Chatt Valley February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Page 10 sor See Spon ver Co

Activ8 Your Summer! 10 Weeks of Summer FUN beginning May 26!

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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

Valid at the following locations only:

3722 S. Railroad St. • Phenix City 3908 U.S. Hwy. 80 W. Phenix City

FREE

Zax Kidz Meal ®

with any adult meal purchase.

7626 Schomburg Rd. Columbus 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus 6190 Bradley Park Dr. Columbus 7033 Ruffie Way • Columbus

Participating locations only.

Mondays

5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Offer only valid Monday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kids 10 and under only. Limit one Zax Kidz Meal per adult meal purchase. Adult meals include any Zalad®, Sandwich Meal or Most Popular Meal. Dine-in only. Not valid at any other locations. © 2018 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC “Zaxby’s,” “Zax Kidz” and “Zalad” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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ENROLLING IN

GEORGIA PRE-K Although the 2020 school year seems awhile away, local schools are preparing their open enrollment for GA Pre-K. The Pre-K program is unique to our state and has many other states curiously watching to see the positive effects it has on Georgia students. Georgia is the first state to offer Pre-K to all children, not only those in certain income brackets. The Georgia Pre-K program is funded by the Georgia State Lottery and has no effect on taxpayers, likewise, local taxes have no effect on GA Pre-K funding. This may be the first you’re hearing of this educational program. If so, we’ve got the answers to your most FAQs:

Who is eligible for Pre-K?

If your child is a Georgia resident and will be 4 by September 1, they’re eligible for GA Pre-K. However, the program is limited on its availability, and many schools enroll based on a lottery system. So, even if you sign up for a Muscogee County School District Pre-K program, you may want to enroll at other area schools, just to be sure a spot is secured.

Where is GA Pre-K offered?

Muscogee County School District offers Pre-K at 15 elementary schools, plus there are local daycares which also offer it, such as locations of The Growing Room and Childcare Network. To find out where GA Pre-K is offered and the quality rating for each facility, visit qualityrated.org.

When is Pre-K?

Pre-K mimics the same hours as a regular school day, 8AM-2:30PM. The Pre-K schedule also follows the same school year and holiday schedule as the local school district. It’s important to know attendance is mandatory for GA Pre-K. Excessive absenteeism and tardiness can result in removal from the program.

What will my child learn in Pre-K?

The program includes many educational initiatives to help prepare your child to begin Kindergarten with regard to site recognition, phonics and mathematics. But GA Pre-K also focuses on more than just academics. It prepares your child for in-school etiquette.

Remember, if your child has never been in a classroom environment, learning the simplest tasks like sitting quietly in a circle will be an undertaking. GA Pre-K also focuses on the social skills your child needs to properly interact with peers in the classroom.

Although your child may play well with their friends, it’s important your child learns how to manage relationships with a variety of children in a large classroom setting.

Why should I enroll my child?

Many studies have shown students who participated in GA Pre-K have higher test scores than those who did not. GA Pre-K not only helps prepare your child for kindergarten; it also gives your child the opportunity to interact socially with peers. If your child is used to a home setting versus a classroom or daycare environment, GA Pre-K will help to make the transition to a classroom a little easier on your child. Plus, GA Pre-K is paid for by the Georgia State Lottery, so it’s a safe, free environment for your child to learn and grow.

If you’re interested in enrolling your child in Georgia Pre-K, open enrollment usually occurs in the beginning of March. It is important to contact your prospective schools now to take a tour and find out individual requirements and deadlines.

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The Scoop!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Follow us @FamilyAndKidsGA

Win cool prizes, socialize & stay in the know!

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

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

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HOO’s HEALTHY The pylorus is a muscular valve that connects the stomach to the small intestine. This valve holds food in the stomach until it is ready to enter the small intestine. In infants, the pylorus sometimes becomes abnormally thick and narrows, or even blocks the passageway between the stomach and the small intestine, preventing food from exiting the stomach. This condition is called pyloric stenosis and is the second most common reason for newborns to undergo surgery.

Pyloric stenosis develops typically three to five weeks after birth but also may appear as late as five months of age. Symptoms include forceful vomiting, weight loss, failure to grow and develop, small stools and dehydration.

Many babies burp and spit up after feeding, but the vomiting resulting from pyloric stenosis is more like a forceful ejection that travels several feet. The repeated vomiting may irritate the stomach, causing blood to appear in the vomit. Also, babies with pyloric stenosis may always seem to be hungry no matter how often they eat.

