September 2025
SEPTEMBER 2025
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
Unmasking Mental Health
Supporting Your Gifted Child
The New Age of Tween Skincare
Providing 24/7 Support & Advocacy for Families
• Emotional Support • De-escalation • Crisis Intervention • Information • Plans for Coping
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MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor SANONNA AL TAWEEL AMANDA CIANI JULIANNA STEEN MADISON VOORHIES 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
2024
2023
WHAT’S ON THE WEB Fall Festivals You Can’t Miss This Season Load up the crew and get ready to explore the always-exciting fall festivals happening around Baton Rouge and beyond.
2022
Ways to Keep Your Immune System Strong Allergy season can really take a toll, but with these tips, you’ll be better equipped to protect your immune system.
3 Ways to Make School Mornings Easier Are you and your kiddos still struggling with the morning routine? These three tips can help change the game for the rest of the school year.
Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX
Homework Help Resources Your Student May Need These resources are great to have on hand when those math problems start looking more like doodles than numbers.
Director of Accounting ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator BREE WRAY Website & Digital Content Strategist SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager AMY PLAISANCE Founder
Photos by Freepik.com
freebies Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is September 15, 2025.
Alphabet Bingo puts a fun twist on the classic game, helping little ones learn their letters while they play. mindware.org
Hit the road with The Scenic Route Travel Bundle . Make the most of time on the road by having fun. abrighteryear.com
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 August’s Freebies: Amanda Davis won the Xplora’s X6Play and Jennifer Taylor won the Titan Fridge Cold Kids Lunch Box.
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inside
SEPTEMBER 2025 • ISSUE 422
DEPARTMENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 38 THINGS TO DO 46 THINGS WE LOVE 48 THE LAST WORD 50 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 20 MOM NEXT DOOR 22 THRIVE 24 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION
Photo by Kleinpeter Photography
ON THE COVER 2024–25 Cover Kid Zoey J. is an outgoing, caring, and funny girl whose big dreams include becoming both a mechanical engineer and a professional soccer player. She loves to read, dance, and bring her creativity to life through detailed dioramas.
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FEATURES
26 TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Discover the importance of open, supportive conversations between parents and children to foster emotional well-being. 30 LITTLE FACES, BIG ROUTINES: THE NEW AGE OF TWEEN SKINCARE Learn why age-appropriate skincare routines are what tweens really need.
34 SUPPORTING YOUR GIFTED CHILD Find out how to nurture and support a gifted child’s unique needs. 36 PASS THE TORCH: HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY STORIES GOING FOR GENERATIONS Preserve your family stories and traditions with these helpful tips.
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a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE
Parenting in the Age of Anxiety
W ell, school is finally back in session. The good news? We’ve got our routines back. The bad news? Home- work. And with homework usually comes the anxiety. It’s kind of a catch-22—parents celebrate the return of structure, but then we’re juggling mental breakdowns, friendship drama, and the occasional boyfriend/girlfriend situation (let’s be honest, boys or girls, kids can all be mean sometimes). Add in social media, and whew, it’s a lot. I’m just thankful I didn’t have Instagram or TikTok in my school years—real life bullies were more than enough to handle. Anxiety is something I’ve carried most of my life. I’ve read it can be hereditary, but honestly, I feel like I’m patient zero in our family. My daughter inherited mine, only hers is worse at her age, and both of my boys have their own versions of anxiety too. My husband? He somehow skipped the anxiety gene entirely. He believes in the “just talk it out and it’ll be fine” approach. Bless him. But if you’ve ever lived with anxiety, you know that talking it out can sometimes make you want to crawl into a shell instead of out of one. That’s where therapy and, yes, medication come in. I fully believe in both. I wouldn’t be able to function without my “happy pills,” as I like to call them.
This month is both National Suicide Prevention Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, so I dug into some research and came across something sobering: people with anxiety are 30 per- cent more likely to have suicidal thoughts. That’s a scary statistic. But here’s the hopeful part—there are ways to help our kids (and ourselves) manage these struggles. In our house, we talk, text, or even write things out. Sometimes it’s hard to speak feelings aloud, but writing them down—what we call “brain dumping”—has been one of the most effective tools for us. Therapy is another big one. It can take a while for kids to open up, but just knowing they have a safe space to talk to someone mat- ters. And the most important thing? Don’t give up. Every child is different. Every family is different. But working through anxiety—whether it’s with words, writing, therapy, or sheer stubbornness (and trust me, my kids have that in spades) —is always worth the effort.
