ChattValley_SEPT26_web by Hoo Knows

FREE SEPTEMBER 2026

After-School

ACTIVITY GUIDE Pages 20-23 Cover Sponsor Pg.20

Celebrating 10 years of family fun in Columbus!

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our PICKS 3

Activity

Ideas

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

break seemed to fly by this year! If you missed the boat on fall sports sign-ups, here are a few other activity ideas for your children throughout the week. S ummer

SWIMMING The Columbus Aquatic Center is home to a year-round swim team, known as the Hurricanes. Instructional swim classes are also offered for ages 4 and up. swimhurricanes.com Columbus Swim and Scuba offers ISR and private swim instruction classes for 4 and under. columbusswimandscuba.com Water Babies Swim School is starting a location here this fall. Eastalabama.al@waterbabiesusa.com

Yoga Just Breathe for Kids offers weekly classes incorporating yoga, games and art. justbreatheforkids.com

Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Tumbling United Cheerleading and Tumbling Classes start at age 3 to competition level for all skill levels. unitedcheerleading.com Gymnastics Unlimited offers toddler, gymnastics and Olympic event gymnastics programs which include the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise. gymunlimitedga.com

Team Sports

Schwob School of Music Preparatory offers group and private lessons in all major instruments and voice from beginner to advanced, for all ages. columbusstate.edu/music/music-prep East West Martial Arts offers classes from youth to adult in Karate, Jiu Jitsu and Kali. Eastwestfamilymartialarts.com Academy Dance academydancecenter.com Performance Dance & Aerial Arts performancedancega.com Prodigy Dance prodigydancecentre.com/classes

Library Activities Chattahoochee Valley Libraries offers various learning, entertainment and socialization opportunities from crafting, reading, music, movement and more through all its branches. Cvlga.org

Interactive Indoor Museums Coca-Cola Space Science Center (adults $10/kids $6) offers hands on-simulators and interactive planetarium shows. ccssc.org The Columbus Museum (free) offers an “Explorer Area” for children. The museum offers American art and history in addition to a beautiful garden. comuga.org

I9Sports offers various sports leagues, camps and clinics in soccer, T-ball/baseball, basketball, flag football, tennis and volleyball. i9sports.com

National Infantry Museum (free) is home to over 700,000 artifacts, virtual reality simulators and a restaurant on-site. nationalinfantrymuseum.org

Golf

Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Cen ter ($5 donation) offers programs throughout the year focusing on environmental education. oxbow.columbusstate.edu

At Fore Golf, kids can play golf in competitive leagues. They also offer a 45-minute junior golf clinic Saturday mornings at Godwin Creek ($15) to enhance skills and boost confidence. columbusga.gov/golf/ Programs/Juniors

Tennis Cooper Creek Tennis Center Tennis and pickleball programs are offered throughout the year for youth, adult and special needs, at the largest clay courts in the US! corta.org

Ice Skating/Hockey Columbus Learn to Skate offers classes for kids 5 years to adult to learn the basics of skating and then move onto a figure skating or hockey focus. Ice-development.square.site Columbus Youth Hockey Club offers recreational hockey teams, travel teams and summer camps for youth to adult at the Columbus Ice Rink. Columbusgahockey.org

Outdoor Activities Callaway Gardens offers walking and biking trails, a swimming lake with inflatables course, butterfly center and seasonal events. callawaygardens.com/the-gardens Columbus Botanical Gardens offers a beautiful garden to explore and many youth programs such as Little Sprouts, Budding Naturalists and Seedling Storytime. columbusbotanicalgarden.org The Chattahoochee Riverwalk, Dragonfly Trail and Rails to Trails is great for bike rides and walking along the river. These trails offer stunning views of the river and run from the Lake Oliver Marina to the Oxbow Meadows Nature Center. pathfoundation. org/columbus-dragonfly-trail Woodruff Riverfront Park is a local favorite spot for kids because of the free splash pad, playground and community space.

White Water Express offers family friendly rafting opportunities Art, Drama, Dance, Music & Martial Arts and ziplining. Children must be 7 years old or 60 lbs for the basic course. The Columbus Museum offers a variety of classes including an afterschool art class for kids, artful babies program (6 mon to 2 yrs) and mini makers program (2-4 yrs). Every third Saturday of the month, families meet to make art together. comuga.org Clement Art’s program provides fine arts, music and culinary education for children. This non-profit ministry supports foster and adoptive parents. clement-arts.org IFM Arts Academy offers classes for youth in drawing and painting from 6 years old to adult. This ministry supports international families living in Columbus. ifmga.org.org

There is also an aerial course, which is for children 5 and up. They offer SUP yoga, fly fishing instruction and kayaking classes for adults.

