Family & Kids Chatt Valley Feb 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor Page 25

Teaching the Heart of Christ in the Heart of Columbus.

2

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

NOW OFFERING IMPLANTS!

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

S

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

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

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

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

3

4

SHOPPING GUIDE healthcare

activities Academy Dance.................................... 6 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.... 15 Disney on Ice....................................... 21 Elite Dance............................................. 8 Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair....... 3 Oasis Child Enrichment Center....28 Performance Dance Centre............. 12 Prodigy Dance....................................... 5 RiverCenter.......................................... 14 The Columbus Museum....................11

Childcare/ education TELL THEM Brookstone School. ............................29 Calvary Christian...............................27 First Presbyterian Day School.......26 Grace ChristianSENT School....................24 YOU! Growing Room....................................26 Highland Kids Academy..................29 Kumon...................................................29 Lakewood Child Development ......27 St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic................28 St. Luke Schools.................................25 Sylvan Learning Center...................24

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................22 Zaxby’s..................................................... 2

Columbus Counseling......................20 Comprehensive Women’s Care....... 11 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Ctr for Reproductive Services........ 19 Dr. Alberto Lugo, DMD.......................11 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...30 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...22 Rivertown Pediatrics..........................9

Home/ Handy American Painting & More............. 12 Turfscapes............................................20 Warehouse World...............................20 Zen Windows.......................................20

Shopping/ Retail AutoNation Honda.............................32 Bricks and Minifigs........................... 12 Columbus Kids Market..................... 19 Edward Jones, Brad Brooks............20 In this Place with God......................20 Lula and Mae........................................11 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................22 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 18 The Posh Peach.................................. 31

Where to Find HOO? BULK LOCATIONS: Area Chick-fil-A Locations PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants.

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

www.Familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

5

6

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s Fun

Sparking a Love for Art

There’s very few people who didn’t hear about, collect, or paint rocks this past summer during the local craze “Columbus Georgia Rocks,” but if you were living under a rock during this time, the movement brought people, over 24,000 of them, of all ages and backgrounds together, painting rocks and hiding them for one another to find throughout town. So, who was behind the local phenomenon? SPARK Art! “Smiley” Rachel White and Stevie Hodge are the cofounders of SPARK Art, a local non-profit that will soon receive a federal 5013c non-profit status. SPARK Art goes into the community and organizes different popup art studios at events, after school programs, nursing homes and summer camps.

“Anywhere art is needed, we’re there,” says Smiley.

“Our goal is to spread kindness through art, and make art available to everyone.” She continues, “So far we’ve gone to 105 different events in the area.”

SPARK just hit their two-year anniversary. It was created after a good friend of Smiley’s, who was also an amazing artist, had to leave the Columbus area for a bigger city, unable to make a living here as an artist.

“We were trying to come up with a way to change the appreciation of art in Columbus, so people who are artists in Columbus can make a living here. We decided people must experience art to gain an appreciation, which means we need to make art available to everyone.” Smiley explains. As a non-profit, SPARK Art relies on volunteers and donations. SPARK Art attends events and organizes activities for free, but asks for assistance with supplies.

By sparking a passion for art, SPARK Art is changing the community. The kindness can be seen at each of the events, with people making new friends over a common bond, enjoying their creations. For 2018, Smiley and Stevie are reigniting the flame, bringing some new art across the river:

“In Phenix City there is a piece of land that’s a green space… it’s going to be an art park that we’re gonna be able to use as an ongoing project with phases of creations. The groundbreaking is planned for April.”

They’re also collaborating with local artists to create a coloring book, sponsored by PTAP. But don’t worry, the rocks aren’t going anywhere.

“Columbus GA Rocks is an ongoing project as long as there is an interest” said Smiley. As are some of SPARK’s other projects, like the Spread Kindness project, where volunteers leaving inspirational notes throughout town.

SPARK Art’s first project from 2015 will be hitting the streets again soon, too. As a way to help local artists gain exposure, SPARK transformed a gum ball machine, and filled it with capsules containing tiny pieces of art. This machine pops up throughout town offering pieces for 50¢. So far the machine has had 37 pop ups and sold 1856 capsules. It’s currently being refilled with new pieces.

Smiley hopes as time progresses, the appreciation for art in Columbus will grow, “we can see a change in our community, we’re hoping it’ll just get bigger and better with time.” Smiley also dreams of SPARK expanding as time goes by, hopefully acquiring a SPARK Art van so SPARK can bring more to the Chattahoochee Valley.