The exact cause of pyloric stenosis is unknown, but research has found possible environmental and genetic risk factors. The condition is more common in boys than in

WHAT IS: PYLORIC STENOSIS

girls and is found more often in Caucasian babies of Northern European ancestry. Also, infants with a family history of pyloric stenosis are more likely to develop the condition.

Babies who develop pyloric stenosis can become very sick quickly. A baby suffering from the severe vomiting associated with pyloric stenosis can dehydrate rapidly and also may develop an imbalance in vital minerals such as sodium and potassium.

Pyloric stenosis is diagnosed using imaging techniques that allow the doctor to view the internal organs. The treatment for pyloric stenosis is surgery, but the baby is first given an IV to treat dehydration and any mineral imbalances. By the time the baby is released from the hospital, he is usually able to resume his normal feedings. The good news is that once pyloric stenosis is treated, the condition does not return.

RESOURCES: https:/medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000970.htm

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Expand

HOO’s HUNGRY

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their palate and knowledge with CULTURAL FOOD Pizza, chicken tenders and french fries, it’s the diet for many American children. As parents, we often find ourselves in this complacency with our children’s palate. We allow them to eat the same fruits, veggies and meals day-after-day because it’s easier than arguing with them, and at least they’re fed, right? Expand your child’s palate by creating an adventure with their meal by trying new cultural foods. The Chattahoochee Valley is home to an array of locally owned restaurants that offer exciting textures and flavors for you and your little one’s taste buds. If you’re a little hesitant to feed your child a falafel instead of a fry, we’ve got some tips to make this dining outing successful: Make it a Fun Lesson: These ethnic dining locations are often filled with culturally appropriate décor, photos and music. Make your dining experience about more than just the food. Teach your child about the area where the meals originated. A simple google search for “fun facts about Germany” can give you lots of interesting information for table discussion. If your child is already familiar with the culture, consider discussing the food itself on the menu. For example, where olives are grown, how they’re harvested and the different kinds available.

Look for similar foods and textures: If your child never eats shrimp, don’t expect them to like shrimp with a new seasoning on it. However, if your child is a huge fan of bread, perhaps start at the naan bread. Most countries have similar staples to their meals, so consider your child’s current likes and find a menu item tailored to those needs.

Don’t Force It: We have a “try one bite” policy in our household. When trying something new, ask your child to try one bite of each item and tell you why they do or don’t like it. This helps to open communication and really pinpoint what pleases your child’s palate. Try not to force a child to eat something. It doesn’t encourage a positive relationship with food.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TOP PICKS FOR AREA FOREIGN RESTAURANTS GERMAN FOODS, GIFTS AND MORE:

UPTOWN VIETNAM CUISINE:

The name says it all! This Phenix City store offers a small café that serves lunch specials such as Jägerschnitzel, Weißwurst and Broetchen. Plus, they offer an array of German snacks, breads and cheese. 711 13TH ST, PHENIX CITY, AL 36867

Casual, family-owned nook with pho & other homemade Vietnamese dishes, plus beer, wine & bubble tea.

CAFÉ LE RUE:

Simple Greek prides itself in offering a Greece-esque experience with fresh ingredients, healthy choices and lots of protein. Spanakopita is a must-try on your first visit!

2523 AIRPORT THRUWAY, COLUMBUS, GA 31904

1228 BROADWAY #100, COLUMBUS, GA 31901 AND 6516 KITTEN LAKE DRIVE, MIDLAND, GA 31820

Experience Cajun favorites including seafood gumbo, Crawfish Étouffée, Cajun Boudin and more.

MERCY’S JAMAICAN KITCHEN:

This restaurant prides itself on authentic Yardy Style cooking; food that warms the soul, nourishes the spirit and keeps you coming back. Try the classic jerk chicken & curry shrimp.

5753 MILGEN RD, COLUMBUS, GA 31907

1250 BROADWAY, COLUMBUS, GA 31901

SIMPLE GREEK:

PITA MEDITERRANEAN:

Enjoy fresh falafels, rice bowls and baklava at this restaurant that strives to honor Mediterranean culture in the area.

6600 WHITTLESEY BLVD AND 3150 MACON RD UNIT G, COLUMBUS, GA 31906

KOREAN HOUSE:

This hidden treasure offers authentic Korean cuisine. Must try meals include Kim Chi Chigae (spicy soup), Samgyeopsal (pork belly) and Bi Bim Bap (beef over rice & veggies).

