September 2026
SEPTEMBER 2026
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
SEPTEMBER SICKNESS SPIKE
Therapy Kids: THE NEW NORMAL
Call Grandma & ASK THESE QUESTIONS
BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026
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CONTENTS September 2026 • Issue 434 in each issue
The Mama Files
6 8
Community Education Book Corner
10 12 16 20 22 44 52 54
Mom Next Door
Thrive Faith
Things to Do Things We Love
Snapshots
2025–26 Cover Kid Aleia R. is a sweet six-year-old with a big heart and a contagious joy. She loves spending time with her family and friends, playing outdoors, coloring, painting rocks, and collecting her favorite squishy dumplings. Though she may be shy at first, Aleia is silly, funny and full of personality at home, and she dreams of one day becoming a doctor and owning her own practice.
features
THE RISE OF THERAPY KIDS Wondering if your child could benefit from therapy? Learn the signs, how to choose the right therapist, and ways to support your child’s mental health at home. 28 QUESTIONS KIDS SHOULD ASK THEIR GRANDPARENTS (WHILE THEY STILL CAN) Celebrate Grandparents’ Day with meaningful conversation starters that help kids uncover family stories, treasured memories, and life lessons. 32 TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE WITH KIDS Learn the warning signs of youth suicide, how to start life-saving conversations, and where to find help when your child is struggling. 36
PHOTOS BY BREC’S BATON ROUGE ZOO, PERKINS ROWE, AND MAGNIFIC.COM
SEPTEMBER FAMILY BUCKET LIST Fun activities to enjoy this month. what’s on the web
5 DATE NIGHT IDEAS FOR PARENTS Reconnect and make time for just the two of you.
40 WHY BABIES GET SICK MORE IN
3 WINNING GAME DAY RECIPES Easy to make and even tastier to eat.
SEPTEMBER (AND WHY IT’S USUALLY NORMAL) Frequent sniffles are a normal part of growing up. Discover why babies catch so many illnesses in September and what parents can do to help.
QUESTIONS TO ASK AFTER SCHOOL Instead of asking, “How was school?” try these ideas.
CONNECT WITH US
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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 KAILEY GREMILLION EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN PRODUCTION MANAGER KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MORGAN ESPENAN DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR NATALIE KAISER SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR MAIH MANUSO CONTENT MULTIPLICATION SPECIALIST TRINITY GRAYSON SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL CLIENT SUCCESS REPRESENTATIVES ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMILLE CAVIN THOMAS DRYBURGH JENNIFER HOFFMANN JILLIAN WRAY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Happy September! H opefully by now you’ve fallen into your school routine and finally have some sort of normalcy around the house. I know those last few weeks of summer had me counting the hours until school starts. I love my kids to death, but man, those last few days are nothing but constant fights over everything. September also brings Grandparents Day, which is a little bittersweet for me these days. I was lucky enough to know my great-grandparents, something I know not everyone gets the chance to do. My great-grandfather was 93 when he passed, and I was with him when he took his final breath. Many of our family traditions began with him, and one of his final com- ments to me is something I’ll never forget. When I told him I was engaged, his response was, “It’s about time!” Literally lying in his bed, with hospice nurses there and the pastor about to read him his final rites, that is what he had to say to me. And honestly, it was perfect. My children were lucky enough to meet two sets of their great-grandparents. They were too young to really remember them, but we have photos, and occasionally they’ll ask about them. I’m also very blessed that my children have their grandparents in their lives. Sometimes they’re the first people they call with good news—or even bad news. They stalk them on Life360 just to see where they might be, especially if they’re out somewhere and forgot to bring them! There’s something special about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. I was always my Grandpa’s girl, while my sister was always Grandma’s. Now, my daughter is Papaw’s girl. She knows he is there anytime she needs him, and I hope she always knows how special that is. So this Grandparents Day, take the pictures. Make the phone call. Ask the questions. Write down the stories—even the ones you’ve heard a hundred times. One day, those stories may be some of the things you treasure most. Happy Grandparents Day to all the Mimis, Papas, Nanas, KKs, Grandmas, Grandpas, Papaws and every other name they answer to. And to the ones we’re missing a little extra this month, Happy Grandparents Day in heaven.