Standing Boy Trails is a nature preserve along the Chattahoochee that has over thirty miles of mountain biking or hiking trails within its 1,500-acre forest. Join a youth or adult bike group there: Little Bellas, Aug-Oct, Girls Ages 7-13; Trail Rangers, March-May, Grades 2-5; or TEAM MTB, July-Nov., Grades 6-12 standingboy.org Midtown Children’s Bicycle Playground offers youth bike trails and tracks midtowncolumbusga.org/bicycle-playground

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Where to Find us? 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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

let’s learn

My teacher is W

MEAN

hen kids come home from school and say, ‘My teacher is so mean and she hates me,’ it can be upsetting. Here are some tips on how you can help your child sort through misunderstandings and hurt feelings and work on improving her relationship with her teacher.

Gather information first about what happened

First, ask your child for details. Do not be too quick to either dismiss your child’s feelings as just an overreaction to the teacher enforcing classroom rules or to conclude that the teacher is being unfair to your child. Instead, ask your child to tell you what happened that made her feel that way about her new teacher. ! Is it a result of a one-time correction or is there a pattern? Find out if your child is upset about just one incident or if it is multiple incidents that made her feel that her teacher does not like her. If it is difficult to discern if your child is truly being singled out, you could volunteer in your child’s classroom to observe how she interacts with her teacher. ! Is it a misunderstanding? After listening to your child express her feelings, you may reach the conclusion that your child’s hurt feelings are due to a misunderstanding. Every teacher has a different teaching style, and her new teacher may have a style that includes having high expectations for her students. The teacher may have pointed out that your child’s work needed improvement in a certain area and your child then interpreted the feedback as harsh criticism, rather than an attempt to help her improve. ! Is it a personality conflict? It is possible that your child is having trouble adjusting to the teaching style of her new teacher. If her previous teacher had a welcoming personality, but

her new teacher is not as outgoing and is particular about enforcing the rules, it may take some time for your child to adjust to her new teacher’s personality. Discuss with your child about how teachers are individuals, each with a unique personality, but all teachers share the common goal of helping students learn and succeed. Also point out that teachers are human and sometimes feel frustrated, and that this frustration may occasionally lead to negative feedback, such as ‘Please sit down now!’, when your child breaks a classroom rule.

Help your child understand the perspective of others

If you suspect your child’s hurt feelings result from the teacher enforcing classroom rules, talk to your child about how it made her feel when the teacher corrected her. Explain that the correction was not personal and discuss why the teacher has classroom rules. For example, if your child was corrected for talking during a lesson, explain why talking affects the ability for the other students to learn. Ask her how she feels when she is trying to listen to the teacher’s instructions and someone else in the class is being disruptive. Then, also ask her how she would feel if she were trying to help someone, but they did not want to listen and started talking to someone else instead. This helps her understand the teacher’s perspective and improve her self-awareness of her behavior.

If needed, meet with your child’s teacher

If your child has tried to improve her relationship with her teacher but is still distressed about attending school, it may be time to arrange a meeting with the teacher. Stay neutral during the meeting and let the teacher know your goal is to work with her to find a way to resolve the issues your child is having in the classroom.

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Autism

&GI Issues

new study, published by the UC Davis MIND Institute in the journal Autism in August 2025, has found that children of all ages who have autism are more likely to have gastrointestinal issues than children who have not been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

The study had 322 children on the autism spectrum enrolled and 153 children who were developmentally normal enrolled. The children were tracked for 10 years, from age 2 and to age 12, and the families participating in the study were interviewed by researchers. The families reported on what types of gastrointestinal issues were experienced by the children participating in the study and how often the issues occurred. The researchers found that not only is it more common for children with autism to have multiple symptoms at once but also more common for the symptoms to persist over many years. Often, GI issues did not have an easily identified medical cause. The researchers found that the children who had GI issues also had higher rates of anxiety,

be healthy

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

sleep issues, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behavior and irritability. The study, which contains 10 years of data, is a strong confirmation that there is a connection between autism and GI symptoms. However, researchers are not sure yet why this strong connection exists.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism and experiences GI symptoms, discuss the appropriate treatment for the symptoms with your child’s doctor. Persistent GI symptoms can have an impact on a child’s overall health and development. Watch for signs that your child, especially a child who cannot communicate well, is having GI symptoms. A nonverbal child may provide behavioral cues such as shirt chewing and leaning over furniture to apply pressure to the abdomen. The doctor can use several tools to evaluate GI symptoms, such as blood work, imaging, stool tests and urine tests. Parents may also be given nutritional guidance for their child, so that they can select foods that are nutritious and do not contribute to the GI symptoms. Supplements can be used to treat issues such as constipation. Resources: bit.ly/43heEsO

