October 2023
nola family Parent Fearlessly October 2023
SmART-est KIDs in Town Parenting with Courage: The Finale
Spooktacular Fall Festivities
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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 MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors 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 Marketing SCHUYLER OLSON Marketing Specialist Community Development TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach Contact Us: editorial@ familyresourcegroupinc.com Office: 3925 N. I-10 Service Road W Suite 131 Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 866-0555
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CELEBRATE NOLA WITH SHEAUX SOME NOLA Have a taste of NOLA delivered right to your doorstep each month. HOW TO OVERCOME MENTAL FATIGUE When you use these strategies, you will discover that you’re giving your brain a much- needed break.
TRICK-OR-TREATING WITHOUT ADULTS Utilize these four tips to discover whether or not your child is ready to go trick-or-treating without you this year. HALLOWEEN FILMS THE KIDDOS CAN ENJOY 5 kid-friendly classics the whole family can enjoy this spooky season.
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October 2023 Issue 147
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nola family CONTENTS OCTOBER 2023
22
22
FEATURES
17
20
22
24
Fun in the Fall
Exceptional Needs Resource Guide
Dental Care for Special Needs
Parenting with Courage: Reparenting As the Path
IN EACH ISSUE
08 From the Publisher
10 12 14
27 32
34 Snapshots
From the Bookshelf
Spotlight
Mom About Town
Out & About
Things We Love
NOLA FAMILY i s 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. Graphics by Freepik.com
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from the publisher
FOURTH GRADE FIGHT CLUB
I’ve learned that when it comes to being a parent, nothing is ever the same each day. While we think we are teaching them what to do to be a good friend or family member, sometimes it may have repercussions that never even crossed our minds. I also learned a long time ago that every story has two, maybe three sides, so make sure you have all the facts before going all momma bear on someone. By the way, I really suck at that part, but I am working on it. A little “4th grade fight club,” as some of us moms are calling this incident, happened while I was out of town and did not have access to my children to get the full stories. I had my phone blowing up with so many different versions of what happened, but ultimately, I did not have all of the facts. I was ready to go all momma bear when my husband told me to take a step back and see what happens in the morning, since this happened during the last 30 minutes of school at recess. I am glad I did, even though it really had me rattled. The administration handled the situation in a way I didn’t understand. Why was my child getting in trouble for going to the aid of his friend who was being bullied? We teach our children to help the ones being bullied and stand up for what is right, but I wasn’t prepared for when he did, that he would be in trouble, too. And if my child ever is the bully, they will have much worse consequences at home. What I learned from this experience, or “incident,” as it’s being called, is that the school is teaching them differently. I understand what they are trying to teach our children, but our children do not understand what they are trying to do. They are expected to go find an adult to deescalate the situation rather than step in and try to help themselves. To these kids, that is considered snitching, and you know the saying, because they haven’t stopped saying it: “snitches get stitches.” I think we as parents should really sit down and explain the difference between snitching and reaching out when help is needed. I believe that if our children better understand the difference between snitching or needing help, we won’t have the recess brawls, and the kids who are in actual need of help, get the help they need. I think it’s best explained by its actual definition: snitching is to secretly tell someone in authority that someone else has done something bad, often in order to cause trouble. We’ve got to break the stigma of telling an adult if there is a problem versus trying to get someone in trouble. They are totally opposite, yet treated the same. Moms, dads, teachers, and any other caregiver who may read this, this is just another example of how society changes and we have to adapt and teach our kids another thing. We live in a society where people pull out their phones and record instead of helping a person in trouble. Yes, there is always a fine line we have to cross, but I have served that up to simply being a parent. PS: This is why we use our words and communicate… After talking with the school administrators, they have planned to talk to the children about the situation and discuss how it should have been handled. This is a great teaching experience, and I look forward to our carpool talk when that day comes. This is yet another reason why I love my children’s school so much; the lines of communication are always open.
Associate Publisher Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you'd like to see in future issues.
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FALL IS HERE
from the bookshelf
Summer is over and fall is finally here, which means it’s time to take full advantage of these fleeting days of cooler weather. The New Orleans Public Library has tons of great ways to make the most of the season, including these fun fall reads: In Apple Vs. Pumpkin: The Battle for the Best Fall Treat Is On! by Jeffrey Burton & Lydia Jean , young readers get to decide which classic fall flavor reigns supreme. Do you prefer pumpkin patches or apple orchards? Are pumpkin spice drinks superior to warm apple cider? It’s a tough choice for kids when both flavors make their case.
