nola family Parent Fearlessly
October 2019
PUMPKIN PATCH & HALLOWEEN GUIDES INSIDE!
YOUR LIL’ PUMPKIN COULD BE A WINNER! P. 5
STARTING THE
YOUR TODDLER’S FIRST
College Prep
TEAM SPORT
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW P. 12
P. 10
GIRLS WITH GRIT BUILDING CONFIDENCE P. 15
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nola family CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019
ON THE COVER Dressed and ready for the night: Tao Denichou, 8, as a Voodoo Priest; Margo Ramsey, 11, as a Hubig’s Pie; Jean Murphy, 3, as a Saints Player; and Sydney Owen, 8, as a Blind NFL Ref. Photo by Twirl Photography.
A FEW WORDS 7 From the Editor
FEATURES 5 Annual Costume Contest
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Send Us a Pic of Your Goblin or Little Pumpkin
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10 First Sports A Head Start on Teamwork
EDUCATION & GUIDANCE 9 Open House Calendar When to Go & Where to Be 32 Learning Years Indecisive, Anxious Kids 34 Parenting Corner Raised to Care 38 In the Know Family Classes & Resources
IN EACH ISSUE 18 Hip Grannie Family Book Club
22 Pull-Out Calendar Halloween Fun Awaits!
24 Gear to Get From A to Zombie: Halloween Special
29 Mom About Town Ashley Ann Lyons Porter
12 Applying to College
31 Spotlight
What Are They Really Looking For?
A ‘Ween Dream Come True
15 Girls With Grit
Little Laveau
Building Confidence
21 Pumpkin Patches So Much More Fun Than Pumpkin-Picking
36 From Our Bookshelf 39 Out & About Who, What, When, & Where Family Fun
& Presenting Sponsor
Visit our website or Facebook page to enter Submit a photo of your costumed child between Oct. 5 & Nov. 5, and get your friends and family to vote!
First, Second, & Third Place Prizes First Place Prize: Family Photo Session With Twirl Photography ($250 value).
Contest details can be found on nolafamily.com and our Facebook page.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
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publisher/editor ANN BOWER HERREN ann@nolafamily.com
Contr ibutors
managing editor TIM MEYER tim@nolafamily.com
office manager JENNY ZIGLIN jenny@nolafamily.com
advertising sales RACHEL CAGLE account executive rachel@nolafamily.com
DURBAN ZAUNBRECHER
PAT BLACKWELL, Ph.D., is a licensed developmental psychologist who has worked with families for over 30 years, and is the author of Nola Family’s award-winning “Learning Years” column.
SCOTT CAMPBELL is publisher and founder of River Road Press, a local boutique publisher of local and regional authors.
durban@nolafamily.com
designer CAT LANDRUM 2ND STORY CREATIVE edit intern THYME HAWKINS
LAURA CLAVERIE is Nola Family’s Hip Grannie. She is a local mother, grandmother, and writer.
marketing/communications interns RHOJOHNAE AUGUST ad production SARA YOUNGBLOOD
SARAH HERNDON is a freelance writer, mom, and frequent contributor to Nola Family.
contributing photography TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY
PAMELA MARQUIS has lived in New Orleans For reprint information, contact
ann@nolafamily.com
for more than 40 years. She is a freelance writer and holds a master’s in social work from the University of Missouri.
Business Office:
8131 Oak St., Ste. 500, New Orleans, LA 70118
504.866.0555 A publication of
LISA PHILLIPS, M.S.W., G.S.W., is a parent educator at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, and is a contributor to the award-winning “Parenting Corner” column. She can be reached at 504.896.9591; chnola. org/parentingcenter.
THYME HAWKINS is our amazing edit intern at
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NOLA Family.
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october 2019 volume 13, issue 7 The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and/or contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine or its advertisers.
FR OM THE EDITO R
KID IN A DOG COSTUME FOR HALLOWEEN I PUT MY
I love Halloween. I want to decorate now, but it’s only mid-September as I write this. That’s not too early, right? Hobby Lobby had Christmas crap out in August. My son was only 2 months old his first Halloween. We stayed home, but I did dress him in a penguin onesie. As we cuddled on the couch and watched scary movies, occasionally handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, I made plans for next Halloween: family-themed costumes, decorations inside and out, and candy galore — Bwahahahaha! Next year comes. While Googling Wizard of OZ family-themed costumes and inflatable ghosts, I realized that I have Dracula taste on a zombie budget. Holidays are freaking expensive, man. And why are the big (money-spending) ones all clustered at the end of the year? I settled on only purchasing family costumes, which didn’t have to be themed, just cheaper — he wouldn’t even appreciate it if I went as Boyothy (a boy Dorothy) and he the Scarecrow, anyway. A month before Halloween, while braving the holiday section at Target (a horror movie in itself — funny how after becoming a parent the more impatient I’ve gotten when out in public. Anyone else?), I eyed a baby-sized dinosaur costume for $40 dollars. FORTY DOLLARS! I wouldn’t even buy myself a costume that cost that much. I’m certainly not going to buy one for someone who hasn’t learned how to walk yet. (He began walking two weeks before Halloween, which kind of sums up the parent/kid dynamic.) Target probably offered cheaper costumes, but by that point my watered-down Halloween dreams and the mindless goblins dissing shopping etiquette had taken a toll.
Before I could escape in a huff, I spotted a $20-costume. Did it matter if it was meant for a dog? No. I wanted to stick it to The Man. I wasn’t going to fall for his lavish marketing trickery. I looked left and then right, then I quickly lifted my son and slipped the costume over his back trying not drop him, but also desperately hoping not to get caught by a smug shopper. It fit. I bought it.
This year, at 8, he wants one of those inflatable dinosaur suits. They’re 60 bucks at the Spirit Halloween store and $33 on Amazon. I wonder if I can fashion a cheaper version with a Sharpie, some rubber bands, a sheet, and a small, battery-powered fan? (I’ll probably buy the Amazon one.)
BOO!, P.S. I eventually dressed at Boyothy — button down gingham shirt, bowtie, ruby sneakers and all.
Tim Meyer
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I ended up distracted by work and other “adult” things that I forgot to get a costume for myself. But, my son was adorable for his first trick-or-treating. And no one even noticed that his costume fit a little differently than the others. Take that, The Man.
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nola family SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
OCTOBER
WEDNESDAY 2
THURSDAY 3
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Louise S. McGehee Pre-K–4th grade 8:30 am
FRIDAY 4
SATURDAY 5 Waldorf School Early Childhood Center 10 am–noon
Nola Nature School 9 am
Parkway Presbyterian 7 pm (current students) Cabrini 4–7 pm
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Mount Carmel 3–7 pm
Holy Cross Middle/High School 6–8 pm
St. Catherine of Siena Middle School 7 pm
Patrick F. Taylor 4:30–6:30 pm
Holy Name of Jesus 4:30–7 pm
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Arden Cahill 6th–10th grades 6–8 pm
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Louise S. McGehee 5th–12th grades 5:30 pm
17 St. Andrew’s 5th–8th grades 4 pm
St. Paul’s Age 2–1st grade 9:30–11:30 am
Christian Brothers City Park Campus 6:30 pm
Atonement Lutheran 5–7 pm
St. Mary’s Dominican 3:30–6:30 pm
Waldorf School Main Campus 10 am–noon
Haynes Academy 5 pm
St. Martin’s 9:30–11:30 am
Trinity Episcopal 9 am
Benjamin Franklin High School 5:30–8 pm
Morris Jeff 9th–12th grades 6–7:30 pm
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Christian Brothers Canal Street Campus 6:30 pm
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St. Andrew’s Pre-K3–4th grade 9 am
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Metairie Park Country Day Pre-K 6 pm
John Curtis 5:30–7 pm
St. Clement of Rome 7 pm
Stuart Hall 8:30 am
St. George’s Age 1–2nd grade 8:30–10 am
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Ursuline Elementary 8:30–10 am
Ursuline High School 5–7 pm
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St. Paul’s Middle School 9:30–11:30 am
30 Morris Jeff Pre-K–8th grade Lopez Campus 6–7:30 pm
Sacred Heart 5th–12th grades 5–7 pm
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NOVEMBER Louise S. McGehee Little Gate 8:30 am
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Archbishop Chapelle 6 pm
1 Edward Hynes 8:30 am
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TEAR THIS PAGE OUT
Brother Martin 5–8 pm
Nola Nature School 9 am
Louise S. McGehee Pre-K–12th grade 8:30 am De La Salle 4–7 pm
Warren Easton TBD
Lusher 6th–12th grades Freret Campus 5:30 pm International High School 5–7 pm Ecole Bilingue 4:30–6:30 pm St. Francis Xavier 7–8:30 pm
Some school names are abbreviated due to space constraints.
