Baton Rouge Parents Magazine–July 2026

July 2026

JULY 2026

THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

From Mom RAGE TO REPAIR

Party Planning PERFECTION

HAPPY AMERICA! Birthday,

12 LOUISIANA FIRSTS

BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

CONTENTS July 2026 • Issue 432

in each issue

6 8

The Mama Files

Community Education Book Corner

10 12 14 16 18 48 56 58

Mom Next Door

Thrive Faith

Things to Do Things We Love

Snapshots

features

2025–26 Cover Kid Nathaniel H. thrives in the spotlight, pursuing his passion for the performing arts through music, drama, musical theater, church choir, and numerous youth theater productions where he contributes both onstage and behind the scenes. With dreams of one day performing on Broadway in New York, he also hopes to make the arts accessible to all young people through his future initiative, Curtain Call for Change.

MOM RAGE Discover why modern motherhood can push nervous systems to the brink, and how repair, support, and self-compassion can help families reconnect. 22 BORN IN BATON ROUGE From iconic inventions and legendary brands to quirky fun facts and historic firsts, discover how Baton Rouge and Louisiana have helped shape America’s story over the past 250 years. 26 THE RISE OF VENMO PARENTING Find out why busy families are embracing convenience culture and how digital group gifting is reshaping party etiquette. 30 33 LET’S CELEBRATE! THE EPIC BIRTHDAY PLANNER Make celebrating easy and fun with the area’s best bakeries, entertainers, venues, and rentals. THE JOY OF A SENSORY-FRIENDLY CELEBRATION Plan sensory-friendly birthday parties that celebrate neurodivergent children with thoughtful accommodations, inclusive fun, and plenty of grace. 44

PHOTOS BY MAGNIFIC, BREC’S BATON ROUGE ZOO, AND BALLOONS OVER DESOTO

what’s on the web

JULY FAMILY BUCKET LIST Fun activities to enjoy this month.

RED, WHITE & BLUE TREAT IDEAS Simple snacks and desserts perfect for patriotic celebrations. LOCAL SPLASH PADS AND WATER PARKS Cool off at these local water spots. FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS Celebrate the holiday with festive local happenings.

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THE Mama FILES

MEET OUR TEAM

AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher

EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor

AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors

ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager

KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers

MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator

SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN MORGAN PRICE

W eelcome to our birthday issue. Birthdays are a reflection of each year, not only where we have been but also where we are going. This July, our nation celebrates a major milestone: 250 years. We have hit a couple of milestones in my house this year as well. My daughter turned 18 in April, and I turned 45 in June. Birthdays are about making memories for your children, but also for the parents because, let’s be honest, you survived another year. I am all about a blowout party, but as my kids have gotten older, experiences matter more to me than the party itself. I think back to their first birthday celebrations. Of course, they have no recollection of those parties, only pictures to look at. First birthdays are really more for the parents than the kiddos. Looking back now, there are a few things I probably would have done differently. But that is the life of a parent. You live and you learn. As I reflect on these milestones, I am reminded that the lessons we teach our children become part of a much bigger story. Today’s parents are raising tomorrow’s leaders, caregivers, innovators, teachers, and neighbors. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, it is a reminder that every generation has a role to play in shaping what comes next. Long after the fireworks fade and the celebrations end, the values we model, the encouragement we give, and the love we pour into our children will continue to influence the future. These celebrations are about more than cake and candles. They are an opportunity to pause, appreciate how far we have come, and look ahead with hope. The children we are raising today will carry forward the values, traditions, and dreams we share with them. In many ways, the next chapter of America’s story is already being written around our dinner tables, in our classrooms, and within our communities. That is a legacy worth honoring and a future worth celebrating. Here’s to family, freedom, and fun. Happy Fourth of July! Milestones & Memories

JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships

ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach

ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer

GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance

ALEXIS ALEXANDER Associate Chief of Staff

AMY PLAISANCE Founder

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

2025

2023

2024

BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FRG publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

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BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

community

NORTH BATON ROUGE DEVELOPMENT BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES A major new development is bringing hope and opportunity to North Baton Rouge. The BLVD at Harding, a planned $50 million grocery-anchored shopping center at Harding and Howell boulevards, is expected to open in fall 2027 and transform access to essential services for local families. The 100,000-square-foot development will feature a full-service grocery store, retail shops, medical offices, dining options, and spaces for small businesses. Leaders say the project will help combat food insecurity, create more than 150 jobs, and reduce travel burdens for residents. Supporters hope the investment will spark long-term economic growth and revitalize the surrounding community for generations to come. ■ theblvdatharding.com

COMMUNITY PANTRIES IN WALKER OFFER

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES Walker residents now have greater access to free, nutritious food thanks to two new community pantries installed by Whole Heart Health. Located at Faith Crossing United Methodist Church and Christine Palmer’s office on Florida Boulevard, the pantries were created to support individuals and families facing tight budgets or temporary food insecurity. Stocked with Whole Heart Health’s Manna Meals and additional snacks, the pantries provide convenient, dignity-centered nourishment for those in need. Officials say the goal is to “meet people where they are” and offer accessible support between paychecks. The initiative strengthens community care and helps ensure no family goes without a meal. ■ wholeheart.health