ROXANE VOORHIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GAYLE GAUTHREAUX DIRECTOR OF FINANCE ALEXIS ALEXANDER ASSOCIATE CHIEF OF STAFF KELSEY TAYLOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AMY PLAISANCE FOUNDER
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816
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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community
A NEW WELCOME AWAITS AT BURDEN MUSEUM & GARDENS
Visitors to the Burden Museum & Gardens will be greeted by a new Welcome Center designed to make exploring the campus easier than ever. The new facility serves as a gathering place where guests can begin their visit, browse the gift shop, attend events, or simply enjoy views of the surrounding gardens and landscapes. Inspired by Louisiana’s rural architecture, the building features shaded porches, breezeways, and inviting outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with the natural setting. The Welcome Center also provides a picturesque backdrop for weddings, graduation photos, and more. ■ lsuagcenter.com/portals/burden
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MANTESE, ESKEWDUMEZRIPPLE
PHOTO BY AMERICAN EAGLE
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AG CENTER OPENS DEMONSTRATION FARM
NEW SHOPPING OPTIONS COMING TO PERKINS ROWE
Families looking to learn more about gardening now have a new hands-on destination to explore. The Southern University Ag Center recently celebrated the grand opening of its Demonstration Farm, a living classroom designed to teach visitors about vegetable production, sustainable gardening, and agriculture. The farm features a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, including tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, sunflowers, and zinnias. Visitors can get a closer look at how crops grow while learning practical tips they can take home and use in their own gardens. Open to the public and available for school field trips, summer camps, and community groups, the farm offers a fun opportunity for children and adults alike to discover where food comes from and build lifelong gardening skills. ■ suagcenter.com
Baton Rouge shoppers will soon have a new place to find everyday styles, activewear, and more. American Eagle, along with its lifestyle brand Aerie and athletic brand OFFLINE by Aerie, is opening a new store at Perkins Rowe later this year. The 13,000-square-foot space, located across from Altar’d State, will offer a larger selection of clothing and accessories than the existing American Eagle location. The expanded store will bring three brands together under one roof, giving shoppers more options for casual clothing, activewear, accessories, and everyday essentials. The new store adds another popular shopping destination for local families, teens, and young adults while expanding the variety of retailers available at Perkins Rowe. ■ perkinsrowe.com
AMAZON DRONE DELIVERIES TAKE FLIGHT IN BATON ROUGE
Baton Rouge is making delivery history as the first city in Louisiana to receive Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery service. Customers within a 7.5-mile radius of the Cortana Place Amazon fulfillment center can now choose drone delivery for eligible packages, with some orders arriving in less than two hours. The fully electric drones use automated flight paths and sensors to safely navigate around obstacles before returning to the facility after each delivery. The service could make it easier for families to quickly receive everyday essentials without leaving home. Available during select hours and weather conditions, the new service offers families a glimpse into the future of technology-powered shopping. ■ amazon.com
PHOTO BY AMAZON
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NEW BRAPID BUS ROUTE CONNECTS NORTH BATON ROUGE, DOWNTOWN, AND LSU Getting around Baton Rouge could soon become easier with the launch of the BRapid service line. Part of the MOVEBR transportation improvements, the nearly 10- mile route will connect North Baton Rouge, downtown, and LSU through a central bus corridor. Officials say construction is nearly complete, with the route expected to open by the end of 2026. Crews are finishing final details, including bus stop technology and schedule tracking systems. Once complete, the service will help make key areas of Baton Rouge more accessible. ■ movebr.brla.gov/brapid
NEW ALERT DESIGNA TION HELPS PROTECT MISSING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM A new Louisiana law is bringing added support and awareness when children and adults with cognitive disabilities go missing. Called Bryan’s Call, the new designation adds a special notification to existing missing person alerts when a person has a qualifying cognitive disability, helping communities better understand how to respond. The measure was inspired by the tragic death of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez and aims to improve search efforts during critical moments. For local parents, the added awareness could help save lives by encouraging faster searches in areas where children may be drawn, including bodies of water. ■ louisiana.gov
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education
LOUISIANA STUDENTS REACH RECORD HIGH ON LEAP ASSESSMENTS
SJA STUDENTS EXCEL AT NATIONAL YOUTH GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE Five students from St. Joseph’s Academy were selected as members of Louisiana’s 25-student delegation to the 2026 YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA) in Montgomery, Alabama. Representing SJA were Ryn Chapman, Ava Thevenot, Addison Richard, Sophia Montalbano, and Allison Riley. Each student presented a proposal on an issue of national importance, with Chapman earning the Outstanding Proposal Award. Richard and Montalbano served as committee chairs, while Richard was named Louisiana’s Female Delegation Leader. Riley represented the state on the Conference Life Committee and was selected as a presiding officer for the 2027 conference. Their accomplishments reflect SJA’s commitment to developing student leaders through civic engagement and public service.
Louisiana students reached a new milestone on the 2026 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP), with a record 36 percent of students in grades 3–12 scoring at the Mastery or Advanced level, a two-point increase over last year. The results also reflect continued strength in English Language Arts, where students in grades 3–8 maintained a 43 percent Mastery+ rate for the third consecutive year. Grades 4, 6, and 7 all posted gains, while English II scores improved by three percentage points. Education leaders credit the state’s sustained investment in evidence-based literacy instruction, emphasizing that strong reading skills built in the early grades continue to drive academic success across subjects as students progress through school.
PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM
STUDENT INTERNS GAIN REAL-WORLD
COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE Two East Baton Rouge Parish students spent the summer gaining hands-on experience through the EBR Workforce Development Program. Phillip Malveaux of Liberty High School and Kaleb Chaney of Tara High School joined the EBR Schools Communications Team, where they explored careers in marketing and communications while contributing to a variety of creative projects. Throughout the internship, the students helped develop billboard concepts, videos, and other communications materials, applying their talents and interests in a professional setting. The experience provided valuable career exposure while showcasing the innovation, creativity, and potential of local students. The students also saw how their classroom interests could translate into the workplace.