Break out your fuzzy socks and cozy scarves for Renée Kurilla’s It’s Fall! This celebratory book helps kids get excited for all their favorite seasonal treats and activities like cider, pies, corn mazes, trick-or-treating, and of course, Thanksgiving. In Duncan Tonatiuh’s Día De Muertos Números/a Day of the Dead Counting Book , young readers learn about language and culture, while simultaneously practicing their numbers. Centered around a counting structure from 1 to 10, readers learn about Day of the Dead altars. Show-How Guides: Pumpkin Carving! by Renée Kurilla & Keith
Zoo is a great choice for creative kids wanting to stand out with their jack-o- lanterns this year. Readers learn to cut, scoop, and spook with pumpkins in both classic and unique styles with easy to follow illustrated instructions. For middle grade readers craving a scare, R.L. Stine’s Stinetinglers: All New Stories by the Master of Scary Tales is just the ticket. Laced with R. L. Stine’s signature humor and a hefty dose of nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers is perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Stine’s own Goosebumps books. Graphic-novel enthusiasts are sure to love Ghost Book
by Remy Lai . Inspired by Chinese mythology, this dark yet resoundingly hopeful graphic novel tells a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the unseen world of ghosts. This captivating story, perfect for fans of Spirited Away , is sure to get kids in the mood for the spookiest season of all. For horror-loving teens, try Infested by Angel Luis Colón , which tells Manny’s story as he moves from San Antonio to the Bronx. Just as he starts to settle in, Manny is forced to battle with a malevolent spirit targeting his new apartment. Raising the Horseman by Serena Valentino is another excellent YA choice for thrill-seekers. The book
follows Kat Van Tassel, who wants nothing to do with Sleepy Hollow’s ghostly history. But, when mother gives her the original Katrina van Tassel’s diary on the 200th anniversary of the Headless Horseman’s haunting, a new legend gets too close for her to ignore. Night of the Living Queers: 13 Tales of Terror & Delight is a YA horror anthology that explores how Halloween is a night where anything is possible. Edited by Shelly Page and Alex Brown, each story is told through the lens of a different BIPOC teen about the Halloween that changed their lives forever.
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
KID SMART
By Madison Voorhies
Can you imagine a learning environment where science intertwines with dance, ELA merges with music, and history interacts with visual arts? Can you see the possibility of any correlation between the pairs? At KID smART, they’re on a mission to integrate education and imagination through their unique, holistic approach to contemporary teaching methods. The executive director, Elise Gallinot Goldman reveals how KID smART has thrived for nearly 25 years and how they are leading the charge for accessible arts education. “Arts should be accessible to all students in New Orleans,” says Gallinot Goldman, “We want to help be a part of providing those rich opportunities for our kids.” In 1999, two New Orleans artists, Allison Stewart and Campbell Hutchinson, noticed the lack of arts programs in public schools. What started the program of only 1 school and 20 children, quickly boomed into audiences of 63,000 students and 11,000 teachers throughout the history of KID smART. This includes programming in and out of schools and professional development for educators and artists. The official KID smART mission is to engage children and educators in dynamic, creative, and relevant learning through the arts. To break this down, Gallinot Goldman explains, “It’s not just about helping students become artists. It’s
really about helping students find more joyful and engaging ways to learn.” But how exactly can you incorporate arts into everyday school subjects, and what difference does it make for our students? Gallinot Goldman describes science and dance as a great example. In one class, students learned about sound waves through a combination of dance and music. She even recalls a time when students were witnessed going through different dance motions to help them through a regular, pencil-and-paper science quiz. Take history and theater as another example. Children read historical documents and complete research before they step into the shoes of those famous, historical figures. Through acting, they begin to conceptualize how decisions were being made at that time and can learn how to debate specific topics as if they were those people. “We’re finding that performing visual arts helps students not just to understand and comprehend the words they’re reading, but [to also create] that excitement about wanting to read,” says Gallinot Goldman. Aside from meeting those educational goals, KID smART artists are also trained to incorporate social and emotional literacy foundations into their classrooms. Whether teachers are focusing on acts of teamwork or helping their students individually,
they’re always teaching them how to express themselves proudly and powerfully. These acts of artistic expression, academic desire, and social and emotional competencies all weave together to create the foundation for KID smART. Gallinot Goldman and her peers see the arts not as a luxury, but as something that should happen in all schools. This is why it is so important for them to reach historically marginalized students, children with disabilities, and English language learners as a way for them to feel accomplished too, in a way that doesn’t always exist in traditional classrooms. So how can you support this mission? It all starts with investing in helping our teachers, so they can best help our children. Schools and parents looking to integrate the arts into their academic programs can learn how to get involved on the KID smART website. With its focus on kindergarten through eighth-grade schools, Gallinot Goldman hopes to expand the program by bringing the transformative work to older students. As the 25th anniversary of KID smART draws near, the biggest thing on their mind is the future of your children and their education.
For more information, visit Kid smART online at kidsmart.org.
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mom about town
THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW 5
Melody Marks is mother to Lucy, Ruby, and Molly; wife to Matt Marks; and a Child and Family photographer serving the Greater New Orleans area. She loves watching moms fall in love with their babies all over again through the photos she takes. This holiday season, she is especially looking forward to the magic of the season and getting to share those special moments with all of the families she meets. MELODY MARKS PANAMA CITY THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Everyone knows you can check out amazing books at the library, but we’re currently also loving the lesser known perks. Browsing the aisles is the perfect midday outing at the library to help pass the time and beat the heat. My husband and I enjoy listening to audiobooks, music, and movies on the Libby and Hoopla apps, courtesy of our library membership. Our girls attended Reading to Rover this weekend and each took a turn reading to a therapy dog.
A short drive away, Panama City offers affordable fun on family- friendly beaches. Our girls loved making sand castles and running through the water, but they loved burying their dad most of all.