COOK OUT COMING TO BATON ROUGE A popular Southern fast-food chain is making its Louisiana debut in Baton Rouge. Cook Out recently purchased a building near LSU on West Lee Drive, marking the restaurant’s first location in the state. Known for its extensive menu of char-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, quesadillas, and more than 40 milkshake flavors, the chain has built a loyal following across the South since opening in North Carolina in 1989. The new restaurant will join several popular dining spots near campus and is expected to become a favorite for local families, students, and late-night food lovers looking for affordable meals and variety. ■ cookout.com

CAT CAFÉ COMING TO BATON ROUGE Cat lovers in Baton Rouge will soon have a cozy new spot to relax and meet adoptable felines. Cat Haven is expanding into a larger facility near the Main Library that will include the city’s newest cat café. The nonprofit rescue organization, which has served the community since 1999, plans to open the new location by the end of 2026 at Shadows Lane. Along with providing more space for rescued cats, the café will offer families and animal lovers a fun, welcoming environment while helping connect cats with forever homes. The expansion supports Cat Haven’s ongoing mission to reduce feline overpopulation and promote adoption. ■ cathaven.org

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LOUISIANA HOTEL BECOMES FIRST FULLY GLUTEN-FREE HOTEL IN THE U.S. Families traveling with gluten sensitivities now have a new worry-free getaway option in Louisiana. Hotel Monroe has become the first full-service hotel in the United States to be certified 100 percent gluten-free. Located along the Ouachita River in downtown Monroe, the boutique hotel offers gluten- free dining across the entire property, including its restaurants, rooftop bar, and room service. The hotel’s owners say the goal is to provide guests with peace of mind while traveling, especially those with celiac disease. Beyond safe dining, the historic property also highlights local art, Southern cuisine, and the culture of northeastern Louisiana. ■ hotelmonroe.com

TRAEH THYSSEN HAVE A HEART FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION It is our hope to take a stand to stop bullying and prevent youth suicide. We seek to provide heartfelt assistance to families who have lost a child related to bullying and/or suicide. We hope to do this by enhancing awareness and providing education, training, and emotional and financial support to families and communities. Some of our activities include youth-led panels, random act of kindness events, #SockItToSuicide Sock Drive benefiting the homeless, #13MinuteChallenge, and the Bullying and Suicide Awareness Runway show. He was caring, compassionate, loving, forgiving, kind, and considerate. Traeh died by suicide on October 3, 2019 as a result of unresolved bullying by his peers. Traeh was a 13-year-old middle school student. His name is heart spelled backwards.

PHOTO BY DUOLINGO

DUOLINGO EXPANDS FREE LEARNING OPTIONS Families and students looking to strengthen language skills now have more free learning opportunities through Duolingo. The popular language-learning platform recently announced access to advanced B2-level content across nine languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Available on web, iOS, and Android devices, the new lessons focus on real-world communication, reading comprehension, and listening skills through features like Advanced Stories and DuoRadio. The company says the expanded content can help users prepare for studying abroad, future careers, and everyday conversations. By offering advanced lessons at no cost, Duolingo hopes to make higher-level language learning more accessible for everyone. ■ duolingo.com

Visit: ihaveaheart.org for more information

BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

education A MEANINGFUL FAREWELL AT PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL

CELEBRATING BRIGHT FUTURES AT NORTHEAST HIGH Northeast High School recently celebrated its graduating class during Senior Decision Day, a special event highlighting students’ exciting plans for life after graduation. Seniors proudly shared the paths they will pursue, including college, careers, military service, and entrepreneurship, each one representing years of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth. The event served as a meaningful reminder that success looks different for every student and that every journey deserves to be celebrated. Students also received encouragement from Superintendent Cole, whose inspiring message challenged graduates to move forward with confidence, purpose, and determination as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Parkview Baptist School recently honored its graduating seniors during a heartfelt final chapel service filled with gratitude, reflection, and tradition. Surrounded by family, friends, and classmates, the seniors shared encouraging words with underclassmen, challenged their peers to lead with purpose, and reflected on the lasting impact Parkview has had on their lives. The special gathering celebrated not only academic achievement, but also the strong sense of faith and community that defines the school. Beloved traditions, including Mr. Vercher’s song and Mrs. Meaux’s poem, added an emotional touch to the memorable occasion, leaving students and families with grateful hearts and lasting memories.

SJA BEACH VOLLEYBALL TEAM CLOSES SEASON

St. Joseph’s Academy beach volleyball team wrapped up its season with an impressive showing at the Women’s Doubles Tournament at Mango’s Beach Volleyball. In the A Division, junior Gabby Fontenot and freshman Emma Tullier earned first place, finishing 6–2. In the B Division, junior Lucy Ann Samaha and freshman Gabby Richard claimed the top spot with a 6–1 record. Additional strong performances included semifinal finishes by Lily Bass and Grace Picou, and Eva Weimer and Grace Irwin, along with a competitive outing by Jalaysia Queen and Amelie Lajoie. The team will continue competing in summer tournaments.

MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS GIVE BACK

Students in the gifted program at McKinley Elementary recently celebrated Arbor Day and Earth Week in a meaningful way during Love The Boot Week. Focused on caring for their school and community, students collected nearly 240 gallons of litter from the campus and surrounding neighborhood, showing the power of teamwork and environmental stewardship. The celebration also included a partnership with the Neighborhood Forest Program, which provided free trees for students to plant at home. More than 70 students received trees to take home, encouraging families to continue making a positive impact beyond the classroom. Community partners Keep Tiger Town Beautiful and KidsHope also helped support the initiative.

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There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.

LSU PARTNERSHIP BRINGS INCLUSIVE PLAY TO SOUTHDOWNS PRE-KINDERGARTEN Students at Southdowns Pre-K are experiencing the joy of more inclusive play thanks to a special partnership with LSU’s College of Engineering. Bioengineering students worked to adapt and modify toys, making them more accessible for children with diverse needs and abilities. The project not only created opportunities for greater independence and engagement during playtime, but also highlighted the power of community collaboration and innovation. Through thoughtful design and hands-on problem-solving, LSU students helped ensure that every child has the chance to learn, explore, and play in ways that best support their individual needs.

THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®

800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org

EPISCOPAL STUDENTS HOLD ANNUAL BUTTERFLY PARADE Nobody says it quite like PreK-4 students, whose hopes and dreams for the year included learning about turtles, rhinos, animals, becoming a doctor, spiderwebs, and all the “big kid” things. Recently, they celebrated their growth at the annual PreK-4 Butterfly Parade, marking the end of a year that began with a butterfly release. The event featured a slideshow, student songs, hand-crafted wings, and colorful artwork. Students also shared a class-created Becoming a Butterfly book and signed each other’s copies.

BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

book corner

C elebrate our furry, feathered, and four-legged friends this July! Whether you’re a devoted pet owner, an animal lover, or just enjoy heartwarming tales, the library has something for you. From playful puppies and curious cats to unforgettable adventures, these books are packed with friendship, fun, and plenty of wagging tails. Stop by and check out a pet-themed read that’s sure to leave paw prints on your heart!

YOUTH Take a walk on the wild side with these adorable picture books starring pets of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. So-Hee and Lowy by Anna Kang So-Hee really wants a pet, something she can snuggle and be friends with. However, she’s allergic to almost everything. Even the pigeons in the park make her sneeze! When she finds a snake at the store, she knows they will be the best of friends. Spring, summer, and fall go great, but then one winter day Lowy the snake disappears! Will So-Hee be able to find her beloved pet? Where could he be? Can I Keep It, Please? by John Sullivan Evie gets serious pet envy after seeing all the cool pets at the pet parade. When her cat catches a garter snake, she begs her parents to let her keep it. Certainly a snake would be a “cool” pet, wouldn’t it? When the wild snake won’t cuddle and keeps hiding and won’t play, Evie has to make a serious choice. Should she keep this snake as a pet or let it be free to be wild? Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet by Beth Ferry Evelyn Witch really wants a pet, but can only afford a mystery egg. What will it hatch into? A dragon? A gryphon? A little pink kitten? When the egg just won’t hatch, she gets impatient and heads to the library to look up egg hatching spells. Will magic help hatch

the egg or will Evelyn find the patience to wait for her new friend?

trained) pet cats be? When the cats start doing strange things (playing computer games, hacking into the pentagon, creating superhero costumes, and convincing Katie to go on superhero missions), how will Katie cope with a cat-sitting job out of control? In this beginning chapter book, follow these best friends on an alpaca hunt to see if they can get them all back in time! The Absent Alpacas by Kayla Whaley Fans of Ron Roy’s A to Z Mysteries will go wild for Kayla Whaley’s new tribute beginning chapter book series, A to Z Animal Mysteries ! Abbi, Lydia, and Daniel are best friends and clever, observant kids who like to help out. When they notice that most of the alpacas have all gone missing from the costume contest at the Maine State Faire, they start collecting clues right away. Will they be able to find the missing alpacas in time for the contest, or will the faire-goers be disappointed? Readers who love pets and farm animals will be captivated by this heartwarming chapter book about compassion, courage, and one very special piglet. A Piglet Called Truffle by Helen Peters When Jasmine Green finds the tiniest piglet she’s ever seen while visiting a pig farm with her veterinarian mom, she knows the piglet is in danger. The other piglets won’t let it eat and it’s gotten super weak! The farmer isn’t

Children who want a good laugh can dive into this engaging beginning reader book that will have them stuck just like Jim!

