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Local Schools are Focusing on Emotional Intelligence
In 2014, Muscogee County School District received funding from Project AWARE. Project AWARE is a grant to help build systems for school-based mental health support services. With this funding, MCSD has implemented different positive behavioral interventions and supports services (PBIS) to increase social and emotional learning (SEL). Social and emotional learning is a process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. Each school is given the PBIS framework to create their own social and emotional learning program that fits the needs of their students. Here are some examples of programs local schools have implemented to encourage social-emotional learning: Second Steps Curriculum MCSD offers a few different curriculums to teach SEL. One of these curriculums is Second Steps. At the beginning of each day during their morning meeting, students receive a lesson on social-emotional learning. Each week, a different topic is chosen. For example, one lesson may be around conflict resolution. “So, the Monday meeting we might teach 3 steps to resolve a conflict peacefully. Then, the rest of the week, we will talk about those steps and how to […]
29. Feb 2020
Start Them Reading At Birth
By: Lani Kimbrough, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries The path to building a lifelong reader starts at birth. Reading with young babies plays an important part in their language development. Plus, snuggling up with a book can also be relaxing for both you and your baby. Having your baby hear your voice while being held closely reassures them that they are safe and secure. Reading with your baby is also a good excuse to take a break from some of the more stressful demands of your day. Here are a few great books for babies available at Chattahoochee Valley Libraries: https://www.cvlga.org/ Newborns (0-3 months) need high contrast books for their developing brain and eyesight. Look Look! by Peter Linethal: High-contrast black-and-white art for babies who are beginning to look and learn. White on Black by Tana Hoban: White illustrations against a black background depict such objects as a horse, baby bottle, and sailboat. Infants (4-6 months) will enjoy tactile books that encourage them to touch and feel Peek-A-Who by Nina Laden: Look through die-cut pages for a visual clue to complete a game of peek-a-boo. That’s not my Pirate By Fiona Watts: The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. […]
29. Feb 2020
Healthy Snacks for Kids
By: Joanne Cogle MS, owner of CrossFit CSG, local military spouse, mom, triathlete Good nutritional habits established early in development, combined with adequate physical activity, can reduce the risk of obesity, chronic diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle. That being said, mom-life typically means being on the go, all of the time! Dropping kids off at school, picking kids up after school, shuttling kids off to sporting events, and then buzzing home for dinner. Food on the fly is hard. Almost as hard as 5th grade math. What kids are eating on a daily basis has some parents concerned. The school cafeteria often serves pizza, burgers, tacos and other ‘fast’ food options with limited fruits and vegetables. So, what do we do to make sure that our kids are eating a well-balanced diet? In a perfect world we would be able to make our families breakfast, pack their lunches, make healthy after school snacks and cook a well-rounded dinner. But that’s not reality in today’s fast-paced world. The silver lining of being the kings and queens of multi-tasking is that we are able to plan ahead. Planning healthy snack options for your kids, and ones that are parent-friendly too, is as easy as planning out […]
29. Feb 2020
What is Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that usually first appears between the ages of 10 and 30. It is a rare disorder, only affecting about 1 in 2,000 people. Someone with narcolepsy can suddenly feel uncontrollably sleepy during the day, a symptom referred to as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). These episodes can happen multiple times a day and at any time, even while driving or talking. Another symptom of narcolepsy is an abnormal sleep pattern. Someone with a normal sleep pattern transitions from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in about 90 minutes after falling asleep. However, someone with narcolepsy transitions to REM sleep after being asleep for only about 15 minutes. REM sleep is the stage of sleep when vivid dreaming may occur. The boundary between being awake and dreaming while asleep is so close in people with narcolepsy that they may experience sleep paralysis (an inability to move or speak) or dream-like hallucinations. A person with narcolepsy may also experience episodes of cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone. A severe case of cataplexy may cause someone to suddenly fall to the ground. Narcolepsy with cataplexy is referred to as type […]
29. Feb 2020
Sleepy Teens? How you Can help your Kids Sleep Better
A November 2019 study in the journal ‘Sleep’ found that most teens do not get the amount of sleep recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) on a regular basis. They recommend 8–10 hours of sleep each night for teenagers 13 to 18 years old. This is not too different from the 9 to 12 hours recommended for kids 6–12 years old. Sleep deprivation can have serious impacts on your child’s quality of life, physical health and mental health. However, the good news is that even though kids are more autonomous during adolescence, the study found that parents can influence their teens to make healthy improvements to their sleep habits. Why the Struggle for Adolescent Sleep During puberty, hormone changes affect your child’s internal sleep clock, often referred to as the circadian rhythm, that determines when your child feels sleepy and when he wakes up. This change moves the time when your child starts to feel sleepy to an hour or two later in the evening and shifts his wake-up time up to two hours later in the morning. This adjustment means that even if your child is in bed on time, he may not be able to fall […]
