September 2023
nola family Parent Fearlessly September 2023
Parenting with Emotional Intelligence What Are Schools Doing About Bullying? Things to Know
About Cheer
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Publisher BRANDON FOREMAN Associate Publisher AMY L. FOREMAN Senior Executive Administrator ALEXIS ALEXANDER Director of Operations SARAH MILLER Client Relations Coordinator BRITTANY DUPLESSIS Accounting Coordinator Editorial AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AUSTRIA COHN Associate Editor Art/Production GRACE KNOX Senior Graphic Designer MADISON GRAHAM ALEX HERRING Graphic Designers Advertising CRYSTAL BARRETT CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY Business Operations LAURIE ACOSTA JENNIFER HOFFMANN MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Account Executives Community Development TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach Contact Us: editorial@ familyresourcegroupinc.com Office: 4300 S. I-10 Service Road Suite 103R Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 866-0555
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8 INEXPENSIVE HOBBIES YOU CAN PICK UP Here are eight inexpensive hobbies that you can pick up. EXPLORING THE BLISS OF OFFLINE PURSUITS A digital detox, or an intentional respite from technology, enables us to rediscover the pleasures of engaging with our surroundings and reconnecting with ourselves.
HOW TO EASILY HANDLE ALLOWANCES
From wise management of money to charitable giving, there are plenty of things you can teach your children through how you handle allowances. SNACKTIME! STRAWBERRY- LEMON MUFFINS If you’re looking for a sweet breakfast or a refreshing snack for the grandkids, these strawberry-lemon muffins are perfect for the job.
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September 2023 Issue 146
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nola family CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2023
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SCHOOL BUS
FEATURES
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The Sport and Art of Cheerleading
Parenting with Courage: Emotional Intelligence
Bullying Prevention: What Are the Schools Doing?
5 Sensory-Friendly Activities for Babies
IN EACH ISSUE 08 10 12 14
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From the Publisher
From the Bookshelf
Spotlight
Mom About Town
Out & About
Things We Love
NOLA FAMILY is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
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from the publisher
THE FIRST LAST DAY
Each school year brings new challenges, adventures, and friendships. The summers seem to get hotter and shorter each year, and my babies are not babies anymore. They have their own personalities, strengths, and struggles. They always argue that I have my favorite, but I really do not. Now throughout the day, I may get a favorite, but only because that is the one helping me and not making me want to pull my hair out. How do I stop them from thinking I have a favorite? All my children are different in every way possible. I have one who is a rule follower, will work for money or for free depending on what the job is, and always does what is asked of him. One of them is a comedian, always wanting to make you laugh but waits until the last possible second to do anything. Then, my teen, she is just in full-on teen mode. I never know what mood I will get each day. However, she still talks to me about everything, so I will take her moods because I know it’s just a phase and hormones are running crazy. I saw a TikTok the other day. It was about how we look at things as always being the first of something but also the last of the same thing. For example, my boys recently had their first last day of elementary school, as they will start middle school next year. It was also my daughter’s first day of school, but it is her last year of being driven to school. It has really made me think, and it encourages me to make the most of each day. Before I know it, they will all be out of the house and it will just be me and my husband. So while we are getting back into our routines, homework, tutoring, after-school activities, and our Uber jobs, try to take a step back and remember that these days will not be around forever, and one day you will look back and miss the kids bickering and all those talks in the car while running around town. Happy Back to School!
Associate Publisher Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you'd like to see in future issues.
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BACK TO SCHOOL AT THE LIBRARY
from the bookshelf
Going back to school after a long summer is both exciting and scary, no matter how old you are. Here are some book recommendations from the New Orleans Public Library to ease those back- to-school jitters and get students of all ages back-to- school ready. For your youngest students feeling nervous about the beginning of the year, try Back to School, Backpack! by Simon Rich & Tom Toro . Kids follow the journey of one anxious backpack through its first day of school as it’s unceremoniously dragged up the stairs and stuffed into a locker, feeling out of place and sad–until making a special new friend.
To acquaint kids with school for the first time, We Share This School: A Community Book by Dan Saks and Brooke Smart is a great choice. With a handful of specific yet universal school scenarios, kids will learn to be part of a school community and how to share with, and care for, one another. Starting middle school is a huge deal. Kid Confident #4: How to Navigate Middle School by Anna Pozzatti, PhD, Bonnie Massimino, MeD and DeAndra Hodge is a great tool for every student, from the shyest to the most outgoing kid in class. Readers will learn how to handle the increasing academic demands of
middle school, including organizational skills, time management, and how to be self-determined and have grit, all while developing a sense of agency. In Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas , audiences follow Bree as she excitedly enters her first day at her middle school. Until she’s stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule–Swim 101. Queasy at the thought of swimming, Bree seeks help from an elderly neighbor, finding the help she needs to face one of her greatest fears. Help older students manage anxiety with Stress Less: A Teen’s Guide
imagined: joining the dance club. First-Year Orientation edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith is a fantastic option for any freshman college students or rising seniors feeling a little intimidated by their early days of higher education. Spanning genres and moods, from humorous to heartfelt to ghostly, this collection of 16 linked short stories about the first days of college tackles what it feels like to take those first shaky steps into adulthood. The Library has tons of resources to help with homework, studying, test prep, and more. To explore them all, visit nolalibrary. org/student-success.
to a Calm Chill Life by Michael A. Tompkins, PhD . Organized into common “stress domains” like family, friends, dating, school, and media, this book is a great resource for teens feeling overwhelmed as they grow up and face more responsibility. For the manga-loving teen in your life, check out Wandance by Coffee . The series follows Kaboku Kotani as he starts high school with the plans to go along with his friends, keep quiet, and blend into the background like usual. But, after meeting another first-year, Hikari Wanda, dancing like nobody’s watching, Kaboku is determined to break out of his shell, eventually doing something he never
Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.