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ABCs

be Healthy

Safe Sleep starts with the

very parent wants to give their baby the healthiest possible start in life, and one of the simplest ways to do that is by creating a safe sleep environment. Following the ABCs of Safe Sleep is an easy, evidence-based practice that significantly reduces the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

The need for safe sleep education remains critical in our community. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Death Certificate File, the West Central Health District, which includes Columbus, Georgia, recorded 95 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) between 2012 and 2023. While these tragedies are heartbreaking, many sleep-related infant deaths are preventable through safe sleep practices. The ABCs are simple to remember:

A – Alone

Babies should always sleep alone in their own sleep space, free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, or other loose items.

B – Back

Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, including naps and nighttime.

C – Crib

Babies should sleep in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.

By Pam Fair

Director of Safe Kids Columbus

These recommendations apply every time a baby sleeps—even for a quick nap. Establishing a consistent safe sleep routine helps protect infants while giving parents greater confidence and peace of mind. To support local families, Safe Kids Columbus offers a free monthly ‘Safe Sleep for Infants’ online class for eligible expectant mothers. Participants receive evidence-based info about infant sleep safety, learn how to create a safe sleep environment at home, and, upon completion, eligible families receive a free Pack ’n Play to ensure their baby has a safe place to sleep. Safe sleep education extends beyond parents and caregivers. Healthcare professionals, community partners, and anyone who works with infants are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Safe Sleep Symposium on Wednesday, October 7 from 11am-2pm. This statewide virtual event features nationally recognized experts in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death prevention and infant sleep patterns, providing the latest evidence-based recommendations while strengthening collaboration across Georgia. Sign up at bit.ly/safesleepsymposium.

Every family deserves the knowledge and resources to keep their baby safe. Together, through education and community partnerships, we can help prevent sleep-related infant deaths—because safe sleep saves lives.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

To feature your school option, call Tammy 253-212-7270 or email tammy@ familyandkidsga.com.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Join us for a FREE family event

Teddy Bear Clinic All ages welcome! Bring your favorite stuffed animal and spend a morning of learning, laughter and adventure with us.

Kids are invited to: •

Bring a teddy bear, doll or favorite stuffed friend

•

Help their “buddy” through a pretend hospital visit

•

Explore healthcare in a fun and welcoming environment

•

Build confidence and reduce fears about doctor and hospital visits

Saturday, September 12 10 a.m. – Noon Piedmont Columbus Midtown Conference Center

RSVP on

meal 1 planning 1 0

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Handy tips

When your family has a calendar full of after-school activities and weekend events, planning healthy meals your family will enjoy eating can be a challenge. However, taking a few minutes each week to plan and research recipes that fit your schedule can save you time, reduce food costs and help your family eat healthy, nutritionally balanced meals.

DECIDE WHAT TYPES OF MEALS FIT YOUR SCHEDULE First, look at your schedule for the next week and note how much time you have to prepare meals each day. Decide which days you will prepare meals fresh at home. If there is a particular evening when you will be very short on time, that may be the evening you want to plan to prepare a slow cooker meal or heat up a homemade freezer meal you have thawed in the refrigerator. If you have at least one afternoon a month to spend preparing your family’s favorite recipes and freezing them in meal-sized portions, freezer meals are a good way to reduce the number of times a month you eat out.

STRATEGIZE YOUR MEAL-PLANNING TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY Now that you know what types of meals you need, decide what you will prepare. One money-saving strategy is to check the grocery store ads to see what ingredients are on sale that week and select some recipes that use those items. Keep an inventory of what is in your pantry and freezer, so you know what you already have on hand to combine with the on sale fresh items like meat, vegetables and fish. Keep a supply of frozen items that can be put together as an ‘emergency meal’ for situations where you are stuck at home. Another effective strategy is to find recipes that use common ingredients, where the leftovers from one recipe could be the basis for the next day’s meal. For example, the leftovers from grilling chicken one evening could be the basis for chicken enchiladas the next. Along with this, reduce food costs by planning the meals in a way that ensures the fresh ingredients are used first and you don’t end up forgetting to use them. For example, don’t buy more fresh meat that you can use in the day or two after you buy it, unless you plan on freezing some of it.