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP
While we all know the heat this summer was epic in the worst way, the Children’s Museum is a perfect way to stay cool and still let all the energy out. The kids are especially fond of the bubble machine and the water mover.
DATE NIGHT AT A-TAVOLA
Making time to be together without the kids is work but so worth it. My husband and I enjoy sitting at the bar at A-Tavola as it boasts a lively atmosphere. A cold Paloma cocktail and any of their Neapolitan- style pizzas are the perfect pair for a delicious dinner. And don’t skip dessert, the cheesecake is unforgettable.
QUICK AND EASY MIDWEEK MEALS
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s as simple as a Caesar salad kit, grilled or rotisserie chicken, and the pasta of your choice. We throw this together in less than 20 minutes and everyone likes it enough to request seconds.
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Fun in the Fall
Halloween Haunts Field of Screams Halloween Trail 4001 De Porres Rd., Covington (985) 892-1873 visitthenorthshore.com Children and adults of all ages can enjoy thrills and chills as they explore eerily-staged Blue Swamp Creek trails on Saturday, October 12, sunset to 10 p.m.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Fall Festivals 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch at First Presbyterian 5401 South Claiborne Ave., New Orleans (504) 866-7409 fpcno.org/pumpkin-patch Starting Sunday, October 1, you can pick out pumpkins suitable for carving and cooking, or take from
Voodoo. Swamps. Cemeteries. These are just a few things that may come to mind when you think about spooky season in New Orleans, but there is so much more to explore throughout the city during the fall season. Gather your family for a month-long adventure of fall festivals, pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating, and other eerie events. Eerie Education Activate STEAM: Spooky Fun 1611 Fats Domino Ave., New Orleans (504) 596-2695 2020 Jackson Ave., Ste. 139, New Orleans
New Orleans Zombie Run 701 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans (504) 669-7655 neworleanszombierun.com
the collection of ornamental gourds and decorative corn.
Abita Fall Fest 22044 Main St., Abita Springs
Escape the zombie apocalypse and the Big Easy Roller Derby during this two-mile race through the Warehouse District. The 13th Gate 832 St. Philip St., Baton Rouge (225) 389-1313 13thgate.com From exploring an old, abandoned asylum, to being lost in a dark, zombie-infested cemetery, anything can happen as you journey through the 13th Gate’s 13 nightmarish realms.
(985) 773-8539 abitafallfest.com
Celebrate the art, music, and culture of Abita Springs at this nonprofit event featuring food and drinks, a Kids’ Zone, the Harvest Market arts and crafts area, and live music from Grammy- winning artists. BARKtober Fest 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville (985) 626-7997 visitthenorthshore.com Celebrate Howl-o-ween with your furry friends and family members at the Barktoberfest on Saturday, October 28 from 2-4 p.m. at Pelican Bark Park. Includes pet adoptions, vendors, costume contests, a photo booth, paw print painting, and tricks for treats.
(504) 596-3110 nolalibrary.org
Children have the opportunity to experiment, craft, and create a spooky, Halloween-themed project at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library on Tuesday, October 3 at 3:30 p.m. and at the Central City Library on Wednesday, October 4, at 4:30 p.m. Oktoberfest Camp 1719 Toledano St., New Orleans (504) 390-8399 upturnarts.org This continuing collaboration symbolizes how Upturn Arts seeks ways for young artists to find joy in being together and creative. Children ages 4 to 12 will love exploring new or familiar cultural traditions on Monday, October 6.
The Mortuary 4800 Canal St., New Orleans
(504) 483-2350 themortuary.net
Let the thrills begin! Mortals of New Orleans are formally invited to the Blood Wedding of the season at one of the most haunted places in America. Not recommended for children under the age of 11.
Barn Hill Preserve 11342 LA-955, Ethel (225) 286-3003 barnhillpreserve.com
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Dinosaurs and wizards and princesses, oh my! Visit Barn Hill Preserve every weekend this October for a different themed pumpkin patch every week. You can also check out their petting zoo, corn maze, and face painting station. CM Farms 252 CM Farms Rd., Dry Creek (337) 328-8916 cmfarmsllc.com You may need more than just one day to explore everything CM Farms has to offer, including its 50+ attractions like pony rides, pumpkin patches, and a 12-acre corn maze. Fall and Christmas Market 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner (985) 966-7863 steinhauerproductions.com Experience one of the best arts and crafts shows in Louisiana. Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping while also enjoying all things fall at the Pontchartrain Convention Center, October 14-15.
(504) 488-5488 longuevue.com
Glitter Pumpkin Patch 127 S. Solomon St., New Orleans (504) 454-8837 nolacraftculture.com facebook.com/nolacraftculture This patch plays homage to The Rocky Horror Picture Show this year and features handmade glitter pumpkins, local crafters, food vendors and fun!
