DECEMBER 2015
Wise Choices for Moms & Families
BAYOU REGION Filled With
Holiday Event Info
See Cover Sponsor, Back Cover
Don’t miss the holiday magic and Santaland fun!
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Children’s Clothing Girls : Pre -16 Boys : Pre-8
Boutique hair bows Skin & hair care Gifts & toys Baptismal supplies Monogramming Monogram Deadline to Guarantee for Christmas - Dec. 16!
Locations CUTOFF LOCATION 17020 West Main St. Cut Off, LA 70345 985-325-7327 M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-3
HOUMA LOCATION 1795B MLK Blvd, Suite B Houma, La 70360 986-868-5280 M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-3
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will not need to rush to complete a long shopping list and the day after Christmas will be a day to enjoy, instead This year it is my goal to make the of a day spent finding space for a flood holidays more enjoyable by creating a of new toys. Some of these gifts can’t be list of the gifts I feel kids really need and wrapped up and put under the tree but sending it to family members who like are priceless and will be treasured long to give gifts to our kids. Family members after toys are outgrown and forgotten.
HOO’s INSPIRED
Gifts that last
Time to explore and investigate the world around them. Give kids the opportunity to go on a trip to a wildlife or nature center, zoo, or aquarium. Some venues have yearly family memberships, which is a gift that will continue to build precious memories all year long. Kids have an innate curiosity and desire to learn about the world around them, so even just taking the kids to a nature trail in the park to watch birds and wildlife is a gift they will appreciate. Time with elderly family members and friends. Learning about their family history and traditions firsthand from an elderly family member gives kids a sense of identity and helps form family bonds. The gift of feeling loved and connected to your family is a precious gift that money cannot buy. Free, unstructured play time. Kids don’t need to have every minute of their day spent in scheduled activities. Give kids the gift of open ended toys that promote creative, free play, like blocks, building sets, or dress-up clothes, and spend time watching them pretend to be a super hero or design a lego city. If you give the gift of art supplies when you visit this Christmas, you can leave with a kid-created masterpiece.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
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Tammy Usie Publisher
sDigest.com
Sales@FamilyandKid
253-212-7270 Cell
Dear Parents of Terrebonne & Lafourche Parishes, Welcome to your handy, local, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, fun features, handy resources and things to do. If you like our magazine, then you’ll enjoy our website too, www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com. There you can read our digital magazine and use our ONLINE SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide will provide you with a list of local, family-friendly businesses that we intend to grow into something more comprehensive in time. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.
AD DEADLINES
1st of the Month for the Next Month’s Issue
Tammy Usie
HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 11
Hoo’s hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 23
HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30
HOO’S inspired.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31
HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14
Hoo Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28
HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18
Hoo’s parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10
HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.
Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops and restaurants. Plus grocery stores, coffee shops, and many more places of business in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Plus read our digital edition at:
www.familyandkidsdigest.com Find us on Facebook
Family & Kids Bayou Region
www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
SHOPPING guide Activities Alstarz Cheerleading Academy........ 25 Bayou Country Children’s Museum....8 Bayouland YMCA................................... 23 Bricks 4 Kids........................................... 23 Brushworks Art & Music...................... 11 Chili Cookoff.............................................31 Creative U....................................................5 Extreme Cheernastics.......................... 30 Greenwood Gator Farm & Tours.........18 Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu..................................15 James Academy of Gymnastics.........15 Martial Arts Studio.................................12 Mix It Up......................................................3 Santa’s Bayouland Workshop................7 STAGE Performing Arts THEM School..........18 TELL Tiger Rock................................................ 29
SENT YOU! Childcare/ education Adventure Awaits.................................. 28 GDC Young Learners/ Merry Oaks.... 28 Messiah Montessori School............... 28
Food & beverage Chick-fil-A on MLK................................ 25 Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse.............. 22
healthcare Beehive Behavioral Health..................19 Ctr for Pediatrics & Adolescent Med.13 Ellender Orthodontics........................... 11 Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic..................8 Lafourche Urgent Care............................7 Pelican Medical Supply..........................8 Premier OB/GYN Specialists.............. 25 Thieler Orthodontics............................ 26 Total Urgent Care....................................31
party Bayouland Inflatables............................15 La Tea Da Party Palace............................8 Party Palooza............................................15
Shopping/ Retail Belle La Vie...............................................18 Cajun Nutrition........................................19 Faith Varnes, Ruby Ribbon................. 26 Felger’s Foot Wear....................................5 Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique........................2 Live 4 Sports............................................ 26 Lynn’s Little Feet..................................... 11 Melinda Gilmore Photography...........13 Southland Mall....................................... 32 The iClinic.................................................15
Handy/ home Champagne Organizing Solutions....19
TELL THEM
SENT YOU!