WOODLAWN CADET EARNS NATIONAL JROTC HONOR
Woodlawn High School cadet Amariya Jarvis earned national recognition after winning the JROTC Brigade’s Essay Contest for the 2025–26 school year. Her award included an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where she represented Woodlawn High School and East Baton Rouge Schools at the national All-Service JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl Competition. Jarvis read her award-winning essay during the event’s opening ceremony and was recognized again at the closing ceremony. During her visit, she also toured several of the nation’s most historic landmarks, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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MCKINLEY ELEMENTA- RY STUDENTS EARN EIGHT NATIONAL BETA AWARDS McKinley Elementary School students brought home eight national awards at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, after qualifying through the Louisiana State Beta Convention. Competing against students from 434 Beta clubs across 18 states, they earned first place in Convention Invention, second place in Onsite Painting, and third place in Fifth Grade Social Studies, along with top-10 finishes in English Language Arts, Spanish, Musicology, Create & Animate, and Performing Arts Duet. Students also represented the school in additional competitions and exhibitions, showcasing their creativity, leadership, and academic achievement. Their outstanding performance reflects the dedication of the students, teachers, sponsors, administrators, and families who supported them throughout the year.
PARKVIEW STUDENT EARNS NATIONAL SENIOR BETA HONOR Parkview Baptist School student Tony DeBenedetto earned national recognition after placing eighth in the nation in the Ninth Grade Biomedical Health Sciences competition at the National Senior Beta Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Tony qualified for nationals after finishing fifth in Louisiana at the State Senior Beta Convention. Competing against top students from across the country, he showcased his knowledge and dedication in the biomedical sciences. His achievement highlights Parkview Baptist School’s commitment to academic excellence and celebrates Tony’s hard work, perseverance, and outstanding representation of the school on the national stage.
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book corner
F rom family traditions to unforgettable adventures, grandparents bring stories, lessons, and memories that stay with us forever. This month’s Book Corner celebrates the special bonds between grandparents and grandchildren through heartfelt tales of love, family, and the wisdom passed down through generations!
YOUTH Enjoy these heartwarming books celebrating the love, laughter, and special moments shared between grandparents and grandchildren.
grandmother and grandfather, he has so much fun that he falls asleep before his father comes to get him! Grandmother and Grandfather Bear have many stories to tell and so much love to share with Little Bear! My Family Histor y by Jane O’Connor Fancy Nancy’s great-grandfather was ordinary, too ordinary! So she made her history report about him fancier than real life. What will she do when she finds out that her grandfather, great-grandfather’s son, is going to come listen to her read the report to her class?
that he’s still the best flying ace out there, but Jack thinks he’s the best. When Jack finds out the staff of Grandpa’s care home are stealing money, he and Grandpa come up with one last daring plan, not just to help Grandpa escape, but to get all the old people free! A crazy, silly romp of an adventure (including one last chance for an old man with Alzheimer’s to fly a bi-plane!) that kids will giggle over and parents will have fun reading aloud. Me and My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney This cute picture book-style introduction to genealogy is just what’s called for when starting to explain simple family trees. The author cleverly uses a cumulative style that helps kids relate each generation back to them and their nuclear family and gives the text a sing-song feel, making it more accessible to a younger audience. TWEENS AND TEENS Follow teens through unforgettable journeys of friendship, family, and self-discovery. As Brave as Yo u by Jason Reynolds When brothers Genie and Ernie leave Brooklyn to spend the summer with their grandparents in rural Virginia, they discover
You Be Grandpa by Karla Clark When grandpa gets tired while babysitting, he tells his grandson, “You be grandpa!” In this role reversal story celebrating all the fun and precious moments grandparents get to share with their grandchildren, a tiny grandson makes sure his grandfather has a lot of fun and even tucks his grandpa in on a night when he gets to be the grandpa. A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the quiet times and pauses that grandparents treasure with their grandchildren. While the narrating grandchild and grandmother in this book put on wild plays and sings and dances, they also take time to be still together and enjoy nature as they make “a cup of quiet!” when the noisy play gets to be too much. Little Bear’s Visit by Else Holmelund Minarik When Little Bear goes for a visit with his
Miles Lewis: Matchmaker by Kelly Starling Lyons
Miles and his classmates are very excited to have their grandparents come visit the classroom for Grandparents’ Day. Not only will there be lots of fun activities, but he and his best friend have begun to scheme. While talking, they began to wonder if maybe his grandpa and his friend’s grandma would like each other, maybe even like-like each other! Will their matchmaking efforts work out or will they just cause Grandparents’ Day drama?
Grandpa’s Great Escap e by David Walliams Grandpa may think the war is still on and
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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that growing up isn’t always what they expected. As Genie navigates family, friendship, and tough questions about courage, he learns that being brave can mean more than proving yourself. The Boy You Always Wanted by Michelle Quach Francine is determined to fulfill her grandfather’s final wish, even if it means convincing family friend Ollie to pretend to be the grandson he always wanted. As the two navigate family expectations, culture, and growing feelings, they discover that honoring the people you love doesn’t always mean following tradition. Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina As Merci Suárez navigates the ups and downs of sixth grade, she also struggles to understand the changes happening with her grandfather, Lolo. With the support of her grandparents and family, Merci learns valuable lessons about friendship, growing up, and facing life’s unexpected challenges. My Secret Guide to Paris by Lisa Schroeder After her grandmother passes away, Nora discovers a scavenger hunt through Paris that her grandma secretly planned for her. As she follows the clues, Nora embarks on a journey of adventure, family, and honoring the bond they shared.
