March 2026
MARCH 2026
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
Parent Shifts During College Years
College Planning: What’s Missing
FAMILY FUN ACROSS THE USA
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CONT ENT S March 2026 • Issue 428
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in each issue
6 8
The Mama Files
Community Education Book Corner
10 12 14 16 18 38 48 50
Mom Next Door
Thrive
Faith
Things to Do Things We Love
Snapshots
features
PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 Cover Kid Jaylah R. is a spirited three-year-old with a huge personality, a fearless heart, and a natural gift for leadership. She’s outgoing, endlessly talkative, and truly has never met a stranger. Whether she’s hugging everyone in sight, singing and laughing for a reaction, enjoying peanut butter and jelly, the park, or church, she lights up every room and leaves everyone she meets completely smitten.
LETTING GO WITHOUT CHECKING OUT Insight into how parents can loosen the reins during the college years without losing connection or influence. 22
26
WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT COLLEGE PLANNING
From emails to essays, this helpful guide uncovers the behind- the-scenes details of college planning parents should know. EIGHT VACATION THEMES THAT GO BEYOND THE BEACH! From national parks to foodie road trips, these eight vacation themes offer something for every kind of family. 30 THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN THE US AS A FAMILY A practical take on where to travel in the U.S. as a family, tailored to kids’ ages, interests, and travel goals. 34
Photos by BREC and freepik.com
MARCH BUCKET LIST Check out these exciting activities this month. EASTER BUNNY SIGHTINGS GUIDE Fun places to see the Easter Bunny. SPRING READING LIST Book recommendations for the season. ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRAFTS Easy, fun DIY projects for the kiddos. what’s on the web
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THE Mama FILES
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager SABRINA SMITH BREE WRAY Client Success Specialists JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern ADVERTISING/MARKETING ASHLEY ZANDERS Sales Operations CRYSTAL BARRETT ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships
The Season of Letting Go I t’s hard to believe I’m about to let my oldest spread her wings and leave the nest. Is she ready? My honest answer is
average). So expecting 15-, 16-, or 17-year- olds to make life-altering decisions without consistent parental involvement feels… ambitious. Needless to say, I’ve learned a few things I hope can help other parents navigate this season. First: Get access to your child’s email and Common App account. Better yet, create a new, professional email address with their name in it. Use the same email and password across platforms (write it down somewhere safe). This has been a lifesaver. I can track deadlines, spot scholarship opportunities, and gently remind her before the clock runs out. And speaking of scholarships—apply for all of them. You truly can’t apply for too many. The worst that happens? You don’t get them all. The best? You do. My one regret? Not doing more college tours. Maybe we’ll still squeeze a few in. As much as I want her to stay close to home (where I can “accidentally” drop off groceries), there’s a big world out there, and I want her to explore it. I want her to become the inde- pendent, fierce young woman she’s already becoming. My mini-me—just a little smarter, a little sassier, with bigger goals…and the same big heart that loves big. And maybe that means I didn’t do such a bad job after all.
no. Do I feel like she’s been taught everything she needs to survive on her own? Again…no. Somewhere around the transition to high school, I look back and wonder if I started to miss the mark. I always wanted to be a great mother—but also someone she would still talk to. Somewhere along the way, I may have leaned a little too far into “friend” and not enough into “push her harder.”That balance is tricky, and no one hands you a manual when they hand you a newborn. Is she a bad kid? Absolutely not. She has the biggest heart. She’s compassionate. She loves children. She stands up to bullies and fiercely protects the people she cares about. Sometimes she loves too much, trusts too easily, and gives her heart away when it isn’t always deserved. As we close out her high school years and step into the college chapter, it’s bitter- sweet—heavy on the sweet, if I’m being honest. It’s been a learning experience for both of us. I’m incredibly grateful her school pro- vides a college counselor to guide students through the process. My only frustration? Parents are largely cut out. We receive the same reminder emails the students do, but unless you’re having regular conversations at home, things get missed. I understand the intention—they want these kids to grow into independent adults. But research shows the teenage brain isn’t fully developed until the mid-to-late twenties (around age 25 on
ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach
ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
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Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FRG publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.