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Lusher 1st–5th grades Willow Campus 9 am St. Pius X 9–10:30 am
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EARLY EXPOSURE TO SPORTS SETS KIDS UP FOR BIGGER GOALS. This scene looks all too familiar to parents who have enrolled their 2 and 3 year olds in a Saturday morning soccer program: One child may be spinning in circles in the middle of the field while another child is captivated by an insect, absentmindedly walking into the middle of another team’s game. Moms and dads are left on the sidelines wondering if this was a good idea. While most 2 year olds are not destined to be the next Tiger Woods, there are more benefits than drawbacks to exposing young children to team sports. Jenny Domiano, occupational therapist, is the owner of the Therapeutic Learning Center in Metairie, which provides outpatient occupational, speech, and physical therapy services to children throughout the Greater New Orleans area. “In our setting, we often find children who are sensory seekers, meaning they want to be moving, and jumping, and running, and that often gets a negative connotation in school when they are acting too rough,” she says. “Sports are a really good way to get that sensory seeking need met.”
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Believe it or not, there are many suitable sports programs out there for the 4 and under crowd. Domiano suggests starting with a mommy and me gymnastics class, soccer tots, or T-ball. Even swimming (although not technically a team sport early on) allows kids to engage and have fun with other children their age.
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TEAM TINY TOTS One of the most important benefits of introducing sports early on is the teamwork aspect. “They are learning how to work as a team, they have a certain role to play, and their team is relying on them to provide this role,” says Domiano. “It also gives them a sense of belonging.” Derek DeLatte understands the importance of teambuilding with kids as young as 2 and 3. He is part owner of the Big Easy Sportsplex in New Orleans and has been running the Little Sluggers baseball program for the past ten years. Little Sluggers introduces the basics of baseball to 2–5 year olds.
“LEARNING A NEW SPORT IS ALSO AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM...”
“It’s really about them learning the proper way to play the game, learning the rules of the game, and making it fun so that they enjoy it,” DeLatte says. The young tots learn both the offensive and defensive sides of baseball, which include getting into their “baseball ready” stance and learning how to hold their hands like an alligator’s mouth around the baseball. While having fun learning the basics, kids are also being exposed to team etiquette such as patiently waiting their turn and not passing up their teammates on the bases. The Little Sluggers program is designed differently than the ones geared for older kids as there is no score keeping, no real outs, and every child has a chance to swing the bat. There is even a superhero day where they get to wear their favorite costume while running the bases. Parents are always looking for something for their kids to do that is positive, DeLatte says, which is why they put them in this program at such a young age. Six of the Little Slugger graduates, including DeLatte’s son, were recently on the little league team that won the World Series.
EARLY SKILLS Learning a new sport is also an effective way of building self-esteem in children as they can experience success after working on a skill, says Domiano. This could be as simple as mastering a forward roll in gymnastics or hitting the ball off the tee in baseball. Establishing discipline and a healthy foundation for exercise can set the child up for positive habits later in life. Being in a group environment can decrease anxiety by providing young children, who are naturally shy, with automatic friendships. “The socialization aspect of [sports] is huge — they can make friends in a very easy and friendly way,” Domiano says.
“It’s working on so many great skills that they will need later in life when they get to school or when they start working. It’s just instilling important skills early on,” Domiano says.
Sarah Herndon is a freelance writer, mom, and frequent contributor to Nola Family.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Domiano adds that starting a sport as young as 2 can also help a child grow as an independent person by separating from their parents to engage with their team. If the child acts uninterested or cries, it is important to support them and not give up after one bad practice. They might need to get acclimated, so even five minutes away from mom or dad on the field should be considered a win.
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PERSONALITY MATTERS
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THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS DO COLLEGES REALLY WANT AN EPIC PERSONAL ESSAY ABOUT OVERCOMING HARDSHIP OR DO THEY JUST WANT TO GET TO KNOW THE STUDENT BETTER? Between a flurry of college visits, wordsmithing a flawless essay, sweating out the SAT, partaking in extracurricular activities, volunteering at a homeless center, and keeping up grades, finding the energy to apply to colleges can be tough for both teens and parents. So where does one begin the process?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL “I think one of the most important things a student can do is to evaluate what they are looking for in a college,” says Mary L. Simon, department chair of counseling and student services with Benjamin Franklin High School. “Taking time to do an honest and thoughtful self-evaluation prior to applying will really help them to identify colleges that are the best fit for them.” Above all else, students should seek out an institution that focuses on providing them the best possible opportunities to grow intellectually, personally, and professionally. If your student is set on attending an ivy league school, consider this: Last year, Harvard received 37,305 applications, but only offered spots to 1,990 students — a mere 5 percent.
APPLICATION PROCESS “Start early, include your parents, tour colleges when possible, and seek the assistance of high school college counselors and college admissions representatives,” says Sam Wagner, director of college counseling at Lusher Charter School. He agrees with Simon: “Don’t procrastinate. This is a stressful process, but putting it off is going to make things even more difficult. Set time aside each week to work on your college applications, supplement questions, and your personal statement.” Admission offices receive a huge number of applications on the actual deadline day, making it harder for your child to stand out. Aside from showing a genuine interest, the best thing a teen can do is complete the admissions requirements within the school’s stated deadlines. Additionally, often admission officers come across students with an email address like lovetoparty@gmail.com. Students should avoid this by using a no-nonsense email address. Also, encourage your teen to clean up his or her Facebook and Twitter accounts. Some colleges often check these to get a better sense of what each applicant is like. “We use the application to allow us to get to know you,” says Kate Massey, senior associate director of admissions at Loyola University. “Throughout the application, show us your passion and let it come across in your writing.”
One helpful tool is the Common Application, which helps students with the application process. Instead of filling out a single application for each college, it enables a student to apply to multiple institutions. It is accepted by nearly 900 schools, including some colleges located outside the U.S. Students only have to fill out the basic details one time. “I have been a college counselor for 17 years now and Common App has been the go-to application for most colleges,” Simon says.
DREAM SCHOOLS AND FALLBACK SCHOOLS “One of the biggest issues I see is students applying to a lot of dream schools and maybe one safety school,” Simon says. “They should be applying to mostly target schools, which are colleges in their range.” For those with limited time and money, applying to multiple colleges might be a hardship. Application fees can range from $50–$100 and take about two to five hours to complete. This may not be an efficient strategy for your already overscheduled high school senior. Some experts suggest that students apply to six colleges: two dream schools, two schools where the student has a 50/50 chance of getting in, and two fallback colleges.
FEDERAL STUDENT AID Tuition and fees vary from college to college, however, the average costs for the 2018–2019 school year was $35,676 at private colleges; $9,716 for state residents at public colleges; and $21,629 for out-of-state students at state schools, according to data reported to U.S. News in an annual survey. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college students to determine their eligibility for student financial aid from the government. The FAFSA website opened Oct. 1. Simon suggests if you haven’t already created an account, do it now.
SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST & AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT) The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test meant to show schools how prepared your teen is for college by measuring
key skills like reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression. It also provides schools with data about how your teen compares to their peers nationwide. It’s one of two standardized college admissions tests in the U.S. The other, the American College Test (ACT), covers skills learned in school: English, math, social studies, and natural sciences. SAT scores can range from 400–1600 and follows a normal distribution — student performance tends to cluster around the middle. A score of 1070 is about average,but a score of 1350 puts the student in the top 9th percentile, making it a strong score. A good ACT score depends on the college or university. A score of 23 is above the current national average and will make a student a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges. “However, most colleges these days are looking at students holistically,” Simon says. “They review transcripts. They take into consideration community service, extracurricular activities, and leadership.” More than 1,000 colleges are test-optional, which evaluates students without their test scores taken into consideration. This information can be found at the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, fairtest.org. It works to end the flaws of standardized testing and to ensure that the evaluation of students is fair, open, valid, and educationally beneficial.