How can you help? Donate or volunteer. Donate via Paypal.me/SPARKGA or through Facebook. Get started with volunteering by emailing SPARKart360@Gmail. com. For more information on SPARK Art events, check out their Facebook.

SPARK art will be at the free Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair on Sunday, March 4 at the National Infantry Museum with a super hero mask craft. For more on the camp fair event, see the full page ad in this issue or visit familyandkidsga.com /kids-camp-fair.

7

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

8

HOO’s CRAFTY

PIECE OF MY HEART

VALENTINE WREATH Not only is this a cute way to upcycle that puzzle that is missing a piece or two, it’s a great way to spend a cold or rainy day with your kids. Did I mention how cute it was?!

DIRECTIONS Lay out an old newspaper before you get started. Paint the back of about 40 puzzle pieces a mix of light pink, pink and red. Let dry.

Arrange about 15 painted puzzle pieces in the shape of a heart, gluing the ends of the puzzle pieces together. Then layer more pieces on top of your heart, until it looks full.

Finally, cut a 12″ piece of twine and glue or tie it onto the back of your heart to hang up for Valentine‘s Day!

SUPPLIES 100 piece puzzle Light pink, pink, & red craft paint Foam paint brushes Hot glue gun Red & white twine Courtesy of: afewshortcuts.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic risk factors that can increase the probability of developing heart disease, stroke or diabetes later in life. These risk factors include hypertension, abnormal levels of cholesterol and insulin resistance. People with metabolic syndrome are typically overweight and have excessive abdominal fat.

According to the National Institute of Health, an adult who has three or more of the following risks (or takes medication to control them) has metabolic syndrome: • High blood pressure (130/85 or more ) • Triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or more

WHAT IS: METABOLIC SYNDROME

as to determine risks for other conditions, such as some forms of cancer. A diet high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. In addition, a condition called insulin resistance, where cells in the body don’t properly respond to insulin, has also been linked to metabolic syndrome.

• Abdominal circumference of 35 inches or more in women and 40 inches or more in men

Unfortunately, someone who has metabolic syndrome has very few easily visible symptoms, beyond an abnormally large waist circumference, so a lab test is needed to diagnose it. If you are diagnosed, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, exercising more and reducing stress. If that’s not enough, you may be put on medication to help control glucose levels, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

There is evidence that genetics does play a part in increasing the risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Knowing your family’s medical history is important for this reason, as well

Kids can also develop metabolic syndrome. Parents of kids who are overweight or have a family history of type 2 diabetes should consider having their child screened.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol) of less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women • High blood sugar (fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or more)

9

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

10

MONDAY

wednesDAY

Barberitoes

Applebee’s

Cafe La Rue

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

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

thursday

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm 5-9p: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée 5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

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

Zaxby’s

MOE’s Southwest Grill

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

sunday

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

Pita Pit

Tuesday

Stevi B’s Pizza

Free kids pita, cookie & juice box with a purchase of regular size pita combo Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1.

Denny’s

Texas Roadhouse

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

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

Monday-Friday

Ruby Tuesday

Steak & Shake

5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

TGI Friday’s

Happy Hour, 1/2 price shakes or drinks from 2-5pm

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

every day

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. All specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

Golden Corral

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Follow us

@FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

We are expecting

11

Y ou!

Maria V. Gonzaga, MD OB/GYN

1900 10th Ave. Suite 300 Columbus, GA (706) 341-3311 | comprehensivewomenscare.com

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

12

Attention Busy Homeowners:

There’s Only One Painter in The Columbus Area Who Double Guarantees His Work and Offers ‘The Neatest, Cleanest Painting Project Ever or Your Paint Is 100% FREE!’ FREE 42-Point Exterior Home Inspection and Detailed Report

FREE Gutter Cleaning

($197 VALUE)

Included with any Exterior Paint Job over $999.00 ($219 VALUE)

Expires 02/28

Expires 02/28

Included with any painting estimate

STOP dealing with sloppy painters and dishonest contractors. To see dozens of customer reviews, get more coupons or schedule a FREE project consultation, call our 24-Hour Live Attendant right now at 706-604-1902 or visit AmericanPaintingAndMore.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hoo’s helpful WARD OFF

WINTER WEIGHT GAIN

WEIGHT GAIN

With cold weather and short days, it’s easy to fall off healthy eating and exercise routines. Here are tips on how to eat right and stay motivated to exercise during the winter months.