5507 VETERANS PKWY, COLUMBUS, GA 31904

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CRAFTY

COLORFUL & SPONGY SPROUT HOUSE

THIS LITTLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT CREATES A CUTE HOUSE AND DEMONSTRATES THE GROWTH OF SEEDS! Courtesy of explorer.compassion.com

DIRECTIONS Cut three sponges in half. Take one of the halves and cut it in half again. These smaller halves will be your front and back walls. The fourth sponge will be the base of your home. Insert a toothpick into the sponge that will be your front wall, leaving an inch exposed. Push the exposed toothpick into the base sponge so it stands. Use toothpicks to set up the rest of your walls, using two toothpicks each for the longer sidewalls. Once your walls are set up, push a toothpick into the top of each sidewall, leaving ¾ inch of toothpick exposed. Then stick on two pieces of sponge to be your roof, angling them inward. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp. seeds with a little water to make a thick mixture.

With a butter knife, spread the mixture over your roof. Then spread some on the base sponge outside the house. Place the house in a shallow dish. Pour a little water into the dish around the base sponge. Mist the roof with your spray bottle of water. Each day add some water to the bottom of your dish. Once or twice a day, mist all the sponges with water. In a couple of days, your seeds will start to sprout. Water it daily.

SUPPLIES 4 COLORFUL SPONGES SCISSORS TOOTHPICKS SMALL BOWL SHALLOW DISH 3 TBSP. SEEDS

(CHIA, ALFALFA AND/OR WHEAT BERRY)

WATER SPRAY BOTTLE

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family GUIDE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

WE ARE A 3 STAR QUALITY RATED PROGRAM! Small class sizes, homework time, recess, character building curriculum, and much more!

706-221-5947

Visit us Online FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s tips

SPYING EYES of

smart devices

During the holiday season, many families added a smart TV or a digital assistant to their household inventory of electronics. These smart devices allow you to use voice commands to place a call or to start streaming an episode of your favorite Netflix show without having to get off the sofa. However, there may be a downside to the convenience provided by smart devices. If a smart device is always listening for commands and is connected to the internet, could it pose a privacy risk? Here are some measures you can take to reduce the data you may be sharing:

SECURE YOUR SMART TV AND MINIMIZE DATA COLLECTION/SHARING Smart TVs are connected to the internet but are not as well protected as computers, making them vulnerable to hacking. Smart TVs may also collect data on what you watch through a process called Advanced Content Recognition (ACR).

ACR data, along with info that can identify you, such as your device ID and your location, is sent to the manufacturer and the manufacturer’s business partners. You cannot review or delete this data and it may be used for targeted advertising.

Steps to maximize privacy and prevent your smart TV from being hacked:  Identify which data collection, voice recognition and targeted advertising features come with your smart TV. To find them, set up an internet search that includes your TV’s model number along with terms like ‘privacy,’‘internet’ and ‘data.’  When setting up a new smart TV, read all the screens carefully before clicking ‘I agree.’ Opt out of any data collection agreements or targeted advertising agreements you do not wish to participate in.  If your smart TV is already set up, navigate to the privacy settings menu to opt out of smart features you do not want active. For help navigating to your TV’s privacy settings, perform an internet search that contains your TV’s model number and phrases like ‘turn off ACR’ and ‘turn off targeted advertising.’  If your TV has a camera, cover it when you are not using it.  Change any passwords from the default password. Create a secondary Wi-Fi network for your smart devices that is separate from the network your computer is on. Also, install any updates for your smart TV released by the manufacturer.  These steps can greatly reduce your security risk and the data being collected, but the only way to reduce your exposure down to zero is to completely disconnect your TV from the internet.

TAKE CONTROL OF DATA COLLECTED BY SMART SPEAKERS Your conversations with digital assistants like Alexa are stored in the service provider’s cloud server. However, there are some steps you can take to manage saved conversations.

Steps to maximize privacy and prevent your smart speakers from being hacked:  Delete messages from your Google Assistant by going to the Google Assistant Activity dashboard on your Google account.  Delete conversations with Alexa by going into your Alexa app and going to ‘Alexa Privacy’ then clicking ‘Review Voice History.’ While you are in the ‘Alexa Privacy’ menu, click on ‘Manage How Your Data Improves Alexa’ and disable the ‘Help Develop New Features’ option and the ‘Use Messages to Improve Transcriptions’ option.  Use the ‘Mute’ feature on your smart speaker when you do not want to take a chance that it will mistake something you say for its wake word and start recording your conversation.  Turn on the option that enables the smart speaker to emit an audible signal when it hears its wake word.

