INFANT SLEEP strategies
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
Parents of newborns often are provided with a timeline of ‘what to expect’ as their infant grows and develops. However, the point of which an infant reaches the milestone of ‘sleeping through the night’ can vary greatly, as it can depend on an infant’s weight, feeding schedule and ability to self-soothe.
When do you start to ‘sleeP-train’ your infant?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies do not establish a regular sleep cycle until they are about four months old, and they may only sleep in stretches of 1 or 2 hours at a time before waking again. A newborn cries to express a need and it is important the need is addressed promptly. A quick response helps a newborn feel secure, teaches him he can trust his caregiver and prevents distress. In the first few months, a newborn is adjusting to a pattern of feeding and sleeping in the outside world, and his brain is developing quickly. Some research studies show that when infants experience a large amount of distress, it can harm brain development over time due to the release of a large amount of cortisol.
Around four months, an infant may start to be able to ‘sleep through the night’ and sleep for about six hours before waking. However, it is common for infants to experience ‘sleep regression’ some nights and wake up crying every few hours due to being sick or experiencing discomforts like teething.
lay the foundation for healthy sleeP habits
Even though your newborn is not ready for sleep training, you can help provide a consistent bedtime routine and a healthy, safe sleeping environment for him.
Create an enjoyable bedtime routine. It could include a bath, feeding, diaper change and bedtime
story. Over time, your infant will learn that this relaxing routine signals bedtime. At first, it will be hard to have this routine fall onto an exact time in the evening but as your infant grows and falls into a consist feeding and nap schedule, you will be able to identify the right bedtime for your infant. Based on the targeted bedtime, start the bedtime routine early enough so that your infant is not overtired at the end of the routine when you are trying to put him in his crib.
While co-sleeping with your infant is not safe, as it increases the risks of SIDS, having your newborn sleep in his bassinet or crib in your room can be healthy for your newborn. Your newborn may feel more secure, as he can sense you are nearby, and the close proximity makes it easier to nurse in the middle of the night.
• Create a cool, dark sleep environment for your infant.
• Creating a clear distinction between day (light) and night (darkness) can help your newborn develop his circadian rhythm.
• Be careful not to overdress your infant, as overheating during sleep has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS.
When your newborn wakes up at night, provide him with the care he needs and soothe him with cuddles and physical contact. A prompt response helps him feel safe and secure, and taking care of the discomfort quickly makes it easier for him to settle back down to sleep. When you are caring for your newborn’s needs in the middle of the night, keep the activity low key and do not make it a playtime. Also, it helps to have everything laid out in close proximity (a fresh crib sheet, diapers, etc.) so there is no need to search for anything, and you can keep the lights dimmed.
After we were unable to recover our original Facebook page from an evil hacker, we conceded and started over with a new one. To stay connected with us and share with the local parenting community, follow our new page at: www.Facebook.com/FamilyAndKidsColumbus
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
The “Dirty Dozen” PRODUCE
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet and eating them provides many benefits. However, extra care should be taken when selecting produce, since some types of produce contain higher amounts of pesticide residue than others.
Exposure to pesticide residue over time has been linked to health issues such as cancer, changes in the endocrine system and neurological issues. Pregnant women, very young children and those with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure.
Eating more organic produce, washing and peeling produce before eating it and choosing produce that has less risk of being contaminated by pesticides are ways to reduce your family’s risk of exposure. Organic produce can be very expensive, so one strategy might be to buy conventional produce that is at less risk for pesticide residue and buy organic when the produce in the ‘high risk for pesticide residue’ category.
An updated list of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ of produce based on the risk of pesticide exposure was published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a private organization, in 2025. On this list, in the order of most risk to less risk, were:
Spinach • Strawberries
Kale, collard and mustard greens • Grapes
Peaches • Cherries • Pears
Apples • Blackberries • Blueberries
Potatoes
Berries have soft, porous skin, making it easier for the pesticide to be absorbed, and the textured surface of berries makes it difficult to remove all the pesticide with washing. Berries may be
sprayed multiple times during their lifecycle and thus contain multiple types of pesticides.
Try gently scrubbing berries. Wash berries in a colander, not directly in the sink to avoid contamination by bacteria.