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spotlight
BOYS TOWN LOUISIANA
resources in place, or see if the kid needs to be removed because of a safety issue so they can be moved for more long-term care. This could be foster care, another relative, or into another Boys Town program,” shares Carriere-Williams. These long-term residential programs foster a sense of stability through a family-style environment. This program allows six children to enjoy the care of a married couple within a traditional home on the West Bank. This environment helps children learn what a healthy couple’s relationship may look like, how to interact with others within a family structure, and more. Children also go to outside school, can go to outside therapy, to the doctor and orthodontist, and participate in extracurricular activities. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2007, Jefferson Parish approached the organization about starting community-based programs. While the parish has plenty of initiatives to prevent children from being removed from the home, Boys Town could provide research-based methods of prevention that helped mitigate common issues that lead to behavioral issues and family services intervention like job insecurity, home insecurity, and more. The organization offered the Metropolitan Area’s families in-home services for 12 weeks that help build parenting skills, communication skills, and relationship-building skills. Utilizing resources, support, and one-on-one intervention, Boys Town goes in twice a week to help strengthen that family in need. The program Carriere-Williams is most proud of is the Early Head Start program which began when the national office of Head Start approached local community-based organizations that were interested in expanding into the early childhood space. Data they presented showed that children involved in early education make large improvements and advances, and they start kindergarten more prepared than their peers who did not attend an early childhood program. Since the data showed that familial support largely affected the child’s success, Boys Town’s Head Start program, created through a partnership with Head Start and private education centers, focuses on family involvement and staging family
interventions to address issues within the family unit by providing high-quality care and education for children through early childhood care centers. All 168 families go through an assessment process to find “strengths and stressors” that will pair them with research-based family interventionists to address problems and build those strengths. “We feel like that support is a difference-maker. Once those babies get that early childhood education, we also help that family so that they’re in a better space at year three when babies exit early education. We’re also teaching them how to advocate for themselves. We’re teaching them how to be involved in education while providing them structures for them to have input and involvement in their children’s education,” says Carriere- Williams. The nonprofit’s newest program is called Successful Futures, which is meant to lessen the struggle for children aging out of the program at 18. Successful Futures teaches job readiness skills to 16-year olds still within Boys Town. These skills include how to interview, how to look for a job, and other soft skills to be employable. Afterward, they begin a career education program that explores the different career paths available to them that align with their interests. Upon choosing a career option, a workforce development program kicks off that helps create an individualized plan to enter that industry through internships, apprenticeships, and mentors. Finally, a case manager stays involved with the young adult from six months to a year and assists with finding housing, acquiring uniforms, and other related career-success tasks. In terms of upcoming events, on September 29, Boys Town is holding its The Spirit of Youth Gala to support and recognize its youth. Program attendees will all receive a reward for their great work despite the difficult circumstances and traumatic backgrounds they came from. To volunteer, donate, sponsor a program, or become a mentor, visit their website at boystown.org.
By Sarah Batrous
Rashain Carriere-Williams, the Executive Director of Boys Town Louisiana, has been involved with the organization for 20 years and has watched it grow from its first location at a green house that was formerly an emergency boys’ shelter on Frenchmen Street and Royal Street, to multiple locations across New Orleans. However, Boys Town has a rich history in the United States. Boys Town began in Omaha, Nebraska in 1917 where Father Edward Joseph Flanagan worked with men in prison where he began to understand their struggle and how preventative measures can save wayward youth from sharing the same fate. He created a residential program for troubled boys to learn life skills and foster their education until they graduated from high school. In the 1980s, the program grew, spread regionally (including into New Orleans), and strengthened into the national organization it is today. As a research-based organization, Boys Town works off a proven model of care that works best with people ages 12-17. An organization called Green House in New Orleans adopted this model until Green House closed and Boys Town was able to swoop in and continue offering support to the community. As their flagship program, Boys Town served children within the juvenile and foster care system who were struggling to adjust to new homes due to trauma and behavioral issues stemming from their trauma. This is where Boys Town would assist in learning skills that can replace the behaviors that developed maladaptively to help get their needs met. Today, their Intervention and Assessment Shelter, or emergency shelter, is located on the West Bank in Gretna where they house up to 16 boys. “These are kids that have been in crisis situations who may need to be removed. We are only removing the kids temporarily while the adults around them, like Boys Town, their probation officer, or their foster care worker attempt to find out if they can go back home with the proper 12 SEPTEMBER 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
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mom about town
THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW 5
Gretchen Juncker Ferraro, DDS, and her husband, Nolan Ferraro, have two children: Eva, 19 months and Levi, 4 months. She is the owner and dentist of Sweet Tooth Dental–a cosmetic and family dental practice that sees patients of all ages. Even after practicing for 17 years, she still looks forward to growing as a practitioner; always learning new, exciting treatment techniques using advanced dental technology to provide the best possible care for her patients. DR. GRETCHEN JUNCKER FERRARO NOLA FAVORITES
FAMILY TIME
We have recently enjoyed bringing them to do fun things around the city. We love bringing them to Creole Creamery or a visit to either Storyland or the Louisiana Children’s Museum. When at the museum, we usually grab a bite to eat at Acorn. It’s such a fun environment, and the food is great for both parents and children!
