Baton Rouge Parents Magazine April 2020

APRIL 2020

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H A T B A T O N R O U G E FA M I L I E S L I V E B Y

REAL

WORLD

& ONLINE PREDATORS

RAINY

DAY

FUN

113+

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

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WHO? K -12 accredited private academy

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US? 225 - 753 - 5500 13441 Tiger Bend Rd. Ste. A Baton Rouge, LA www.elearningk12.com

SPECIAL SERVICES: Dyslexia testing & therapy Credit recovery/summer school services for middle + high school students K -12 flexible, online learning delivered in self-directed formats or with the support of our experienced educational coaches

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Check out our comprehensive

PRIVATE SCHOOL Listing on brparents.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Creating Lasting Memories & Fun adventures KID-POSSIBLE CAMPS

Combining her two passions–summer camp and caring for children– Sarah Schnauder has provided Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas a unique summer camp experience for over the last five years.

Kid-Possible Summer Camp focuses on building enriching experiences for campers, ages 5-12. Each week offers something new to explore.

Whether your child wants to become the next soccer pro or chess expert, Kid-Possible provides new activities to keep the excitement flowing and your children growing.

Your camper can enjoy everything from field trips (with transportation on a chartered bus!) and arts & crafts to games and water sports.

18 years old, have experience working with children, and be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in childhood related fields. So, you can rest assured that your boys and girls are not only creating great memories at summer camp, but they’re also receiving that extra care we all sometimes need.

Sarah looks forward to her summer camp all year long, and so do the people of Baton Rouge, which is why Kid-Possible is expanding.

Kid-Possible will be opening a new location this summer, providing another safe space for a summer camp that is out of this world. Best of all, the camps are open to the public, so all kiddos can join in on Sarah Schauder knows the power of the fun, too! summer camp and the importance of having staff members who share For more information, visit kid-posin her passion of providing excellent sible.com, or call (225) 442-3143. care all summer long. Staff memCamps are held at these locations, bers at Kid-Possible must be at least and they are available to all.

Jefferson United Methodist Church 10328 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70809

St. Luke’s Episcopal School 8833 Goodwood Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70806

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CONTENTS APRIL 2020 ▪ ISSUE 357

FEATURES 34

THE POWER OF PEER PRESSURE ON TEENS

Simple strategies on how they can handle it effectively

ON THE COVER

2019-20 Cover Kid Catherine “Cate” C. posed like a pro during her cover shoot. The theme of the shoot was coincidentally reminiscent of her birthday party theme, “April showers bring May flowers,” so Cate was incredibly excited to smile for the camera with the umbrella in hand. When the shoot was over, Cate brought the umbrella home to show off the poses she did for her brothers.

Despite having four brothers, Cate is the ultimate girl.

Everything is about glitter, sparkles, and pink for her, and she loves getting her nails done and going shopping with her mom. She currently takes voice lessons, where she is working on Lauren Daigle’s song, “You Say,” and she also loves going to gymnastics.

REAL WORLD AND ONLINE PREDATORS How to keep your child safe

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IT’S RAINING, IT’S POURING 7 things to do on a rainy day

40 OVERBOOKED SUMMERS CAN BE A BUMMER The pros and cons of camp-filled summers

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2020 DAY CAMP LISTING

Find the perfect pick for your camper this summer

Photo Credit : Kleinpeter Photography

28 DAD NEXT DOOR

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 A MOTHER’S VOICE 14 LAGNIAPPE 56 CALENDAR 59 MARKETPLACE 60 THE LAST WORD 62 SNAPSHOTS

CONNECT

16 COMMUNITY 20 EDUCATION 21 ONE AMAZING KID 24 PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

8

LIVE

26 LOCAL PROFILE 28 DAD NEXT DOOR 30 EXCEPTIONAL LIVES 32 FAITH

PLAY

50 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD 52 GET OUT OF TOWN 54 THINGS WE LOVE

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36 REAL WORLD AND ONLINE PREDATORS

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IN EVERY ISSUE FREEBIES T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT B AT O N R O U G E F A M I L I E S L I V E B Y

Win Freebies!

P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R I N C H I E F A MY F O R E M A N-P L A I S A N C E A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R BRANDON FOREM AN

Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.” Deadline to enter is April 20, 2020.

D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S A MY L . F O R E M A N E D I TO R I A L M A N A G I N G E D I TO R A M ANDA MILLER

Your little train conductor can experience a new level of interactive play with the Intelino J-1 Smart Train. Not only will he be able to control the train’s speed and steering with the included color snaps, but he will also be able to develop STEM and coding skills through play. This smart set includes a free iOS and Android app with different drive modes, a Snap Editor for custom commands, smart engine, wagon, 20 tracks, 40 color snaps, and a USB charging cable. ■ intelino.com

S E C T I O N E D I TO R M A R I WA L K E R C A L E N D A R E D I TO R NANC Y LEBL ANC A R T/ P R O D U C T I O N SENIOR GR APHIC DESIGNER M E LO DY TA U Z I N GR APHIC DESIGNER DES TIN Y ALE X ANDER GR APHIC INTERN C ANDACE NALL C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H E R K L E I N P E T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y A DV E R T I S I N G /M A R K E T I N G ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE TERI HODGES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S AVA N N A H L E D E T ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE G A B R I E L L E T H E R I OT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE RYN WHITESIDE COMMUNIT Y E VENTS M ANAGER L A U R I E A CO S TA COMMUNIT Y OUTRE ACH ROX ANE VOORHIES C O N TAC T B R PA R E N T S .CO M E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M C A L E N D A R @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M O F F I C E 2 25-2 92-0 032 11 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV EN U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 055

Drinking water is important to your health, but making sure your reusable water bottle stays “healthy” is just as crucial. The LARQ Bottle self cleans every two hours, keeping your bottle fresh and odor free. It features double-wall insulation to keep your water cold for 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. All you have to do is charge it (the charge lasts up to a month!) and you can keep your water bottle fresh anywhere you go. ■ livelarq.com

2020

Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial Awards 2020 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Winner Social icon

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Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.

ISSN # 1050-8708

Last Month’s WINNERS

Look who won March’s Freebies! Margaret Sims won the Kurio Watch Glow and Charles Dalton won the Nanobébé Duet Diaper Bag.

Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

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8:30 AM-12:30 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 9

Learn about newborn care, breastfeeding, car seat safety and more from pediatricians and other experts.

Tour labor and delivery and see all of the exciting features Woman’s has to offer.

Shop local vendors for items such as infant clothing, furniture, newborn photography and more.

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IN EVERY ISSUE A MOTHER’S VOICE

Spring is Here!

S

pring has finally sprung. Starting each day on my porch, with coffee in my hand and a light sweater on, has brought me a bit of comfort I’ve been longing for. However, as the minutes of the morning tick by, I know that by 10 a.m., I’ll be changing into something more Louisiana weather appropriate. I bet you won’t be surprised to find out that my comfy sweater isn’t the most comfortable when the temperature is steadily rising.

Nevertheless, spring is here. The flowers are blooming. The hummingbirds are buzzing. The pollen is coating my very white car a shade of yellow that requires a wash nearly every day. The children are out playing more, especially after being cooped up inside due to the virus outbreak. Bikes are being ridden around my neighborhood, and fishing rods are being toted back and forth to the nearby lake. It seems as if everything is waking up again.

With all the excitement and the days being a bit sunnier, there are more opportunities to get outdoors and experience something new.

Planning for summer is one thing that comes to mind. I remember planning family vacations and choosing summer camps during this time of year. I enjoyed it, but I do remember how stressful it could be. So, I wanted to make sure that parents had a resource to help make planning easier.

In the magazine and online, we provide camp listings to help make comparing camps easier. If you’re looking for something everyone in the family can do, I encourage you to check out our already-planned family vacations (Get Out of Town) to find the best adventures.

It’s a beautiful time of year; don’t let the stress of planning rain on your parade. Let me know what your favorite family vacations have been. I am always looking for new places to explore.

I hope you and your family enjoy the weather this month (even the rain showers!), plan a vacation, or find the best camps for your littles to attend.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be making memories together.

Happy Spring, Amy Foreman-Plaisance Publisher/Editor in Chief

Have ideas? I’d like to hear from you.

By mail: Amy P., 11831 Wentling Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Email: editorial@brparents.com. Be sure to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

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IN EVERY ISSUE LAGNIAPPE NICKNAME OR SCIENTIFIC NAME?

When it comes to parenting, there are some topics we would rather avoid discussing with our little ones. Whether or not to use the scientific names with them for their private parts is certainly one of those topics. We reached out to our readers to see how they handle the topic.

Do you give your child’s private parts nicknames, or do you use the scientific names?

“Doody and tootie! We don’t know where that came from, but that is what they are!”

—Rachel C. “Correct anatomy names.

Studies show that children who use the correct anatomy names are less likely to be assaulted because they are using ‘grown up’ words, and it deters a predator...not these cutesy names.”

—Hollie G. “Correct anatomy names.

If they are assaulted, it is stopped faster because when they tell someone that, ‘Uncle John licked my pickle,’ it doesn’t sound harmless.”

—Tracy B.

“Scientific. Though we were told by someone that this is offensive to their child. My son is not going to call his penis a ding dong because your kid can’t handle the word. I try to make him aware that he doesn’t need to talk about it, but if there’s a reason to, he should use the correct word.”

—Karedith J. “Scientific names.”

—Cindy R.

“Scientific names. If you teach them when they’re potty training, they won’t think anything differently of it.”

—Roxane V.

70%

say yes to scientific names

30%

say yes to nicknames

“Nicknames: pieces & creases.

I froze when they were toddlers. I later explained the correct terms, but the nicknames stuck.”

—Jaye R. “Correct anatomy names.

It educates the child and there is no confusion. It also helps deter predators if little Johnny is comfortable saying, ‘why are you touching my penis?’ I find it odd that parents would rather keep their child uneducated because of their comfort or discomfort in vocabulary.”

—Katherine D.

“We just say ‘privates’ in mixed conversation. If we’re discussing a health problem or anything related to ‘the talk,’ we use scientific names.”

—Tracy J.

