Family & Kids Magazine October 2023

OCTOBER 2023

© Timeless Memories by Jessica

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s learning 3

BAD REPORT?!

What’s Next?

Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

E

ven if you try to keep tabs on your child’s grades, a missing assignment or a couple of bad test grades in a row can bring down your child’s grades suddenly and lead to a progress report or report card that is below what you and your child expected. Here are some tips on helping your child create a strategy to get her back on track.

Get a handle on makeup work

Check to see how many absences your child had during the reporting period for the progress report or report card. If your child was out sick for several days, your child may have lost track of all the work she needed to make up and turn in. If she has just returned, she may be missing a test grade. If your child’s school has an online parent portal, check it often to see if your child still has missing assignments.

If you do not have access or if the assignment details are unclear on the parent portal, ask the teachers to email you a list of missed assignments with instructions on how to complete them and the due dates. Encourage your child to make some progress each day on completing makeup work.

Address issues with daily homework

If your child has not been absent but has missing assignments, talk to your child about them. When discussing grades with your child, remember to let her know that you love her and that you are there to support her. Don't scold or shame your child.

Ask your child if she needs help with the assignments or is having trouble remembering when to turn them in. Some kids may be hesitant to turn in an assignment out of fear that they did not do a good job and feel embarrassed to have it graded by the teacher. For other kids, organizational skills are a challenge, and they forget to take the assignment out of their backpack and turn it in the next day.

You may need to step in and help your child create a homework routine that includes visual reminders of when to turn assignments in and a quiet ‘homework area’ to work on assignments. Draw up a ‘homework contract’ that spells out your part in helping her with her homework as well as her responsibilities, such as turning assignments in and asking for extra help from the teacher when she does not understand an assignment. If you try to help your child with homework but feel she is still struggling, reach out to your child’s school for tutoring resources.

Stay in touch with your child’s teachers

If in-class assignments, homework and tests are being completed on time but your child’s grades have fallen, request an appointment to speak to your child’s teachers. Ask if your child has suddenly developed behavioral issues, such as difficulty getting along with a classmate, or if your child is having difficulty focusing on her work. Also, ask the teachers if your child seems to be having difficulty mastering a particular new skill or concept. If you have noticed that your child is struggling with the same topics or skills when doing homework, let the teacher know, especially if extra tutoring does not seem to be helping.

Your child’s teachers and school staff can help your child get the resources she needs to improve her grades. If all the easy-to-fix underlying issues, such as lack of sleep or problems staying organized, are ruled out, your child may need further evaluation for learning disorders or a medical issue such as hearing loss or vision problems.

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The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

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Archer, 1.5 years Columbus

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Chozyn, 5 years Phenix City

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY Melatonin is a hormone that helps with the timing of the body’s circadian rhythm and with sleep. The brain produces melatonin as a response to darkness. (That is why looking at a computer screen can keep kids awake). Melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement, not a drug, and is not as strictly regulated by the FDA as drugs are.

You may have heard other parents mention that they give melatonin if their child has difficulty falling asleep on a regular basis. However, melatonin should not be given to children without consulting a physician first. Melatonin can have side effects and taking too much melatonin can result in an overdose. The FDA has not approved melatonin for use in kids who have sleep issues. When a physician recommends giving a child melatonin, the melatonin is being given ‘off-label.’

More research is needed to determine the possible effects of melatonin on children. Side effects that researchers have identified so far include drowsiness, increased bedwetting, headaches and agitation. The long-term effects of melatonin on kids have not yet been studied. Some experts have concerns about melatonin supplements affecting

What is: MELAT ONIN

other hormones in a child’s developing body. The limited number of studies performed so far suggests that melatonin can help kids with ADHD and autism who have sleep issues fall asleep faster. However, kids who are healthy and do not have a sleep disorder should not be given melatonin as a sleep aid.

The circadian rhythm of children under the age of 5 is still developing, and giving melatonin to children this age is not recommended. Instead, try to improve your child’s sleep routine to help her fall asleep. Addressing issues such as teething pain and exposure to electronics before bedtime may be all that is needed to improve your young child’s quality and quantity of sleep.