29. Feb 2020
1,2,3 Fish On! | Fishing in Columbus, GA
By: Stephanie Vatalaro, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation If your kids are anything like mine, keeping them entertained probably feels like Mission: Impossible, especially when it comes to finding new family activities. One of my favorite ways to put a new spin on family time is with a traditional pastime that’s making a comeback — fishing. Growing up on the water, I’ve always loved to fish. Now that I’m a mom, I love sharing the sport with my daughter, Isla. But even if you’re a first-timer, fishing is an easy, kid-friendly activity that you can bond over as a family with just a few beginner steps. Step 1 – Find A Fishing Spot Going fishing doesn’t mean you have to pack up for a long drive far away from home. Places to fish are closer than you think. Lake Oliver, located about 20 minutes north of Columbus, is a popular destination for new and experienced anglers alike. You can also find tons of places to fish throughout the Chattahoochee Valley with an interactive map at www.TakeMeFishing.org. When selecting a family-friendly fishing spot, look for amenities like play areas, easy parking and picnic facilities as well as safe water and boat access. Step […]
29. Feb 2020
A Visit to Turntime Farms
I expected the typical small-town farm, cows all over the place, strong manure stench, chickens crowding the dirt roads. But when I got out of my hatchback at this Harris County farm, I could see some cows far in the distance, I couldn’t smell them. I saw rolling hills, no chickens, and I was greeted with a modest market, filled with fresh meats, eggs, handmade pottery and yogurts. There, I met farm manager and Columbus, GA firefighter, Daniel Hord, and began my introductory lesson in beyond organic farming. Organic has become a buzzword in the 21st century. It’s often used to confuse consumers and make us think we’re purchasing a safer, better quality product; a term now known as “green washing.” Even though a product may be certified organic, it doesn’t assure the quality of the animals and their upbringing. “Our grass is organic in the sense that it’s just grass. It’s given fertilizer from the animals’ manure and urine but it isn’t sprayed with any chemicals,” explains Hord. “You can buy a whole organic chicken from a supermarket and it may have never seen the light of day. It can be considered certified organic because it ate organic feed.” […]
29. Feb 2020
Valentine’s Cookie Popcorn
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 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! courtesy of: iheartnaptime.net
9. Feb 2020
Coaching your Child to Success
Coaching your child 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 […]
1. Feb 2020
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 […]
1. Feb 2020
Expand 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 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 […]
31. Jan 2020
Enrolling in GA 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 to 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 […]
31. Jan 2020
Saving for your Child’s Future
The start of a new year is the perfect time to review and update your family’s financial goals, including your plans for saving for your child’s future. Starting to save money early in your child’s life means the investments have more time to grow before he reaches adulthood, but it is never too late to get started. Review your family’s financial plan There are financial essentials you should address first. Once they are in place, you can then decide how much of your monthly household budget to contribute to your child’s savings. Build an emergency fund for your household that is large enough to cover six to nine months of living expenses. Review the monthly contributions to your retirement savings plan. Saving enough funds to cover your living expenses when you retire takes priority over saving for your child’s college expenses. Put resources into place that will keep your kids financially secure, even if you pass away before they reach adulthood. Many employers offer inexpensive term life insurance policies as part of a benefits package. Review each of your life insurance policies and savings plans to ensure the list of beneficiaries is up to date. When listing a minor child as the beneficiary […]
31. Dec 2019
Twice Baked Potatoes
Ingredients 2 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and pricked with a fork all over 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons heavy cream 4 pieces of cooked bacon 4 large eggs 1/2 cup shredded cheddar thinly sliced chives salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place potatoes directly on oven rack in the center of the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender through the center. Remove and allow potatoes to cool for about 15 minutes. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and hollow each half out, scooping the potato flesh into a mixing bowl. Add butter and cream to the potato and mash together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and stir together. Spread some of the potato mixture into the bottom of each hollowed potato skin and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cheese. Add 1 piece of bacon to each half and top with a raw egg. Place potatoes onto a baking sheet and return to the oven. Lower oven temperature to 375˚F and bake potatoes until egg whites just set and yolks are still runny. Top each potato with a sprinkle of the remaining cheese, season with salt and pepper and finish with […]
30. Dec 2019
Do Your Kids Really Play?