Some studies suggest using a solution of baking soda and water to help reduce residue (soaking in a solution of 1 tsp of baking soda per 2 cups of water).
For apples and pears, rinse them under cold running water for about 30 seconds, using your hands or a produce brush to scrub the skin. Soaking in a baking soda solution (1 tsp to about 2 cups of water) for about 10-15 minutes may also help to remove surface pesticide residue. Although peeling will also remove the majority of pesticide residue from apples and pears, you will lose the nutrients contained in the peel. Wash apples and pears just before eating, as they will store better if not washed too far ahead of time and stored.
Spinach and kale have broad, thin leaves that are porous and often slightly waxy, making it more likely that they will hold onto pesticides. The leaves grow close to the ground and need frequent treatments with pesticides to avoid mold, mildew and insect damage. Washing the leaves in a colander under cold running water and rubbing them with your fingers can help remove pesticide residue. Instead of just using plain water while rinsing the leaves, you could use a solution of 1 part white vinegar or lemon juice to 3 parts water to rinse the leaves, and then rinse the leaves thoroughly with water.
If your family eats a lot of spinach and kale, it may be worth buying organic a priority since spinach is at the top of the dirty dozen list and kale is not far behind.
Grapes and cherries can be washed in a colander and soaked in the baking soda solution (1 tsp/2 cups of water) for about 10-15 minutes to remove surface pesticide residue. Remove the stems of the cherries before washing.
LESS UPF EQUALS
WBy Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
hen you hear the term ultra-processed foods (UPF), what comes to mind may be foods like potato chips and packaged cookies. However, this term also includes not so obvious items such as flavored oatmeal that have preservatives and flavorings added and go through multiple industrial processes. Recent research shows that when overweight adults eliminate UPF from their diet, they can lose almost twice as much weight as those who did not stop eating UPF.
When it comes to choosing snacks, almost all granola and protein bars are UPFs. Some protein bars, while they are still UPFs, may have a lower amount of harmful additives and have enough protein and fiber to be an occasional addition to your weight loss meal plan. Nutrition experts acknowledge that it is almost impossible to eliminate all UPFs from your diet and instead encourage choosing which UPFs you eat wisely.
Here on some tips on identifying and exchanging UPF for items that are a ‘cleaner’ eat.
BREAKFAST:
Breakfast pastries, frozen breakfast sandwiches and sugary cereals are some examples of UPF. Even the bread you buy to make toast may be considered a UPF due to preservatives and additives. Substitute minimally processed foods such as eggs, avocados and steel cut oats.
LUNCH:
Frozen lunches or those that have a long shelf life are probably UPF. Even the meals that are included in a weight loss meal plan may in fact be UPF and contain preservatives, flavorings and artificial additives. Most cold cuts sold at the deli are considered UPF also. The best tip is to eat single ingredient foods with no labels needed.
DINNER:
The same strategy helps when selecting foods to prepare for dinner. Read the ingredient list on jarred pasta sauces, as they may contain added sugar and flavor enhancers. Frozen hamburgers, hot dogs, hamburger and hot dog buns, chicken nuggets and American cheese are also examples of UPFs. Also watch the ingredients in premade meal preps which often include seed oils, food dyes, preservatives and flavorings that are causing more harm to your body than the nutrition you think you are getting.
Halloween is Here!!
Halloween has arrived at Once Upon A Child. We have frightfully good deals on all of our Halloween costumes. No matter what you are looking for, from spooky vampires to itty bitty ladybugs, we have you covered.
Still have your kids’ costumes from last year? Bring them in for $$$ on the spot.
By Tiffany Wilson, Community Engagement Coordinator, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries
October is the season of costumes, candy, and spooky fun—but at Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, the only surprises you’ll find are good ones. This month, families can discover a calendar full of “treats” that make learning fun, approachable, and not the least bit scary.
For little ones, Storytimes and play-based early learning programs take the mystery out of reading by wrapping it in songs, laughter, and movement. Parents looking for simple ways to boost literacy will love 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten or LENA Start, both designed to turn everyday moments into stepping stones for school success.
