Baton Rouge Parents Magazine—November 2025

November 2025

NOVEMBER 2025

THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

Pumpkin VS. APPLE: WHO WINS FALL?

2025 FAMILY FAVORITES WINNERS

This YEAR’S MUST-HAVE GIFTS

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BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

@brparents.com

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION TOM GONZALES MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING/MARKETING STEVEN BEACHUM Sales Manager CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN MARTINE MELANCON KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Accounting ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator BREE WRAY Website & Digital Content Strategist SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager AMY PLAISANCE Founder

2023

Photos by freepik.com

WHAT’S ON THE WEB The Camp Checklist: What You Can Do Now for Next Year Get a head start on next summer by using our essential camp checklist: research options, get advice, budget smart, and plan early.

2022

Hyperfixation Meals: The Nutritional Pros & Cons Explore the upsides and downsides of kids’ (and adults’) favorite “hyperfixation meals” and get practical tips for keeping comfort, consistency, and nutrition in balance.

6 Ways to Keep Your Immune System Strong Boost your family’s immunity this season with simple habits: good hygiene, balanced nutrition,

hydration, sleep, exercise, and stress management.

7 Rituals That Help Parents Recharge in Under 30 Minutes Recharge your energy in under 30 minutes with seven simple daily rituals that refresh your body and mind.

freebies

Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is November 14, 2025.

These two Wicked Little Golden Books are packed with illustrations, activities, quizzes, and stickers. amazon.com

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CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816 BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

LAST MONTH’S WINNERS Look who won October’s Freebies: Tessa Monroe won the Tooth Fairy Flylight and Cameron Hayes won the LUV Fashion Doll.

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4 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM

1.12.26 - 5.23.26

SPRING SESSION SPRING SESSION

18 WEEK SESSION

SESSION REGISTRATION FEE $50/CHILD

Spring Break (NO CLASSES) 3.9.26 - 3.14.26

Gymnastics Events

Strength & Conditioning Character Development Curriculum Hands-On Instruction FUN!

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

inside

NOVEMBER 2025 • ISSUE 424

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 66 THINGS TO DO 74 THINGS WE LOVE 76 THE LAST WORD 78 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 20 MOM NEXT DOOR 22 THRIVE 24 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION

Photos by Kleinpeter Photography

ON THE COVER 2025–26 Cover Kid Kashton L. is very funny and observant, and he can name more than 20 dinosaurs! He also enjoys playing football and baseball, and he loves being a big brother. 2025–26 Cover Kid Madison T. loves giving hugs, creating crafts, and enjoying her favorite meals of taquitos or buttery noodles. 2025–26 Cover Kid Charles L. enjoys playing with cars and monster trucks, following his sister’s lead, and eating rice and gravy or ramen.

34 SLEIGH THE SEASON Check out this year’s best gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season. 32 MORE GRATITUDE, LESS ATTITUDE Teach children to turn Thanksgiving gratitude into an everyday habit with these simple tips.

FEATURES

30 CREATING A SENSE OF HOME FOR FOS- TER AND ADOPTED CHILDREN Find out how foster and adoptive families can create true emotional safety. 28 PUMPKIN OR APPLE? THE ULTIMATE FALL FLAVOR FACE-OFF Discover the history, flavor, and fun behind fall’s favorite debate.

44 2025 FAMILY

Photo by Cherilyn Haines Photography

FAVORITES WINNERS See who was named this year’s Family Favorites.

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BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025 7

a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE

Kids and Cell

Phones W e’re in the homestretch of 2025, and Christmas is creep- ing up faster than the Amazon delivery guy on a Friday night. By the time this goes to press, we’ll have only seven

weeks until Christmas. Yes, you heard me right—panic has officially set in. I don’t know why this happens every year. My boys’ birthday is 11 days before Christmas, and here I am already deep in party planning mode—cake flavors, decorations, the works. So why do I still act surprised when Christmas rolls right in afterward? No clue. But somehow, every year, we pull it off— fueled by caffeine, chaos, and a little bit of Christmas magic (mostly caffeine). We teach our kids so much—kindness, honesty, how to look both ways before crossing the street. But there’s one thing we seem to have skipped entirely: how to actually use a phone. And no, I don’t mean how to scroll, swipe, or record a TikTok. I mean answering an actual call—or making one—without sounding like a confused telemarketer. We give them these devices so we can stay connected, especially once the extracurricular chaos kicks in. But when I was growing up, we had a landline. And not just any landline—one with my very own phone number. I had a clear plastic phone with the colorful wires that lit up when it rang. It was glorious. I also had a pager. Yes, a pager. We were so cool. But here’s the thing— we learned how to answer the phone. We didn’t have a caller ID at first; we just picked up, said hello, and politely told telemarketers that we were minors. Today’s kids? Let’s just say they could use a little guidance. With Christmas coming and many parents thinking about gifting that first phone, here are a few mom-approved etiquette lessons to include—consider them the “charger cord” for good manners.

