Family & Kids Chatt Valley March 2018

MARCH 2018

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

ities AcEtiv & s Camp GUID -27 S 18

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EDGE EDGE

Cover Sponsor Page 30

Tutoring, Homework Help, Study Skills & STEM

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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

MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

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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.

HOO’s INSPIRED

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

An Inside Look Lucy Murillo With Mom, Wife, Business Owner, Therapist

Flexible and rewarding are two words local mom, Lucy Murillo would use to describe her professional career as owner and therapist at Columbus Counseling, now celebrating its third year in business. Lucy took a leap of faith and opened her own practice at an unexpected time in her life, when her daughter was only a year old. She went from working part-time at another private practice, to spend more time with her young daughter and 8-yearold son, to drawing up a business plan and becoming her own boss. Although hard at first, Lucy feels opening her own business was ultimately a great decision for her family, “In my field, you can make your own schedule. It’s definitely more flexible and that works to my family’s benefit.”

Lucy started the practice with herself as the only therapist and grew it one patient at a time, until the continued demand for counseling services necessitated her expansion. She has since added four therapists and recently moved into a new space that is quadruple in size to better serve our community’s growing behavioral health needs. The practice caters to all different needs, with each therapist on staff certified in a different specialty. Clinicians focus on individuals, children, families or couples with specialized therapies for PTSD, group counseling and trauma-focused therapies. “The reason we wanted to expand was to add more clinicians, workshops, presentations and community support groups,” explains Lucy.

Lucy has hosted a teen peer-support group every week since opening her own practice in 2015. Every third Tuesday from 6-7pm Lucy opens her doors to local teens to discuss whatever is on their heart or mind. “It’s a free, open group. No name, no registration and I’m always there. If there’s 1 or 6, or 8, I’m there. No calls needed, just show up.”

When asked the most common struggle for kids today, Lucy swiftly responded, “bullying.” Bullying leads to depression, oftentimes resulting in self-mutilation and worst-case scenario, suicide. Bullying has no age limit; it just presents itself in different forms. Lucy said that a major catalyst for teen bullying is social media. Bullying

doesn’t end when the school day ends, it continues 24/7 online, making it more difficult to manage and harder to cope.

Some red flags of a bullied child are: • Faking illnesses to stay home from school • Weight loss • Lack of sleep • Self-destructive behavior (running away, self-mutilation, loss of self-esteem) • Declining grades When asked for advice to help a child cope with bullying, the mom of two stressed the importance of having an open dialogue with your children and monitoring their online presence. “You need to have more time.

Actually put your phones down and engage with one another. That’s when kids feel safe to open up and have a real discussion,” said Lucy. By always inviting open communication, your child can build a relationship of trust with you and feel safe to come to you for help.

Parents must also remember any sort of technology: a phone, tablet, etc. is a reward. Monitoring your child’s activity on social media isn’t an invasion of privacy because these capabilities are a privilege. By monitoring their social media, you’re gaining an inside look at their friends and acquaintances, allowing for a more informed assessment and a more in-tune conversation with your child.

If you or a family member could use some help or guidance, you can reach Lucy or one of her Columbus Counseling colleagues at 706-327-1222.

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SHOPPING GUIDE Food & Beverage

activities Academy Dance..................................24 Activ8 Camps at CSU........................26 Brookstone School.............................25 Camp Juliette Low.............................22 Camp Viking - St. Anne-Pacelli.... 21 Camp Woodmont................................26 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....34 Columbus Lions...................................11 Columbus Parks & Rec......................23 Elite Dance...........................................26 Growing Room....................................25 Highland Kids Academy.................. 18 Lakewood Child Development ...... 21 Performance Dance Centre.............20 Prodigy Dance..................................... 18 TELL THEM 35 RiverCenter..........................................