This signal alerts you that the smart speaker is recording what is being said in the room.

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February Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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1 February Family Festival. 10am-1pm. Free. 4 Harry Potter Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. 13 Books Before Bedtime. 6:00pm. North Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562, ex 2124

Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

ter; 706-256-3645

6:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

$25. Columbus Civic Center; rdragons.com

10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Launch Trampoline; Launchcolumbus.com

10:15am. N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

stone Climbing Gym; 706-507-7625

brary; 706-748-2855

$25. St. Peter UMC, Columbus; 706-561-9391

Party. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

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

Phenix City; 334-297-2045

243-2813

activities). 9am. (Ages K-12). Columbus Museum; 706-748-2563 ext 6540

1 The Pout-Pout Fish. 2:30pm. $13. RiverCen- 5 STEAM Celebration of Black History Month. 14-15 River Dragons Hockey Game. $81 Creative Crawlers (Ages 0-24 months). 6 VIP Night for Kids with Special Needs. 6pm. 14 Finger Paint Free Play (Ages 2-4) RSVP. 1 Screen-Free Saturday Social Hour. 10:30am. 7 Game Time: Big Read Program. 4:30pm. 14 Homeschool Friday! 1:30-3:30pm. Tread1 Puppy Tales. 10:30am. North Columbus Li- 7 Parents Night Out (6-12 mon). 6-9pm. $5- 14 Stupid Cupid: a Sweet Minute to Win It 1 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon. 8 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Library; 706- 15 ARTiculate (Sensory-friendly tours and 8

4 Mini Makers (Ages 3-5). 10:30am. Colum-

Uno, Dos, Tres Craft. 3:00pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

4 Afterschool Games in the Yancey

Kids Can Code. 4:00pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

bus Library; 706-243-2813

Children’s Garden. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

4 STEAM Punks: Stories & Sci-

ence. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

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Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2679

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Artful Babies (6-24 mons). 10:30am. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562, ex 2124

4 Pint Sized Picassos & Mini 11 Discovery Hub: 1920’s. 10:30am. ColumMonets (Ages 5-12). 4pm.

N. Columbus Library; 706748-2855

bus Library; 706-243-2813

11 Artful Babies (6-24 mons). 10:30am. RSVP.

Columbus Museum; 706-7482562, ex 2124

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PlayLab for Kids. (Ages 8-12).

4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

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Creative Crawlers (Ages 0-24 months).

10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

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Fancy Nancy Tea Party. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

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Mini Makers (Ages 2-4). 10:30am. RSVP. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562, ex 2124

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Arbor Day Adventure Walk. 11am. $3 + $5 parking. FD Roosevelt State Park; 706-6634858

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Presidents’ Day Picnic at Dowdell’s Knob.

Noon-1:30pm. $5 parking. FD Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

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Mini Makers (Ages 3-5). 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

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Afterschool Games. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

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Friendship Month. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

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Puzzles As Easy As Pie. 4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782.

y Events www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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Storywalk: Janet Tashjian, Einstein the Class Hamster. 4pm. N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Discovery Hub: 1970’s. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Cirque du Soleil AXEL. $44$139. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

20-23

21 Mini Makers (Ages 2-4). 10:30am. RSVP.

Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562, ex 2124

21 MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:15-

11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist; 706-323-4374

25 PlayLab for Kids. (Ages 8-12). 4:30pm.

25 Picture Book Club. 3:30pm. South Co-

lumbus Library; 706-683-8805

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Mardi Gras Celebration. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

26 Mommy Meet-Up. 11am. North Colum-

21 Mardi Gras Jazz Parade. 10:30am. Colum-

bus Library; 706-748-2855

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Read Program. 6pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

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Homeschool Friday! 1:30-3:30pm.

Treadstone Climbing Gym; 706-507-7625

21 Switch Mix Super Mario Game (Ages

7-12). 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Finger Paint Friday: Session 1 (Ages 3-4) RSVP. 2pm. and Session 2 (Ages 5-6) 2:45pm.

N. Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Parents Night Out! (Ages 5-12). 6-10pm. $25. RSVP. Treadstone Climbing Gym; 706507-7625

Friday Family Flicks: “Toy Story 4.”

3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-6838805

Akeelah and the Bee. $10-$18.

Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

River Dragons Hockey Game. $8-$25. Columbus Civic Center; rdragons.com

Puppy Tales. 2:00pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

bus Library; 706-243-2813

Black History Month Celebration.