1. Answer with a simple “Hello.” Not “What?” Not “Yeah?” Just “Hello.” It still works. 2. If someone doesn’t answer, don’t call back five times. It’s a phone, not a doorbell. 3. When you’re done, say “Goodbye.” Hanging up mid-sentence is not a personality trait. 4. Rule number one: Your phone must never die—or you lose it. End of discussion. 5. A phone is a tool, not a toy. Repeat as needed. 6. Think before you post or send. Messages and photos can last forever. 7. If you get a mean or uncomfortable message, tell an adult right away. And if you want to make it official, consider creating a family phone contract. It sets clear expectations, and everyone knows the rules from day one. (I have a sample you can download on our website.) We think we’ve covered everything in parenting—until these random teaching moments pop up and remind us otherwise. I never had to be taught how to answer a phone, but in today’s technology-driven, AI-powered world, I guess we really do have to teach it all. Not just reading, writing, and arithmetic, but how to communicate, interact, and show respect in the digital spaces that shape their lives.

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

8 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM

ADVERTORIAL

Noticing that your child struggles with focus, impulsivity or hyperactivity? You’re not alone, and help is available. The first step is often the most important: start with your pediatrician. They can guide you through attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluation, help rule out other factors and connect you with the right resources. At Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, we understand that ADHD affects each child differently. That’s why we offer a full network of specialists, from pediatric primary care providers and the Pediatric Academic Clinic to pediatric development and neurology experts, who work together to create individualized care plans. Getting help early can make a real difference. Our team can assist with: • Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis • Guidance on behavioral strategies and support • Coordination of care across school, therapy and home • Medication management when appropriate You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our pediatricians and specialists work as a team to support your child’s emotional, social and academic growth. By connecting with our network, you gain access to expertise, resources and ongoing guidance tailored to your child’s needs. If you’ve been wondering whether your child might have ADHD, or if you need support managing an existing diagnosis, start with your pediatrician. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health team is ready to help. Call (225) 374-HEAL to schedule or visit ololchildrens.org. Getting Help for Your Child’s ADHD

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BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

community CONNECT

REPORT IT, SEE IT FIXED! BREC’s new Rapid Response Program makes it easier than ever for families to help keep parks safe and fun. Launched in September, the program lets visitors quickly report issues like broken equipment, landscaping problems, or safety concerns. You can submit requests by phone, text, email, website, or mobile app, and even track the progress until it’s resolved. In its first weeks, the community submitted 333 tickets, with 213 already addressed. By giving residents a direct line to BREC staff, the program ensures parks stay clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. ■ brec.org/rapidresponse

PEDAL, STROLL & EXPLORE Exciting updates are coming to River Road! Two new bicycle and pedestrian projects will extend the Mississippi River Levee Trail north and create safer connections along River Road, making it easier for families and commuters to walk, bike, and enjoy the riverfront. Spearheaded by the Downtown Development District in partnership with the City-Parish, construction is set to begin soon. Funded through state grants from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, these projects bring residents closer to downtown while promoting active, healthy lifestyles along the city’s scenic riverfront. ■ downtownbatonrouge.org

SPICE UP YOUR DINNER PLANS Chicken Wagon is turning up the heat in Baton Rouge

with its second location on Coursey Boulevard! Known for its Nashville hot chicken, the menu

also features sandwiches, tenders, loaded fries, mac and cheese, and more. The new spot is open Sunday– Tuesday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Wednesday– Saturday until 1 a.m., making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night craving. Chicken lovers now have even more opportunities to enjoy this local favorite. Visit 14041 Coursey Boulevard to spice up your next meal! ■ chickenwagon.us

CLOSER TO HOME CARE Our Lady of the Lake is expanding health care in Livingston Parish with a new 10-bed observation unit—the first of its kind locally. Opening in early 2026, the unit allows patients who need extra monitoring, fluids, or antibiotics to stay close to family instead of transferring to Baton Rouge. Partnerships with Acadian Ambulance ensure safe transfers when needed. The $5 million project is the next step in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to bring quality care closer to home, with future expansions planned for services like mammography and additional testing. Families can look forward to more accessible, patient-centered care. ■ fmolhs.org

Photo by freepik.com

10 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM

Photo by freepik.com

RISE AND SHINE WITH TOWN DONUTS & BREAKFAST Baton Rouge just got a new morning hotspot! Town Donuts & Breakfast on George O’Neal Road is now open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Stop by for freshly made donuts, donut holes, hearty breakfast burritos, and more. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee and treat on your way to work or enjoying a relaxed breakfast with family, Town Donuts has something for everyone. Visit 16569 George O’Neal Road and start your day with delicious, made-from-scratch flavors that are sure to become a new local favorite. Find them on Facebook. BARNES & NOBLE OPENS NEW BATON ROUGE STORE Baton Rouge book lovers have a new spot to explore! Barnes & Noble officially opened its relocated Town Center store, featuring roughly 14,000 square feet of books, toys, games, magazines, and gifts. Local author Rachel Schneider kicked off the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting and early book signing of her latest release, Metal Slinger . The store blends the charm of independent bookselling with the resources of a national chain, offering something for every reader. With a welcoming space and exciting events ahead, this new Barnes & Noble promises to be a community hub for generations of book lovers. ■ instagram.com/bntownecenterla