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
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ADVERTORIAL
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community CONNECT
The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation’s beloved fall fundraiser, Brew at the Zoo, returns for its 11th year on Friday, September 26, from 6:30–9 p.m. Guests 21+ can enjoy craft beer samples from local and regional breweries, tastings from top Baton Rouge restaurants, live music, and the rare chance to explore the Zoo after dark. New this year, a limited VIP Plus ticket offers early entry, private amenities, specialty beer tastings, gourmet bites, and exclusive access to the giraffe feeding platform. Tickets are on sale now, with proceeds benefiting wildlife conservation, education, and animal welfare programs. ■ brzoobrew.org BREW AT THE ZOO RETURNS WITH NEW VIP PLUS EXPERIENCE
JOE BURROW FOUNDATION LAUNCHES SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
The Joe Burrow Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, announced the launch of The Burrow Blueprint, a new training and consulting program designed to help school- based health centers address student mental health needs. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health will be the first to implement the initiative across seven East Baton Rouge Parish school clinics, which served more than 12,000 students last school year. The program equips primary care providers with tools, training, and psychiatric consultative support to diagnose and treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD, improving access to timely care and helping students stay healthy and in school. ■ fmolhs.org
JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE OPENS SECOND BATON ROUGE LOCATION
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has opened a second Baton Rouge location at 4343 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., expanding its popular lineup of frozen treats to a new community hub. The family-run franchise has served the area since 2022. The new store mirrors the LSU-area shop’s menu, offering signature favorites like the mango vanilla jelati and dairy- free options. The new location is open daily from noon– 10 p.m. ■ jeremiahsice.com
Governor Jeff Landry announced major changes to Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) on his “Diner Days” podcast, joined by Bryan Adams, Principal Assistant of the Department of Public Safety Services. After more than 50 years of relying on an outdated system, the OMV will partner with software vendor CHAMP and the Office of Technology Services to modernize driver’s license and vehicle registration services. The new platform aims to eliminate long lines, reduce slow processing times, strengthen fraud prevention, and provide a more efficient, digital experience for Louisiana residents. Full implementation is expected by 2027. ■ expresslane.org LOUISIANA OMV SET FOR LONG-AWAITED TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE
PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
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MAIN STREET MARKET NEARS FALL REOPENING
Downtown Baton Rouge’s Main Street Market is set to reopen this fall following an extensive overhaul aimed at improving its flow, function, and connection to the local food community. The renovated space will feature a new coffee shop highlighting seasonal produce and artisan goods from area farmers and food producers. The updates reflect the organization’s mission of linking residents with local food and farmers while ensuring a safer, more sustainable facility. Though the market remains closed, visitors can access bathrooms and water stations during Saturday Red Stick Farmers Markets. ■ breada.org
North Louisiana favorite Southern Classic Chicken is bringing its signature fried chicken to Baton Rouge with three locations opening this year. The Shreveport-based chain, founded by brothers Leon and Howard Fanning, has built a loyal following for its 24-hour dry- marinated chicken and affordable meals priced between $5 and $7. The first Baton Rouge restaurant has opened on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard. Next up will be a Florida Boulevard location, with a third site planned for Plank Road. Known for long drive-thru lines and rave reviews, the chain is rapidly growing across Louisiana. ■ southernclassicchicken.com SOUTHERN CLASSIC CHICKEN EXPANDS TO BATON ROUGE
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education CONNECT
MCKINLEY BETA CLUB SHINES AT NATIONAL CONVENTION Congratulations to the McKinley Elementary School Beta Club for its outstanding performance at the National Beta Convention in Orlando, Florida. Competing among over 8,000 students, McKinley proudly represented EBR Schools with several top honors, including 1st Place in Academic Fourth Grade Math (Naythan Xu) and multiple 2nd Place awards in Performing Arts, Create and Animate, and Onsite Painting. Students also earned honorable mentions and showcased their talents in Living Literature, Meeting of the Minds, Recycle, Reimagine, Recreate, and Convention Invention. These achievements reflect the Beta pillars of achievement, character, leadership, and service.
FOOD EDUCATION SPARKS STEM LEARNING
Local public school teacher Nikita LaCour-Dukes is transforming how her middle school students connect STEM to Louisiana’s agriculture and food economy. Through service-learning projects with nonprofits like Baton Roots and a $100 grocery challenge, students are exploring real-world topics like inflation, budgeting, and food access. Their work links science, history, cultural heritage, and civic engagement in meaningful ways. Dukes credits Pilot Light’s newly updated, peer-reviewed Food Education Standards as the spark behind it all. “Food doesn’t know race, gender, or ability. Everyone can connect to it,” she says, noting how food education now fuels lessons in chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine.
ONPATH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS As part of its 2025 High School Scholarship Program, OnPath Foundation has awarded $2,000 scholarships to 20 outstanding high school seniors from across Louisiana as they begin their college journeys. This year’s program represents a $40,000 investment in the future of Louisiana students, made possible through the Foundation’s Education support pillar, which is dedicated to increasing educational access and long-term opportunities. The selection process was highly competitive, with applicants evaluated on academic performance, leadership, community involvement, and their personal commitment to making a difference. Local recipients include Chase Corbins, D’Ron McZeal, and Addi Grace Taylor.