 Free meal-planning apps like Cozi Meals, Recipe Box and Mealime will help you find new recipes and provide a calendar to keep track of what you have planned for each day of the week or month. Many provide a grocery list of items needed to prepare the meals.  Yummly has one of the widest varieties of recipes and even helps track nutritional information.  Some apps like Fridge Check and Fresh Box help you keep an inventory of what is in the pantry, so that you don’t buy items you already have.  There are even apps like Family Freezer that help you plan a month’s work of freezer meals.  Pinterest allows you to broadly search for recipes based on keywords such as “fast chicken dinners” or “recipes using lime.”

Having a busy schedule does not mean your family cannot eat at home. In fact, eating meals together helps you stay connected to your kids. Make meal-planning fun for the family by asking your kids to select which recipes in the meal plan they would like to help you make.

Have Fun

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MOUSE SCHOOL HIDDEN PICTURE

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For families who are: Trying to Conceive Pregnant Postpartum

door p rizes! diaper cakes! giveaw ays!

Martin Army Community Hospital

BABY EXPO invites you to join us for our Open House

Saturday, 19 September 2026 MACH First Floor Main Entrance 1000-1400

20+ BOOTHS

RESOURCES

GREAT INFO

FREE BABY CLOTHES

DEMONSTRATIONS

COMMUNITY GROUPS

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

trouble D

ifficulty getting enough quality sleep is an issue many kids struggle with, especially after school starts. Sports practice, homework and other disruptions in your child’s evening schedule can make it difficult for him to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Consequences of poor sleep How much sleep your child needs depends on his age. School-aged children (ages 6 – 12) need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. If your child is not getting the sleep he needs, it can impact him in many ways. Not getting enough quality sleep can lead to decreased brain development and difficulty learning. Lack of sleep can cause health issues, such as issues with growth and frequent illnesses. Poor quality sleep can also affect your child’s mood. He may feel negative emotions more frequently. If your child is moody, has trouble getting out of the bed in the morning, cannot stay awake at school and always feels fatigued, he may not be getting enough quality sleep.

Common causes of sleep issues Difficulty falling asleep, sometimes referred to as insomnia, can sometimes be caused by a lack of a good evening routine. An inconsistent bedtime due to a schedule that varies each day disrupts your child’s internal clock, making it more difficult for him to fall asleep. Lack of a consistent routine can mean your child gets exposed to screens too close to bed time. The blue light from screens causes the brain to feel alert and awake, which can cause difficulty falling asleep. Allowing your child to have caffeine too close to bedtime can cause him to have difficulty falling asleep. Physical or mental health issues can add to sleep troubles.

PARENTING TIPS15

Your child may have allergies, which cause itching or sinus issues that keep him awake or cause nighttime waking. Issues such as restless leg syndrome or acid reflux can make your child uncomfortable at night and cause sleep disruption. Your child may feel anxious due to worries about schoolwork or friend issues, making it hard to calm his mind and relax enough to fall asleep. ADHD can also make it hard to settle in for the night.

How to improve your child’s sleep Improving your child’s sleep can sometimes involve simple changes in your child’s routine and sleep environment. Eliminate access to screens at least an hour before bedtime. Removing computers and TVs from your child’s room can make this easier to enforce. Create a cool, dark sleep environment. Reconsider your child’s schedule. If your child has trouble settling in at night after late, strenuous sports practices, speak with your child’s coach about adjusting the schedule. If it is not possible to avoid late practices, streamline the bedtime routine to help your child settle in faster, but avoid making bedtime feel rushed or stressful. Help your child wind down for the day with a soothing, calming bedtime routine. A bath and bedtime story help signal to your child it's time to go to sleep. Some parents, when searching for a way to help their child, wonder if melatonin can help their child fall asleep faster. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and helps manage the sleepwake cycle. However, synthetic melatonin supplements are not FDA approved to treat health conditions or to help with symptoms of health conditions. Taking synthetic melatonin may have side effects and it is possible for children to experience an overdose if they take too much. Always talk to your child’s doctor before giving him any supplement. Resources: https://bit.ly/4gjOvRg • https://bit.ly/4fXDBzl