Older kids can explore at their own pace, free from tests or pressure. One child might curl up with a spooky-but-silly book bundle specially curated by our staff, while another might dive into TumbleBooks or eRead Kids for an animated twist on reading. And when homework time looms, CVL’s digital resources such as Brainfuse – live online tutoring for grades k-12or LearningExpress make research and practice less stressful.
Even grown-ups deserve some not-so-scary learning. Whether it’s discovering a new craft, joining a book club, or finally giving audiobooks a try
on Hoopla or The Palace Project, the Library makes it easy to stretch your imagination without the pressure of a classroom. It’s a place where curiosity can thrive—no grades, no deadlines, just the joy of trying something new.
So this fall, skip the fright and embrace discovery. From toddlers finding their first favorite book to parents reclaiming a little “you time,” Chattahoochee Valley Libraries are here to remind you that learning is always a treat.
October Highlights at Chattahoochee Valley Library Branches:
• Mercer University Teddy Bear Clinic | Dates and times vary by location
• Book Character Day @ Mildred L. Terry Public Library
• Crochet-A-Thon @ Mildred L. Terry Public Library
• Library Scavenger Hunts @ Columbus Public Library
• Reptile Awareness Day with Oxbow Meadows @ South Columbus Public Library
• Storytimes Galore | All branch locations
Find dates, times, and branch locations at cvlga.org—and make this October the start of your family’s not-so-scary library adventure.
HOO’s PICKS
Highlight On
Make a smart choice! Accept our challenge to be a good steward of our most valuable natural resources. It’s up to you to keep Columbus beautiful!
Keep Columbus Beautiful is a non-profit organization that seeks to engage and educate individuals to take greater responsibility for enhancing beautification, protecting the environment, and eliminating litter and blight. The organization was created in 2012 to help support the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, which has been established by an ordinance in 1986. The Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission encourages individuals to take responsibility towards our community and the environment.
Keep Columbus Beautiful is gearing up for a packed fall season, launching back-to-back projects and initiatives that will carry through the end of the year and into next spring. There are countless ways for residents and businesses to get involved. Executive Director Lisa Thomas Cutts shared, “We’re so proud of the individuals and businesses who volunteer, and we’re always looking for more—because it truly takes all of us to keep it going. If you’re ready to make a difference, we’ll find you something meaningful and fulfilling to do!”
As KCBC continues to expand its reach, hosting more events and attending more community initiatives than ever before, this fall is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you're swinging a golf club for a cause, sorting recyclables, or picking up litter along the riverbank, every action counts toward a cleaner, more beautiful Columbus.
Here are some upcoming events.
Annual Shoe Recycle Campaign Begins
October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Keep Columbus Beautiful will kick off its annual Shoe Recycling Campaign in October! The goal? To collect over 30,000 pairs of gently worn shoes by December 31st. Shoes collected will be repurposed for developing countries in need, helping keep them out of landfills while supporting communities across the globe. All sizes and styles are welcome—even flip-flops and slippers! How can you help? Start gathering your unwanted shoes to drop off at one of our locations or you or your organization host your own collection drive!
Hazardous Household Waste and Electronics Recycle Event –
October 11, 2025
In partnership with Columbus Public Works and Columbus Recycles, this event provides residents with a safe and responsible way to dispose of common household hazards and electronics like old paint, laptops, batteries, and chemicals. It’s an essential opportunity to reduce landfill waste and prevent environmental contamination.
31st Annual Help-the-Hooch Cleanup
October 17 - 18, 2025
A tri-community effort involving Muscogee and Harris Counties, Fort Moore, and Russell County, AL, the Helpthe-Hooch Cleanup has become a beloved tradition and a powerful symbol of regional collaboration. Volunteers of all ages—students, families, service members, and businesses—will join forces to clean up parks, creeks and streams that lead to the Chattahoochee River, our main water source.
RESOURCES: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/
Thank You Watershed Festival
October 18, 2025
This family-friendly festival celebrates the hard work of our volunteers and the health of our waterways. Attendees can enjoy FREE food and beverages, FREE tee shirts, live music, vendors, facepainting, and activities for all ages.
