Family & Kids Magazine February 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PARENTING

3

Calling for a Little

Peace & Q u i et E

ver felt the need for a peaceful retreat if for no other reason than to collect your thoughts?

Your kids might need to do the same. Some experts fear that in a world muddied with thousands of distractions, structured activities and constant entertainment options, our children do not spend enough time alone simply relaxing or engaging in quiet, unplugged play.

Children who are constantly entertained prove less likely to show initiative and more likely to have problems motivating themselves upon entering the work force. On the other hand, kids given regular time alone are more likely to exhibit time management and problem-solving abilities. Time alone also fosters creativity, self-confidence and independence. Plus, solitude gives kids the opportunity to drive their own play without having to compromise or go along with what the group demands.

Follow your child’s cues. No doubt, extracurricular activities enhance a child’s physical and social development. However, when those activities dominate a child’s day, they don’t get ample opportunity to unwind. A child’s reaction to overstimulation varies depending on their personality, but typical signs that your kiddo might need some downtime include crankiness, irritability and not getting along with others.

Schedule daily quiet time. Carve out quiet time in the day if your child isn’t used to initiating it on their own. Daily quiet time allows kids to relax, listen to music, read or simply daydream. However, your child’s needs may vary. While all children need downtime, not every child must be alone to recharge.

Babies as young as two months old can play on their own for a little while. Have your baby play in 5-to10-minute increments on a blanket on the floor.

Babies of this age can amuse themselves by looking at pictures in board books or at mirrors or lights.

Alternate between playing with your baby for five minutes and giving her five minutes to play on her own. Slowly increase the amount of time.

With an older child, set a timer and encourage them to play alone for 10 minutes. When the time is up, play for 10 minutes with your child and then set the timer again for 10 minutes of solitary play. If your preschooler no longer naps, set aside an hour a day for your child to play quietly, look at books and relax.

Encourage self-directed play. Even if

your youngster complains about how bored they are, avoid jumping in as the designated entertainer.

Self-directed play leads to more imaginative play.

If your child isn’t used to playing alone, suggest activities that they can do on their own. List activities on a chart, have them pick an idea out of a jar, or create an “imagination bucket” and change out the contents often, such as popsicle sticks, crayons, glue, beads, pipe cleaners or stickers. Let them go to town creating, coloring or designing. Afterward, reward them with a sticker or extra time with you and use positive reinforcement.

Model time alone. Constantly playing the

role of entertainer or running from one activity to the next is exhausting and stressful. Set an example for your children about how to best manage stress by modeling quiet time on your own, whether it’s through reading, journaling or simply resting.

From enhanced introspection and creativity to valuable life skills, a restful respite in the middle of a busy day will support your child’s physical, mental and emotional health today and into the future. And, as a hardworking parent, you’ll reap the benefits, too!

By Christa Melnyk Hines, for Family & Kids

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ENTER YOUR CUTIE: www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Molly, 5 years Columbus

Kaliyah, 1 year Columbus

John-Emmett, 8 months Columbus

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants; or see our interactive distro map at: familyandkidsga.com/get-a-copy

TO SUBMIT AD OR EVENT: Tammy Usie, Publisher tammy@familyandkidsga.com 253-212-7270 FamilyAndKidsGA

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5

1600 Ft. Benning Rd Columbus, GA 31903

706-322-9599

Well-child & School Exams Hearing & Vision Exams Infant, Child & Adolescent Care Dental Screening & Treatment

Immunizations Sports Physicals Free Transportation Free Medication Delivery

www.valleyhealthcolumbus.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a medical condition that causes the heart muscle to become thickened. Many people who have this condition have very few or no symptoms and are not aware that they have HCM. For a small percentage of those with HCM, the disease may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythms, chest pain and may even cause sudden cardiac death. While it is rare for athletes to suffer a sudden cardiac death (a death caused by a heart-related issue), it is estimated that 36% of the cases of sudden cardiac death in athletes occur due to HCM.

What is:

HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY can block the blood flow out of the heart, a condition called obstructive HCM. Obstructive HCM may cause shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting.

• HCM may cause a condition called myofiber disarray, which can trigger irregular cardiac rhythms, leading to complications such as atrial fibrillation.

• HCM may cause the left ventricle to become stiffened by HCM. This causes a reduction of the amount of blood that can fill the left ventricle and be pumped to the body during each heartbeat.

In most cases, HCM is caused by changes in genes that lead to a thickening of the heart muscle. This genetic change can be passed down from a parent to a child. If a parent has the gene that causes HCM, there is a 50% chance of passing the gene to the child.