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ADVERTORIAL
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mom next door
Dr. Rosalynn Thyssen
BY AMANDA MILLER
B y day, Dr. Rosalynn Thyssen is a four children while honoring the memory of her son, Traeh, through her passionate work in youth mental health and suicide preven- tion. Rosalynn shares how grace, hope, and meaningful connection have shaped both her family and her life’s purpose. SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? ROSALYNN: I’m very active, not only at work, but in every part of my life. At work, I play an active role as a nurse, educator, and mentor. At home, I’m a mom and a singing competi- tion judge. At church, I’m the mental health education resource coordinator. In my friend group, I’m just Ros. professor, mentor, and educator. At home, she’s a devoted mom raising WHAT ARE SOME THINGS PEOPLE WOULD BE ROSALYNN: I usually wake up to Chloe singing. She wakes up singing every sin- gle morning. Then I take the animals out. We have an American bully, a cat, and six chickens. In the summertime, it’s me coming to Southern University. I decompress [in the morning] because once the students get here, it’s non-stop until I leave. I listen to Pandora and then my day starts with meeting with students. Then we go into the classroom. I love teaching. I say that I like to “edutain.” My class is very interactive. Then I go home and it’s either helping with homework, taking them to a modeling event, or taking them to dance practice. I become the mom taxi. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Occupation: Nursing Professor at Southern University Children: Theodore Jr., 23; Traeh; Trinitee, 18; Tiva, 14; and Chloe, 10 Hobbies: Movie nights with the kids, karaoke, and playing Finish the Lyric
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE MEMO- RIES OR TRADITIONS YOU’VE CREATED WITH YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? ROSALYNN: We love celebrations. We believe birthdays are a blessing, because not everybody gets to celebrate them. So, whenever we can, we make the most out of birthdays. We also love Christmas time. When Traeh died, Christmas was hard, so we created a new tradition. We go to the Smoky Mountains, just me and the kids, because sometimes we don’t know what would trigger grief. So, we get a cabin high in the mountains. We say it’s kind of close to heaven, so we can include Traeh, and we just enjoy nature and we welcome whatever emotions we’ll have without being worried about being a burden to somebody else or worried about how other people may see us. YOUR JOURNEY HAS LED YOU TO BECOME A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION. HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE SHAPED THE WAY YOU SHOW UP FOR OTHER FAMILIES? ROSALYNN: When Traeh died, it was a big shock because I’m a nurse. I’ve always taught about suicide awareness in class. When Traeh died, it wasn’t the typical—he’s supposed to leave a note, he’s supposed to show all these different signs; so now I tell parents that sometimes things are very subtle, espe- cially now because kids are so resilient that whenever they are feeling upset, they hide it so well, so we have to create those moments of vulnerability even when we don’t believe something is going on. When we go to the doctor’s office, they check our blood pressure
every single time we go. We may not have high blood pressure, but they check it just in case. So, we have to do those check-ins for mental health the same way. I always encourage parents to do what we call the 13-minute challenge. Traeh was 13 when he died on October 3, and 10 plus 3 is 13. Thirteen is considered an unlucky number, but we wanted to turn that into something more purposeful. I tell parents to take 13 uninterrupted minutes to talk with your kids or youth. When I say uninterrupted, it means, put the phone down. Don’t finish the email. A lot of times as parents, we’re so busy and we’re trying to multitask. The kid may say, “Well, mom is busy, so I can’t put this burden on her because she’s so busy.” So, if we create that safe space where everything else is on pause and I’m totally focused on you, then it’s the hope that those conversations could come out. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH EVERY PARENT UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THEIR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH? ROSALYNN: You know how they say hind- sight is 20/20? I want my hindsight to be somebody’s prevention. So, just knowing that there are a lot of triggers in the world now. There are so many things happening on social media. There’s so much going on at school, in the world, and they may not verbal- ize what they’re feeling. So, we have to take
WHAT HAS MOTHERHOOD TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOU DIDN’T
EXPECT BEFORE BECOMING A MOM? ROSALYNN: To give myself grace. There’s no true book on how to be a mom or how to be a parent, especially with the different person- alities of kids and with some of the distrac- tions of the world. There’s no true handbook, so I have to give myself grace.
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WHAT HAS HELPED YOU FIND STRENGTH DURING DIFFICULT TIMES? ROSALYNN: Strength is a hard one. Whenev- er somebody tells me, “You’re so strong,” I tell them, “I promise you, I’m not as strong as you think.”There are days that it’s still really hard for me to get up every morning, because I get up and I realize that Traeh’s gone, so that’s where giving myself grace comes in. Strength is something I don’t always have, but I do know that I have community. I know that God strategically places people in your life to help you. We weren’t meant to do this life by ourselves. I also had to reshape what hope meant. As little kids, we believe in wishes, right? You wish upon a star and your dreams will come true. What I learned after Traeh died was sometimes wishes don’t come true. I wish things didn’t go the way they did. Wishes may fail you, but hope is everlasting. Hope for me now means that by me shar- ing my family story, somebody will take that and change maybe one thing that they do with their kids. Maybe be a little more open or maybe set up a little more time to spend with them. It’s my hope that by me talking to youth about mental health and suicide and letting them know that sometimes parents don’t have the answers, but we’re still here. It’s my hope that kids leave the door open and let us in.