Riverview Camp for Girls................27 Sleeping Beauty.................................... 6 St. Luke Summer Camp..YOU! ..................22 SENT The Columbus Museum...................28 United Cheerleading........................... 5

Chick-fil-A.............................................. 8 Zaxby’s..................................................... 2

healthcare Columbus Counseling........................ 8 Comprehensive Women’s Care......28 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Ctr for Reproductive Services.......... 5 Dr. Alberto Lugo, DMD...................... 12 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 14 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...28 Rivertown Pediatrics........................32

Home/ Handy Turfscapes............................................ 12 Warehouse World............................... 12 Zen Windows....................................... 10

Childcare/ education Calvary Christian............................... 31 First Presbyterian Day School.......30 Grace Christian School....................30 Kumon...................................................30 Oasis Child Enrichment Center.... 31 Sylvan Learning Center...................30

Shopping/ Retail Bricks and Minifigs........................... 10 Edward Jones, Brad Brooks............ 12 Lula and Mae....................................... 12 Magnolia Heart Nanny Service....... 7 Mickayla’s Place - Resale.................. 8 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 33 The Posh Peach.................................. 14

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Tchaikovsky's

Sleeping Beauty March 16 | 7:30PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Child $5 | Student $10 | Adult $20

FREE

INTERACTIVE KIDS ACTIVITIES 6:30 PM RiverCenter Lobby

csoga.org | 706.323.5059

HOO knew?

Working Woodpeckers Woodpeckers are best known for tapping on tree trunks to find insects, but did you know some species drum on trees as a way of communicating with other woodpeckers or as part of their courtship behavior?

Like any other “woodworkers,” woodpeckers use a crowbar and chisel. They use their beak to pry (crowbar) and chip (chisel) away the bark that covers insect burrows. Then they insert their very long tongue - up to four inches – into the burrow. The insects stick to the barbs and bits of a glue-like substance found on their tongue.

Usually bird feet have three toes forward and only one toe facing back, but woodpeckers have two forward and two back. This toe pattern, along with extra stiff tail feathers, gives them the grip and leverage they need to hammer against the bark.

Sawdust is always a problem for woodworkers, so they wear masks to protect their lungs. Woodpeckers have their own masks in the form of bristly feathers that cover their nostrils and protect them from inhaling wood particles.

Eyes are another thing that needs protection. Woodpeckers have “goggles,” or an extra eyelid that is see-through.

Without getting a headache or concussion, woodpeckers can pound on wood at 15 miles per hour, up to 12,000 times a day. Like a helmet, spongy bone surrounds their brain and is more plentiful around the forehead and back of the skull, where it acts as a shock absorber.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY

SPLENDID SPRINGTIME KIDS’ BATH BOMBS These colorful little bath bombs are fun for kids to make, great for them to use, and are perfect decor for the Spring and Easter season!

DIRECTIONS Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, and the water and oils together in another. Then mix the two together very well.

Split into 5 bowls and cover each with plastic wrap immediately. Add food coloring to each dish, mix well and re-cover.

Now layer the colored mix in your eggs, fill one half to the edge, and overfill the other side, and close the egg.

Leave in the egg for an hour, then remove and let dry on a towel for several hours, then they are ready to drop in the tub.

SUPPLIES 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup epsom salt 1 Tbs almond oil 1 tsp water 1/4 tsp essential oil food coloring plastic eggs Courtesy of momfoodie.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HEALTHY

Prenatal vitamins before pregnancy?

Taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before pregnancy can prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine.

Some studies show that folic acid also may help prevent heart defects and defects to a baby’s mouth, called cleft lip or palate.

Almost half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, so health experts recommend that women of childbearing age take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid, even if they are not trying to get pregnant.

A new survey conducted by the March of Dimes shows that only 34 percent of women ages 18-45 said they started taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin before they knew they were pregnant. This number is even lower for Hispanic and African-American women - dropping to 27 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

“While it tends to shock some Americans, more than 120,000 babies, or three percent of all births, will be born with birth defects in the United States this year,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President of the March of Dimes. “The results of this survey serve as a reminder of the importance of continually informing women of the benefits of taking a multivitamin with folic acid both before and during pregnancy to improve their own health and that of their future family.”

The March of Dimes says that up to seven in 10 of the 3,000 serious birth defects of the brain and spine that occur each year in the U.S. could be prevented if all women capable of having a baby took adequate amounts of folic acid.

After pregnancy begins, the folic acid recommendation increases to 600 mcg daily. Iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA and iodine have also been found to play a key role in growth and development for babies during pregnancy.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s FIT

WEIGHT LOSS PLAN FOR KIDS If your child’s pediatrician informs you that he is overweight and needs to slim down, be sure to ask for a specific weight loss goal and advice on how to help your child safely lose weight. Losing weight can help prevent your child from developing type 2 diabetes and other health issues later in life. In addition to the plan provided by the pediatrician, there are some steps you can take at home to help your child safely meet his weight loss goal.

