Join Calvary Day School in Savannah on Sun. March 5 2023, 6-7PM in the Wilder Chapel to explore the topic of Authority.
The Identity in Christ series has brought so much knowledge and personal growth to Calvary! Drew Humphreys, Lead Pastor at Compassion East, will be leading the March 5 discussion exploring the biblical understanding of authority and how it affects our daily lives.
This series is designed to help you understand your Identity in Christ, and how it relates to the topic of authority. The goal of this series is to bring deeper insight and understanding into the role of authority in our lives, and how it can impact our relationships, personal growth, and our walk with God.
Latch Breastfeeding Support offers a monthly prenatal breastfeeding class as an informative introduction to breastfeeding that builds on the instinctive behaviors that your baby possesses from birth.
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a nutritionist. However, I do want to teach my kids to have a healthy relationship with food. As parents, the goal is to help kids balance their food choices even when we are not with them. To do this, allow your kids a safe space to learn and make healthy food decisions at home.
While there is no perfect way to talk to kids about food, it’s best to keep things fun and positive. I’d like to share a few evidence-based ideas that I am currently working on with my children!
Neutralize Food
Food is food. Instead of categorizing foods as “good” or “bad,” change the conversation to talking about foods that make them strong or give them the energy to do their favorite things. Conversations about the color, shape, smell, taste, and texture of foods can also help make kids more comfortable with different kinds of food.
Taking food out of wrappers recognizable to children can also help neutralize foods. Giving snacks to your kids out of the packaging and in smaller portions with other foods allows them to enjoy the food while saving room for other food.
Allowing all types of food rather than restricting certain food groups is also helpful. Consider serving “bad” foods with the meal instead of afterward. At the start, your child may only eat the “bad” food, but with time the excitement around that food will fade, leading them to explore other food on their plate.
Food should never be “earned.” Pushing children to eat more “good” foods to earn “bad” foods can do three things:
It makes the “bad” foods seem more enticing.
It can make children dread the “good” food.
It makes kids eat when they aren’t necessarily hungry instead of listening to their bodies when they are full.
Talk About What Different Foods Can Do for Their Body
All foods give us energy, just some more than others. Discuss macronutrients in a simplistic way with your children. For example, protein helps build strong muscles and helps fix our body when it’s hurt. Carbohydrates include starches, grains, and sugars; starches and grains are our body’s main energy sources. Sugars, on the other hand, can give us energy quickly, but it does not last as long. Fats absorb vitamins, build cells, and provide long-term energy; plant-based and fish fats help keep our hearts healthy.
Eating the colors of the rainbow is also a great way to introduce the functions of different foods for the body and encourage eating a variety of foods. Explain that we need to eat a lot of different foods to do the things we love. For example, red foods support a healthy heart and improved memory. Orange and yellow foods help us not get sick and support our eyes and heart. Green foods are great for the eyes, bones, and teeth. Blue and purple foods can improve memory and help us not get sick.
Encourage Kids to Listen to Their Bodies
Teaching children to listen to their bodies is essential. Ensure they eat only when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full. It’s also important to remember that eating habits are not the same for everyone. While some eat more, others eat less, and that is okay!
Rather than encouraging “Clean Plate Clubs,” it helps to give the same reaction no matter how much food your kids eat. One way to plan meals is to give a 30-minute window for eating. Then, when the meal is over, any leftovers can be put in the fridge for the next day—no need to make a new meal or give liquid calories if they didn’t eat.
Consider allowing kids to serve portions for themselves. Giving them autonomy to make their own decisions and decide what they eat can be empowering. While you should encourage them to try new foods, you should not force them.
Kids can often seem fixated on certain foods. Make sure to acknowledge that desire and make that food seem available instead of restricted. To do this, try saying things like, “I know you love (favorite treat). Let’s leave the rest, so there is more for tomorrow,” or “Let’s add that to the grocery list to enjoy soon.”
As you eat with your children and guide their relationship with different foods, you’ll help give them the knowledge and confidence they need to make healthy decisions for themselves. Making these conversations normal, fun, positive, and informative is a great way to start!
Pediatrician searching? The team at Coastal Pediatrics does so much more than your regular office visit. They’re there for you to make sure you’ve got all the answers.