Magic of Recycling
November 3 -7, 2025
Keep Columbus Beautiful and Columbus Recycles are excited to bring the nationally acclaimed “Magic of Recycling” show featuring Arthur Atsma back to town! From November 3–7, this high-energy, interactive magic show will tour 12 local schools and community organizations, reaching students in grades K–5 with a message about the importance of recycling.
For more info on how to volunteer, register, or support these events, visit www.columbusga.gov/keepcolsbeautiful; call 706-225-4008; or email kcbc1987@columbusga.org.
Fall Activity Guide
Fall Activity Guide
October
2 Simple Steps: Play. Ages 2-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
2 Storytime Campout & Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Ages 11 & under. 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
3 Columbus Walk to End Alzheimer's. 5:30pm. 1000 Broadway; act.alz.org
4 Friday Night Concert Series. 7-10pm. Free. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111
4 Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt. 9am-4pm. $5 park. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858
4 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
4 Mercer School of Medicine Teddy Bear Clinic. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
4 Music in the Park: Bold Dances. 7-9pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858
4 Astronomy Night. 7pm. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706-649-1477
7 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5-7. Ages 3-5. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400
7 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
7 Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. 10:30am1pm. Tickets required. Columbus Convention & Trade Ctr; 706-660-6115
7 Simple Steps Storytime: Meet the Mascots: Fuzzy. Ages 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
7 Crafty Kids: Cardboard Creations with the Columbus Museum. Ages 6-11. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
7 Kid’s Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
8 Simple Steps Storytime: Fire Prevention Week Storytime. Families. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
8 MomCo. First Baptist Church of Columbus; 706-322-4468
8 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
9 Budding Naturalist. 10-11am. $7. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400
9 Postpartum Circle: Group Discussion. Families. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
9 Storybook Art Studio with the Columbus Museum. Ages 2-5. 11am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
10 Fall Field Day. 10am-Noon. $8-$12 Tickets. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400
10 Fall Back Into Grannycore: Mosaic Art. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
11 Wa-Ha Music & Food Truck Festival 2025. 10am-5pm. Waverly Hall; 404-360-4861
11 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4y. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
11 CSO Open Rehearsal. 12:30-3pm. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059 or 706-256-3612
11 CSO presents The King of Instruments. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-323-5059
11-12 Harvest Hoedown Festival. 10am5pm. Historic Warm Springs; 706-655-3322
13 Halloweentown 2: Kabal’s Revenge (PG). 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
14 Homeschool Discovery Day. 10am-Noon. $8-$12 Tickets. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400
14 Simple Steps Storytime: Play. Ages 0-5. 10am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
14 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4y. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
14 After School Art Break. 2:30-4:30pm. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
14 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
15 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 1). 5:30-7pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
16 The Linwood Ramble. 4:30-9pm. Linwood Cemetery; linwoodcemetery.org
16 Edible Engineering: Catapulting Candy Corn. Ages 6-11. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855
17 Side Quest: Mini Adventure. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
17 Paint the Town Pink 5K. TBA. Woodruff Park; runsignup.com
17-19 Sunflower Jubilee. Fri 3-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm. $10-$15 fieldsofgraceflowerfarm.com
18 Amazing Marriage Chase. 8am-Noon. $40. RSVP. Uptown Columbus; rightfromthestart.com
18 Fall Festival. 10am-3pm. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
18 Mercer School of Medicine Teddy Bear Clinic. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
18 Fall Festival. 11am-5pm. Lane Southern Orchard, Fort Valley; 800-277-3224
18 Spooktacular 2025. 4-8:30pm. Lakebottom Park; 706-225-4658
18 Star Light, Star Bright. 7:30pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858
18-19 Hummingbird Festival. All day. Hogansville; hummingbirdfestival.com
19 Stories in the Garden. 2-4pm. Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange; 706-882-3242
20 Creative Kids Theatre. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
21 Kid’s Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
21 Reptile Awareness Day with Oxbow Meadows. Families. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
21 Momix: Alice! 7:30pm. $53-$75. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
22 MomCo. First Baptist Church of Columbus; 706-322-4468