Grumpy Monkey: Too Many Bugs by Suzanne Lang

When Jim’s friend Norman gets a pet bug, Jim is excited for him. He even gets to feed the bug! But Norman keeps getting more bugs. And then the bugs start having baby bugs! Soon Norman is too busy taking care of his pet bugs to play and all the jungle friends start missing him. Will Jim be able to convince Norman that there is such a thing as too many pet bugs? This fun beginning reader will keep kids hooked with the engaging storyline, awesome artwork, and hilarious characters! Cats! Cats! Cats! Join Katie in this graphic novel as she tries to figure out if cat sitting was the best option. Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable Katie really wants to earn enough money to go to summer camp with her best friends, but she’s struggling with finding chores she can actually do around her apartment building. Plants keep dying, grocery bags are heavier than they look, and no one wants to help clean. When her neighbor in 5B asks her to cat sit, she’s super excited! How hard could looking after one or two (or 217 weirdly well

Book Corner is provided by librarians at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. To learn more about the libraries in East Baton Rouge Parish, visit ebrpl.com.

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going to do anything, so Jasmine sneaks the piglet home with her. A piglet is an awfully big secret. Will Jasmine be able to keep the piglet, now named Truffle, alive and hidden? Should she even keep such a big secret? Connect with your pet through these silly and outrageous poems found in non-fiction.

Let Sleeping Cats Lie: Pet Poems by Brian Bilston

From haikus composed by dogs at a window to meditations by a goldfish, Brian Bilston has brought pet ownership and the thoughts of pets to hilarious life in 65 fantastic poems. Whether you adore cats, fish, dogs, or are thinking of getting a whale, this fun short book of pet poems will definitely have something to make you go “aww” and giggle! TWEENS AND TEENS Follow these teens and their pets through some of the wildest adventures! Road Trip by Gary Paulsen Dad and Ben haven’t been getting along recently and Dad hopes a road trip to rescue a border collie will help them reconnect. When their truck breaks down, they commandeer an old school bus, along with its mechanic, Gus. Next, they pick up Mia, a waitress escaping a tense situation. Only sharp-eyed Atticus realizes that Theo is on the run—and someone is following them. Ice Dogs by Terry Lynn Johnson Victoria Secord, a 14-year-old Alaskan dogsled racer, loses her way on a routine outing with her dogs. With food gone and temperatures dropping, her survival, and that of her dogs and the mysterious boy she meets in the woods, is entirely up to her.

D-39: A Robodog’s Journey by Irene Latham

Klynt spends most of her long summer days bored or restoring artifacts in her Museum of Fond Memories. Real pet dogs are a thing of the past: After they were found to be carriers of a sickness, the government ordered them all killed. But one day, an incredible antique shows up at the farm: a D-39 robodog, “Real as a dog can be!” Klynt is overjoyed, but the good luck doesn’t last. When the war makes its way into the empty Worselands, she and D-39 find themselves thrown into an epic journey for survival and hope.

BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

mom next door

BY AMANDA MILLER Carrie Webb C arrie Webb wears many hats, including wife, mother of four boys, and owner and artistic director of Revolution Dance Company. Balancing early mornings, late-night classes, and a household full of sports schedules, she has built a life rooted in both discipline and heart. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR FAMILY? CARRIE: A normal day for me starts with getting up early and getting everyone off to school. Then I have my downtime, and that’s when I focus on the business side of the company, returning emails, getting organized, and handling things for the company. I’m also usually doing chores like cleaning the house, which is always ongoing with four boys. I cook dinner in the morning because once the boys get out of school, they’re usually running to sporting events and practices, and my husband is busy picking up and dropping off kids, so there’s really no time to cook. Since I work nights, everyone just heats up whatever I made earlier in the day. I usually pick all the boys up from school and get everyone where they need to be before heading to work to teach classes. My husband gets everyone back home, and then I join everybody around bedtime, or sometimes even after bedtime. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN REVOLUTION DANCE COMPANY, AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF OWNING A STUDIO? CARRIE: I opened Revolution to give the Baton Rouge community a different flavor of training, and the whole community has grown. It’s been an awesome, awesome transformation that our city’s had. I think the most rewarding part is seeing the role that I play in the girls’ lives. I have four sons, and my life as a mom is really different from my job as a coach for girls. I don’t have daughters, so they get to be my daughters, and I get to have the best of both worlds. I get to be a

Occupation: Owner and Artistic Director of Revolution Dance Company Husband: Brannan Children: Brannan, III, 15; Briggs, 13; Grayson, 11; and Miller, 8 Hobbies: Watching sons play sports and LSU football games very black and white, very honest, and very to the point, and that’s how I parent my kids as well. For me, it’s about setting them up for success in the real world. The world isn’t always soft or forgiving, and I want my boys to understand that you have to see things as they are and move forward. I coach the girls the same way. If something doesn’t go your way, it doesn’t go your way. We don’t make a million excuses about it; we figure it out and keep going. HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR BOYS TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE WHILE STILL PROTECTING THEIR CONFIDENCE AND JOY? CARRIE: I always tell my boys, and I tell my girls this too: You have to enjoy what you’re doing, and if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, then you shouldn’t be doing it. If you’re trying to pursue excellence, it’s not always going to be easy. It’s not always going to be joyful. You have to take the good with the bad and you have to know that excellence is hard. I try to explain to them that it’s not always going to be wonderful, but through the hard stuff is where you find how much you love something and that’s what you just need to stay committed to. WHAT ARE SOME VALUES YOU HOPE EVERY CHILD LEAVES YOUR STUDIO WITH? CARRIE: That they can make it to the next day. Dance is hard, working in a team is hard, and we do a lot of different genres at the