THE CAMP FAIR AND SUMMER FUN EXPO POSTPONED

The Camp Fair and Summer Fun Expo, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, is currently postponed. We’re working closely with city officials to find a new date that will be announced as soon as possible. We look forward to sharing the incredible camps we have in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas as soon as it is safe for families. We will be sharing updates as we have them, however, if you would like the updates sent directly to you, text “campfair” to 63975. For more information, call (225) 292-0032 and follow us on Facebook. ■ facebook.com/batonrougeparents

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The gift of motherhood is the selflessness that it introduces you to, and I think that’s really freeing.”

—Olivia Wilde 14

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CONNECT COMMUNITY CLEANING PRODUCTS LINKED TO CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

It’s time to rethink what cleaning products you are using around the house. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that babies who are exposed to cleaning sprays have an increased chance of developing asthma during their preschool years. Heavy use of such cleaning sprays were more likely to lead to a recurrent wheeze compared to households with low usage. The most problematic products were those that were scented, especially aerosol sprays. More research is needed, but using unscented or natural products such as vinegar and baking soda may be the safest choice to keep everyone breathing easy.

TIKTOK INTRODUCES FAMILY SAFETY MODE

The wildly popular TikTok app, which allows users to create and share short video clips of themselves with their followers or anyone who finds their account, is a favorite among teens right now. Teens are often seen recreating the popular dances that have stemmed from the app. The company has recently added a Family Safety Mode to help parents keep youth safe. By linking to their teen’s account, parents can tap into digital wellbeing features, including screen time management, direct messages and even restricting some content.

Parents should also be aware of whatever the cool new challenge is, as they are often dangerous, such as the skull breaker or tripping jump challenge. Three people line up, the one in the middle jumps and the other two kick the jumper’s legs causing a fall. Livingston Parish Schools issued a warning on its Facebook page about the challenge.

RECALL ALERT: CONTIGO RECALLS OVER 5.7 MILLION BOTTLE LIDS

Be sure to check your cabinets for Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottle Lids, as the company has recently issued a recall of more than 5.7 million lids. The clear silicone spout on the bottles can detach, posing a choking hazard for little ones. The recall involves the water bottles and the replacement lids that were sent to consumers as part of an August 2019 recall. Only the black-colored spout bases and spout cover models are affected, and the bottles came in three different sizes (13, 14 and 20 ounces) and four different styles (solid, graphics, stainless steel and solid-color stainless steel).

The bottles were sold individually and in two- and three-packs at major retailers from April 2018 through June 2019, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. ■ gocontigo.com/recall

BATON ROUGE ZOO CERTIFIED SENSORY INCLUSIVE

All your wild ones have always been welcomed at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, and now the facility has become certified as a sensory-inclusive facility. Partnering with KultureCity, the zoo works to provide accommodating and positive experiences for all guests. Sensory bags, which include noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads, are available to zoo guests who need them. Several quiet spaces throughout the zoo are available, too. “To know that you soon will be able to see families attend the zoo, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” says Dr. Julian Maha, KultureCity co-founder.

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FACEBOOK UPDATES MESSENGER KIDS APP

Messenger Kids, the Facebook app for families with children launched in 2017, has been updated with new tools and features to give parents more oversight and control of their kids’ chats. In the parent dashboard, users can more easily see who their child has chatted with and review sent photos and videos. A new mechanism for blocking others has been introduced, and the app’s privacy policy has been updated to include more information about data collection, use and deletion practices. Parents can request a download of all their child’s account data as well as remotely log out as needed. ■ messengerkids.com

FOURTH GRADERS EXPLORE NATIONAL PARKS FOR FREE

If you’re making summer plans and have a fourth grader in the family, consider snagging a free pass to visit National Parks through the “Every Kid Outdoors” program from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Sign up online and get the pass, which provides free admission to fourth graders and their families through August 31. The program is open every year, so if your little scholars haven’t hit middle elementary yet, set a reminder for when the time comes. There are four national parks in Louisiana, and the park finder website can help you plan the perfect trip.

■ everykidoutdoors.gov

PLAY ON! AAP PARTNERS WITH MELISSA & DOUG

Play is essential for children’s development, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has teamed up with Melissa & Doug to champion the benefits of open-ended play. Called “Power of Play,” the alliance provides resources to help parents and caregivers. “When children and parents play together, that’s when we see those magical moments that are so important for children’s growth,” says AAP President Sally Goza, MD, FAAP. “Together, we can help millions of families understand what they can do in terms of play to foster the best health outcomes for their kids.”

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CONNECT COMMUNITY KEEP YOUR ADDRESS PRIVATE BY LIMITING VENMO LOCATION ACCESS

Venmo makes the world go round, especially behind the scenes in schools. With room mom payments, parent-teacher association dues, and all of the little school-related tasks in between, having Venmo is rather helpful during the school year. The payment app has more than 40 million users, and unless you actively change your settings, your transactions are visible to all of those users. Just changing your settings to private may not be enough to maintain your privacy, as information, including your phone’s GPS location, is still shared with data collection companies. Turning off location access for Venmo in your phone’s settings can provide you a bit more privacy and still allow you to use the app for paying your share of teacher appreciation week or even splitting the bill at lunch.

STUDIES FIND THAT FULL-FAT MILK IS ACTUALLY THE BEST FOR KIDS

Milk does a body good, and new research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that whole milk is the best for children. The study found that children who drink full-fat milk are less likely to be obese and drinking it does not correlate to weight gain. Infant formula companies have begun to expand their market by selling and marketing toddler milks, which are milk-based products that tend to have more sugar and sodium and less protein than cow’s milk. According to new research published in Public Health Nutrition, advertising for toddler milks quadrupled over a decade. The authors say the sugarsweetened drinks are not recommended for toddler consumption.

WONDERBOOKS AVAILABLE AT EBRPL

When you just can’t read one more book aloud, or if your emerging reader just wants to feel a little more independent, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library has a new offering that can help. Wonderbooks by Playaway are a new circulating format for young readers. The hardback books have an audio feature that reads the story aloud without any additional equipment; a speaker and headphone jack are built in. Wonderbooks can be checked out like other books, and the ready-to-play features include fun questions to enhance learning and comprehension.

Wonderbooks are available in the children’s rooms of all 14 library branch locations. ■ ebrpl.com

ACCESSING MENTAL HEALTH CARE VIA APP

DID YOU KNOW? SLEEP DURATION AFFECTS CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

It may be time to move bedtime up a little for your young ones to make sure they are getting enough shut eye. The amount of sleep children get can actually have an affect on depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior and poor cognitive performance, according to a new study from the University of Warwick. Published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, the research examined the relationship between sleep duration and brain structure, with negative outcomes being associated with shorter sleep duration.

“Our findings showed that the behavior problems total score for children with less than seven hours sleep was 53 percent higher on average and the cognitive total score was 7.8 percent lower on average than for children with 9 to 11 hours of sleep,” says Professor Jianfeng Feng. “It highlights the importance of enough sleep in both cognition and mental health in children.”

Are you in need of mental health care? Well, if you’re a college student, there’s actually an app for that. Southern University Law Center has become the latest higher education institution to being offering its students access to META, a teletherapy platform that helps students access mental wellness care easily and confidentially. “We have a proud tradition of equipping our diverse group of students with the best possible tools to help them succeed,” says John K. Pierre, law center chancellor. While using the app, students can connect to a network of licensed counselors, therapists and psychologists for real-time video counseling through the privacy of their smartphones.

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ERGOBABY LAUNCHES THEIR BUYBACK PROGRAM

Baby carriers can have a long lifespan and be passed down through families and friends.

But if everyone in your life has outgrown the babywearing season and you still have an Ergobaby kicking around, the company’s new Everlove program may be a great solution.

Everlove is a first-of-its-kind baby carrier buyback, restoration and resale program that takes pre-loved carriers and breathes new life into them for other families to use. Each carrier is inspected and deep cleaned before being resold to extend its life cycle. Donors can choose among a $50 Ergobaby.com gift card, a $20 gift card for another retailer, or a $30 donation to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit supporting children living in poverty. ■ ergobaby.com/everlove

GRACE PROGRAM HELPS PREGNANT WOMEN

The GRACE Program at Woman’s Hospital has helped more than 80 pregnant women with opioid use disorder since it began. The hospital provided an update for members of the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus who visited the hospital and toured the NICU. GRACE helps women overcome addiction. GRACE is unique in Louisiana and one of only a few programs in the country. “The GRACE Program has shown that we can make a real difference in health outcomes for this vulnerable group of women and their infants,” says Barbara Griffith, MD, president & CEO of Woman’s Hospital.

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CONNECT EDUCATION LOCAL SENIORS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

The Baton Rouge area consistently produces some of the best of the best high school students, and 2020 is no exception as a number have been named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program competition.

Chosen from 16,000 semifinalists, finalists represent less than 1 percent of high school seniors honored for their skills, accomplishments and potential for college success. Runnels School senior Aubri Watts; Catholic High School seniors Nicholas Fanguy, Elliot Fontenot, Jefferson Koonce, Joshua Langlois and Stewart Roeling; and Episcopal High School seniors Sara Be, Valerie Beggs, John (Jack) Campbell, Nicholas Johannessen, Celia Kiesel, Laura Kurtz, Wyatt Laiche, John Pojman, Adam Reid, and Ian Sabolik are finalists.

ANNUAL SUMMIT INTRODUCES GIRLS TO ENGINEERING

One hundred forty girls from 14 schools around East Baton Rouge Parish attended ExxonMobil’s “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. The annual event, which dates to 2003, inspires female students to consider engineering careers by providing hands-on experiences in sciences ranging from chemistry to physics. “[This] is the flagship event put on annually by our Women’s Interest Network, better known as WIN,” says Brad Allen, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Complex SSHE Manager. “Conducting this event at LASM, a key enrichment anchor institution of learning here in Baton Rouge, is a win-WIN for the community.”

LAKE ELEMENTARY RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Outstanding instruction is expected in Ascension Public Schools, and one school serving Kindergartners through eighth graders has recently been recognized for its academic excellence by two national organizations. Lake Elementary School in St. Amant was named a Model Professional Learning Community School by All Things PLC, and eighth grade teacher Britne’ Edmonston was named a Kami Hero for her exceptional use of technology in the classroom. “Our teachers and staff are committed to the growth of all students,” says Jeremy Muse, Lake Elementary principal. “To be recognized nationally, especially by organizations who are leaders in education, for our work is an honor and credit to the consummate professionals on campus.”