THE DREADED PERSONAL ESSAY The purpose of the essay is to help colleges fully understand the potential difference your teen can make in the class and how their background and experience will move the campus community forward. The overwhelming consensus from our experts is to have your child write about something he or she knows and has a passion for; they shouldn’t pick a topic that they think the admission people want to read about. “Write on a topic you know well,” Wagner says. “Seek to be authentic in your voice rather than trying to impress in content. And write multiple drafts.” The myth might be that colleges really respond to essays about overcoming unfathomable hardships, but Massey says that’s not always the case.
“We also want to know about your happy and wonderful times,” she says. “Students should use their application essay as a chance to showcase their personalities.”
BEST ADVICE FROM AN EXPERIENCED PARENT It’s important to make every effort to visit each school that your child is interested in. “Two recommendations: consider coordinating a vacation between the sophomore and junior year to include a college visit or two in addition to visiting colleges between junior and senior year,” says Mary Peyton, mother of 18-year-old Elliot Peyton, a senior at St. Martin’s Episcopal School Not only will you get a feel for campus life, but you’ll be expressing your interest in the school as well as have an opportunity to ask important questions. Take notes of your visits as it’s the only way that your teen know if a school is right for them. “So far, the best advice I’ve gotten is to attend the college seminars at my son’s school,” Peyton says. “The college counselors have great handouts explaining the college application and financial aid processes and are always able to answer questions.”
THE RIGHT SCHOOL Mary L. Simon, department chair of counseling and student services with Benjamin Franklin High School suggests students ask themselves these questions to help find the right fit. Does your teen want to go to a school with a smaller student body or a larger student body? What schools are the best for the student’s preferred area of study? Is the college close enough so they can still come home or is it in an exciting location far away? Is it realistically affordable? Does the student want hands-on training through simulated lab work or a practicum or an internship, or something more traditional?
Pamela Marquis has lived in New Orleans for more than 40 years. She is a freelance writer and holds a master’s in social work from the University of Missouri.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
“Gather all of the documents you need to complete your FAFSA,”she says. “This includes social security numbers, driver’s license, federal tax return, and proof of any additional forms of income. The Louisiana Education Loan Authority is a helpful organization that provides free assistance with applying for financial aid.”
“... MORE THAN 1,000 COLLEGES ARE TEST-OPTIONAL, WHICH EVALUATES STUDENTS WITHOUT THEIR TEST SCORES TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.”
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“You must share with her some of your mistakes, failures, and struggles …” What does confidence mean for girls? Katye Irwin: It is believing in yourself and knowing that you are going to be okay no matter the outcome of a particular situation. When a girl feels loved, supported, and capable, she feels confident.
When does one know they have confidence? Tricia Newton: When a person takes appropriate risks, fails, and gets back up and has the gusto to try again. Confidence is walking into a room and feeling that you matter, that you are enough, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead of you.
What’s the most common self-esteem issues that girls come to you for guidance? Katye Irwin: Not being good enough.
Confidence is elusive, but how can girls build and maintain it?
Tricia Newton: Comparing themselves to peers or other external standards of success (not smart enough, not pretty enough, comparing grades and other achievements). Also, relationship or social changes and the challenges associated with feeling accepted.
What’s usually the first step in addressing those issues? Katye Irwin: Recently, I started asking girls to tell me about a time when they were truly able to be their most authentic selves and felt happy. What is it about that time? What is different now? Tricia Newton: Educating girls on healthy communication skills and the different roles each plays in their friendships/relationships.
Where does confidence come from for girls?
Katye Irwin, N.C.C., L.P.C.-S, is the counselor of Sacred Heart’s high school and is a coordinator of its Peer Support Program.
Part of growing up is realizing confidence is not always innate. It must be built and then nurtured, even for those who have become strong female leaders of today, like Ruth Bader Ginsberg or the late Cokie Roberts. These women were once young girls with big dreams. How did they build enough confidence to eventually become a marriage equality advocate as a Supreme Court justice and a leading voice in journalism and political commentary? We asked Katye Irwin and Tricia Newton, guidance counselors from Academy of the Sacred Heart, about building confidence in girls.
Tricia Newton: We gain confidence by doing, feeling challenged, taking risks, and believing in ourselves no matter the outcome. Confidence does not come from a one-time event. Confidence is also built by a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset, and in feeling that there are always solutions to issues. Confidence comes from within; it is not a superficial or an external feeling that comes from the outside or from our appearance.
What should parents know about instilling confidence in their daughters? Katye Irwin: Start allowing them to do age appropriate tasks independently and do this early and often. When they accomplish a task, that once made them nervous, they are proud of themselves and become more confident in their abilities. By allowing them to do for themselves, it also sends the message that you believe they can do it. Maybe your 5-year-old can’t cook eggs for breakfast, but can she pour a bowl of cereal. This not only helps you, but it also helps the child in the long run.
What must every confident girl know? Katye Irwin: That it isn’t always easy. There will be times when people try to strip you of your confidence. It is usually out of jealousy, but hold your head up high. Tricia Newton: Continue to try and to take appropriate risks. Be humble and do good with your confidence. Women should support other women.
How can girls help each other build confidence? ., lor, Tricia Newton, N.C.C., L.P.C As the middle school counse s for gram pro l iona nat and l s loca has implemented numerou Sacred Heart students.
Tricia Newton: Girls can help each other by supporting one another, celebrating each other’s victories and successes, and not compare or cut one another down. Do not look at another female as a threat, but rather as an ally. Have empathy and compassion towards yourself and for others.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Tricia Newton: You are parenting the child now for the person you want her to become in the future. You must share with her some of your mistakes, failures, and struggles, so that she knows that you are also a resilient being who makes mistakes yet continues to persevere. Modeling healthy coping, communication, and problem solving skills is also extremely important — we can’t preach what we don’t practice.
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HIP
GRANNIE
CLIFF NOTES ON CHANGING THE WORLD One book turned a family into a book club.
One of the cool things about our family is that we are all good readers. Papa sets the standard in reading and seems to knock off a book a few times a week. We love hardback books, our Kindles and books on tape. I never took it for granted that our own children learned to read effortlessly. During their lower school days, Philip and Stephanie seemed to pick up their first books and go for it. It was probably the luck of the draw, but it sure made our lives as neurotic parents easier. So we were especially pleased and proud that Rylan, 12, won an academic award and as a gift he was given a copy of Admiral William H. McRaven’s “Make Your Bed.” This small book is an expansion of a commencement address he gave at his alma mater, the University of Texas, in which he gave 10 lessons for a successful life, beginning with “Make Your Bed.” The theory is this: if you get up every morning and make your bed, it gives you the mindset that your first task of the day is accomplished. Throughout the book he weaves in stories about his Navy Seal training and encourages the reader to never give up. I’m a sucker for self-help books, so this was right up my alley.
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Rylan gave me the book to read, and I loved it. I gave it to Papa, a former Navy JAG Corps member, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He gave it to Aunt Steph, who thought this might be a good recommendation for her students at Kehoe-France, where she is the new school counselor. I recommended it to friends, especially those who needed a boost, were in the military at one time, or went to the University of Texas. Actually, I didn’t really need an excuse. I loved the book and thought it would work for any age or reading taste.
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We sent Rylan texts each time one of us started the book. He’d text back with questions, “Did you like the messages the Admiral gave at the end of each chapter?” or “Did your University of Texas friend like the book?” and so on. Occasionally I’d whine about something being harder than I expected, and Papa would say, “Remember what Admiral McRaven said, ‘never give up?’” The messages began to sink into our family vernacular. It isn’t often that a family can share a book, all enjoy it and learn something. But this one hit a chord with readers from three generations. I’d love to find another book for the whole gang so we can start a family book club. I’m pretty sure Rylan and Amelia could make a recommendation that would satisfy all interests. In a few short years, we’ve graduated from reading Dr. Seuss and Richard Scarry to discussing books written by a Navy Seal. “Make Your Bed” is a short book, but if you want the Admiral’s recommendations on how to change the world in 10 lessons, read below. Consider these Hip Grannie’s Cliff Notes, and share them with the ones you love.
Make you r bed.
Start your day with a task completed.
Find someone to help you paddle. You can’t go it alone. Measu re a person by the size of his heart. Get over being a ''sugar cookie'' and keep moving forward. Life’s not fair. Drive on. Don't be afraid of the circus. Failure can make you stronger. Slide down head first.