Septembe

Little Sprouts. 10am & 2:30pm. Ages 3-5. $5-7. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400

12 12

Tours. 11am. Thornton Visitor Center, Historic Westville; westville.org Chattahoochee Bears FREE Basketball Camp. 10am-2pm. Ages 5-18. D.A. Turner YMCA; chattahoocheebears.club

1 Stories on Stage with CSU. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 12 Mini Makers. 2-4yr. 1:30pm. Columbus 1 Kids’Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 Library; 706-243-2813 12 Midland Fall Concert Series. 2 Friendship palette. 4:30pm. Teens. Paint 6pm. 6835 MidlandCommons Commons; facebook.com and build self-confidence. Columbus Library, in partnership with Pastoral Institute. 14 Family Fun Night: Farm Talk with CoCounty 4-H. 4pm. Colum2 American Girl Book Club. Ages 5-12. 4pm. lumbus-Muscogee bus Library; 706-243-2813 Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Strengthen bonds through co-regula4 Phenology Friday! 10am. $8-$12. Co- 15 tion and movement. 10am. Columbus Library lumbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400 partnership wtih Pastoral Institute. 5 Pine Needle Basketry Workshop. in15 United Way Day. 9-11am & 2-4pm. 10:30am-noon. Historic Westville Village. 1005 Front Ave; 706-327-3255, unitedcv.org 5 Mercer Teddy Bear Clinic. 10:30am. North 15 Move Together, Grow Together with Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Institute. 10am. Columbus Library; 7 Labor Day Fair. 10am-4pm. Old Russell Pastoral 706-243-2813 County Courthouse; Seale; 706-298-6426 with Historic Westville 8 Teen Crafternoon: Pony Bead Keychain. at15SouthLeathercrafting Columbus Library. 11am-noon. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811 Artful Babies. 6-24mo. 10:30am. Co8 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Colum- 15 lumbus Museum; 706-748-2562 bus Library; 706-243-2813 15 Mini Makers. 2-4yr. 1:30pm. Columbus 10 Breath of Fresh Air: Ultimate Frisbee. Museum; 706-748-2562 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Kids’ Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Co10 Leathercrafting with Historic Westville 15 lumbus Library; 706-243-2813 at Cusseta-Chatt Library. 2-3pm. 7 Edible Engineering: Marshmallow 12 Artful Babies. 6-24mo. 10:30am. Co- 1Towers. Ages 6-11. 3:30pm. North Columbus lumbus Museum; 706-748-2562 Library; 706-748-2855 18 Crafty Chaos Club. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

18-19 19 Midland Commons Market & SFS Fall

Pride & Prejudice. 7pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 Market. 11am-3pm. Midland Commons; facebook.com

19 Suicide Prevention Walk. 9am-noon,

34 Prudence Rd, Pittsview, AL. prevention@ integreahealth.org

19 Family Saturday. 10am-Noon. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 19 Kids Watercolor Workshop. 2-4pm. $40-$50. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 19 Astronomy Night. 8pm. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706-649-1477 19-20 Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens. Sat 5-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

19 CSO Open Rehearsal. 12:30pm. Free. All ages. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 19 CSO presents Beethoven & Brahms. 7:30pm. $10-$45. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 19 Baby Expo. 10am-2pm. Martin Army Community Hospital, First Floor Entrance, Fort Benning; martin.tricare.mil

20 21 Creative Kids’Theatre. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 22 A Fine and Dandy Day. Ages 0-36

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

months. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

22 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

er Events

22 After School Art Break. 2:30pm. Ages 29Kids’ Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 5-10. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562 Unearthing GA with Historic West23 Crafty Kids: Owl Windsock. Ages 6-11. 29 ville. 3-5pm. Touch artifacts and make your 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 24 Virtual Day at the Library. 10am- own. Cusetta-Chatt Library. 30 Seedling Storytime. 10:30am. $7. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400 24 Leathercrafting with Historic West-

Sight Word Support. K-3. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Kids’ Art Lab. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

ville Village. Teens. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Weekly

25 25-26 Pride & Prejudice. 7pm. MONDAY Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers. 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 70625-26 Pumpkins at Callaway Gar- Ages 243-2813. Not 7th dens. 5-10pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY

25-26 Harris Co PRCA ProRodeo. 6pm. $8-$15. Harris County Agri-Center, Hamilton; hccaonline.com

26 26 Fall Outdoor Market. 11am-4pm. Bluebelle Local Mercantile; 706-327-1181 26Midland Commons Fall Concert Art of the Lawn. Healing through creative expression. 11am. Columbus Library.