Parents, join Calvary Day School for the 2023 Dancing With the Calvary Stars, presented by Chatham Parkway Toyota, which will be held Friday, February 10 at Victory North in Savannah.
Enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and silent auction! Don’t miss your chance to see Calvary Stars take the stage!
Grab your best party dress and dancing shoes as we dance the night away! View ticket and table package options here.
Though the first few weeks of a new year offer an excellent opportunity for a fresh start, the time is always right to make healthier choices for you and your family. If you’re looking to prioritize your kids’ overall health this year and in the years to come, pediatric concierge care may be the right choice for you. Here are just some of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a member of Dr. Alexander’s practice.
Ease of Scheduling Appointments With other pediatric practices, parents have to call first thing in the morning in order to even attempt to make a same-day appointment. If they’re lucky enough to be seen that day, they’re often placed with a random provider who has never even met their child. At our practice, we take the stress out of scheduling and work around YOUR schedule, and you are guaranteed to see Sam (our amazing NP) or Dr. Alexander every visit!
Direct Access to Your Pediatrician Do you sometimes feel like you’ve spent half the day simply trying to get in touch with your doctor’s office? With our practice, you can text or call your pediatrician directly to ask questions and avoid unnecessary visits — saving you time and money! In typical practices, parents are told they must schedule an appointment for any concerns. With concierge pediatric care, you can send a photo or video of your child directly to Dr. Alexander through a HIPAA-compliant messaging system, and you’ll often be able to start treatment at home.
After-Hours Access to Dr. Alexander Sometimes you don’t notice that your child isn’t feeling well until you get home from work and the doctor’s office has already closed. No need to worry! You can text Dr. Alexander through the Spruce messaging app and hear back right away, helping to give you peace of mind. If you need to schedule a sick visit for the next day, you can do so online, day or night. By having after hours access, we can often keep you out of urgent cares or emergency rooms so that your child’s care is consistently with your PCP, improving quality of care and saving you money.
Increased Quality of Care Do you often feel rushed when you visit your child’s pediatrician, or that you spend the majority of your visit in the waiting room? At our practice, we don’t overbook our schedules. This allows patients to be seen as soon as they walk in for their appointment, removing any need for a waiting room at all! Even more importantly, this allows our team to spend ample time (usually 30 minutes to an hour) with each and every one of our patients, ensuring our patients and their parents leave our practice with all of their questions answered and concerns addressed.
These are just a few of the many benefits of joining Dr. Alexander’s concierge pediatric care practice! Not only will these services help save you valuable time and money, but they will also offer peace of mind that your child’s health is always in the best hands. If you’re interested in learning more about whether concierge pediatric care is right for your child, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Alexander to learn more about her practice and how it can benefit you.
Coastal Care Partners, 4B Skidaway Village Walk, Savannah, GA 31411, 912.598.6312. Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Posted in Health/Safety, Healthcare, Parenting News, Pediatricians | Comments Off on Savannah pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander on how concierge pediatric care can help keep your child healthy in 2023
The season of giving is here! This special time of the year is the perfect time to introduce and encourage a spirit of giving among children. While younger children may have a more difficult time grasping the concept of how and why we should give to others, there are ways to break it down into small, teachable moments that even the smallest of children can understand and enjoy.
Giving to Family
Showing children how to give to their families is a great way to begin teaching them about giving. Kids are often more willing and excited to participate in helping or gifting to people they know and love. They can do this by making crafts, including drawings and even ornaments. They could also be tasked with finding a gift that their sibling(s) would enjoy, or parents can make children “elves who help” by coming up with tasks they can accomplish each day at home, like a chore or a small, random act of kindness.
Giving to Others
There are so many other ways kids can learn to give to others. Angel Trees, where kids can pick an “angel” and purchase specialized gifts for someone, are a great way for kids to give! As a parent, you can also teach and encourage kids to recognize service workers with small gifts of appreciation. For a free alternative, have your child donate some toys they don’t use or have multiple of. You can approach this by saying, “This toy was very special to you at one point, and because it meant so much to you, it would be a good idea to donate it to a child who will play with it and care for it just as much.”