You must dare greatly.
Don't back down from the sharks. Stand up to bullies. Be you r very best in the darkest of moments. Rise to the occasion. Start singing when you 're up to you r neck in mud. Give others hope. Don't ever ring the bell. Never give up. Mission accomplished.
Laura Claverie is Nola Family’s Hip Grannie. She is a local mother, grandmother, and writer.
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Fall is almost here and you know what that means -
PUMPKINS! Sponsored by
We have compiled a list of pumpkin patches that you will not want to miss this season. City Park’s KidZone Halloween Fun
New Orleans City Park, 1034 Harrison Ave. Open Oct. 6–31, 11 am–6 pm. $20/person; children under 3 are free; $5/ chaperone admission Guests can board an old fashioned tractorpulled hay wagon for an adventure through the wooded swamp event perimeter. Kids can enjoy a Haunted Mansion bounce house, and kid-focused entertainment. New this year The Boogie Spooktakular, an animated cartoon musical adventure.
First United Methodist Church
433 Erlanger Dr., Slidell Open Sept. 30–Oct. 31 or until sold out Mondays–Saturdays, 9 am–8 pm Sundays, 12 pm–8 pm Admission is free.
Liuzza Land
56186 Holden Circle, Amite, 985.284.0722 Open only Oct. 27, 10 am–3 pm Activities include pumpkin picking, corn maze, a tunnel slide, jumping pillow, tractor swings, pioneer playhouses, a petting zoo, goat feeding, wagon rides, pony rides, and more. Admission is $10/ person. Free for children 2 and under.
Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch
TerraBella Village, 111 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington Oct. 26, 11 am–2 pm The 10th annual fall festivities feature pumpkins, pumpkin painting, face painting, hayrides, and crafts for kids. Food and beverages available to purchase. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Covington Food Bank. For more information email laura@terrabellavillage. com or call 985-871-7171.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1031 S. Carrollton Ave. Open Sept. 29–Oct. 30 Mondays–Fridays, 2–8 pm Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am–8 pm Admission is free. This year includes fall decorations for sale, a photo area, and games for kids.
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church
3412 Haring Rd., Metairie Open Oct. 3–31 Mondays–Fridays, noon–8 pm Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am–8 pm
St. Charles United Methodist Church
1905 Ormond, Blvd., Destrehan Open Oct. 6–31 Monday–Friday, 11 am–7 pm Saturdays, 9 am–7 pm Sundays, noon–7 pm.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
2216 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504.835.7357, stmepiscopal.com Open Sept. 22–Oct. 31 Mondays–Fridays, 3–6:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–6 pm. Children of all ages can pick out the perfect pumpkin from the thousands of pumpkins ranging from minis to jumbos. Have fun taking your child’s photo surrounded by pumpkins.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, stmarksharvey.com Open Oct. 12–31 Monday–Saturday, 10 am–6 pm Sunday, noon–6 pm. No admission to enter the patch. Everyone is welcomed. Fall Festival on October 26 — pet rescue groups with pet adoption, snoballs, food trucks, vendors, and crafts. Children’s pumpkin decorating and costume contest. Dogs welcome on a leash. 10:30 am–5 pm.
St. Paul’s Episcopal School
6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, 504.488.1319 Open October 12–31 Monday–Friday, noon–6 pm Saturday, 10 am–6 pm Sunday, 10 am–5 pm Select a plump pumpkin in Lakeview’s premiere pumpkin patch. There will be a host of fall photo opportunities for the kids. Wide selection of gourds and various size pumpkins available.
Sugar Roots Farm Pumpkin Patch
10701 Willow Dr., New Orleans, sugarrootsfarm.org Open October 5, 12, 19, 20, 26, and 27 Pumpkin patch, hayrides, treats for sale, face painting, horse rides, photo ops, and food trucks. Support a nonprofit teaching farm and enjoy some time with the animals. $6 entry fee includes hayrides, age 2 and under are free. Pumpkins are priced by size.
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11215 Lee’s Ln., Hammond, thfarms.com Open Sept. 25–Nov. 8, 9 am–5 pm Admission is $7/child on weekdays and $8/ child on weekends (newborn & up) Adults are free
Pumpkins in the Park
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Spons ored b y: JUNIO R LEAG U E O NEW ORLE F ANS
St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center Monster Mash Bogue Falaya Wayside Park, 213 Park Dr., Covington. Come see what’s new at the Mash! Child entry includes Trick-orTreat Village admission, maze, Monster Mash Parade, rides, custom crafts, cookie booth, music and live entertainers, and more. Don’t forget your costume. $10 general admission online, $15 at the gateFree admission for adults or $5 at the gate. VIP child’s tickets are also available. 10 am–2 pm.
New Orleans’ Official Halloween Parade. Starting in the Marigny, Halloween-themed floats with over 400 riders toss local goodies with 30 marching groups and costume fun. Rolls at 6:30 pm.
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park & Storyland. This family-friendly event includes trick-or-treating, rides, and arts and crafts. Tickets are $12/members, $15/regular admission, and $20/early admission (5 pm). Free for children younger than 3. Continues through Oct. 20. 6–9 pm.
Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade
Ghosts in the Oaks
Bayou Metairie Park, Metairie Road between Metairie Lawn and Labarre Rd. (Across from Cafe B). Bring your own chair, blanket, and alcohol. Vendors will be serving food and snacks. “Hocus Pocus” begins at 7:15 pm. Vendor sales begin at 6:15 pm.
Covington Recreation Complex, 4001 De Porres Rd., Covington. Beware of the “Circus of Chaos” and visit the Scream Trail. Warning, might be scary for children under 12. Refreshments available for purchase. Free and open to the public. Sunset–10 pm.
Field of Screams
OCT 19
New Orleans City Park. As night falls, Scream Park evolves into a carnival of monsters, illusions, unique costumes, and animations. Only the courageous will survive the intense encounters with these infamous creatures of the night. Visit scoutislandscreampark.com for tickets and hours. Continues Oct. 5–6, 11–13, 18–20, 25–27, 29–31, and Nov. 1–2.
French Quartour Kids. A spooky tour through the French Quarter with tricks, treats, spells, and superstitions. $20/person. Tours every day in October, except Oct. 10, 13, and 15. Time varies by day. For more information, visit FrenchQuarterKidsTours.com.
Movie Night presented by Old Metairie Garden Club
OCT 12
OCT 19
Scout Island Scream Park: Halloween Festival
Spooky Tour for Kids
OCT 5
OCT 17
OCT 4
OCT 1
y k o o p s t u o b a l l a s i r e b o Oct . N U F Y L I M y A k o F o p s o s & not
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The Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal St., New Orleans. Have fun at this spooky tradition with the pastry chefs as they inspire you to get creative. Make your own haunted house creation out of gingerbread. Refreshments included. Adult supervision is required. $150 per table of up to four guests. Please call 504.262.5048 for reservations. Noon–2 pm.
Haunted Gingerbread House Build
OCT 26
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
OCT 31
Louis J. Roussel Hall, Loyola, 6363 St. Charles Ave. This annual Halloween Family Concert features spooky classical favorites through the LPO’s own story, “The Phantom of the Superdome.” Wear your costume. Free for children 15 and under; $15/adult. 2 pm.
Boo at the Zoo
Halloween Spooktacular Family Concert
Note: Check out more Halloween events in Out & About. Schedules subject to change.
November 1 & 2, benefits community projects that advance the wellbeing of women in New Orleans.
Junior League of New Orleans’ 8th annual Touch a Truck
NOT TO MISS:
Lafreniere Park, Metairie. Enjoy this three-day Halloween festival designed for children 12 and younger to costume and enjoy the Halloween season with a variety of activities for families. For more information, visit park-a-boo.com. $8/adults and children 13 and older, $6 for children ages 3–12, and free for children 2 and younger. Continues through Oct. 27. 5 pm.
Park-A-Boo Halloween Festival
OCT 25
Lakeside Shopping Center, Metairie. Enjoy a safe and family-friendly trick-or-treating. Visit center court and pick up treats along the way as you admire the spooky craftsmanship of decorated pumpkins from local high school students. The Pumpkin Decorating Contest winners will be announced at 5:45 pm. 4–6 pm.
