet. 7:30pm. $15-$22.

Columbus Trade Center, 801 Front, performancedanceGA.com

5-6 Patriot Park IMAX presents “The Polar

Express (3D).” 1pm & 3pm. NIM; www.nationainfantrymuseum.com

7 American Girl Club - Ages 6-9. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880

9 La Leche League meeting. 10am. Colum-

bus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd; lllofga. org/columbus.html

9 MOPS & MOPS NEXT. 6-8pm. Philadelphia

Baptist , 7807 Lee Road 246, Smith Station; 303-374-4912; pbcministry.com

10 Christmas Carnival at Moon Lake.

4-9pm. Free. Idle Hour Park, Phenix City.

10-13 Beauty and the Beast. 7:30pm.

(2:30pm Sunday). Springer Opera House; www.springeroperahouse.com 11-12 The Best Little Christmas Pageant

Ever. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; familytheatre.org

12 Breakfast with Santa. 8am. RSVP required. The Central Activities Center, Phenix CIty; 334-291-4743

12 Impact Christmas Bazaar. 10am-5pm. $2. The Impact Center, 1600 Blanchard Blvd, Columbus; www.facebook.com/ events/983679071676913/

12 Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 10-11am.

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

12 Kids Holiday Mini Camp. 2-6pm. $10.

Ages 5-11. NIM; campdirector@nationalinfantryfoundation.org or 706-653-9234

12 December Second Saturday. 10amNoon. Free. Columbus Museum; www. columbusmuseum.com

12 Patriot Park IMAX presents “The Polar Express (3D).” 4pm & 6:30pm. Pajama parties before each screening. NIM; www. nationainfantrymuseum.com

12 Science Saturday. 9:30am-12:30pm. $30. Robotics 200. Hobby Lobby; 478-3972687 or info@robotkidsclub.com

12 Couponing 101: Clipping Down Your

Debt. 10am-12:30pm. $15. Wingate Conference Ctr; breakingfreeseminars.com

12 Cottonmouths vs. Fire Antz. 7:30pm, $14-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.com

er Events

17

12-13 The Columbus Ballet presents “The

19 Breakfast with Santa. 9am-Noon. In

Mom’s Day Out. 9am-12:45pm. $15 per child + $10 siblings; Epworth UMC, 3763 US 280-/431 N, Phenix City; 334-298-3186

14 Santa visits the Columbus Public Library.

Thursday

10:30am. Free. cvlga.org/events

19-20 Patriot Park IMAX presents “The Polar Express (3D).” 1pm & 3pm. NIM; www. nationainfantrymuseum.com

14 American Girl Club - Ages 10+. 6:30pm.

21 Kidz Break for a Movie: The Little Rascals

Mom’s Day Out. 9am-12:45pm. $15 per child, $10 siblings; Epworth UMC, 3763 US 280-/431 N, Phenix City; 334-298-3186

15 Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas.

7pm. RiverCenter, 900 Broadway, Columbus; www.rivercenter.org

21 Holiday Extravaganza. 3-5pm. Free.

Saturday

15 MOPS meeting. 9:30-11:30am. Wynn-

bus Regional, 710 Center Street; 706-6046333 or www.autismhopecenter.com

Nutcracker”. 7:30pm Saturday, 2:30pm Sunday. $20-$32. RiverCenter, 900 Broadway, Columbus; www.rivercenter.org

Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880

brook Baptist, 500 River Knoll, Columbus; 706-323-4374 or wynnbrookbaptist.com

16 MOPS & MOPS NEXT. 6-8pm. Philadel-

phia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smith Station; 303-374-4912 or www. pbcministry.com

17 Santa Visits Riverside. 5-8pm. Lawn at Riverside. FT Benning; benningmwr.com

17-20 Beauty and the Beast. 7:30pm.