If someone has a parent, a brother or a sister with HCM, it is important to determine early if they have inherited the condition. A screening test for the gene that causes HCM is available. A test called an echocardiogram that takes ‘pictures’ of the heart can also help diagnose HCM.

• The bottom two chambers of the heart (the ventricles) are the ones typically affected by HCM and are thickened.

The wall between the two ventricles (called the septum) may also become thickened. This thickening of the septum

Always call 911 or your local emergency number if someone is experiencing an irregular heartbeat or a heartbeat that is rapid when at rest, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Resources: https://bit.ly/4fCWlSE

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PICKS

Highlight On St. Francis Heart Hospital, an affiliate of Emory Cardiothoracic Surgery, is the only hospital in the Chattahoochee Valley that provides a full range of cardiac surgeries, including open-heart surgery or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement. We have the most advanced heart program in the region, performing life-saving procedures right here, keeping both patients and their loved ones close to home in a heart emergency.

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare provides the area’s only distinguished Level 1 Emergency Cardiac Care Center recognized by the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma for excellence in emergency heart care.

The Heart Hospital is also on the forefront of the most technologically-advanced surgical treatments. An estimated seven million Americans are affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib) – an irregular heartbeat that feels like a quivering heart.

Patients with AFib have a five-fold increased risk of stroke due to blood clots that can form in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage and travel to the brain. The heart experts at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare are the first in the Chattahoochee

Valley to offer the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device, the newest version of the WATCHMAN stroke risk reduction technology for patients with non-valvular AFib seeking an alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy.

The hospital recently celebrated its 100th TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure. TAVR is a less invasive approach to aortic valve replacement compared to open heart surgery. During the procedure, the cardiologist and heart surgeon work together to make a small puncture, usually in the groin, inserting a small flexible tube into the artery, guiding the valve up to a patient’s heart and then expanding the valve into place.

TAVR is a viable treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, which occurs over time as the leaflets of the aortic valve become stiff, reducing their ability to fully open and close.

This can make patients feel short of breath, dizzy, light-headed, fatigued and unable to walk short distances or enjoy their normal activities.

WhenRESOURCES: it comes to all things heart, you can trust the experts at St. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/ Francis-Emory.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family SCHOOL/CHILDCARE GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com SCHOOL/CHILDCARE GUIDE

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family SCHOOL/CHILDCARE GUIDE

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Join the

HOO’s learning

Winter Reading

CHALLENGE

By Tiffany Wilson, Community Engagement Coordinator, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

T

his winter, let the joy of reading bring your family together!

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries’ Winter Reading Challenge is happening now through February 28 and it’s completely FREE to join. Perfect for readers of all ages, this program offers an easy and fun way to keep the family entertained while modeling healthy reading habits to your little ones.

By participating as a family, you’re showing your kids that reading isn’t just for school—it’s a lifelong joy. Plus, with both digital and paper tracking options, it’s easy to make the challenge work for your busy schedule.

Need inspiration? Cozy up with winter-themed picture books for little ones, thrilling chapter books for older kids, or heartParticipation is simple! Younger children can aim to read warming novels for adults. Want to make it extra fun? Set up a cozy (or be read) 30 books, while teens and adults can log 15 hours of reading nook, host a family read-aloud night, or explore audiobooks reading. Tracking your progress is easy—choose between traditional during long car rides. paper logs or the user-friendly Beanstack app, available for free on Stop by your favorite branch of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries to Apple and Android devices. pick up paper logs or download them online at cvlga.org. Whether

you’re reading snowy adventures, magical stories, or thrilling mysThe best part? Reading means prizes! Every fam- teries, the Winter Reading Challenge is your ticket to family fun and ily member who completes their goal earns a prize and is entered into fabulous prizes. Let’s make this winter one to remember—one book the grand prize drawing for a chance to win a VISA gift card. at a time!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com SCHOOL/CHILDCARE GUIDE

2025-20 2 REGISTRA 6 TION BEGINS F EB 1

COMPASSIONATE, CHRISTIAN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT STIMULATING CURRICULUM FOCUSED ON CREATIVITY CHAPEL, MUSIC, MOVEMENT, LIBRARY, READINESS & IMAGINATION CENTERS AGES 6 WEEKS TO PREK-4 706-366-2478 | 6110 Frazier Drive | Columbus preschooladmin@morningsidebaptist.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Discussing

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Hoo’s helpful

GUN VIOLENCE

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

I

n today’s interconnected world, your child may hear about events involving gun violence that occur locally or elsewhere in the world. Though you may do your best to see what your child sees online and on TV, it is hard to control what they hear from their friends and classmates.