coach and mentor, and be a parent to these young women in a way that I would if I had my own daughters. HOW DO YOU BALANCE MOTHERHOOD, MARRIAGE, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP? CARRIE: I’ve been married 16 years, the studio is entering its 20th year, and I’ve had kids for 15 years, so I’m still learning. The studio was my first passion, but my family is the most important thing to me. I’ve got to be able to step back if I need to spend more time with my family or be at my boys' events. If I have to get a sub, then I have to get a sub and it'll work out. Coming to that realization and preparing for that and planning for that has been the most helpful in balancing and feeling like I’m doing the best at the job that I’m meant to be doing, and that’s being a wife and a mother. WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAS RAISING BOYS TAUGHT YOU THAT HAVE ALSO INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU LEAD YOUR STUDIO AND MENTOR YOUNG DANCERS? CARRIE: Anyone who meets me usually says I’m such a boy mom, and I think that’s because I’m pretty tough. Raising sons, I’ve learned I have to balance compassion and sensitivity with cutting through the noise and getting to what needs to be done. That same approach carries over into the studio. I do have to pull back at times, because girls sometimes need a little more cushion, but overall I’m very straightforward. I think most people would describe me as

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studio, and not every style is going to be your favorite. We really encourage the kids to take more than one genre because we want them to be versatile dancers. I tell my boys the same thing. It’s good to have different friend groups, and it’s good to be good at more than one thing. I try to show them that pursuing anything worthwhile is going to come with ups and downs. When you leave the studio at 18, you go into the real world, and it’s full of the same kinds of challenges. I just hope that what they learn here, whether it’s pushing through something hard, overcoming obstacles, or working with people you don’t necessarily click with, stays with them. Because the real world isn’t always nice. And I want them to have that inner drive, confidence, and belief that they can make it to the next day. It doesn’t matter if today was hard, you can get through it and start again tomorrow, and that’s what I really want them to carry with them.

to slow down. As hard as that time was for everyone, there was also something really nurturing about it. We all got to spend more time with our families, and we experienced a level of togetherness we hadn’t felt before. When we came out of that season, there was this newfound appreciation for balance and a sense of calm amid the chaos. After returning, we revamped our schedules to reflect that. I made sure dancers had a full day off during the week, so they could rest, reset, and have more flexibility. If they needed to miss a day, they could make it up on another. I really wanted to create a structure where families had more options and dancers could still train seriously and compete, but also have balance and space in their lives. As a mom, I felt that shift deeply. It really reinforced how important that time together is, and I think it’s made our program healthier and more sustainable for our dancers and their families.

very clear when they’re happy I’m there. They don’t miss a chance to tell me. So it really reminds me that I have to be intentional about showing up as much as I can, because I know how special that time is for them. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO MOMS WHO ARE CONSIDERING STARTING A BUSINESS WHILE RAISING CHILDREN? CARRIE: I think every mom should have the opportunity to do what desires are in her heart. If every mom is similar to me, we know that motherhood is such a blessing and such a calling. I feel that getting yourself into entrepreneurship, owning your own business, or taking a leadership role in a position is incredible, and as long as it meets your needs as an individual, I say go for it. If you ever feel that is getting in the way of your joys of motherhood or being a wife or a spouse, then you should definitely take a minute to step back and realize the ways that you can shift, so that you can continue to do what you need to do to get the best of both worlds because it’s definitely possible.

WHAT HAVE YOUR BOYS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU NOTICED IN PARENTING

SLOWING DOWN AND BEING PRESENT? CARRIE: My boys really enjoy the life we live, even though I’m not the mom who’s home in the afternoons. I’m usually the mom who comes in right at bedtime, or sometimes even after they’ve already gone to bed. And with four of them and only one of me, they make it

RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite spot for date night… sushi. One word that best describes your family… full. Favorite food… Latin. Hidden talent… speaking Spanish.

SINCE YOU FIRST OPENED THE STUDIO? CARRIE: I think when I first opened the studio, it was very much work, work, work. Then something really shifted in our community during the pandemic, when everyone was home and we were all forced

BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

thrive

Helping Families with Dignity

BY AMANDA MILLER

F ounded in 2020 through the (LOCC) has quickly grown from a small foster closet into a vital resource serving families across Ascension Parish and beyond. What began as a project focused solely on foster children soon revealed a much larger need in the community. “We quickly realized the need was greater than foster children,” says founding member and board president Candace Melancon. “There are grandparents, aunts, uncles, and families facing difficult situations who suddenly find themselves caring for children and struggling to make ends meet.” Leadership Ascension program, Loving Our Community’s Children

Today, LOCC provides free clothing, diapers, hygiene products, beds, cribs, car seats, toys, and other essentials to foster families, caregivers, and families experiencing hardship. Whether responding to a house fire, financial crisis, or a child aging out of foster care, the organization works to ensure families can access what they need without financial strain. Melancon shares the story of one mother who reluctantly came to LOCC after losing food assistance because her husband earned slightly above the qualifying income limit. “She was very proud and hesitant to ask for help,” Melancon explains. “But she had been in foster care herself and was determined to break that cycle for her children.”