Spend a beautiful, fall afternoon making harvest crafts, playing lawn games, and trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 28 from 2-5 p.m. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze 4560 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge (225) 763-3990 lsu.edu/botanic-gardens Join the LSU AgCenter every Friday and Saturday from October 7-28 for a fun-filled day, including pumpkins, sunflowers, hayrides, and, of course, the corn maze. MCA Holiday Marketplace 7020 Louisville St., New Orleans (504) 288-7626 mcacubs.com Shop local art, crafts, handmade items, and more at the MCA Holiday Marketplace in Mount Carmel Academy’s Mother Thérèse Chevrel Assembly Center at 9 a.m. on October 21. Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch 11215 Lee’s Ln., Hammond (225) 567-3493 thfarms.com Mrs. Heather officially invites you to join her at this year’s pumpkin patch through November 5, where you can pick and carve your pumpkin, play with farm animals, or meet your favorite cartoon character.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch 1031 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans (504) 866-0123 standrewsnola.com
Through Monday, October 30, you can visit St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church to collect pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, play family games, and win door prizes. Sugar Roots Farm Pumpkin Patch Festival 10701 Willow Dr., New Orleans (504) 239-8695 sugarrootsfarm.org Visit Sugar Roots Farm this fall for vendors, musicians, games, pumpkin patches, face painting, pony rides, hayrides and more. The farm is also selling pumpkins during its everyday operational hours. Singing or Screaming? Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular Roussel Hall, 6301 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans (504) 523-6530 lpomusic.com/event
Fall Garden Festival 5 Victory Ave., New Orleans (504) 483-9402 neworleanscitypark.org
Join the City Park Conservancy for plant and garden product exhibits and sales, educational programs, music, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations and more.
Longue Vue Fall Fest 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans
NOLA Craft Culture’s 3rd Annual
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With musical tributes to Batman, Harry Potter, and Michael Jackson, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents familiar tunes for people of all ages, perfect to get anyone in the Halloween mood. The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1419 Basin St., New Orleans (504) 525-1052 mahaliajacksontheater.com Let’s do the time warp again! Visit the Mahalia Jackson Theater for an interactive screening of the original movie-musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with a live shadow-cast. Young Frankenstein 1118 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie (504) 885-2000 jpas.org It’s alive! Families will enjoy this zany musical that brings to life the story of mad scientist Frederick Frankenstein, who repeats his grandfather’s monstrous mistakes with monster-sized silliness. Spooky Celebrations Boo at the Zoo 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans (504) 861-2537 events.audubonnature institute.org/boo Calling all little ghosts and goblins! Wear your best costume to trick-or- treat with your favorite animals, get lost in the Halloween maze, explore a haunted house and more at the Audubon Zoo.
916 N. Peters St., New Orleans (504) 636-6400 frenchmarket.org The French Market presents Halloween fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, trick-or-treating in the French Market District, and its Spooky Second Line!
409 B West 3rd St., Thibodaux (985) 413-9886 downtownthibodaux.org Bring your mini monsters to Downtown Thibodaux on Friday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m., for a fun
(and free) evening of trick-or-treating with participating businesses. Oktoberfest 1700 Moss St., New Orleans (504) 522-8014 oktoberfestnola.com
Brews and Boos 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans (504) 482-4888 neworleanscitypark.org
Brews and Boos features adult-only access to the amusement park at City Park and a ghastly amount of “boos” for guys and ghouls ages 21+.
Celebrate German heritage at the Deutsches Haus with traditional music, German folk dancing, cold
beer, wine, and liquors, and delectable German cuisine.
Ghosts in the Oaks 7 Victory Ave., New Orleans (504) 482-4888 neworleanscitypark.org
Rougarou Fest 7910 Park Ave., Houma
(985) 580-7289 rougaroufest.org
Visit the City Park Carousel Gardens Amusement Park to explore the pumpkin patch, go trick-or-treating, or enjoy a hot dog around the campfire during this spooky outdoor celebration.
The Rougarou Fest showcases live music, cultural activities, children’s activities, Cajun food, the Krewe Ga Rou parade, and so much more as it celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. St. Tammany Monster Mash 213 Park Dr., Covington (985) 898-4435 sthfoundation.org/monstermash Visit the Northshore for the 35th anniversary Monster Mash to experience trick-or-treating, music, cookie decorating, crafts, carnival rides and more.
Krewe of BOO! Halloween Parade Rolls from Elysian Fields Avenue &
Chartres Street (504) 233-2831 kreweofboo.com
Let the good times roll during the official Halloween parade of New Orleans! Come prepared to catch plenty of toys, candy, beads and other Halloween-themed throws.