EAT RIGHT

STAY FIT

It’s easy to fall into eating calorie-loaded or nutrientempty comfort foods in the winter, but take time and plan ahead. The optimum winter foods for weight loss and maintenance are packed with nutrients and filling fiber, so we feel full longer and eat less. Here are five suggestions for your shopping list.

It’s too hard to get motivated to exercise on cold, dark mornings, and by nighttime, you just want to get home and eat something warm. But there are tricks to staying motivated to move during the winter months.

PISTACHIOS. The fiber-rich green nut makes the perfect wintertime snack for many reasons. Research shows that pistachios promote healthy, stable blood-sugar levels and can help improve various risk factors for heart disease when snacked on regularly.

WINTER SQUASH. In season, butternut squash delivers a sweet, nutty flavor for fewer carbs and more fiber than you would expect. It is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, both antioxidants that will help keep your immune system in top shape. Add into soup and give your body what it craves: cold weather comfort.

MUSHROOMS. Mushrooms are a great cold-weather food that is in season all winter long. They are not only a unique source of a potent antioxidant called ergothioneine, but they are also a low-calorie, appetite-filling food that can be roasted, braised or sautéed.

CABBAGE. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage are fibrous low-calorie foods that are perfect for the winter.

They also contain powerful antioxidants like glucosinolates that help reinforce your body’s cellular detoxification pathways.

GREEN TEA. Green tea is one of the few truly fat-burning foods. The antioxidants in green tea work to increase the amount of calories that your body burns as heat while also stimulating the liberation of stored fat in your body.

SET A NEW GOAL AND REWARD YOURSELF. Whether you want to lose weight, get stronger or move faster, set reasonable and specific goals that involve numbers or tangible accomplishments. Once you’ve attained your goal, treat yourself with a massage, new outfit or whatever tickles your fancy.

FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY. Accountability is a great way to stay on track. Make a commitment with a friend or personal trainer for set times. This not only forces you to show up, but it can also make you push harder when you have someone cheering you on - and it’s fun!

Think outside the box. Do something different like a dance class, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) class, join a running group, or grab friends and go ice-skating.

DRESS THE PART. Invest in some new gear. It’s a known fact we all feel better and perform better in the appropriate attire. Invest in a couple of great pieces.

AMP UP YOUR PLAYLIST. Music motivates. Create a bunch of playlists that get you up and going. Play songs as you get ready.

FOCUS ON NUTRITION. Food is fuel to get moving.

Every week, set yourself up by preparing healthy snacks that you can just grab and go if needed, such as portable pistachios, hard-boiled eggs or chopped vegetables.

13

14

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

MARCH 6 | 7:00PM Your favorite stories come to life on the RiverCenter stage!

media sponsors:

DISCOVERY SEriES

Back- flips, conga lines, jumping rope and scooter rides...what can’t these pups do?

Watch all the four-legged action live on stage at RiverCenter.

MARCH 10 | 2:30PM SERIES

media sponsors:

media sponsors:

900 BROADWAY, COLUMBUS, GA | 706.256.3612 | RIVERCENTER.ORG

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

UNICORN ENERGY BITES

So what makes these so magical? For one, they’re colorful just like a unicorn, but they are also packed with deliciousness every kid will love! =

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to food processor. Process until a sticky ball of dough forms. (Note: you may have to stop to scrape down the edges a few times).

Divide your dough into four equal parts. Then color each part however you’d like by adding food coloring and folding it in with your hands.

Take a little bit of each color. Mush them together and roll into a bite-sized ball. Roll the ball in the sprinkles, and place on a lined baking sheet.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Enjoy or store in the fridge for up to a week.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup cashew butter • 1/2 cup pure honey or agave • 1 1/2 cup gluten free oats • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds • 1/2 cup raw cashew pieces • 1/2 cup golden raisins • Food coloring • Multi-colored sugar sprinkles Courtesy of fitfulfocus.com

15

16

Februar PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

1

Brilliant Builders: LEGO Mania! 4-5:30pm.

North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

1

VIP Night for special needs jumpers.

6-8pm. $10 jumper & guardian. Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com

2

MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:1511:30am. Wynnbrook Church, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706-323-4374

3

Board Book Club (BBC). 10:30-11:30 am.

Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

3

Puppy Tales. 10:30-11:30 am. North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

4

Pine Mountain Ridge Walk II. 8am. 3-mile easy walk. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

7

Unplug from the Computer for Chess’ Sake. 4:30-6:30 pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

8

14

8

I Saw the Sign: ASL Storytime. 4:00 – 5:00 pm. North Columbus Library. 706-7482855.