3:30pm. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 Can You Dig It: Anthropology for Kids.

4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

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Weekly Events MONDAY

Family Storytime. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 2/17) ASL: Silent Chat. 4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (Not 2/17)

TUESDAY

Chess. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

26 Creek Culture Family Night: an NEA Big

WEDNESDAY

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Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5). 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

28 28

Family Storytime. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679

Baby Story Time (Ages 0-24). 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

THURSDAY

Get Your Game On. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 LEGOS™ in the Library. 4:30pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

28-29

FRIDAY

Akeelah and the Bee. $10-$18.

Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

28-29

SATURDAY

10am. Pre-registration required. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562, ex 2124

bus. 8:30-11:30am. (Ages 8-17). Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com

Girl Power Program. 1-3pm. RSVP. Mildred L. Terry Library; blessingsthree65.org

Drumming Up FUN. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Saturday Storytime. 11am. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880

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22 Parent & Child Workshop: Night Rider. 29 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Colum22 23

Columbus Comic Book & Toy Show.

11am-4pm. $5 admission. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; ccssc.org

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Music ‘n Motion. 10 & 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 2/21) Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details.

Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

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

Arianna, 4 years Columbus

Micah, 4 years Midland

Klaire, 10 months Midland

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists Schedule your appointment today!

(706) 507-2307

HOO’s HUNGRY

VALENTINE'S COOKIE POPCORN SWEET, CUTE AND FUN. JUST LIKE A VALENTINE SHOULD BE! COURTESY OF IHEARTNAPTIME.NET

DIRECTIONS

Pop your popcorn and place in a large bowl. Next melt your vanilla candy coating in the microwave according to the package directions. Then add the cookie butter to the melted chocolate. Stir until combined. Drizzle the coating over the popcorn. Stir until evenly coated. Mix in M&Ms and then spread out on wax paper. Melt your colored candy melts in the microwave and then drizzle on top of the popcorn. You can always add a few drops of food coloring to white chocolate chips as well. Top with sprinkles. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS • 16 cups popcorn • 16 oz candy coating • 3 tbsp of cookie butter • 1/2 cup candy melts • 1/2 cup of M&Ms • Sprinkles

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Tuesdays Kids Eat Free!

From 5-9pm with each adult entrée

Over 10 Kids Meals under $4 each!! (includes drink)

FREE ICE CREAM Because everyone deserves dessert!

All-natural

ingredients

Diet Restriction Friendly

jasonsdeli.com

706-494-8857 • 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus • Hours: 10am-10pm

Online Ordering Catering

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.Familyandkidsga.COM Visit our website to get plugged in, join our HOO’s-Letter list, read our online issue and enter contests.

Coaching your child

HOO’s parenting

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

to

success

When kids engage in annoying behavior, such as destroying toys by taking them apart or trying to ‘boss’ siblings around, your first reaction might be to discourage the behavior. However, before you tell your child “Don’t do that anymore!” take a moment to consider that the annoying behavior may stem from a key strength possessed by your child. Your child’s strengths are part of her personality, and your goal is not to change who she is. Instead, your task is to help your child explore her key strengths and learn how to use them successfully. By doing so, you are teaching her to love and accept who she is.

Connect to better understand your child’s behavior and core strengths From the moment our kids are born, we all have dreams of who they will be and what they will accomplish. As your child grows and aspects of her core strengths appear, it can be a little hard to accept that your child does not exactly match who you thought she would be. This may especially be true if her personality and interests do not match yours.

However, once you have ‘let go’ of your idea of who your child should be, you won’t be distracted by it. Instead, you can focus on discovering who your child is and helping her identify core strengths that she needs help refining. Learning to connect with your child is a crucial part of this process, and this is done by listening carefully to what your child shares with you. Avoid being dismissive and allow your child to express her thoughts.

Set boundaries and expectations for your child Once you have a better understanding of your child’s core strengths, you will have the insight needed to set expectations for your child. Here are a few examples of using boundaries to guide your child away from misbehavior while allowing her to make decisions and explore her core strengths.

• Assertive child who enjoys expressing her thoughts

Teach an assertive child how to use the framework of good leadership and politeness to express her ideas and pursue goals.

• Curious child who enjoys exploring how things work

Set aside a ‘construction zone’ with old toys that are safe for her to take apart and age-appropriate building sets she can use to design and create new objects. Discuss with her your expectation that she will not try to take apart any objects outside the ‘construction zone.’