The key to helping your child lose weight is to provide him a diet full of low and medium glycemic index foods.

The glycemic index measures how fast carbohydrates are processed by the body into sugar. High glycemic index foods are starchy, low fiber, or highly processed foods like white bread, pancakes, potatoes, and corn. Tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples, stone ground whole wheat bread, pasta, ice cream, and high fiber cereals are examples of medium glycemic index food and are more likely to cause

weight gain than low glycemic index foods. Examples of low glycemic index foods are broccoli, carrots, apples, pears, unsweetened peanut butter and unsweetened yogurt.

The low and medium glycemic index foods help your child keep his blood sugar steady and feel full longer, unlike high glycemic index foods. When your child eats a meal loaded with high glycemic index foods, such as pizza, his blood sugar will rise quickly and then fall, leaving him feeling grouchy and hungry later. Shift the menu for family meals towards more low and medium glycemic index foods.

Include protein with every meal and snack. Avoid highly processed food, like cheese puffs, and fast food as much as possible, and encourage your child to exercise daily.

However, don’t limit calories, totally ban certain food types, or restrict your child to low fat foods. Also, the latest diet fad and diet supplements used by adults can be harmful to kids and shouldn’t be used to help kids lose weight.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s Fun

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hidden Pictures

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE leela kids World’s First Kids Podcast App. Based on Kid’s age and topic of interest, they find the best episodes to listen! Whether you are in the car, at home, or even putting your kid to sleep, Leela Kids helps you find the right content for your kid to listen to.

keepy An amazing free app to help keep, organize, and share your children’s artwork, schoolwork and family memories, easily and privately. Upload photos and videos, share with grandparents, create and order prints, gifts, and photo books in minutes.

odd squad Blob chase In Blob Chase, kids can have fun practicing core math skills throughout each of the 75 levels of games. Kids (5-8) help to recover the blobs by using gadgets to add, subtract, halve or double passageways throughout Odd Squad headquarters or in spooky Blobsylvania.

The earth Lets kids study geology and ecology. Kids explore and play with the geological forces that change the Earth—above and below the surface, in minutes and over millions of years. Kids can also learn about conservation as they test clean energy sources, clean up beaches, and preserve forests.

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

Nova, 1 year Columbus

Landon, 3 years Columbus

Makenna, 6 years FT Benning

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March

1 Brilliant Builders: Lego Mania!

4-5:30pm. North Columbus Library. 706748-2855.

1 Read Across America. 4:30-5:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

3 Fore Kids Columbus: Junior Golf Tournament. 10am. $20 (includes hotdog lunch). Godwin Creek Golf Course; forekidscolumbus.com

3 Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:30-

1-3 Columbus Kids Market. Times vary.

11:30am. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

1-4 Wonderful World of Disney on Ice. $17-$52. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org

11:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706243-2782.

Central Baptist Church, 8303 Whitesville Rd, Columbus; columbuskidsmarket.com

1-10 Just 4 Kids Consignments Spring

3 Board Book Club (BBC). 10:30-

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

3 Kids’ Yoga. 11:30-12pm. Columbus

7 Right from the Start presents “The Talk” for Boys. 5:15pm. $40. St Luke Ministry Center; rightfromthestart.org 8 A Story for You, Un Cuento Para Mi: Bi-

lingual Storytime. 11:45am-noon. North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

9-18 Jackie & Me (G). $8-$15. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

10 Check It: Try Something New. Beat It: Digital Jam Session. 2-3pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

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

Sale. Times vary. 7607 Veteran’s Pkwy, Columbus; facebook.com/just4kidzconsign/

Library. 706-243-2669.

2 MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:15-

11:30am. Wynnbrook Church, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706-323-4374

3 Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella.

7:30pm. $32. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; rivercenter.org

10 Olate Dogs: Rescue Tour. 2:30pm. $29-$49. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; rivercenter.org

2 Read Across America: Dr. Seuss Mini

4 Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair. 11am

11 Empty Bowl Fund Raiser. 11am. $5$15. Northside Recreation Center, 2010 American Way, Columbus; 706-576-5475

Golf. 4-5pm. North Columbus Library. 706748-2855.

2 Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party. 4-5pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

2-17 West Side Story (PG). 7:30pm. $20-$45. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

3 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-

Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus; 706322-9240. Phenix City; 334-297-2045

museum opens, Noon expo opens. Free.

National Infantry Museum; facebook. com/kcsff.