Even if an event occurs a distance away from where you live, your child may worry that the same type of gun violence event could happen close to home.

When is the right time to discuss gun violence?

Sometimes, your child may feel curious about a gun violence event and ask questions about it. However, other times, it can take some time for your child before he tries to start a conversation about it. It may be hard for your child to know how to get a conversation started on such a difficult topic. Instead, you may notice that he seems worried about something and expresses his feelings through other means such as art or writing. If your child does not attempt to start a conversation, do not push too hard. Instead, ask if there is something he needs to talk about and try again another time if he says no.

Keep the discussion age-appropriate

Very young children do not need an in-depth explanation of the gun violence event. If your young child finds out about a gun violence event, be honest and acknowledge in simple terms that the event occurred, but do not go into details. Listen to the concerns about gun violence that your child is trying to communicate, either through words, pictures or writing. Be careful not to try to simply dismiss your child’s feelings. Instead, let your young child know you understand her concern

and why he might feel frightened after hearing about a gun violence event. Instead of saying something such as ‘Nothing will happen, you are fine at school’, remind your young child that adults, such as teachers and police officers, work every day to keep him safe and protect him while he is at school.

When discussing gun violence with older kids, talk with them about the basics of gun safety and that it is wrong to hurt anyone else. Explain that some people may choose to keep a gun in their home for protection but that the gun should always be stored and handled safely and never used to hurt someone. Also, explain to older kids the details of what is being done in your community to prevent gun violence events like the one they heard about. Your child may be curious about what steps his school takes to prevent gun violence. Share with him how teachers and police officers drill to prevent gun violence events and keep everyone safe if there is a threat of one occurring.

Teens may have access to in-depth information about gun violence events and have questions about why someone would hurt others. Discuss with your teen the possible causes of such events, such as alcohol use, drug use, anger and mental illness, and how adults in the community work together to spot such issues to help prevent gun violence events. Let your teen know that these adults (teachers, law enforcement, school officials) should be notified if he feels concerned because someone he knows is very angry or has an issue with drugs or alcohol. Also let your child know that if he feels frightened or upset about the event, he can talk to you, a school counselor, doctor or other trusted adult about it.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Sou t

d che

nS her tit

CHILDREN’S RESALE AND MORE

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HOO’s PARENTING

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old school

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

T

oday’s world is rapidly changing and is much different from the world our parents were raised in. However, some parenting techniques and pieces of wisdom have endured the test of time and still apply today.

Establish rules for your household. These rules define the expectations and boundaries for your child. Discuss these rules in family meetings to ensure they are understood, but you, as the adult, have the right to make the final decision. Your child might be upset her friend can use her phone past 8:00 PM and she cannot, but what others are doing does not matter. You have carefully thought about and decided what is healthy and best for your family and your rules stand.

It is OK to be bored. It is beneficial for your child to have some time each day for unstructured ‘free play.’ Kids learn to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to find activities to occupy their free time. Supervise them to ensure safety, provide access to materials that encourage creativity and suggest some ideas, but let them plan activities to fill some of their free time instead of doing it for them.

Consistency is key. When you set boundaries for your child and make clear there are consequences for ignoring them, it is important to follow through. For example, if you tell your child that if he does not stop screaming then you will have to end the shopping trip, follow through if he does not stop. It is confusing for your child when household rules seem to be constantly changing and something is OK one day but not another.

You are your child’s parent, not his best friend. You can enjoy spending time together, but do not forget that you are the adult and the parent. Sometimes your child will be upset when you say ‘no’ to a request or when you follow through with a consequence for disrespecting a boundary. As the parent, you are responsible for making the final decisions, and sometimes, it is OK to say ‘because I said so’ when a situation requires immediate compliance and there is no time for an explanation.

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February

1 Father /Daughter Dance. 5-9pm. $40. St 8lumbusMiniMuseum; Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. Co14 Anti-Valentine’s Party. Teens. 4pm.

706-748-2562 North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Luke Ministry Center; rccac.org/events 8SamValentine’ s Day Dinner Train. 5:30pm.

14 Ballet Magnificat!: Prodigal’s Journey.

1Columbus Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo.