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

education CONNECT PARKVIEW STUDENTS GIFT TEACHER WALKING PAD

SJA CROSS COUNTRY TEAM DOMINATES INVITATIONAL St. Joseph’s Academy celebrated a big win at the 43rd annual SJA Cross Country Invitational at Highland Road Park. The varsity team scored 73 points to top a 31-team field, led by freshman Hannah Schneider, who set a personal record and the fastest three-mile time ever by a freshman at SJA: 18:03.6. Teammates Charlotte Beck, Hope Lemoine, Audrey Manda, Kaitlyn Garidel, Olivia Crews, and Cate Barbier all posted personal-best times. The JV team also shined, finishing with a perfect 15 points. Coaches praised the athletes for their dedication and teamwork, noting that their hard work at practice truly paid off on race day. Families and supporters filled the park, creating an exciting and encouraging atmosphere for all runners.

At Parkview Baptist School, middle school students recently turned kindness into action. When teacher Jennifer Ridley shared her excitement for a step challenge, students realized she couldn’t compete while teaching all day. Determined to help, they pooled their own Snack Shack funds and, with a little help from a fellow teacher, surprised Mrs. Ridley with a walking pad. “I was humbled and in awe of God’s love through them,” she shares. This thoughtful gesture reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing mind, body, and spirit, showing how students can creatively express generosity, community, and care for those who guide them.

JAG STUDENTS STEP INTO LEADERSHIP

LITTLE BUCS GO LIVE WITH NEW BROADCAST STUDIOS Broadmoor Elementary School is making history with the launch of its brand-new broadcast and podcast studios, one of the first of its kind in an elementary school in Louisiana. Families and guests gathered for the ribbon-cutting, where students showed off their skills with live demonstrations and interviews. Principal Kalan Jones called the project “an opportunity to unlock our children’s future,” highlighting the school’s commitment to innovation and creativity. The celebration continued with dance and music performances, along with student-led tours as part of Magnet Showcase Week, giving the community a glimpse of the exciting opportunities awaiting the Little Bucs.

Students from Tara High, Broadmoor High, and Northdale Academy were celebrated at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Initiation and Installation Ceremony hosted at Tara High. The event welcomed new members into the JAG Career Association, affirmed their commitment to career readiness, and installed newly elected officers into leadership roles. Guest speaker Dr. Yolanda Burnette Lankford, chief service officer for Mayor Sid Edwards, inspired students with a reminder that they were each created with purpose. With encouragement from peers, educators, and community leaders, these JAG students are ready to begin the next chapter of growth, leadership, and success.

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CHS WRESTLERS BUILD MORE THAN STRENGTH Catholic High School wrestlers recently teamed up with Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge to construct a wheelchair ramp for a retired LSU custodian. Guided by Head Coach Tommy Prochaska ’92, this annual tradition has become a meaningful kickoff to the wrestling season, blending teamwork with service. Beyond learning a few construction skills, the young athletes gained firsthand experience of the joy that comes from making a tangible difference in their community. The project reflects Coach Prochaska’s dedication to developing well-rounded athletes and the school’s commitment to instilling gospel values that inspire students to serve others with compassion and purpose. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE EMPOWERS STUDENTS The Youth Leadership Conference at Pennington Biomedical Research united students from across East Baton Rouge Parish for two inspiring days of learning and growth. High schoolers gathered Wednesday, followed by middle schoolers on Thursday, to dive into sessions focused on leadership, prevention, and empowerment. Students connected with community partners, explored valuable prevention resources, and worked together in hands-on activities designed to spark teamwork and creativity. Call-to-action discussions encouraged young leaders to strengthen their voices and bring positive change to their schools. The event highlighted the power of student leadership in shaping a healthier, stronger community.

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

book corner

J ourney with these characters through both foster care and adoption as they experience love, accep- tance, and sometimes curiosity about the past. Even with its challenges, family is always something to cherish and celebrate.