Boo Carré Halloween Haunt
Monsters on Main
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Parenting with Courage Reparenting As the Path
By Dr. Chrissy Chard, parenting coach and educator, and the founder of Courageous Parents
We are in our fourth and final installment of our series on Parenting with Courage. In our first month, we explored values-based parenting, where you spent time clarifying your family’s unique values. In the second 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. Last month, we delved into the second pillar of the Courageous Parents framework, that “connection 20 OCTOBER 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
is the foundation for thriving,” where we explored how to build connection capital with our kiddos. As we wrap up this series, we once more remind ourselves of the goal of the Courageous Parents framework, which is to find a values-based approach to parenting where you can access ease, joy, and self-trust by parenting with awareness and choice. Now, let’s get into our final month’s pillar of Courageous Parents: It starts with us. As you well know, parenting is a journey that can shake you to your core. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, with thrills and drops and twists and turns. If we let it, the experience of being a parent can challenge and stretch us in ways we didn’t know were possible. It
can also be a gateway into profound self-discovery and healing. What this third pillar invites us into, is the truth that the power to transform our parenting experience lies within us. Transformation happens not by changing our children, but by changing ourselves. This, my dear parents, is the work of reparenting. So, what exactly is reparenting, and how can it change our lives as parents? Reparenting is the process of giving yourself the love, care, and acceptance that you needed as a child but may not have fully received. Now, I want to add a caveat here–this doesn’t necessarily mean your parents didn’t do a good job. Two things can be true–your
parents may have been doing the best they could, and there still may have been ways they fell short. Reparenting involves first identifying the patterns that are not serving you, and then healing the wounds that caused them, so you may free yourself from these patterns that have been passed down, often through generations. Importantly, this isn’t just theoretical. In one study, for example, adults who engaged in 12 weeks of reparenting practices experienced significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, which is linked to many positive outcomes, including better relationships with our children. Why is this important? First, it’s well documented that our unresolved childhood experiences can lead to all sorts of negative behaviors, many of which can impact our children’s emotional development. Let’s take a deep breath here. There’s an important flipside to this truth. I often tell my clients, if there’s ONE thing I hope all parents take away from doing this work, it’s that it is never too late. I’ll say that again… It is NEVER too late. Anything that has been wired, any experience we or our children have had, can all be rewired.
What we know from neuroscience is that the brain has an incredible capacity to create new connections and pathways. What does this look like in action? Imagine a life where you no longer feel triggered by your child’s behavior, where you can respond with calm and compassion instead of frustration. Picture yourself fostering a deep connection with your children, built on understanding and empathy. What’s also important is that reparenting is not about becoming a perfect parent; it’s about becoming a more aware and conscious one. It’s understanding that we all carry emotional baggage from our past, and that addressing it can lead to positive changes in our parenting style, and therefore, in our bond with our children. The big picture here is that by nurturing and healing ourselves, we can break the cycle of repeating unhealthy patterns and creating a loving environment for our children to thrive. I want to share a story about a client of mine, Liza, who came to work with me because she found herself constantly overwhelmed and impatient with her young daughter, Emmy. Through our work together, it became clear that Liza had developed very strong people-
pleasing tendencies, as a result of always feeling like she needed to prove her worth as a child. Because of this, she was struggling with feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy, which was showing up in her parenting as a belief that “I can’t handle this.” Recognizing the impact of her past, Liza began the work of reparenting. Through coaching and self-reflection, she began to offer herself the love and compassion she needed as a child. As she healed her own wounds, she noticed a remarkable transformation in her relationship with Emmy. Liza found herself responding to Emmy’s tantrums with confidence, patience, and a feeling of groundedness. This resulted in Emmy feeling seen and safe, which led to fewer, less intense meltdowns. Liza’s decision to reparent herself not only changed her life, but it also transformed Emmy’s experience of childhood. Parenting is not just about guiding our children; it’s also about healing ourselves. Reparenting is a powerful tool that supports parents in creating a positive and nurturing environment for ourselves and our children. And most importantly, remember that it’s never too late to start this transformative journey.
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Exceptional Needs Resource Guide With these local resources, you and your child will have access to businesses and organizations that are providing excellent support, therapy, and hands-on programs that work best for every need.
(504) 524-5955 raphaelvillage.org St. Benilde School - Exceptional Learners Program (504) 833-9894 stbenilde.com/exceptional-learners-program St. Michael Special School (504) 524-7285 stmichaelspecialschool.com St. Thérèse Academy (504) 513-4400 sttheresenola.org/
(504) 733-2874 mcs-nola.org The Bright School for the Deaf (504) 256-9200 thebrightschool.org
Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Care