Giving Their Time
Time is one of the most important and valuable gifts that one can give and receive. During this time of year, you can take your children to visit and even sing Christmas carols with the elderly in senior living facilities. Parents can also encourage their children to volunteer with wonderful organizations like P.A.C.K., Urban Hope, The Salvation Army, and the several shelters and soup kitchens in the area.
Teaching the importance of giving to others—and allowing your children to see generosity in practice—is a life-changing experience for both children and their parents! Introducing different methods of giving, like the ones mentioned above, can help your kids find the ways that resonate best with them. Then, as you find joy in giving to others as a family, this joyful and gracious spirit will surely stick with your children for years to come. Happy Holidays!
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Coastal Care Partners, 4B Skidaway Village Walk, Savannah, GA 31411, 912.598.6312. Coastal Care Partners Concierge Pediatric Clinic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Posted in Holidays 2022, Parenting News, Pediatricians | Comments Off on Savannah pediatrician Dr. Kelsey Alexander shares tips how to teach children the joy of giving
Savannah Adventist Christian School has a few spots available right now! They have two-day, three-day, and five-day spots in Preschool and full-time spots in Pre-K.
Call to schedule a tour or start the application process here.
Children must be fully potty-trained and be at least three years old to start Preschool. Children who are 4 on or before Sept. 1 2022 are eligible for Pre-K enrollment.
The early childhood center is at 50 Godley Way, Pooler, GA 31322.
At these appointments counselor will typically discuss the basics of breastfeed, the importance of staying on a regular schedule to maintain a supply of breast milk, and give guidance on positioning, latching techniques, and ways to increase comfort for the mother.
“We have seen many new mothers on the verge of giving up breastfeeding,” said SouthCoast Health lactation specialist Alisha Bennett (pictured). “ But with the support of our breastfeeding specialists at SouthCoast Health, we are able to help the majority of these women successfully overcome the hurdles that come with breastfeeding.”
If you are a new mom looking for support or guidance on this issue, call SouthCoast Health at 912-691-3600 or request an appointment here.
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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is here to help kids and their families make the most of the school year, by providing one-on-one speech therapy services with their amazing certified therapists.
The Speech Clinic has two convenient locations: Midtown Savannah (130 Stephenson Ave) and Wilmington Island (315 Johnny Mercer Blvd), and they are also happy to work with your child at your child’s preschool/daycare setting.
To make an appointment, please contact The Speech Clinic office: 912 712 3999.
Let’s make the most of this new school year!
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The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
SouthCoast Health nutritionist Rebekah Laurance joined WTOC’s Morning Break team in their kitchen to provide an on-air demo of various healthy packed-school lunch ideas, which included using groceries and leftovers you may have already in your kitchen for your student to take to school for lunchtime.
The Savannah nutritionist also gave suggestions of food staples to consider purchasing for packed lunches when you are preparing your grocery list.
The childcare program is for mildly ill children ages 3 months to 14 years of age who are too sick to go to school or daycare. At Bearly Sick, your child receives special attention from certified Patient Care Technicians for minor illnesses such as a cold, allergies, fevers under 101 degrees or infections for which the child has received antibiotics over the previous 24 hours.
Registration is required by calling Bearly Sick at 912-819-7382 during normal business hours or after-hours by calling the pediatric nurses’ station at 912-819-6215. The cost is $24 a day for St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers and the general public.
Half of parents say their preschoolers are afraid of doctors’ visits, and one-fifth of parents say they struggle to speak with providers because their children get so upset.
SouthCoast Health medical experts offer tips here on how to help including: explain what to expect: validate your child’s feelings; use make-believe play: and lead by example.
If there are any important matters you’d like to discuss with the doctor, consider bringing another parent or support person along, so you can speak alone with the doctor in private before or after your child is seen.
SouthCoast Health pediatricians treat children of all ages, from newborns to age 21. Evening and weekend hours available, as well as urgent care walk-in visits. Schedule an appointment by calling 912-691-3600 or online.
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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
The Children’s School at St. John’s Church in Savannah is currently seeking an enthusiastic Pre -Kindergarten Teacher to guide a classroom of four- and five-year-old children in a variety of educational activities including arts and crafts, free play and reading readiness.