Mall-O-Ween
OCT 31
Audubon Zoo. This annual extravaganza is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children 12 years and younger, featuring trick-or-treating, a Ghost Train, a haunted house, games, and more. $17/ person. All games and treats, except concessions, are free with admission. For more information, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org/batz. Continues on Oct. 26, 5–9 pm and Oct. 27, 4–8 pm.
OCT 25
OCT 20
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GEAR TO GET
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IN NEW ORLEANS, WHERE THE LEGENDS OF GHOSTS AND GORE ARE TAUGHT TO SCHOOL CHILDREN, HALLOWEEN IS ALMOST AS BIG A HOLIDAY AS CHRISTMAS. LET YOUR FAMILY’S PHANTOM-FLAG FLY WITH THE LATEST SPOOKY GEAR, CLOTHING, GAMES, DECOR, AND MORE THIS SEASON.
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HAUNTED HOME DAY OF THE DEAD JACK-O-LANTERN Just add a battery-operated flickering candle to this colorful paper mache bucket and watch him glow. $64. By Bethany Lowe Designs.
Find it at: Little Miss Muffin, multiple locations, shoplittlemissmuffin.com
UPSCALE DECOR Spook up your home with scary decor from a new shop and gallery in the Garden District: locally-made Crescent City VooDoo ornaments, $10; Hester and Cook articulated decorative skeleton accents, $14.50; and Hester and Cook skull placemats, $29.
Find it at: Judy at the Rink, 2727 Prytania St., judyattherink.com
PARTY SUPPLIES Party like you’re dead, but killin’ it, with iridescent Halloween Doomsday party supplies from Daydream Society: plates, $8.99/pack of 8; cups, $7.99/pack of 8; and napkins, $7.99/pack of 16.
Find it at: Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe & Party Boutique, 400 Harrison Ave., littlepnutstoyshoppe.com
FAMILY GAME FRIGHT
Find it at: Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe & Party Boutique, 400 Harrison Ave., littlepnutstoyshoppe.com
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Nothing brings a family back from the dead like a family game night. EXIT: Dead Man on the Orient Express by Thames & Kosmos $14.99, ages 12+, is the classic tale of “Murder on the Orient Express,” reimagined. The culprit of a grisly crime is still on board. It’s a race against time to piece the clues together before the train reaches its destination.
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SPOOKY STYLE TRANSFORMATION Whether trick-or-treating or lounging around the haunted house, your little goblins can terrorize in comfort after transforming into a llama, space cat, unicorn, or any one of Doddle Pants’ fantastical items. Sizes 18M–8T, $29.99–$39.99.
Find it at: The Red Lantern, 824 Royal St., red-lantern-clothing-store. business.site
SLEEPY HOLLOW It’ll be sweet dreams only with these Magnolia Baby vintagestyle pumpkin pajamas. Unisex, sizes 6M–10, $38.
Find it at: Banbury Cross, 100 Atherton Dr., banburycrosskids.com
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WEARING THE SCARY
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FALL FASHION Your kids can be apparitions in plaid with the Anavini fall pumpkin smocked float dress, sizes 12M–6, $66.00, and pumpkin boy bubble, sizes 3M–24M, $70.
Find it at: Banbury Cross, 100 Atherton Dr., banburycrosskids.com
Even ghosts, goblins, and ghouls want to be casual sometimes. These Halloween T-shirts (sizes 2–12) and shorts (sizes 12M–7) are just $24 each.
Find it at: Two Sprouts, 103 Focis St., twosprouts.com
EMBRACING THE NIGHT ICE QUEEN Your little princess will love this gorgeous ice blue dress with a sequin-covered top, sweetheart neckline, and sheer mesh long sleeves. The sleeves and the trailing cape attached to the dress shimmer and shine with silver sparkles. From Great Pretenders, sizes 3/4–5/6, $39.99.
Find it at: Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe & Party Boutique, 400 Harrison Ave., littlepnutstoyshoppe.com
ASTRONAUT Get ready for blastoff! Your little astronaut will love a costume that makes them feel like there on top of the world. From Great Pretenders Astronaut, two-piece set, size 5/6, $39.99.
Find it at: Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe & Party Boutique, 400 Harrison Ave., littlepnutstoyshoppe.com
SHARK The softest hooded cape with fins and teeth will transform your little one into their favorite baby shark. From Great Pretenders, sizes 12/24M–3/4, $32.99. october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
Find it at: Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe & Party Boutique, 400 Harrison Ave., littlepnutstoyshoppe.com
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5
THINGS
MOM ABOUT TOWN
I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
Ashley Ann Lyons Porter
Ashley Ann Lyons Porter grew up in Northern California and is currently based in New Orleans where her family heritage dates back to the early 1860s. She holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Master of Finance from Tulane University, and has a graduate degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. After working for Balenciaga and Ralph Lauren in New York, she returned to New Orleans to further explore the culture and start her jewelry brand, Porter Lyons. Mom to Porter (5 months) and wife to Martin Holly, a fellow entrepreneur.
FUN
MOVE
We love setting up a blanket and finding a spot in the shade to layout and watch the birds fly by in City Park. We’re camera collectors and most recently brought our original XS-70 Polaroid camera to the park to snap some family pictures.
Since having Porter I’ve been loving my Peloton stationary bike and streamable workout classes. It makes it so easy to get in a quick exercise or meditation while he’s down for a nap. Peloton, onepeloton.com
EAT
A Mezcal Margarita at Doris Metropolitan after work in the French Quarter is such a treat on Friday afternoons. I became obsessed with mezcal ever since we visited Tulum, Mexico, on a wedding scouting trip a few years ago. Doris Metropolitan, 620 Chartres St., dorismetropolitan.com
DESIGN I’m designing a new collection inspired by Louisiana insects set with precious stones and diamonds. Each piece will have wings that open and close to reveal the stones, which will be fun to show Porter when he’s a little bit older.
This Halloween, Porter will dress as a piece of garlic while his parents will be vampires.
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We love cooking at home together as a family with the fresh ingredients that we pick up at the farmer’s market. One of our favorites is making pasta from scratch and inviting our neighbors and friends over for dinner parties.
IMBIBE
New Orleans City Park, 1 Palm Dr., neworleanscitypark.com
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N E E ‘W M A E DR
SPOT LIGHT
at Alli Womac Co-founder on ti en n conv a Hallowee t e word abou spreading th . ‘Ween Dream
RES O F IT S H A R P N O N D. RLEANS V E R Y C H IL E H IT A NEW O W S T EN HAUN HALLOWE
Halloween means trick-or-treating, candy, and dressing up to children across the nation. The ‘Ween Dream team recognizes the importance of this one night of make believe to children in need. In 2014, the New Orleans Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) received more donated Halloween costumes than they needed for the number of children it’s program. Kelsey Meeks, a volunteer, teamed up with Alli Womac to turn the 60 excess donations she was storing in her living room into the first nationwide Halloween costume donation nonprofit. “A lot of people associate Halloween with just wearing a costume because kids go trick-ortreating,” Alli says. “Really, it’s transformative for these kids who have everyday issues to overcome for them to have an imagination and for them to be able to just be a kid.”
Grassroots Spooks ‘Ween Dream spread from its inception through social media and word of mouth. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Kelsey and the board now house over 10,000 donated costumes in a warehouse they call “Costume Headquarters.” Headquarters accepts costume donations year-round. When costumes arrive, volunteers check that each received is complete with all necessary parts. Complete costumes have no rips, tears, or stains, and they include any necessary masks, capes, or other accessories. In August, the application opens for individual children and groups to apply for costume donations. Applicants provide clothing size, height, weight, and their top two costume preferences. In September until mid-October, volunteers match each applicant with a complete costume. All costumes are sent out by mid-October. “As long as you can demonstrate a need of some sort, we will do our best to get you a costume,” Alli says. Last year, the nonprofit provided costumes to 3,500 kids across the nation. Donated costumes came from 45 states and children received costumes in 38 different states. Local organizations and groups comprise of half of the recipients of costumes, and ‘Ween Dream encourages groups across the nation to start local movements.
Donated costumes make Hallowee n possible for local chil dren.
Tricks of the Team
Shana Rubenstein, the current director of YEP Enriches program, is a group leader for ‘Ween Dream. She coordinates costume donations to the students in her programs after speaking with each of the students to match them with costumes.