6 Mini Makers: Tinker Time. 10:3011:30am. Columbus Library. 706-2432669.

6 STEAMpunks Stories & Science. 3:304:30pm. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

6 Dragons Love Tacos & Other Stories.

7pm. $19. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; rivercenter.org

13 Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! 3:30-4pm.

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

13 Baroque with No Monet: Youth Art Class. 4:30-5:30pm. Columbus Library.

706-243-2669.

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

14 La Leche League morning meeting.

10am. Columbus Library, 3000 Macon Rd; lllofga.org/columbus.html

Events

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

15 I Saw the Sign: ASL Storytime. 4-5pm.

North Columbus Library. 706-748-2855.

23 Friday Family Flicks. 3-5pm. South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

16 CSO: Family Dress Rehearsal.

24 Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:30-

16 CSO & Columbus Ballet present: Sleeping Beauty. 6:30pm. $5-$20. RiverCenter; rivercenter.org

24 Uno, Dos, Tres Crafts. 3-4pm. Mil-

12:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3640 or csoga.org/openrehearsals

17 Baby & Toddler Playgroup. 10:3011:30am. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

17 Puppy Tales. 2-2:30pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

20 Mini Makers: Tinker Time. 10:30-

11:30am. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

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

24 Easter Eggstravaganza. 11am. The Rock Ranch; therockranch.com

24-25 Annual Plant Fair & Sale.

Callaway Gardens. callawaygardens.com

26-30 Activ8 Spring Break Camp at CSU. activ8er.com

11:30am. Columbus Library. 706-2432669.

26-30 Spring Break Adventures.

20 Blockheads! LEGO Challenge. 3:304:30pm. South Columbus Library. 706683-8805.

27 Picture Book Club. 3:30-4:30pm.

10am. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu

Weekly Events MONDAYS

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

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

THURSDAYS

Ohana Nights: Family Craft Hour. 6:30– 7:30pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

FRIDAY

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

11:05am-12:05pm. Columbus Library.

706-243-2669.

SATURDAY

South Columbus Library. 706-683-8805.

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

Ages 3+. See store for details.

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

27 Bang, Boom, Woops: Youth Science

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

20 Craft Your Family Tree: Genealogy

27 Unplug from the Computer for

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-6537880

20 Face 2 Face Teen Support Group.

27 Family Fun Night. 6:30–7:30pm.

22 La Leche League. 6pm. Iron Bank

31 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

Basics for Pre-Teens. 4:30-5:30 pm. Columbus Library. 706-243-2669.

6pm. Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Assoc; ccacolumbus.com/ Coffee (Upstairs), 6 11th Street; lllofga. org/columbus.html

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

706-243-2669.

Chess’ Sake. 4:30–6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library. 706-243-2782.

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

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Camps & Activities

GUIDE

Hoo’s helpful

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

If you attended summer camp as a child, you may have treasured memories of songs around the campfire and learning outdoor activities with new friends.

Today, there are so many choices that it can be hard to choose what sort of camp you should schedule for your child. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding.

IS THE CAMP AGE-APPROPRIATE FOR MY CHILD? A child that is pre-k or kindergarten age would probably enjoy starting out at a half-day camp. This will help her get used to being away from home.

Day camp is a good in-between transition step for kids ages 6 to 10 years. Signing them up for a week-long day camp will get them familiar with spending time away from home in an unfamiliar environment. Depending on the child, you’ll find around ages 10-12 that kids are matured enough to defeat the initial homesickness and enjoy overnight camp.

PREPARE YOUR CHILD BEFORE SENDING THEM TO AN OVERNIGHT CAMP. If your child has never spent the night far away from home and seems anxious about it, let your child practice spending the night at someplace familiar but a good distance away, like grandma’s house, to help prepare them.

If they still seem anxious, it might be best to choose an overnight camp that is close to home as a first step.

DOES THE SUMMER CAMP MATCH YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS? These days, there are both day camps and overnight camps to match almost any special area of interest, such as sports or performing arts. Consider your child’s personality when you are selecting a summer camp. For an adventurous child, an outdoor summer camp with

plenty of outdoor activities would be perfect. A child that loves science may enjoy a technology (also referred to as STEM) summer camp. If your child likes being challenged to learn new skills, a less specialized summer camp that covers many different skills, from crafting to canoeing, may be right for him.