(2:30pm Sunday). Springer Opera House; www.springeroperahouse.com

18 Bicycle Helmet Giveaway. 4-6pm. Free.

One helmet per child, per parent. Columbus Library; safekidscolumbusga.com

18 Books and Cookies with Santa. 4pm.

North Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

mess hall on WWII Company St. National Infantry Museum; 706-653-9234

Save the Day. 10:30am. Free. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events South Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

22 Autism Support Group. 6:30pm. Colum22-23 Patriot Park IMAX presents “The Po-

lar Express (3D).” 2pm, 4pm & 6:30pm. NIM; www.nationainfantrymuseum.com

24 Patriot Park IMAX presents “The Polar

Express (3D).” 2pm & 4pm. NIM; www.nationainfantrymuseum.com

26 Kwanzaa Celebration. 10:30am. Free.

Mildred L. Terry Library; cvlga.org/events

30 New Year’s at Noon for Children. 11am.

Free. Columbus Library. 3000 Macon Rd; www.cvlga.org/events

Weekly Events Monday

18-19 Cottonmouths vs. Rivermen.

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

18-19 The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; www.familytheatre.org

Family Night at Chick-fil-A PC. 5-7:30pm.

Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free. 3711 U.S Hwy 280, Phenix City

7:30pm, $14-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

19 Teen Glass Blowing Class. 9am-Noon & 2-4pm. $5 deposit. RSVP required. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

Tuesday

MOPS meeting. 9am-Noon. First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Ave, Columbus; www.columbusfpc.org/mops

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am.

5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

Visit with Santa. 11am-4pm. Courtyard at Barnes & Noble, Columbus Park Crossing; columbusparkcrossing.com Market Days on Broadway. 9am-noon, Columbus; 706-596-0111 or www.uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details.

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-6537880

Every Day

Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular. Over 140,000 lights sequenced to holiday music.

5784 Ironstone Dr, Cottonwood subdivision, Columbus; www.ludychristmas.com Fantasy in Lights. Travel through five miles of larger-than-life lighted scenes on the Jolly Trolley or in your personal vehicle; Callawy Gardens, Pine Mountain; callaway gardens.com 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

HOO’s HEALTHY Teach them to swallow

Pills!

The

Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

I’ve always been a proponent of teaching children how to swallow a pill. In fact, I think I taught my boys this skill before they were 5 years old, mainly because I was tired of trying to find the measuring cup or syringe for the liquid medicine, which often didn’t go down “like a spoon full of sugar,” even though we sang the song during dosing.

since 1987 which found that behavioral therapy, flavored throat sprays, specialized pill cups and verbal instruction with correct head and tongue positioning all helped children swallow pills.

They also found that pill-swallowing training for children as “young as 2 years old helped increase the likelihood of ease of pill swallowing.”

Well, who knew that someone would actually study “pediatric pill swallowing”? In a recent Pediatrics article, the authors looked at different pill-swallowing interventions. They found that up to 50 percent of children were unable to swallow a pill. Reasons include fear, anxiety and intolerance to unpleasant flavors.

As with many skills, the sooner your young child can master the art of pill swallowing, the better. It will make everyone’s life easier.

The authors reviewed five articles published

My final caveat: I always tell my patients who are older “non-pill” swallowers, “you can’t possibly operate a motor vehicle if you can’t even swallow a pill!” This is usually a huge motivator for the “late swallower” and they meet the challenge.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

19

Moms Marketplace LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING COMPANY

COMMERCIAL . RESIDENTIAL . LICENSED . INSURED

DWTURFSCAPES@BELLSOUTH.NET

706-587-4666

1/2 OFF

1ST MONTH WITH NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

Showcase your business to over 15,000 local moms.

Call Tammy at 253-212-7270.

PEANUT PANDEMONIUM! RESULTS OF A RECENT STUDY

A recent study suggests that the current theory for preventing peanut allergies, which instructs parents not to expose babies to peanuts until age 3, is incorrect. The study involved two groups of babies determined to be at risk for developing peanut allergies.