Your prime responsibility would be to teach the fundamental concepts in preparation for kindergarten, such as identifying numbers and letters, socializing with others, and working effectively in a classroom structure.
Patience, compassion, and energy are all vital qualities of a successful pre-K teacher. You should be capable of inspiring, encouraging, and developing young children, each of whom will have different abilities, challenges, and personalities. The top candidates will also have a creative mindset and good administrative skills, to plan and execute lessons which are memorable, innovative, and achieve the desired learning outcomes.
The hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30AM until 1:30PM.
Please contact Laura Mattocks at childrensschool@stjohnssav.org for more information. Please provide your resume, references, and salary requirements.
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The Children’s School at St. John’s Church is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Learn more about St. Andrew’s School, a private, independent, college preparatory Wilmington Island school, ages 3-12th grade @ one of the school’s upcoming open houses:
Open House
JAN. 18 2022
8:30AM Grades 5 – 12
9:30AM Pre-K 3 through Grade 4
St. Andrew’s (age 3 to grade 12) is an independent International Baccalaureate World School inspiring young people each day in the area of academics, arts, and athletics.
St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Rd, Savannah, 31410. 912.897.4941 ext 452, www.saintschool.com , email hellew@saintschool.com On Facebook here. On Twitter here. St. Andrew’s is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.
For those school searching, mark your calendars for Pooler MOPs annual School Fair, which will be Jan. 26, 2022, 9:30-11:30AM.
This is your opportunity to talk with preschools, private schools, public schools and home school co-ops, groups from across Chatham and Effingham counties. Get your questions about the 2022-23 school year answered.
The FREE school fair features representatives from Chatham and Effingham preschools, public and private schools, after-school groups, homeschool co-ops, early intervention programs & more.
Wed. Jan. 26, 2022 at 9:30-11:30AM
Pooler MOPS
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E
Pooler, GA 31322
BabyQuip is a total game changer for family travel!
Rent all the baby equipment you need (like cribs, strollers, car seats, toys and more) for your next getaway and skip packing all the bulky items. They deliver and set up everything for you, and pick it up when you’re done—all at your convenience. They’ll even meet you at the airport! All rental gear is clean, safe and insured.
Find all the info on renting baby gear in the Savannah area here.
Stephanie Jackson
Independent Quality BabyQuip Provider: Coastal Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina
call or text: 912.247.7825
Welcome Wednesdays Open houses @ Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS)
9:30AM
Nov. 3 2021
Dec. 1 2021
Reservations are required. Register for Welcome Home Wednesdays online here.
For more information on this event or admissions at Savannah Christian Preparatory School, please email Kathi Strickland, Director of Family Relations, at kstrickland@savcps.com or call the admissions office at 912.629.5544.
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Veritas Academy, a private PreK-12th grade Savannah school offering a classical, Christ-centered, covenantal education.
Open House @ Veritas Academy, 9-11AM Thurs. Nov. 4 2021. RSVP online. Details here.
Calvary Day School, a private, faith-based Savannah school, PreK-12th grade
You & your family are invited to get a first-hand glimpse of all the amazing opportunities available through private tours of Calvary Day School in Savannah . Learn more here. Call Calvary’s admissions department at (912) 351-0700 or email admissions@calvarydayschool.com to schedule your tour. Scheduled assessment and shadow days will be on Wednesdays by appointment.
Advanced Academics, tutoring for K-12 & customized preK-6th grade learning (full & half day) in Pooler
TOURS: Private tours can be set up by calling 912-348-2017. More information about customized learning on Advanced Academics campus for preschool through middle grades is available at www.adv-aca.com.
Bethesda Academy, a private, all-male Savannah day school, grades 6-12
Schedule a private tour of Bethesda Academy by emailing or calling Admissions Director Stephanie VanVleck at 912-361-2068 or email stephanie.vanvleck@bethesdaacademy.org
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Savannah-Chatham Public School Open Houses start in January 2022. SouthernMamas.com will post those schedules & application info when it’s available.
In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, Kid’s Dentistreeis celebrating all the hardworking dental hygienists and sharing tips for maintaining good oral health.