WHAT’S ONE MESSAGE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH ANOTHER MOM WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING, FEELING OVERWHELMED, OR WORRIED ABOUT THEIR CHILD? ROSALYNN: The biggest thing is give yourself some grace. If you don’t know what to say, there are so many different resources out there to help you get the words that you need. 988 is great. Sometimes I text 988 and say, “Hey, I don’t know what to say to this student or this child that just came in, what are some ways that I can show up?” And again, if you’re worried, create that space and just ask. Sometimes as parents, we don’t ask those hard questions because we’re afraid of the answer. But asking those hard questions will let us know just how much that child is hurting or not hurting. We’re never putting any idea into a child’s mind by asking any type of question. What we’re doing is giving them the opportunity to express how they’re feeling so we can stand in the gap for them. RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS One word that best describes your family… active. Favorite food… lasagna. Hidden talent… ballet. Favorite movie… The Fault in Our Stars .
that time to understand that what they’re looking for is a safe space, and that first safe space should be at home. AS A MOM, WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU ENCOURAGE CONNECTION AND OPEN CONVERSA- TIONS WITH YOUR CHILDREN? ROSALYNN: It’s doing the 13-minute chal- lenge. It’s during the car rides to and from school, asking, “How was your day? What were you doing today?” My oldest daugh- ter has these two o’clock in the morning moments when she’s like “Hey mom, wake up, I got to talk.” Don’t ever miss an opportu- nity because things happen so fast. I let my kids know that there is nothing that they can tell me that will make me feel like they’re a burden. Although some of the conversations may make me uncomfortable, it's okay for me to say, “All right, this is a lot for me, but I’m going to try to get through it.” When Tiva was seven, right after Traeh died, we were talking and she said, “Well, mom, I just want you to know that I would be more comfortable talking about my feelings if you were comfortable talking about yours.”That was a gut punch. They let me know that we have to be open and transparent with our kids and that will make them feel comfortable with being open and transparent with us.
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thrive
Turning Grief into a Guiding Light The Orange Glow Project BY AMANDA MILLER M itchell Juneau’s smile left an impression on everyone who knew him. According to his mom, Kathryn, he was happy from the very beginning—even before he was born. “We had a 4D scan, and he smiled three separate times in utero,” Kathryn recalls. “The technician said she’d never seen that before.” That joy stayed with him throughout his 14 months of life. “He would cry and smile through it,” she says. “He was just a happy little guy.” Eighteen months ago, Mitchell died in a tragic drowning accident. In the unimaginable days that followed, Kathryn and her husband leaned on family and friends to carry them through. They also experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for grieving parents to find support. While Mitchell was at Children’s Hospital, the family was referred to Maddie’s Footprints, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families who experience infant loss. Because Mitchell was older than the organization’s eligibility limit, the Juneaus did not qualify for assistance. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, the experience planted a seed. In the months that followed, Kathryn reached back out to the team at Maddie’s Footprints to apologize for the emotional phone call that came in the midst of overwhelming grief. She says they met her with grace and compassion, and the two organizations now share a common goal: making sure families receive the support they need. That conversation became the foundation for The Orange Glow Project, a new Louisiana nonprofit dedicated to supporting families after the loss of a child.
The organization’s name carries a deeply personal meaning. At Mitchell’s funeral, two unexpected orange balloons appeared among the floral arrangements. “I just felt like it was Mitchell saying hello,” Kathryn says. Months later, she learned the florist had added them on a whim, feeling compelled to include orange balloons despite never being asked. Since then, Kathryn says orange has become a reminder of Mitchell’s presence. Today, she sees the orange glow as something even bigger. “It’s like somebody leaving the porch light on for you,” she says. “We’re the soft ember, the porch light left on that says, ‘Come on. We’re here for you.’” That welcoming spirit is woven into every part of The Orange Glow Project. The nonprofit’s first initiative is grief care packages filled with comforting snacks, personalized blankets, journals, and age- appropriate resources for siblings. “We’re not here to fix grief,” she says. “Grief is nothing to be fixed. We’re here to witness it.” As the organization grows, the Juneaus hope to expand into financial assistance for funeral expenses, counseling, and other costs
families face after losing a child. They’re also working toward partnering with schools to improve long-term grief support for children and developing an interactive online resource that offers practical tools for grieving families and the loved ones walking alongside them. Beyond tangible resources, Kathryn hopes to change the conversation around grief. “I hope we can become comfortable in the uncomfortableness,” she says. “You don’t have to have the perfect words. You just have to be present.”