EPISCOPAL MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICIANS WIN AREA CONTEST

A team of seventh and eight graders at the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge won first place at the recent MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition at LSU. Coached by middle school math teacher James Maroney, the team qualified for the state competition in Pineville. Eighth grader Autumn Reynolds placed seventh individually out of the 115 students competing from 13 area schools. Other team members are Joie Lee, Hayden Singh, Joey Roth, Ivy Jiang, Luke Stelly, Hayden Willett, Noah Vincent, Ahebwa Muhumuza, and Ayush Patel. MATHCOUNTS is designed to help middle school students of all abilities build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving. ■ mathcounts.org

RUNNELS FOURTH GRADERS SHARE SOLAR SYSTEM KNOWLEDGE

“My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos,” a mnemonic device to help remember the order of planets in our solar system, got an upgrade at the Runnels School as a rap full of facts. Fourth grade students in April Wilkinson’s science class were able to combine learning about the solar system with their love of performing. Representing planets, stars, moons and the sun, each fourth grader presented a section of the rap to younger students who loved learning from their older peers. “The students enjoyed performing the rap,” says Mrs. Wilkinson. “And the younger students look forward to sharing this activity with others when they reach the fourth grade.”

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Sophia Macias uses her golf talents to make a difference. The seventh grader at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge has created her own nonprofit, No Worries Just Birdies, to raise money for community needs and encourage other girls to get involved in golf.

“I’ve been playing golf since I was seven,” says Sophia, now 12. She has won amateur golf championships locally and nationally in the years since and plays on her high school golf team as a middle schooler. Although scores matter, Sophia says, “The best scores come whenever you’re having fun and you just don’t worry about it so much and you take it one shot at a time.”

The idea for her nonprofit started with her desire to give back and make friends. “I like to help people, but it’s really hard to do that when you’re the only girl on the golf course.”

Sophia and her family–dad James, mom Laura, and little brother Trace–travel a lot for tournaments. “We usually make it into a family vacation,” Sophia says. “My brother enjoys watching me play golf, but it’s not the best thing he likes to do.”

Although golf is her “main thing,” Sophia is also involved in student vestry, cross country, arts and crafts, and spending time with friends.

Sophia is very focused and driven. “She really does have one of the biggest hearts and is just goal-oriented and knows what she wants to do,” James says. “All I can do is just water that seed and see what it grows into.”

DO YOU HAVE ONE AMAZING KID? Email education@brparents.com.

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CONNECT EDUCATION U-HIGH SENIORS NAMED PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR CANDIDATES

Two University Laboratory School seniors, Andrew Moncada and Isabelle Cashe, have been selected as nominees for the 2020 United States Presidential Scholars Program. The 4,500 Presidential Scholar candidates were chosen based on standardized test scores and will be evaluated on an essay as well as their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities. Andrew and Isabelle both scored a perfect 36 on the ACT. Up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced this spring and honored at a June event in Washington, DC. The program dates to 1964 when it was established by an Executive Order of the President.

■ www2.ed.gov/programs/psp

DUNHAM SHOWCASES TECH EXPERTISE

The Dunham School has been named an Apple Distinguished School. The honor recognizes schools that use Apple technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. “When we talk about innovation and creativity, we’re really talking about students having the ability to understand coding and the creative tools enabled by technology,” says Head of School Steven A. Eagleton. Dunham hosted a Technology Showcase to share expertise with the community, and students from Dufrocq and Mayfair elementary schools explored coding, movie making, and virtual reality. At a pep rally, three Dunham teachers, Kris Harrell, Jackie Wilson, and Rob Sullivan, were honored with the school’s first People’s Choice Award.

SEVENTH WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATH-A-THON RAISES MONEY FOR ST. JUDE

Math may not be every student’s favorite school subject, but 22 students at Seventh Ward Elementary School were able to use their acquired math skills in order to help others.

Through the school’s annual Math-A-Thon, Seventh Ward Elementary School students solved math equations to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Friends and family members of the school provided donations to students who completed a series of math problems, and this year, the students were able to raise more than $3,600 for St. Jude. Tiffany Battistella, the students’ instructional coach, coordinated the event, and the faculty sponsors of the event were Lynn Swetledge and Dana Smith.

BRIS FRESHMAN WINS APP CHALLENGE

A student’s app that helps create hand lettering was honored as the winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana’s sixth Congressional district. Rep. Garret Graves presented the award to Melanie Morris, a freshman at Baton Rouge International School. The contest is the largest student computer science competition in the US. Thousands of students coded original apps as part of district-wide competitions. Melanie created her Hand Lettering App as a project in Abraham Delos Reyes’s computer applications class. “Melanie is both creative and hardworking. She genuinely listens to advice and has a positive attitude towards her studies,” says Delos Reyes.

ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY MEETS MODERN CLASSROOM AT GLASGOW MIDDLE SCHOOL

Using technology in the classroom may make you think of smartboards, computers and iPads. But for students in Nathalie R. Roy’s Roman Technology class at Glasgow Middle School, the experience looks a little different for Glasgow’s students. “It’s a full-year elective in which we reproduce products and processes of the ancient Romans through STEM-based labs and activities, but especially through experimental archaeology,” says Roy, who was recently named the East Baton Rouge Middle School Teacher of the Year.

“Our goal in most labs is to recreate using Roman methods and tools.” Recently, the students used the engineering and design process to help them create outdoor kilns and fire their own pottery. Roy documents the class’ experiences on Twitter.

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SCOTLANDVILLE HIGH HOSTS JOB SHADOW DAY FOR STUDENTS

While students do most of their learning in the classroom, getting out of the everyday grind can really spark new ideas and show life options they likely wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

It can also be a lot of fun! Recently, Scotlandville Magnet High School students visited with local industry partners to observe National Job Shadow Day. Students had the chance to work alongside professionals and see how various careers relate to their coursework. Students shadowed employees with the State Police, Baton Rouge Police Department, Capital City Car Collision, B1 Bank, DOTD, Air Products, Dow Chemical, CSRS, Eduok & Associates, Jacobs, Worley, Geoengineering, and Fusion Architecture.

WILDWOOD ELEMENTARY HOSTS GEOBEE COMPETITION

Fourth and fifth graders at Wildwood Elementary School competed to become their school’s GeoBee champion, and Rishabh Gala came out on top. School competitions are the first round of the National Geographic GeoBee, a challenge designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. In addition to answering questions about geography, students must show what they know about ancient and world civilizations, cultures and physical features.

Gala will take an online qualifying test, and up to 100 of the top scorers in each state compete in the State GeoBee. Winners continue to nationals, competing for cash, scholarships and a trip to the Galápagos Islands.

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CONNECT PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

Allergic Asthma

R

aces

OF GREATER BATON ROUGE

Visit our website at brparents.com to learn about the people serving your community.

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unny nose and red eyes that come on every time the pollen blows are typical allergy symptoms many of us deal with this time of year. But when the lungs are involved, an allergic response can include asthma.

“In general, an allergy is where the immune system is over-reacting to something in the environment,” says Joseph N. Redhead, Jr., MD, physician at the Baton Rouge Clinic specializing in allergy, asthma and immunology. Typical triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroaches and pet dander.

Asthma is a chronic and recurring lung condition that includes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. “Allergies are one of many things that can trigger asthma, and for many people, it’s their main trigger,” Dr. Redhead says.

Asthma and allergies can develop at any time, often starting in preschool or early elementary school. At least 80 percent of young children with asthma have allergies connected; that drops to about 50 percent in adulthood. “A lot of the younger kids’ asthma will go away, especially when they get into the teen years,” Dr. Redhead says.

But that doesn’t mean asthma is outgrown, and about a third will experience asthma again as adults. “Asthma goes into remission is the way I phrase it.”

Asthma is diagnosed based on symptoms and a clinical exam, including breathing tests to measure lung capacity and air flow. Allergy testing can determine exactly what a patient is allergic to. Allergic asthma treatments are similar to chronic asthma that has other underlying causes. Inhalers can provide rapid relief of chest symptoms within 10 minutes, and there are also daily medications that can suppress symptoms. Dr. Redhead says to pay close attention to allergies and control them aggressively. “If you ignore your allergies, you’re not going to control your asthma,” he says.

Avoiding triggers is the best way. “Generally speaking, outdoor allergens are hard to avoid,” Dr. Redhead says. Central heating and air conditioning are key, and don’t ride around with the car windows down.Avoid lawn chores like raking, blowing and mowing, too. Dr. Redhead advises his patients who are allergic to animals to get rid of their pets, but understandably, almost no one follows this advice. ■

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LIVE LOCAL PROFILE

Photo credit: Dani Jones Photography

The Livingston Activity Center

By Melanie Forstall Lemoine

P

roviding students who are living with disabilities several procedural safeguards is the goal of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).

More specifically, these students are able to have a longer time period to complete high school. Students with developmental disabilities may stay in school longer in order to complete courses for graduation, or so they can pursue vocational opportunities. Under IDEA, students with disabilities may stay in school until they reach the age of 22.

For many families, the extra time the students are given is very valuable to them. However, far too often, families are left wondering, “What’s next?” for their child with a disability after he or she graduates from school.

Since 1961, the Louisiana Association for Challenged Adults, LLC., has been providing vocational, recreational, and educational opportunities for adults who are living with disabilities. The association, which has become known as

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the Livingston Activity Center, provides an educational, social, and sometimes rehabilitative outlet for individuals who may have otherwise had a difficult time finding employment or even social opportunities.

For many local families, the Livingston Activity Center helps offer options for what’s next.

“The goals for each participant at the center are self-directed,” says Heather Boley, bookkeeper and marketing director for the center. “Some may want to learn how to count money, or learn how to read; it all depends on each individual and their personal goal levels.”

Boley, who also organizes the activities calendar for the center, works closely with community partners to help create opportunities for the center’s participants. “There was a time when centers were able to keep participants in the center all day long,” says Boley.

However, state requirements have changed which now requires centers

to get participants out and into their communities. The Livingston Activity Center even partners with local gyms so they can provide weekly CrossFit and Zumba classes.

Additionally, the center partners with three local restaurants which provide classes of participants a sponsored meal each week. According to Boley, “These meals give them a chance to work on table manners, support sharing, and learn how to order their own food—a great opportunity for them to work on improving life skills.”

The center also provides supported employment opportunities for participants. The center has partnered with medical offices and the parks and recreation department to create employment opportunities for them. The supported work options include providing janitorial services to medical offices and local parks, and there are opportunities in a local wood shop to cut and bundle wood, which is then sold to land surveyors and real estate agencies.