As a family with littles, we are mostly just enjoying our time together as a family. My husband and I had been married for 10 years before adopting our first child, so soaking in every moment with her and her brother has been so enjoyable. We like to spend time at home in our backyard or going to our family’s summer camp in Mississippi. We went on our first vacation as a family of four this past summer to Perdido Key, FL. As most moms can relate, it wasn’t much of a relaxing vacation for us, but it was such a joy seeing Eva playing in the waves and sand for the first time! And Levi enjoyed a dip in the pool! VACATION DATE NIGHT It’s important for Nolan and I to still have our date nights! With the help of family and
HOLIDAYS
This winter we are looking forward to the holidays. Thanksgiving is such a great time to reflect on the many reasons we have to be thankful, and we are so excited for Christmas with having two children this year. With Eva being a year older, we know it’s going to be so much fun seeing the Spirit of Christmas through her eyes!
friends, we have still been able to slip away for an adult dinner with just the two of us or with friends. Some of our favorite neighborhood spots are Rock N Sake, Brasa, Ye Olde College Inn, and R&O’s.
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The Sport and Art of Cheerleading By Austria Cohn
Cheerleading tends to be written off as a female, after-school activity that some don’t even consider a sport. Yet, tumbling, stunting, pyramids, and other moves commonly seen in cheer routines take mental and physical strength. Cheerleading is not just putting on a colorful, bedazzled outfit–there is hard work and team dynamics that are necessary to safely perform these acrobatic stunts. Here are some of the top things you need to know about cheer. Team Bonding For all sports, team bonding is an essential element in order to have a uniform and successful team where each player can count on their teammates and coach. It is vital for a cheer team to have great communication and to trust one another, not just because it makes the routines run smoothly but because it keeps the cheerleaders safe. The owner and director of Baton Rouge Cheer Academy, Shawn Lagarde, does team-building
activities with the students so they can bond, learn about each other, and ultimately trust everyone on the team. “With them being able to work together and do something as a group, it builds that bond and trust between the athletes. It’s very important that they do that,” Lagarde says. “They want to be able to trust who they are working with because they’re doing stunts and tricks in the air. They have to feel comfortable with the person that’s throwing them in the air.” Health and Concussions Even with cheer teams that can count on every player, injuries still can occur. Safety is another essential element of this dynamic and challenging sport. According to a study published by The American Academy of Pediatrics, football was the leading sport of concussions during practice in 2019, but
cheerleading was second and beat out several sports, including basketball, hockey, and soccer. Lagarde says it’s just like another contact sport; there’s safety training involved for coaches and the cheerleaders. The coaches at Baton Rouge Cheer Academy focus on properly teaching athletes the correct way to “spot” and safety measures they can take to prevent concussions and other injuries. More than half of the injuries seen in cheerleading are sprains and strains, but according to Athletico Physical Therapy, concussions account for 31.1 percent of injuries. “You may be thinking this high rate of concussions would be from cheerleaders falling and landing on their heads. However, the cheerleading position that suffers the most concussions are the bases, and athletes who support the flyers in the air by holding them up and catching them,” states Athletico Physical Therapy. Skills Learned
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“Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long- term benefits for youth, their families, and communities,” states the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Science Board. Children that participate in sports not only better their physical health but also improve their mental, emotional, and social well-being. “Cheerleaders are some of the most intense, driven, and passionate athletes in the world,” states the Cheer Information Center. “The variety of elements of the sport, mixed with the extremely competitive nature of the sport, produces tough, strong-willed athletes.” Cheerleading especially teaches athletes time management. During a routine, cheerleaders have a set amount of time, and everything is done to eight counts. This teaches students and children time management skills by counting throughout a routine. Depending on how competitive of a team your child’s on, the time commitment to the sport helps athletes learn to balance their social life, academics, and team responsibilities. Commitment “I will definitely say in the beginning, the level
of commitment may not be as high because they’re younger and parents are exploring different avenues for their children to find themselves,” Lagarde says. “With competitive cheerleading, it requires a lot of commitment and dedication.” Lagarde describes cheerleading as a developmental sport where athletes with no experience will slowly learn the basics of cheerleading. Many athletes that are new to cheer want to learn exciting and thrilling moves right away, like a backhand spring, but it’s crucial for them to learn the basics first. “When an athlete comes in with no experience. We train them as beginners, and then they grow in the sport,” Lagarde says. “It allows kids to grow and not to be rushed to learn certain skills so fast.” On the other hand, competitive cheerleading is a lot more of a commitment and tends to be a year-round sport. Competitive cheer teams range in age, but most teams don’t start going competitive until age 13. The commitment and cost changes once athletes and families choose to compete competitively.
Sport for Everyone Despite some beliefs, cheerleading is not just a women’s sport. There are several benefits to having a coed cheer squad, one being that males tend to be stronger than females, and as cheerleaders, they make great bases. “The good thing about cheer is it’s so versatile that they have all-girl and coed teams. It allows those boys to be a part of the team. And, of course, boys are bigger, and they’re stronger,” Lagarde says. “They’re going to enhance any routine they’re in because they’re able to help with the stunting.” Yet, there is still this stigmatism surrounding cheer that continues to discourage male athletes from joining. “If people would not be so close-minded about the sport itself and just realize that anybody who has the love for those things–the tumbling, dancing, stunting–they can enjoy cheer,” Lagarde says. “At BRCA, it’s an open door policy for girls, boys, whoever wants to come in and learn the art in the sport of cheer.”