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community
HELPING NEIGHBORS STAY SAFE AT HOME Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge is making a meaningful difference for homeowners across the city by providing free critical home repairs that help residents stay safe and independent. The nonprofit focuses on serving elderly, veteran, and disabled homeowners who may not have the resources to address urgent repairs. From improved lighting and flooring to wheelchair ramp construction, each project is designed to increase accessibility and safety. The organization has served the Baton Rouge community for 20 years. With support from volunteers and donations, Rebuilding Together continues meeting the growing need for safe, accessible housing. ■ rtbr.org
TEX‑MEX COMES TO PERKINS ROWE WITH NEW EATERY A tasty new dining option is on the way at Perkins Rowe. Barrio Burrito Bar, known for its build‑your‑own Tex‑Mex burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and tacos made with fresh, customizable ingredients, is opening its Louisiana flagship location at Perkins Rowe in spring 2026. The casual restaurant will sit near Barnes & Noble and is designed to offer a flavorful, quick‑service option for families grabbing lunch or dinner while shopping, running errands, or enjoying time together. Locals can look forward to another fun spot for meals that appeal to a wide range of tastes. With bold flavors, flexible menu choices, and a relaxed atmosphere, Barrio Burrito Bar is poised to become a go-to gathering place in the heart of Perkins Rowe. ■ barrioburritobar.com
Photo by freepik.com
NEW MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC EXPANDS CARE FOR FAMILIES
Lane Regional Medical Center is expanding access to mental health support with the opening of its new Health & Wellness Clinic in Zachary. Designed to care for patients of all ages, the clinic focuses on emotional, psychological, and social well-being in a welcoming, patient-centered setting. The clinic is now accepting new patients and offers evaluation and treatment for conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and other behavioral health concerns. Two experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners have joined the team, bringing strong backgrounds in pediatric, family, and community-based care. This expansion helps meet a growing need for accessible mental health services for local families. ■ lanermc.org
A NEW SPOT FOR PLAY AND IMAGINATION IN DENHAM SPRINGS Families looking for a playful, child-centered destination will be excited about The Play District, a recently opened indoor play center designed for kids ages zero to nine. The space features an imaginative play village with seven child-sized playhouses that mimic real-life businesses, including a grocery store, bank, and more. Sponsors like Benny’s Car Wash, Carter’s Supermarket, and the Bank of Zachary helped bring the village to life, giving kiddos a fun way to explore everyday roles. A soft play area for toddlers and an active zone for older children keep energy levels high, while parents can relax with snacks and seating. ■ theplaydistrictds.com
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Photo by freepik.com
A NEW LOOK AT THE FOOD PYRAMID FOR FAMILIES The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines bring a fresh perspective on healthy eating, especially for families. For the first time in decades, the traditional food pyramid has been inverted, with protein and healthy fats at the top and grains and fruits toward the bottom. The guidelines emphasize whole, nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils, while encouraging families to limit ultra-processed foods and refined grains. With guidance for kids, teens, and adults, the new pyramid gives parents a simple, visual way to make balanced, nourishing choices at every meal. By shifting the focus to quality and variety, the updated recommendations aim to support long-term health and sustainable eating habits at home. ■ myplate.gov NEW RESEARCH ON WHEN KIDS GET SMARTPHONES A recent study published in Pediatrics found that many children receive their first smartphone around ages 11 or 12. Researchers discovered that early ownership—particularly before age 12—was linked to higher risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep in early adolescence compared with peers who didn’t yet have a phone. While there’s no single “right age” for every child, experts emphasize that parents should consider maturity, readiness, and responsibility when making this decision. Setting clear boundaries, maintaining open communication, and establishing expectations for phone use can help children benefit from technology while protecting their mental and physical well-being. ■ aap.org
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education
NFL LEGEND INSPIRES STUDENTS AT GLEN OAKS HIGH Former Houston Oilers linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer Robert Brazile visited Glen Oaks High for the “Heart of a Hall of Fame” event, sharing lessons on discipline, perseverance, and character. Known as “Dr. Doom” during his playing days from 1975 to 1984, Brazile engaged student-athletes from Glen Oaks, Istrouma, and McKinley high schools, answering questions and encouraging them to believe in their potential both on and off the field. The event gave students a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from a professional athlete about the importance of hard work, resilience, and leadership in achieving success. His message reinforced that greatness is built not only through talent, but through consistent effort and integrity.
U-HIGH EARNS NATIONAL TREE CAMPUS RECOGNITION
University Laboratory School was certified as a National Arbor Foundation Tree Campus following a student-led environmental project. U-High students grew 13 cypress trees from seedlings over four years and planted them along the LSU Lakes. The initiative, led by 11th-grade IB student Vaughn Meiners and instructor Karen Holden, partnered students with Baton Rouge Green and the LSU Lakes Project, and included hands-on lessons and tree-planting events with local elementary students. The project highlighted experiential learning, sustainability, and community collaboration, giving students a meaningful way to care for the environment and make a lasting impact on Baton Rouge’s green spaces.
PARKVIEW STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT GOVERNMENT
STUDENTS SHINE AT YOUNG TECHIE AND GIFTED EXPO Students from across Baton Rouge showcased their innovation, creativity, and technical skills at the Young Techie and Gifted Expo. Hosted by the Instructional Technology Department, the event featured hands-on projects connected to technology, STEAM learning, and project-based instruction, giving students the chance to share ideas, demonstrate skills, and explore new technologies. Participating schools included Capitol Elementary, Northeast High, Audubon Elementary, Scotlandville Middle, and The Dufrocq School. The expo not only highlighted student talent but also fostered collaboration and learning across schools, with staff and vendors supporting an engaging and inspiring experience for all involved. Events like this encourage students to pursue their passions and consider future careers in technology and innovation.