Shortline; 877-GA-RAILS 6:30-8:30pm. Rainey-McCullers School of Museum; 706-748-2562 the Arts; clement-arts.org 9LocalDinner & A Movie. 4-8pm. Bluebelle 1ilies.TakeAllYourDay.ChildColumbus to the Library Day. FamMercantile; 706-327-1181 14-15 River Dragons Hockey Game.

Library and North Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460 Columbus Library.

10 Creative Kids Theatre. Ages 5-12.

4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 15 February Family Festival. 10am-2pm.

27:30pm.

The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy.

Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 $59-$79. RiverCenter; 706-25611 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. Co3612 lumbus Museum; 706-748-2562 15 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm.

3 Family Movie Night: Disney’s Soul (PG).

RSVP. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 11 After School Art Break. 2:30-4:30pm.

4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 15 D&D for Teens. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 4Columbus Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo.

11 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-11. 3pm.

Museum; 706-748-2562 South Columbus Library. 4pm 15 Valentine’s Day Dinner Train. 5:30pm.

Sam Shortline; 877-GA-RAILS 4lumbusPonyLibrary; Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Co11 Tabletop Tuesday. Teen. 4pm. South 706-243-2813 Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 15 Side-by-Side Concert. TBD. RiverCenter; yogc.org 6SouthSimple Steps: Play. Ages 2-5. 10am.

11 Art Therapy: Harness Your Creativity to Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Relieve Stress. Teens. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry 18 Dragon Racers! A High-Flying ObLibrary; 706-243-2782 stacle Course. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus 6brary;LEGOS®.

Families. 4pm. Columbus LiLibrary; 706-243-2813 706-243-2813 10-5.310am.

Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages South Columbus Library; 70620 Half Day Mini Camp. 9am-1pm.

6Library; Anime Club. Teen. 6pm. North Columbus 683-8805 Just Breathe for Kids Yoga. Ages 5+. Just706-748-2855 3 Postpartum Group Circle. 11am. Co- breatheforkids.com 1lumbus 7Families.

Culture Quest: House of Chattahoochee.

Library; 706-243-2813 20 Simple Steps Storytime: Family.

4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243Ages 0-5.

10am. South Columbus Library; 2813 3 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus 706-683-8805 1Library; 706-243-2813 7TeenAllAfter-Hours Is Fair In Love & Cupcake Wars: A 20 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Event. 6:15pm. Columbus 14 Jumperoo: Big Fun for Little Jumpers!

Library; 706-243-2813 Library; 706-243-2811 10am-Noon. Ages 0-5. Urban Air Adventure Park, Columbus; 706-341-1124 20 Grannycore for Teens: Found Object 7-8 River Dragons Hockey Game. CoArt. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706lumbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460 14 Drop-In Day at the Sweetheart Café.

748-2855 Families. All Day. Columbus Library; 7068& Tell.NEAFamilies.

Big Read: Family Keepsake Show 243-2813 21 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:35pm.

11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

y Events

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

3 Bob Marley’s Three Little 27 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 70621-2 748-2855 Birds. Times vary. $18-$21. Springer Opera Ages 0-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; House; 706-327-3688

706-683-8805

Web. $5-$18.50. Family Theatre; 706-4313752

Get On Board With Board Games: Chess & More. Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

341-1124

WEDNESDAY

jlcolumbus.com/character-breakfast

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813

Adventure Park, Columbus; 706-341-1124

327-3688

706-243-2813

or 706-256-3612

RiverCenter

10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

or 706-256-3612

Weekly Events

FRIDAY

21-23 Agatha Christie’s Spider's

27 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Noon-2pm.

Urban Air Adventure Park, Columbus; 706-

Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5. 11am.

22 Character Breakfast. 9am & 11am.

28 Stitch by Stitch: Yarn, Needles, and Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 $18-$25. Cascade Hills Student Center; Hooks Crafting Circle. All ages. RSVP. 3pm.

22 Jumperoo: Big Fun for Little Jump28 Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

Kids’Corner. 4pm. Columbus Public Library; ers! 10am-Noon. Ages 0-5. Urban Air 7pm. $18-$21. Springer Opera House; 706THURSDAY 22 CSO: Young People’s Concert.

28 Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: An AstroSimple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5.

12:30pm. $10-$25. RiverCenter; csoga.org physicist Goes to the Movies. 7:30pm.

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 11am.

22 Kids’ Weird Talent Show. 3pm. North 28 Agatha Christie’s Spider's Web. $55555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880 Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 $18.50. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 Word Support. K-3. 3:30-5:30pm.