One of the organization’s defining features is its commitment to preserving dignity. Rather than handing out pre-packed bags, families are invited to “shop” for items in a welcoming environment where children can even choose a few toys of their own. “We want them to feel proud walking out the door,” says Melancon. “These children are already vulnerable, and we want them to have nice things and feel cared for.” LOCC is entirely volunteer-run, with no paid employees and donated spaces in Gonzales and Donaldsonville. Volunteers sort donations, assist families during shopping appointments, and help organize inventory. Community support also plays a major role, with local schools, businesses, and residents frequently hosting donation drives. As demand continues to grow, Melancon hopes to eventually secure a permanent building and hire a staff member dedicated to outreach and grant writing. “The need is growing faster than we can keep up with,” she says. “But, I don’t think that we’ve had a time where we haven’t been able to help someone with what they need.” Above all, Melancon hopes more families learn about LOCC’s services, and more community members discover ways to support the organization’s mission of helping

children and families thrive. For more information, visit loccascension.org.

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BRPARENTS.COM | JULY2026

faith

Finding Time to Pray for Your

KidsWhen You Have No Time H ere’s a thing that God is teaching me in this season: Being faithful in the little things is really important. There are times when God asks us to do big things for Him (i.e., move, change jobs, give something away), and those can be chal- lenging. However, it’s often more challenging for us to listen to God’s call in the small, daily, tasks of life. Prayer is a good example. BY ASHLEIGH RICH PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM Prayer is a simple thing: It’s simply spend- ing time with God, speaking to him, and listening to him. However, it’s a hard thing to actually do. It’s hard to find the time, and it’s hard to stay consistent in it, much less to “pray without ceasing” as we’re told to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I’m guessing that all of us want to be people of prayer, and we want to pray for our children. But in the hustle and bustle of life, prayer is often a thing that is easily forgot- ten and neglected. This has, for sure, been a challenge for me. As a mom of two toddlers who also works part-time, it’s hard to find the time for anything. I would not claim that I am perfect in my prayer life with and for my children. However, over the past year, I’ve made it a goal to be better about prayer in general, particularly praying for and with my children. I’ve tried a lot of different things and learned a few things in the process. Here’s some of what I’ve learned.

1. Tie prayer to anchor points. I’ve found it really helpful to incorporate prayer into habits and anchor points in my day that are already there. Those anchor points for me are my waking, breakfast with my kids, the kids’ naptime, and bedtime. I try to pray for my kids (even if it’s just for a minute) when I wake up and after they are down for their naps. I pray with my kids at breakfast and when they go to bed. Find your own anchor points in your day and work a prayer element into them. Some examples are meals, bedtimes, commutes, drop-offs and pick-ups from school, or day care (in the car time is a great time to pray with kids). They will be different for everyone, but they are there. Find them and take advantage of them. 2. Recognize that there is no perfect way or time. Every person reading this article is unique. We all have kids in different stages of life. We have different work situations, home situations, and relationship statuses. What works for me won’t work for you. What works for you today might not work six months from now based on what’s happening in your life and with your kids. Create consistency, but don’t be afraid to change something that’s not working. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Always be on the lookout for new tools or ways of praying that will be a good fit for your current season or for a future one. 3. A little goes a long way. You don’t have to have hours to pray to have an impactful prayer life. The important thing is consistently giving time, not how much time you have to give.

Use what time you have. Start small. Recognize that even in seasons where you don’t have large amounts of time to pray, prioritizing prayer in the midst of chaos goes a long way in your relationship with God. 4. Incorporate your kids. Our kids need to know they are being prayed for as much as they need to be prayed for. They need the example of prayer so that they will know what it looks like to pray in their own lives. The easiest way to teach kids to pray is to do it with them and to pray for them out loud in front of them. Sure, it can feel awkward occasionally, but it’s a great way to teach kids how to pray for others. 5. Use all the tools. There are tools out there to help you pray for your kids. Don’t be afraid to use them. There are whole books and arti- cles on specific prayers to pray over kids. You can use the Bible as your inspiration, picking a verse to pray over each of your children. You can also write a prayer or a blessing for your child and commit to praying it for them regularly. Prayer doesn’t always have to be creative and spontaneous. Having a plan and set prayers can help you stay consistent and can teach consistency to your kids. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take consistency. It’s a seeming- ly small thing that can pay big dividends. Praying for and with your kids is one of the best gifts you can give to them. Consistently bringing them into God’s presence through prayer will impact their lives in ways you can’t even imagine. Teaching them to be people of prayer, praying in and through the mundane and the everyday ups and downs of life will

5 Practical Ways to Pray for Your Kids Every Day

be a gift that will last them a lifetime. It’s simple. It’s hard. But it’s worth it.