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Parenting with Courage: Emotional Intelligence
By Dr. Chrissy Chard, parenting coach and educator, and the founder of Courageous Parents
We are now in our third installment of our four-article series on Parenting with Courage.
choice, rather than us constantly being reactive.
worth, empathy, and social skills. Essentially, connection is what nurtures emotional intelligence in your child. Imagine a world where your child is equipped with the emotional tools to navigate life’s twists and turns. Afterall, what is resilience, if not the ability to navigate the really hard experiences that life will inevitably throw at us with an ability to stay present, and without needing to tap out, numb, or use unhealthy coping mechanisms? This is the magic of emotional intelligence. Picture them confidently managing their emotions, fostering healthy relationships, and expressing empathy towards others. On the flip side, failing to prioritize and nurture the connection between you and your child can leave them ill-equipped for the emotional challenges that lie ahead. Two things are true: the stakes are high AND there is so much you
Now, let’s get into this month’s pillar of Courageous Parents: connection is the foundation for thriving. I argue (and many researchers and child development experts would agree), that more important than just about ANYTHING else you may do as a parent, is your commitment to maintaining and repairing a strong and authentic connection with your child. This is a big idea, so let’s break it down. Countless studies have shown that a strong caregiver-child connection forms the foundation for developing emotional intelligence. What’s more is that research indicates that children who feel securely attached to at least one caregiver tend to have better emotional regulation, resilience, self-
In month one, we explored values-based parenting, where you spent time clarifying your family’s unique values. Last month, we delved into the first pillar of the Courageous Parents framework, that “every behavior is the result of an unmet need.” You committed to putting on your detective hat when your child is struggling to get underneath their behavior and find the unmet need. This month, we’ll delve into the second pillar of the Courageous Parents framework, that “connection is the foundation for thriving.” Before we do this, let’s reground ourselves in the overall goal of the Courageous Parents framework. That is, to find a values-based approach to parenting where you can access ease, joy, and self-trust by parenting with awareness and
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can do to foster this connection, regardless of your children’s ages. Through loving interactions, attuned responsiveness, and quality time, you create a safe space where their emotional needs are met. This then forms the bedrock for them to explore their feelings, develop self-awareness, and understand the emotions of both themselves and others. To illustrate this further, let’s talk about Will, a dedicated father who came to work with me when he found himself unable to support his five-year-old son through some pretty intense meltdowns. Through our work, he came to understand the importance of connection in fostering not only his son’s emotional intelligence, but also in gaining his son’s cooperation. Over time, Will was able to prioritize three things that made a huge difference in his relationship with his son, as well as his son’s willingness to cooperate with his daily requests (things like getting his shoes on, going to the dinner table, and turning off the TV). First, Will made it a priority to engage daily in what I call “delighted time-in,” where he left
his phone in the other room and entered his son’s world to play with him, while also delighting in what his son was doing. Second, Will changed the way he made requests of his son. Instead of shouting from the other room, “turn off the TV and come to the table!,” Will started taking just a few extra seconds to walk over to where his son was, sit down with him, and take an interest in whatever his son was doing. He would then offer a playful way for them to get to the dinner table (“shall we do rocket ship or spin while we walk?”). Will realized that while he thought doing this was going to take extra time, it actually SAVED him time because he often only had to ask once. (Importantly, it also preserved the connection between Will and his son). Lastly, Will started apologizing to his son when he found himself losing his cool and yelling. Will would circle back with his son to say, “I’m sorry,” and would also invite his son to share how he felt when Will yelled. Through these moments of connection, Will witnessed the frequency, intensity, and duration of his son’s meltdowns drastically reduced, as he blossomed into a
compassionate and emotionally intelligent young soul. Their bond became a safe place where emotions were embraced, believed, and even celebrated. As you move through parenting, remember that emotional intelligence is not about shielding your children from negative emotions, but rather about equipping them with the tools to navigate and understand their emotions. And importantly, remember that this is developed in our children through their caregivers fostering a safe space where vulnerability is embraced, and empathy is modeled. As we continue to nurture the bond we have with our children, and apologize when there is an inevitable rupture, we uncover a parenting approach filled with confidence, warmth, and connection. While this may sound simple, it’s certainly not easy! The truth is, we were never taught how to do this. Many of us also never had this modeled to us. There’s nothing wrong with reaching out for support.
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Bullying Prevention:
By Amanda Miller
When you see this happen to your friends or whoever it is around you, don’t just not speak up. It’s important that they show that this is not acceptable behavior. They would not want to have that behavior being done to them. [Also,] we want to make sure that whoever is the victim of bullying is supported, and there’s a lot of conversations that can be had through the parents about that to help in the classrooms.” For National Bullying Prevention Month, according to the website, Jefferson Parish School Board requires students in grades 3-12 to receive and acknowledge receipt of one hour of age- appropriate Anti-Bullying Training. The schools must also provide a designated area where students can anonymously make reports of bullying. By providing students with these tools and preparing them for what to expect, they are more equipped to navigate through bullying situations, whether they are experiencing the bullying themselves or one of their friends. Training for Teachers Teachers are sometimes the first line of defense
When he was 13 years old, Traeh Thyssen was an eighth-grade student in the talented arts and gifted program. He played the violin and cello, and he had long, curly hair that he was growing out to donate when he turned 18.
situations–reports that bullying is the most submitted tip on the app.