Parkview Baptist School high school students had the opportunity to hear from Louisiana State Representative Emily Chenevert during a visit to campus. She shared her journey into public service and gave students a firsthand look at how a bill becomes a law. Experiences like this help make civics lessons come alive, giving students a deeper understanding of government, leadership, and civic responsibility. Engaging with local leaders allows young people to see the real-world impact of public service and inspires them to become active, informed citizens. The visit offered an encouraging reminder that their voices and involvement can shape the future of their communities.
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ST. JOSEPH’S STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE Thirty students from St. Joseph’s Academy traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 53rd annual March for Life. The theme, Life is a Gift, encouraged participants to celebrate the joy and dignity of life. During their multi-day trip, students attended daily Mass, heard guest speakers, and toured historic and religious sites, including the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Museum of the Bible. Accompanied by teachers and a parent chaperone, the students experienced the march as a pilgrimage, deepening their faith and understanding of the mission to honor life at every stage. The journey provided meaningful opportunities for reflection and living out their values beyond the classroom.
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE HOSTS LITERACY AND NUMERACY NIGHT Southeast Middle Magnet School welcomed families for Literacy and Numeracy Night, an evening designed to support student success on the LEAP. Parents and students explored reading strategies across core subjects to strengthen comprehension and writing skills. Teams also participated in fun, hands-on math games aimed at building fluency and problem-solving skills. The event offered a mix of learning and interactive activities, giving families practical tools to support academic growth while making education engaging and enjoyable for students. The night highlighted how families can help reinforce learning at home.
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book corner
S pring has sprung! Are you looking for a fun, rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy during this beautiful season? How about gardening? Cultivate food, flowers, and family mem- ories all at once! Check out these books about gardening and visit one of EBRPL’s Seed Libraries to get started. Time to get growing! YOUTH This board book might bug you…but in the best way!
The Prickletrims Go Wild by Marie Dorléans
The Secret Garden on 81st Street by Ivy Noelle Weir
The Prickletrim family’s passion for exact measurements, rule following, and straight lines in their garden (and life) is challenged when their gardener quits and the garden explodes with life and wildness! How will they manage with giant plants growing through their kitchen and squirrels rampaging up the stairs? Readers will love the contrast of the gloriously vivid wild garden with the geometric black and white exactitude of the family! Mara Plants a Seed by Robert Furrow When Mara planted a sunflower seed, she didn’t know it was the beginning of a transformation of the abandoned lot in her neighborhood! From those first few sunflower seeds to a tiny trio of toddlers adding watermelon seeds from their picnic, to her elderly neighbor watering the grown flowers with the leftover water from her fish tank, this book is a delightful illustration of how small actions can help beautiful things grow!
Sneak into the Secret Garden with Mary Lennox and her friends in this modern graphic novel adaptation of the classic novel! Used to traveling with her tech-nomad parents, Mary hasn’t had a traditional life or friends. After her parents’ death, she is sent to live with her mysterious uncle in New York City. When she and her cousin discover a mysterious garden on the roof of their townhouse, will reviving it help her find her balance in this new situation?
The Flower Garden by Renée Kurilla
Hello, Garden Bugs by Julissa Mora
What would you do if you were suddenly as small as a bug? Best friends Anna and Tess are zapped down to tiny size after planting some seeds in their garden! With a charming gnome named May, they adventure through the garden, climbing flowers, bouncing on mushrooms, and even flying on birds! However, as the day wanes they face a serious choice: Will they stay small or figure out how to work together to get home? Growing food isn’t hard when you have help from these non-fiction titles!
Babies and families will adore saying hello to a variety of adorable garden bugs in this sweet and simple springtime board book. With high-contrast pictures perfect for newborns and the tiniest readers, and cute individual welcomes for each insect, this garden board book is certain to crawl right up the favorites list! These picture books may just inspire your little ones to plant some seeds and see what grows!
Kids will find garden adventures galore in these exciting graphic novels!
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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Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening by Walker Books, Ltd.
From strawberries in an old boot to starting corn in a cardboard tube, this fun illustrated how-to guide features 15 fabulous ideas for families to do with the very youngest gardeners! The directions are clearly worded and well-illustrated for pre-readers. Each project also features a list of supplies and a cute graphic showing the best seasons for the project, how long until harvest, and whether it’s an indoor or outdoor project! From Plant to Plate by Darryl Gadzekpo and Ella Phillips This fascinating non-fiction book is half gardening book and half cookbook! With sidetracks into nutrition, plant biology, and history, the fantastic illustrations, charts, and step-by-step guides will keep young readers flipping and browsing this book for hours!