www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com
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Santa’s Bayou Workshop & 5K Santa Run Sat, Dec. 12 @ 10:30 AM Larose Civic Center
Spend the day with Santa in his bayou workshop. Enjoy good food, arts & cra;s show, cra;s for kids, sleigh ride, plus 5K Santa Run!
!
!
Presented in Loving Memory of Deanna Faulk. For more info call 985-‐693-‐7279.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
Bayou country Children’s Museum
DECEMBER EVENTS 12/12 Papa Noel Night (6-8 pm)
12/21-12/22 Christmas Camp (9-3 pm) 12/31 Noon Year’s Eve – Free with admission See website for details 211 Rue Betancourt Thibodaux (985)446-2200 www.bccm.info
Balancing the Spine and Pelvis by “ADJUSTMENTS”
Holistic Health Medical Center 985-223-3811
567 Corporate Dr. Houma www.drmikeflynn.com
J.Michael Flynn, DC, FICC
Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors
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HOO’s PARENTING
Teaching KIDS healthy competition In recent years, the competitive nature of our culture has become even more pronounced. There are reality shows where the loser of a competition is voted off the show and the winner achieves instant stardom. Also, social media has made it more likely that we are comparing ourselves with others on a daily basis. Competition can be good in that it encourages us to apply ourselves and to be innovative. However, competition can have an unhealthy, dark side if it is taken too far and too much emphasis is put on the final outcome. Children who feel pressured to win, no matter what the cost, may even become anxious and fearful that their parents will not love them if they lose. Here are some tips on how to teach your child to participate in all the competitions he encounters on a daily basis in a healthy manner. First, begin by teaching healthy competition at home. Make it clear to your children that while you expect them to try their best at activities, your love for them has nothing to do with whether they win or lose. Discuss good sportsmanship and practice it as a family. One excellent way to practice good sportsmanship is to play a game as a family. Make it fair by giving younger children a handicap, and don’t forget to let the kids lose sometimes. This will allow them to practice coping with losing. Have fun playing the game, and when it is over ask your kids what they enjoyed about it. Point out the winning or losing moment was just one small part of the time spent playing the game, and that most of the time was spent learning and enjoying a new game.
When discussing a game or competitive activity with your child, don’t ask about the score first. Instead, ask him about what he learned from the activity and what he enjoyed about it. Praise him for good instances of teamwork or where he demonstrated good use of skills, no matter if he won or lost. Temper your child’s disappointment about losing by reminding him he can use the experience to identify any areas that need improvement and to possibly redefine his goals. Ensure you are modeling the ideals and values of healthy competitiveness yourself. Do you show respect for coaches and teachers or do you challenge grades and coaching decisions? Do you remind your children they have a responsibility to apply themselves or do you blame lack of success on their teachers? A good way to model healthy competition is to engage in a competitive activity of your own. Not only will it be an opportunity to show your children it can be fun to learn a new skill, but you will also be able to demonstrate how to win gracefully and how to recover from losses. Finally, remind your children that healthy competition means never compromising the values of honesty and fair play, even if it means you may lose to someone who has cheated.
Next, further prepare your child for healthy competition outside the home by setting realistic expectations and goals. Some parents tell their kids they can achieve anything if they try hard enough, but this often does not hold true in the real world. Even if your child does win a competition, being #1 is a temporary situation, and eventually someone who is even better will come along. Let him know that Allalllocations unless noted. Specials you ask isare thatColumbus he continues to try to improve subject change without notice. Please verify upon histopersonal best. them with the restaruant in advance. Submit your deal: Office@HooKnowsTheValley.com
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
SPACE TOYS ARE A BLAST! The final frontier is in the news with the successful missions of the Mars lander, SpaceX and the New Horizons spacecraft fly-by of Pluto. The people who envisioned and executed these amazing missions and projects were children once, too. The following toys are ideal for cultivating and supporting a child’s interest in the stars, our solar system and the discoveries that await as we continue to stride into the endless expanse of outer space.