YOUTH These picture books will show your little ones that it's love that makes a family. Home for a While by Lauren H. Kerstein Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this story follows tiny Calvin as he faces a new foster home with kind, calm Maggie. After a temper explosion that caused an acciden- tal broken vase, Maggie stays calm, and Calvin starts to believe this could really be his home for a while. Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me by Jennifer Bradbury When challenged by a bully in line for ice cream, a big brother defends his little brother, who doesn’t look like him, by listing all the ways they are the same. Told from a big brother’s perspective, this sweet book about interracial adoption acknowl- edges the visible differences between siblings while bringing attention to how little they matter compared to all of the fun and meaningful life similarities there are between siblings. Eyes That Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho and Liz Kleinrock A young Korean-adoptee finds herself won- dering about who she might look like, if not her loving family, in this beautifully

illustrated story. With love shining on every page, this book normalizes the questions adoptees have about the events in the past which brought them to the loving families in their present. These chapter books offer a look into the lives of adopted children who are trying to make sense of how their past and their present come together. Safe At Home by Mike Lupica Nick doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere. The only place he feels okay is on the baseball team. When he’s bumped up to varsity to cover for the injured catcher, he even loses that small respite; none of the varsity players want a 12-year-old on the team! Will Nick be able to find his courage and prove that he belongs, both in his new family and on his new team? Family Recipe by Coco Simon When Molly is assigned a family tree for a school project, her secure understanding of just who is her family is shaken. She’s always considered her adoptive family as “her” family, but is the project asking for her birth family? Would it be weird to in- clude both? When everything is uncertain, the only certain thing is that her friends, and her family, love her and are always glad to help sweeten any recipe that’s gone sour!

Kids can get a realistic look of adoption and foster care in these non-fiction titles. My Life with a Foster Family by Mari C. Schuh Told from the perspective of a child growing up in foster care, this book offers a gentle explanation of foster care for young children who may have met someone in care or may be curious about it. We Belong Together by Todd Parr This sweet book highlights the benefits of adoption. The blocky artwork and simple text cut to the heart of adoption in a clear, concise manner. Adoptive Families by H. W. Poole For older kids with more in-depth questions about adoption, H. W. Poole’s book is a thorough resource. While the general text does a spectacular job covering topics from different types of adoptions, it also offers a kid-friendly glossary, suggested reading, and help line information. TWEENS AND TEENS With a little help along the way, these teen characters find the beauty in their own unique stories and discover their place in the world.

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

14 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM

Dara Palmer's Major Drama by Emma Shevah

Eleven-year-old Dara is a born actress, or so she thinks, but when she doesn't get any role at all in the school production, she begins to think it may be because she doesn't look like the other girls in her class. So irrepressible Dara comes up with a plan and is determined to change not just the school, but the world, too. The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman Imani is adopted, and she's ready to search for her birthparents. But when she discovers the diary her Jewish great-grandmother wrote chronicling her escape from Holocaust-era Europe, Imani begins to see family in a new way. When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin Ben Coffin has never felt like he fits in. A former foster kid, he keeps his head down at school to avoid bullies and spends his afternoons reading sci-fi books at the library. But that all changes when he finds a scruffy abandoned dog named Flip and befriends the librarian’s daughter, Halley. For the first time, Ben starts to feel like he belongs in his own life. Then, everything changes, and suddenly, Ben is more alone than ever. But with a little help from Halley’s magician father, Ben discovers his place in the world and learns to see his own magic through others’ eyes.

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

CONNECT craft corner

Giving Thanks for Girl’s Night

BY AMANDA MILLER

A utumn is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy the changes, and spend time with friends. For your next girls’ night, consider making it a Thanksgiving DIY night. With these three crafts, you’ll have the chance to relax, get creative, and share time with the ones who truly get you. CUSTOM TOTE BAGS Materials ■Plain canvas tote bags ■Fabric paint or acrylic paint

■Paintbrushes ■Fabric markers or paint pens ■Stencils (letters, shapes, or fun designs) ■Pencil for sketching designs ■Cardboard to place inside the tote (prevents bleed-through) ■Tape ■Optional embellishments: rhinestones, sequins, iron-on patches, glitter glue ■Iron (if needed) Directions 1. Prep your tote bag by inserting cardboard

inside the tote to prevent paint from soaking through to the other side. 2. Use a pencil to lightly sketch your design on the tote. Think names, quotes, floral designs, or geometric patterns. Decide where you might want stencils or freehand painting. 3. Place stencils where you want shapes or letters, and secure lightly with tape. 4. Use fabric paint for best results. Apply in thin layers to prevent cracking. Use paintbrushes for larger areas and paint pens or markers for details.

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5. Add optional embellishments like sequins, glitter glue, or iron-on patches. 6. Allow the paint to dry completely. Depending on the paint, this may take 1–4 hours. Remove any tape or stencils carefully after drying. FALL PUMPKIN CANDLES Materials ■Small ceramic pumpkin containers ■Candle wax (soy or beeswax recommended) ■Candle wicks ■Microwave-safe bowl for melting wax ■Fall-scented fragrance oils (pumpkin spice, cinnamon, apple, clove, etc.) ■Wooden skewers or chopsticks (to hold

candle wax according to package instructions. If using a thermometer, aim for around 170–180°F (77–82°C) for most soy waxes. 3. Add 10–15 drops of fall-scented fragrance oil per 1 cup of wax. Mix thoroughly. 4. Carefully pour the melted wax into the ceramic pumpkin, holding the wick cen- tered. Use a wooden skewer or chopstick across the top to keep the wick upright. 5. Allow the wax to cool and harden com- pletely. This can take 1–2 hours. If the wax sinks around the wick as it cools, you can top it off with a little extra melted wax. 6. Once fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax surface. 7. Light your pumpkin candle and enjoy the cozy fall scents! DOORMAT PAINTING Materials ■Plain coir or natural fiber doormat ■Acrylic paint or outdoor paint suitable for coir mats ■Paintbrushes ■Stencils (letters, fall leaves, pumpkins, turkeys, etc.)