Although The Orange Glow Project is just beginning, its mission is already
reaching families through care packages and community support. For Kathryn, success isn’t measured by numbers. “If we’re able to help one family, it’s all worth it to me,” she says. “I just want people to know they’re not alone.” For Kathryn, The Orange Glow Project is a way to keep Mitchell’s joyful spirit shining while offering families support. Through every care package and connection, she hopes his light will continue to reach others when they need it most. For more information, visit theorangeflowproject.org or follow them on Facebook by searching “The Orange Glow Project.”
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faith
Grace-Based Parenting: Trusting God with What We Can’t Control
BY ASHLEIGH RICH PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM
R ecently, we had a breakthrough in our house with our picky eater. After months of refusing anything but PB&J and Kraft mac and cheese, she suddenly became open to trying new foods. The funny thing is, I don’t know why. We’ve been trying some different strategies to get her comfortable with different foods, but they didn’t seem to be making much progress. So, either our strategies were working better than we thought or she just grew out of her super picky phase. That’s one of the tricky things about parenting. No matter what age or stage of parenting you are in, there is so much grace involved. Grace is just a fancy word for getting what you don’t deserve. Grace means that our outcomes are not always decided by our actions. As Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NIV) says, “I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” The tricky part about grace is that there are two sides to it. Sometimes it’s a good thing; We get good outcomes we don’t deserve, and that’s a gift from God. Sometimes it’s a hard thing—we don’t get a good outcome we might think we deserve, and we should accept that from God too, trusting that He knows what’s best for us and is working all things for our good (and our kids’ good).
Regardless, it’s worth remembering that we are not the ones in control. God’s grace always plays a role. So what does that mean for us as parents? Here are a few of my personal takeaways. We do our best and trust God with the rest. While we should work diligently as parents, we must remember that God is always at work in our children’s lives. We aren’t lazy or negligent, leaving our children’s futures up to chance. But we recognize that we aren’t in total control. We control what we can, we make the best choices we can, and we trust that God is at work in all things. We pray both for ourselves and our kids, asking for grace for all of us. We don’t beat ourselves up. Parent guilt is real—there’s always something else we could have tried or something we messed up. That doesn’t mean we’ve ruined our children. God can redeem the worst mistakes. There’s nothing we can do to our kids that God cannot redeem and make right. Remember: We’re imperfect humans raising imperfect humans, with a perfect God working alongside us. God is ultimately the one writing the story. We show grace to our children. If we want our children to appreciate the gift of God’s grace, we should be the first to
demonstrate it to them. We should give them good things they don’t deserve occasionally. Use it as a teaching moment to explain to them how God works in our lives. You can’t have all grace and no justice in your house (that’s just called spoiling your children), but a house with no grace is just as bad. That breeds legalism. So show your kids a little grace now and then. Let them experience grace in small ways so they can remember to look for it in larger ways as they grow. We live humble lives. There are so many things that we, as parents, can’t take credit for. If we have kids who are naturally good sleepers, brave eaters, good friends, self-disciplined, smart, etc., those qualities are gifts of grace to them (and to us). They’re things to be grateful for, but not reasons to pat ourselves on the back. So much of who our children are and how they grow is simply God’s grace at work. Rather than giving out advice, we should be thanking the Father who made them the way they are. Whatever struggle you have in your house in this season, give yourself some grace and trust that God’s grace is at work too. Whether you figure out something that works to help you and your child through a particular challenge or they just “grow out of it,” God is with you every step of the way and His grace is enough for you both.
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The Rise of Therapy Kids
BY JULIANNA STEEN PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 COVER KID MAXINE C.
T he percentage of kids and teens who go to counseling is on the rise, ac- cording to the CDC. And no wonder, with the introduction of smartphones and social media. “About one in five adolescents have a current, diagnosed mental or behav- ioral health condition,” the National Library of Medicine’s 2024 survey reports. The same data highlights that between 2016 and 2023, the percentage of kids ages 12–17 who were diagnosed with mental or behavioral issues leaped from 15 percent to 20.3. Not long ago, admitting you go to therapy was taboo. Fortunately, the cultural conver- sation has slowly shifted, normalizing the importance of mental health. One of the few benefits we’ve seen from Covid-19 was that it revealed people need an outlet to process what is going on in their lives. Which begs the question: Does your child need therapy? WHEN KIDS CAN BENEFIT FROM THERAPY Having a safe space is so necessary, but don’t discredit yourself: You have the tools you need to help your kid! There are tons of amaz- ing parental resources out there that can help you navigate different coping mechanisms. Having open, honest conversations with your kids can normalize sharing emotions and feelings so they feel safe to open up and say
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A THERAPIST
they need help. But sometimes, you just need additional resources—or your kid needs to hear it from a third party instead of a parent. It can be hard to distinguish between nor- mal childhood struggles and something that warrants professional support because every child is different. However, if it’s a persistent struggle at home or a teacher notices issues in the classroom, that might be your cue. Another sign a child could genuinely benefit from therapy is if they ask for it. “Certain life events—divorce, grief, bully- ing, moving, anxiety, ADHD, trauma—create difficult life stressors,” shares adolescent therapist Chatham Kennedy. “Therapy can provide your children with the right tools to navigate all of the emotions that come with these circumstances.” Similarly, traumatic experiences can lead to overwhelming emo- tions that are important for children to work through and process while in a safe space. HOW EARLY IS TOO EARLY? There’s not an official age range when it comes to starting therapy. However, you want to make sure to work with someone who specializes in your child’s age. Zero to 17 is quite the age gap—even if a therapist’s specialty is children, make sure they focus more on your child’s age range or developmental stage.