Camp Bon Coeur (337) 233-8437 heartcamp.com Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute (985) 236-0710 louisianaheart.org Ochsner Health Center for Children - New Orleans (504) 842-5200 ochsner.org The Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans (504) 547-7712 chnola.org
Programs
Behavior Teaching Concepts (504) 517-4282 behaviorteach.com Camp Friendship (504) 737-5181 sblouisiana.org/camp-friendship
Nonprofits
Autism Society of Greater New Orleans (504) 603-6548 asgno.org Easterseals Chartwell Center (504) 899-2478 chartwellcenter.org
Dragonfly Café (504) 544-9530 dragonflynola.com Firstline Schools - Discovery Plus Program (504) 252-2571 firstlineschools.org
Learning Centers
Opportunities Academy (504) 503-1421 oa.collegiateacademies.org PediaTrust (225) 535-4614 pediatrustkids.com Raphael Village
Exceptional Lives (844) 354-1212
GiGi’s Playhouse (504) 321-6770 gigisplayhouse.org Louisiana DeafBlind Project for Children and Youth
exceptionallives.org/louisiana Magnolia Community Services
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(504) 556-3455 hdc.lsuhsc.edu/ladbp Louisiana EarlySteps (866) 305-4985 laeikids.com Love Swimming - Special Needs Classes (504) 891-4662 loveswimming.com Miracle League Greater New Orleans (504) 547-7712 chnola.org ReNEW Schools Special Education Programs
aveanna.com Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development (504) 493-2019 ochsner.org/boh National Seating & Mobility - New Orleans
(504) 322-3837 ibhpsych.com Kim4Kids Pediatric Occupational Therapy (504) 517-5437 kim4kidsnola.com Love’s Music Therapy (504) 281-8968 lovesmusictherapy.com New Orleans Medical Day Health Center
(504) 729-4074 nsm-seating.com Padua Community Services
(504) 392-0502 ccano.org/padua United Cerebral Palsy of Greater New Orleans (504) 461-4266 ucpgno.org Speech, Feeding, Autism and other Special Needs Therapy Centers Audubon Behavioral Health (504) 861-0560 audubonbehavioralhealth.com Autism Spectrum Therapies (504) 434-4310 autismtherapies.com Behavioral Health & Human Development Center (504) 454-3015
(504) 704-5647 pediatrichc.com Puglia Counseling Services (504) 239-4380 pugliacounseling.com The Thompson Center for Autism (985) 503-2412 thompsonautism.com Therapeutic Learning Center (504) 565-7300 tlcnola.com WithinReach (504) 885-4327 withinreachnola.com
(504) 367-3307 renewschools.org Special Olympics Louisiana (985) 345-6644 specialolympicsla.org The Art in Me
(504) 481-7359 artinmenola.com The Prism Project of Greater New Orleans (504) 943-0343 fhfnola.org Tubman Montessori - Aurora Program (504) 708-8325 tubmancharterschool.org
Support for Parents
liveandlearnwell.com Bloom Therapy NOLA (504) 356-2025 bloomtherapygroupnola.com
Down Syndrome Association of GNO (504) 259-6201 dsagno.org/new-parents Everything Autism (504) 952-2304 autism4home.com FHF of Greater New Orleans (800) 766-7736 fhfofgno.org Louisiana Hands & Voices (504) 388-5712 lahandsandvoices.org Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center (504) 218-8922 pyramidparentcenter.org
Special Needs Service Centers
Arc of Greater New Orleans (504) 267-7741 (Metairie) (504) 897-0134 (Uptown) arcgno.org Club Z! Tutoring Services (504) 308-1069 clubztutoring.com Family Behavioral Health Center (504) 780-1702 familybehavioralhealthcenter.com Metairie Pediatric Day Health Care Center (504) 355-5197
Butterfly Effects (504) 641-4283 butterflyeffects.com ChatterNola
(504) 354-8078 chatternola.com Gulfsouth Autism Center (504) 323-3450 (New Orleans) (504) 291-6200 (Metairie) gulfsouthautismcenter.com Integrated Behavioral Health
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2023 23
Dental Care for Special Needs
By Austria Cohn
It might feel like a war zone when it’s that time of night, and you’re telling your child to go brush and floss their teeth. You might hear the common whining complaints, like “Whyyyy?” or “I don’t want to,” in the rush to get them out the door and to school on time. Yet, parents who have a child with special needs run into several other obstacles and challenges when trying to maintain their child’s oral health. Parents with children with special needs have a lot of battles to overcome, and oral health is one of them that might be difficult but is necessary. Oral health is connected in many ways to the overall health of the body, so it’s vital to maintain a daily routine to keep your child’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw healthy. If you’re a parent who is feeling lost, angry, frustrated, or running out of steam when it comes to brushing your special needs child’s teeth, here are a few tips and things to keep in
mind when finding the right dentist that will be patient, kind, and caring to your child. “We’re not trying to treat them when they’re in pain. We want to keep them from that,” says Dr. Timothy Delcambre. “That’s what’s most important.” Accommodating For Special Needs When typing into Google “Dentists Near Me,” chances are you won’t find an office that truly accommodates your special needs child. You need a dentist who is patient, adaptive, and kind. For some patients, especially with autism, timing and routine are very important, and when that’s disrupted, it can be very difficult for the child to cope. At Dr. Delcambre’s office, they will schedule patients when it’s most convenient and comfortable for them. Their office is also wheelchair accessible. Patience is another essential facet when finding
the right dentist for your child. Getting work done at the dentist can be painful, uncomfortable, and scary, so having a patient, kind, and caring doctor can make the experience better for your child. Depending on the patient, Dr. Delcambre will go slowly with the treatment. Every child is different, so it’s also imperative for the doctor to see their medical history prior to their first visit. When Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Patrick Bowman and his team receive a phone call from a parent of a child with autism, Down syndrome, sensory difficulties, etc., the team will go through a detailed questionnaire with the parent. “We try to find those trigger points, and then on their visit, we try to set up the environment to be conducive as best as we can,” Dr. Bowman says. Many children can also benefit from the dentist explaining what will happen beforehand.