SJA STUDENTS SERVE AND GROW IN FAITH ON NASHVILLE MISSION TRIP A group of St. Joseph’s Academy students traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for the 2025 Alive in You service immersion program. Guided by Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb and Laurie Rozas, students joined youth groups from across the country to deepen their faith while serving others. Their primary worksite, Mercy Chefs Nashville Community Kitchen, provided more than 15,000 meals to shelters, veterans’ homes, and homeless outreach programs. The trip also included volunteering at the Adventure Science Center and visiting the St. Cecilia Motherhouse. Students returned inspired, strengthened in faith, and committed to living out their call to discipleship.
PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
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SOUTHERN ENGAGES STUDENTS IN REAL-WORLD ENERGY AND ENGINEERING EXPERIENCES More than 100 middle and high school students from across the Baton Rouge area concluded a week of discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning at Southern University and A&M College’s 2025 Carbon STEM Camp. Throughout the week, students participated in a series of immersive activities focused on carbon dioxide (CO₂) and its role in building a lower-carbon future. They gained practical experience in environmental science, public speaking, and team collaboration. Campers also explored the science of carbon capture and storage (CCS), a vital technology in the fight against climate change, and benefited from direct interaction with STEM professionals who offered insight, inspiration, and mentorship.
SWORD & SHIELD COFFEE OPENS AT ST. MICHAEL
St. Michael the Archangel High School students are gaining real-world business experience with the grand opening of Sword & Shield Coffee, a new student- run coffee shop on campus. Designed to serve fellow Warriors while fostering hospitality, teamwork, and leadership skills, the venture officially launched this summer. As part of its soft opening, the student team proudly served new faculty members during their formation meetings, blending service with community-building. This exciting project was made possible through partnerships with Turning Point Food Service and River Road Coffees.
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book corner
T hey say that grandparents and grandchildren are natural allies. Celebrate this special relationship by reading a book about grandparents. Maybe even invite them over and read a book with your grandparents! Bonding time awaits!
YOUTH Grandmas will love reading this sweet board book to the babies in their family. Grandma and Me by Carole Boston Weatherford Carole Boston Weatherford’s beautiful rhyming text and Ashleigh Corrin’s bright illustrations bring the love between grand- mothers and grandbabies to life in this lovely board book. Each page captures a dif- ferent sweet snapshot of play, fun, and love between generations, from rolling balls and dancing to snack time and sleepy snuggles! Enjoy this picture book about spending the day with your Louisiana MawMaw. Soggy Like Cush Cush by Karly Pierre This picture book feels like a Louisiana memory of spending a rainy day with Grandma, running errands and stopping to chat with folks in your small town. With evocative pictures and even a recipe in the back for fabulous, sticky, sweet cush cush, Louisiana families will feel right at home! New readers will want to visit their own grandparents after reading these fun books! Grandparents Day! by Candice F. Ransome This early reader invites us along on a fun day as two siblings spend the day with
The Most Beautiful Thing by Kao Kalia Yang Struggling with poverty and being different from her peers, Kalia learns to appreci- ate the things she does have through the stories her grandmother tells of her Hmong youth far away and long ago. Her beloved grandmother’s tales of trying to find food for her siblings and fleeing tigers bring much-needed perspective, but her love brings the greatest perspective of all! Grandparent Poems by John Miklos Jr. et al. This collection of fun and moving poems honors grandparents in all forms, from those you are born with to those you ac- quire along the way! Telling of both the fun had together and honoring those we lost, Grandparent Poems has something for every grandkid. TWEENS AND TEENS Grandparents are good for a little adventure and a lot of love. Just ask the teens in these books! Clean Getaway by Nic Stone How to go on an unplanned road trip with your grandma: ■Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED. ■Fasten Your Seatbelt: G’ma’s never con- ventional, so this trip won’t be either. ■Use the Green Book: G’ma’s most trea-
Grandma and Grandpa! From breakfast at a fancy restaurant to a sleepy ride home, the day is packed with fun and love! Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai Gigi’s grandpa is coming to stay all the way from Japan! Gigi is so excited that she’s learned words in Japanese, and she’s planning to invite him to do some of her favorite things, but when things don’t go as planned, can she still find a way to make it work? When grandparents share their wisdom and experiences, they may turn out to be more interesting than you first thought! The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi Maha loves journalism and film making. Reporting is her thing. She’s on the case 24/7, right up until her Dadi (grandmother) moves in all the way from Pakistan! Stuck “babysitting” an elder who doesn’t really fit in, Maha is not happy at all with the changes to her family. However, as she gets to know her Pakistani grandmother, Maha discovers that Dadi has seen huge changes in the world that Maha can only imagine… maybe Maha has found the perfect subject for her journalism project after all! These non-fiction titles include a biography and a collection of poems that honor grandparents and what they contribute to our lives.
Book Corner is provided by librarians at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. To learn more about the libraries in East Baton Rouge Parish, visit ebrpl.com.