TWEENS AND TEENS
Teens will learn how gardening can bring peace and healing, then perhaps give it a try! Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen Being 14 isn’t easy for Finn, until lighthearted and imaginative Johanna arrives to house-sit next door. She hires Finn to plant a garden to distract her from her illness, and their unlikely friendship has a profound effect on his outlook. Summer of June by Jamie Sumner June is determined to beat anxiety and become the lion she knows she is, instead of a mouse. With the help of her new friend Homer, she starts a garden and hatches a plan to make her dreams come true.
Outdoor School: Gardening —The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide by Bridget Heos
Fully illustrated, highly designed, gorgeous, and interactive, this field guide to gardening includes immersive activities to get you growing, write-in sections to journal about experiences, and next-level adventures to challenge even seasoned gardeners. No experience is required—only curiosity and courage!
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mom next door
Dr. Abby Rousseau O rthodontist and business owner Dr. Abby Rousseau wears many hats. As a wife and mother, she is thought- fully cultivating both a thriving practice and a joy-filled home. Rooted in faith and guided by intention, Abby balances early mornings with her little ones and long days caring for patients, all while pursuing a dream she’s held since childhood. BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY GEAUX GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Occupation: Orthodontist Husband: Joe
Children: Riley, 2; Jules, 3 months Hobbies: Spending time with family
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?
ABBY: Usually I get up sometime between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. and feed the baby while Riley and dad are in the kitchen making breakfast and coffee. We usually convene in the living room and have breakfast together, and then we get dressed [for the day]. I’ll take Riley to daycare, head to the office, and see patients. If I get a lunch break, I’ll come home and see the baby and then go back to work for the afternoon patients. The best time of the day is when we get to hang out together as a family. We like to be outside, so we spend a lot of time on the swing set or on the front porch blowing bubbles.
daughter goes to school where he went to school, and it’s fun to have that full circle mo- ment of being in the community that helped raise him and mold him into the man that he is. Now we get to serve this community through our profession but also raise our kids in a community that we are invested in and want to see thrive.
mindful. I see it in my two-year-old. She’s very aware of others and her surroundings. So mindfulness, I think, is a big thing.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF A WEEK BEFORE YOU BECAME A MOM?
ABBY: Allow people to help you. Being the type A person I am, I wanted to control everything and do it all, but the sooner that I let go and allowed people in and allowed my village to support me the way that they want to support you, it made it feel less heavy. It allows you to turn off that mental load of: Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? Lean on your village. WHAT’S A PIECE OF PARENTING ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED THAT HAS STUCK WITH YOU? ABBY: I think it goes back to the saying “you are enough.” I think in motherhood, it’s so easy to kind of, especially as a business owner and a mom, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, or if you’re doing great in one area, you’re not doing so well in the other. So just being reminded that God chose us to be their parents during this time, and he knew that we would be in this stage of
HOW HAS BECOMING A MOM CHANGED YOU, EITHER
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITION RIGHT NOW?
PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY? ABBY: I think it has taught me to be more present. I’ve always been a goal setter, a very ambitious person who really likes looking to the future and is always chasing the next dream or goal. Motherhood has taught me to slow down a little bit and sort of change my priorities in terms of just refocusing my attention to be very present and be content with where I’m at in life. I think it’s so easy to always chase the next big thing. WHAT’S ONE VALUE YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND ARE INTENTIONAL ABOUT TEACHING YOUR KIDDOS? ABBY: I think we are trying, especially with our two-year-old, to teach them to pause before acting. It’s something that we are challenged with daily. Also just to be very
ABBY: Because they’re so young, I feel like they’re still evolving. Friday night has become our fun night to kind of kick off the weekend, whether that be that we’re going to Zippy’s and having dinner together, a pizza night, or just taking a moment to reset for the week- end and kind of wind down from the week. We’re still implementing holiday traditions and figuring that out, but as we introduce more babies to the family, that changes every year. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT RAIS- ING YOUR KIDDOS IN BATON ROUGE? ABBY: I’m originally from Ponchatoula, but my husband grew up here in Baton Rouge. I think it’s really sweet to do things that are reminiscent of his childhood experiences. Our
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ABBY: I have wanted to be an orthodontist since I was 10 years old. We found this old Lip Smacker journal [I had], and in it, it had the question of like: What do you want to be when you grow up? I’d put an orthodontist, and then it asked why, and 10-year-old Abby wrote: Because I like messing with teeth. How did I know at 10 years old that I liked messing with teeth? But this has been like a lifelong dream, and it’s pretty cool to see it come to fruition. AS A MOM OF TWO AND A BUSINESS OWNER, HOW DO YOU FIND THE BALANCE? ABBY: You just sort of, I hate to say compartmentalize, but when I’m with my kids, I’m not Dr. Rousseau, I’m mom. When I’m at the office, I’m not mom, I’m Dr. Rousseau, so I think learning to turn it off is really im- portant, especially as a business owner. It’s so easy to bring your work home with you, and there’s never enough hours in the day. Prior- itizing each role and designating a location for it is important. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG GIRLS WHO DREAM OF OWNING THEIR OWN BUSINESS ONE DAY?