22 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (Part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
24 Monster Mash Bash 2025. 3-5pm. Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital (1st Floor); safekidscolumbusga.org
25 Auburn’s Oktoberfest 2025. TBA. AG Heritage Park; Facebook.com
October Events
PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
25 Hero for a Day. 9am-Noon. Columbus Convention & Trade Ctr; eventbright.com
25 Crochet-a-Thon. Ages 12+. Noon-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
25 Uno, Dos, Tres, Craft! Ages 4-8. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
25 Halloween in the Park: Trick-or-Treating. 5-7pm. $5 parking. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858
25 Silent Film with the WAVE: The Phantom of the Opera. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
26 BOOtanical Halloween. 3-8pm. $5-$8 Tickets. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400
26 Columbus Witches Ride 2025. TBA. columbuswitchesride.com
26 Fall Festival on the Square. 4:30-7pm. Courthouse Square, Opelika; 334-745-5715
27 Concert: U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
28 Storytime Costume Parade. Ages 5 & under. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
28 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
28 Book Character Day: A Library Tradition. 6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
29 Seedling Storytime. 10-11am. $7. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706-327-8400
29 Trick or Trunk. 6-8pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus; 706-660-1442
30 Tabletop Games for Teens. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
30 TOBYMAC Heaven on My Mind: Start to Finish LIVE. 7pm. $35-$108. RiverCenter; 706256-3612
31 A Very Twihard Halloween. Families. 4-6pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
31 Trick or Treat at the Callaway Home. 5:307:30pm. Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange; 706882-3242
31 The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight. 7:30pm. $69-$150. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
Weekly Events
MONDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
TUESDAY
Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-24 mo. 10am; Preschoolers. Ages 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855. (Not 10/14)
Get On Board With Board Games: Chess & More. Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782
WEDNESDAY
Storytime with Grammy Trish. 11am. Columbus Bound Bookshop; info@columbusbound.com
Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Corn Maze Days. Noon-6pm. Lane Southern Orchard, Fort Valley; 800-277-3224
Kids’ Corner. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813
THURSDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 (Not 10/2)
Corn Maze Days. Noon-6pm. Lane Southern Orchard, Fort Valley; 800-277-3224
Sight Word Support. K-3. 3-5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
LEGOS® in the Library. Families. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Pumpkins at Callaway. 5-9pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY
FRIDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Corn Maze Days. Noon-6pm. Lane Southern Orchard, Fort Valley; 800-277-3224
Fun Fridays. Ages 5-12. 2pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
Pumpkins at Callaway. 5-10pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY
SATURDAY
The Pumpkin Patch Festival. 9am-6pm CST. $8$12.50. The Farm at Rocky Top, Salem; 334-5595567 or thefarmatrockytop.com
Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. Uptown Columbus; 706-322-0522
Corn Maze Days. 10am-6pm. Lane Southern Orchard, Fort Valley; 800-277-3224
Little Bellas Columbus. 5-7pm. Standing Boy Trails, 1891 Old River Rd. #1701 Columbus; info@littlebells.org
Pumpkins at Callaway. 5-10pm. Robin Lake Beach; 800-CALLAWAY
SUNDAY
The Pumpkin Patch Festival. 9am-6pm CST. $8-$12.50. The Farm at Rocky Top, Salem; (334) 559-5567 or thefarmatrockytop.com
Corn Maze Days. 10am-6pm. Lane Southern Orchard, Fort Valley; 800-277-3224
Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.
HOO’s HUNGRY
QUESADILLA Pumpkin
This quick treat sneaks pumpkin’s natural sweetness and creaminess into a fun, finger-food format kids already love. Parents will also love that it’s quick to make for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or easy dinners.
INSTRUCTIONS
1 In a small bowl, mix pumpkin puree with cinnamon (and chili powder if using).
INGREDIENTS
• 4 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of each tortilla.
3. Place one tortilla, butter side down, in the skillet. Spread half the pumpkin mixture over it, then sprinkle with cheese.
4. Top with another tortilla, butter side up. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Cut into wedges and serve warm with sour cream or salsa for dipping.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra stretch)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp mild chili powder (optional, for adventurous eaters)
• 1 tbsp butter or oil for cooking
• Sour cream or mild salsa for dipping
ALL ABOUT... Pumpkins
pumpkins are much more than a festive fall decoration—they’re one of nature’s most nourishing and versatile foods. Packed with vitamins and minerals, pumpkins are especially rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support healthy vision, skin, and immune function. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C for immunity and fiber for good digestion, helping kids feel fuller and more energized throughout the day.