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sured possession. It holds history, memories, and the way home.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Merci’s grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately. No one in her family will tell Merci what’s going on, so she’s left to her own worries while also feeling all on her own at school. In a coming-of-age tale full of humor and wisdom, award-winning author Meg Medina gets to the heart of the confusion and constant change that defines middle school—and the steadfast connection that defines family. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, proud of her country roots and the “Indi- an-ness in her blood,” travels from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents. Along the way, she tells them of the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, who received mysterious messages, met a “potential lunatic,” and whose mother disappeared. As Sal enter- tains her grandparents with Phoebe’s story, her own story begins to unfold—the story of a 13-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother. The Astonishing Color After by Emily X.R. Pan (for older teens) Leigh Chen Sanders is certain about one thing—when her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird. Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she chases after ghosts, uncovers family secrets, and forges a new relationship with her grandparents. As she grieves, she tries to reconcile the fact that on the same day she kissed her secret crush, her mother was taking her own life.
Pre-K4-8th Grade January 29, 2026 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. OPEN HOUSE
Holy Family School is committed to providing an exceptional education to children in grades Pre-K4 through 8th. Our goal is to help each child fully develop his or her potential in a safe, caring, and Christ-centered environment. Readiness for success in high school is key!
335 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen, LA 70767 P: 225.344.4100 | F: 225.344.1928 www.holyfamilyschool.com Holy Family School - Port Allen
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craft corner CONNECT
5 Magical Mason Jar Crafts
B righten up any afternoon with these five mason jar crafts. Perfect for kiddos and adults alike, these crafts are easy to make and beautiful to display.
Directions 1. Fill your mason jar about ¾ full with warm water. Warm water helps the glue mix better. 2. Add clear glitter glue until the jar is nearly full, about ¼ of the jar should be glue. 3. Add food coloring if you’d like to tint the water. 4. Stir well until it is fully mixed. 5. Finally, put the lid on and tighten before shaking to test. STAINED GLASS MASON JARS Materials ■Mason jar ■Sharpies (variety of colors)
2. With tweezers, gently place the pressed flowers onto the Mod Podge in any pattern you like. 3. Once the flowers are arranged, carefully brush another layer of Mod Podge over them to seal. 4. Let it dry completely. 5. Finish by tying a piece of twine around the top of the jar in a bow. DIY GLITTER CALM-DOWN JAR Materials ■Mason jar
FLOWER MASON JARS Materials
■Mason jar ■Mod Podge ■Pressed flowers ■Paintbrush ■Twine ■Tweezers
■Warm water ■Glitter glue ■Food coloring ■Spoon or stick for stirring
Directions Use the paintbrush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to a small area of the jar.
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Directions 1. Use the Sharpies to draw a design directly onto the mason jar. Try creating an intricate pattern, colorful blocks, or even a picture of something that brings you joy. Avoid going over the same area multiple times or overlapping colors, as it may cause smudging. 2. Once dry, place the jar somewhere sunlight can shine through to reveal the beautiful stained-glass effect. MASON JAR HERB GARDEN Materials ■Mason jars (Blue or Clear) 1. Start by adding a layer of pebbles to the bottom of each jar. This helps keep roots healthy and prevents water from pooling. 2. Fill the jar almost to the top with organic potting soil, leaving about an inch of space for planting. 3. For seeds, sprinkle them on top and cover lightly with soil so they can germinate. For starter herbs, gently loosen the roots before planting, then pack soil firmly around them for support. 4. Write on the jar with a chalk marker, so you always know what’s growing. 5. Place your jars where they’ll get at least six hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. ■Organic potting soil ■Starter herbs or seeds ■Pebble rocks Directions
DIY GLITTER MASON JARS Materials ■Mason jars ■Glitter ■Modge Podge
Directions 1. Pour two tablespoons of Mod Podge and glitter into the jar. 2. Tilt and rotate the jar, letting the Mod Podge and glitter coat the inside of the jar. 3. Place the jar upside down on a paper plate and allow the excess to drip out. Then, allow the jar to sit upright and dry completely.