Science Club Moonscope
( Nancy B)
There’s more to the moon than meets the naked eye and the Nancy B’s Science Club Moonscope is a perfect tool to take the first look a bit deeper. With real glass optics and adjustable magnification capacity that can reach 90x, kids can explore not only the surface of the moon, but also observe features of other objects in our solar system. The scope includes a gentle red LED light to reference the companion journal and sky maps without ruining the viewer’s night vision. Perfect for fostering a pre-teen’s interest in the mysteries of the night sky, the Moonscope and Journal offers an eye-opening door to knowledge for budding astronomers!
Discovery Space Center
(Hape)
Crafted with wood and child-safe paints and designed with an eye toward pretend play, the Discovery Space Center is less scientific and more geared toward generating kindergarten age storytelling. Without batteries, noise makers and lights, this playset gives all the power to the child to make his own narrative for the characters in this space program. Including soft pose-able astronauts, an alien, and featuring a detachable shuttle for away missions, the Hape Discovery Space Center is a fun launch for top flight space play!
Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards (Rogge / Smith)
Animals in the Stars Lacing Cards will help prepare them to understand how constellations are perceived. In addition to building fine motor skills for little hands, each card offers a bit of history and mythology behind its constellation. Once the stars on the cards are connected by the laces, a glow-in-the-dark image of the constellation will emerge. With ten constellations to learn and lace, Animals in the Stars is a great teaching tool for young sky gazers who have looked up and let their imaginations soar.
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Ring in the th new ye ar wi a new smile!
Dr. Albert Ellender Braces for Children and Adults! 851-1234
Free Consultation ellenderortho.com
We have Stride Rite!
Gifts for every Occasion!
Saucony Dance/Gym Wear Dance Shoes Gifts, Bows, and lots more!
446-1751
311 North Canal Blvd Thibodaux (Behind Cane’s)
Like Us!
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
Holiday Workout
HOO’s FIT
Even if there is no time in your holiday schedule for trips to the gym, a 30-minute power workout can keep your fitness goals from lapsing during the holiday season. This workout includes exercises that are highly effective yet can be done without equipment. The workout starts with a five-minute warm-up like light jogging in place. Next, do each strength-training exercise 10 - 15 times, with 60 seconds of a cardio exercise, like jogging in place, in between each one. Chair Squats: Squats target the abdominal muscles, glutes, and quadriceps. To do a chair squat, bring your arms forward and bend at the waist while having your feet hip-distance apart. Lower yourself as if you are sitting in the chair but just tap it and then push back up. Don’t let your knees get in front of your toes while in the lowest part.
Tricep Chair Dips: This exercise works out the triceps, a group of muscles in the upper arm. Start out by sitting on the edge of a sturdy chair and place your hands on the chair next to your hips. Lower your body down off the chair until your arms are bent at a 90 degree angle and then push yourself back up.
Push-ups: This exercise works the legs, arms and abs. Start out by doing a regular push-up, keeping your chest in line with your hips. Once you have done as many as you can, try doing as many modified-style (knee on the floor) pushups as you can.
Cycle through the complete set of exercises two or three times. Take a oneminute rest in between sets. After you are finished, cool down for about 5 minutes with some stretches.
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HOO’s HEALTHY Teach them to swallow
Pills!
The
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Kids
Doctor
Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com
I’ve always been a proponent of teaching children how to swallow a pill. In fact, I think I taught my boys this skill before they were 5 years old, mainly because I was tired of trying to find the measuring cup or syringe for the liquid medicine, which often didn’t go down “like a spoon full of sugar,” even though we sang the song during dosing.
since 1987 which found that behavioral therapy, flavored throat sprays, specialized pill cups and verbal instruction with correct head and tongue positioning all helped children swallow pills. They also found that pill-swallowing training for children as “young as 2 years old helped increase the likelihood of ease of pill swallowing.”
Well, who knew that someone would actually study “pediatric pill swallowing”? In a recent Pediatrics article, the authors looked at different pill-swallowing interventions. They found that up to 50 percent of children were unable to swallow a pill. Reasons include fear, anxiety and intolerance to unpleasant flavors.
As with many skills, the sooner your young child can master the art of pill swallowing, the better. It will make everyone’s life easier.