National Dental Hygiene Month is observed every October in the United States. Dental hygiene refers to the ways in which we keep our mouth, teeth and gums clean and healthy. Colgate.com explains that the goal of this awareness month is to celebrate the work dental hygienists do and spread the word about the importance of good oral health.
What do dental hygienists do?
When most people think of dental hygienists, they think of a teeth cleaning. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) highlights the many additional responsibilities hygienists hold. These include examining your mouth, taking your blood pressure and pulse, and assessing your overall health and wellness. Hygienists also take dental x-rays to check for any problems in places that aren’t easily visible, such as in between or underneath your teeth. They also educate patients about good nutrition and ways to keep a healthy mouth. The cleaning itself involves removing plaque and tartar from around your gum line, followed by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth.
How do I maintain good oral health?
MouthHealthy.org, an ADA website, emphasizes the importance of maintaining your oral health at all stages of life. Understanding proper brushing and flossing techniques and eating a well-balanced diet can go a long way toward preventing cavities. It’s also essential to see your hygienist on a regular basis to help remove tartar build-up and detect any potential problems before they worsen. This can even help you save money by avoiding costly dental treatments down the road.
Take advantage of your dental benefits!
Most dental insurances cover two annual cleanings and exams at little or no cost. If you have dental insurance and haven’t had your second visit for the year, now’s the time to take advantage of your benefits and schedule your appointment. If you do not have insurance, don’t worry. Give Kid’s Dentistree a call and ask about the discount options available to you.
Visit Kid’s Dentistree’swebsiteor call (912) 756-5437 to schedule your child’s visit today.
The Kid’s Dentistree office is located in the “Clock Tower” building, right next to The Suites at Station Exchange on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill.
Kid’s Dentistree
912-756-5437
1101 Gandy Dancer
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
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Kid’s Dentistree in Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Calvary Day School Open House, Sunday, Nov. 7 2021, 2PM
You & your family are invited to get a first-hand glimpse of all the amazing opportunities available for students in Pre-K through 12th grade through private tours of Calvary Day School in Savannah
Please contact the Admissions Office at (912) 351-0700 to register for this event.
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Campus Tours
Campus tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year by appointment only. Please call Calvary’s admissions department at (912) 351-0700 or email admissions@calvarydayschool.com to schedule your tour. Scheduled assessment and shadow days will be on Wednesdays by appointment.
Upon completion of the open house or a campus tour, an admissions checklist will be emailed to the family. All items must be presented in completion on the day of the Admissions assessment.
Calvary Day School, 4625 Waters Ave., Savannah 31404 On Facebook here. On Twitter here. Follow Calvary Day School on Instagram here. Calvary Day School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Is your child complaining of tooth pain but unsure if the issue is serious enough for a visit to the dentist? Kid’s Dentistree has provided a few tips to help you identify the problem, ease your child’s pain, and help them get the care they need:
If you determine your child needs to be seen, you can easily make an appointment. Visit Kid’s Dentistree’s or call (912) 756-5437 to schedule your child’s visit today.
The Kid’s Dentistree office is located in the “Clock Tower” building, right next to The Suites at Station Exchange on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill.
Kid’s Dentistree
912-756-5437
1101 Gandy Dancer
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
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Kid’s Dentistree in Richmond Hill is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
For the 17.1 million children in the United States estimated to have a mental illness, back-to-school season can be a time full of anxiety and worries.
“Mental illness still has a lot of stigma surrounding it, especially when it comes to children,” SouthCoast Health Pediatrician Dr. Nelson Elam stated. “And yet, that number of children with a mental illness is more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It’s time we stop being hesitant to talk about mental illnesses that are potentially harming our children.”
If the school season is full of worries with how your child will balance their mental illness, you are not alone.
If you would like to join the Coastal Pediatrics practice, but are unsure if they are participating providers with your insurance, check their list of accepted insurances here.
If you do not see your insurance on their list, please contact their office and check with the receptionist to see if they accept your insurance before making an appointment.
If you already know that Coastal Pediatrics accepts your insurance and you would like to make a new patient appointment, please call 912-353-7744 to schedule the appointment.