Darlene Cusanza, President & CEO of Safe Schools Louisiana, explains, “Our number one tip has to do with bullying, whether it’s cyberbullying or bullying in person, and we’ve seen that continue, pretty much for several years, where that has been the highest level of reports. We’ve also seen an increase in reports about self- harm. So of the two, that’s the majority of the tips that have come through.” With the number of bullying reports reaching such high levels, what are our schools doing to help stop this from happening? How much can they intervene? Culture in the Classroom At the root of it all, the culture of the school and in the classroom plays a huge role in protecting students and preventing bullying. Establishing respect for fellow students and looking out for one another is especially helpful. Cusanza shares, “We talk quite a bit about students being upstanders, not just bystanders.
Despite his philanthropic heart, his hair was one of many things he experienced bullying over.
Dr. Rosalynn Thyssen, his mother and founder of the Have a Heart Foundation, shares, “[Traeh] did experience all forms of bullying, from verbal to physical to purposeful exclusion, where he was purposely excluded from activities, and cyberbullying as well.” Hoping to put a stop to the bullying, Traeh reported the bullying to a teacher. Dr. Rosalynn also met with school administrators, where she was told that, “they will take care of it, they will look into it, and that he seemed ‘okay.’” Traeh committed suicide in October of 2019 due to the unresolved bullying. Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana–an app that allows students to anonymously submit tips in order to help keep themselves or others safe from threats, harmful behaviors, or dangerous
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What Are the Schools Doing?
in helping create a safe environment for their students. With the culture in the classroom being so important, teachers must know how to navigate through the obstacles as well. Sharon Blackmon, Director of Training at Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans, shares, “Each school district must provide training to all employees on bullying–how to identify it, how to report it, who the most likely victims will be, and how to appropriately intervene.” According to Jefferson Parish Schools’ website, school district employees who work with students must complete two hours of Bullying Prevention training, with new employees being required to complete four hours of training. The Vector Solutions training includes topics such as bullying basics, identifying bullying behavior, how bullying works, and effective ways to address the problem. Reports of Bullying Despite the training for administrators and students, bullying reports remain high, and many parents feel that there isn’t enough being done once the bullying has been reported.
Oftentimes, the reporting process can vary by school or parish. Blackmon shares, “Louisiana’s Bullying Prevention Law authorized the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to collaborate with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to develop rules and regulations on bullying prevention. Reported acts of bullying MUST be investigated immediately. If parents are unsatisfied with the result of the investigation, they can appeal to the district or the LDOE.” Work to be Done There is still work to be done in our schools to help prevent bullying. In order to better help protect our students and create safer environments, Dr. Rosalynn suggests that the training needs to be better, not just for building awareness but for how to handle bullying when it occurs. She says, “It has to be handled very delicately because when it’s not, unfortunately, it gets worse. And when it gets worse, the kids who are being bullied, they feel worse. And then sometimes, we end up with
situations like Traeh’s, where they’re no longer here.” Being more aware and taking the initiative to take things a step further is work that has to be done because we can’t lose any more lives, Dr. Rosalynn adds. Cusanza agrees and shares that having an open conversation and discussing what bullying is and how you should respond if you’re the victim is important. She also notes that educating parents on the proper way to respond and the proper way to share information in a constructive way is especially crucial. “This happens a lot, so sharing what you’re seeing with the proper adults in authority is very important because then they have a trail to see the behavior that’s being demonstrated,” she says. Unfortunately, bullying is happening everywhere, and a lot of the time, we aren’t even aware of it. Holding each other accountable, reporting what we see, extensive training, enforcing positive behavior among students, and practicing empathy can move us one step closer to preventing bullying in our schools.
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5 Sensory Activities for Babies By Sarah Batrous
As children grow, it’s our job as parents to expose them to different types of sensory stimulation so they can develop skills and cope when confronting strange new stimuli. How we do this is by making sure there are plenty of sensory-stimulating activities planned throughout the day. Kimberly Bradley, MS, LOTR, BCP, is Board Certified in Pediatrics and owns Kim4Kids, a pediatric occupational therapy practice. She explains the benefits of sensory activities and what activities you can try with your baby. Benefits of Sensory Activities We’ve all been there…our child has a plate of food in front of them, and all of a sudden, they’re wearing the mashed potatoes as messy lipstick, and the family dog is already on the prowl for the fallen pieces. Even though this can be a frustrating moment as a parent, Bradley says it’s important for babies to get dirty with their food because it exposes them to different textures and smells. Don’t wipe off their face or hands because it will be one of the easiest ways for them to adapt to new textures and stimuli, Bradley says. Sensory activities are important for babies with and without processing disorders
because it can help their overall brain development and ensure the baby hits their developmental milestones, she adds. From developing fine motor skills, encouraging independent thinking, and enhancing memory to helping children understand how their actions affect their surroundings, sensory play is important (and fun!), states Action for Children. When helping your child on their sensory- stimulating journey, exposing them to all five senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound) is essential. By exposing your child to different sensory-stimulating activities, it can prevent them from being alarmed when they hear certain sounds or feel different textures. For example, children who eat apple sauce out of a pouch might refuse to eat the same apple sauce off of a plate because it looks different, Bradley says. In addition to the five basic senses, the vestibular and proprioceptive system is also vital for a baby’s development. Bradley explains the vestibular system is your sense of movement, and the proprioceptive system gives the information that your muscles and joints feel. “This system [vestibular] helps us remain balanced, feel safe when moving, and coordinate both sides of the body,” states BabySparks. “The vestibular system begins to develop in the womb. Once a baby is born,
it’s strengthened and stimulated through movement and changes in position.” On the other hand, the proprioceptive system is important for children to understand how their actions affect their environment. For example, this system allows children to understand that when holding a puppy, they shouldn’t squeeze it too hard. Sensory-Related Baby Activities You don’t need fancy sensory-stimulating toys to further your child’s development. Everyday household items (containers, Kleenex boxes, silk scarves, and tags) can stimulate your child and allow them to be comfortable with their natural environment. Movement : tummy time (laying the child on their stomach), kicking feet, rolling, swinging, and walking. Touch: walking in the grass with bare feet, water play, petting animals, and letting your child get messy during meal time! Vision: reaching out for toys, looking at books, and seeing themself in the mirror. Hearing: playing and exploring with natural materials and learning what sounds they make (pots, keys, putting items in a Kleenex box). Taste and Smell: breastfeeding, eating different textured foods, drinking a smoothie, and being in the kitchen while someone is cooking.