31 PNO Pizza Party. Just Breathe for Kids Sight 22 CSO: John Williams & Friends.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 1:30pm. $10-$50. RiverCenter; csoga.org Yoga. 5:30-8:30pm. Justbreatheforkids.com.

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme.

22 Blippi: Join the Band Tour. $27-$67.

Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706Columbus Civic Center; blippintour.com 243-2813 25 Grown Up + Me Yoga. Just Breathe Fun Fridays. Ages 5-12. 2pm. North Columfor Kids. 9-10am. Justbreatheforkids.com bus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 2/14) 25 Brain Twister Trivia. Ages 7-11. 3pm.

SATURDAY South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Kids Alma Thomas Workshop Series.

2-3:30pm. Columbus Museum; 706-74825 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm.

MONDAY 2562.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers.

Ages 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 25 Teens: Snack Food Taste Test.

Please call ahead to confirm event 706-243-2813 (Not 2/17) 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811 dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made 26 Teens: Honoring Black History TUESDAY after the info was obtained.

Month. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Simple Steps Story time. Babies & Toddlers.

Ages 0-24 mo. 10am; Preschoolers. Ages

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

.

Hoo’s Tips 19

SCREENTIME

Emotional Regulation and

.. . . . . .. .. .. ........... . . . . . . . . . . .

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

W

hen a toddler temper tantrum occurs at the worst possible moment, it is tempting to calm her by handing her a phone or tablet to distract her. However, a new study suggests that increasing your toddler’s screen time may lead to an inability to manage anger and more tantrums.

The study, performed by Professor Caroline Fitzpatrick at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, found that adding an hour of screen time each day at the age of 3.5 years led to an increase in angry outbursts a year later.

The study found that this increase in outbursts then led to an additional increase in screen time by the time the study subjects reached 5.5 years of age. This suggests a ‘downward spiral’ in the ability of kids to regulate emotions at a key time in their development when they should instead be learning to regulate their emotions.

During toddlerhood, children should be coached by parents on how to regulate their emotions and, through interaction with their parents, observe the techniques their parents use to regulate their emotions. However, if toddlers are interacting with a tablet more than they are interacting with a parent, it is difficult for this emotional coaching and teaching by example to occur.

Here are some alternate ways to help prevent and, if one does occur, calm toddler temper tantrums without using a screen as a babysitter.

Plan well

To avoid situations in which it seems there is no solution other than to hand your toddler a tablet to calm her down, try to plan errands and activities around your toddler’s schedule. Your toddler is more likely to lose control and enter an angry outburst if she is hungry or tired.

Set expectations

Part of planning ahead is setting expectations for your toddler before you enter a situation. Communicate the

rules you wish your toddler to follow in terms she will understand. For example, before entering the library for story hour say ‘Please use your inside voice in the library and do not run. If you yell and run, we will have to leave.’ Communicate well with your toddler by making eye contact with her and avoiding using a harsh tone of voice or sarcasm while you are coaching her.

Teach your

toddler to self-soothe

Choose a time when your child is not having a tantrum to teach your child calming techniques. You could model them, saying, ‘When I am feeling upset, I stop and take deep breaths and count to ten like this before I do anything else.’

Stop the tantrum

before it escalates

If you see your toddler’s frustration is building, help your child identify her feelings and deal with them. You could say ‘It looks like you are feeling angry your brother will not share his toy. Let’s come over here and color for a little while.’ Redirection to an activity she enjoys gives her a chance to take her mind off what she wants (but cannot have at the moment) and calm down enough for you to help resolve the situation peacefully.

Remove your child to a safe place

When a tantrum does escalate, remove your child to a place where she will not hurt herself or others while she works on calming down. Do not give in to what she wants, as that does not teach her how to manage disappointment.

Parenting experts suggest that if you need to use a screen to calm a toddler as a last resort, track how long your child uses the screen so the time does not get away from you.

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Dining Deals

for Kids

Wit h deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY

thursDAY

Barberitos

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

Sapo’s

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

friday

The Office

Denny’s

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.

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

Tuesday

sunday

Chicken Salad Chick

The Simple Greek

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Denny’s

Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined

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

multiple days

Ruby Tuesday

219 On The Lake

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

wednesDAY Your Pie

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

Red Robin

Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s

Kid’s meals are $2.79 with dine-in order

The Food Mill

Kids receive half off a breakfast egg and cheese biscuit with the purchase of one full price breakfast item (M-F, 9-11am)

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

Easy Homemade

•

GRANOLA

A super easy basic homemade granola recipe-perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack or parfait! You'll love that it uses only simple pantry ingredients and takes just minutes to mix together.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix everything but oil and vanilla in large bowl. (I like to mix it in my roasting pan and then just bake it in that).