■Optional embellishments: fabric markers, glitter paint (for fun accents) Directions 1. Decide on your Thanksgiving saying, such as: “Give Thanks,” “Grateful, Thankful, Blessed,” or “Harvest Greetings.” Sketch your design lightly with chalk. 2. Apply stencils or tape to create clean edges for letters and shapes. Tape off any sections where you don’t want paint. 3. Use acrylic or outdoor paint to fill in your letters and designs. Apply in thin layers, letting each layer dry slightly to prevent smudging. 4, Add optional accents like leaves, pumpkins, or autumn patterns around the saying. 5. Allow the paint to dry completely, usually 2–4 hours depending on paint thickness. Carefully remove any stencils or tape once the paint is set. 6. For extra durability, you can spray a clear outdoor sealant over the painted areas. This helps protect your artwork from weather and wear. 7. Place your personalized doormat at your front door or inside your home for a festive Thanksgiving touch.

wicks in place) ■Thermometer ■Stirring spoon or popsicle stick ■Hot glue Directions

1. Lay down newspaper or a craft mat to catch any spills. Make sure your ceramic pumpkin is clean and dry. If needed, attach the wick to the bottom center of the pumpkin with a dab of hot glue. 2. Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt your

■Painter’s tape or masking tape ■Chalk for sketching designs

THANK YOU, BATON ROUGE FOR CELEBRATING

69 YEARS OF GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEARNERS!

BMOORCLC.ORG

225.926.5243

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

The Law Office of Ivy L. Graham

Our Practice Areas Family Law • Divorce • Child Custody & Support • Alimony • Adoption Estate Planning & Successions • Wills • Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Succession Planning & Probate Why Choose Ivy Graham?

• More than a decade of trusted experience • Client-centered, compassionate approach • Clear, strategic legal guidance • Personalized advocacy tailored to your needs

18 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

mom next door LIVE

Natalie Clark BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY CHERILYN HAINES PHOTOGRAPHY Occupation: Owner of Chloe & Cate Consignment Husband: James Clark Children: Chloe, 5, Cate 2, and John, 1 Hobbies: Thrift shopping and sewing A s a mom to three little ones and owner of Chloe & Cate Consign- ment, Natalie Clark knows a thing or two about balancing chaos and creativi- ty. Inspired by her own love of secondhand finds and desire to make things easier on parents, Natalie turned her passion for thrift shopping into a thriving online busi- ness. When she’s not curating quality kids’ clothing, she’s spending time outdoors with her husband, James, and their three children—Chloe, Cate, and John— embracing the everyday joys of family life in Louisiana. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE, AND HOW HAS THAT INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU PARENT TODAY? NATALIE: I had a great childhood. My par- ents are very understanding people; they never really took things too seriously. They let the small things go, and when there’s a big thing that needs to be addressed, they would definitely take care of it in a timely manner. It was like, if you want to eat breakfast and the only thing we can get you to eat is ice cream, you can just eat it. But, if you get a bad grade on a test, we’re going to talk about it. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT RAISING YOUR FAMILY IN LOUISIANA?

NATALIE: The community here is great. We also love the outdoors aspect of Louisiana. We like to be outdoors with our children and experience all of those types of things. WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR HOME LIKE RIGHT NOW? NATALIE: My oldest is in kindergarten, and my two younger children are in day care. A typical day is waking up, getting everyone breakfast, and [getting them] off to school. Then, I spend time working on my consignment business, either work- ing on social media or on the back end, for instance the website or getting items organized. I also spend one day a week just picking up new consignments from other people. WHAT’S THE BEST PARENTING ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? NATALIE: At least for right now, my phase of life I’m in, it’s to know that: They’re only little once. These phases come and go quickly, so enjoy them. Enjoy the time you

have. If there’s a day that I’m overwhelmed or stressed out, I just try to remember that it’s going to come and go very quickly. If you’re having a bad day, tomorrow’s going to be excellent compared to that day. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY TRADI- TIONS YOU ARE EXCITED TO START OR CONTINUE WITH YOUR CHILDREN? NATALIE: I would say one family tradi- tion that we have is on Christmas Eve. My father-in-law reads Cajun Night Before Christmas to all of the grandkids, and that is a tradition that he's been doing, I think, since he had his first grandchild. His oldest grandchild is 18, and the youngest is my baby, who is one. So you have all these ages in between. That’s a tradition that we will keep doing. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH CHLOE & CATE CONSIGNMENT? NATALIE: Moms have children quickly outgrowing clothes, and oftentimes, they’re nicer pieces they don’t really want to do-