ABBY: I think my advice would be to take it a day at a time. It’s great to set big goals and dream big dreams, but you have to take it step by step. Otherwise, it gets overwhelming. I love the saying, “The journey is far more important than the desti- nation.” I think that’s so true to take it day by day, enjoy the journey, learn, and grow, and ultimately, you will accomplish what you set out to.
life and that just being here and being their parents is enough.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN PRACTICE?
ABBY: When I moved back home after resi- dency, I started looking for a job and I found that a lot of orthodontic practices either had sold to corporate offices or operated like a corporate entity. I felt like it had gotten away from the intentional care that I grew up with. I wanted to create what I wish existed. As a new mom, because Riley was only two months old when we moved back home and I started my job search, I was very nervous about the whole process, but we took a leap of faith and prayed over it, and things sort of fell into place for us. We just celebrated our one year anniversary of opening this past January. It’s been awesome seeing God’s hand in all phases of opening a new business. I pride ourselves on having more one-on-one time with my patients and making sure that I’m giving them my full attention and listen- ing and scheduling out appointments so that I don’t lose that as we grow.
RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite spot for date night… A lot of times we’re grabbing pizza,
putting the littles to bed, and then spend- ing those few hours on the couch together to reconnect. Go-to coffee spot & order… I love Light House Coffee, and Garden District Coffee is across the street from my office. My go-to is a classic cappuccino with a drizzle of honey. One word that best describes your family… intentional. Favorite television show… Gilmore Girls . Favorite food… either pizza or Superior Girl tacos, specifically. Hidden talent… dancing.
WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
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thrive
Baking Change: Counterspace Foundation
lunches at school. It’s not just when it’s extra cold out. It’s year-round. People need to be fed and there’s always food insecurity,” she says. Beyond the meals, Hays has plans to create a scholarship for those who are pursuing the arts and entrepreneurship. She hopes to partner with other artists and entrepreneurs to create named scholarships, starting small but intentional. “Maybe it’s $500 or $1,000 to cover the cost of supplies if they’re pursuing an art degree, equipment if they’re pursuing something like design or photography, or maybe it's to cover months of expenses while they do an internship. I would love to be in a place to send them off to pursue their career with a small amount of cash that could embolden them to make decisions without finance at the center of their decision making,” she says. One of the foundation’s most affirming moments came during a hectic King Cake season. Hays recalls wanting everything organized so the foundation could better support the community, but feeling there were simply not enough hours in the day. “That same day, someone called the bakery and said, ‘Hey, I read about what you're doing. I used to work as a line cook. I would love to help. What can I do?’ She came and she helped me inventory all the food that we had, she created a menu, and every Tuesday she comes in and helps either prep, organize, or package meals. It was just a really encouraging moment,” she explains. Getting involved is simple. Volunteers can assemble sandwiches and package them, donate supplies or groceries, or contribute financially through the foundation’s online fundraising link. Every $50 donation translates into roughly 50–60 meals. However, every bit helps. To follow along or get involved, community members can find updates on Instagram at @counterspacefoundation. Hays encourages the community to check on their neighbors, use the resources they have, and think creatively about how they can help one another. Sometimes all it takes is a kitchen, a skillset, or the willingness to say yes.
BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY JORDAN HEFLER
W hen SNAP benefits were tempo- rarily suspended last November, Sarah Joy Hays—artist, baker, and owner of Counterspace Bakery—felt a familiar tug to help. Counterspace has long supported community fridges with leftover baked goods and regular meal donations, but Hays knew the model wouldn’t be sustainable long-term. “As a small business, we have only so many hours of volunteer work and donations we can give before it becomes unsustain- able,” she shares. “I really wanted to make it something we could do long-term, and starting a foundation was what made the most sense.” Counterspace Foundation is a newly formed nonprofit rooted in food access, creativity, and empowering women to think differently about their futures.