Other community partners regularly come to the center to support its mission.

“We’ve had the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department come out to talk about safety,” says Boley.

“We have even had a local esthetician come out and give tutorials on make-up application and hair styling for the women and appropriate shaving techniques for the men.”

For families interested in having a loved one becoming a participant, he or she must be 22 years old and have had an IEP in high school.

While the Livingston Community Center is a 501(c)(3) and is funded mainly through Medicaid, there are many ways the community can still support the center’s efforts. Donations are always appreciated and can be made by visiting their website, louisianachallengedadults. org. Community partners, such as a restaurant or service provider, who are interested in collaborating with the center on activities or employment opportunities, are encouraged to call them directly at (225) 664-7384. ■

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LIVE DAD NEXT DOOR

Chris Hester

By Amanda Miller OCCUPATION ▪ Baton Rouge City Court Judge WIFE ▪ Emily CHILDREN ▪ Hayden, 3, and Avery, 1 HOBBIES ▪ Active in sports, coaching, and an LSU sports fan After running for a political office, living your life as if you’re an open book is almost written in the stars.

To some, this close up view of a person’s daily life could become a bit overwhelming. However, Chris Hester embraces it all with a smile as he raises his children.

As a husband, father of two, and Baton Rouge’s City Court Judge, Chris Hester begins each day with a full plate. While each day’s work schedule may always be different, he finds comfort in the rides to school with his little ones every morning and coming home to them in the evenings for some relaxing family time.

Photo Credit : Kleinpeter Photography

How would you describe raising your children?

cool to see him know that you should help others

even if it’s just for a few rounds of golf. However,

C: It’s fantastic. I really have no idea what we did

who are older than you.

if you get free time, don’t waste it. We spent a lot

with our time before we had kids. It has all been very rewarding.

of free time sitting at home, so don’t waste it.

How has parenthood changed you?

C: Made me feel that I had a bigger purpose in

What kind of dad are you?

What do you like to do as a family?

life. Your level of responsibility increases, and we

C: Caring, but also strict. I have high

C: Hayden likes going to the park and playing

definitely have to plan our days more.

expectations. I want to make sure they do the

outside. We also golf, and Avery loves to watch!

Hayden likes to be outside as much as possible.

right things, but if they do make mistakes, I want What do you love most about your job?

to correct them early on.

C: Interacting with so many different people.

What’s the greatest thing about being a dad?

It keeps me on my toes because you go in not

What’s something you hope to instill in them?

C: I enjoy watching them grow and develop their

knowing what kind of day you’re going to have.

C: I’m in charge of drop off, so one thing I say with

own personalities. You also always hope that they

Hayden each morning is, “Are we going to have What has your job taught you about parenting?

a great day?” and he’ll say, “Yes,” and I’ll ask him,

C: To realize that everyone have their own

“How do we have a great day?” And the response

What was your latest dad win?

individual problems, so you should always be kind

is: Smile, make people smile, be nice, and always

C: Hayden is always watching and remembering.

and respectful.

have fun.

And I remember watching Hayden help his

How do you make time to relax?

Best parenting advice you have ever received?

grandmother up the stairs the other day. It was

C: My wife is fantastic. Emily lets me sneak away,

C: Enjoy it and don’t take it for granted, even the

do better than you did when you were a kid.

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long nights. They aren’t going to be little forever.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

C: People who don’t tell the truth. I have a pretty good gauge on when someone is telling the truth now, but I consider myself to be really trusting. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.

What personality trait of yours do your children also have?

C: Being kind. Hayden is tough on the outside but a softie on the inside. Avery is more of the daredevil like her mom. She takes longer to warm up to people, but she always shows you how much she loves you.

Which family member has been your greatest role model in life?

C: My dad. He passed away a few years ago, but I hope that Hayden sees in me what I saw in him.

What’s your biggest goal in life right now?

C: That my kids are successful and that they enjoy life, smile a lot, and have a great day.

Do you have any advice for other parents?

C: Make the most of when you first see them and right before you leave them for the day. Hayden will still hold my hand, and I know that won’t last forever, so make the most of that time. ■

Q&A

The parenting item I couldn’t live without…Emily.

In my fridge, you will always find…milk and fruit.

Favorite movie growing up…The Sandlot.

My guilty pleasure is…sleeping late after Emily gets up with the kids.

Music I’m loving…country music.

I feel my best when I…get home with my family after a great day.

My favorite ice cream is…Cookies and Cream.

My dream travel spot is...Greece.

Favorite children’s book growing up...Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go. A PR IL 2020 | B R PA R EN T S .COM

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LIVE EXCEPTIONAL LIVES

Perfect Match Kidney Transplant Makes Dream Come True

By Mari Walker

The summer before going to college, Ali Hooks began noticing something was wrong. After her move from Opelousas to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech, she sought medical help for the first time in her young, healthy life.

“I saw a couple doctors and none of them could really diagnose me with what was happening,” says Ali, now 20.

As a first-generation college student, Ali was told she was experiencing anxiety and nerves, and later, doctors thought she had a stomach ulcer. But she continued to feel worse, and on October 5, 2018, she walked into the emergency room unable to breathe. Further testing revealed end-stage renal disease, and Ali 30

was immediately rushed into an emergency surgery.

Ali’s mother, Misti Hyatt, was beside herself at the news, as her mother had suffered and died from the same condition. Ali’s small town’s network activated, and her favorite high school teacher’s sister, who lives in Lubbock, came to the hospital to be sure Ali wasn’t alone until her parents could arrive.

Ali endured another risky surgery on her heart while she was being stabilized over the next weeks, and she settled into a routine of regular dialysis, which took up much of her time, up to five days a week and five hours per session. Ali experienced another terrifying incident when she had a light stroke and a seizure.

“Despite the medical journey, I did dialysis and had my good days and bad days,” Ali says. “My bad days involved just sickness and being too weak to go to

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class.” April brought pneumonia and a couple weeks in the hospital, after which Ali decided to go stay with her mom in Dallas while she waited for a kidney transplant. “No one in my family was a match.”

On her way back to Lubbock to begin the fall semester, Ali got a shocking call. Her mom’s childhood best friend, Bambi Polotzola, was a match, and she was willing to donate a kidney. “I was hysterical, crying on the side of the road and so many emotions,” Ali says.

Further testing revealed that Bambi and Ali were a 100 percent match. “That rarely ever happens in kidney patients,” Ali says. “She has the exact same kidney as I did. She was basically made to help me.”

The transplant surgery took place on December 23 in Dallas. Bambi, who is the director of Disability Affairs for Governor John Bel Edwards, and Ali were able to spend time together. “I basically just hugged her and broke down crying, saying thank you for saving my life,” Ali says. “She was like, ‘Don’t mention it.’

She was so calm.”

The transplant has been a success, although adjusting to the transplant life has been challenging. “It’s not as easy as everyone assumes,” Ali says. She takes many medications, and managing the side effects takes a toll. She’s been diagnosed with medical PTSD and is receiving help to work through anxiety and depression.

“Now I’m just focusing on my studies and trying to get back to normal,” Ali says. Her emotional support dog, a French bulldog named Chester James whom she adopted early in her medical journey, is a big help.

As a criminology and forensic science major, Ali is considering her future. “I want to do something that could help other people because I was given a second chance at life. I want to pay that forward and try to help someone else in the future.” ■

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LIVE FAITH

A Tolerant Heart

By Deborah McElgin, Children’s Minister, of University Baptist Church

O

ne of the dearest wishes for all parents of young children is for them to have futures filled with opportunities and happiness. For Christians, our highest calling is to share Christ’s love with all people while engendering this commitment in our children. Together, these motivations create a powerful imperative to work for tolerance and fairness in our society that is impossible for any thoughtful Christian parent to ignore.

Christ has directly implored us to look out through the eyes of a parent who must watch their children be excluded from opportunity, or experience feelings of rejection from society, based on the circumstances of their birth. He asks us to strain to imagine the anguish of trying to adhere to his gospel of forgiveness for injuries not merely against ourselves but against what we hold most precious. While this certainly clarifies the absolute necessity of raising children who work toward a more tolerant world, the sheer weight of the moral, political, economic, and historical issues makes broaching discussions with children, particularly young ones, seem daunting. The most important thing parents should realize is that these discussions will come naturally, but we must continually break through the social, economic, and racial divides around us and pull our children through with us. They will watch us, even if we are sometimes outside of our comfort zones, and learn to break these divides for themselves.

Moments may come when intolerance is displayed in their presence, perhaps expressed by someone they trust and love, and we must be prepared to be courageous and not lose our voices. Of course, Christ’s love is forever redemptive, so children should always be reminded of the hopes we have of achieving more tolerance in every heart. More than anything, we must strive to be kind and welcoming of those we encounter in our everyday lives. This comes more naturally to some parents, and it can often require more of us than we feel prepared to give. It often helps to remember how important these moments are to our children, and to God. ■

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f o r e w The Po

E R U S S E R P R E

PE

s n e e T on gelhardt

n

By Julie E

Teens’ lives can be very complicated. Not only are they facing the unchartered waters of transitioning from a child to an adult, but there are also a plethora of demands placed upon their young lives. There’s school, homework, worrying about grades, jobs, and household chores.

Teens are also trying to discover ways to fit in with their friends, classmates, and pretty much anyone who is in their age group. At times, they make good choices that will benefit them in the long run, but on the other hand, they may be swayed into doing things that aren’t particularly wise. We know this more commonly as peer pressure.

Facts About Peer Acceptance and Peer Pressure Peer pressure is influence that comes from a peer group or observers, even a friend, who encourages others to change their attitude, values or behavior to conform to their way of thinking. When it comes down to it, no matter our age, we all feel the need to fit in to some degree and to be accepted by others, but the pull seems to be stronger for adolescents.

According to Kelli Blue Hill, LPC-S & RYT, owner of Blue Hill Counseling LLC in Walker, “Teenagers rely more heavily 34

on peers than they do parents, simply because it’s part of their development. I think they want acceptance, and a quick way to get acceptance is to go along with what others want. Teenagers are more likely to look at the positive rewards than the negative consequences without giving it much thought.”