’s ‘Ween Dream
ley.
mascot, Stan
“‘Ween Dream takes away barriers to let children have fun,” Shana says. “When the costumes arrive, the students always want to try them on right away.” If you would like to donate to ‘Ween Dream, please send any complete costumes to the following address: 3001 River Rd., Jefferson. New Orleans locals also are welcome to drop off costumes at headquarters Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, 8–10 am, or schedule a drop off time by emailing alli@weendream.org. If you are not sure what to donate, visit weendream.org.
Thyme Hawkins is an editorial intern with Nola Family and our sister publication, Nola Boomers. She is a student at Loyola University, class of 2021.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
The nonprofit works with other local organizations to provide costumes to children in need in the community. YEP,, Covenant House, Ronald McDonald House, ReNEW schools, Good Shepherd School, homeless shelters, and foster care homes are only a select few of the organizations that have received donations from ‘Ween Dream since its foundation.
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LEARNING YEARS
TOO MANY TO CHOOSE
RAISING INDECISIVE KIDS GOOD ENOUGH IS SOMETIMES GOOD ENOUGH WHEN IT COMES TO ANXIOUS CHILDREN. Childhood anxiety is on the rise. A constant companion of this tormentor is childhood indecisiveness, which has become more prevalent in recent years. Options available to kids were narrower for past generations, but the pattern of child versus parent decisions has flipped. For example, more flexible parenting approaches allow children to choose things that used to be parent-dictated, like bedtime and what to have for dinner.
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On the other hand, more kid-centered choices, like how to spend free time, who to play with, and what hobbies to pursue, are decided by parents. In addition to too many choices, children face academic, social, and sports performance expectations at a higher level earlier in their lives, which increases stress and pressure to “be the best.”
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Anxiety can cloud rational, confident thinking. Stressed kids become paralyzed about decision making, even when it comes to more trivial things like choosing a breakfast cereal, a bedtime book, or what shirt to wear. Parental emotions may fan the flame. The burden of choice can impede the flow of schedules and make mornings and evenings a nightmare for families. Parents are advised to be mindful of their own stress and anxiety as they guide their children’s confidence in managing decisions. Remember, the important thing is not what is selected, instead it is to help the child to be able to make an independent choice. Children can learn this lesson.
Be Firm Many children are afraid of making a mistake they regret later. By encouraging a growth mindset, a concept developed by professor of psychology at Stanford University Carol Dweck, children can learn that mistakes are helpful in making a better choice next time. Teach children that taking too much time to decide takes time away from enjoying a good-enough choice. Essential things like bedtime and household rules should be set down by parents. However, children should be able to make some meaningful choices, too. Clearly define what Mom will be choosing
and what Junior can decide; then stick to it. If there is too much drama at mealtime, either expect the child to eat what is served or make a menu with two options; then be consistent. Give the child a reasonable amount of time to decide then say “either you make a decision, or I will make it for you, and you can choose next time.” A drama storm is not a reason to back down; be firm. In situations where there are multiple choices like in a restaurant or toy store, help children narrow down options. These can be teachable moments. Parents must be mindful of their own anxiety or impatience and breathe deeply. Then remind the child about a good-enough choice and enjoying whatever decision is made (gratitude). Calm the child by validating how difficult it can be to make a selection, then tell him that happiness and contentment can come in many ways. Send the message that it’s what one makes of a decision that matters. Parents may assess whether they have been overly controlling, over-anxious about their child’s disappointments/challenges, or too hung up on perfectionism (of self and child). Anxious parents may inadvertently question the child’s choice or bring too much emotional energy to a decision. Be willing to step aside and allow your child to make some (not all) choices. Who cares if her clothes don’t match; if she made an independent decision, acknowledge it. Assess whether the child is overscheduled and does not have a chance to organize some of their free time. Also, be aware that children feel secure when parents are firm and set clear limits. A child’s ability to make decisions is a sign of independence and self-esteem. Parents may encourage both of these attributes in many ways such as acceptance, encouragements, and allowing reasonable choices. Pat Blackwell, Ph.D., is a licensed developmental psychologist who has worked with families for over 30 years, and is the author of Nola Family’s award-winning “Learning Years” column.
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g n i s R ai g n i C ar re n d l i Ch PARENTING CORNER
DO YOU HAVE TO SACRIFICE EMPATHY FOR SUCCESS? The local and national news frequently includes stories involving people’s cruelty to one another, which may leave families wondering what that means for their children. Many parents express concern with raising children to care about others, perhaps as an antidote to the perceived anger and indifference of the world outside their homes. However, adults may unwittingly give mixed messages to children about competing priorities. A 2014 study by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education surveyed 10,000 middle and high school students about what was more important to them: achieving at a high level, happiness, or caring for others. About 80 percent of the students surveyed reported that they were more concerned about achievement or happiness than caring for others. They also claimed that their parents and teachers prioritized success as well. Ironically, caring behavior in children usually leads to the kind of strong relationships that are key to both personal happiness and success. So what’s a parent to do? If you value empathy, civility, and compassion, here are some ways to help instill those qualities in your child.
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Lead by example both inside and outside the family. Role modeling is always something we’re doing, even when we are not aware that our children are watching. Think about how you show family members you care about them daily, and try to exhibit the kindness you want to develop in your child.
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Make sure your children know what’s important to you. This may sound obvious, but we need to communicate our values and tie them to actions. Use phrases that specifically show what behavior you think is both desirable or off limits: “In our family we don’t call each other names because that’s hurtful and disrespectful.” Children also need to hear when they have a positive impact on others: “Taking out the trash for Grandma was very helpful of you.”
Consider how you honor the commitments you make to others and talk with children about how they should do the same, even when it is tempting to back out if a more desirable option comes along. The authors of the Harvard study suggest parents gradually expand their child’s “circle of concern,” since it’s relatively easy to have empathy for those you love and know well, but it’s important to strive for treating all people with consideration and respect.
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Think about your daily encounters with the grocery store clerk, the waiter, the grouchy neighbor: do you act like the person you want your child to grow up to be? We’ll never get it right all the time, but acknowledging when we fall short can be a powerful lesson, too. Help children develop empathy and coping skills. It’s developmentally normal for young children to have difficulty taking another person’s point of view, especially when upset or angry. Asking questions when a child is calm is one way to encourage thinking beyond his or her own feelings and experiences: “How did your friend’s face look when her classmate made that mean comment? What do you think that was like for her?” Learning to deal with challenging feelings is a major task of childhood with lifelong repercussions. Does your child have some constructive ways of dealing with anger, jealousy, and frustration? If not, what skills do they need to learn? Talk about and accept feelings, take deep breaths, change negative selftalk, take a break from a situation--these are all simple but effective practices that can be learned with practice and encouragement. Find specific ways for children (and families) to make a difference. Chores are one way that children show they care about their family, and it’s also a way to teach teamwork by talking about chores as tasks that all family members share. Find an elderly neighbor who might need help with an errand or yard work. Encourage your child to donate some of their allowance to charity or collect needed items for a service organization. These ways of contributing help children grow into caring and involved adults.
Lisa Phillips, M.S.W., G.S.W., is a parent educator at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, and is a contributor to the award-winning “Parenting Corner” column. She can be reached at 504.896.9591; chnola.org/parentingcenter.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
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FROM THE nola family BOOKSHELF By Scott Campbell
LIFE LESSONS FROM LITTLE LAVEAU The latest installment in the Little Laveau series is here, and it’s the best one yet. The series is about Marie Laveau as a little girl and her adventures with the younger versions of historical New Orleans characters. Each book features her grandmother (Grams) and her best friend Squeeker, a toothless orphan alligator she raised from a hatchling. These books are really fun, but they all have a valuable life lesson to teach.
LITTLE LAVEAU SERIES River Road Press Erin Rovin The first book, “A Magical Bedtime Story,” focuses on childhood anxiety and bad dreams. Little Laveau creates a Dream Jar to capture all worries and weaves a colorful tale on what happens to these worries when we let them go. Children are encouraged to make their own Dream Jars at home and to use the dream journal located in the back of the book. Each book wraps up with one of Grams recipes that goes along with the story. This book features Grams’ Good Dream Tea Recipe.
About the Author Erin Rovin lives in New Orleans with her daughter, Story Laveau. Erin started as a New Orleans City Guide writer, interviewing locals on what makes New Orleans so special. This is Erin’s third book and all three have been illustrated by Katie.