A Story for You, Un Cuento Para Mi: Bilingual Storytime. 11:45am-12. North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

Autism Teen Social. 7pm. Room L714.

Columbus Technical College; autismhopecenter.com

10

Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:30 -11:30 am. South Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

10

Try Something New: Youth Edition: Coded: Programming, Coding, and Gaming.

2-3pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

10

5

Uno, Dos, Tres Crafts. 3-4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

6

Super Museum Sunday. 1-3pm. Free. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

Read & Play Storytime. 10:30-11:30 am.

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon.

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

Phenix City; 334-297-2045

6

Mini Makers: Chalk Art. 10:30-11:30 am.

Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

6

STEAMpunks Stories & Science. 3:30-4:30 pm. South Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

13

La Leche League morning meeting. 10am.

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

11

12

Read & Play Storytime. 10:30-11:30 am.

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

12

Baroque with No Monet: Youth Art Class.

4-5pm. North Columbus Library. 706-7482855.

“The Talk” for Girls. 5:15pm. $40. St Luke Ministry Center; rightfromthestart.org

15 16

MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:1511:30am. Wynnbrook Church, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706-323-4374

17

Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:30-11:30 am. South Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

19

Read & Play Storytime. 10:30-11:30 am.

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

19

Blockheads! LEGO Challenge. 3:30-4:30 pm. South Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

20

Mini Makers: Tinker Time. 10:30-11:30 am. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

20

Unplug from the Computer for Chess’ Sake. 4:30-6:30 pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

ry Events 20

Craft Your Family Tree: Genealogy Basics for Pre-Teens. 4:30-5:30 pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

24

Uno, Dos, Tres Crafts. 3-4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

20

25

21

26

Face 2 Face Teen Support Group. 6pm.

Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Assoc; ccacolumbus.com “The Talk” for Girls. 5:15pm. $40. St Luke Ministry Center; rightfromthestart.org

22

Columbus Comic Book Show. 11am-4pm. $4. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; www. ccssc.org Read & Play Storytime. 10:30 -11:30 am.

South Columbus Public Library. 706-6838805.

27

Cardboard Box Challenge: Build a Robot!

4-5pm. North Columbus Library. 706-7482855.

Picture Book Club. 3:30-4:30pm. South Columbus Public Library. 706-683-8805.

22

Bang, Boom, Woops: Youth Science Club.

4:30-5:30 pm. Columbus Public Library.

706-243-2669.

24

Family Fun Night. 6:30-7:30 pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

La Leche League evening meeting. 6pm.

Iron Bank Coffee (Upstairs), 6 Eleventh Street; lllofga.org/columbus.html.

Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus.

8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles. com/flightplan/flight.asp

24

February Family Fun Festival. 10am-1pm.

Free. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

24

Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:30-11:30 am. South Columbus Library. 706-6838805.

24

Once Upon a Time…Storytime. 11:30 am – 12 noon. Columbus Library. 706243-2669.

27 27

17

Weekly Events FRIDAY

Kids Night Out. $10. 6pm practice. 7pm competition. Ages 5-18. Bows not provided. Archery Connection; 334-480-9997 or archeryconnection.net

SATURDAY

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details.

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-6537880.

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more events, visit our website at: familyandkidsga.com

28

Columbus Kids Market Spring Consignment Sale. 10am-5pm. Central Baptist Church, 8308 Whitesville Rd; columbuskidsmarket.com

28

“The Talk” for Boys. 5:15pm. $40. St Luke Ministry Center; rightfromthestart.org

Looking Ahe ad:

8th Annual Kid & Summer s Camp Fun Fair March 4, N oon-4, Free National In fantry Muse um Hosted by Family & Kid s and Muscogee M oms familyandk idsga.com/k

ids-camp-fa

ir

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

18

mini-me looks Trendsetter styles.

Cash for clothes.

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

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO knew?

Fun Facts: MOON Did you know there was a tall mountain on the Moon? Well there is and it’s called Mons Huygens. It is nearly 3 miles (4700 meters) tall. That’s just over half the height of Mount Everest at just over 5 miles (8848 meters). Wow.

l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l l The average distance from the Moon to the Earth is 238,857 miles (384,403 kilometers). If you had to drive from the moon to the Earth at 65 mph, it would take you 3,674 hours to get there, or 153 days driving non-stop 24 hours a day. l l The temperature of the moon changes all the time and goes from -451 degrees Fahrenheit (-233 degrees Celsius) to 253 degrees Fahrenheit (123 degrees Celsius).