Series. 6pm. 6835 Midland Commons Blvd; facebook.com

27 Pride & Prejudice. 2:30pm. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752 27 Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens. 5-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY 28 Crochet Club. 4pm. Columbus Library;

706-243-2813

TUESDAY

LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Catrina’s After Dark. 6:30-9pm. $7. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400 (Not 9/24)

FRIDAY

The Food Mill’s Mobile Market. 9-Noon. MercyMed Farm, 3280 2nd Avenue; 706-5079209

Fun Fridays. Ages 5-12. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 Friday Night Concert Series. 7-10pm. Free. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-24 mo. 10am; Preschoolers. Ages 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

Midland Community Farmers Market. 9amNoon. 9110 Warm Springs Rd, Midland; facebook.com

Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 Storytime with Grammy Trish. 11am. Columbus Bound Bookshop; visitcolumbusga.com

THURSDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Families. Ages 0-5. 10am. South Columbus Library and Columbus Library

Simple Steps: Play. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

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A Migraine is a painful medical condition that can cause

a throbbing headache, nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light and sounds. Migraine symptoms can last from a few hours up to a few days. It is often thought to be an adult health issue but actually affects 1 in 10 kids, ages 5-15. Myth: A migraine attack is nothing more than a bad headache. Fact: Migraine is a complex neurological condition that is different from a common tension headache. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of migraine but there is evidence the condition is genetic, with 60 – 70% of people diagnosed with migraine having a biologic family member that also has the condition.

Stages of a Migraine: • Warning phase: May feel tired, have mood changes. • Aura: May see spots or squiggly lines. Sometimes the aura is not visual but involves difficulty speaking or a feeling of numbness in your arm. Not everyone has an aura before a migraine episode. • Headache phase: A throbbing headache, may need to rest in bed. Moving your head may make the pain feel worse. However, it is possible for someone having a migraine By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

WAhMIGaRAt is: INE attack to have an aura, such as difficulty speaking, and suffer from other migraine symptoms, such as nausea, but not have a headache. • Recovery Phase: Feeling of exhaustion afterwards, can last one or two days.

Myth: Chocolate and other foods can trigger a migraine episode. Fact: Cravings for foods such as chocolate can be part of the

warning phase but are not the direct cause of the migraine attack. For some people, eating certain foods can add to other factors, such as stress or lack of sleep, that make a migraine attack more likely, but one food is unlikely to be the direct cause. Myth: There is no treatment for migraine attacks. Fact: If you or your child suffers from frequent headaches or other migraine symptoms, see a doctor to rule out serious conditions. If migraine is the diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to form an individualized treatment plan that may involve both medication and lifestyle changes. RESOURCE: https://bit.ly/4v0QTR3

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PARENTING tips

Making

MANNERS matter By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

ntroducing your child to good manners and etiquette from an early age is about more than avoiding awkward situations at holiday dinner or when visiting grandparents. It is about starting your child on the path to success as an adult in both her career and social life.

This helps build self-esteem and reduces anxiety about venturing into unfamiliar territory. For example, envision your child entering dance class for the first time and, instead of feeling anxious, she knows to introduce herself to new classmates, lend her teacher a hand if needed and help out a younger dancer with her shoes.

Manners make a good first impression Acting with empathy and being polite provides new classmates and teachers with a likeable first impression and helps earn their respect. She will have an easier time making friends and forming a positive relationship with the peers and adult caregivers that she spends each day with.

By the time your child enters adulthood, if your child has been practicing manners and etiquette from a young age, situations like her first business luncheon will be ones she handles with confidence and grace

Envision your child entering her first interview for a job or her first business dinner as an adult. Knowing how to treat others with empathy, respect and kindness opens doors to opportunities for scholarships, jobs and leadership positions. Manners and etiquette build confidence When your child enters a new situation that is a little uncomfortable, such as a birthday party where she does not know everyone, manners and etiquette provide your child with a roadmap of how to navigate the occasion.

We’re thrilled to announce Water Babies is landing in Columbus, GA! The swim school dedicated to giving babies and kids the best start in life. Backed by years of proven success, we’re now launching our award winning lessons to families in your area. Sign up and join our waitlist today.