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nate. They could stick them in a box in the attic, but that doesn’t really do them any favors either. I felt like there was a need for that. I love shopping secondhand for my own children, and so that’s how it was born. It’s something that is e-commerce based because it just makes it easy. Being a mom myself, I find myself shopping on my phone or on the Internet. That’s where I do the majority of my shop- ping, so I wanted to put something together for that kind of mom who’s looking for a deal. WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED? NATALIE: I would say the excitement that comes when a new outfit makes it to the person receiving the outfit. They often message me with pictures of their children in the clothes, or they’ll just let me know, like, this was perfect. This is exactly what I was hunting for. I’m excited to get it. I would say their excitement keeps me going and keeps me motivated. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT ITEMS TO ACCEPT AND FEATURE? NATALIE: I go through the items. I look for

stains, pulls, the quality, and if it meets a particular brand label that I like to carry. I carry over 20 to 30 different brands, but I focus on high quality [items], and I make sure that the pieces still have a decent amount of life left in them.

leave it. Leave the rest, and move on to the next task. For Chloe & Cate’s Consignment, I have specific days that I do tasks on, so that keeps me on track too. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS? NATALIE: Make sure that you’re enjoying the time with your kids and don’t let things overwhelm you. If things get too overwhelming, figure out a way to simplify it. For me, for example, getting dinner on the table can be really stressful, and that’s very stressful for a lot of parents. So, if there's a 10 ingredient recipe to cook in 5 different steps, figure out how to make it all in one pot, or cut things out so your job’s a little easier.

WHERE DO YOU SEE CHLOE & CATE CONSIGNMENT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

NATALIE: I would love to see more moms dressing their kids in Chloe & Cate finds that they buy with me. I’m really looking to build a community of moms who love to give clothes a secondhand life. I know that there are people out there like me who are interested in the sustainability behind it. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE CHAOS AND THE JOY OF EVERYTHING? NATALIE: I am a person who really thrives on time blocking and scheduling out. I like to give myself windows of time to get things accomplished. For example, if I want to pick up the house because little kids leave things everywhere, I will set a 15 min- ute timer and just give myself 15 minutes to get it as good as it’s going to get and then

RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS FAVORITE DATE NIGHT… French Market Bistro. WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY… fun loving. FAVORITE GENRE OF MOVIE OR TELEVISION SHOWS… mysteries and dramas. FAVORITE FOOD… sushi.

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

LIVE thrive

Supporting Louisiana Students in Trade Careers

BY AMANDA MILLER

W hen it comes to scholarships, people typically think about students heading to four-year universities. However many young people are pursuing trade schools, becoming mechanics, electricians, and other skilled professionals essential to our communities. That’s where Bayou Dreams Foundation comes in. Founded in October 2024 by Ro- salind Campbell, the foundation helps Loui- siana students succeed in trade careers. A PERSONAL INSPIRATION Campbell’s father graduated from trade school and ran a mechanic shop for 40 years, supporting a family with children who all went to four-year colleges. “Some aren’t going to college, so the push has been for people to go to college. But for those who are going to trade schools, those kids need financial support as well,” Campbell says. After 38 years as an Allstate agent, Campbell wanted to focus on a project that could make a difference.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND MENTORSHIP The foundation’s first fundraising event helped provide four scholarships. These awards are designed to help as many stu- dents as possible. The foundation partners with the Big Buddy Program to identify stu- dents and provide guidance as they prepare for trade school. Mentorship is also an important part of the foundation. Campbell explains, “We had some Allstate agents who allowed the students to come into the agencies to see what it was like being an agent. It’s all about building relationships.” HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP The foundation relies on community support. Donations and sponsorships, including scholarships in honor of loved ones, are what help expand the reach. Volunteers are welcome as well. They are currently looking for those who are skilled in marketing, social media, PR, and graphic design.

LOOKING AHEAD Campbell hopes the foundation will grow into a statewide resource for trade students. She shares, “I’d like to see us at a million dollar budget, so that we can help any student in Louisiana. I want us to be the go-to person, so when someone says, ‘Oh, you’re going to a trade school? Call Bayou Dreams. They can help you.’ That’s why we named it Bay- ou Dreams, we’re going to focus at home first.” LEARN MORE Students interested in applying for a scholarship can visit bayoudreamsfoundation.org. The appli- cation includes three simple steps: Write a one-page essay, submit proof of high school graduation, and show proof of trade school enrollment. Through Bayou Dreams, Campbell hopes to inspire a new generation of skilled workers who will build brighter futures for themselves and for Louisiana.