• Child who enjoys asking ‘why’ questions

Teach your child how to wait for an opportunity to ask a question instead of interrupting a conversation. Set aside time each day to respond to questions you did not have time to respond to right away. Help your child research any questions you cannot answer.

Once expectations are set, use a positive but firm approach to enforce them. When your child disrespects a boundary, discuss the incident with your child. Use a logical consequence, such as cleaning up art supplies from an area where she was not supposed to use them, to help your child learn from her mistake. A consequence that is closely associated with the infraction helps your child learn how to avoid the annoying misbehavior in the future. With consistent coaching, the incidents of annoying behavior should diminish, and they will be replaced by examples of your child using her core strengths to excel.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Four Ways to Help Your Child Fall in Love with Reading

By Charley Whalen, Children’s Librarian, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

HOO’s learning February is a month that is all about love, so why not help your child fall in love with reading! Here are FOUR EASY STEPS you can take with your child to foster a love for reading:

1. Replace screen time with book time.

Keep books in your car or diaper bag. Whether you are waiting in line at a grocery store, waiting for a doctor, or preparing a meal in your kitchen, encourage your child to spend in-between time reading a good book!

2. Read with your child every night for 20 minutes.

Read aloud to your child for just 20 minutes a day! This doesn’t need to be time-consuming; even reading together for a few minutes each night can make a big difference! Research shows that children who read 20 minutes at home each day are exposed to approximately 1.8 million words per year and score higher on reading tests than 90% of their peers.

Show your child that books are a fun and important part of your family routine!

3. Be a reading role model.

Children love to imitate their parents! It’s important to have plenty of reading materials for yourself and let your child see that reading isn’t just for kids! Keep plenty of reading material around the house, including books, comics, magazines and newspapers. Keep them in places where your child can see and be sure to crack open a book for yourself!

4. Visit the local public library once a month.

How often do you visit the public library with your child? A few times a year? Maybe less? Make the decision to take your child to the library once a month! Go to storytimes, let your child choose which books to borrow, ask the librarians for book recommendations, and choose something to read yourself! Visit www.cvlga.org to find the library branch closest to you!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Valentine’s

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Word Day Search LOVE CANDY heart cupid gift flowers hugs aRrow Kisses sweet valentine chocolate

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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

WHY BROOKSTONE? IT ALL STA RT S

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WWW.BROOKSTONESCHOOL.ORG

AT

KSTONE. OO BR

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

We Make Math Make Sense This Is Their Year.

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Give them the Mathnasium advantage This school year, your child is taking on new subjects and exploring new ways to unlock their potential.

The Mathnasium Method™ gives them the solid math and critical thinking skills they need for their classes, test prep, graduation, and beyond. With over 1,000 learning centers worldwide, we’re the authority in math education. Our expert instructors help students develop good habits so they can succeed in high school and college, thrive in their careers, and take on the world!

Contact us today to schedule a risk-free assessment.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Learning through physical activity & Sports

Math & Reading Tutoring & Enrichment

Ages

3-11 free academic assessment

The Kumon Math and Reading Program helps your kids reach their potential!

Schedule an orientation to see how Kumon can benefit your kids and get FREE Registration!* Kumon Math and Reading Center of Columus - North kumon.com/columbus-north

706.257.6963 Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

Sign up Online btglearning.com (762) 208-5048

* Enroll between 2/1/20 and 3/15/20. Most Kumon Centers are independently owned and operated. Additional fees may apply. See Center for applicable terms and conditions. Š 2020 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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WEEKEND COZY Warm essentials for your kids and cash for their style.

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

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Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

for Kids

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

MONDAY Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Sapo’s

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

Zaxby’s

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

Tuesday

The Chicken Lady’s COOP 5-8pm: Kids chicken plate for $3.25

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

Hudson’s Free kids’ meal for 12 and under with adult entrée

Jason’s Deli 5-9pm: Free kids’ meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

Ruby Tuesday

thursday MOE’s Southwest Grill 5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Captain D’s Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

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

sunday The Simple Greek Kids 12 & under get free kids bowl with purchase of regular bowl or pita

every day 219 On The Lake 5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

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

Bruster’s Ice Cream

TGI Friday’s

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

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

wednesDAY Applebee’s Half off kid’s meal per adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids to adult

Pita Street Food 4-9pm: Kids eat free, per $8 min. adult buy; dine-in

Golden Corral Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

McAlister’s Kids’ meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

Newk’s 4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W)

O’Charley’s

Your Pie

Free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 10 & under

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

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.

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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