If you have tried to establish a sleep routine for a child over the age of 5 but she still has trouble sleeping, talk to her pediatrician first to eliminate any underlying causes. If the pediatrician does recommend melatonin for a child with sleep issues, follow the dosage and timing instructions that are provided by the pediatrician.

RESOURCES: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-for-children

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s INSPIRED

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By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

LESS Things, MORE Living!

A

s a parent, you may feel a sense of magic in your household as items just seem to appear! The kids bring home small trinkets they receive from friends, worksheets that they worked hard on in school and their favorite gifts start to accumulate over special occasions like birthdays and holidays. It is a challenge to part ways with items that have special meaning. However, as we limit the items in our household, we often feel more fulfilled and less overwhelmed. It ends up being a positive trade-off!

LIVING WITH LESS: Teach your children that experiences are more fulfilling than material items.

Share fun outdoor experiences with your children weekly. Ex: Play in the

pool or go to a playground with friends.

Plan a trip to the beach. Go on a hike with the family or go fishing.

More friendships may be developed as you encourage your kids to play with friends outside.

Communicate with family purchasing gifts to give experiences as a gift. Ex: Zoo memberships, aquarium memberships, museum and bounce-house memberships.

Encourage your kids to pick out items to play with that can be recycled like science experiments and art materials.

Having less toys may increase more creativity as children develop ways to play with the items that they have in new ways.

Teach your children to share their items with ‘friends’ at a local children’s organization. Ex: During the spring, have your children find items that they no longer use or wear and donate them to a local shelter. Then, around the holidays, go through your items to see what you can make room for as your kids get new gifts.

Join a minimalist Facebook group that will encourage you to live minimally every day.

Living minimally is a challenge as a parent, but teaching our kids about living with less is the first step. Less mess can bring about better moods, more time outside playing and a heart to share what we have with others. As a result, life will be

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s PICKS

Highlight On Right from the Start is a local non-profit organization founded in response to concerns about the high divorce rate, the high rate of single-parent homes, and the high poverty rate in the Columbus area. This month, Right from the Start is hosting the Amazing Marriage Chase, an event that challenges married and engaged couples to complete scavenger-hunt style activities together and compete for prizes. The goal of the event is for the couples to have fun as they exercise their communication and teamwork skills.

“Healthy marriages and families are grounded in healthy, loving relationships,” said Claude Scarbrough, Chairman of the Board of Right from the Start. “We want to do everything we can to help couples strengthen their marriages. The Amazing Marriage Chase gives couples a great opportunity to focus on one another and their relationship.”

Right from the Start Director Debbie Caballero says “The Amazing Marriage Chase is an annual event that couples throughout the region eagerly anticipate. Some have participated seven years in a row! Couples relax and enjoy a morning of pure fun while they strengthen their relationship.” The event is scheduled for October 21st, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The event will begin at the Columbus Amphitheater, 601 Front Avenue. Registration is $40 per couple and is open at https://rightfromthestart.org/events.

When it was founded, Right from the Start used research data to develop a mission to strengthen marriages, decrease the number of pregnancies outside of marriage, and strengthen the relationship between fathers and their children. The research data reflects a striking correlation between family disintegration and poverty. More than a decade after being founded, evaluations and demographic studies reflect the organization’s positive impact.

“Studies show that 97% of the people who finish school, get a job, and marry before starting a family will avoid or escape poverty by the time they reach age 30,” said Scarbrough.

“We want Columbus families and our community to be healthy and vibrant. One of the most important things we can do is to prepare young people to make wise decisions

and build positive, lifelong relationships right from the start.”

Right from the Start provides its mission through seven keystone programs: REAL Essentials: An evidence-based curriculum presented to middle school and ninth-grade students throughout Muscogee County. Students learn skills to help them make and maintain positive relationships, avoid negative behaviors, and make wise decisions.

All Pro Dad: A monthly gathering that gives dads and their children special time to focus on one another, build communication skills, and strengthen their relationships.

Family FIRST: A weekly, four-session class that helps families build communication skills and develop strategies for successfully navigating the challenges of everyday life.