By Joanne Cogle, CSCS, MS, owner of CrossFit CSG, local military spouse and mom to 7-year-old daughter Red Rover Red Rover, Tug of War, Double Dutch, Frozen Tag…where did those simple playground games go; simple playground games that simulated gross motor movements and playground camaraderie. They have long been replaced with indoor recess, video games and specific sports activities. Locking our kids into one specific sport and eliminating movement activities is doing them a disservice. Our children are missing out on a vital part of growing up; the sport of play. Sure, they play baseball or basketball, but can they perform functional gross motor skills, like squatting or pulling up their body weight, as efficiently as they can drill a ball? Probably not. Think back to when you were in elementary school and performing the President’s Fitness Test. Imagine if you had kept that same strength and agility through your younger years. Would you be a different parent? Would your back hurt less? Would you move better? Most fitness professionals, including myself, recommend getting your child(ren) into as many movement activities as possible while keeping it fun. What might have turned your crank as a kid may not turn theirs. Letting […]
30. Dec 2019
Paper Plate Snowman
Supplies Paper Plates Medium Black Buttons Large Pink Buttons White Glitter Mod Podge Orange Puffy Paint Paint Brush Glue Gun Directions Hot glue your two black buttons towards the top middle of your paper plate for the eyes. Then hot glue your two pink buttons below the eyes and to the side for the cheeks. Naturally, you can also paint these with pink and black paint. Paint your plate with mod podge and sprinkle your glitter onto the mod podge. Use your black puffy paint to connect the two pick buttons with a wavy smile (you can also use a black marker to draw the smile, but you will have to do it before you use Mod Podge and sprinkles – this will also make the smile not so visible). Alternatively, you could also use small black buttons. Then draw on a carrot-shaped nose with your orange puffy paint and let your plate dry. Courtesy of www.easypeasyandfun.com
30. Dec 2019
Meal Prep 101
When your family has a calendar full of after school activities and weekend events, planning healthy meals your family will enjoy eating can be a challenge. However, taking a few minutes each week to plan and research recipes that fit your schedule can save you time, reduce food costs and help your family eat healthy, nutritionally balanced meals. Decide what types of meals fit your schedule First, look at your schedule for the next week and note how much time you have to prepare meals each day. Decide which days you will prepare meals fresh at home. If there is a particular evening when you will be very short on time, that maybe the evening you want to plan to prepare a slow cooker meal or heat up a homemade freezer meal you have thawed in the refrigerator. If you have at least one afternoon a month to spend preparing your family’s favorite recipes and freezing them in meal-sized portions, freezer meals are a good way to reduce the number of times a month you eat out. Strategize your meal-planning to save time and money Now that you know what types of meals you need, decide what you will prepare. One […]
30. Dec 2019
Workout Myths
There are some exercise myths that seem to persist, even when there is no scientific evidence that supports them. Here are a few that could get in the way of an effective workout or even be harmful. Doing a lot of crunches is healthy and will get rid of belly fat You can’t turn the belly fat into muscle by doing crunches. In order to reduce belly fat, you have to make lifestyle changes that help you lose weight and, even then, you have no control over where your body chooses to lost fat. In addition, crunches only target a few muscle groups and put pressure on the lower back, which can cause lower back pain and injury in the long term. According to research performed by University of Waterloo biomechanics professor Dr Stuart McGill, when you bend your spine while doing a crunch, about 340 kg of compressive force can be applied to the spine. Instead, try planks and other exercises that allow your spine to remain in neutral alignment (not curved) and work on strengthening your entire core. A pilates class is an excellent way to strengthen your entire core. You should not work out in the evening […]
30. Dec 2019
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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.