The authors reviewed five articles published
My final caveat: I always tell my patients who are older “non-pill” swallowers, “you can’t possibly operate a motor vehicle if you can’t even swallow a pill!” This is usually a huge motivator for the “late swallower” and they meet the challenge.
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HOO’S at the Movies Wise Choices for You & Your Family
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+
Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) come to believe that Dave (Jason Lee) is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami -- and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave, but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother. Directed by Walt Becker, this cute family comedy also stars Bella Thorne, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.
CONCUSSION Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+
The film is based on the David vs. Goliath story of Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), the forensic neuropathologist who discovered the first football-related brain trauma in a pro player and fought to bring awareness to the public. In his search for the truth behind the devastating malady, Omalu’s quest humanizes the price paid by professional athletes in impact sports, but also by people who challenge the status quo as it exposes the political, cultural and corporate interests that fuel the business of sports. Directed by Peter Landesman, this movie also stars Alec Baldwin, Luke Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, David Morse and Albert Brooks.
STAR WARS: EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+
This installment takes place 30 years after the Rebel Alliance’s victory over the second Death Star. The galaxy is still at war, and a New Republic has arisen, but the First Order has sprung from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. Many of the heroes we all know and love are still active and fighting in the Resistance against this group. They’re joined by new heroes Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), a starfighter pilot; Finn (John Boyega), a former First Order Stormtrooper; Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger; and a rolling droid known as BB-8. They’re opposed by powerful new forces, including Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) of the First Order and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a mysterious dark side user wielding a lightsaber of unusual design Directed by J.J. Abrams, and written by Abrams, Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan based on characters by George Lucas.
Krampus PG-13 | Ok for kids 14+
Like a little “scary” with your yuletide festivities? Then “Krampus” is for you. When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max (Emjay Anthony) is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All heck breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family’s home and forcing them to stick together to survive. Directed by Michael Dougherty, this thriller also stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette and Conchata Ferrell.
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+
In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by a whale of mammoth size and will, with an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster inspired Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” but that was only half the story. “In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Directed by Ron Howard, this movie stars Chris Hemsworth as the ship’s veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light.
www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com
Creating LEADERS
www.evolutiontraining.org
985.226.8846
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Decembe
1 F1-24 TPR Basketball registration.
Ages 5-6 and 13-14. RSVP 985-8736584.
10 St. Bernadette’s 12th Annual Live Nativity. 6-8pm. Outdoor walking tour with student actors.
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“Tucks & Series” Workshop at Alstarz Cheer Academy. 985-6937109.
1 Craft night at Chick-fil-A on MLK, 11 “Oh Holy Night Paint Party” at Cre- 18 Open Gym at Extreme CheernasHouma. 5-8pm.
2 Cheerleading Tryout Workshop at Alstarz Cheer Academy, Larose. 985693-7109.
ativeU, Houma. Ages 5 and up. $35. Creativeuart.com
11 Polar Express Night at Mix It Up. 6-9pm. Mixituphouma.com
tics. 5:30-8:30pm. $15. RSVP 985872-0339. 18 “Paint Party” at CreativeU, Houma. Ages 4 and up. $35. Creativeuart.com
4 Once Upon A Cajun Christmas Pa- 11 Kids Night Out (Star Wars) at Bricks 19 rade. 6:30pm. Begins at Terrebonne HS, ends downtown Houma.
4 “Elf Paint Party” at CreativeU, Houma. Ages 4 and up. $35. Creativeuart. com
5 Breakfast with Santa. Pancakes
& photos. Vandebilt HS. Tickets $5 through Kiwanis or $6 at door. 985858-3971.
5 5th Annual Reindeer Run benefit-
ting Girls on the Run. 2pm. Southdown Plantation. RSVP at girlsontherunht.org.
5 Party at the North Pole. Extreme
Cheernastics. 1-4pm. Ages 4 and up. $25. Includes snacks, crafts, movies, reindeer games. RSVP 985-872-0339.
5 Gingerbread House Workshop at
4 Kids. 6-9pm. RSVP 985-872-2772.
11 Christmas Art & Pizza Party at Brushworks. 6:30-9pm. $35. RSVP brushworksacademy.com.
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Christmas Concert at Southland Mall by H-T Community Band. 6:30pm. Free.
12 Papa Noel Night at Bayou Country
Children’s Museum. 6-8pm. www. bccm.info.