Wow, one minute you’ll be freezing off your toes, the next minute you’ll be burning up!

The first man to make proper maps of the moon was Galileo. He didn’t invent the telescope but by 1609 he had developed a telescope that could magnify objects up to 20 times. It was with this that he started to study that awesome moon.

l l l l l l l l

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE family time A way for families to manage content and time across all devices. Limit screen time, monitor & manage kid’s phone activities like App Blocking, Family Locator, Screen Time Allowance, Content Filters, Kid Tracker, Geofencing, App Restrictions & much more!

toca builders This minecraft style app gives littles a new way of creating and crafting things with blocks, that encourages both creativity and curiosity. With simple touch gestures and unique controls the builders come alive and help create a world only you can dream up!

dragonbox algebra Perfect for giving kids a head start in math and algebra. Children as young as five can easily begin to grasp things like solving linear equations without even realizing that they are learning. The game is intuitive, engaging and fun, allowing anyone to learn the basics of algebra at his or her own pace.

new mom workout Features workout routines for new moms.

Select whether you want to work out alone or with your baby, how much time you have, and pick your music, then you’re ready to go.

Just press play and the app does the rest! This great free version lets you do one workout at each level, no equipment needed.

19

20

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

mom's marketplace LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING COMPANY

COMMERCIAL . RESIDENTIAL . LICENSED . INSURED

DWTURFSCAPES@BELLSOUTH.NET

706-587-4666

1/2 OFF

1ST MONTH WITH NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

Reach Moms Here!

Call 253-212-7270

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

21

Tickets Start at $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER MAR 1 – 4 DisneyOnIce.com

22 22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

where should baby go to sleep?

It’s an age-old question, should your newborn sleep in his or her own bed in the parents’ bedroom for a while or start their sleeping habits in their own room?

A new study suggests infants benefit from sleeping in their own room, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the dangers may offset the benefit. Recent research from a hospital in Philadelphia says babies go to sleep earlier, take less time to fall asleep, get more total sleep over the course of 24 hours, and spend more time asleep at night when they don’t share a bedroom with their parents. Parents also report that they get more rest as well.

“There are a number of possible reasons that babies sleep better in their own room,” said lead study author Jodi Mindell, associate director of the Sleep Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “One main reason is that they are more likely to self-soothe to sleep,” Mindell said by email.

During the study, researchers found that parents who put babies to sleep in a separate room were less likely to feed infants to help them fall asleep at bedtime or when they awoke during the night.

The study focused on infants 6 to 12 months old.

Researchers examined data from a questionnaire completed by parents of 6,236 infants in the U.S. and 3,798 babies in an international sample from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand. All participants were users of a publicly available smartphone app for baby sleep. The researchers noted that because of the use of the smartphone app, results might not be the same for a larger population of households.

The

23

Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

The AAP recommends that newborns sleep in their own bed in their parents’ bedroom till the infant is at least 6 months of age to minimize the risk of sleep-related death. Ideally, babies should stay in their parents’ rooms at night for a full year, AAP advised.

The reason for the AAP recommendation is because babies sleeping in the same room as parents, but not the same bed, may have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The safest spot for infant sleep is on a firm surface such as a crib or bassinet without any soft bedding, bumpers or pillows, the guidelines stressed.

“Pediatric providers have been struggling with what to tell parents since the release of the AAP recommendations,” Mindell said. “Once a baby is past the risk of SIDS, by 6 months of age, parents need to decide what works best for them and their family, which enables everyone in the family to get the sleep they need.”

SIDS deaths occur most often from birth to six months but can also happen in older babies that were the focus on the study, said Dr. Lori FeldmanWinter, a coauthor of the AAP guidelines and pediatrics researcher at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey.

“If the only goal is to increase sleep, then the results may be compelling,” Feldman-Winter said in an email to Reuters Health. “However, since we don’t know the causes of SIDS and evidence supports room sharing as a method to decrease SIDS, giving up some sleep may be worth it.”

24

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

HOO’s learning

Get Involved AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL

Taking an active role at your child’s school is a simple way to provide support and stay engaged.

Whether your schedule is open or you’re juggling multiple demands, there are ways for virtually all families to participate in their children’s classrooms.