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Mom Rage Y ou’ve slept maybe five hours the past few nights. You’re finishing emails while your child taps on your shoul- der over and over again. The kids won’t stop fighting over the TV remote. You’ll make it to practice drop-off on time only if your child stops refusing to get in the car. Dinner isn’t made, and neither is the school project your child mentioned an hour before bedtime. The house hasn’t been tidied in days—weeks, if you’re honest. You literally can’t take another thing right now. Then you see red. This experience is what’s known as mom rage. Mom rage is a nervous system overload response to chronic stress, invisible labor, hormonal shifts, overstimulation, sleep depri- vation, identity loss, emotional suppression, and broader systemic and neurological BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

factors, including patriarchy and neurodi- versity. It is not synonymous with abusive behavior, but rather a state of dysregulation. “When we undergo typical parenting frustration, it can be temporary, easy to recover from, and we still feel relatively grounded,” describes therapist and author Martina Nova, MCPRCC, MCP. “But when we feel mom rage, it’s explosive or dispropor- tionate, physically intense, and hard to stop once it’s activated—usually followed by guilt, shame, or emotional crashing.” WHEN EVERYTHING BOILS OVER The buildup is often subtle at first. It can look like resentment over small tasks, feeling emotionally detached from your partner or children, snapping more easily than usual, or carrying a constant sense that you can

never fully rest. Over time, those moments stack until the nervous system reaches a breaking point. When you’ve hit that breaking point, taking a few deep breaths isn’t enough. Nova recommends putting your child somewhere safe and briefly stepping away yourself— not because there’s necessarily danger, but because your nervous system is flooded. “Step into another room, splash cold water on your face, and hold ice cubes in your hands,” she explains. “Cooling sensations are some of the best ways to regulate our nervous systems. In these moments, we need to regulate the body before we regulate the mind.” Nova also recommends reducing sensory overload through somatic regulation tech- niques, like using sensory tools, dimming

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the lights, or putting in noise-reducing headphones.

The key is acknowledging behavior without excusing it or blaming the child. Connection matters more than long explanations—cuddling, reading, playing, or getting on their level. These moments teach children that emotions are safe, relationships are repairable, and caregivers are human. Even when a parent loses it sometimes, secure attachment can still exist. Ultimately, these moments teach children that parents are human, too. “That idea is very freeing for many people,” Nova says. MORE THAN “JUST STRESS” Even after repair and reconnection, many moms still spiral into shame. Nova says that’s because mom rage often collides with deeply internalized beliefs about what a “good moth- er” should be. “So instead of thinking my nervous system is overloaded,” she explains, “we think there’s something wrong with me.” Nova explains hormonal shifts and clinical conditions like postpartum depression, post- partum anxiety, PMDD, ADHD, and perimeno- pause can all intensify emotional flooding and make regulation feel harder. Seeking support isn’t a sign that you’re failing your motherhood. It’s a sign your nervous system has been carrying too much for too long. It can come in many forms—

therapy, ADHD medication, antidepressants, or other prescribed treatments, or even small moments of connection with trusted friends and community spaces. “Whether it’s exchanging voice notes with your girlfriends or finding other moms through apps or Facebook groups, letting it out is freeing,” she says.

RECONNECTION AFTER OVERWHELM

Many mothers spiral into shame after yelling or emotionally breaking down, often withdrawing because they fear they’ve scared their child or caused damage. But reconnecting afterward is important, Nova explains. Acknowledging both your child’s feelings and your own can help interrupt that shame cycle and create space for repair instead of avoidance. “Children learn much more through rupture and repair than through no rupture at all. In some ways, it can be more beneficial for a child to experience a parent’s dysreg- ulation if it’s followed by repair, rather than having a perfectly regulated parent all the time,” Nova says. You don’t need to jump into a big emo- tional conversation while still flooded with emotion. Repair with your kiddos can happen later—15 minutes later, or when you’re calm. “You might say: ‘Remember when mommy yelled earlier? That probably felt scary. I was overwhelmed, and I reacted strongly. That wasn’t your fault, and I’m sorry,’” she explains.

BREAKING THE ISOLATION

Many mothers aren’t just raising children— they’re also carrying the invisible mental load of schedules, emotions, relationships, and the daily work that keeps family life running. “Systemically, there’s a reason partners often don’t notice this right away,” Nova ex- plains. “There’s also a reason it’s called ‘mom rage’ and not ‘dad rage.’” As a partner, it’s important to take initiative in learning about the invisible mental loads moms carry. Moms don’t need more judgment after moments of rage—they need support, rest, accountability, understanding, and permis- sion to be human. Being seen helps break the isolation surrounding mom rage. The more openly families talk about emotions and repair, the more children learn that hard moments can be worked through and connection can remain.

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Born in Baton Rouge: Innovations, Icons, and Incredible Firsts BY AMELIA ROESSLER PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 COVER KID NATHANIEL H.