12 Mommy & Me: Cookies for Santa
at Mix It Up. 10:30am-11:30pm. Mixituphouma.com
19 Christmas Boat Parade. Begins
5:30pm at Bourg Vol. Fire Station to Humble Canal Bridge.
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Santa’s Toy Shop Challenge at Bricks for Kids. 1-4pm. RSVP 985-8722772.
21 & 22 Christmas Art Camp at
Elf at Chick-fil-A on MLK. 8am-10am.
12 Santa’s Bayou Workshop & 5K San-
21 & 22 Christmas Camp at Bayou
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12 & 13 Teddy Bear Tea at the
shop at Alstarz Cheer Academy, Larose. 985-693-7109.
Mix It Up. 10:30am-12:30pm. Mixituphouma.com
Brushworks. Sessions: 9am-12 and 12:30-3:30pm. $45 w/ supplies and snacks. brushworksacademy.com.
Mix It Up. 10:30am-12:30pm. Mixituphouma.com
9 “Jumps & Back handspring” Work-
19 Gingerbread House Workshop at
12 Breakfast with Santa Cow and his ta Run. 10:30am. Larose Civic Center. Arts & Crafts show, kids crafts, sleigh ride, Santa photos and food.
Thibodaux Christmas Parade & Christmas Fest. 4pm. Starts at NSU. Ends at Dansereau House for caroling, tree lighting and holiday fun. 506 St. Philip St., Thib.
Character Breakfast by Party Palooza with visit from Santa at Envie Restaurant. 9am. RSVP 985-4145295.
Dansereau House. 11am and 3pm. $35 per. RSVP 985-227-9937.
13 “Polar Express Paint Party” at Cre-
ativeU, Houma. Ages 4 and up. $35. Creativeuart.com
Country Children’s Museum. 9am3pm. www.bccm.info
21-23 & 28-30 Cooking Camps at Mix It Up. Mixituphouma.com
21-23 & 28-30 Holiday Arts Camp at CreativeU. Ages 5 and up. 9am-1pm. $75. Creativeuart.com
21-23 & 28-30 Winter Kids Camp at Martial Arts Studio. 130 Alliance Ct, Houma. 985-772-1861.
er Events 21-23 & 28-31 Holiday Kids
Camp at Pinocchio’s. 7:30am-5:30pm. Ages 5-12. 985-580-2000.
22 Drop to Shop Day at Bricks 4 Kids. 1-4pm. RSVP 985-872-2772.
28 Babysitting class at Bayouland
YMCA. 11-17 years old. 11am-5pm. 985-873-9622.
28 Battle Bots Jr at Bricks 4 Kids. 1-3pm. RSVP 985-872-2772.
29 Ninja Turtle Blowout at Bricks for Kids. 1-4pm. RSVP 985-872-2772.
30 Battle Bots with Mindstorm at
Bricks 4 Kids. 1-4pm. RSVP 985-8722772.
Yoga at Alstarz for kids at 4:30pm and 5:30pm for adults. 13347 W Main St, Larose. 985-693-7109.
Wednesday
PreK Story Time at Terrebonne Main Library. 10am for 3-5 year olds. Storytime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. All ages welcome. Ends with a craft. Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga at Anela’s. 4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. www. anelaslounge.com.
Thursday
Laptime at the Lafourche Parish Main Library. 10:30am. Ages 2 and under. Interactive storytime.
31 Noon Years’s Eve at Bayou Coun-
Crafternoons at the Terrebonne Main Library. 4pm. PreK-6th. RSVP 985876-5861.
Weekly Events
Free Kids Yoga at Anela’s. 6:30pm. 7720 Main, Houma. anelaslounge.com
Toddler Time at the Terrebonne Parish Main Branch Library. 10am and 6pm for 19mon-3yrs.
Toddler Fun Day at LA Sports Gym. 9am-12pm. $7 for interactive play with parent. 544 Hollywood Rd, Houma. 985-580-9746.
try Children’s Museum. 10am-1pm. www.bccm.info
Monday
Baby OHM/ Prenatal Yoga at Anela’s. 4pm. 7720 Main St, Houma. www. anelaslounge.com.
Tuesday
Storytime at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library. 10am for newborns-18mon, and at 6pm for 4-8 year olds and their families. Board Game night at the Thibodaux Library. 5pm. All ages. Prizes awarded. Snacks provided.