One group of babies was introduced to peanut products between the ages of four months and 11 months and then fed peanut products at least three times a week until age 5. The other group was never introduced to peanuts. At the age of five years, 17.2% of the babies not exposed to peanuts had developed a peanut allergy, while only 3.2% of the babies exposed to peanuts developed a peanut allergy. However, if your baby is at risk for peanut allergies, consult her doctor to ensure it is safe to go ahead and introduce her to peanuts.

20 20

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Special Offer for New Patients FREE doctor exam at initial visit

706.324.1834

ColumbusKidsDentist.com

1834 Warm Springs Road Columbus, Georgia 31904

Expires January 31, 2016 Please bring or mention this ad at your appointment.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’S at the Movies

21 21

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+

Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) come to believe that Dave (Jason Lee) is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami -- and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave, but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother. Directed by Walt Becker, this cute family comedy also stars Bella Thorne, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.

CONCUSSION Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

The film is based on the David vs. Goliath story of Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), the forensic neuropathologist who discovered the first football-related brain trauma in a pro player and fought to bring awareness to the public. In his search for the truth behind the devastating malady, Omalu’s quest humanizes the price paid by professional athletes in impact sports, but also by people who challenge the status quo as it exposes the political, cultural and corporate interests that fuel the business of sports. Directed by Peter Landesman, this movie also stars Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, David Morse and Albert Brooks.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+

This installment takes place 30 years after the Rebel Alliance’s victory over the second Death Star. The galaxy is still at war, and a New Republic has arisen, but the First Order has sprung from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. Many of the heroes we all know and love are still active and fighting in the Resistance against this group. They’re joined by new heroes Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), a starfighter pilot; Finn (John Boyega), a former First Order Stormtrooper; Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger; and a rolling droid known as BB-8. They’re opposed by powerful new forces, including Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) of the First Order and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a mysterious dark side user wielding a lightsaber of unusual design Directed by J.J. Abrams, and written by Abrams, Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan based on characters by George Lucas.

Krampus PG-13 | Ok for kids 14+

Like a little “scary” with your yuletide festivities? Then “Krampus” is for you. When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max (Emjay Anthony) is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas.

Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All heck breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to stick together to survive. Directed by Michael Dougherty, this thriller also stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette and Conchata Ferrell.

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by a whale of mammoth size and will, with an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster inspired Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” but that was only half the story. “In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Directed by Ron Howard, this movie stars Chris Hemsworth as the ship’s veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light.

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

Sydney, 1.5 years Bayou Vista

Cole, 2 years Phenix City

Charlotte, 1 year FT Benning

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New Classes Starting January – Register Today!

Give The Gift of Dance Dance Lesson Certificates Available

Purchase Tickets Today!

7:30pm, Dec. 5th

see our ballet perform

at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center

performancedancega.com 706.563.4255 • 5211 moon rd, columbus

HOO’s HUNGRY

corn flake

christmas wreaths ANOTHER 5 INGREDIENT RECIPE, THAT IS DELICIOUS, EASY TO MAKE AND BUDGET FRIENDLY. THESE LITTLE HOLIDAY TREATS ARE SURE TO BE THE TALK OF THE CHRISTMAS PARTY.

DIRECTIONS Measure corn flakes into a large bowl.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted. Stir in food coloring.

Pour melted marshmallows into the large bowl with the corn flakes. Stir until well coated.

Lay out a piece of parchment paper. Dollop spoonfuls of the cornflake mixture onto the parchment paper.

Grease your (clean) hands with butter or cooking spray.

Use your fingers to shape into individual wreaths.

Top each wreath with cinnamon candies.

Ingredients • 1/3 cup unsalted butter • 4 cups miniature marshmallows • 1 teaspoon green food coloring • 6 cups of corn flake cereal • handful of red cinnamon candies ** Makes 14-16 wreaths **

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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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.