“Look for someone that meets your child’s specific needs,” Kennedy says. Whether your child needs help with trauma, ADHD coping skills, or ways to help their anxiety and de- pression, their therapist should be someone they can relate to, making them a safe space. While it is never the therapist’s job to push their beliefs on someone, you may also want to find a therapist whose values align with your own. Moreover, listen to your child to determine if they’re connecting or not. Sometimes an amazing therapist may be the wrong thera- pist for your child because their specialty or personality doesn’t fit. NORMALIZING EMOTIONS It is really important for children to experi- ence some level of disappointment or failure without immediately trying to “fix” it. “Our nervous system isn’t meant to be a straight line,” Kennedy explains. “It will be filled with positive highs and unfortunately, some diffi- cult lows, and our goal is to teach kids how to deal with these changes in a healthy way.” The aim of therapy isn’t to remove the “bad” emotions: none of our emotions are bad, they all serve a purpose. Rather, it is to help kids learn to care for their emotions
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instead of shying away from the hard or painful feelings. “A therapist’s job isn’t ever to fix the prob- lem—it’s to empower their client to know they already have all the tools inside of them to tackle the situation at hand, and it’s our job to teach them how to do it,” she adds. SOCIAL MEDIA There are hundreds of studies that point to the fact that despite living in the most connected age ever, people are lonelier than ever. Add puberty to the mix, and it gets a whole lot worse. “Social media often gives you a false sense of connection,” Kennedy warns. “It tears away the vital benefits of in-person connection.” Even if you don’t allow your child to use social media, they have group chats with their friends—they know when they’re not invited to things. The key thing to remember is that what we have access to can foster mental health or be detri- mental to it. The old adage is true: garbage in, garbage out.
there are several things you can do to com- plement therapy at home: ■ Read books: Seek out resources and do your research! ■ Ask questions: Figure out the heart behind your child’s actions by asking “Why?” ■ Expand therapy’s safe space to the home ■ If teens use clinical terms like “trauma,” “triggered,” or “anxiety,” ask them why they are using that language, what those things mean to them, and what that looks like? Get specific. ■ Don’t jump to conclusions ■ Create a space to process While the intention of therapy is to help your child, it is also to help equip you to parent well. “So much of therapy with kids involves equipping parents with tools and resources to help their children thrive,” explains Kennedy. HOW TO TALK ABOUT THERAPY Many teachers are leading the way in teach- ing kids how to talk about emotions. Even still, it can be intimidating to be vulnerable. So normalize it in your home. “Create space for vulnerability and practice healthy trans- parency,” Kennedy encourages. “If you go to
therapy, open up and share how it’s helped you. Additionally, you can practice vulnerabil- ity at home by sharing things like ‘Mom had a bad day, and this is what I did to feel better.’” Don’t make it a big deal, and don’t be afraid to ask about the hard things. If you have littles, explain that just like how they go to the doctor for their physical health, they are going to see a cool new friend with skills to take care of their mental health. HOW LONG SHOULD THERAPY LAST? Therapy doesn’t have to last forever. “My goal as a clinician is for my clients to have the right tools to help navigate complex feelings. We work toward their goals so they can thrive without therapy. When difficult situations arise, they can come back to therapy for ad- ditional support,” Kennedy states. Equipping your kids with the opportunity to go to ther- apy now is like putting tools in their toolbox so that they’ll be prepared when they need them down the road. TOOLS & RESOURCES ■ Watch Toy Story 5 , Inside Out , & Inside Out 2 ■ Read The Anxious Generation , The Grand Hotel of Feelings, Raising Worry-Free Girls , & Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life
A PARENT’S ROLE IN APPROACHING THERAPY
Every situation is subjective, so the appro- priate involvement for you depends on the situation and age of your child. Nevertheless,
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Questions Kids Should Ask Their Grandparents (While They Still Can)
BY MADELINE PISTORIUS PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 COVER KID ALEIA R.
B efore they were Grandma and Grandpa, they were kids, teenagers, students, and young adults with dreams, adventures, and plenty of stories to tell. This conversation guide will help your kids discover the moments that shaped the grandparents they know today. Sometimes, all it takes is one question to hear a story that changes the way a child sees the person they
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD…
love—or even the way they see the world. As you chat, hit record. Whether you use your phone’s video camera or a voice recorder, capture the stories, laughs, and little details that can fade with time. Before you begin, say the date, everyone’s names, and each person’s age. Years from now, you’ll be glad these details were recorded, too. Find a cozy spot, press record, and enjoy the trip down memory lane!
■ What street did you grow up on, and what is your favorite memory from there? ■ What games did you play when you were my age?
■ Did you have a family pet? ■ What were your parents and grandparents like?