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LIVE
mom next door
Dr. Caitlin Coco
Occupation: Pediatric Urologist Husband: Patrick Children: Pierre, 6, Emmett, 3 Hobbies: Reading, baking, and exercising
B etween time in the operating room, family pizza nights, and bedtime stories, Dr. Caitlin Coco shares how she and her husband, Patrick, keep life flex- ible, fun, and full of love in Baton Rouge. Surrounded by a large, close-knit family, Caitlin opens up about balancing a de- manding medical career with motherhood and the parenting lessons she has learned along the way. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT RAISING YOUR BOYS IN BATON ROUGE CAITLIN: The community. I think there’s something really special about the Baton Rouge community. We also have a really large family unit here. My husband’s the baby of 11 kids, so we have a really big fam- ily. The vast majority of them are located in the area. They have lots of little cousins, and it’s just a really fun dynamic. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER WITH FAMILY TIME? CAITLIN: We are flexible. We use the phrase “flexible spaghetti” a lot in my fam- ily. We like to be like flexible noodles that are cooked rather than the ones that aren’t cooked yet. We make it work. I’ve definitely set my family as a priority at work, and we have certain boundaries and things at work that we try to maintain, and my kids also understand too. We make it a big deal at home. Like, Mommy is helping people, and so this is why Mommy is doing this or that. We involve them a lot, so they understand what’s going on. And then, I have a super- star husband who picks up more things than I could ever imagine in terms of slack,
and he’s really the reason that I’m able to do both. WHAT’S A TYPICAL WEEKEND LIKE FOR THE COCO FAMILY? CAITLIN: Friday night is usually movie and pizza night. We get pizza dough from Trad- er Joe’s, and we make the kids a pizza. Then we pick out a movie. We’ll either do some of the classics and then sometimes we’ll do an animated film. If we’re reading a book, we’ll do a movie based on that. During the school year, my six year old will have activities. So sometimes we have Saturday morning baseball, or we’ll do basketball or soccer. He likes to do a lot of different activities. Saturday is just our social day, I guess, is what I would call it. We’ll have what we call Coco Brother dinners where my husband, his two youngest brothers and their wives, and all of our kids get together. We rotate whose house that’s at, so that’s really fun. On Sunday, we usually go to Mass. DO YOU HAVE ANY TRADITIONS THE BOYS LOOK FORWARD TO? CAITLIN: At bedtime, we always have stories, thankfuls, and prayers. I would say
they look forward probably to stories the most, but it is something that we do basi- cally every night. We’ll do bigger breakfasts on the weekends. So on Saturday mornings, we might do pancakes, and everybody gets involved. My three year old will mix the pancake batter, and then my six year old actually has started using the stove with supervision. He’s getting there, but right now it’s quesadillas and pancakes with some help. It’s a lot of fun, and everybody’s in the kitchen. CAITLIN: One parenting lesson that I wish I would have learned sooner. Every kid is different. You think you figure it out and that you have it down, but every kid is dif- ferent. And I think that learning your child is a process. I don’t think it happens all in one night. I guess be adaptable, and keep learning about them. It’s fun too. Because, like, their little personalities are constantly changing and evolving. So I guess being adaptable would be my lesson. WHAT’S ONE PARENTING LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED THAT YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN SOONER?
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HAVE YOUR BOYS EVER SHOWN CURIOSITY ABOUT YOUR JOB?
WHAT’S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE?
Rapid Fire Questions Favorite date night… eat dinner, come back, and usually the kids will be in bed, and we’ll watch a movie. One word that best describes your family… loving. Favorite movie… Edward Scissorhands . Favorite food… Crawfish cakes, made by my husband. Hidden talent… painting. ried or concerned about that is if you care enough to wonder if you’re doing enough, you’re doing enough. You’re giving all the love that the babies need, and that’s evidence of it is that you care enough to wonder that question.
CAITLIN: My older son much more so than my younger son. He knows what Mommy does. Mommy operates on people. She does surgeries. Funnily enough, whenever we would ask him, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” He said, “I think I want to be a drama surgeon.” I was like, “Do you mean a trauma surgeon?” Whenever I am looking up things, he always wants to know what it is. What I usually tell my kids in terms of what I do is that I’m kind of like a plumber. Basically, anything that water moves through in your body, I can unblock or fix. So they know Mommy works on kidneys, and we’ve talked about what those are. We’ve always talked about it since they were really little. IF YOU HAD ONE FREE DAY COMPLETELY TO YOURSELF, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT? CAITLIN: If I had a free day to myself, I would read. I would maybe lay out by the pool, get a massage, and then maybe have a nice dinner and watch a movie in bed.
CAITLIN: I like playing video games. I don't know if that’s surprising or not, but some people might find that surprising. A lot of surgeons actually play video games, but I do enjoy video games.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST “MOM MOMENT” SO FAR?
CAITLIN: When my older son started school, I had another mom come and tell me that her daughter enjoyed playing with him, and that he was one of the only boys that she enjoyed playing with because he was kind. As a mom, you want great things for your kids, but most of all, we just want them to be good humans. Getting that feed- back was a really proud moment for me, to know that we’re doing something right.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
CAITLIN: A lot of parents are like, Am I doing enough? Is this enough? What I always tell parents who seem wor-
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LIVE
Love, Petunia Jewelry with Meaning BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY OLIVIA LAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY thrive W hen Alexis Ponthieux created Love, Petunia, it wasn’t just about making jewelry—it was about honoring and remembering. The inspiration for the business and the pieces came during a challenging time in her life: when her mother was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). “I started [Love, Petunia] as an activity for us to do together, but with this disease, my mom progressed pretty quickly. She’s kind of at a plateau right now, but I couldn’t keep her still, and she didn’t really like it. So, I said, ‘I’ll do this for you, Mom,’ because she loves jewelry, and I love jewelry and accessorizing. It was just something special that I could do to share our story. I don't like to share any of the hard parts, you know? I like to show pictures of her smiling. [This was] something special for us to do—a way to honor her and who she is because she’s forgetting, and I don’t want anybody else to forget who she was before this disease. She’s such a special person,” she shares. The name Love, Petunia carries a special meaning as well. “Petunia” is a nickname her mom often called her when she was little. In the branding, “Love,” is written in her mother’s handwriting, pulled from an old card the family exchanged. “My mom, dad, and I love handwritten notes and cards,” she explains. This tribute highlights their special bond and the powerful mission behind the business.