Raising Highly Capable Kids™ : A fun and practical 13-week RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/ discovery of the 40 assets that will help your children grow into healthy, caring, and responsible members of society.

The materials for this course are provided through Rezilient Kidz™ and Truth Spring Academy.

Task Force to Decrease Fatherlessness: A community-wide effort to educate the community about the importance of a father’s role and to equip and inspire fathers to become lovingly engaged.

Couples Coaching: An online assessment and one-hour coaching session helps couples explore their expectations of marriage and learn more about one another. This process helps “Save Your Marriage Before it Starts” or helps you successfully navigate obstacles in your marriage.

The TALK: A workshop that helps parents and their pre-teens navigate the potentially awkward first conversation about puberty, reproduction and God’s plan for healthy living.

To learn more about the Right from the Start programs and how to get involved, visit rightfromthestart.org, or call 706256-1019.

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Fall Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Fall Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

Pumpkin WAFFLES Fluffy homemade waffles are the perfect breakfast treat for fall.

INSTRUCTIONS Heat air fryer to 390F. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients—the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon—and whisk together. In

a smaller bowl, combine the wet ingredients—the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, vanilla extract, coconut oil and maple syrup—and stir vigorously until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and slowly mix together, stirring until just combined. Do not over mix the batter. Preheat the waffle iron, spraying lightly with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the warmed waffle iron, spreading with a rubber spatula until at the edges. Cook per the manufacturer's instructions. (I like mine crispy on the outside, so I cook them on a higher setting. To each their own.) While the waffles are cooking, heat the maple syrup and cinnamon sticks over medium heat. Simmer until time to eat. When the waffles are cooked to your liking, serve warm with your syrup of choice. Enjoy!

Courtesy of sweetpeasandsaffron.com

•

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp kosher salt • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree • 1 cup unsweetened choice of milk • 2 eggs • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

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Halloween Word Search

Solution: www.familyandkidsga.com/solutions

Halloween is Here!!

Halloween has arrived at Once Upon A Child. We have frightfully good deals on all of our Halloween costumes. No matter what you are looking for, from spooky vampires to itty bitty ladybugs, we have you covered.

Still have your kids’ costumes from last year?

Bring them in for $$$ on the spot.

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off of I-185 • 2521 Airport Thruway • Columbus, GA 31904 706-507-3737• www.OnceUponAChildColumbusGA.com

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Fall Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Fall Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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October

1 Itsy Bitsy Spider. 2pm. $16-$21. Springer 11 Simple Steps Storytime: Fire Prevention. 20 Paint the Town Pink 5K Walk & Glow Run. Opera House; 706-327-3688

10am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

6pm. $25-$40. Woodruff Park; runsignup.com

and Hare: The Next Generation. 2:30pm. $12$19. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Campground, Fort Moore. Free admission. Fri. 4-10pm, Sat. 10-10pm, Sun. 10am-6pm. Moore. armymwr.com.

1 Lightwire Theatre: The Adventures of Tortoise 12 Game On! Teen Dungeons & Dragons. 20-22 Oktoberfest. Uchee Creek 3 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

3 Kids’ Art Studio. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Colum-

12 Family Fun Night. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

The Amazing Marriage Chase. 8:30am12 Budding Naturalist. 10am. $7. Columbus 21 Noon. $40. Columbus Amphitheatre; www.

Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

dred L Terry Library; 706-748-2562

14 Street Food Saturday. 11am-3pm. Blue- 21 Grand Opening of the Walk & Frank belle Local Mercantile; 706-327-1181 Chambers Birding Trail. 9-11am. Oxbow Mead14 Fall Festival. 11am-2pm. Old Town Co- ows; 706-507-8558 lumbus; oldtowncolumbus.com 21 Family Day. Columbus Museum. 10am14 2nd Annual Fall Festival. Noon-5pm. The Noon. 1327 Wynnton Road; 706-748-2562 Oaks Farm, LaFayette, AL; theoaksfarm.net 21 Mercer School of Medicine Teddy Bear 14 Mini Makers. 3pm. Ages 2-4y. Columbus Clinic. Families. 10:30am. Columbus Library; Museum at 1327 Wynnton Road; 706-748-2562