Toys to Try
Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat , $22.97
Itzy Ritzy - Bitzy Crinkle
Sensory Toy with Teether, $14.99
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Sumobaby Infant Baby Musical Stuffed
Animal , $19.89
UNIH Baby Tissue Box , $36.99
Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set , $32.99
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September
out & about
Photo by Freepik.com
Beanlandia. Registration is $30 and includes all of the materials. kreweofredbeans.org Kids Sneaker Ball. Dance the night away in your sneakers from 5-9 p.m. General admission is $25. eventbrite.com Public Tours at New Orleans Museum of Art. Every Wednesday and Saturday, enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the art museum. Free with museum admission. Starting at 2 p.m. noma.org Storytime. For children birth to five, read, sing, write, and play together with your little one at the New Orleans Library. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. neworleans.libnet.info Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff. At Caesars Superdome, celebrate the start of the 2023 College Football season with music, entertainment, and fun activities. Tickets are $98.95, all-inclusive. Doors open for seating at 4:30 p.m. allstatesugarbowl.org Yoga with a Vue. Start the morning off right with yoga for $15 at Oak Lawn. Class is from 9:30-10:30 a.m., and everyone is welcome. longuevue.com 3 Sunday Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., head to the Cool Zoo, a wet and wild, kid-friendly experience for $12. audubonnatureinstitute.org Hot 8 Brass Band. Every Sunday at Howlin’ Wolf, see the Grammy Winning Hot 8 Brass Band at 10 p.m. thehowlinwolf.com Open Mic Night. At 7:30 p.m., head over to Neutral Ground Coffeehouse for your 15 minutes of fame. neutralgroundcoffeehouse.org Seafood Boils at Seaworthy. Every Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11 a.m., Seaworthy at the Ace Hotel serves a seafood boil. Dine-in or carryout. acehotel.com
1 Friday Art Battle New Orleans. Head to Zony Mash Beer Project at 7 p.m. for an art battle. Tickets start at $15. zonymashbeer.com Bake with the Beat Codey’s NOLA. Bake up a storm and have a delicious night full of pies. Guests must be 18 or older to participate. Tickets range from $75-150, and it begins at 7 p.m. eventbrite.com Fence of Fame. If you’d like to see your child’s artwork displayed on a fence or building, register online for $50. This is a recurring opportunity, so jump online to learn more. arttime.biz First Friday Tours & Tea. Enjoy tea time, treats, and a tour at Longue Vue from 12:30-3 p.m. Tickets are $80. longuevue.com Keepsake Box Workshop. Head to Community Workshop NOLA to create a meaningful Keepsake Box. Individual tickets are $80. eventbrite.com Taste of Louisiana: Hands-on Creole Class and Lunch. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., explore the iconic New Orleans dishes at Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Per person $115; museum members $85. southernfood.org Unsolved Mysteries of New Orleans Tour. The two-hour tour begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $35 each. viator.com WWOZ Groove Gala. Tableau Restaurant and Le Petit Theatre on Jackson Square from 6:30-10:30 p.m. $250. wwoz.org 2 Saturday Algiers Point Art Adventures. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., bring your kiddos to the creative drawing and painting class at Algiers United Methodist Church. Class registration is $30. stimpunks.org Cutting Board Workshop (ages 16+). Learn the basics of woodworking, and make a beautiful and unique cutting board from 6-9 p.m. at 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
Visit the Sculpture Garden at City Park. Head to Besthoff Sculpture Garden with the whole family from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. noma.org 4 Monday 1.5-Hour Bayou Swamp Cruise with Meeting Point. Choose a specific tour time, and tickets are $27 per person. getyourguide.com Bad Omens. At the Orpheum Theater, an all- ages performance starting at 8 p.m. $31-46. orpheumnola.net Bear With Me Comedy Open Mic. From 7:30-9:30 p.m., enjoy a night full of laughs every Monday. Free. facebook.com/bearwithmemic Body Pump Class. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., join the barbell class that will strengthen your entire body. West St. Tammany YMCA. ymcaneworleans.org New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., explore New Orleans’ food culture with a guide. Tickets start at $75. wanderwomenproject.com 5 Tuesday 3 Appetizers + a Glass of Wine. For $38, get a glass of wine and three appetizers at Ralph’s on the Park. allevents.com Evening Storytime at the New Orleans Public Library (birth to five years). At Sands Early Learning Center at the library, read, sing, write, and play with your baby. This event is free. nolalibrary.org Live! From the Jazz Museum Balcony. Every Tuesday, head to the New Orleans Jazz Museum for a live performance. Seats are not provided, and the show begins at 5 p.m. Free. nolajazzmuseum.org Snuggles and Struggles New Parent Group at the Parenting Center. This support group