CAREGIVING AND CREATIVITY
Louisiana. A lot of pieces feature gold accents, and every piece includes a single purple bead that represents dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Alexis explains, “If somebody buys it and has a connection to the disease, they can look at it and see that they’re not alone. I donate five percent of each bracelet to Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.” More than a jewelry brand, Love, Petunia is a platform for raising awareness about dementia and creating a community where people don’t feel alone on this journey. For those who are experiencing similar situations, Alexis encourages, “Lean on your people. It’s a very hard thing to go through, but lean on your people that are there for you and that are supporting you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask somebody to ask for help, because sometimes you don’t even know where to start. Don’t be afraid to look for that and search for that, and don’t feel guilty for needing the help.” To learn more, visit shoplovepetunia.com. BUILDING AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY
As a caregiver, Alexis has experienced the roller coaster of emotions that dementia can bring to families. Through owning the business and jewelry-making, Alexis has found a therapeutic outlet and has been able to connect with those who are walking similar paths. “I’ve connected with so many other peo- ple who share their stories online. I learned that I’m not alone in this. I was 23 when my mom got diagnosed. I was young, an only child, and I’m very close to my parents. Thank God for my friend group, thank God for my husband, but I’ve connected with a lot of people and made friends all over the U.S., and even overseas, through social media. It’s been nice to connect with people around my age and, unfortunately, even younger people who are going through the same journey,” she says. FROM INSPIRATION TO CREATION Every piece is thoughtfully designed and made by Alexis herself. Each piece is made using high-quality elastic and beads, many sourced from right here in
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LIVE faith
Getting Too Much Parenting Advice? How to Respond With Grace BY SHERI WOHLFERT PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But sometimes the “village” can offer more advice than we know what to do with. Knowing how to prayerfully and positively accept and process parenting advice requires some grace and finesse. KEEP AN OPEN HEART Advice is usually offered because someone loves you and your child. People genuinely want to help because they know that raising children is among life’s most difficult and most important tasks. BE CONFIDENT As a parent, God entrusted you as the keeper and defender of his child. With that gift comes his belief in you and his grace to do this work. Just because someone offers advice doesn’t mean they think you are doing something wrong. When you receive unsolicited advice, remind yourself that you were chosen by the Father to do this work, and don’t be overly sensitive or take it as a personal attack. LISTEN I learned quickly that parenting is a humbling vocation. Even if the older
woman in the pew behind me in church wasn’t up on the latest child-rearing trends, her words were steeped in wisdom and experience. I often reminded myself that I truly didn’t know everything, and life is full of teachers and lessons if we are listening. APPROACH IT LIKE A BUFFET When we step up to a delicious buffet, we realize we can’t possibly eat everything there, so we pick and choose what we like and what we need. We don’t have to defend our choices, and nobody is offended if we take more of one thing than another. Processing advice is much the same. Listen, sift, and sort. Use what’s helpful, and leave behind what isn’t. TAKE THE LONG VIEW Being humble and gracious in the face of unsolicited advice is more important in the long run. If we snap and become defensive, we could drive a wedge in relationships that are important to us and to our children. Humor, confidence, and diversion are much better responses. When that advice comes rolling your way, deflect it with a question, such as, “Is that what you did with your child when they were this age?” That will shift the conversation to
someone else’s parenting experience and not your own. SIMPLE TRUTH You know your child more intimately than anyone else, so share that truth if needed. Don’t be afraid to say something such as, “Thank you for those ideas, I’ll give them some thought,” or “Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it’s good to hear a different perspective because kids all need such different things.” WHAT YOU NEED MOST The one thing we need more than even the best advice is prayer. The next time you feel bombarded with advice, go ahead and ask for what you need most. God entrusted us with this work and it’s only by his grace that we can accomplish the task of raising saints, so let’s really let the village help us and say, “Thank you for your advice and what I really need most is your prayers.” Be specific in your request, too: Ask for the grace of patience, wisdom, or the intercession of the Blessed Mother or St. Joseph. Lovingly tell the advice-giver how grateful you would be if they would pray for you as you work to raise a saint in a crazy world.