334 632 5074

eastalabama.al@waterbabiesusa.com

Tips for teaching kids manners and etiquette Explain to your child why polite words like ‘Excuse me’ or ‘thank you’ are used. One fun way to do this is to read books about manners together.

•

good manners. Set a good example. Notice if you are saying • Model ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and being respectful. fun practicing manners. Pretend play, such as setting a table • Have with play food and pretending that you are eating at an expensive restaurant, is an enjoyable way to practice manners.

Extra-Curricular Activity Guide

1627 Bradley Park Dr, Suite 1 Columbus, GA 706-341-1124

Extra-Curricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Season 19

now open Classes are designed for ages 2-18 years old. Visit our website to learn more!

Enroll Now for a season of fun & dance! prodigydancecentrega.com

706.221.5566 info@prodigydancecentrega.com

Extra-Curricular Activity Guide www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

food focus

Cottage Cheese Cookie

DOUGH

Ready in five minutes and packed with 20-plus grams of protein per serving, this cookie dough bowl satisfies sweet cravings while keeping you full. No baking, no eggs, and no flour means you can enjoy it worry-free.

INSTRUCTIONS

Add cottage cheese to a bowl and mash until mostly smooth. Stir in almond flour until no dry spots remain. Add maple syrup and vanilla; mix well. Stir in peanut butter until glossy. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Chill 10 minutes for firmer texture or enjoy immediately.

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup cottage cheese • 2 tbsp almond flour • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 1/2 tsp vanilla • 2 tbsp peanut butter • 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips

TIPS: Use small-curd cottage cheese for the creamiest result.

Adjust sweetness to taste. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days. If you need to make it nut-free, swap almond flour for oat flour and use sunflower-seed butter. The flavor stays delicious and allergy-friendly. If you want to add more protein, Add one scoop of vanilla protein powder and reduce almond flour by one tablespoon to keep the texture creamy. Dairy-free? Use a thick plant-based yogurt (coconut or almond) in place of cottage cheese. Add an extra tablespoon of almond flour to thicken.

BENEFITS OF Cottage Cheese

ottage cheese may have been a staple in Grandma’s refrigerator, but this creamy, protein-packed food is making a comeback—and for good reason. Mild, versatile and surprisingly nutritious, cottage cheese can be an easy addition to family meals and snacks.

One of its biggest benefits is its protein content. Protein helps support muscles, bones and tissues and can help one feel satisfied between meals. Cottage cheese is also a source of calcium, an important nutrient for strong bones and teeth. Depending on the variety, cottage cheese can also provide phosphorus, selenium and vitamin B12. Choosing a low-sodium variety can be a smart option for families watching their salt intake, and a grass-fed, organic version would provide the best quality. Pair it with fresh berries, peaches, pineapple or sliced bananas for a quick breakfast or snack, or stir it into scrambled eggs for an extra-creamy texture.

Recipe courtesy of estongar.com

For a savory option, top it with tomatoes, cucumbers and a sprinkle of herbs. It can also be blended until smooth and used as a creamy base for dips, sauces and smoothies.

Fun Facts on Cottage Cheese: • Cottage cheese gets its name from the traditional practice of making it at home in cottages. • The “curds” are created when milk is separated into curds and whey. • Cottage cheese comes in different curd sizes and fat levels, so families can choose the texture and nutritional profile they prefer. • It can be enjoyed sweet or savory, making it one of the more adaptable foods in the refrigerator. • Cottage cheese has been around for centuries, but its popularity continues to evolve as families look for convenient, nutritious foods. With protein, calcium and plenty of possibilities, this old-fashioned favorite can fit surprisingly well into a modern family's menu.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