VOLUNTEER IN THE CLASSROOM. Today’s teachers are busier than ever, developing classroom lessons, teaching to rigorous curriculum standards, coaching and chairing extracurricular activities and tackling their own professional development goals. This can leave little down time to coordinate special activities or classroom celebrations, but that’s where parent volunteers can play an essential role.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEACHERS. Creating a connection with your child’s teacher can be based on more than checking in on performance and behavior. Sharing resources and ideas with teachers makes you an ally and an asset to the classroom.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

25

For a list of private schools, preschools, tutors and home school resources: familyandkidsga.com/cat/education To feature your school option, call Tammy 253-212-7270.

JOIN A FORMAL ORGANIZATION. Parent Teacher Associations are designed to engage parents in the education system. Members have a direct connection to what’s happening in the school, an avenue to share concerns and means for inspiring improvements.

TAKE PART IN FIELD TRIPS. Many rich learning opportunities exist outside the classroom, but those activities are often limited by chaperone availability.

Both schools and most field trip destinations require certain student-to-chaperone ratios for safety and optimal learning. Joining a classroom field trip not only allows you to share the experience with your own child, but makes the outing possible for other kids as well.

SHARE YOUR TALENTS. There are ways parents can get involved without straying too far from what they know best, such as volunteering to speak at a career day. If you’re looking for something a little more handson, many schools welcome help to build props or sew costumes for the school play, host a lesson on a favorite artist, share cultural traditions or help run activities like science fairs or field days.

IF YOU’RE UNSURE HOW TO GET STARTED, CONTACT YOUR STUDENT’S TEACHER OR THE SCHOOL’S MAIN OFFICE AND ASK FOR GUIDANCE ON WHERE YOU CAN MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT.

26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

26

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Now Enrolling for the 2018-19 School Year!

Dual Enrollment K3-12th Grade Fine Arts Biblical Instruction Full Athletic Program Weekly Chapel Challenging Academics Extra-Curricular Activities AP & Honor Classes Before & After School Care

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

OPEN HOUSE Thursdays, 9A to 1P or call 706.323.0467, ext. 204 CalvaryKnights.com 706.323.0467

27

28

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

29

ONE DAY, SHE WILL BE A NEUROSCIENTIST.

But today, she’s taking a neuroanatomy class at Brookstone School. Tomorrow?

Forensics. Next semester, marine biology.

Brookstone is home to tons of mindopening academic experiences. Here, fourth graders use power tools to build book benches. Middle schoolers make cat houses for PAWS Humane. Lower School kids tour history classrooms turned Civil War museums.

BE THE ONE

Welcome to Brookstone. We’re the ones who take learning to the next level.

brookstoneschool.org 706.324.1392

Schedule a Parent Orientation today!

Kumon Math & Reading Center of

COLUMBUS - NORTH

1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K

706.257.6963

kumon.com/columbus-north

©2015 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

30

STRESS RELIEF THROUGH

Meditation

Carving out short periods of down time to keep yourself feeling healthy and ready to take on the daily challenges of parenting young children is important. One perfect way to relieve stress and improve your health is meditation. Two short time periods of meditation a day can have many mental and physical health benefits.

Meditation helps you relax, improving your physical health.

Studies show that when you relax, the nitric oxide that is released opens blood vessels, which then reduces blood pressure. A study of people who meditate also showed a connection between meditating on a regular basis and an improved immune system.

l

Meditation relieves anxiety and helps you stay focused. In studies, meditation causes increased volume in the area of the brain responsible for controlling emotions and memory. It helps you feel centered and clears out emotions that get in the way of concentrating and organizing tasks. You’re more productive when you feel in control of your emotions and your thoughts.

l

HOO’s INSPIRED By meditating a couple of times a day, you become more selfaware and able to tackle challenges with confidence. Spending time meditating can help you gain clarity and insight about what is truly important to you and put any issues into perspective.

l

Learning to meditate does take practice. Here are a few tips to get started: Choose a place that is not too noisy and is a comfortable temperature. You don’t want to be distracted by being too hot or too cold. Wear comfortable clothes. Decide how long you want to meditate and set a timer.

l

Sit down and close your eyes. Make sure to use good posture and keep your back straight. Sitting on the floor on a meditation cushion or bench is a common practice.

l

Breathe normally, but focus on your breathing. When your mind starts to wander, bring it back. Some people use a mantra (a repeated phrase) to help them focus and others might use a mental image to help them focus.

l

For suggested beginner poses and ways to keep your mind quiet while meditating, read our expanded article at: familyandkidsga.com/meditation

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. F a m i l y A n d K i d s G A . c o m

Omarion, 2 years Salem

Khloe, 2 years Phenix City

Leah Grace, 3 years Columbus

31