meets 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Children’s Hospital. It’s for parents with kids between the ages of birth to 12 months. chnola.org/theparentingcenter Storytime at Norman Mayer Library (birth to five years). Between 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., enjoy the free event with your baby. nolalibrary.org 6 Wednesday Breathwork. Free weekly online classes are offered at Soul Dimension. The class begins at noon. souldimension.org Free Admission to Botanical Gardens in City Park. Enjoy free admission into the Botanical Gardens from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Show your Louisiana ID to the cashier. neworleanscitypark.org Louisiana Children’s Museum: Water Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, bring your kiddo for a free water-filled morning. For children four years or older, it begins at 11 a.m., and children who are under four can attend at 10 a.m. lmc.org Tween Chess Club. Bring your tween to learn the basics of chess while making friends, 4-5 p.m. Free, and register online. neworleans.libnet.info We PLAY Center PLAY Session. Drop in for playtime between 9 a.m. to noon. This is a free event at Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center. lafittegreenway.org 7 Thursday Anthony Jeselnik, Comedy Show. At Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, see the hilarious comedian Anthony Jeselnik at 7 p.m. stubhub.com Archery on Thursdays at Joe W. Brown Park. Free event from 4-7 p.m. nordc.org Free Admission on Thursdays at the Ogden Museum. Free for Louisiana residents from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ogdenmuseum.org New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Perfect experience for kids beginning at 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. johnettedowning.com Sensory-Friendly Playtime at Louisiana Children’s Museum. From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., enjoy the low-sensory experience. Register online. lmc.org
8 Friday 6th Annual Music for Mental Health Benefit. The Music for Mental Health Benefit is at Chickie Wah Wah at 7:30 p.m. chickiewahwah.com AKS Bead & Jewelry Show. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., enjoy the Bead and Jewelry show for $5. aksshow.com Core Mat 1 in New Orleans. Head to The Pilates and Yoga Loft beginning at noon for a core-focused class. thepilatesandyogaloft.com New Orleans Music Fridays: Gerald French. Admission is free and open to the public. The show begins at 2 p.m. on the third floor of the New Orleans Jazz Museum. nolajazzmuseum.org Parents’ Night Out. While you take the night off, drop the kiddos off for a three-hour, movie- themed dinner, dessert, and pajama party. Tickets per child cost $35, and the fun begins at 6 p.m. Recurring event. culinarykidsns.com STEM Professional Development Series: Newton + Rocket = Blast Off. From 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., experience hands-on classroom activities at the INFINITY Science Center. visitinfinity.com 9 Saturday Bon Appétit Dessert and Champagne Afterparty. Project Lazarus fundraiser beginning at 9 p.m. A $50 donation assures your entry into the afterparty. projectlazarus.net Hip Hop Cardio with FitNOLA. Dance to your favorite tunes while you work your legs, arms, glutes, and core. Beginners are welcome. 11 a.m. to noon. neworleans.libnet.info Open Canoeing and Fishing at Joe W. Brown Park. Sign up for the free canoeing and fishing event. This event is open to all ages. nordc.org Pilates Inspiration Weekend. Enjoy a pilates- inspired weekend at Ochsner Fitness Center beginning Saturday. Jump online to purchase tickets. eventbrite.com Singin’ in the Rain. At Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m., watch an all- ages musical. $39-$53. rivertowntheaters.com
Fall Home Deco! Pumpkins & Eucalyptus. Celebrate Fall at Painting with a Twist in Gretna; tickets are $45-$60 per person. 4-6 p.m. paintingwithatwist.com Nola Baby Fest. This festival is catered to moms and expecting moms. Shop and browse vendors from noon-3 p.m. at Crystal Events. eventbrite.com Thnoc Chess Club. Everyone is welcome to the free chess club at The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum. 1-3 p.m. hnoc.org Saints vs. Tennessee Titans. Caesars Superdome. Kick-off is noon, and tickets start at $47. neworleanssaints.com Underground Donut Tour. Book today for the two-hour Historic Beignet and Donut tour beginning at 10 a.m. wanerwomenproject.com 11 Monday New Orleans African Restaurant Week. Get specials and discounts all week at local restaurants in New Orleans. africanrestaurantweek.com Taste of Louisiana: Hands-On Creole Class and Lunch. Southern Food & Beverage Museum from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $115 per person, $85 for museum members. southernfood.org Tai Chi in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This recurring event happens from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Classes are $10 per person or $5 for NOMA members. noma.org 12 Tuesday Arrowhead Jazz Band presented by The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Admission is free and open to the public, and the show begins at 2 p.m. nolajazzmuseum.org New Orleans: Garden District Tour. Join the walking tour at 10 a.m. for $22. allevents.com Very Beginners Line Dancing. Learn how to line dance and have fun working out at 11:30 a.m. at West St. Tammany YMCA. ymcaneworleans.org Vinyasa with Tracy at Blue Arrow Yoga. Register for the 60-minute class online for $25. bluearrowyoga.com 13 Wednesday NOLAFAMILY.COM | SEPTEMBER 2023 31
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10 Sunday