Book two, “Bayou Beware!,” is a cautionary tale with a spin that we can all relate to. Little Laveau meets a young trumpet player named Little Luey. Against Grams warning, Little Laveau enters the dark woods to bring back her unruly animal friends (Rex and Zulu, her cats).
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Which brings me to the latest installment in the series, “A Pirate Adventure.” You guessed it, Little Laveau meets Little Lafitte. Little Lafitte is a small pirate with a big attitude. While their ship is being repaired the big pirate Lafitte and his son, Little Lafitte stops at Grams house. In true pirate fashion they make themselves at home and leave their manners somewhere at sea.
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While lost in the woods and almost out of hope, Little Laveau hears Little Luey playing her song on his trumpet. His notes become her magical map out of the dark woods and serves as a reminder that music has the power to lead us out of a dark place. This book also has a recipe for Grams Protection Perfume, which keeps away all things scary and is also a natural mosquito repellant.
Little Laveau learns a valuable lesson in dealing with bullies and difficult people. With a little kindness, Little Laveau gets Little Lafitte to open up and encourages him to just be himself. While Grams finds a way to encourage Big Lafitte to be more polite, too.
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All three of the books in the series are wonderfully illustrated and feature a cool colorful map by illustrator Katie Campbell. This is Katie’s third book in the series and is the most colorful and fun one yet, with lots of yellows, purples, oranges, and blues.
About the Illustrator Katie Campbell is a graphic designer by day and a book illustrator by night. Katie is also a talented freelance artist.
Scott Campbell is publisher and founder of River Road Press, a local boutique publisher of local and regional authors.
OPEN HOUSE T U E S D AY
SPEND-A-DAYS ARCHBISHOP RUMMEL HIGH SCHOOL TOUCHING HEARTS • TEACHING MINDS • CULTIVATING LEADERS
REGISTER ONLINE RUMMELRAIDERS.COM
Archbishop Rummel does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
NOVEMBER 12 6 : 0 0 P. M .
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In The Know
We have complete listings on our dedicated ‘classes’ calendar just go to nolafamily.com and click on ‘Calendars.’
Louisiana State Police Troop B Child Safety Seat Inspection Station 2101 I-10 Service Rd., Kenner. Wednesdays, 1-4 pm. Walk-in or call 504.471.2780 for an appointment. Free.
Louisiana State Police Troop L Child Safety Seat Inspection Station 2600 N. Causeway, Mandeville. Tuesdays, 3–6 pm. Walk-in or call 504.893.6250 for an appointment. Free.
East Jefferson General Hospital For more information or to register, call EJGH HealthFinder at 504.456.5000.
Breastfeeding Class Achieve a successful breastfeeding experience both in the hospital and at home. Oct. 1, 6:30–8:30 pm. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – Baptist Registration is required for all classes. Visit ochsner.org/baptistclasses.
Grandparents Class Learn about skin-to-skin, rooming-in, the latest on the labor curve, breastfeeding, and safe sleep. Oct. 10, 6:30–8:30 pm. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner
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To register, call 504.464.8365.
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Baby Care Basics Information on basic baby care, normal behavior, comforting baby, and how to keep baby safe. Oct. 23, 6–8 pm. Free.
Breast & Bottle: Infant Feeding Clinic An informal peer support group led by a certified lactation counselor. Fridays, 9 am–noon. Free and open to the public. Grandparenting 101 From tummy time to safe sleeping, learn the basics to best support your children as parents. Oct. 23, 6–7 pm. Free, preregistration required.
Touro Family Birthing Center For more information or to register, call 504.897.7319 or visit touro.com/events.
Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby An informative class on nutrition and wellness for expectant and new mothers. Oct. 16, 6–8 pm. Free. Grandparenting 101 Learn the basics of tummy time, swaddling, and car seat safety. Oct. 23, 6–7 pm. Free.
Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children For more information or to register, call 504.780.4641.
What to Expect...for Dads Veteran dads demonstrate skills such as burping, changing, and swaddling a newborn. Oct. 3, 7–9 pm. Free. Grandparenting 101 Learn new topics such as rooming-in, skin to skin, exclusive breastfeeding, and safe sleep. Oct. 17, 7–9 pm. Free. Breastfeeding and the Working Mother Review breast pump selection, milk storage guidelines, and more. Oct. 24, 7–9 pm. Free.
West Jefferson Medical Center
KIDS & TWEENS Ochsner Medical Center – Baptist See listing above for registration information.
Sibling Class Prepares siblings, ages 3–10, for a new brother or sister. Oct. 14, 5:30–6:30 pm. Free.
Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner See listing above for registration information.
Sibling Class Prepares siblings, ages 2 and up, what to expect when their baby comes home. Oct.20, 3:30–5 pm. Free.
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital See listing above for registration information.
Focus on Children Divorce Program Helps divorcing parents lessen the impact of separation and divorice on their children. Oct. 9, 6–8 pm. $25. Growing Up for Boys (10–13 years) Practical information for boys and their fathers including male and female anatomy, physical and emotional changes during puberty, and hygiene issues. Metairie. Oct. 29, 6:30–8:30 pm. $20/child.
West Jefferson Medical Center See listing above for registration information.
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital
Most classes are free, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required. Call 504.349.6200.
Sibling T.L.C. For children 3 years and older. Prepares them for arrival of mom’s new baby. Oct. 19, 2:30 pm.
To register, call 504.896.9591 or visit theparentingcenter.net.
Caring for Your Newborn A registered nurse discusses newborn behavior and care. Oct. 26, 1–4:30 pm.
Mother-Daughter Rap Breakfast discussion for mothers and preteen girls. Oct. 26, 9–11 am. $25/couple.
Snuggles & Struggles Provides information and socialization with new parents and babies. Tuesdays, 10:30 am–noon. Free and open to the public.
Find Halloween Events on P. 22
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Out & About OCTOBER WED 2
St. Tammany Par ish Fair (continues till October 6)
Wicked (performances through October 20) Saenger Theatre. The hit Broadway musical comes to New Orleans just in time for the spooky month of October. Ticket prices vary.
Miranda Lambert: Roadside Bars and Pink Gu itars Tou r
Smoothie King Center. Country music star goes on tour with supporting artists Maren Morris, Pistol Annies, and Tenille Townes. Ticket prices vary. Show starts at 7 pm.
Que Pasa Fest
(continues till October 7) Lafreniere Park, Metairie. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the 9th annual Que Pasa Fest presented by Cervantes HispanicAmerican Arts Foundation, this free outdoor family festival features live music, dancing, food, arts and crafts, community outreach opportunities, and a children’s area.
Treme Fall Fest (continues till October 6) St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1210 Governor Nicholls St., New Orleans. Presented by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association, the 5th annual Treme Fall Fest will feature a music lineup of local musicians, food and art vendors, as well as community activities and fun. Times vary by day.
Oktoberfest (continues each Friday &
Saturday till October 19) Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss St., New Orleans. Celebrate Oktoberfest at this new spot across from City Park, oktoberfestnola.com. Fridays, 4–11 pm; Saturdays, 1–11 pm.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
1304 N. Columbia St., Covington. Pageants, rodeos, rides, games, live animal shows, and more await you at this old-school fair. Wednesday, 5–10 pm; Thursday, 10 am–10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am–midnight; and Sunday, noon–6 pm.
FRI 4
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SAT 5
SUN 6
Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Beignet Fest New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. Bring plenty of wet wipes because the powdered sugar palooza aka Beignet Fest is back for its 4th annual event. Hosted at the City Park Fairgrounds, Beignet Fest is a celebration of one of NOLA’s all-time favorite sweet treats: beignets. Tickets start at $5. 10 am–6 pm.
''Fame'' New Orleans Museum of Art. Join NOMA’s artist’s choice film series with a screening of American teen musical drama “Fame.” 5–7 pm.
Jefferson Par ish Library Literatu re Fest East Bank Regional Library. Metairie. 9:30 am–4:30 pm.
8th Annual Olde Towne Pump kin Festival First United Methodist Church of Slidell, 433 Erlanger Ave. Free admission and activities include fire truck, SWAT vehicle, alligators, firefighter’s challenge, and more. Ticketed activities include: hay dig, arts and crafts, pony rides, and more. 11 am–4 pm.