NEWS flash By Tiffany Wilson

Community Engagement Coordinator

A Library Card is a

Sweet Deal

for families

hat if one card could entertain your family, help your attractions, STEAM Kits, Launchpads for young learners, book bunchild succeed in school, inspire a new hobby, save you dles, and more. money, and even treat you to a slice of cake? While at the Library, families can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, welcoming September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Chattahoochee Valley study spaces, and hundreds of free programs and events throughout Libraries is celebrating with Cake & Cards—a fun opportunity to the year—no Library card required. sign up for a new Library card or renew an existing one while enAt Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, we believe the Library is more joying a complimentary slice of cake or cupcake at your favorite local than books. It’s Your Place to learn, explore, and connect. It’s Your Library. It’s our way of saying ‘welcome,’ because becoming part of Partner in raising curious readers and helping families thrive. And the Library community really is a piece of cake! it’s Your Library—ready whenever you need it. The sweetest part, however, isn’t the cake—it’s everything a Library Cake & Cards will be popping up at Library locations across our system card puts within your reach. throughout September, giving families plenty of opportunities to join Of course, you’ll find shelves filled with bestselling books, children’s the celebration. Visit cvlga.org for the complete schedule of dates favorites, and page-turning mysteries. But today’s Library card offers and locations, along with everything you need to know about getting so much more: free streaming movies through Kanopy and hoopla, or renewing your Library card. eBooks and audiobooks through Libby and The Palace Project, un- This September, make time to see how the Library can help your famlimited live online homework help, Experience Passes to statewide ily. We can’t wait to see you!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Dining Deals

for Kids

With deals this good, save the mess and dine out! MONDAY Sapo’s

5pm until close: free kid's meal with adult entrée, dine in only

tuesday Denny’s

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

Mellow Mushroom Dine in for two free kids meals (ages 10 and under) per adult purchase of $15

The Food Mill Buy a family meal, get 2 kids meals for free!

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

wednesday Your Pie Kid's meals half off with adult entrée

Crumbl Free mini cookie with purchase of regular cookie

Does your restaurant have a special offer for kids?! Let us know and we can promote it here for FREE to 20K parents! Email it to us at: Tammy@familyandkidsga.com

Thursday

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

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

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

SUNDAY Vallarta Mexican Restaurant Free kids' meal with the purchase of adult entrée

everyday Bruster’s Ice Cream Kids under 40” get free baby cone

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

Moe’s Free kid’s meals with adult entrée through app (once per week)

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

be helpful

By Jennifer St. John, Sr. VP of Impact, United Way

Make a Difference for Yourself and Others

VOLUNTEER

ooking for ways to have a positive impact? Volunteering is a great way to support our community while also benefiting your own well-being. Research shows that volunteering can improve both physical and mental health by reducing stress, increasing happiness, and fostering a stronger sense of connection and belonging. It also provides opportunities to learn new skills, gain valuable experiences, and build meaningful relationships. You can make a difference year-round through United Way’s Volunteer Hub, where community members can explore a variety of upcoming volunteer opportunities. Projects are designed to support United Way’s four impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Health Access, Financial Stability, and Community Resiliency with both opportunities to serve United Way community strategies and partner organizations. Visit the United Way Volunteer Hub to find your next volunteer opportunity and start making an impact today. Learn more and sign up at unitedcv.vomo.org/org/united-way-of-chattahoochee-valley.

Join in the Community-Wide United Way Day- September 15 Help us kick off our season of giving by participating in a community-wide Day of Action where neighbors, coworkers, and friends come together to give back to the community we all call home. Every hour you give helps local nonprofits and United Way programs do even more for children, families, and neighbors across the Chattahoochee Valley. We can’t wait to serve alongside you. Volunteer opportunities will run from 9am-11am and from 2pm-4pm. Sign up at unitedcv.vomo.org/ initiative/united-way-day-2026. Volunteer with United Way of Chattahoochee Valley! At United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Media for Kids PODCASTS Parents, we can use our kids' love for today’s technology to engage their minds, to empower them to explore their curiosities and to allow them to discover the world around them. A great way to do that is by letting them listen to these age-appropriate podcasts.

Garden Keeper gus

Sweet, calm, immersive stories that follow 6-year-old Gus and his squirrel best friend Rel as they listen to nature sounds and go on fun adventures in a larger-thanlife garden. Perfect for ages 3-5, and up.

deep Blue SEa

Climb aboard submarine Sea Lab Alpha to join underwater explorers Marina and Reef on awesome adventures in the magical oceans covering our planet. Meet amazing sea creatures, learn tons of fun facts, and discover ways to protect the oceans these creatures call home. Perfect for young explorers (3-5).

Disney magic of storytelling

Beloved Disney children's stories come to life for all to enjoy. Spark imagination and entertainment whether you're on the go or in the comfort of your own home.

Super simple imagination time

Join Caitie and her piano-playing pal Zach on an imagination audio adventure filled with play, music, and social-emotional learning moments. Each episode is inspired by a Super Simple Song and begins with a mindfulness activity before we dive into our imaginations to explore and learn together.

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