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“We tell kids what we’re going to do, we show the kids what we’re going to do, and then we do it,” Dr. Bowman says. “Then we follow up with a ton of positive reinforcement afterward.” Dental Problems to Look Out For As a parent, we learn to prioritize certain things over others and choose our battles carefully. Unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence for oral care not to be a priority, but Dr. Delcambre says it should be seen as a top priority. “This is where nutrition digestion starts,” Dr. Delcambre says. “If you don’t take care of the mouth, teeth, tongue, and cheeks and all the structures there, the patient will begin to have other medical problems.” Moreover, children with special needs might have damaging oral habits like teeth grinding or clenching, food pouching, or tongue thrusting that can lead to dental issues, states the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Tooth Decay or Cavities. This is a common oral health problem because of the difficulty of
effectively brushing the child’s teeth. Periodontal (gum) Disease. This is caused by plaque build-up on the teeth and is especially common in children with Down Syndrome. Prescription Drug Side Effects. The list of side effects from prescription drugs is long, like dry mouth and swelling, which can make it more challenging to complete the daily routine. Tips to Keep in Mind 1. Read the Reviews Before making an appointment with a dentist’s office, jump online and skim a few reviews to ensure the practice will accommodate your Before your first appointment, bring your kiddo in to meet the team and see the space. You can even ask the office if your child can pick a prize before they leave. Creating a positive association with the dentist can help your child become more comfortable with their future experiences. child’s needs. 2. Take a Tour
3. Read Books & Watch Videos Especially for young children, reading a book or watching a video about going to the dentist can help with the first-day jitters or anxiety. 4. Try a Different-Sized Toothbrush Consider trying a different toothbrush if your child has difficulty brushing their teeth in the morning or at night. 5. Count to 10 and Take a Break If your child is in pain or struggling when brushing their teeth, consider counting out loud to 10 and then giving the child a break. This technique has a psychological component that helps kids be more successful when keeping up with their oral hygiene. 6. Reach Out & Ask Questions An excellent special needs dentist will answer all your questions, give you advice, and help in every way they can. Don’t be afraid to have a list of questions when finding a new office.
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26 OCTOBER 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
October
out & about
Illustrations by Freepik.com
2
Halloween Parade 1
Boo at the Zoo Calling all little ghosts and goblins! Wear your best costume to trick-or-treat with your favorite animals, get lost in the Halloween maze, explore a haunted house and more at the Audubon Zoo, October 20-23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. events. audubonnatureinstitute.org/boo
Let the good times roll during the official Halloween parade of New Orleans! Come prepared to catch plenty of toys, candy, beads and other Halloween-themed throws. Rolls from Elysian Fields Avenue & Chartres Street on Saturday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. kreweofboo.com Krewe of BOO!
Visit Sugar Roots Farm Sunday, October 22 or 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m for vendors, musicians, games, pumpkin patches, face painting, pony rides, hayrides and more. The farm is also selling pumpkins during its everyday operational hours. sugarrootsfarm.org Sugar Roots Farm Pumpkin Patch Festival 3
Haunt 4
Boo Carré Halloween
The French Market presents Halloween fun for the whole family on Saturday, October 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, trick-or-treating in the French Market District, and its Spooky Second Line! frenchmarket.org
5 Spend a beautiful, Fall afternoon making harvest crafts, playing lawn games and trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m. longuevue.com Longue Vue Fall Fest
Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information and check with locations about individual COVID rules. HEADS UP!
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01 SUN.
05 THURS.
03 TUES.
A Wonderful World. Saenger Theatre. 7:30 p.m. saengernola.com Chess Club. Algiers Regional Library at 4 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Evening Storytime. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library at 5 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Special Needs Cooking Class. Certified paraprofessionals lead students in learning to cook, assemble and enjoy a new recipe every class. $45-$165. Culinary Kids from 5:30-7:30 p.m. culinarykidsns.com Storytime. Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, Mid-City Library and Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center at 10:30 a.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Taste of Louisiana: Hands-On Cajun Class and Lunch. In this class, you will not only learn about the Cajun culture but also learn the cooking techniques to make this cuisine in your daily life. Southern Food & Beverage Museum 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $100. sofabinstitute.org
Activate STEAM: Comic Creations. Algiers Regional Library at 4 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Activate STEAM: Spooky Fun. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library at 3:30 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Snuggles and Struggles New Parent Group. Provides learning opportunities and socialization with new parents and babies. Zoom or in-person at the CHNO Parenting Center from 10:30-11:30 a.m. chnola.org STEM Professional Development Series: Dollar Store Science. USM Gulf Park Campus Library from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. visitinfinity.com 04 WEDS. A Wonderful World. Saenger Theatre. 7:30 p.m. saengernola.com Activate STEAM: Spooky Fun. Central City Library at 4:30 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Evening Storytime. Nora Navra Library at 5 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market. Shop in the open fresh air at the beautiful Lafreniere Park every Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. visitjeffersonparish.com LEGO Club. Nix Library at 4 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Storytime. Alvar Library, Children’s Resource Center Library and Nix Library at 10:30 a.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Tween Chess Club. Young teens learn the basics of chess while they meet new friends and learn new skills. Children’s Resource Center Library at 4 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net
23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch at First Presbyterian. Sundays from 1-7 p.m. fpcno.org/pumpkin-patch A Wonderful World. A musical about jazz legend and singular American icon Louis Armstrong. Saenger Theatre. 6:30 p.m. saengernola.com Free Family Sunday. Louisiana residents can enjoy Longue Vue House and Gardens for free from 1-5 p.m. longuevue.com National Fried Chicken Festival. Listen to live music as you enjoy chicken in any and every form at the New Orleans Lakefront. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. friedchickenfestival.com St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch. Collect pumpkins, play family games, and win door prizes from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. standrewsnola.com Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Caesars Superdome. Kickoff at 12 p.m. caesarssuperdome.com/events 02 MON. Block Party. Join the Alvar Library and Nix Library for a playdate at 5 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Crafting with Literature for Kids. Get creative with themed crafting sessions relating to children’s favorite literature. Children’s Resource Center Library at 4:30 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net LEGO Club. Challenges kids to engineer and craft activities featuring LEGO bricks. Norman Mayer Library at 4:30 p.m. Free. neworleanslib.net Taste of Louisiana: Hands-On Creole Class and Lunch. Southern Food & Beverage Museum. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $75. sofabinstitute.org