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A s America celebrates its 250th traditions, and cultural contributions born right here in Baton Rouge and Louisiana. From world-changing inventions and iconic brands to historic firsts and unforgettable fun facts, Baton Rouge and the Bayou State have played an important role in shaping America’s story. birthday this year, there’s no better time to recognize the innovations,

trainer who began handcrafting bats for players in their backyard shed in 2004. Today, Marucci is the Official Bat of Major League Baseball. Handheld Cancer Probe: A groundbreaking handheld cancer probe was invented in 2024 by researchers at LSU as a major leap forward in surgical oncology. This device could save 1.4 million cancer surgery patients’ lives a year as it can tell surgeons where cancerous cells end and healthy tissue begins, reducing the chances of tumors growing back. LOUISIANA Cocktails America’s first cocktail was created in the 1830s by Antoine Peychaud, a Creole apothecary who mixed French brandy, sugar, and his signature Peychaud’s Bitters to make Sazerac, named New Orleans’ official drink in 2008. Craps Craps is essentially a game played with dice in which the players make wagers on the out- come of the roll. While legend has it that Ro- man soldiers invented the game, fast forward to the American version, which was brought to New Orleans by a weather gambler and politician from colonial Louisiana. American dice maker John H. Winn, now known as the father of the modern game, corrected flaws in the game in the 19th century, allowing the game to flourish and spread throughout Louisiana and more. Opera Louisiana, specifically New Orleans, has long reigned as America’s first city of opera. On May 22, 1796, the city hosted the first doc- umented performance of an opera in North America when Sylvain by Andre Gretry was staged at the Theatre de la Rue St. Pierre in the French Quarter. Binocular Microscope: The first practical microscope was invented in Louisiana in the 1850s by Dr. John Leonard Riddell, a chemistry professor at what is now Tulane University. Riddell created the instru- ment to assist in his pioneering research on deadly 19th-century diseases like cholera and yellow fever. Tabasco Tabasco was first produced by Edmund McIlhenny on Avery Island, Louisiana. McIlhenny grew his first commercial pepper

crop in 1868 and sent out 658 bottles of sauce at one dollar apiece the following year. He labeled it “Tabasco,” a word of Mexican Indian origin believed to mean “place where the soil is humid.”

First Consolidated City-Parish Government:

While Baton Rouge was a pioneer, it was not the first consolidated city and county govern- ment in the United States. That honor went to New Orleans and Orleans Parish, which consolidated in 1805. Despite not being the first, this Plan of Government was highly significant and served as a major modern model for efficiency across the country. FUN FACTS 1. Baton Rouge means “red stick” in French. It was coined in 1699 when a French explorer encountered a cypress post stained with animal blood marking the boundary between the tribal hunting grounds of the Bayougoula and the Houmas Indians. 2. The current Louisiana State Capital is the tallest capitol building in the United States, standing at 450 feet with 34 floors. Completed in 1932, it features an observation deck with panoramic views of Baton Rouge. 3. LSU is home to Mike the Tiger, the only live tiger mascot kept at a university in the nation. 4. Football games at LSU can get so loud that in 1988, a home game’s final pass charged the crowd of 80 thousand to cheer so loud that a seismograph in the LSU campus about a thousand feet away from the actual stadium registered it as an earthquake. 5. Speaking of LSU’s Tiger Stadium, it’s nicknamed “Death Valley” and is regularly ranked among the most intimidating college football stadiums in the country. 6. The Old State Capitol is often called the “Castle on the River” because of its Gothic architecture and castle-like appearance overlooking the Mississippi River. 7. The USS Kidd, docked in downtown Baton Rouge, is one of the few fully restored World War II destroyers in the country and serves as a floating museum along the Mississippi River.

BATON ROUGE Raising Cane’s:

This popular fried chicken chain was born in Baton Rouge, where founder Todd Graves opened the very first restaurant, nicknamed “The Mothership,” near the North Gate of LSU in 1996. Above/behind the original location was a tiny apartment where Graves lived when he first started the business. Original Space Capsule Design: Baton Rouge played a major role in the original space capsule design. LSU mechan- ical engineering alumnus Maxime “Max” Faget designed the spacecraft that became responsible for that “giant leap for mankind.” The physical manufacturing of the spacecraft took place at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Bengal Punch: The city is recognized as the birthplace of the very first electrolyte sports drink, Bengal Punch. Back in the late 1950s, LSU’s head athletic trainer Dr. Martin Broussard devel- oped Bengal Punch to help the football team switch from salt tablets to sports drinks. The drink was considered the first of its kind and a precursor to Gatorade, often featuring flavors such as bourbon, chai tea, and orange/ginger.

Commercial Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Unit:

The world’s first commercial fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) plant was started on the site of Baton Rouge’s ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Refinery in May of 1942. FCC is the conver- sion process used in petroleum refineries to convert the crude oils into gasoline and other petroleum products. This was a ground- breaking refining method that revolutionized global gasoline production. Marucci Sports: Baton Rouge isn’t the birthplace of the base- ball bat, but it is the birthplace of Marucci Sports, one of the most famous bat compa- nies in the world. Marucci was founded by two former Big Leaguers and their athletic

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