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

© GIGGLES AND GRINS PHOTOGRAPHY

from one child to another (sizes newborn to 16)

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

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

a children’s resale shop

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

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SPACE TOYS ARE A BLAST! The final frontier is in the news with the successful missions of the Mars lander, SpaceX and the New Horizons spacecraft fly-by of Pluto. The people who envisioned and executed these amazing missions and projects were children once, too. The following toys are ideal for cultivating and supporting a child’s interest in the stars, our solar system and the discoveries that await as we continue to stride into the endless expanse of outer space.

Science Club Moonscope

( Nancy B)

There’s more to the moon than meets the naked eye and the Nancy B’s Science Club Moonscope is a perfect tool to take the first look a bit deeper. With real glass optics and adjustable magnification capacity that can reach 90x, kids can explore not only the surface of the moon, but also observe features of other objects in our solar system. The scope includes a gentle red LED light to reference the companion journal and sky maps without ruining the viewer’s night vision. Perfect for fostering a pre-teen’s interest in the mysteries of the night sky, the Moonscope and Journal offers an eye-opening door to knowledge for budding astronomers!

Discovery Space Center

(Hape)

Crafted with wood and child-safe paints and designed with an eye toward pretend play, the Discovery Space Center is less scientific and more geared toward generating kindergarten age storytelling.

Without batteries, noise makers and lights, this playset gives all the power to the child to make his own narrative for the characters in this space program. Including soft pose-able astronauts, an alien, and featuring a detachable shuttle for away missions, the Hape Discovery Space Center is a fun launch for top flight space play!

Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards (Rogge / Smith)

Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards will help prepare them to understand how constellations are perceived. In addition to building fine motor skills for little hands, each card offers a bit of history and mythology behind its constellation. Once the stars on the cards are connected by the laces, a glow-in-the-dark image of the constellation will emerge. With ten constellations to learn and lace, Animals in the Stars is a great teaching tool for young sky gazers who have looked up and let their imaginations soar.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Building a strong foundation for life.

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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Delivering Delivering RESULTS RESULTS ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN

We know academic results are important to you.

We know academic results you.

Sylvan students typically seeare upimportant to two to to three Sylvanmore students typically see up to two to three times growth in their math and reading times more in their mathtoand reading scores than ifgrowth they hadn’t come Sylvan*. scores they hadn’t comeyear to Sylvan*.

Act nowthan andifmake this school the best

Act now one yet. and make this school year the best one yet.

Academic checkup for only Academic checkup for only $49 $49 Offer valid at Columbus, Georgia Offer valid at Columbus, Georgia location only.

Expires 12/31/2015. location only. Expires 12/31/2015.

Sylvan Learning of Columbus Sylvan Learning of Columbus 706-563-9864 Sylvanlearning.com 706-563-9864 Sylvanlearning.com

*See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com. *See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com.

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A Page In A Book

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Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

The Night Sky Unfolds in Books

It’s a moving moment when our children spy the moon for the first time, small hands pointing toward something constant yet so very distant. The following titles celebrate the night sky and will have young readers looking up from the pages to find their own stories written in the stars.

Hello Moon!

By Francesca Simon and Ben Cort (Scholastic)

For one lonely little boy, seeing the moon through his bedroom window ignites a host of questions about what the moon sees and does. He wonders if the moon likes animals. He asks if the moon can see the sea – and under it. The boys wants to know if the moon has friends.

While the moon smiles gently down, no answers are forthcoming.

And that’s okay. Simply being a constant, familiar presence in the boy’s life, the moon provides quiet comfort for the boy to ask the questions that spark his own imagination as he drifts off to sleep.

“Hello, Moon!” is an ideal bedtime read for a full moon night!