Pumpkins have a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years. Archaeologists believe they were first cultivated in Central America over 7,500 years ago. Native American tribes grew and harvested pumpkins as a staple crop, eating the flesh, roasting the seeds for snacks and medicine, and even drying and weaving the shells into mats. When European settlers arrived, they quickly learned from Native Americans how to cook with pumpkins. Early colonial recipes included hearty stews and the first versions of pumpkin pie baked inside hollowed-out pumpkin shells.
Over time, pumpkins became deeply tied to autumn traditions. Today, they symbolize harvest celebrations, family gatherings, and seasonal fun. Carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns has become a beloved activity for kids and parents alike, while pumpkin-based dishes remain at the heart of fall cooking.
What makes pumpkins especially wonderful for families is their flexibility in the kitchen. They can be roasted, mashed, or pureed into everything from pasta sauces to soups, breads, muffins, and pies. This makes it easy to sneak extra nutrition into kid-friendly meals while also celebrating the flavors of the season.
From ancient fields to today’s family kitchens, pumpkins have stood the test of time as both a cultural icon and a nutrient-rich superfood. They’re proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients are the most powerful—for both health and tradition.
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Extra - Curricular ACTIVITY GUIDE
Dining Deals for Kids
MONDAY
Sapo’s
5pm until close: free kid's meal with adult entree, dine in only
Tuesday
Chicken Salad Chick
Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
Ruby Tuesday
5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée
wednesDAY
Your Pie
Kid's meals half off with adult entree
Red Robin
Kid’s meal half off with adult meal, for kids 11 and under
thursDAY
Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos
Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only
All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.
friday
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
Saturday
The Food Mill
Free kid's meal with any regular priced brunch item from 9am-2pm
multiple days
Bruster’s Ice Cream
Kids under 40” get free baby cone
McAlister’s
Kid’s meals are $2.79 with dine-in order
Smokey Bones
Free kid's meal off kid's menu with adult entrée
Does your restaurant have a special offer for kids?!
Let us know and we can promote it here for free to 20K local parents monthly. Email it to us at: Tammy@familyandkidsga.com
Carolina,
Bradley,
Benning
Kason,
Phenix City
HOO’s HEALTHY
IgA Vasculitis (also called Henoch-Schonlein purpura) is a type of small blood vessel inflammation that is caused by deposits of IgA antibodies. IgA antibodies (immunoglobin A) are a type of protein made by the immune system to help protect the body against infections. These antibodies are most often found in the mucous membranes and are present in saliva, tears mucus, sweat and breast milk. The IgA antibodies bind to bacteria, viruses and harmful toxins and then neutralize before they can cause harm.
The abnormal collection of IgA antibodies in the small blood vessels often follows a respiratory infection or an allergic reaction to food and can cause the skin, joints, intestines and kidneys to become inflamed and bleed.
• The hallmark feature of this condition is the purplish rash that appears on the lower legs and buttocks. These spots look like bruises and may look worse in areas of pressure, such as at the sock line.
• The knees and the ankles are particularly affected by the inflammation in the joints caused by IgA Vasculitis, and they may become swollen and painful. However, once IgA Vasculitis is resolved, the joints should return to normal with no lasting damage.
By Linda, Ligon, Family & Kids
What is: IGA VASCULITIS
• Digestive system issues also may result from IgA Vasculitis. Abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and bloody stools are common symptoms and may appear before the rash appears. Bleeding may also appear elsewhere in the digestive tract such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines.
• If IgA Vasculitis affects the kidneys, protein or blood in the urine will appear in a urine test. Without a urine test, someone with IgA Vasculitis may not know the kidneys have been affected. For some people, kidney issues may continue even after IgA Vasculitis has been resolved.
IgA Vasculitis can affect adults but is most often seen in kids between the ages of 3 and 15. At first, there may not be any indication of kidney involvement, but it can develop later and possibly lead to kidney damage. As a result, you should always have your child evaluated by his doctor if he has symptoms of IgA Vasculitis and follow any treatments and monitoring procedures recommended by his doctor.