706-243-2813

Mildred L Terry Library; 706-748-2562

221-4602

lumbus Library; 706-243-2813

bus Library; 706-243-2813

3 Get Your Game On! Unplugged: Stranger Things: Attack of the Mindflayer. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

5 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

7 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24m. Mil-

rightfromthestart.org

7 Itsy Bitsy Spider. 11am. $16-$21. Springer 14 Astronomy Night. 7:30pm. Providence 21 A Pinkalicious Parade: National Breast Opera House; 706-327-3688 Canyon State Park; 706-649-1477 Cancer Awareness Month. Families. 10:30am.

7 JDRF It Takes a Village: A Fundraising Fair. 14-15 RushSouth Music Fest & Out- Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Noon-3pm. Golden Park; eventbright.com door Games 2023. Noon-11:45pm. Woodruff 21 Pokéthon. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 7 CSO Open Rehearsal. 12:30pm. Free. All ages. Park; rushsouth.com 706-748-2855 RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 14-15 Harvest Hoedown. 10am-5pm. 21Spooktacular. 11am-1pm. Lakebottom 7 CSO presents From Atlanta to London. 7:30- Historic Warm Springs; 706-655-3322 Park; 706-225-4658 10pm. $12-$42. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 15 Stories in the Garden. 2-4pm. Hills & 21 Trunk or Treat. 5-7:30pm. Momentum 7 Crafts 4 A Cause. Families. 3pm. North Co- Dales Estate, LaGrange; 706-882-3242 TaeKwonDo Plus; 706-251-8808 lumbus Library; 706-748-2855 17Mini Makers. 3pm. Ages 2-4y. Columbus 21 Fall Festival. 6pm. The Park at Cascade 8 Itsy Bitsy Spider. 2pm. $16-$21. Springer Museum at 1327 Wynnton Road; 706-748-2562 Hills; 334-640-5292 Opera House; 706-327-3688 17 Game On! Unplugged: There’s Been a Mur- 21-22 The Fall Market. Sat 9am-5pm; 9 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration. 3pm. der! 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Sun Noon-4pm. $5-$8 Cash. The Farm House North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 17 Dungeons & Dragons. Families. 6pm. Restaurant, Ellerslie; 706-561-3435 10 Theatre Games: Halloween Edition. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 21-22 Hummingbird Festival. All day.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 18 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support Hogansville; hummingbirdfestival.com 10 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24m. Part 1. 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706- 24 Zombie Barbies. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Co11 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support 19 The Linwood Ramble. 4:30-6:20pm. $15- 25 MOPS/MomsNext. First Baptist Church of Part 2. 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706$65. Linwood Cemetery; linwoodcemetery.org Columbus; 706-322-4468 221-4602 19 LEGOS®. Families. 4pm. Columbus Li- 25 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support 11 MOPS/MomsNext. First Baptist Church of brary; 706-243-2813 meeting Part 2. 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Columbus; 706-322-4468 19 Edible Engineering for Kids. (RSVP). 4pm Assoc; 706-221-4602 & 6pm. N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

r Events

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

27 Groovetanical. 6-8:30pm. Concert in the 31 Trick-or-Treat. Ages 12 & under. 4pm. garden with lawn games, food trucks and craft beer. Free admission with drink purchase. 3603 Weems Rd, Columbus. 706-327-8400.

North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

31 Book Character Day. Families. 4:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Get Your Game ON! (Ages 0-12). 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Pumpkins at Callaway. 4-10pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

27 The Campus Academy’s Fall Festival. 31 Game On! Unplugged: Taco Cat Goat FRIDAY Spooky house, games, raffles, candy and costumes. $5 kids. Adults free. 2236 Warm Springs Rd, Columbus. 706-325-8195.

27-28 The Importance of Being Ear-

Cheese Pizza: On the Flip Side. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

10am-7pm. Columbus Trade Center; 706-3274522

Weekly Events

torical Fort Mitchell; 334-855-1406

2813

Woodruff Riverfront Park; 706-322-0522

11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Simple Steps Storytime. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Kids Explore! 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805

nest. 7:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

27-28 Christmas Made in the South.