With a background in nonprofit management, Hays understands both the heart and the logistics required to make meaningful giving last. Last year, the bakery gave away around $30,000 worth of cookies and products to events, teachers, and other causes. Through her leadership, the foun- dation has been able to create a pathway to continue saying “yes” to supporting the community. At its core, the foundation focuses on feeding neighbors through weekly meal donations to the community fridge on Government Street. Despite consistent donations each week, the fridge is often bare, or nearly bare, highlighting the ongoing need. “This is a need that doesn’t just exist at holidays. It’s not just when kids are on break and maybe aren’t getting their breakfast and
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faith
You Can't Have Everything
BY SHERI WOHLFERT PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
S ometimes parenting is just plain tricky, and one of the things that adds to the trickiness is the influence others have on us and on our kids. Parenting is personal, but there is no shortage of opinions, advice, and emotion that can contradict our views and practices. Teaching our children to gratefully understand the difference between needs and wants is a lesson we have on repeat. We thought it might be helpful to offer some ideas about kids who seem to want all the things others have. START WITH TRUTH You can’t always get what you want, and there are reasons. Explain that sometimes the reason we say no is financial. Sometimes it isn’t in line with our priorities, skills, time, or values. We aren’t just saying no to be mean and suck all the fun out of life; besides, happiness doesn’t come from stuff. LISTEN It’s not always about the Stanley cup or designer thing that squeaks past the dress code but yet catches kids’ attention. Very often when they come home begging for the “thing,” telling you they won’t fit in if
they don’t have “it,” they may be feeling like they are on the fringes for reasons that have nothing to do with stuff. Take the time to ask questions and listen to them. Being a kid can be tough, and they may need help sorting things out. TRUE VALUE Remind your kids that they have value because they are created, directed, adored, and protected by a God who loves them more than they can fathom— and that is what gives them true value, not “stuff” or “things.” God’s love is unconditional, so if someone at school or on the team will only like them if they have the “thing,” that is not the kind of belonging or friendship that will add great things to our life. A great question to ask: “How will that thing you think you have to have or the people who say you have to have it help you become a saint?” VIRTUES Situations like these are the perfect place to teach and practice temperance, generosity, and prudence. Show and tell can be more helpful than arguing about buying an overpriced or unnecessary thing when
you spend some time noticing or helping someone who is in great need.
THE LONG GAME Resisting impulse and “want-based”
purchases can help kids learn to be wise consumers. If they grow up getting all the things they want, they won’t develop the patience, discernment, and money sense necessary in adulthood. Many of the “I have to have it” items wind up in the back of the closet or under the bed, so establishing a think, pray, and wait process can be helpful and curb materialistic thinking. YOU’RE MY CHILD Kids need to understand that you are loving them the best way you can, and sometimes that means you make decisions they don’t like—no matter what other families do. Kids will say hurtful things, but having the “in thing” won’t change that. When kids know their true value and that they are loved and accepted by you, the opinion of the world doesn’t matter so much. My mother used to say her job was to love me, pray with me, and oil my feathers so the unkind or silly words of others would roll off like water off a duck’s back.
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Letting Go Without Checking Out: How Parenting Shifts During the College Years BY AMELIA ROESSLER S ending a child off to college can be one of the most emotional milestones in parenting. As time flies, the days of something new. But Burton says sometimes those emotions come with increased sadness, the parent doesn’t necessarily have to put as much emphasis on their child anymore, and are then faced with their emotions that have been placed to the side,” she says.
loneliness, anxiety, and role confusion. “Role confusion is a normal, but uncom- fortable, part of development that comes when parenting is no longer the main focus of an adult’s life. It can take some time to adjust to reducing emphasis on parenting duties and instead focusing on things that bring fulfillment to parents,” says Burton. She also explains that no emotion is wrong or inherently bad, and she prefers to use “favorable” or “unfavorable” to describe emo- tions rather than positive or negative. This stage can feel harder than parents ex- pect, even with a successful transition. Burton says parents tend to focus on their child’s ex- perience and emotions, and forget that they also will experience change. “Parents help their children logistically prepare for college, help process the mixed emotions upcoming college students have, and even put their own experience to the side to support their child. When there is a successful transition,
changing diapers, helping with homework, dropping them off at school activities, and packing lunches fade into the rearview mir- ror. It’s time for them to go to college. As parents, you try to remain confident that the foundation you have built over the past 18 years will be able to accompany your child across the miles and throughout the years. But how do you navigate the transition as a parent? How do you navigate indepen- dence and set boundaries that benefit both you and your child? MIXED EMOTIONS Marti Burton, MA, ALC, NCC, EMDR-T, and therapist at Empower Counseling & Coach- ing, says she sees a mix of emotions from parents when a child leaves for college. Many times she will see pride, fulfillment, and excitement at a child getting into college, receiving scholarships, or just experiencing
SETTING BOUNDARIES An important first step for parents setting new boundaries is to have open and honest conversations between parent(s) and chil- dren, Burton explains. Exploring what exactly the child wants and/or needs while being curious, but also realistic, as to what you as a parent can provide during this time helps set groundwork and expectations. Helpful topics of discussion can include how often visits can occur (that goes both ways for parents visiting college and students coming home), how involved parents can be in academics and school life, and expectations around communication. Most importantly, Burton says it’s important to remain flexible. “We often don’t know what life will look like until we are living it, and boundaries that make sense on the
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front end might not be realistic when at college. Continuous communication around changes in boundaries and expectations can help make this process smooth.” One common boundary mistake Burton sees well-intended parents make is not listening to their child’s needs. An example can be when a parent either visits too often or expects their child to come home more than the child wants or needs. To reduce frustration and set some expectations, seek open communication and feedback between parents and children. Remember, college is a great opportunity for children to learn in- dependence and continue to grow into who they are as a person. THINGS TO REMEMBER One of the biggest pieces of advice Burton says she can give parents when they are learning to let their child go to college is to let them make mistakes. “Well-meaning parents often want life to be easy for their children and want to mitigate or fix challenges for them. We all make mistakes, and the important part of this is the learning that comes from these experiences. It might be uncomfortable for parents to let this happen, but it can