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Talking About Mental Health BY SANONNA AL TAWEEL
I t’s no secret that we have a men- tal health crisis on our hands. The evidence of anxiety and depression— particularly among Gen Z—is everywhere: higher rates of self-reported loneliness, surges in emergency room visits related to self-harm and suicidal ideation, and the increased use of social media as an escape from everyday life. A 2023 Harvard survey found that two in five Gen Z young adults ages 18–25 “feel like they don’t matter to others.” That means that 44 percent of that age group is experiencing a deep sense of disconnection. And they’re not the only ones. Based on U.S. data from 2022–2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion reports that 11 percent of children ages 3–17 had current, diagnosed anxiety, and 40 percent of high school students expe- rienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The survey also reported that 20 percent of high school students serious- ly considered attempting suicide, and 16 percent had made a plan. THE ROOTS OF THE CRISIS If you’re like me, you read those numbers and your heart sank. How do we have this many young people hurting so badly that they feel they have no other options? The truth is, it’s not just one thing. Today’s generation is facing a myriad of problems. Take social media, for example. While it is a great way to connect with others and have
fun, there are many dark sides to it, including: • The pressure to live a “perfect” life. Constant exposure to others’ (often edited) lives can make people feel like they’re falling short. • Cyberbullying. Online harassment often looks like someone “joking” nowadays. People comment thought- lessly and hurt others’ feelings just to get some likes. • Doomscrolling and access to too much information. I miss the days when my Instagram feed was just people I followed. Now, thanks to AI algorithms, it’s a constant stream of in- fluencers I’ve never heard of, political news, trends you “have” to hop on, and scare-tactic reporting. Another factor contributing to the stag- gering rates of mental health issues is the long-lasting effects that the pandemic had on our lives. Sure, we’re not stuck inside for months on end anymore, but the disrup- tions it caused are still being felt. Many young people experienced prolonged social isolation, missing out on crucial milestones like graduations, sports seasons, and time with friends. These losses have left lasting feelings of loneliness and disconnection. At the same time, remote learning created academic gaps and increased stress, with some students struggling to catch up or
stay motivated. The uncertainty and fear that marked those years also heightened anxiety about the future, worries that con- tinue to linger as kids and teens navigate a world that suddenly feels less predictable and safe. IT’S NOT AS SIMPLE AS JUST GETTING HELP Despite the growing need, many young people face serious barriers to access- ing mental health care. Wait times for therapists and counselors can stretch for months, and insurance coverage is often limited or confusing. For families in rural or underserved areas, finding specialized care for children and teens is even harder. According to Mental Health America, 65 percent of rural counties in the U.S. have no practicing psychiatrist, and nearly half lack any mental health professionals at all. This shortage means that young people in these areas face longer travel distances to seek care, fewer treatment options, and often, greater stigma within tight-knit communities. Suburban communities, while often bet- ter equipped with mental health providers than rural areas, face their own challenges. Suburban areas can experience a shortage of specialized mental health professionals trained to work with children and teens, and families may struggle with affordabili- ty, as insurance coverage gaps and high out- of-pocket costs make therapy inaccessible
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center (225) 924-1431 Baton Rouge Crisis Line (844) 452-2133 (VIA LINK) or 2-1-1 and select “Crisis” Capital Area United Way 2-1-1 or (225) 923-2114 Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Elemental Health (225) 218-6774 LSU Psychological Services Center (225) 578-1494 Our Lady of the Lake Psychiatry Center (225) 374-0400 Regions Behavioral Hospital (225) 408-6060 Youth Mobile Crisis (225) 713-3208
for many. There can also be a culture of privacy and stigma around mental health that discourages seeking help, leading some young people to suffer in silence. STARTING THE CONVERSATION It’s crucial to talk about mental health with your children. Open, honest conversa- tions about feelings can lay a foundation of support that will stay with them their entire lives. Starting these conversations may feel uncomfortable, especially if your family isn’t used to these types of discus- sions. Here’s how to approach it with kids at different stages of development: Young Kids (Ages 3–7) Keep it simple and use language they understand. You might say things like, “Sometimes our feelings get really big and confusing, and that’s okay.” Use stories, books, or drawings to help them express how they’re feeling. Reassure them that all feelings are okay, and they can always talk to you about anything. Elementary and Middle School-Aged Kids (Ages 8–12) At this age, kids can understand more about emotions and mental health but may
still find it hard to talk about. Encourage them by asking open-ended questions like, “What makes you happy or worried?” Validate their feelings and let them know it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or anxious sometimes. Share your own experiences in simple terms to normalize mental health discussions. Teens (Ages 13–18) Teens are developing their independence and may be reluctant to open up. Be patient and create a judgment-free space where they feel safe sharing. Respect their privacy while gently encouraging professional help. The mental health challenges facing today’s young people are complex and often over- whelming, but families have a powerful role to play. Keep your discussions support- ive, honest, and respectful of their feelings. Talking about mental health with your kids sets them up to be emotionally healthy adults who know they can always come to you for help. NEED HELP? YOU’RE NOT ALONE If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available.