28 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 4-8yrs. 3pm. MONDAY Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 28 Fall Festival at The Fort. 9am-3pm. His- 0-36mo.) 10am. Columbus Library; 706-24328Trick or Treat. Columbus Museum. 11am- TUESDAY 1pm. 1327 Wynnton Road; 706-748-2562 Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 28 Fall Food Truck Festival. 11am-5pm. $5. 0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 2-5 yrs.)

28 Nightmare Before Halloween Trunk or Treat. Noon-4pm. Bluebelle Local Mercantile; 706-327-1181

28 Astronomy Night. 7pm. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706-649-1477

29 Fall Festival on the Square. 4:30-7pm.

Downtown Opelika; 334-745-5715

29 The Importance of Being Earnest.

2:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

29 Columbus BOOtanical Garden. 1-6pm.

Crafts, activities, BAT education and candy in the garden. $10/$8 members, $5 kids 4-17. 3603 Weems Rd, Columbus. 706-327-8400.

31 Trick or Treat at the Callaway Home.

5:30-7:30pm. Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange; 706-882-3242

31 Trick-or-Treat. Ages 12 & under. 3pm.

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

31 Haunted Library Trick-or-Treat. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

WEDNESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36 mo.)

11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

THURSDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5yrs.

10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm. 30min.

1-on-1. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Fun Fridays. Families. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Pumpkins at Callaway. 4-11pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; 706-322-0522 Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt. 9am-4pm. $5 parking.

F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858 Board Games for All Ages. 10am-6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Spectacular Science Saturdays. 10am-4pm. $5$8. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens. 2-11pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

SUNDAY

Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens. 1-10pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

Dining Deals

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for Kids

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

MONDAY

Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

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

The Office

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

Tuesday Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Thursday Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

Saturday Denny’s

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

Sunday The Simple Greek

Denny’s

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

Jason’s Deli

Multiple days

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under 5-9pm: Free kid’s meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

219 On The Lake

Ruby Tuesday

Bruster’s Ice Cream

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

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH) Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s

Kid’s meals are $1.99 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)

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

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.com.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Share your

extracurricular ACTIVITY

with us!

tammy@familyandkidsga.com

Extra Curricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Extracurricular Activity Guide Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Extracurricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO knew?

Why Do...

we say "TRICK or TREAT?" Europeans, most likely the Scottish and Irish, brought the traditions of disguising and souling to North America as early as the late 19th Century.

By this time, All Souls Day had gone through a name change, becoming All-Hallow’s Eve, and finally, Halloween.

At first, the traditions of souling and guising in the United States were problematic. Youngsters used Halloween as an opportunity to prank people, and those pranks often caused expensive property damage. It was around the Great Depression that these activities became known as trick-or-treating.

While Halloween was known as a time when pranksters were rampant, it was also a time for kids to collect treats. Kids would ask, “trick-or-treat?” when they called on homes, giving homeowners a choice.

Since no one wanted to be pranked, candy and other sweet treats were handed out. Treats ranged from homemade goodies like popcorn balls and baked goods to peppermints and lemon drops.

From that time onwards, trick-or-treating spread all over the United States. During World War II, trickor-treating suffered a downturn due to sugar rationing, but after the War, the tradition came roaring back, and now it’s impossible to imagine a Halloween without flocks of costumed kids going door-todoor looking for candy.

Resource: Farmer's Almanac

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ChatGPT

APP

Get more creative and free up your time using ChatGPT’s powerful language capabilities to automate your writing, answer questions, write code and more. The chatbot responds to the tasks requested and parameters provided. You can ask it to draft a contract, proposal, email response, video scripts, stories and much more.

Reward Punch Cards

Use these premade cards for positive reinforcement to help with behavior, listening, attitude, and responsibility around the house.

Set a goal...such as being nice to a sibling, cleaning your room...whatever behavior you are looking to improve, and then set an appropriate reward. When all are punched, issue the reward...such as additional screen time or other benefit of choice.

Trending The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read

Leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do's and don'ts of relationships. Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips in these pages to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most.