Friday
Friday Fun Night at LA Sports Gym. 6:30-9pm. $10. Snacks Additional. 544 Hollywood, Houma. 985-580-9746. JAG Open Gym. 7-9pm. $7 for members, $10 for non members. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001.
Saturday
Downtown Houma Market in the Courthouse Square. 8am-noon. Local produce and artisans.
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Lafourche Central Market with Farmers, Fishermen, Artisans and Activities. 8a-noon. Thibodaux Main Street Market. 8am12:30pm next to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. Home grown or produced items. Kid’s Club at Michael’s on MLK, Houma. 10am-12pm. $2 for craft. Adult must accompany. 985-872-3132. Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe’s on MLK, Houma. 10am. Free. Register online at lowes.com/buildandgrow. 985-223-7575. Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot on MLK, Houma. 9am-12pm for ages 5-12 with parent. Free. Register at homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops. 985-223-1485. JAG Open Gym. 7-9pm. $7 for members, $10 for non members. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany. 308 Venture Blvd, Houma. 985-851-3001. Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.
Librar y activities Terrebonne Parish
http://mytpl.evanced.info/signup/ EventCalendar.aspx
Lafourche Parish
www.lafourche.org Click on Locations & Contacts
Wise Choices for You & Your Family
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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 D i g e s t . c o m
Hellen, 3 years Houma
Dylan, 6 years Houma
Luke, 10 Months Thibodaux
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HOO’s HUNGRY
corn flake
christmas wreaths ANOTHER 5 INGREDIENT RECIPE, THAT IS DELICIOUS, EASY TO MAKE AND BUDGET FRIENDLY. THESE LITTLE HOLIDAY TREATS ARE SURE TO BE THE TALK OF THE CHRISTMAS PARTY.
DIRECTIONS Measure corn flakes into a large bowl. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted. Stir in food coloring. Pour melted marshmallows into the large bowl with the corn flakes. Stir until well coated. Lay out a piece of parchment paper. Dollop spoonfuls of the cornflake mixture onto the parchment paper. Grease your (clean) hands with butter or cooking spray. Use your fingers to shape into individual wreaths. Top each wreath with cinnamon candies.
Ingredients • 1/3 cup unsalted butter • 4 cups miniature marshmallows • 1 teaspoon green food coloring • 6 cups of corn flake cereal • handful of red cinnamon candies ** Makes 14-16 wreaths **
Mental, Behavioral, Relational Health Services
Nicole Bourgeois, PHD, LMFT l beehivebehavioral@att.net
801 Barrow St #313, Houma l 985-293-7401
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
HOO’s FUN
Spot the differences
www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com
Mighty Kids, Inc. presents
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5th annual Reindeer Run benefiting Girls on the run
Sunday, December 6th 2 p.m. at Southdown Plantation Register at girlsontherunht.org
Food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family! More information: laura.ramirez@girlsontherun.org
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
HOO’s PARENTING
Curbing Angry
Outbursts
Kids are notorious for becoming angry when everything does not go their way. However, childhood development experts are concerned about the increased level of aggressiveness kids are displaying when becoming angry. These experts advise parents to take steps to help kids to manage their emotions and avoid angry, aggressive episodes while kids are young, as it is easier to correct than when they become teens. Before beginning to help your child manage angry behavior, it is a good idea to understand what may be influencing and encouraging your child's explosive outbursts. Studies have shown that kids exposed to TV shows and movies where
the main character displays aggressive behavior are more likely to become bullies or even have anger management issues as adults. Also, kids today seem to be surrounded by examples of adults displaying explosive, angry behavior. For example, when kids see angry adults shove their child's coach at a game, it sends the message that this type of behavior is acceptable. Since it is impossible to shield your child from all aggressive public behavior, counteracting negative influences by teaching your child to moderate and control his anger becomes even more important. First, you may want to begin by looking at your own style of anger
management, since your kids look to you for guidance. Do you have a caring and gentle parenting style or do you react harshly and yell at your kids when they frustrate you? Teach your kids techniques to soothe themselves when they are upset. A preschooler could be taught to hug his stuffed animal or pretend like he is blowing bubbles when he is angry. Teach older kids to think before they act. It helps to role play and practice appropriate responses to incidents that may make them angry. For example, if your child tends to blow up when his brother won't let him play with a toy, you could teach him to instead calmly say, 'May I please have a turn?'