Common Teen Pressures Before the age of the Internet and personal electronics, teens experienced most of their contact with their friends and acquaintances at schools or public

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areas, like the mall, where they would often hang out. Pressure to have sex, use drugs, smoke cigarettes and leave the house without permission are topics that were prevalent before the information age, and they still do exist. According to Jamie Schuler, MSW, LCSW with Family Focus & Associates in Baton Rouge, vaping has become an issue as well.

Both professionals agree that since teens began using social media, a whole new level of subjects that teens may feel coerced into trying, such as sexting or cyberbullying, have been introduced.

“Through group chats and other forums, there’s the likelihood that teens are exposed to each other a whole lot more, so there are more opportunities for them to think not so clearly and get caught up in the moment,” Hill explains. “There’s the peer pressure of bullying. If they’re on a group chat being ugly, it’s easy to get caught up in that and contribute to that conversation. [However,] it might not be something they’d do when face to face with that person.”

Noticing a Change in Your Teen According to Hill, irritability or crankiness are red flags that can signal that something is bothering the teen or causing them issues. “Irritability is the primary manifestation of depression in teenagers,” she says. “Parents often think that when a teen withdraws from them then that’s a sure sign there’s an issue, but withdrawing from parents is totally normal, so that’s not necessarily a sign,” she explains.

She goes on to say that if your teen seems depressed, it might be worthwhile to take him or her to a therapist or professional to explore what’s taking place in his or her life. Undue pressure from peers could be the underlying reason for this change in behavior.

Working with Teens to Avoid Peer Pressure Situations “Communication, communication, communication,” Schuler says. “Having that open relationship with your kids, letting them know you’ve been there and dealt with these situations.”

Another piece of advice Schuler offers to parents is teaching assertive communication and showing your children how to stand up for themselves.

“It’s okay to say ‘no’ and not have a reason,” she says.

Hill adds, “What I’m big on teaching in my practice is mindfulness. With mindfulness, they can do a self-check into their ‘gut feeling,’ and if something

doesn’t feel good to them, they need to say ‘no’.”

Planning ahead is another way to avoid peer pressure situations. “Parents can talk to teens and develop a plan for what to do if they get caught in a bad situation–a plan that allows the parents to respond and not be judgmental,” Hill says. She goes on to explain that if teens think they’re going to be judged by not participating, then they’re not going to push that ‘escape button.’” Yet, if they can call or text their parents and know they’re going to get help without criticism, then they have a safe ‘out’ for an uncomfortable situation.

Both professionals suggest that teens should always concentrate on getting involved in positive, character-building pro-social activities that will help them in their futures. Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, art, or religion or spiritual involvement are the first step in turning your back to unhealthy peer pressure tactics. ■

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Real World and Online Predators How to Keep Your Child Safe

By Kimberly Blaker

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in 2018 alone, there were more than 1,600 attempted child abductions by strangers.

Equally troubling, there were 18.4 million reports that year to the CyberTipline relating to child sexual abuse images, online enticement of kids, child sex trafficking, and child sexual molestation.

But strangers aren’t the only culprits of these crimes. Tragically, kids are at higher risk of abduction or sexual molestation by acquaintances, family, and friends. According to the FBI, only 24 percent of actual kidnappings are by strangers, while nearly half are by family members. The balance, 27 percent, is by acquaintances of the victims. These latter two statistics add to the difficulty in teaching kids how to be safe.

Teenagers are at the highest risk of being murdered by a stranger. Finkelhor and Ormrod, in their Juvenile Justice Report, point out that only 3 percent of murdered children under 12 are victims of strangers. In contrast, 87 percent of teen murder victims are killed by strangers.

Most kids who are sexually assaulted, however, are neither abducted or murdered. In fact, 1 in 10 kids will be sexually abused before the age of 18, according to the organization, Darkness to Light.

Easy Prey

Sex offenders are good con artists.

They often groom kids and even 36

the adults around children. These predators “gradually and methodically build trust,” states Estey Bomberger’s website, Child Molestation Victims, childmolestationvictims.com.

Shy kids are at higher risk for abduction and for sexual assault. Many predators look specifically for shy kids and those who lack self-esteem because they lack the assertiveness to speak up for themselves.

Young Children

During the infant and early years, children can be kidnapped quickly with no need for coaxing. Leaving a small child unattended for just moments is long enough for an abduction to occur.

When shopping, keep your child in sight at all times. For challenging outings, leave your child with a sitter, or use a child safety harness with toddlers.

As soon as your child is old enough to understand, read stories, and discuss stranger and acquaintance dangers to reduce your child’s risk.

Whether at home or away, young children should be supervised when they

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play outdoors. As they grow, keep close tabs on their whereabouts. Never allow them to play unattended in parks, wooded lots, or secluded areas.

As Your Child Grows

Pedophiles and other sexual predators come from all walks of life. Although kids of all ages are victims of child sexual abuse, most pedophiles prefer children nearing puberty. According to Child Lures, a child-abuse prevention program, pedophiles “prey on a child’s sexual ignorance and curiosity.”

Sexual abuse is most often committed by males, though not exclusively, and of all social and economic backgrounds.

Pedophiles often look for access to kids by taking a job working with or near them, chaperoning or leading activities and clubs, and coaching sports programs.

While not all men who take an interest or get involved with kids are predators, parents should always remain alert to the possibility.

Teach your child what areas of the body are off-limits to others and how to say “no” to someone who touches them in

an uncomfortable way. Also, make sure your child understands that if something does happen, your child isn’t to blame and should tell an adult.

There are several changes in your child’s behavior that might indicate something has gone wrong, according to the North American Missing Children’s Association. These include withdrawal, unusual anger, acting out, fear of being alone or with a particular person, or decreased interest in activities, especially those in which the molester is involved.

Pre-Teens and Adolescents

claims to be, there’s no certainty the person is who he claims to be or what his intent is. They should never meet someone they’ve met online without parent approval.

More Tips for Safety

Getting across to kids the dangers that strangers and even acquaintances can present requires talking to your kids at their level. It’s also essential that kids know realistic ways to protect themselves.

The following suggestions could help your child avert or escape a dangerous or threatening situation.

Your kids, even adolescents, should always tell you where they’re going (the exact address), who they’ll be with (first and last names), and for how long. If the time to return is undetermined, give your child a check-in time.

Your child should always walk with others, never alone, at night in particular.

Try not to scare your child, but offer real-life incidents your child can relate to. If you or someone you know has been victimized, cautiously share this information with your child. Just do it in an age-appropriate manner they can comprehend and handle emotionally.

parents have approved that particular person on that specific occasion.

Create a secret family password that only specific family members and friends would be given to pick up your child. If your child is approached and the password is not immediately relayed, your child should run away.

If your child’s on a bike and someone tries to grab him, he should wrap his full body (arms and legs) around the frame of his bike. Because the bike moves with the child, it makes it difficult for a fast getaway by the abductor.

Kids should understand that if they’re being chased or they’re captured, they should defend themselves. Your child should scream loudly and continuously and attempt to run away.

Finally, when it comes to abduction, an ex-spouse, estranged grandparents, or other family member is even more likely to be a perpetrator. More than 200,000 children are abducted by family members each year. If you suspect the possibility of this occurring, take every precaution while abiding by child visitation requirements. If you have a serious concern, seek legal advice on how to protect your child when a court order requires you to allow unsupervised visitation with the potential perpetrator.

It might seem that stranger danger situations should lessen as kids grow older. Instead, it is compounded, as strangers and acquaintances prey on older kids by different, more stealthy, and accessible means. Approximately, one in five kids is solicited by an online predator, according to the latest Youth Internet Safety Survey by the University of New Hampshire’s Crimes Against Children Research Center.

Although online filters are imperfect and don’t screen every inappropriate site, they can significantly reduce access to dangerous sites.

Also, insist your kids only use chat rooms designed for their age group. This reduces their “Many predators look specifically for shy kids risk of involvement in and those who lack self-esteem because they lack If Your Child is Missing adult discussions. Then, the assertiveness to speak up for themselves. ” Be prepared in the unlikely know which ones they event your child disappears. use. Many kids’ chat Keep an updated record that sites are moderated to includes your child’s hair ensure no inappropriate and eye color, height, weight, blood type, or potentially dangerous discussion takes Children, and even adults, tend to live phone numbers and addresses of friends, in the moment and believe, “It can’t place. Be aware, though, that predators often lurk even on kids’ social media happen to me.” Sharing a real event that’s and a recent photo.

Be sure to include several strands platforms and through gaming sites and happened to someone you or your child of your child’s hair with the roots and systems. Some child predators are known knows can help bring home the reality follicles attached for a DNA sample. Also, to pose as children to befriend kids. Most, that it can happen to anyone. create an impression of your child’s teeth however, know their adult age can be part Teach your kids to say “no” to adults in a piece of sterilized Styrofoam. of the attraction, particularly for teens. they don’t know, and even to adults they According to federal law, a waiting do know, if something doesn’t seem right.

Make sure your kids understand period cannot be required for reporting Always keep doors locked, even the importance of never giving out missing children. If your child comes their name, or other personal or family when an adult is at home. Teach this up missing, contact your local police information to strangers on the Internet. by example. Never open the door to department. Make every effort to search Teach your kids that no matter how a stranger regardless of his or her for your child while using caution not to well they think they know an online appearance. If your child is home alone, disrupt evidence. ■ acquaintance, or how old the stranger your child shouldn’t open the door unless A PR IL 2020 | B R PA R EN T S .COM

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Nothing is more boring than a dreary, rainy day.

Lounging in bed or curling up with a good book may sound ideal to parents, but most kids are unwilling to spend their day this way. The next time it won’t stop raining and pouring, try these fun rainy day boredom busters together.

1. Host a movie marathon. Pop some popcorn and put on some of your favorite movies to enjoy with the littles to pass the time. Consider choosing a theme for your movie marathon such as Disney princess movies, a movie with several sequels, or old school movies from your childhood. A rainy day is also a great time to head to the movie theater for the afternoon.

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2019-20 Cover Kid Catherine C. photo credit Kleinpeter photography

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring 7 Things to Do on a Rainy Day

2. Craft time. Paint, sculpt Play-Doh, or make bead bracelets. Allow the kids to get creative by making their own scrapbook or finding items in your recycle bin they can make into sculptures. Hit up craft store sales before you begin, so you have a stockpile of art supplies available without having to go out in the rain.

Often, you can find seasonal themed kits to complete with your children.