IS THE CAMP ACCREDITED AND THE STAFF WELL-TRAINED? Look on the American Camp Association website to see if the summer camp you are interested in meets all the standards required for certification by this organization.

Check to ensure the counselors receive adequate training and that the counselor-to-camper ratio is appropriate for the age range of the campers.

Also, find out how long the summer camp has been operating, as longevity usually indicates a quality program.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT CAMP FOR MY SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD? There are summer camps specifically for special needs children, but if your child wants to attend a mainstream camp with his friends, that may be possible too.

According to the experts, if your special needs child is able to attend a mainstream school, most summer camps should be able to make the necessary accommodations. With any camp, interview the director to find out their special needs experience, qualifications of the medical staff and how medications are handled.

For a directory of area summer camps: familyandkidsga.com/summer-camps

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Camp Juliette Low On Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA

CJL is an independent, residential summer camp for girls ages 7-17.

1 & 2 week sessions: June 3– July 28, 2018

www.CJL.org

Platform tents, outdoor adventure, fun and friends since 1922!

INTRODUCING

2018

Join the FUN and EXPERIENCE the

St. Luke Difference.

For more information and to register go to: www.cornerkidz.com or email: summer@stlukeum.com Presented by: St. Luke Church Corner KIDZ Children’s Ministry and St. Luke School

Camp StartS:www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com may 29 – Camp EndS: auguSt 3

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HourS 6:30am-6:30pm registrations march 5 - march 23 for active after-School program participants march 26 - may 18 open to the general public

registration will be held at Comer gym Psalmond Road Recreation Center 6550 Psalmond Road Midland, Ga 31820

Comer Gym 107 41st Street Columbus, Ga 31904

Northside Recreation Center Carver Park Recreation Center 2010 American Way 6665 Hunter Road Columbus, Ga 31908 Columbus, Ga 31907 RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Shirley Winston Recreation Center 5033 Steam Mill Road Columbus, Ga 31907

Special Programs: STEM Activities, Mass Media Club, Cooks In Training Club, Summer Basketball League, Swim Team, Mentoring Programs, Dance, Competitive Swimming, Field Trips, Outdoor Sports, Arts and Crafts and much more!

For information call 706-225-4510

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

BROOKSTONE SUMMER 2018 BE THE ONE WHO EXPLORES WITH INSATIABLE CURIOSITY, the one who plays, discovers, creates.

Visit us at brookstoneschool.org/summer

Preparing Your Child For Success!

Join us for our Fun to Be Fit Summer Camp full of

A SK U R exciting events, special guests and learning TO ABOUURDAY SAT T OWL opportunities for toddlers through school age.

N IG H GR AM Space is limited, register today!

P RO

Our children enjoy a curriculum focusing on language development that includes the study of math, science, social studies, phonics, sign language, art, music, self-help skills, emotional growth and character. Ages 6 weeks to 12 years.

Growing Room - 706-596-1234 1200 Manchester Expressway Growing Room Too - 706-653-0088 6110 Bradley Park Drive GR Christian Academy - 706-221-3248 7572 Kayne Blvd.

SIGN UP TODAY!

www.growingroomusa.com

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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE Wise Choices for You & Your Family

S U M M E R C A M P S 2 018

Columbu s State Universit y

May 2 10 weeks of fun for t i ll Aug9 your kids and a flexible 3 Ages schedule for you!

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706.507.8070 - Activ8er.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

We are expecting

Y ou!

Maria V. Gonzaga, MD OB/GYN

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

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Hoo’s helpful

Springtime Purge

Spring has arrived! Time to open up those windows, plant some flowers and clean!

Clorox and Windex can only do so much for cleansing your home, the real renewal comes when one decides to purge. Purging is the act of ridding yourself of unwanted or unneeded items. The benefits of purging are immense! If you decide to sell unwanted items, there’s money in your pocket. If you donate the items, you get the satisfaction of a good deed. Plus, the ultimate benefit: all that new-found space.

So where do you start? If you’re like me, you have closets full of clothes that are no longer worn. If your child is like mine, he/she has a closet full of outgrown clothes, forgotten toys and baby accessories no longer needed.

For more information on purging and local places to sell or donate your unwanted items, please visit: FamilyandKidsGA.com/clothes-donations

Step 1: Open up a closet, and one-by-one look through the clothing and accessories. Don’t try to organize it, just piece through what’s inside. As you’re sorting through the items, pull any items you can’t recall wearing in the past two years. If you haven’t needed it or it hasn’t fit in that long, it doesn’t need to be in your closet.