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HOO’s CRAFTY
whimsical advent
calendar
Time to put your toilet paper tubes to good use. Not only is this calendar adorable, it will cost a fraction of what you would pay for a store bought version.
Directions Start by painting your cardboard and toilet paper tubes, white. Once everything is dry, cut all 12 toilet paper tubes in half, being careful not to squish them. Then glue them, in rows of four, to your 10x15 inch piece of cardboard. Set aside to dry. Next, grab your colored tissue paper and cut it into 48- 3 ½ inch circles. Now, fill your calendar with little toys, treats, or even inspirational quotes. Then, take two sheets of your tissue paper and wrap over the opening and rubber band so the paper is taut. Using markers or stickers, number them 1 through 24. Lastly, punch holes in the corners and affix a ribbon to hang.
supplies 10x15 cardboard 12 toilet paper tubes marker/stickers rubber bands tissue paper scissors/glue toys/candy white paint
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Dining Deals
Wise Choices for You & Your Family
With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!
MONDAY Cajun Critters. 1029 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma. Kids eat free from kid’s menu. Balloon art and face painting. El Paso Mexican Grill. 602 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids10 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entree. Face painting. IHOP. 1719 MLK Blvd, Houma. 4-9pm. Free kids meal with adult entree. La Casa Del Sol. 141 Westover Rd. Thibodaux. 5-8pm. Kid’s meals $2.99 for12 and under. Face painting. La Palma Mexican Restaurant. 710 Saint Mary St, Thibodaux. Kids 8 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.
Golden Corral.1724 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free balloon art and face painting
wednesday Big Mike’s BBQ. 3034 Barrow St, Houma. From 4pm to close. Kid’s meals $.99. El Paso Mexican Grill. 4560 Louisiana 1, Raceland. 6-8pm. Free balloon art and face painting.
thursday Dynasty Buffet. 6425 West Park Ave, Houma. Kids 3-6 eat free. Free balloon art and face painting. Moe’s Southwest Grill. 1826 MLK Blvd, Houma. From 4pm to close, free kids meal with adult entree over $5. Dine In only.
Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.
sunday
Tuesday
Crabby Crab. 5726 LA 1, Lockport. Free ice cream for kids, live mermaid, balloon art and facepainting. from 6-8pm.
AppleBees.1039 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma. Kids eat free from kids menu from 3-9pm (1 kid per adult).
everyday
Chick-fil-A. 1741 MLK Blvd, Houma. Free 4 count kid’s meal with any meal purchase from 5-8pm. First Tuesday of each month is Kid’s Craft Night.
Foundry on The Bayou. 15 West 1st St, Thibodaux. For brunch (10:30am-2pm), free ice cream for kids and free face painting.
La Casa Del Sol. 4647 Louisiana 1 Raceland. Every other Tuesday night, kids 11 and under eat for $2.99. Face painting.
Dave’s Cajun Kitchen. 6240 West Main, Houma. Kids 10 & under get kid’s meal for $.99 with a purchase of a drink. Dinner only.
Pepper’s Pizzeria. 600 W 3rd St, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under get $1.99 pizza and free ice cream.
Specials are subject to change without notice. Please verify them directly before dining. “Family & Kids” and the restaurants listed accept no liability, so please call them first to verify. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Sales@FamilyAndKidsDigest.com.
Santa Fe Cattle Company. 632 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux. Kids 12 and under. Free kid’s meal with adult entrée.
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THieLER
ORTHODONTICS Braces for children teens & adults!
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Recommending the Best Books
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for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith
The Night Sky Unfolds in Books
It’s a moving moment when our children spy the moon for the first time, small hands pointing toward something constant yet so very distant. The following titles celebrate the night sky and will have young readers looking up from the pages to find their own stories written in the stars.
Hello Moon!
By Francesca Simon and Ben Cort (Scholastic)
For one lonely little boy, seeing the moon through his bedroom window ignites a host of questions about what the moon sees and does. He wonders if the moon likes animals. He asks if the moon can see the sea – and under it. The boys wants to know if the moon has friends. While the moon smiles gently down, no answers are forthcoming. And that’s okay. Simply being a constant, familiar presence in the boy’s life, the moon provides quiet comfort for the boy to ask the questions that spark his own imagination as he drifts off to sleep. “Hello, Moon!” is an ideal bedtime read for a full moon night!