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By Sarah Lyons

Now, you will have fun decorations for the house as well as entertainment for your children.

3. Take a field trip. You don’t have to stay cooped up in your house just because it’s raining. Stopping by the library passes the time and lets you stock up on things to do when you return home. Check local listings for open gyms, indoor playgrounds, or other fun indoor activities where the

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kids can run and play while burning off some energy.

Puddle jump. If temperatures allow, change into play clothes and then head outside with your rain boots and umbrella, and allow the kids to jump in the rain puddles. When you head back inside, draw a warm bubble bath for them to get cleaned up and so they can begin to wind down.

Experiment. Since you are stuck inside, amuse yourself and your children with a science experiment.

Not only will time slip away, but you will also be providing a science lesson. Ideas could be creating a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, combining water dyed with food coloring, or mixing salt with ice to see what happens. Your local library will have several books that contain age-appropriate experiments, or websites like Pinterest can also provide a lot of great ideas for them to experiment with.

Fun in the kitchen. Bake some cookies or other homemade treats with your kids, and they are sure to think you’re sweet. Pull out some old family recipes and teach your kids how to make them. In addition to learning about their family’s culture and traditions, they are sure to be proud of being able to serve them for dinner that night. Or, you can find an easy one to make online with ingredients you have in the house Get active. Have a dance party in your living room, play a game of keep away, or create an obstacle course to get the kids active and help burn off some of the restless energy that can build up when they are stuck inside all day. Check gonoodle.com for free kids’ workout videos.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, but that doesn’t mean your day has to be boring. Parents can get creative and involve the kids in their plan to fill the rainy day. Besides all the things listed above, you can build a fort, make cards for soldiers, clean up the toy room, or make homemade ice cream.

The possibilities are endless with a little imagination. ■ A PR IL 2020 | B R PA R EN T S .COM

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Overbooked Summers Can Be A Bummer The Pros and Cons of Camp-Filled Summers

By Brooke Smith

If you could relive one of your favorite summer memories as a kid, what would it be? Would it be searching for seashells and hermit crabs on the beach with your family? What about riding your bicycle or skateboard through the neighbourhood with your friends?

Or, would you pick a time where you were attending summer camp and learning a new skill?

No Instructions Included The simplicity of being just a kid is sweeter than a fresh watermelon on a hot day. For approximately 200 days, kids are bombarded with pressures of succeeding academically. There is no better time than summer break to reward them with the chance to experience the freedom to learn and play their own way. When kids do an activity that doesn’t involve direction or require a specific outcome, it is called unstructured play.

Unstructured play provides kids the chance to focus on pursuing their interests and bond with loved ones. It is 40

basically creative free play with endless possibilities. For example, Jovi Tomeny, a local hair salon owner, says “Besides swimming, my children enjoy going to places like Knock Knock Children’s Museum when they are out of school.”

Off to Summer Camp It’s difficult to manage a demanding work schedule with having kids out. Luckily, there is the option of bringing your kids to summer camp. Even though summer camp is still structured, it is more flexible than the school routine and provides time for spontaneous play. The advances of technology have made finding good fitting summer camps less difficult than finding a great pair of jeans. Searching the web and reading reviews is not the only way to research camps that catch your child’s interest. There are also camp fairs. Some camp facilities provide tours and/or meetings with a service rep.

Even though traditional summer camps are popular, there are many other types available. If your child enjoys a specific subject, there are camps that specialize in that subject. Some examples are art camp, basketball camp, space

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camp, and theatre camp. There are even local summer camps for children with special needs, such as Louisiana Lions Camp in Leesville.

Set Them Free The next step is deciding on how long your child should attend camp. Some camps run daily while others run weekly or monthly. The ones that have weekly or monthly schedules are usually overnight camps or residential camps. Day camps provide your child with the opportunity to develop new skills while they socialize with new friends. Overnight camps provide much of the same, but your child would have a taste of independence in a supervised setting.

It’s never too early to teach your children what it takes to be independent.

While attending camp, they will learn to become more self-reliant as they explore their interests. They will discover their strengths and weaknesses. Instead of depending on a teacher or you to tell them what to do, they will learn to trust their inner voice. It’s beneficial to put your children in summer camps, but it’s also important to leave some time open.

System Overload Even though summer camp is not as structured as school, your child still uses a lot of energy, physically and mentally.

After interviewing 80 mental health professionals and educators, 60 parents, and 100 children, Andre Aelion Brooks, author of Children of Fast-Track Parents, concluded that exposing children to extracurricular activities too early is not necessarily a good idea. She states that some children cannot function well with so many responsibilities and can develop stress disorders.

If you notice unusual changes in your child’s behavior, change his schedule. According to child psychiatrist, Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D., co-author of The Overscheduled Child, “Many overscheduled kids are anxious, angry, and burned out. They show a range of symptoms from headaches and stomachaches to temper tantrums, an inability to concentrate, and sleeping problems. In the long run, it may be harder for them to make confident choices about what they want to do on their

own.” Children need time to recharge and process what they learn.

Sarah Schnauder, Camp Director at Kid-Possible, says “I think two or three specialty camps mixed into your child attending a well-rounded day camp gives your child time to really focus their mind on something new without overexposing their already growing brains.”

Having a planner just for your children’s summer schedule could prevent a lot of stress. After you list each activity and vacation, highlight unstructured or free time. If their schedule is weighted too much in one direction, make changes.

Always include them when changes need to be made. Ask them if their days are too busy, or if they want more downtime. If it’s not possible for them to stay at home alone, ask for help.

The Balancing Act We live in a high-achieving world. Social media has made parenting feel like a sport. Many parents believe that others would view them as bad parents if they deprived their kids of activities. It is

natural to feel stressed about this, but it is good to prevent your child from getting ‘summer brain drain.’ However, it is essential to focus on what your children need to have a fun, productive summer.

Courtney Elkins Borland, a mother of a nine year old, expresses that she was more influenced by social media when her son was younger, but things have changed. Borland states, “As he has gotten older, I try to allow him to have a voice in his extracurriculars. I tried to introduce him to many things at a young age, but now he can cultivate his interests rather than what I envision.”

Imagine a see-saw. If the weight is on one side, the sea-saw wouldn’t move.

Balance is key. For instance, Borland’s son attends four camps each summer, but he also enjoys spending time writing stories. As Aristotle once said, “Eudaimonia (the means of becoming a wholly, fully functioning person) can be achieved though the principle of the mean: moderation in all things.” In other words, happiness comes from the balance of vice and virtue, not perfection. ■

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2016-17 Cover Kids Peyton T., Caiden M., and Hudson W. Photo Credit : Kleinpeter Photography

Day Camp Listing

On your mark, get set, go! Run toward summer fun by finding the perfect camp for the young ones in your crew. Explore the incredible opportunities available for your child this summer in the 2020 Day Camp Listing. With this listing, you and your child can find a camp for all of his or her interests, whether it’s STEM, singing, or playing sports.

CHEER AND GYMNASTICS

Elite Gymnastics Summer Camp 8321 Bluebonnet Boulevard (225) 766-7070 elitegymnasticsbr.com Ages: 3-15 Dates: May 18-August 14 Rates: $30-40 Louisiana Cheer Force Summer Camp 14050 Tiger Bend Road lacheerforce.com Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 8-July 17 Rates: $135 Mini Cheer Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church 42

Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: PreK-4 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA SJA Sizzling Summer Cheerleading Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: May 26-29 Rates: $135

CREATIVE ARTS

Art Academy Summer Camp Art Academy 16113 Highway 44

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(225) 276-8229 artacademyla.com Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 8-July 30 Rates: $130 Artsplosion!

Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge 427 Laurel Street (225) 344-8558 artsbr.org/artsed Grades: 3-8 Dates: July 27-31 Rates: $260 Aspiring Artists Art Camp Various locations (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 1-July 17

Rates: $125-150 Creative Ideas Art Camp BREC’s Milton J. Womack Park 6201 Florida Boulevard (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 8-12 Dates: July 20-24 Rates: $125-150 Elementary Art Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 3-5 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA

LSU Architecture Camp LSU School of Architecture 136 Atkinson Hall (225) 578-6885 design.lsu.edu Grades: 10-12 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $930-980 Painting and Punch Summer Art Camp Painting and Pinot 7248 Perkins Road (225) 223-6101 paintingandpinot.com Grades: K-9 Dates: June 1-July 31 Rates: $135-150 SJA Sizzling Summer Art Camp St. Joseph’s Academy

3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlngsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Babysitting 101 St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-9 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $165 SJA Sizzling Summer Baking Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 Sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 8-19 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Cooking Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-9 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Girls Just Want to Have Fun St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 15-18 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer Knitting Camp for Beginners St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-8 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Knitting Camp: Intermediate St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207

sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-8 Dates: June 22-26 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Media Arts Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 8-12 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Mini Cooking and Baking Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-7 Dates: May 26-29 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer Scrapbooking with the Stickers St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 8-12 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Sewing Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 8-19 Rates: $165 SJA Sizzling Summer Stickers Spa Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-7 Dates: May 26-29 Rates: $135 Tapestry Camp for Visual and Performing Arts 8833 Goodwood Boulevard (225) 927-8601 slesbr.org Grades: 2-8

Dates: June 1-12 Rates: $475 Video Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 5-8 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA

EDUCATION

Camp Invention National Inventors Hall of Fame 3701 Highland Park NW (800) 968-4332 invent.org/camp Grades: K-6 Dates: June 1-5 Rates: $235 Elementary Pathways Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 1-4 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Exploring STEM LSU College of Engineering Patrick F. Taylor Hall (225) 578-5358 precollege.lsu.edu Grades: 6-8 Dates: June 29-July 2 Rates: $325-375 Handwriting Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Ages: 3-Grade 8 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA History Camp BREC’s Magnolia Mound 2161 Nicholson Drive (225) 343-4955 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-11 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $125-150 Kamp Kindergarten Parkview Baptist School

5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K Dates: TBA Rates: TBA LSU Beowulf Boot Camp LSU Center for Computation & Technology Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/beowulfcamp Grades: 7-12 Dates: July 6-10 Rates: $105 LSU Gamecrash Adventures in Game Design LSU Center for Computation & Technology Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/gamecrash Grades: 7-12 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $155 LSU Global Game Jam Next (Game Design) LSU Center for Computation & Technology Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/GGJNext Grades: 7-12 Dates: July 13-17 Rates: $155 LSU Programming Music LSU Center for Computation & Technology Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/ProMusic Grades: 6-12 Dates: June 1-5 Rates: $155 LSU PyFUN Programming LSU Center for Computation & Technology Digital Media Center (225) 578-0595 cct.lsu.edu/PyFUN