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| october 2019
New Orleans Children's Business Back To School Fair
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1800 St. Roch Ave. Calling all youth, ages 5 to 14, if you have a business idea, participate in the New Orleans Children’s Business Fair in the St. Roch neighborhood. You get to be an entrepreneur for the day, create your own business, and sell your product or service during the fair. Compete to win prizes. 1–4 pm.
Fall Garden Festival (continues all weekend) City Park. Visit the Botanical Gardens for exhibits, plant sales, educational programs, and live music. Free for Friends of City Park members and $10/person for general admission. Festival opens at 10 am each day.
Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on the Bucs in the dome. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff at noon.
Celebracion Latina Audubon Zoo. Experience a true taste of Latin American culture with live music and authentic Latin cuisine from local restaurants. Free admission with Zoo admission or Audubon Nature Institute membership. 11 am–4 pm.
THURS 10
Big Book Sale (continues all weekend) Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Support Jefferson Public Libraries by buying used books, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and more at this four-day book sale. Times vary by day.
FRI 11
Gentilly Fest (continues all weekend) Pontchartrain Park, 6500 Park Dr., New Orleans. Get festive in Gentilly’s annual weekend-long festival. Times vary by day.
SAT 12
Gretna Oktoberfest German-American Cultural Center, 519 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna. Celebrate Oktoberfest with authentic German beer, brats, and live music. 10 am–3 pm.
Carnaval Latino Various locations around the city. Celebrate the Latin culture of all the Americas, carnaval-style. A parade will take place throughout the city and several venues will host Latin artists. For more information, visit carnavalatinola.com.
Japan Fest New Orleans Museum of Art. Participate in the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the Gulf South with traditional dance groups, food, martial arts, and arts. Free for NOMA members. $5/person for nonmembers. 10 am–4 pm.
''Har ry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' Mahalia Jackson Theater. Experience Harry Potter in a brand new way as the theater screens the movie while Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs the score live. Tickets start at $10/person. 7:30 pm.
SUN 13
Fall Fest St. Timothy, 335 Asbury Dr., Mandeville. Families of all ages are invited to join for fun and games, trunk-or-treating, a chili cook off, music, and more. Non-Scary costumes are welcome. 3–5 pm.
Baby Shark Live Mac'n Cheese Fest Armstrong Park. Sample mac’n cheese dishes of many varieties from more than a dozen local restaurants. Live music, drinks, contests, activities for the whole family, and an art market complete the day. 11 am–6 pm
Mahalia Jackson Theater. This live show is based on Pinkfong’s viral earworm and global dance phenomenon, Baby Shark. Fans of all ages will delight as Baby Shark joins up with his friend Pinkfong to take an adventure into the sea, singing and dancing through new and classic songs including Five Little Monkeys, Wheels on the Bus, Jungle Boogie, Monkey Banana Dance, and of course, Baby Shark. Ticket prices vary. 2 pm.
FRI 18
SAT 19
Family Game Night Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd. NORD presents an evening full of fun activities for the whole family. Family Game Night provides an opportunity for all children, including those with special needs, to have fun, in a safe and accepting environment. 6–7:30 pm.
Festival of the Lake (continues till October 20) Our Lady of the Lake, 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville. The Festival of the Lake is an annual fund-raising event sponsored by Our Lady of the Lake. It is a three-day event featuring local and national bands, great food, and fun games. Friday, 5–10 pm; Saturday, 11 am–10 pm; and Sunday, 11 am–4 pm.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (continues till October 20) Lafayette Square Park. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest features three days filled with live blues and jazz performances, a local art market, and some of the best BBQ vendors throughout the Crescent City. Friday, 5–8:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11 am–8:30 pm.
''The Sound of Music'' (continues till October 27) Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Watch the classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein brought to life by Jefferson Performing Arts. Tickets start at $20/ person. Recurring performances through October 27. Times vary.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cu re City Park. Support breast cancer research by participating in this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Registration costs vary. 7–10 am.
Movies in the Park: ''Coco'' Coquille Parks & Recreation, 13505 Hwy. 1085, Covington. Head to Field 14 and enjoy this Halloween-themed movie. Enjoy concessions, arts & crafts, fire trucks, and more. Activities will begin at 6 pm and the movie will start at 7 pm. For more information, call 985.892.9829.
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
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WED 23
Peppa Pig Saenger Theatre. More fun than a muddy puddle! One of the top television series currently airing on Nick Jr., Peppa Pig is hitting the road for its first U.S. theatrical tour. Ticket prices vary. 6 pm.
Trunk or Treat at Atonement Lutheran 6500 Riverside Dr., Metairie. Over 50 trunks, music, food, and more. Friendly costumes welcome. Enjoy hotdogs, drinks, and sides available for $1 each. All are welcome, invite a friend. For more information, call Rose Schutt at 504.887.0225 or email churchoffice@alsc.org. 6–8 pm.
FRI 25
''The Color Pu rple'' (continues till October 27) Mahalia Jackson Theater. The play adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel comes to New Orleans for a weekend of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 pm only Friday. 2 pm matinee, and 7:30 pm showings Saturday and Sunday.
Halloween at City Putt (continues till October 27) City Park. Share Halloween treats and candy and test out your mini golf tricks at City Putt. $9/person admission. Recurring daily through October 27. 2–9 pm.
SAT 26
Bat Festival Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. Learn all about bats from bat gardening, a lecture, and bat-week recipes. Food trucks and concessions will be available. 10 am–4 pm.
www.nolafamily.com
| october 2019
NORD Fishing Rodeo
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Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd. The 1st annual fishing rodeo will feature over 1,000 pounds of catfish in the lagoon, raffle prizes, and other fishing-related fun. 7–9:30 am.
Tou r de Cu re UNO Lakefront Arena. Ride, run, walk in the 5K to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. $25 registration in advance. $35 registration day-of race.
Crawloween (continues October 30) Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Learn about the myths behind some “scary” critters, go trick-or-treating for bug-themed trinkets, and enjoy cookies in Bug Appétit. Children younger than 12 receive a $3 discount on admission is wearing a costume. 10 am–5 pm.
THURS 31
St. Augustine's Ep iscopal Chu rch Pump kin-Palooza Festival 3412 Haring Rd., Metairie at Byrd Hall. Festival will include free carnival games, activities, music, bounce houses, and prizes for small children. Older children and adults can enjoy good company, win cakes on the cake walk, and win door prizes. The Great Pumpkin Patch will be open during the festival. Visitors can enter the gate on Green Acres Rd. 10:30 am–1 pm.
Boo Fest Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. The day is packed with pumpkin decorating, face painting, all-abilities games, a complimentary photo booth, music, and trick-or-treating. Children can wear their costumes and take part in the annual Boo Fest costume contest. Gates Open at 9 am for special needs families. 10 am–3 pm for the general public. $2/ticket.
SUN 27
Saints vs. Ar izona Cardinals Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Cheer on the Saints as they take on the Cardinals in the dome. Ticket prices vary. Kickoff is at 7:20 pm.
TUES 29
''We Will Rock You '' Saenger Theatre. Queen’s musical tells the story of a futuristic world where the two main characters battle to bring back rock n’roll. Ticket prices vary. Show begins at 8 pm.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN Find Halloween Events on P. 22
Our tips for avoiding the Halloween Candy Crash! 1
Make a great trade by exchanging a certain amount of candy for something else (a prize, a fun outing, more screen time, skip doing something they hate, stay up 15 min late).
2
Give them a certain number of coupons they must turn in for candy. Allow them to earn more for good behavior and doing chores.
3
Put out a Teal Pumpkin and give goblins and ghouls alternatives to those gooey sweets.
4
Finally, a little extra tooth care can go a long way, so have your child brush an extra five seconds for every piece of candy they consume.
Here are some ideas: tattoos, Playdoh, juice boxes, glow sticks, vampire fangs, stickers, small bags of carrots, pretzels or crackers, pencils, cheese sticks, bubbles, etc. (a teal pumpkin is an option for those looking for non-candy treats including spider flingers, mini granola bars, Halloween the official symbol for Food Allergy Awareness, showing you have alternatives to traditional candy.)
BOO
AT THE
AudubonNatureInstitute.org
october 2019 | www.nolafamily.com
sell out Event! October 25 and 26: 5-9 PM October 27: 4-8 PM
BeneďŹ tting
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