Moonday By Adam Rex (Hyperion / Disney)
Gazing out of the car’s back windows on a night ride home,one girl spies the moon keeping pace with her car. But her sleepy musings of a bright orb following her home become all to real. She awakes to find the moon looming large in her backyard, and her town is caught in a day without morning. No one in her community is fully awake, tides lap into the neighborhood, and only another night journey with her family can put the moon back where it belongs. Rex’s artistic gift with illumination make “Moonday” a feast for both the eye and the mind.
Henry’s Stars By David Elliot (Philomel / Penguin)
With a nod to the history of heavenly perceptions, this title opens with a stargazing pig named Henry who begins to connect the evening stars and discovers “The Great Pig in the Sky”. With enthusiasm, he runs to his neighbors to share his revelation. But as he encourages them to look skyward, each animal sees something different. As Henry leaves the animals arguing about the stars they see, his joy over his discovery is dimmed. But when he’s alone again and looks up – his own eyes confirm what he knew all along. “Henry’s Stars” will encourage kids to make their own celestial discoveries!
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY
ENROLL NOW Toddlers, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary, and beyond! 985.857.8808
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Music to my Brain? Many have heard that learning to play a musical instrument is good for the mind. Below we list a few ways that show how. With new activity sessions starting again in the new year, it could be a great time to register your child for some music lessons. l Pulse, rhythm, and scale patterns require children to add, multiply, understand fractions, and identify patterns. This ties exactly into what’s happening in math class, and aids in wiring the child’s brain to absorb math’s other concepts. l Kids become aware of other cultures through learning the origin of their instrument, the nationalities of composers, and the time periods of the pieces. Becoming familiar with these differences fosters open-mindedness at a young age about cultures and traditions that are different from their own. l Patience and discipline are improved through the practice of delayed gratification. Playing a piece fluently requires practice. Children must invest time on a daily basis before reaching the satisfaction that comes from achieving their
HOO KNEW? playing goals. l A small increase was found in the IQs of six-year-olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons. The children’s IQs were tested before entering the first grade, then again before entering the second grade. l Music improves executive functions plus attention and memory, which positively affect verbal intelligence skills. l Students with a background in instrumental performance scored higher on the SAT: 57 points higher on verbal, and 41 points higher on math. l Of music majors who applied to medical school, 66% were admitted, which was the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, only 44% of biochemistry majors were admitted. l In one study, musicians showed a thicker corpus callosum (connection that allows communication between hemispheres) than those of non-musicians, with an even more prominent difference for those who had begun their training
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Start
© Disney
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
HOO’s learning
Expanding Your Child’s Freedom
If you have a child in the age range of 8 - 11 years old, they are probably starting to ask for some 'big kid' privileges. However, you are probably wondering just which requests you should grant, and which ones your child is not ready for. Here are a few of the most common freedoms tweens ask for and some tips on how to tell if they are ready for the responsibility. Your tween wants to use a public restroom alone. In some instances, like when you are at a restaurant, you can allow your child to go into a public restroom alone, as long as you wait outside the door. However, in a busy place like the shopping mall or an amusement park, the answer is no. Send them in with a friend or an adult you trust, or take them in with you. Your tween wants to separate from you in the grocery store.
As long as your child stays close enough so that you can still see them, you can let them venture off on their own in the store. However, before letting them do so, let them know you expect them to return to you right away, and to not wander off. Make sure to talk with your child about what to do if they ever get lost in the store, and how to handle interaction with strangers.
Your tween wants to use the stove or microwave. Using the stove or microwave unsupervised is a privilege that tweens may not quite be ready for. However, you can start your tween on the path to being granted this privilege later by allowing them to help you prepare meals. Keep your child back from the stove when you are cooking food over high heat that might splatter. Your tween wants a cell phone. If your tween is mature enough to care for a cell phone, and the rules that come along with it, they may be ready for a basic phone. A benefit to your child having a phone is being able to reach each other quickly in case of an emergency. Once your tween has shown responsibility for a basic phone, they may request a smart phone. There are heavy responsibilities associated with owning a smart phone, like ensuring that personal information is kept private, harmful apps are not being downloaded, and the data plan is not being exceeded.
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