Grades: 6-9 Dates: June 8-12 Rates: $155 Math Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 2-7 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Reach for Success Louisiana Resource Center for Educators 5550 Florida Boulevard (225) 924-7600 lrce.org Ages: 4-15 Dates: June 1-25 Rates: $125 Recruiting into Engineering High Ability Multicultural Students- REHAMS LSU College of Engineering Patrick F. Taylor Hall (225) 578-2815 precollege.lsu.edu Ages: 14-17 Dates: June 7-13 Rates: $600-650 Sizzling Summer Technology Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 6-9 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer 3D Printing and Laser Cutting St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 1-19 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Algebra I Prep St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-9

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Dates: June 15-18 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer Algebra II Prep Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 8-11I Dates: June 22-25 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer All STEM Leads to Rome St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Ancient Greece and Rome T-O-G-A! St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-6 Dates: June 22-26 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Computer Skills Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-9 Dates: June 8-12 Rates: $200 SJA Sizzling Summer Electronics-Robotics Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Forensics Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-9 Dates: June 8-12 Rates: $175 44

SJA Sizzling Summer Geometry Prep Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 9-10 Dates: June 15-18 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer Keyboarding Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 6-9 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Mad Chemistry, Kitchen Chemistry and a Little More St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-9 Dates: June 15-19 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Spanish Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-8 Dates: June 22-26 Rates: $140 SJA Sizzling Summer STEAM Explorer St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Study Skills Basics St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 15-18 Rates: $130 Spring Zoo Camp BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo 3601 Thomas Road

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(225) 755-3877 brzoo.org Ages: 6-12 Dates: April 13-17 Rates: $120-142 Summer at CHS Catholic High School 855 Hearthstone Drive (225) 383-0397 catholichigh.org Ages: 10-18 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $80-350 Summer Exploration Camp BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory 13800 Highland Road (225) 768-9948 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 1-July 31 Rates: $125-150 The Brighton School Summer Fun 2020 12108 Parkmeadow Avenue (225) 291-2524 thebrightonschool.org Grades: 1-5 Dates: May 26-June 19 Rates: $150-900 Tulane Pre-College Programs 6823 St. Charles Avenue (504) 684-7360 summer.tulane.edu Grades: 6-12 Dates: June 8-August 1 Rates: $595-3,695

PERFORMING ARTS

Beginners Piano Camp Piano Pathways 9270 Siegen Lane (225) 767-0030 thepianopathway. com Ages: 6 and up Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $240 Mini Dance Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp

Grades: PreK-4 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Musical Theatre Performance Camp BREC’s Independence Park Theatre 7800 Independence Boulevard (225) 216-0660 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-16 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $250-300 Play Production for Kids Camp BREC’s Independence Park Theatre 7800 Independence Boulevard (225) 216-0660 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-16 Dates: July 6-31 Rates: $250-300 Rookies, Rock 101 Pop Punk, Rock 101 80’s Rock, 21st Century Rock, Green Day School of Rock Baton Rouge 5830 S. Sherwood Forest Boulevard (225) 408-0029 schoolofrock.com Ages: 5-17 Dates: June 8-July 24 Rates: $199-449 SJA Sizzling Summer Red Steppers Summer Dance Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-9 Dates: May 26-29 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer Theater Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 5-8 Dates: June 1-5 Rates: $175

SPECIAL NEEDS

Camp Sunshine Various locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-20 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $100-120

SPORTS, FITNESS AND NUTRITION

All Star Football Academy Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 2-8 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Baseball Fundamentals Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K-6 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Boys and Girls Basketball Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 1-11 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA BREC Summer Sports Camp BREC Kathy Drive Park (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $100-120 BREC’s Golf Camps Various locations (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-18 Dates: May 28-August 7 Rates: $25-75 BREC’s Tennis Camps Various locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 4-17 Dates: May 25-July 31 Rates: $50-195

Camp Defy Defy Baton Rouge 10111 The Grove Ave (225) 224-8545 Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 25-July 23 Rates: $169 Extreme Sports Camp BREC’s Perkins Road Extreme Sports Park 7122 Perkins Road (225) 766-9039 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-14 Dates: June 1-26 Rates: $125-150 Football Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 1-8 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Horse Lover’s Adventure Camp BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 9-12 Dates: June 22-26 Rates: $135-240 Horse Lover’s Camp BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $135-240 Junior Horsemanship Camp BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 13-15 Dates: July 27-31 Rates: $135-240 Lester Roberts Sports Camp BREC Sports Academy (225) 272-9200 brec.org/summercamp

Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $100-120 LSU Baseball Camps Alex Box Stadium (360) 480-9419 lsubaseballcamps.com Grades: K-8 Dates: June 29-July 30 Rates: $279 SJA Sizzling Summer Basketball Camp Level I St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 8-9 Dates: June 15-18 Rates: $130 SJA Sizzling Summer Basketball Camp Level II St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-7 Dates: June 15-18 Rates: $130 SJA Sizzling Summer Extended Day Stay and Play Volleyball Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-9 Dates: June 2 and 4; June 9 and 11 Rates: $25 SJA Sizzling Summer Middle School Fitness Training St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 7-8 Dates: June 22-July 23 Rates: $100 SJA Sizzling Summer Soccer Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-6 Dates: June 22-25 Rates: $135

SJA Sizzling Summer Softball Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-9 Dates: June 22-25 Rates: $135 SJA Sizzling Summer Softball Pitching Clinic St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-9 Dates: June 22-25 Rates: $40 SJA Sizzling Summer Volleyball Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.com Grades: 4-9 Dates: June 1-12 Rates: $150 SJA Sizzling Summer Volleyball Setter/Hitter Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 4-9 Dates: June 1-12 Rates: $45-55 Soccer Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: K-8 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Softball Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 3-12 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA Summer at CHS Catholic High School 855 Hearthstone Drive (225) 383-0397

catholichigh.org Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 1-July 22 Rates: $140-500 Teddy Tennis Summer Camp 4436 Mimosa Street (225) 223-0579 Ages: 3-6 Dates: June 1-July 17 Rates: $150

Ages: 5-17 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-150 BREC’s Recreation Summer Camps Various locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $100-120

Topgolf Summer Academy 10955 N. Mall Drive (225) 208-0098 topgolf.com Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $174-199

C. B. Pennington Jr. YMCA 15550 Old Hammond Highway (225) 272 9622 ymcabr.org/camp Ages: 4-13 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-$175

Volleyball Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: 2-12 Dates: TBA Rates: TBA

Dow Westside YMCA 3688 Sugar Plantation Parkway (225) 687-1123 ymcabr.org/camp Ages: 4-15 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-175

TRADITIONAL

A. C. Lewis YMCA 350 South Foster Drive (225) 924-3606 ymcabr.org/camp Ages: 4-13 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-175 Americana YMCA 4200 Liberty Way (225) 654-9622 ymcabr.org/camp Ages: 4-13 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-175 Baranco-Clark YMCA 1735 Thomas Delpit Drive (225) 344-6775 ymcabr.org/camp Ages: 4-13 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-$175 Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Camp 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway (225) 757-8905 brec.org/summercamp

Eagle Experience Summer Camp Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road (225) 291-2500 eagleexperience.camp Grades: PreK-6 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $175 Nature Explorers Conservation Camp BREC’s Palomino Drive Park 14100 Palomino Drive (225) 246-8021 brec.org/summercamp Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 1-July 31 Rates: $125-150 Outdoor Adventure Camp Various locations brec.org/summercamp Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 1-July 31 Rates: $125-150 Paula G. Manship YMCA 8100 YMCA Plaza Drive

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(225) 767-9622 ymcabr.org/camp Ages: 4-15 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $125-175 Shark Pups Summer Camp St. Luke’s Episcopal School 8833 Goodwood Boulevard (225) 927-8601 stlukesbrschool.org/summer-camps Ages: 3-5 Dates: May 26-July 31 Rates: $175-185 SJA Day Camp St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-7 Dates: May 26-June 26 Rates: $170 SJA Sizzling Summer Day Camp Half Days St. Joseph’s Academy 3015 Broussard Street (225) 383-7207 sizzlingsummer.org Grades: 3-7 Dates: May 26-June 26 Rates: $70-85 Summer Camp at Dunham The Dunham School 11111 Roy Emerson Drive (225) 767-7097 ext. 364 summercampatdunham.weebly.com Ages: 3 and up Dates: May 26-July 24 Rates: $95-190 Teen Get Out Summer Camp BREC’s North Sherwood Forest Community Park brec.org/summercamp Ages: Teens Dates: June 1-July 24 Rates: $60-72 Tiger’s Den LSU University Recreation 102 Student Recreation Complex (225) 5788601 lsuuniversityrec.com/tigers-den-summer Ages: 6-12 Dates: May 25-July 31 Rate: $180-200 All camps were up to date at the time of press. Be sure to check with the camp before registration.

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ADVERTORIAL

4th Annual Women In Business Hat & Tea Luncheon Presented by Cox Business

The Women in Business Hat & Tea Luncheon will begin with a bubbly bar social, followed by a formal tea service, elegant lunch and a dynamic speaker.

All attendees who wear a hat will be entered into a drawing for a fabulous prize!

The Ascension Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Women in Leadership Award which will be presented at this event.

This award will provide an opportunity to honor Women in Business who have made an impact in the Ascension Community. The nominee must be a member of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce who has demonstrated exemplary character and outstanding leadership, not only in her field, but in the community. Each candidate should share a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and a strong sense of community.

For more event specifics or ticket information, please contact the chamber office at info@ascensionchamber.com or visit the website at www.ascensionchamber.com.

Ascension Chamber of Commerce

ascensionchamber.com

(225) 647-7487

The Ascension Chamber of Commerce will hold their third annual Women In Business Hat & Tea Luncheon on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Parc 73 in Prairieville from 11am to 1pm.

This popular event, presented by Cox Business, is expected to draw 150 local professional women.

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PLAY A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD STAY CONNECTED If you would like to read more of Brandon’s adventures from A Day in the Life of Dad, visit us online at brparents.com.