One Bad Mother

A comedy podcast about motherhood and how unnatural it sometimes is. We aren't all magical vessels! Join us every week as we deal with the thrills and embarrassments of motherhood and strive for less judging, and more laughing.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

26

GOING

HOO’s FIT

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

a week. proteins are not absorbed as easily as proA vegan diet is a strict vegetarian diet that AtUsefirst,recipesserveforoneveganor twomealsveganthatrecipes are nutritionteins from animal-based sources. Legumes does not include any animal-based food sources. Unlike some less strict vegetarians, vegans do not consume dairy products or eggs. Vegan diets can be safe for kids as long as they are getting enough essential nutrients.

ally balanced, instead of turning a recipe into a vegan meal by leaving out all animal-based foods from the recipe. Here are some items to consider when planning vegan meals for your child.

If your child requests to try a vegan diet or if you decide to try a vegan diet for your family, first consult your child’s pediatrician to ensure there are no medical concerns about your child’s nutrient levels. The doctor may order a blood test at well-child visits to check your child’s levels of essential nutrients.

Ensure that your child understands that being a vegan means eating a healthy balance of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, not just filling up on a lot of fruit or pasta. If your child is a picky eater, remember that it can take time for your child to adjust to new foods.

During the transition to a vegan diet, try to ease your child into the new meal plan slowly.

Protein is an essential nutrient that is needed for proper development and growth. Plant

such as lentils and chickpeas, tofu, and nut butters (if no food allergies to them) are good sources of protein. Proteins in food contain amino acids that the body needs but cannot make. If you have any questions about how to ensure your child gets the appropriate amount of protein for her age, consult her pediatrician for advice.

It can be harder for vegan kids to get enough iron. The iron from plant-based foods is not absorbed by the body as well as the iron from animal sources. Good sources of plant-based iron include fortified grains, nuts, seeds, black-eyed peas, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables such as arugula and spinach.

HOO’s HEALTHY

MOM, My

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Y

our child wakes you up and says, ‘Mom, my tummy hurts!” Abdominal pain in children is a very common complaint and is one of the top reasons children see the doctor. The abdominal area of the body is defined as the area underneath the lower rib cage to the top of the groin. This area of the body includes the stomach, intestines, appendix, pancreas, liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder and reproductive organs. The stomach is not always the source of the abdominal pain. When troubleshooting abdominal pain, ask your child to point to where it hurts and to describe the pain.

There is an extensive number of conditions that can cause abdominal pain. Some serious, less common causes of abdominal pain include appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, anaphylaxis or a hernia. Seek emergency care for your child if you see any of the following symptoms:

Tummy Hurts! ´Severe pain ´Blood in the stool or vomit ´Signs of infection, such as fever ´Green-colored vomit ´Jaundice ´Your child draws his knees to his chest and cannot get comfortable

´Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such

as hives ´Persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration Many of the common, less serious causes of abdominal pain may require a call or scheduling an appointment with the doctor but can be treated at home. Some of the most common are: Constipation: Intense lower ab-

dominal pain, a decreased appetite, nausea or reflux and the absence of a bowel movement in several days may mean your child is constipated. Children who hold back bowel movements due to painful, hard stools or are afraid to use the public restroom at school often become constipated.

Indigestion: Bloating, burping,

heartburn and nausea are common symptoms. Eating too much or too fast can cause indigestion. However, if your child experiences indigestion frequently even when eating a healthy diet, consult his doctor.

Food poisoning or gastroenteritis (stomach virus): Watch out for signs of dehydra-

tion and try to ensure your child is taking in fluids.

Stress and anxiety:

Emotional upset can cause abdominal pain in some children. Help your child identify the source of the stress and ways to cope with it.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Showcase your child care or educational offering in this special section so parents who are seeking new choices can see yours! tammy@familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.comGUIDE EDUCATION/CARE

THE BIG STEP:

HOO’s learning

early CHAPTER BOOKS

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ne of the questions librarians get frequently from parents is: Which books do we pick for a child who is transitioning from picture books to chapter books? The library offers a lot of options for young readers with a variety of subjects. Most of the transitional/early chapter books have multiple books in a series, so that kids can get hooked on reading once they find a favorite series. Here at the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, we have curated books we know your kids will love! The best thing about getting a library book is that if one or two don’t work, you can simply return and try again.