2. Add vanilla to oil, then add to dry ingredients. Mix well.

3. Pour into oven safe dishes (if you don’t have a large roasting pan, cake pans work well) and bake at 250 degrees until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

TIPS: Use whatever type of oats you prefer, as long as it equals 16 cups. If you like your granola chunkier, use less honey and brown sugar. This makes a large amount, feel free to freeze some of it.

INGREDIENTS • 8 cups quick oats • 8 cups rolled oats • 1 ½ to 3 cups brown sugar • 2 cups wheat germ optional • 2 cups coconut flakes • 1 cup sunflower seeds or nuts optional • 2 tsp. salt • 2 tsp. cinnamon • 2 cups coconut oil or melted butter • 2 tsp. vanilla

Add-Ons: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, raisins, dried apricots.

Courtesy of thriftyfrugalmom.com

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22

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Sensory Play | Exploration STEM Invitations | Art Atelier Mud Kitchen | Class & Workshops Monday/Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am Tuesdays/Thursdays 2pm-5pm Saturdays 11am-3pm Sundays 1-4pm

REGISTER ONL CVLRC.O INE: RG

900 Front Ave #100 Uptown Columbus 706.223.0932

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES G UIDE

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Wise Choices forACTIVITIES You & Your Family AFTER-SCHOOL G UIDE

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES G UIDE

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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES G UIDE

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 ©2014 Kumon North America

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HOO’s Healthy

Healthy Beverages,

or not?!

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

M

any of us search for healthy beverages when we get tired of drinking water. Diet sodas and fruit drinks that are marketed as being low-calorie and heathy may seem to be valid choices. The well-studied benefits of antioxidants in coffee called polyphenols also seem to make it a good beverage choice. However, a recently published international study has analyzed data from 32 countries and found that carbonated beverages, both artificially sweetened and sweetened with sugar, fruit juice drinks and drinking more than four cups of coffee a day increases the risk of ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

On the other hand, the study found that drinking a moderate amount of coffee, less than four cups a day, did not increase the risk of stroke. Also, the study found that drinking certain types of tea, such as green tea and black tea, had protective effects and helped reduce the chances of a stroke. The protective effects of tea are linked to the antioxidants contained in tea, which help reduce inflammation in blood vessels. However, the research found that adding milk to tea reduced the protective benefits.

Fruit juices and sweetened carbonated drinks are thought to increase the risk of stroke because the high sugar content can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for a stroke. Artificial sweeteners may have negative impacts on vascular health and also may cause inflammation, thus increasing the risk of stroke. The caffeine in coffee can raise blood pressure, thus drinking a large amount (over four cups a day) can increase the risk of a stroke.

The researchers also found that drinking more than seven cups (56 oz) of water a day decreases the risk of stroke. This is because drinking enough water helps keep the blood from thickening and forming clots that block blood vessels and also ensures that there is an adequate blood volume for the body to regulate blood pressure well. Dehydration can lead to hypertension, which increases the risk of stroke.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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PerFect We buy and sell the cutest styles.

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

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO’s CRAFTY

VALENTINE

BIRD FEEDER

These heart-shaped bird feeder hearts are an easy DIY way to share Valentine’s Day or any winter day with your feathered friends and those who love homemade gifts.

DIRECTIONS 1. Boil the water. Add in the gelatin and stir until dissolved. Mix in the bird seed.

2. Lay the cookie cutter on a baking sheet. (I covered it with wax paper, but I don’t think it’s necessary.) Start filling with the bird seed mixture. Place the drinking straw where you would like the hanger to go and pack seed mixture around it. Finish filling cookie cutter and press down with your fingers.

3. Set outside or in the refrigerator to cool. Once it is set, remove from cookie cutter.

SUPPLIES • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp bird seed • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin • 1/3 cup water • heart cookie cutter • drinking straw cut to 1" • cord or string for hanging

Remove straw. Allow to dry overnight.

4. Thread cord through hole to hang from tree. To hang ours, I used a thin piece of flannel cut from old pajamas.

Courtesy of: thriftyjinxy.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Make it a movie night with these new kid-friendly titles.

FEBRUARY 14: Paddington in Peru 19: Win or Lose (Disney Series) 21: The Unbreakable Boy 28: The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 21: The Legend of Ochi All movies listed are rated G or PG. Please check the appropriateness for your own child.

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