Moonday

By Adam Rex (Hyperion / Disney)

Gazing out of the car’s back windows on a night ride home,one girl spies the moon keeping pace with her car. But her sleepy musings of a bright orb following her home become all too real. She awakes to find the moon looming large in her backyard, and her town is caught in a day without morning. No one in her community is fully awake, tides lap into the neighborhood, and only another night journey with her family can put the moon back where it belongs.

Rex’s artistic gift with illumination make “Moonday” a feast for both the eye and the mind.

Henry’s Stars

By David Elliot (Philomel / Penguin)

With a nod to the history of heavenly perceptions, this title opens with a stargazing pig named Henry who begins to connect the evening stars and discovers “The Great Pig in the Sky”. With enthusiasm, he runs to his neighbors to share his revelation. But as he encourages them to look skyward, each animal sees something different. As Henry leaves the animals arguing about the stars they see, his joy over his discovery is dimmed. But when he’s alone again and looks up – his own eyes confirm what he knew all along.

“Henry’s Stars” will encourage kids to make their own celestial discoveries!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Holiday Workout

HOO’s FIT

Even if there is no time in your holiday schedule for trips to the gym, a 30-minute power workout can keep your fitness goals from lapsing during the holiday season. This workout includes exercises that are highly effective yet can be done without equipment.

The workout starts with a five-minute warm-up like light jogging in place. Next, do each strength-training exercise 10 - 15 times, with 60 seconds of a cardio exercise, like jogging in place, in between each one.

Chair Squats: Squats target the abdominal muscles, glutes, and quadriceps. To do a chair squat, bring your arms forward and bend at the waist while having your feet hip-distance apart. Lower yourself as if you are sitting in the chair but just tap it and then push back up.

Don’t let your knees get in front of your toes while in the lowest part.

Tricep Chair Dips: This exercise works out the triceps, a group of muscles in the upper arm. Start out by sitting on the edge of a sturdy chair and place your hands on the chair next to your hips. Lower your body down off the chair until your arms are bent at a 90 degree angle and then push yourself back up.

Push-ups: This exercise works the legs, arms and abs. Start out by doing a regular push-up, keeping your chest in line with your hips. Once you have done as many as you can, try doing as many modified-style (knee on the floor) pushups as you can.

Cycle through the complete set of exercises two or three times. Take a oneminute rest in between sets. After you are finished, cool down for about 5 minutes with some stretches.

LOAD UP YOuR SLEIGH Turn last year’s must-haves into this year’s holiday cash then shop and save up to 70% off mall prices!

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

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

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© Giggles And Grins Photography

Happy Holidays!

From WWW.RIVERTOWNPEDIATRICS.COM

will not need to rush to complete a long shopping list and the day after Christmas will be a day to enjoy, instead This year it is my goal to make the of a day spent finding space for a flood holidays more enjoyable by creating a of new toys. Some of these gifts can’t be list of the gifts I feel kids really need and wrapped up and put under the tree but sending it to family members who like are priceless and will be treasured long to give gifts to our kids. Family members after toys are outgrown and forgotten.

HOO’s INSPIRED

Gifts that last

Time to explore and investigate the world around them. Give kids the opportunity to go on a trip to a wildlife or nature center, zoo, or aquarium. Some venues have yearly family memberships, which is a gift that will continue to build precious memories all year long. Kids have an innate curiosity and desire to learn about the world around them, so even just taking the kids to a nature trail in the park to watch birds and wildlife is a gift they will appreciate.

Time with elderly family members and friends. Learning about their family history and traditions firsthand from an elderly family member gives kids a sense of identity and helps form family bonds. The gift of feeling loved and connected to your family is a precious gift that money cannot buy.

Free, unstructured play time. Kids don’t need to have every minute of their day spent in scheduled activities. Give kids the gift of open ended toys that promote creative, free play, like blocks, building sets, or dress-up clothes, and spend time watching them pretend to be a super hero or design a lego city. If you give the gift of art supplies when you visit this Christmas, you can leave with a kid-created masterpiece.

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