By April Butler Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

and Sassafras (also a STEM story) by Asia Citro or Dragon Masters by Tracey West. For our animal lovers, they might like to try Owl Diaries

by Rebecca Elliott, The Adventures of Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green, or Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo. For the reader who likes a little bit of a mystery or adventure, try either A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy or The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn.

PRO TIP: Beyond regular physical books, there are Wonder Books (a physical book with an audiobook built into it), eBooks and eAudiobooks, and LaunchPads to help with the transition! These can be a great When looking for books for children, we suggest asking them about tool to help readers build their confidence. different types of subjects to see what sounds appealing. If they love stories that are more realistic with kids as the main characters, they There are many great early chapter books for you and your child to might like to try out Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, Nikki & Deja by Karen choose from. However, the first step is finding something that interests English, or J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard. For the child them and that they can feel confident reading. Visit our website at cvlwho wants a book series with magical creatures, we suggest the Zoey ga.org or your favorite branch location soon to get started!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s parenting

all about H

by Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

aving twins is a true blessing and a unique life experience for any family. Are you a parent of twins? If so, then you are in the top 3% of all the births in the United States. Are you a twin yourself? You are the top 3%!

There are two different types of twins, fraternal and identical. About two in every 100 births are fraternal twins. Fraternal twins start as two different fertilized embryos. Though they will share a birthday, they will have individual facial and body type characteristics and can be different genders. A much rarer occurrence is having identical twins. Only about 4 in every 1000 births result in identical twins.

Identical twins are ‘identical’ because they start as one embryo that divides into two embryos with the same genes.

So what’s your chances of having twins? Studies have shown that genetics, age and fertility treatments can all play a role in being a parent to twins. Based on twin scientific studies, the genetic history on the mother’s side of the family has been shown to impact the chance of having fraternal twins since they develop from two fertilized eggs. However, once a mom has a set of fraternal twins, her chances of having another set is much higher. Research is still being done on how genetics influences having identical twins.

Fun Twin Facts •• Even identical twins have different fingerprints.

•• About 40% of twins invent their own languages to communicate with each other.

•• Twins can be born on different days…and even have a very rare chance of being born in different years if they are born on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

•• Studies have shown that if you are a mom of twins, you may live longer!

Tips for Raising Twins •• Read parenting twin books to learn all there is to know about being a parent to twins.

•• As a parent to twin babies, sometimes you may need an extra set of hands. Welcome the kind gestures of friends and family to help raise your little ones.

•• Regularly spend one-on-one time with each child. Read their favorite books, do their favorite art projects and spend time doing activities with each of them.

•• Ask friends and family to find ways to tell your identical twins apart. Try dressing them in certain colors, having twin girls wear a specific color of nail polish, or having friends learn to recognize them by their personalities.

•• Learning to tell the twins apart enhances their individual personalities and makes them feel special.

•• When your twins have parent conferences at school, schedule them at different times. This will encourage even their teachers to think about them and their behaviors separately.

•• Encourage twins to develop their own personalities and interests. Many twins enjoy being around each other and doing activities together, but they should be encouraged to participate in sports and activities that are of interest to them.

•• When people buy gifts for your children, encourage them to buy unique gifts for each child.

•• Recognize that your twins may have a special relationship with each other and often all other relationships come next.

Encourage this and know that it is natural for twins to be each other’s biggest fan.

•• Talk to other parents with twins and join a ‘twin mom group’ in your local area or online to gain tips and tricks.

Here are a few Facebook Twins groups: facebook.com/groups/twinmumsSG • facebook.com/Twiniversity facebook.com/groups/1527955790853126

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Early Detection Saves Lives.

The CDC refers to mammograms as: “The best tests physicians have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.” Lower your risk of getting breast cancer by living a healthy lifestyle and, if you’re 40 years or older, regularly getting a mammogram at the St. Francis Center for Breast Health.

We offer 3D mammography, which produces better images than ever before.

Schedule Your 3D Mammogram Today

706.257.7700 MyStFrancis.com/Breast