FOC Film Series: Roots of Fire. From 6:30- 7:30 p.m., enjoy the film series at New Orleans Jazz Museum. General admission is $15, and for members, it’s $10. nolajazzmuseum.org Free Admission Day on Wednesdays at NOMA. Enjoy a free admission day every Wednesday from noon until 7 p.m. noma.org 14 Thursday Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé. At the Sazerac House, enjoy a magical, multi-sensory music experience. Tickets are $35-60. Two times to choose from 6:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. feverup.com Find the Good Day - Lakeside Shopping Center Pop-Up. Starting at noon, grab your favorites at the Find the Good Day Kendra Scott Pop-up. allevents.com Hot Power Yoga with Julie. Register online for $25 to take the Hot Power Yoga Class at Blue Arrow Yoga. Class begins at 5 p.m. bluearrowyoga.com Open House and Make-Your-Own-Pizza Party. From 4-6 p.m., enjoy the free event at NOCHI. nochi.org Reverberant Sounds Double Whiskey. Listen to acoustic hot jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt at Bar Marilou from 7-10 p.m. barmarilou.com 15 Friday Golf Fest - Tee Off Against Cancer. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Beau Chene Country Club, golf to save lives and end cancer. visitthenorthshore.com Mid-Century Modern Plant Stand. Make a sleek plant stand for your home at Community Workshop NOLA. communityworkshopnola.com NOLA Coffee Festival. September 15 and 16, celebrate New Orleans coffee at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. $15-90. nolacoffeefestival.com Paw Patrol Live! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, plan to bring the whole family to UNO Lakefront Arena. Tickets start at $65. pawpatrollive.com Sing-a-Long Fundraiser. The Sing-a-Long Fundraiser is in honor of women in Orleans Parish who are victims of gun violence. It is $60 to attend the event. 6:30-8 p.m. gnorw.club 16 Saturday 32 SEPTEMBER 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
2023 Pirate’s Treasure Chase. Run, walk, or jog a mile, 5K, 13.1, or 26.2 miles. This event is for all ages, and virtual races are available. Registration starts at $20. allevents.com A Trip Through Italy: Pasta Making & Wine Tasting in Josephine Estelle. At the Ace Hotel New Orleans, take a trip to Italy. Tickets begin at $120. acehotel.com Daisy Bade Sample/Brownie Dancer and Junior Practice with Purpose Badges. Register online for the event at For the Love of Dance Studio. The fee is $15.50 per child. gsle.org Heart N Hands “Running for the Heart” 5K, 10K, Bike. Start your morning off with a walk/ run/bike event beginning at 8 a.m. Register online. heartnhands.org Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Beginning at 7 p.m., head to the Mahalia Jackson Theater to see Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert. $25+. mahaliajacksontheater.com The New Orleans Art Fest. Free art festival at Louis Armstrong Park starting at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. eventbrite.com 18 Monday Beginner Cooking Class. This beginner cooking class for kids is for ages 7-10, and prices start at $45. 5:30-7:30 p.m. culinarykidsns.com Women’s Small Group. From 7-8:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Church. lakeshorechurch.life 19 Tuesday Mending Hearts Grief Support Group. From noon to 1 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m., find support and learn how to deal with grief at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. To register, contact Paige Rahn. paige.rahn@lhcgroup.com New Orleans Job Fair. Attend the three hour virtual job fair starting at 11 a.m. eventbrite.com Soul Full Reflections: A Full Moon Yoga, Yoga Nidra + Sound Bath Journey. Beginning at 6 p.m., relax, release, reflect, and rejuvenate during your deep meditation journey. The early bird price is $44, and at the door is $55. eventbrite.com TechLearn Conference 2023. From September 19-20, attend the conference at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. techlearnconference.com
20 Wednesday Abstract Painting with Cold Wax. Linda Benton McCloskey will lead the class from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited, and seats are $750 each. All levels are welcome, and this is a multi- day class. paintspacenola.com Culture Collision 13. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., meet your favorite local artists and culture organizations at the free Culture Collision 13 event happening at Jefferson Performing Arts Center. There will be performances, food, drinks, and so much more! jeffersonpac.com Craft Comedy at Courtyard Brewery. Enjoy a night full of hilarious jokes from 8-10 p.m. This is a free event that does not require a ticket, but a $5 donation is suggested. courtyardbrewery.square.site Creole Death and Mourning Tours Open. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., see the exhibit at the Gallier House. The exhibit is open until November 13, and guests can register online. $14-17. hgghh.org Disney Trivia. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. at Happy Raptor Distilling. This is a free event to attend. 504rum.com Lap & Family Swim. After school, head to West St. Tammany YMCA for a fun and exciting afternoon in the water. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. ymcaneworleans.org 21 Thursday Alligator Festival. At Westbank Bridge Park, enjoy a weekend full of alligators, live music, carnival rides, delicious food, and more! On Thursday, it’s free entry from 6-9 p.m. alligatorfestival.org CW Goodyear Book Signing. Head to The Rink Shopping Center for the book signing that begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. therinknola.com Glass Recycling Drop off. Drop off your clean glass for it to be recycled at Algiers Regional Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. neworleans.libnet.info Paint What You Want - Open Studio. At Painting with a Twist in Gretna, bring your creativity and turn a plain old canvas into a unique, one-of-a-kind art piece. paintingwithatwist.com ZOObilation (Member Event). Get a behind- the-scenes tour, animal feeding experience,
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