1. Twilight Thursday
2. A Closer Look: Elves and Angels
3. November Events
4. November Classes
5. Handling Criticism
6. A Bit More News

November Twilight Thursdays

The holidays are upon us! On November 5 and December 3, Sprout Soup presents Twilight thursday, an evening of shopping with special sales on featured products.

A hint of what you will see in November: The Bilibo, made by Kid-O. Older eyes might not appreciate this toy, but give it to a child and they instantly see its possibilities! It rocks, it spins, it’s great outside or in! An active toy, on special for $24.

If you’re looking for something with a little educational value, then you will be drawn to the Beleduc Layer Puzzles.These wooden puzzles have multiple layers, each showing something different. Like the body puzzles that show bones, organs and muscles, or the Four Seasons with each layer showing a different outdoor scene. Thursday special $19.95.

And finally, specials on Plan Toys and Haba!

Holiday Photo Event

Get your holiday pictures and support a good cause! DGN photography is returning this year for another Family Photo Shoot. Join us on Sat. Nov. 21 from 11-4 pm and get a CD with your photos. A recommended donation of $40 will be collected, with all proceeds going to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Last year this was a busy affair, so call and schedule your appointment today! Walk-ins welcome, but might need to wait.

Weekly Events

Weekly activities are open to everyone and FREE. Age ranges are suggestions.

Moms Groups
Fridays 10am-12pm
Weekly playdates are a relaxed time for moms to connect with other moms in the area and let their kids play.

Crafty Tuesday
Tuesdays 11am-12:30pm
Each week we have a new craft project, geared toward ages 2-6. Crafts take 10-20 minutes.

Story Time
Tuesdays 11am
Join us for story time with a theme relating to the craft for the week.

November Classes

Kids Cooking Classes Replay
Thursdays in November, 4:15am
A series of three classes introduce children to the flavors of the season with dishes they prepare! $3 ea.

Cloth Diapers 101
Saturday, November 21, 10am
An overview of the different types of cloth diapers, how to use and care for them. $10 per family registration required.

Creative Discipline with Rebecah Freeling
Thursday, November 19, 6:30pm
Rebecah Freeling of Briar Rose Childrens Center, a Waldorf School here in Columbus, will lead this workshop and discussion, with the goal of giving parents practical tools for dealing with disciplining their children. (adults only) FREE

Download our November Calendar in PDF format - print out or keep on your computer for easy reference.

Monthly Events

Activities listed here are FREE & open to all.

Babywearing Meeting
First Wednesday 10am - November 4
A casual time to see baby carriers in action. Come with questions or to share your stash.

Dad's Coffee (New day!)
First Saturday 10am - November 7
Hey dad! Let mom sleep in! Bring the kids to Sprout Soup for playtime. Coffee's on us.

La Leche League Toddler & Tandem
Second Thursday 7pm - November 12
Support group for mothers nursing beyond one year and/or nursing more than one child. Contact Helen for info 740-485-2864

Columbus Attachment Parents
Second Saturday 10:30am - November 14
This month: Handling Criticism

November Special Events

Twilight Thursday
Thursday November 5, 6:30 to 9pm
Preview our new toys for the Holidays! Plus special preview deals! Parents only, refreshments provided.
First Thursday of October, November and December.

Build and Play Day
Sunday, November 15, 2-4pm
A little science, a little math, a lotta fun! We’ll have over a thousand Keva Planks out for building and playing with. A fun event for the whole family! We’ll also play some games everyone can enjoy.

Holiday Photo Event
Saturday, November 21, 11a-3p
Get family photos for your holiday cards! Suggested donation of $40, benefits Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Handling Criticism

You’ve been there before, I am sure. Sitting at the holiday dinner table with all your relatives. Things are going well, until your child acts in a way typical for a child. Then Aunt Mavis decides it is her responsibility to give you a 4 ½ hour lecture about all that you are doing “wrong” in your parenting and how if you listen to her advice, your child will be so well-behaved and perfect (as if he wasn’t already!). One thing to keep repeating to yourself (like a mantra) is that they mean well. The parenting advice is given from a place of affection for you and your children.

However much they mean well, though, it is still difficult to listen to your choices being criticized. Here are some ideas to handle the oft unasked for “advice.”

• Don’t complain. If you don’t share your concerns (ie sleeping issues) they might not feel like you are asking for help.
• Take the opportunity to educate them (though this can cause arguments and hurt feelings if it is not approached with diplomacy). Use this option with caution and be sure to have your facts straight. Some people just aren’t interested in the latest research.
• Change the subject! “So, you are still nursing your 12 month old? Don’t you think it is time to wean?” “Wow! How about those [insert sports team here]? Think they are going to win their next game?”
• They often criticize because when you do things differently, they feel like you are judging their choices. Reassure them that you know they did the best they could with the information they had at the time.
• Leave no room for argument. “Yes, we co-sleep. It works well for our family.” If you don’t sound uncertain, they will realize it is not a topic for discussion.
• Smile and nod. This goes far! Just accept the advice and disregard it when you leave.

We have many, many more tips, ideas and thoughts about handling criticism (and sympathetic ears too). We’ll cover this topic during our Columbus Attachment Parents Meeting on November 14 at 10am. Come meet some people who WON’T criticize you and that don’t think nursing–extended or otherwise, baby wearing, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, gentle-disciplining parents are weird.

Download our event calendar in PDF format.

Thank you for your support!

Noah and Alissa DeRouchie

www.SproutSoup.com

Henderson Rd Update

We are so thrilled that Henderson Road is once again open, with traffic going both ways! It was a long summer and the construction made it difficult for our customers to get in and out of Sprout Soup, but the road is finally done! Test out the new pavement and come visit. We have activities going on throughout the month, see our schedule on the inside, we’re sure you’ll find something your family will enjoy!

Coming in December

Take some time to relax at one of our events this December. We’ll entertain your kids and maybe tire them out so you can get a good nap out of them.

Make & Take Christmas Crafts - Have your children give from the heart! Choose from a handful of different crafts. December 5 &12, There will be a small charge for each craft.
Ornament Wednesdays - Decorate your tree with handmade goodies. Weekly on Wednesdays in December 11a-1p $2 each week or $5 for all 4