Also ask yourself, does this bring me joy? If it doesn’t, take it out.

Tip: If you have “skinny” clothes taking up space until you lose those few extra pounds, get rid of them. Reward your weight-loss with new, in-style clothing.

Step 2: Check these unneeded clothes and accessories for imperfections, such as fraying, small holes, light stains, etc. If the items are in likenew condition, sell them. If they have small imperfections, donate them. If they have seen better days, trash them.

Step 3: This step is crucial. Pack the items in a bag or container and put them to your car. If the clothes or accessories don’t leave your house, they’ll make their way to the corner of the closet, in the garage or under the bed. You’ll be haunted by these clothes until next Spring.

The best thing you can do is donate or sell to a 2nd hand shop the same day you purge.

Repeat these steps for each closet in your home. Try to purge your child’s toys when they aren’t home to resist.

If you’re feeling nostalgic about those baby clothes, repurpose them into blankets or doll clothes.

Tip: Only sell or donate toys worth playing with.

If your child rejected a toy because of missing parts or broken features, trash it.

When you’re finished, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to spring into organizing with new-found space.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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2, 3 or 5 Day Options Before & After Care l Art, Music, Spanish, Field Trips & Chapel l l

Montessori Classes 3yrs - 5th Grade

Traditional Classes Infants - 3yrs

Schedule a Parent Orientation today!

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COLUMBUS - NORTH

1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K

706.257.6963

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WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER!

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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

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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

’

Talking!

Sign Language for "All Done"

HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about animals

Why did the cow cross the road?

To get to the udder side!

What do you call a bear with no teeth?

A gummy bear!

What do you call a pig that knows karate?

A pork chop!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

SPRINGALICIOUS SMOOTHIES Such a cute, family friendly, spring recipe! Kids can decorate their cups, help make their smoothies, then enjoy their yummy creations.

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Blend frozen fruit and other ingredients to make these funky smoothies. Each recipe makes 2 cups.

• clear plastic cups • striped straws • googly eyes • pom poms • sharpies • cardstock • various smoothies • fruit/veggie accessories

Pink Smoothie: 1½ cups milk (almond milk or soy milk works as well) and 2 cups strawberries Green Smoothie: 1½ cups milk, 1 cup spinach, 1 banana, 1 tablespoon honey Orange Smoothie: 1½ cups milk, 2 chopped carrots, 1 cup mango chunks, 1 banana Yellow Smoothie: 1½ cups milk, 2 cups mango chunks Purple smoothie: 1½ cups milk, 2 cups blackberries

Courtesy of: superhealthykids.com

swing into spring Fresh styles for less.

Cash for clothes.

706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com |

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PARENTING

rude teens

When your child reaches the tween years, it can feel like every day is full of disrespectful comments and behaviors. This rude behavior, while it is not very pleasant to endure on a daily basis, is a normal part of the transition tweens go through as they start discovering and asserting their individuality. Here are a few tips on how to manage your tween’s rude behavior and prevent it from getting any worse.

1. First, take time to inventory your own reactions when you are frustrated or annoyed. Kids take note of and reflect back the behaviors of others in the household. When you catch yourself being less than respectful when you are speaking, take a minute to acknowledge the mistake and apologize. When your child is in the midst of a display of rude behavior, stay calm and speak to her respectfully.

save the heavy consequences for serious infractions, such as being rude in public. Make sure to clearly communicate your rules to your tween, so she is aware of what the consequences will be. The consequences should be tween-appropriate, since the positive reinforcements and time-outs used for younger kids are not likely to be very effective in motivating a change in their behavior. Having to enforce the rules may be tedious at first, but being consistent and standing by your rules should reduce the serious incidents over time.

2. Decide what your house rules are when it comes to rude behavior and what the consequences for breaking them will be. Remember to pick your battles carefully.

It is best to ignore minor infractions, like eye rolling, that are meant to ‘push your buttons’ and

3. Keep the lines of communication open with your tween. If she is being rude, ask her to come back and talk to you later, when she can speak respectfully. Let her know you will be there to listen to her when she does. Good communication with your tween can allow some insight into what may be behind some of her rude behavior.

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MAY 11 | 6:30 PM The award-winning and classic story comes to life with beautiful and captivating puppetry the whole family will love!

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