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BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025 23

LIVE faith

The Twisting, Turning

Journey of Parenting BY SHERI WOHLFERT PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM T he job of raising saints most cer- tainly does not follow a straight, forward line. If parenthood seems

how, so they need to be re-taught; it isn’t because they weren’t paying attention, they just need your love and your time as you patiently re-teach (again). Kids aren’t responsible, hard-working, wage earners (yet) so they need to be re-helped. Re-help when they can’t remember how to push in a chair or take dishes to the sink; they aren’t lazy, they just need someone to share the task sometimes. The important lessons have to come with reminders. They need to be reminded of your love for them, that the Father adores them, that being a disciple is hard, and that dirty socks go in the hamper. Scripture is a continuous story of God teaching and re-teaching; God helping and re-helping; and God reminding us again and again of his plan, his love, and his presence. He will give us the grace to live out the three R’s in our parenting as he does in his. DELIGHT God delights in his children, and they matter greatly to him no matter how many times they have to be reminded to eat their broccoli or stop pinching their sister. God also delights in you because you love the

child that matters to him. He won’t love you more if your child follows all the rules and hits all their milestones. He gives you the grace of patience, powerful love, and trust because being a parent battling to raise saints delights him, and you delight him! REVERSE ONION Raising kids is like peeling an onion in reverse. Maturity, faithfulness, empathy, kindness, and compassion all take time to develop and build over time, layer by layer. We are in the business of planting seeds and tending them—not getting an instant oak tree. DAILY TRIFECTA Yes, they will get along with their siblings someday; they will learn how to handle their emotions; and they will know how to use their words appropriately even if the stormy season you’re in makes you wonder. Three things can calm you and steady your heart. Rest in the fact that seasons change and growth occurs. Wait for the Lord to reveal his perfect plan for your child and soak up his love for you and your child as you wait. Bring your child to the Lord in prayer, asking how to parent them according to the plan he has for them.

to be an exercise of two steps forward, one step back, and four steps sideways…rest assured, that’s normal. God has a beautiful and specific plan for each of his children, and as you guide your kids toward that plan, here are some thoughts to help you navigate this crazy, twisting journey. TOSS YOUR TIMETABLE Benchmarks and timelines can be a source of stress and pressure, and they encourage us to constantly push for the next skill, event, or milestone. God doesn’t have a watch and most children don’t either. We have to pay attention to how we measure success and what we find truly important. When we worry about what our children aren’t doing at the same rate as their peers or siblings, we might be missing what they are doing. THE 3 R’S Learning is the work of childhood, and kids aren’t wired to get it right the first time and have it stick. From potty training to picking up dirty socks to driving, we need to lovingly apply the three R’s. Kids forget

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BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

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BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

The Ultimate Fall Flavor Face-Off

Connecticut postponed Thanksgiving for a week because of a molasses shortage that prevented them from baking pumpkin pies, according to History.com. Talk about ded- ication! Especially since before 1929, you had to strain your own pumpkin—there was no pumpkin puree out of the can! Fun fact: The first pumpkin pies didn’t have crusts. Sometimes, the English would even stuff a pumpkin with sliced apples and sweetened milk and roast it over a fire. What a pumpkin-apple collab! You might be surprised to discover that pumpkin pie was actually quite political. In the mid-19th century, pumpkin pie was mentioned frequently in anti-slavery novels, poems, and more—a byproduct of many New Englander abolitionists. All this to say, don’t knock the orange-golden crust- ed pie until you’ve tried it. There’s a reason pumpkin-flavored foods are so popular. ORIGINS OF THE APPLE While apples weren’t present at the first Thanksgiving, they definitely have some patriotic ties. Apples were brought over by the colonists and were first used to create cider. (Think back to your childhood— Johnny Appleseed, anyone?!) By the mid- 1700s, the average American was downing BY JULIANNA STEEN PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 COVER KID JUDE C.

A hh! The leaves are crunchy, the house is decorated with turkeys, and I, for one, am very grateful for all the cozy, warm fall foods. But as the season goes on, I continue to come across the same old question: pumpkin or apple? Don’t ask your friends if you don’t want an all-out debate on your hands. I won’t try to convince you one is better than the other… but I will point out the benefits of both and suggest how you can incorporate both into your seasonal snacking (and adventuring) this autumn. THE PUMPKIN TASTE & TRADITION Few foods have deeper “American roots” than pumpkins, which were one of the earliest foods settlers found and brought back to Europe from the New World. Whether you eat it or not, pumpkin pie is considered a pretty iconic staple of the Thanksgiving meal—and it has been since the OG pilgrims. In fact, in her poem “First Thanksgiving Day,” published in 1622, Mar- garet Junkin Preston writes, “[S]ee, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie!” Preston wasn’t alone in her pumpkin-pie obsession. In 1705, an entire town in

around 35 gallons of hard cider each year. Many people, from children to President John Adams, would even drink hard cider for breakfast! Apples have historically been asso- ciated with the fall harvest, since that’s when they’re picked. So it makes sense that apples, a symbol of prosperity and abundance, became associated with the Thanksgiving meal that celebrates these core values; hence, why apple pie typically sits next to the pumpkin pie at the dessert table. Moreover, the phrase “as American as apple pie” was introduced in the 1920s, highlighting apples’ value to the people and their “American-ness” (Is that a word?). Like its pumpkin counterpart, apple pie was very popular during the Civil War, but it was a hit on both sides because it was so affordable and easy to make. It may have been a hit back in the 1800s, but associat- ing apples with autumn has clearly been carried into the present day. You can’t tell me getting a whiff of cinnamon-apple any- thing doesn’t make you think of fall. (I have a “Honeycrisp Apple” candle burning right now… veryyy fall vibes.) SEASONAL SNACKS Whether you’re a traditionalist or want-