GEAR UP Create your own organization space with the PINNNS Modular Organization System. It’s a tidy remedy for messy spaces, fitting up to nine foam pegs that can be wall mounted for easy storage of keys, tools, or leashes. ■ thegrommet.com

It’s the Day Before the Hurricane, Everyday

By Brandon Foreman

W

e are all hanging out as a family everyday. We have to learn new ways to work with each other and our children have to learn a new way to learn. We are rushing to get groceries, we’re seeing empty shelves, and we’re looking everywhere for toilet paper. I mean, this is a crazy time for all of us. I have told a number of people that I don’t think I have ever been this busy and had so little to show for it. A good friend of mine nailed it when he told me that everyday has felt like the day before the hurricane is supposed to hit.

We do need to all stay safe and do our part, and part of that is making sure we take advantage of one thing that this experience has given us: time with our family. Even in the summer when our children are out of school, we don’t get this time to spend with each other. We need to seize the moment to have a movie night every night, talk to each other, and play games together. We have many devices to be a gateway to the outside world–and these are good and needed–but now more than ever, we need to be able to set them aside and spend time with each other.

Use this time wisely, learn new things, and teach your children how to change a tire or fix a light switch. We live in South Louisiana, so some of you could teach your children how to drain the AC Pan. My point is that there are so many skills that our children are not learning because we are all so busy with our fast-paced lives. Now is the time we can change that. So, take some time each day, without the electronics, and teach them so they can learn something new. Then maybe in 20 years, you will talk about these days and how they brought you closer. Doing just this will lower that anxiety and slow down that hurricane-is-coming feeling. #StaySafe #LearnThings #COVID19 50

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FROM THE MOUTHS OF DADS “My wife and I have a similar moral bottom line. When kids try to good cop, bad cop ya, we’re on the same page. ” —Matthew McConaughey

PIC OF THE MONTH

Diego G. and his two lovable kiddos, Lucas and Sofia, share some hugs during their photo op.

Let’s be

friends. / BatonRouge Parents

@ brparents

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PLAY GET OUT OF TOWN

MARGARITAVILLE VACATION CLUB BY WYNDHAM, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

By Julie Engelhardt Coordinates: 18.344217° N, -64.92981° E Baton Rouge to Margarita Vacation Club, St. Thomas: 1,789 miles Flying Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes Why Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham? If the thought of getting away from it all is constantly on your mind, then it’s time to hop on a plane and head east to the Caribbean. This divine resort is located on Water Bay at the eastern end of St. Thomas, offering a real-life version of Jimmy Buffet’s famous tune celebrating paradise. Beautiful lodging, hammocks by the sea, and glorious, delightful dining options are all yours, providing you with everything needed to remind you to kick off your work shoes, pop on your flip-flops and enjoy life.

WHERE TO STAY Relax in one of the tropical-inspired rooms located conveniently at the resort. You have a choice of a studio room up to a three-bedroom suite, all decorated in a nautical theme. Each space has a fully-equipped kitchen, where you can create your own island treats. Whip up a margarita or other icy libations with your personal Frozen Concoction Maker, also located right in your room.

WHERE TO EAT Margaritaville Restaurant Great food is always on the menu at the Margaritaville Restaurant, a truly awesome place to sit back and chow down with your family. If “surf” is on your mind, then dive into the Landshark Lager Fish & Chips, fish tacos wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla, or the hearty Caribbean lobster. If “turf” is more to your liking, then choose their BBQ baby back pork ribs, a grilled T-bone steak, or a poultry dish with a choice of BBQ jerk chicken or fried buttermilk chicken.

Shoreline Bar & Grille Next door to Margaritaville Restaurant is the Shoreline Bar & Grille at the Point Pleasant Resort. This casual American dining spot serves mouth-watering salt fish croquettes with lime avocado spicy mayo, a ginger yellowfin tuna salad, tacos, classic Cuban sandwiches, and Chef Benny’s bacon cheeseburger. Top your meal off with a refreshing cocktail or a tasty dessert.

sit back and sip on a refreshing cocktail. Comfortable hammocks and Adirondack chairs are situated about the resort, giving you the perfect perch to gaze out at the amazing Caribbean Sea. Just eight minutes away from the resort is Coral World Ocean Park.

Exhibits include the Dolphin Sea Sanctuary and Shark Shallows. If you want to play with a pinniped, their interactive animal exhibits, such as the Sea Lion Encounter, lets you actually feed and interact with these marvelous sea creatures.

The turquoise water is calling to you, so take a plunge into the sea with guides from the Aqua Marine Dive Center. This is the only SSI-approved dive center in the US Virgin Islands. Each tour visits a range of sites from shipwrecks to turtle adventure encounters.

Seeking some fresh fruit and vegetables to prep back at your suite? Then a visit to Market Square, a 50-stall flea market, is in order. This site is full of color and character, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to jewelry, hats, clothing and other local items. It’s a great place to do a bit of people watching, too.

Rejoice in the splendor of local artists at Gallery St. Thomas and view pieces created with metal, acrylics, and wood. Their smart little gift shop has beautiful jewelry, prints, pottery, and even antique-style maps of the US Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean.

Picasso’s Coffee Bar If you need a good strong jolt of caffeine, Picasso’s Coffee Bar, across the street from the resort, is one place you won’t want to miss. Lattes, espresso, milkshakes, and sweet pastries of all kinds can be ordered here.

This is also where the locals go to hang out!

After you’ve done your share of sightseeing, you might just want to spend the rest of your vacation lounging on the beach, and St. Thomas definitely has beautiful beaches. Close to your resort are Grand Beach, just .4 miles from your location; Coki Point Beach, .5 miles away; plus Lindquist Beach, Sapphire Beach, Vessup Bay and Secret Harbor. These beaches are all within easy walking distance, and they all offer a gorgeous view of the sea.

WHAT TO DO The resort itself gives you plenty of places to unwind. They have a beautiful tropical outdoor pool and a relaxing hot tub where you can just

Fly high over St. Thomas with Parasail Virgin Islands. The entire family can experience the thrill of an offshore powerboat ride, parachuting, ballooning and gliding, all in one action-packed adventure. ■

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PLAY THINGS WE L

VE

It gets hot in Louisiana!

Protect your hair against frizz-inducing humidity for over 24 hours with The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray. It even improves moisture retention so your hair always remains shiny, soft, and bouncy.

■ loveamika.com

Finish your makeup look with this Ruby Mineral Lipstick. Mineral Lipsticks are smooth and silky, delivering long-lasting nourishing color. They even provide natural protection from the sun.

■ bellapierre.com

Upload pics of your kids to brparents.com to be featured in the magazine!

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Have your home feeling springtime ready with the Easter Bouquet 3-Wick Candle from Bath & Body Works. This perfect spring scent includes lilies, pink tulips, and roses, and comes topped with a decorative lid.

■ bathandbodyworks.com

Enjoy your spring nights out with these Ambient LED Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers. These Bluetooth speakers feature a flame-like effect that amps up ambience while great sound helps set the scene. ■ thegrommet.com

Take care of those pesky dark spots, uneven skin texture, and dullness once and for all. The PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment works to reduce the look of skin discoloration with an active brightening complex. ■ sephora.com

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

April

Happy Easter With many events in our area being cancelled due to Coronavirus concerns, April’s calendar can be found online. We strive to provide you and your families the best information regarding events in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas, but with events being undecided right now, we want to make sure we can still update you on all events and make changes to them as we are aware of them. If you have an event you would like added to the calendar, email calendar@brparents.com. We sincerely apologize for this, but we look forward to sharing May’s events with you next month. ■

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Join

R B t a h W s t a h W #

today!

Learn about your favorite establishments around town and find answers to your questions by joining our Facebook group, What’s What, BR?.

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MARKETPLACE IN EVERY ISSUE

Make it your business to know their business Call 225-292-0032

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IN EVERY ISSUE THE LAST WORD

25

G-Rated Swear Words That Are Surprisingly Just as Satisfying

When I was pregnant, I thought nine months would be plenty of time to clean up my language. I’ve always been a procrastinator, though. Five years and two children later, I still hadn’t gotten around to kicking the habit when one evening over dinner, our eldest suggested we have a “manners contest.” My heart swelled with pride.

“What are the rules of the contest?” I asked.

She looked at me, deadpan. “No elbows on the table. And no talking with your mouth full.”

I shot my husband a “How cute is our kid!?” look just as she added one last rule.

“Also, no saying ‘Goddammit, this food is f*cking gross.’”

If you’re like me, you’re now looking for some G-rated exclamations to replace the R-rated ones you’re used to. Here are some fresh ideas.

When...It’s 8 p.m. on a Sunday night and your kid asks you to take him to buy all the supplies for the science project that is 60

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By Pam Moore

due tomorrow...

Try...“Ballsagna” “I swear to John” “Are you effingham kidding me?”

“Son of a motherless goat” When...You come back to bed after nursing the baby for the third time to find your partner right where you left him, sleeping soundly, despite your rabid, passive aggressive pillow fluffing...

Try…“Jackface” “Bull sugar” “Are you cussing kidding me?”

“Turdwaffle” When…You step on a Lego in your unshoed foot (again)...

Try...“Cheese and crackers” “Flapjacks” “God bless America” “Mr. Padinky” “Son of a monkey’s uncle” When...You drop a hot casserole dish as you’re taking it out of the oven, creating

an actual hot mess of cheese and glass on your kitchen floor and now there is nothing for dinner...

Try…“Brother trucker” “Cheese and rice” “Firetruck” “Fudgesicle!”

“Aw, hamburgers!”

“Flux capacitor” When…Your kid dumps all 32 ounces of your expensive shampoo into the tub because she “felt like a bubble bath.”

Try…“Cheesus Christmas” “God love ya” “Sugar honey iced tea” When…Another parent cuts you off in the school pick up line, then sits in her car texting after her kids get out like there isn’t a line of a hundred cars waiting behind her...

Try…“Juice box” “Jackwagon” “Son of a biscuit eater.” ■

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IN EVERY ISSUE SNAPSHOTS

Maisyn H.

WANT TO SEE YOUR CHILD’S PICTURE HERE?

PIC OF THE MONTH Maisyn Louise E. is the cutest bunny we know.

Go to brparents.com and click on the blue “Upload Snapshots” button to submit photos for consideration.

All photos must be at least 1MB in size. “Pic of the Month” photos are chosen at random and must be at least 5MB in size.

August C. 62

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Hendrix R.

All photos become property of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine.