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Highlight on Feeding the Valley Food Bank
For 38 years, Feeding the Valley Food Bank has served families in need in the Chattahoochee Valley region. The need for nutritional assistance is not limited to the holiday season and Feeding the Valley Food Bank works year-round to help families in an 18-county region. In the last fiscal year, Feeding the Valley Food Bank distributed over 13 million pounds of food within the organization’s service area. Feeding the Valley Food Bank relies on both food donations and monetary donations to assist those in need. Food donations, that are not in glass containers, can be dropped off at Feeding the Valley Food Bank’s central warehouse at 6744 Flat Rock Road in Midland, GA. Some of the most needed items include canned tuna, canned meats, pasta, peanut butter and evaporated milk. A complete list of the most needed items can be found on the organization’s website at feedingthevalley.com. If you can’t drop off food items, cash donations can be made through their website too. If you are interested in hosting a food drive at your church or your child’s school, a form to request food drive collection barrels is available on the website. Carleen Frokjer, of Feeding the Valley Food Bank, says, “Since the […]
31. Jan 2021
Benefits of Family Gaming
By Ryan Gutowski of One Board Family As a kid, I loved learning new games from my grandmother. Most of the time they were simple card games, but it didn’t change the fact that I was actually learning some pretty important life lessons around that dining room table. Taking time to play games with family has some tremendous benefits that can make more of an impression than we realize. Here are some benefits of gaming with our kids that we’ve seen over the past decade: Math, Science & Reading Skills Board and card games are excellent at reinforcing some of the skills that our kids are learning in the classroom or in the home school setting. Companies such as Genius Games have made it their mission to educate players while simultaneously creating fun interactions playing modern board games. They have built games around areas of Science and History that are not only fun to play but also have educational value. Taking time to play word games with kids can be a huge benefit to expanding their vocabulary. Classics like Scrabble and Upwords, along with modern games like Bananagrams, Paperback and Composition, are fun and encourage kids to broaden their ELA […]
31. Jan 2021
Georgia State Park Passes and Travel Guide help you explore more in 2021
ATLANTA, January 4, 2021 — One silver lining from 2020 has been discovering the joy of outdoor adventures. Parks all across the country welcomed record numbers of visitors looking for fresh air, peaceful scenery and heart-pumping exercise. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start daydreaming about future getaways. The newly published “2021 Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” is a helpful resource for planning spring break, romantic retreats and summer vacations. The booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, pet travel, golf courses, cabins and campsites, as well as many new photos shared by park users. Frequent visitors may also want to purchase new 2021 passes. A $50 Annual ParkPass provides free parking at more than 40 destinations, including Fort Yargo, Tallulah Gorge and Providence Canyon. The separate Historic Site Pass covers admission fees at 15 sites, including Etowah Indian Mounds, Dahlonega Gold Museum and Fort King George. The Historic Site Pass is $25 for students and $50 for families. “One advantage of having an annual ParkPass or Historic Site Pass is that it encourages people to explore parks and historic sites they’ve never been to before,” said Georgia State […]
12. Jan 2021
THE BASICS for Baby’s Development
Parents are more concerned than ever before with their child’s development and wondering if they are doing enough to support it. Did you know that 80% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they are three years old? What if there were five simple, free, and fun ways for parents and caregivers to engage with their children to give them a great start in life? With “The Basics,” it’s possible! “The Basics” were developed by Harvard University researcher Dr. Ron Ferguson, who was studying the academic achievement gap in kindergartners. When research showed that children as young as two began to have gaps in their development, Dr. Ferguson created “The Basics” based on scientific evidence to help every child reach their potential in school and beyond. “The Basics” Chattahoochee Valley, launched in 2019, is the first ‘Basics’ community in Georgia and strives to share these five powerful tools with parents, caregivers, and community organizations in the area. “The Basics” are: Maximize Love, Manage Stress; Talk, Sing, and Point; Count, Group, and Compare; Explore Through Movement and Play; and Read and Discuss Stories. By practicing “The Basics” every day, parents and caregivers can develop their child’s intellectual, social, and […]
2. Jan 2021
Facilitating Good Decision-Making
Ever looked at your child in bewilderment and asked: “What were you thinking?!” Then you know that kids, especially teens, can make some profoundly poor decisions. Luckily, we can help them learn smart decision-making skills and manage mistakes—without feeling the need to helicopter over their every move. Blame biology. “Understand that your kids aren’t just being stupid and emotional about things. The adolescent brain is very uneven,” says pediatric psychologist Stephen Lassen, Ph.D. The prefrontal cortex of the brain, which handles decision-making, isn’t fully developed until around the age of 25. Given the number of decisions kids must make as they move into early adulthood—college, career, relationships—this “makes for a challenging environment for parents,” Lassen says. Give choices at an early age. Prime the decision-making pump beginning in toddlerhood. Offer your child simple choices that you can live with like: “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the yellow shirt?” “Would you like to take a bath before or after dinner?” “Giving options like that not only helps them start to think through decisions, make decisions and accept consequences of those decisions, but it also sends the message that kids can do it, which tends to build self-confidence,” Lassen […]
2. Jan 2021
Setting Goals in Uncertain Times
After experiencing the numerous unexpected challenges in the previous year, many parents may be hesitant to set goals for their families for 2021. It can be discouraging to set personal goals only to have events beyond your control create a series of roadblocks that interfere with achieving them. Here are some tips on how to set meaningful goals for the new year and then stick to them even when facing unexpected challenges. Start your plan with achievable, well-defined goals. You may have a list of resolutions for the new year, but they are not goals unless they are specific and you define how you will measure your progress. For example, if you want to have your kids eat more healthy foods this year, set a goal of how many times a week you will serve healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and keep a meal-planning record so you can see what progress you have made. To help your child define her goals, sit down with her, and ask her to brainstorm several goals she would like to achieve this year. Next, help her narrow the list of goals down to a few that are a top priority. Kids are much […]
2. Jan 2021
5 Local Event Picks for Holidays with the Kids
Holiday season is here! Make the most of it and make lasting memories for you and your kids by taking advantage of this list. All the organizations hosting the events listed below have taken safety measures to ensure you can feel good about attending. A few of the events are even virtual so you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. There is something for everyone! Stories, Santa, Crafts and More with Chattahoochee Valley Libraries Throughout this month, you can tune in to multiple programs that will be held virtually through The Chattahoochee Valley Library’s Facebook page @chatlibraries. You can share in Storytime with Santa at 10am on December 11 and get creative December 15 with wood slice ornament making, and that’s only two of their many events planned! Check out our calendar on pages 12 & 13 for more library events. Check Out Nature’s Version of Christmas Lights at Virtual Astronomy Night The Coca-Cola Space Science Center returns with another virtual astronomy night with the Director of the WestRock Observatory, Rosa Williams. Join in for free via their Facebook page @CocaColaSpaceScienceCenter, Saturday Dec 5 at 8pm for a tour of the night sky. This free, fun and educational event […]
10. Dec 2020
Ingraining Gratitude
Instilling a sense of gratitude in kids is a task that is often made difficult by peer pressure and popular culture. Once kids start their holiday wish lists, it may especially feel like they have forgotten the ‘reason’ behind the holiday season. Kids may have learned they should feel ‘thankful’ during the holidays, but ‘thankfulness’ and ‘gratitude’ are rather abstract concepts that don’t have much meaning until you connect them with real life. When preparing for Thanksgiving this month, plan some activities that allow kids to gain a deeper understanding of gratitude and to reflect upon what they are grateful for each day. Teach by modeling gratitude in your own actions The adults in your household help bring these concepts to life by modeling gratitude. Make it a point daily to do a quick check to see if you are providing good examples of gratitude, such as thanking someone for helping with a chore and finding something positive to say even when you encounter a disappointment. Show your kids that a sense of gratitude can help them find the positive outlook needed to move forward from a difficult situation. Create a fun way to think about gratitude each day Create […]
6. Nov 2020
Fall Festin’ at Home
Even though some fall events may not be able to occur this year, you can encourage your kids to still get moving and enjoy the outdoors by creating your own fall festival at home. Here are some ideas for a fun, fall-themed afternoon in the backyard. Pumpkin Planter Visit one of the pumpkin patches from our fall guide on page 7 before your event, and help your kids select a pumpkin to turn into a planter for decor. You will also need a plant, a knife and a garden pot that is small enough to fit inside the pumpkin, filled with garden soil. Ensure that both the garden pot and pumpkin have a drainage hole cut into the bottom. Carve out the top of the pumpkin and remove the innards of the pumpkin. If you like, keep the pumpkin seeds and roast them later. Remove the plant from the pot it was purchased in and transplant it into the garden pot. Help your kids draw a face on the pumpkin or other design of choice with a permanent marker and then place the pot into the pumpkin. Painted Pots Prep the pots before your event. Use smaller pots for […]
30. Sep 2020
Help with Butterfly Conservation by Creating a Backyard Habitat
A backyard flower garden is a fun family project that can be enjoyed throughout the year and, with a little planning, it can also serve as a habitat for butterflies native to the southeastern US. Butterflies are both beautiful to observe and are plant pollinators essential to the ecosystem. When a butterfly lands on a flower to drink nectar and then leaves, it takes some of the flower’s pollen with it. The pollen then ends up on the next flower the butterfly visits. Some of the foods humans eat could not be produced without plant pollinators like butterflies. In recent years, scientists have noted a concerning decrease in butterfly populations. The decrease may be a result of a loss of habitat and a reduction in the availability of food sources suitable for butterflies. – To create a garden that butterflies will want to live in year-round, provide the essentials of food, shelter and water and avoid pesticides. – Select flowers that provide nectar for adult butterflies and host plants that serve as food for butterflies in the caterpillar stage. To make it friendly for Monarch butterflies, plant butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), the only plant Monarch caterpillars will eat. Plants that serve as […]
1. Aug 2020
Inspire the Love of Veggies with Gardening
One question I hear over and over from parents is: “How can I get my child to eat more vegetables?” Helping our kids build strong bodies and healthy immune systems can seem tricky if you’re dealing with a picky eater, especially as we all try to adjust to this “new normal.” One way we can help our kids become more willing to eat vegetables while spending time at home is to start a small garden. This is a great family activity that incorporates many of the components of a healthy child: time spent outside, physical activity, eating fresh, whole foods and a bonus science lesson built right in! No room for a small raised garden bed? No problem! Several of these can be grown in pots in a sunny area on a doorstep or driveway. A great starter plant is cherry tomatoes. You can buy a sprouted cherry tomato plant at one of our local garden centers, and they are great for young children’s short attention spans as they tend to produce fruit quickly. These can be grown in a garden bed or even a medium pot. Cherry tomatoes are fun for young children as they make a healthy sweet […]
1. Aug 2020
And Inside Look at: Sleep in Heavenly Peace
In 2012, Luke Mickelson’s kids were bored over Christmas break, the new Christmas gifts were not cutting it. So, Mickelson, of Kimberly, Idaho, decided to do a service project. He grabbed some wood from his shed and his family built a bunk bed. Afterward, he went to his church to find someone in need. One of the parishioners raised their hand, confessing their children sleep on the floor. Mickelson was shocked, attending an affluent church, he did not expect “bedlessness” to be an issue. After doing some more research, he learned children sleeping on the floor is a big problem. Mickelson started Sleep in Heavenly Peace with the mission of “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.” However, the non-profit has rapidly expanded internationally, with over 200 chapters throughout the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. In Columbus, Sleep in Heavenly Peace got its start after the founder, Michael Wood, heard about the non-profit on Joy FM. After attending a build in LaGrange, he was hooked and created a local chapter in September 2019. “Right now, the demand has been keeping up with supply,” explains Wood. “We’re still growing, I wouldn’t even say growing, we’re still trying to get the […]
1. Jul 2020
Summer Fun on the Farm is Back at the Rock Ranch
This summer, the Rock Ranch, a 1,500-acre cattle ranch located about an hour from Columbus, is offering the opportunity for families to visit and enjoy fun farm activities and the ranch’s beautiful scenery. The ranch is open to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm. Adam Pugh, general manager of the Rock Ranch, says, “In our new normal, guests have multiple options. They can visit simply to have lunch or enjoy our famous strawberry Icedream® and walk about the farm on marked walking paths. They may choose to extend their stay by purchasing a punch card to enjoy select attractions and food items, make an appointment online for a zipline experience…or make a reservation for a personal guided VIP experience.” There is no admission fee to enter the farm and enjoy the walking paths. Guests who would like to enjoy the attractions are encouraged to make reservations for the zipline and purchase punch cards online. There is a discount for buying the punch cards online. Pugh says, “There is a limited quantity for each time slot throughout the day and tickets may sell out, so we really advise guests to buy online in advance of their visit.” The […]
1. Jul 2020
Highlight on Columbus Junior Cotillion
Does your child know how to set a table? How to hold a fork and knife correctly? How about the confidence to introduce his/herself to someone new? Do they look people in the eyes when speaking and put their device away when eating? Do they feel comfortable and confident in social situations? Columbus Junior Cotillion, now in its 26th year, helps teach area young people good manners and the importance of knowing, through practice, why etiquette is important in today’s world. We focus on character education, so each child can be the best version of his/herself during the formative years. Our programs are about learning and showing honor, dignity and respect for others. They teach the tools so young people can be more self-confident. Many of the topics covered in our programs include interview skills, social media etiquette, manners for the home, theatre etiquette, sports etiquette, restaurant etiquette, flag etiquette, team-building and much more. Their goal is to develop: 1) well-rounded members of society that are confident and poised in social situations; 2) aware of appropriate boundaries within society; 3) able to respectfully conduct oneself in an appropriate manner. The Cotillion’s programs are for students in grades 5-12. The small classes […]
1. Jul 2020
Project Linus, Giving Comfort Through Blankets
If you enjoy crafting, the Columbus chapter of Project Linus has a volunteer opportunity for you. Project Linus is a non-profit organization that, as the name suggests, seeks to provide comfort to kids in need by giving them gifts of donated handcrafted blankets and afghans. In the past seven years, the Columbus chapter of Project Linus has delivered over 6,000 blankets to kids in the Chattahoochee Valley area. The organization delivers blankets to Damascus Way, Twin Cedars, Russell County Child Advocacy Center, Piedmont Regional NICU and the Piedmont Regional children’s department. The Columbus chapter of Project Linus is planning to expand its outreach to other agencies in the Chattahoochee Valley area and to increase the number of blankets delivered to hospitals. However, to make this possible, the organization needs more volunteers to handcraft blankets. Project Linus volunteers create blankets and afghans at home and take them to the drop-off location at Joann Fabrics in Columbus or to the monthly meeting of the Columbus chapter of Project Linus. The monthly meeting takes place on the second Saturday of each month at the Gallop Center at 1212 15th Street at 10:30am. This meeting is also a good opportunity for volunteers to swap […]
1. May 2020
Should I be my child’s best friend?
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids Magazine The work of parenting is not easy. As children grow, the amount of guidance they need from their parents is constantly evolving, and it is hard work to adjust and enforce boundaries as situations and a child’s maturity changes. It is very unpleasant to be the target of your child’s anger when you made a decision he does not like. Would being your child’s friend be more effective, since one could assume that if your child likes you, he will be more likely to openly share and listen to your advice? Parents should spend time together with their kids having fun and engaging in friendly conversations. However, there are some important reasons you should not swap your parenting role for that of your child’s best friend. Children with structure and boundaries feel more secure and confident When parents decide to take on a friend role, they step back from the task of defining and enforcing limits. Kids are then left to make most decisions with a lack of maturity and full knowledge. Without someone to guide them from making dangerous mistakes, kids can feel more stressed and vulnerable. To develop into confident, successful […]
1. May 2020
Kids Subscription Box Reviews
By Maria Phillips, Family & Kids Magazine Literati (literati.com) In each box, you receive five age-appropriate books, cardstock printed art and adorable book labels with your child’s name. Since the library closed during the pandemic, having new books delivered to our doorstep was a great treat. You can buy the books you love and return the ones you don’t. Cost: $9.95 per month + the cost of books Kiwi Co (kiwico.com) They have project crates based on your child’s age and interests. In addition to craft crates, they also offer “tinker” STEM crates and art design crates. The best part, these crates are even available for adults! Personally, for my four-year-old, I love that the crates are interesting enough to keep his attention and easy enough to create a nice memento. Cost: $19.95 per month Raddish (raddishkids.com) This recipe subscription box comes with beautifully illustrated and laminated recipe cards, a utensil for cooking, crafts to go with your themed meal night and tableside conversation starters. Plus, Raddish Kids sends your grocery list before the box is delivered, so you’re prepared for your child’s meal night! Cost: $24 per month Sensory Theraplay (sensorytheraplaybox.com) This box is specially designed with sensory needs in mind. The items are […]
1. May 2020
Life During Social Isolation
When the ball dropped on 2020, none of us could have predicted in a few months we would be living in fear of a virus, shutting down schools, locking up businesses and spending major holidays with our family over video chat. Many of us heard of the coronavirus, but I don’t think we understood the severity until it started to affect our daily lives. Now, after a month of living in fear and uncertainty, we’ve adapted to a new norm. To “flatten the curve” we’ve been given an opportunity to slow down and spend more time with our families. We’ve returned to a simpler time when we didn’t have so many choices to occupy our times, and we are spending our days enjoying the earth and family given to us. During this time, I’ve been able to reflect on myself and the distancing a bit, and this is what I’ve learned: The definition of social distancing Despite what I thought, I’m not a good cook If Walmart shut down, I wouldn’t be able to survive I am incapable of shopping for long-term meals I really need to learn how to grow vegetables A bidet would be a good investment I […]
1. May 2020
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Welcome to Family and Kids Magazine‘s online parenting resource, serving families of Columbus, Fort Benning, Phenix City and the rest of the Chattahoochee Valley. We strive to be your #1 local magazine for family news, parenting tips, local events and business referrals. Check out our online localized directory for things to do, places to eat, where to shop and almost every other resource a growing family in the Chattahoochee Valley could need. While you’re here, enter our monthly giveaway or submit your child’s photo to be featured in our Hoo’s Cute section of our magazine. We welcome all families coming into our area, whether for a temporary stay or a new place to call home, and hope our magazine guides you through our large community. Pick up a copy of our Family and Kids magazine at our many distribution locations, including all local Chick-fil-as or read the latest issue here.