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ing to try something new, you can never go wrong with either of these classic fall flavors in foods or drinks. Apple: ■Apple butter ■Apple cider (hot, cold, or sparkling) ■Apple/cider donuts ■Apple crisp ■Apple fritters ■Apple pie ■Apple slices with peanut butter (not very “fall,” but a healthy, yummy snack!) ■Apple turnovers ■Apple walnut coffee cake ■Caramel apples ■Sauteed cinnamon apples Pumpkin: ■Pumpkin bread ■Pumpkin cheesecake ■Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins ■Pumpkin hot chocolate ■Pumpkin ice cream ■Pumpkin pancakes or waffles ■Pumpkin ravioli ■Pumpkin roll (with cream cheese filling) ■Pumpkin soup ■Pumpkin spice latte (PSL) Get into the festive fall spirit by visiting a local pumpkin patch or an apple orchard as a family. Picking apples or selecting the “perfect” pumpkin can be a fun way to al- low your kids to contribute to decorating or a snack/meal while enjoying the great out- doors. Plus, apples are fiber-rich and heart- healthy! Note: Apple picking might be more enjoyable for older kids. There are all kinds of things you can do with your pumpkins: paint them, carve them up, or stage them (like stacking) on the front porch, to name a few. While people typically eat the apples they pick, you can also use them for unique DIY projects like creating apple garlands. Whether you’re “Team Apple,” “Team Pumpkin,” or prefer neither, there’s no questioning the impact they have made on our country—and the seasonal menus at the restaurants and coffee shops around town. I say, why not make it a “both and” instead of an “either or”?! Worse comes to worse, I guess you can always try the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving diet this year: buttered toast, popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans… Happy pumpkin and apple season, folks! Enjoy them while they last! ■Pumpkin whoopie pies ■Roasted pumpkin seeds FAMILY ACTIVITIES

BRPARENTS.COM | NOVEMBER2025

Creating a Sense of Home for Foster and Adopted Children W elcoming a new child into your family is a profound mo- ment—beautiful, yes, but often BY RACHAEL MOSHMAN, M.ED.

intellectually, that she would need time to adjust, but we weren’t fully prepared for how much we would need to adjust, too. Parenting a child who has experienced trauma requires more than love. It requires rewiring your expectations, tools, and timelines. Nancy Mehesy, a therapist who has supported countless foster and adoptive families, shared some hard-earned wisdom that helped ground us, and continues to help the families I support today. 1. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. THEN LOWER THEM AGAIN. “Foster and adoptive families often bring big hearts and high hopes,” Nancy says. “But they’re frequently caught off guard when children don’t respond with gratitude or immediate attachment. These kids are terrified. They’ve landed in what feels like a foreign country—new language, unfamil- iar customs—and they only realize they’ve broken a rule when someone corrects them.” Nancy encourages parents to connect with others who have walked this path and to remind themselves regularly: The child’s behavior is a survival strategy, not a

personal rejection. “Adding a child to your home, especially through foster care or adoption, reshapes everything: routines, priorities, even the emotional climate. It will impact every member of your family.” 2. FOCUS ON EMOTIONAL SAFETY FIRST. Helping a child feel physically and emotionally safe is the foundation of everything else. Nancy suggests: ■Offer choices whenever possible, even small ones. ■Treat items from their previous homes, such as clothes, books, toys, and photos, with respect. ■Gently introduce new rules and routines with plenty of notice. ■Create a quiet, cozy space they can retreat to when overwhelmed. ■Help them find words (or art, movement, or play) to express big feelings. ■Give permission to love and miss their birth families or past caregivers. And most importantly? Let the relationship build slowly. Don’t try to force bonding or attachment. “It takes time,” Nancy

overwhelming. When the child arrives through foster care or adoption, the emo- tional terrain becomes even more layered. The child has already endured at least one major separation and, quite possibly, many more. They arrive carrying invisible bags of fear, uncertainty, grief, and survival strat- egies. And let’s be real: The adults are often carrying their own bags, too. My daughter entered foster care at age four and moved more than a dozen times before we adopted her at nine. We met her on a Monday. By Friday, she had flown across the country to live with us—a whirl- wind welcome into a completely new life. We had six months of preparation, training, and waiting while the interstate paperwork slowly crawled through the system. But she didn’t have that runway. She didn’t know we existed until a few days before our arrival. In less than a week, she had a new home, state, school, and parents with barely time to catch her breath. Even though we thought we were ready, the reality was far messier and more emotional than expected. We understood,

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