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■ What were holidays like when you were growing up? ■ Were you in any sports, clubs, or activities? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY… ■ How did you meet Grandma/Grandpa, and what was your first impression? ■ What was your first date like? ■ When did you know you wanted to get married? ■ What do you remember about your wedding day? ■ What is the funniest thing that has happened in your relationship? ■ What is something you admire about each other? TELL ME ABOUT LIFE GROWING UP… ■ What major historical events happened during your young adult years? ■ What fashion trend did you love living through (or regret being a part of)? ■ Have you ever been on television or in the newspaper? ■ Who were your best friends growing up? ■ What was your very first job? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE ME… ■ What is something you were passionate about when you were young?
■ Do you have a secret talent? ■ Did you ever call another place home? ■ What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? ■ What did you want to be when you grew up? ■ If you could relive one day, which day would it be? TELL ME YOUR FAVORITES… ■ Do you have a favorite family recipe? ■ Who is your role model? ■ What is something you could never get tired of doing? ■ What is your favorite time of day and why? ■ What was your favorite movie, book, and song? TELL ME ABOUT OUR FAMILY… ■ Do you have any funny stories about my parent when they were growing up? ■ What family story should never be forgotten? ■ What is your favorite family tradition? ■ What was my parent’s first word or favorite toy? ■ Who in our family is most like you? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURES… ■ When was the longest you’ve been away from home?
■ What is your favorite place you’ve ever visited? ■ What is something brave you did? ■ What is a memory that always makes you smile? ■ What is one experience that changed your life? TELL ME WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED… ■ What do you wish you knew when you were my age? ■ What makes someone a good friend? ■ What is something you think is worth spending my time on? ■ What is something people worry about that they shouldn’t? ■ What is a mistake you’ve made that taught you something important? ■ What is one thing you hope I always remember? Grandparents are an important part of our families, and taking the time to reminisce can uncover memories, life lessons, and family stories you may have never heard before. One day, these recordings may become some of your family’s most treasured keepsakes! From all of us at Baton Rouge Parents Magazine , Happy Grandparents’ Day!
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hopeless, trapped, or like they are “a burden” to others ■ Looking for ways to kill themselves by gath- ering medications, sharp objects, or firearms or searching online for ways to end their life ■ Expressing unbearable emotional pain ■ Visiting, calling, or reaching out to people to say “goodbye” ■ Giving away prized possessions ■ Suddenly becoming calm or cheerful after a long period of depression The following warning signs indicate that a youth may be struggling with depression, which requires evaluation by a mental health professional: ■ Feeling sad or irritable more often than not ■ Sleeping or eating more or less than usual ■ Showing little to no interest in activities ■ Withdrawing from others
Talking About Suicide With Kids T here may be no conversation a parent fears more than asking, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” It’s a question many parents hope they will never have to ask—but mental health experts say asking directly, calmly, and without judgment can save a child’s life. Suicide is the second leading cause of BY AMELIA ROESSLER PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM
■ Participating in reckless behavior ■ Engaging in self-injurious behavior
Some risk factors may also make people more vulnerable to suicide. According to Child Mind Institute, a family history of suicide, bullying, and access to firearms and pills can all increase risk.
cide should be taken seriously and deserves immediate attention. While the prevalence of mental health disorders and rates of suicide increase as children grow older, recent re- search suggests that about five percent of 9- and 10-year-olds have experienced thoughts of suicide. Myth: Talking about suicide puts the idea in a child’s head. Fact: Research consistently shows asking directly does not increase suicidal thoughts. For children who have a hard time admitting they need help, starting the conversation sends the message that a parent cares about them and that struggling and asking for help is okay. SEE THE SIGNS When a child talks or posts about wanting to die or hurt themselves, it’s important that family members and friends respond. Often, children expressing these thoughts are experiencing emotional distress. The following warning signs, provided by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, indicate that a youth is severely depressed or at risk for suicide and should be responded to:
KNOWING THE AGE DIFFERENCE Ages 3–6
Experts advise to use simple language when talking to young children and avoid euphemisms like “went to sleep.” Make sure to reassure children that they are safe, and encourage questions. Ages 7–10 Kids this age may hear about suicide at school or on the internet. Ask them what they’ve already heard about the topic and go from there. Ages 11–13 (Tweens) At this stage, parents should familiarize themselves with the warning signs and ways to help emotional regulation. Check online influences and peer pressure, but make sure your child knows they are loved and can receive help. Ages 14–18 (Teens) Emotions can be complicated, and under- standing them can be even more difficult. Ex- perts recommend asking directly and calmly if your teen is thinking about suicide. Here, some experts recommend asking directly and calmly. Listen without judgment.
death for 10- to 19-year-olds and it affects all backgrounds. Most children and adoles- cents who attempt suicide show warning signs, making it vital that families recognize these signs and discuss concerns before a life-threatening mental health crisis. UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE According to research by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, suicide attempts are far more common than deaths by suicide, but any suicidal behavior is serious and can have lasting consequences. Most teens who are suicidal do not actually wish to die, but they are in severe emotional pain and want the pain to stop. They may not know how to move forward or whether there are ways to feel better. Suicide is preventable through early identi- fication, timely treatment and support. Suicide exists on a spectrum. From thoughts about dying (suicidal ideation) to suicide attempts and death by suicide, experts emphasize that any mention of sui-
■ Talking to others or posting on social media about: suicide or wanting to die or feeling
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