06 FRI.
Gentilly Fest. Celebrate all things Gentilly with live music, food and fine arts, as well as a Kids’ Village with face painting, pottery making and more. Pontchartrain Park Playground from 6-10 p.m. gentillyfestival.com. Peppa Pig’s Sing-Along Party. Mahalia Jackson Theater at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $39. ticketmaster.com Scales & Ales. Patrons 21 years and older can support the Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network’s sea turtle conservation efforts while enjoying the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium after dark. Audubon Aquarium & Audubon Insectarium from 7-10 p.m. $85-$150. audubonnatureinstitute.org
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07 SAT.
09 MON.
12 THURS.
Oktoberfest Camp. NOLA Spaces. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. activekids.com Special Needs Cooking Class. Culinary Kids from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45- $165. culinarykidsns.com Taste of Louisiana: Hands-On Cajun Class and Lunch. Southern Food & Beverage Museum. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $100. sofabinstitute.org The 1975 Concert. Smoothie King Center. 7:30 p.m. smoothiekingcenter.com
A Wonderful World. Saenger Theatre. 8 p.m. saengernola.com Art for Art’s Sake. Magazine Street from 6-9 p.m. Free to attend. magazinestreet.com Bluesberry Music & Art Festival. Bogue Falaya Wayside Park from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. visitthenorthshore.com Deichmann Fun Run. Walkers, joggers, runners and dogs are all welcome to this fun run at Audubon Park supporting the Deichmann Fund. 10 a.m. $20. eventbrite.com Fall Garden Festival. City Park Botanical Garden from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. neworleanscitypark.org Snow White. Jefferson Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. jeffersonpac.com Sprouts. Longue Vue House and Gardens from 9:30-11 a.m. longuevue.com STREAM Saturday. St. Mary’s Dominican High School. 9 a.m. to noon. $20. stmarysdominican.org Swan Lake. Jefferson Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. $35-$85. jeffersonpac.com Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala 2023. Yacht-themed evening to benefit the homeless animals of Northshore Humane Society. Pontchartrain Yacht Club. 7-10 p.m. eventbrite.com
Columbus Day Oktoberfest Camp. Young artists ages four to 12 will find joy in being together and creative, while also exploring new or familiar cultural traditions. NOLA Spaces from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. activekids.com RMHC Patron Cocktail Par-Tee. Tee off at the first ever Patron Cocktail Par-Tee to celebrate the eve of the Fore the Families Golf Classic. Louisiana Children’s Museum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. rmhc-sla.org
10 TUES.
13 FRI.
Fore the Families Annual Golf Classic. Enjoy a day at the English Turn Country Club filled with great giveaways, prizes, fabulous food, on-course hospitality, lunch and more all to benefit the families served by RMHC-SLA. 10 a.m. rmhc-sla.org Kids Cooking Class. Culinary Kids from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45-$165. culinarykidsns.com Oktoberfest Camp. NOLA Spaces. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. activekids.com Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic. Smoothie King Center. 7 p.m. smoothiekingcenter.com Snuggles and Struggles New Parent Group. Zoom or in-person at the CHNO Parenting Center. Weekly from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. chnola.org 11 WEDS.
Bridge City Gumbo Festival. Bridge City’s “World Famous” gumbo and a variety of other seafood are cooked daily at the festival grounds. You’ll also find continuous live entertainment and Cajun folk traditions. Gumbo Festival Park. 6-11 p.m. bridgecitygumbofestival.org Oktoberfest. Celebrate German heritage at the Deutsches Haus with traditional music, German folk dancing, cold beer, wine, and liquors, and delectable German cuisine. 4-11 p.m. oktoberfestnola.com Oktoberfest Camp. NOLA Spaces. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. activekids.com Parents’ Night Out. Kids will enjoy a Hotel Transylvania-themed pajama party featuring witches brew chili with cornbread, and chocolate chip cookie “dracula dentures.” Culinary Kids from 6-9 p.m. $35. culinarykidsns.com Taste of Louisiana: Hands-On Creole Class and Lunch. Southern Food & Beverage Museum. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $75. sofabinstitute.org
08 SUN.
A Wonderful World. Saenger Theatre. 1 p.m. saengernola.com Fall Garden Festival. City Park Conservancy Botanical Garden at 9 a.m. neworleanscitypark.com Gentilly Fest. Pontchartrain Park Playground from noon-10 p.m. Free. gentillyfestival.com
Oktoberfest Camp. NOLA Spaces. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. activekids.com
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