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Little Faces, Big Routines: The New Age of Tween Skincare
BY MADISON VOORHIES PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2024–25 COVER KID ZOEY J. “If you can teach your kids to wear sunscreen in the morning and to wash their face at night, they’ve laid a great founda- tion for what they may need later in life,” says Dr. Hooper. “That’s a healthy routine whether you’re four or 14.” According to Dr. Hooper, daily sun protection is the single most effective way to protect the skin’s health and appearance long-term, and it’s never too early to start! One tip? Opt for sunscreen in a pump bot- tle. Studies show that kids are significantly more likely to use it consistently when it’s easier to apply. LET SKIN NEEDS GUIDE THE ROUTINE Skincare should never be based solely on age; It should respond to the skin’s actual condition. Some children may need a gentle moisturizer or eczema treatment as babies, while others may not need any additional products until their late teens. If a child begins to experience persistent dryness, redness, breakouts, or irritation, it’s time to adjust their routine or consult a dermatologist. One major turning point for many fam- ilies is acne. While breakouts are common during puberty, acne can appear earlier, and Dr. Hooper agrees that even a single pimple is reason enough to consider treat-
A s it turns out, the skincare aisle isn’t just for adults anymore. With social media trends and influencer routines making their way into elementa- ry and middle school conversations these days, many parents find themselves fielding questions about serums, toners, and face masks, often from kids who haven’t even hit puberty. But when does skincare actually need to begin? What’s appropriate for developing skin, and what’s simply too much too soon? To get some clarity, we turned to board-cer- tified dermatologist Dr. Deirdre Hooper of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. Her advice? Keep it simple, keep it gentle, and above all, keep it age-appropriate. START WITH THE BASICS For young kids, tweens, and even many teens, a “healthy skincare routine” doesn’t require a shelf full of products. In fact, it starts with just two simple steps: applying sunscreen in the A.M. and washing your face in the P.M. This foundational approach helps protect against environmental dam- age during the day while removing dirt, oil, and pollutants in the evening. Over time, children may need to add moisturizer or additional steps depending on their unique skin needs, but the basics don’t change.
ment. Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or adapalene products can be effective starting points for mild acne. However, anything that causes stinging or burning is likely too harsh and should be avoided. THE SOCIAL MEDIA SKINCARE TRAP In recent years, dermatologists have seen a surge in kids—some as young as eight or nine—experimenting with trendy skin- care products meant for adults. It’s not uncommon for preteens to request popular anti-aging serums, chemical exfoliants, or influencer-approved “multi-step routines.” But things can take a turn for the worse. Using too many products or even the wrong ones can overwhelm and irritate young skin, and Dr. Hooper has seen it firsthand. “One of my daughters broke out with clogged pores because she was applying so many different products to her skin,” she shares. “Kids see influencers using 10-step routines and think more is better. But more often, it backfires.” Anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and exfoliating acids are designed for adult skin concerns and are generally unnecessary for young users. Physical scrubs and heavily fragranced products, while often marketed as “natural,” can also trigger reactions in sensitive or acne-prone
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skin. So in short, more is not better, and “clean beauty” doesn’t always mean “safe.” WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST Parents often spend months or even years trying to treat their child’s skin issues with over-the-counter solutions. But there comes a point when professional guidance is essential. If a child’s skin is painful, itchy, or showing signs of eczema, discoloration, or persistent acne, it’s time to book an appointment. And if acne is leaving behind dark marks or scars, don’t wait. Scarring can be difficult and costly to treat later on, but it's often preventable with early inter- vention. It’s also important to remember the emotional toll that skin issues can have, especially in today’s selfie-heavy, social media-driven world. “Parents often underestimate the psy- chological impact of acne, especially in this age of Snapchat and constant photo- graphs,” says Dr. Hooper. “Acne is such a treatable disease. No one should feel like they have to live with it.” WHAT TO BUY (AND WHAT TO SKIP) You don’t need a huge Sephora haul to build a smart skincare routine. Dr. Hooper rec- ommends starting at the drugstore, where brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay offer effective, der- matologist-tested options for young skin. These products are affordable, accessible, and designed with sensitive skin in mind. For families dealing with particularly reactive skin, brands like Vanicream and La Roche-Posay are often recommended by dermatologists for their gentle, mini- mal-ingredient formulas. La Roche-Posay, for example, includes thermal spring water known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, and some products feature prebiotics to help support the skin’s mi- crobiome. On the flip side, avoid products with strong fragrances, harsh exfoliants, or buzzy ingredients like retinol unless spe- cifically recommended by a dermatologist. Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelm- ing, expensive, or trendy to be effective. For most children and teens, healthy skin begins with a gentle cleanser, a daily sun- screen, and a watchful eye for any issues that arise. And when those issues do show up, don’t waste time guessing—reach out to a board-certified dermatologist. The goal here isn’t perfect skin; It’s healthy, comfortable skin that supports your child’s confidence, no matter their age.
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