create valuable lessons for the rest of life,” she says. Burton says another piece of advice is to have parents remember that your own college experience might not be the same as your child’s. She often hears parents comment that college was the best time of their lives, so why is their child struggling? According to Burton, when children hear this, they can internalize that they are wrong for struggling or not liking college. To help, lean in with curiosity to a child’s experience, in- stead of putting an experience on their child. COPING TOOLS A tool that can help parents adjust is inten- tional reflection. When parents get worried about how their child is doing, or even just missing their child, they tend to want to go into “fix mode.” But this can lead to broken boundaries and create more frustration. “I like to use reflection as a way to not nec- essarily fix the uncomfortable emotions, but rather learn to manage the discomfort when it comes up,” says Burton. Parents can reflect on their accomplishments with parenting (“I raised an intelligent/kind/capable child”), helpful qualities about their child (“My child is good at making friends and managing their time”), or any other pieces of information that
can help them recognize that their child will be ok, she explains. The discomfort that can come with these transitions do not last forever. Burton’s one piece of reassurance to offer parents navigat- ing this stage is that it is temporary. “I like to compare it to the newborn stage, where the sleepless nights, crying, and overall transition to parenthood feels endless. Then one day, sleep starts coming more naturally, the crying seems to slow down, and you feel like you have the hang of caring for a child.” Colleges often have resources not only for students, but for parents making this transition as well. Some colleges may contain versions of “parent corners” on their web- sites that contain information about what is happening at the school and how they can support their child in the transition. Every parent has their own experience when it comes to this transition. You might feel different feelings and emotions than your spouse or friends in the same stage. But just because you feel differently than someone else does not make you wrong or a bad parent, Burton assures. She says it is import- ant to give yourself, and your student, grace throughout these changes.
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What No One Tells You About College Planning
BY AMANDA MILLER
W hen people hear “applying to college,” they may think that it’s simply filling out some infor- mation about the student-to-be, writing a college essay (if even required), and clicking submit. In reality, it is much different. There are several unspoken steps that can cause plenty of stress, confusion, and forgetfulness. Luckily, we’re here to help. We have uncov- ered those hidden steps and stressors and are here to help make college planning easier to manage. ORGANIZED EMAILS Creating a “professional” email is important. While CoolKid101@gmail.com was super cool as a kiddo and even better as a junk email address as a young adult, it’s not going to look great when keeping up with college applications and correspondence. College-bound students are encouraged to create a new email, preferably one that is some variation of their name (that will be hard, we know). With the new email, it can be used to organize correspondence with each college. Many students will be applying to
more than one college, so those color-coded tags and folders that Gmail provides will be extremely helpful. As a note, parents, we recommend having access to the email just to help make sure application confirmations, financial aid notices, scholarship deadlines, and future test reminders aren’t going unnoticed. It’s also great for added transparency without hovering over the student-to-be. UNEXPECTED COSTS These costs can be especially unexpected. Transcript requests, application fees, and any immunization records that have to be mailed can all add up quickly. Knowing about these expenses ahead of time helps families budget realistically, prevent delays when payments are required, and reduce frustration when documentation is needed. High school coun- seling offices can provide a clear breakdown of transcript and record fees, while college admissions websites often list application costs upfront. Families can also explore dual enrollment or college-level courses while still in high school, which can save money
and, in some cases, allow students to test out of certain college classes. Other smaller but important costs include sending ACT or SAT scores to colleges, joining honor societies such as the National Society of High School Scholars, and graduation-related items like caps, gowns, tassels, and honor cords. NEEDED DOCUMENTATION Speaking of documentation, having docu- ments on hand will save plenty of time and prevent headaches. Immunization records, transcripts, test scores, application fees, driv- er’s licenses, and Social Security numbers are often the most requested documents to have during the process. Compiling them will help avoid scrambling before deadlines, move the process along faster, and reduce stress when colleges request certain information. Where families can get documents: ■ Immunization records: Pediatrician’s office or state health department ■ Transcripts: High school counseling office ■ Test scores: College Board (SAT/AP) and MyACT
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■ Birth certificate: State vital records office ■ Social Security card: Social Security Administration COLLEGE ESSAYS College essays aren’t just writing another school paper. They’re personal, reflective, and time-consuming. We recommend starting the writing process early. This will help give time for the student-to-be to really brain- storm what they want to express, simmer on it post-writing for a few days without feeling rushed to submit, and even share the essay with another person for feedback. This is especially great for when the prompts change for each college. Reviewing Common App essay prompts and college admissions guidance early can help students better understand what schools are looking for. Starting early, or pre-writing at the very least, gives parents a welcome reprieve from the added stress when their child seeks out help because they “don’t know what to write about.” ACT VS. SAT These tests can send people into a tailspin at times, but they’re oftentimes a major component of the college application
HELPFUL APPS If this has taught anyone anything, it’s that there are a lot of pieces to this college plan- ning puzzle. There are multiple systems to keep up with, and each one serves a different purpose. Luckily, there’s an app (several, actu- ally) that will help bring everything together and keep it simple. ■ Common App: Apply to hundreds of colleges easily. Simply fill out the application once and send directly to multiple schools. ■ College Board: Organization is the name of the game with this app. Keep up with the SAT, AP exams, financial aid profiles, and schol- arship information. There are even college search tools. ■ MyACT: Registration for the ACT is available through this app, and students can view scores, send scores to colleges, and manage test dates. ■ Scholarships.com: Students can create a profile and get matched with scholarships based on grades, interests, backgrounds, etc. College prep isn’t just about getting into college; it’s also about reducing stress, building independence, and teaching life organization skills.
process. Utilizing apps such as College Board and MyACT (more on that in a moment) helps choose the right test for the student, avoid duplicate or unnecessary registrations, track scores, and even send them directly. If possible, signing up for a tutoring class can help improve scores, and students can take the ACT multiple times. Be aware though that each attempt comes with a fee. TEAMWORK There are a lot of websites to log in to for applications, including that Gmail account we already advised to create. However, teaming up to navigate through all the chaos is what will make the process run smoothly. That means parents teaming up with their kiddos! When parents understand what their child is experiencing, conversations will shift from “Did you do this yet?” to “What’s next on the list?” It’s collaborative instead of confrontational, which makes this already stressful process a lot easier. High school counselors and college admissions offices can also serve as helpful partners through- out the process. Keeping a shared calendar of testing dates, application deadlines, and financial aid due dates can help everyone stay on the same page.
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Eight Vacation Themes that Go Beyond the Beach!
BY AMANDA CIANI
S ummer fun is synonymous with family vacations! And for many families, that means packing up the van and heading to the beach. But what about when the kids continually hit you with, “I’m bored!”, as soon as the cooler is plopped onto the sand, even before the umbrella is popped? With only 18 summers together, beach bum parents may be considering pressing pause on their shoreline excursions to opt for something more appealing to their non- “beach-people” kids. The college years will be here before you know it (and can head back to the beach); in the meantime, check out these eight great summer travel ideas that go beyond the beach…
Utah, South Dakota, North Carolina, Alaska), and plan away.
(Canton, OH), or the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, MA). Another amazing opportu- nity for families is to check out a motorsport race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500! NATIONAL PARKS TOUR From sea to shining sea, there are so many amazing landscapes to explore on our continent! Within the United State’s impres- sive 63 National Parks, families can explore alpine landscapes, deserts, canyons, volcanic landscapes, forests, wetlands, swamps and bayous, coastal landscapes, arctic areas, grasslands, prairies and badlands, and glaciers, too. Have a 4th grader at home? They can receive a free Every Kids Outdoors 4th Grade pass which is valid through the duration of a student’s 4th grade school year through the following summer (September– August). Head to recreation.gov for details on the America the Beautiful passes! THEME PARK TRAVEL Fans of adrenaline rushes would adore a theme park themed travel experience! And there is an assortment of parks to choose from, with an estimated 900+ theme parks located in the US. Herschend does a won-
MUSEUM MOSEY + ZOO HOP The majority of major cities have majorly fun museums, aquariums, and zoos. A trip to explore other cities’ offerings is both educa- tional, and oh-so fun! Reminder: If you have a membership to your local museum, aquar- ium, or zoo, be sure to keep it handy when you travel. Many memberships participate in reciprocal networks, meaning when you travel to other museums, aquariums, and zoos, you can flash your membership and re- ceive hefty discounts or even free admission. So not only can families see cool children’s museums, science centers, history museums, aquariums, and zoos in their hometown, but all across the country—and in a fund-friendly manner, too! SPORTS STOPS Avid fans of athletics have tons of awesome options when it comes to travel. Consider a challenge to see the most games in MLB stadiums in one summer (there are 29 in the U.S. and 1 in Canada, too!), play golf on a new course, or honor the best of the best and plan a trip to see the Baseball Hall of Fame (Coo- perstown, NY), the Pro Football Hall of Fame
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME The United States of America is
celebrating its 250th birthday this year! Every state across the grand U-S-of-A has unique historical sites, including some living history attractions with fun reenactors! Families interested in history can choose an era or theme, such as America’s Founding (Boston, Philadelphia, Colonial Williamsburg, James- town), Westward Expansion (St. Louis, MO, Independence, MO, Chimney Rock, NE), the Civil War (Gettysburg, Richmond), or Indige- nous History (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona,
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