June 2024
JUNE 2024
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
Traveling Solo Teen Edition
Exploring Night Terrors
Staycations in Louisiana
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@brparents.com
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor
2023
AUSTRIA COHN CAROL EVANS VICTORIA MIKOTA MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING Senior Graphic Designer TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING CRYSTAL BARRETT
2022
KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN AMY PHILLIPS SHANNON VICARI Account Executives MEGAN LEE Sales Team Performance Coach COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager KAYLEIGH MONTANA Client Success Specialist EMMY LOGAN Accounting Coordinator AMY PLAISANCE Founder
WHAT’S ON THE WEB
TikTok Is Killing Our Brains How a constant influx of social media is destroying our ability to concentrate.
Let Them Be Bored Give your child the gif t of a boring summer. Mosquitoes Love Pregnant Women How pregnancy is a magnet for mosquito bites.
Educate Yourself About Juneteenth An important discussion worth having.
freebies
Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is June 17, 2024.
In Someone in Louisiana Loves You, Mother Pelican shares her love for her babies. target.com
Give your sleepy toddler a cozy bedtime setup with the BreathableBaby Cotton Sheets . breathable baby.com
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FAMILYRESOURCEGROUPINC.COM
OFFICE (225) 292-0032 11831 WENTLING AVENUE BATON ROUGE, LA 70816-6055
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 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.
LAST MONTH’S WINNERS Look who won May’s Freebies: Richard Brown won the Aston Martin DB5 Car and Susan Hall won the Magic Years Finger Puppets.
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inside
JUNE 2024 • ISSUE 407
DEPARTMENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 46 THINGS TO DO 54 THINGS WE LOVE 56 THE LAST WORD 58 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 20 DAD NEXT DOOR 22 THRIVE 24 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION
Photo by Kleinpeter Photography
ON THE COVER 2023-24 Cover Kid Ella S. enjoys listening to hip-hop, R&B, and praise music. She also likes gymnastics, dancing, and singing. Ella has a beautiful, old soul, and she hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement when she is older. Ella loves making new friends and will do anything to make everyone smile.
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FEATURES
26 4 UNFORGETTABLE STAYCATIONS IN LOUISIANA Explore these four cities with your family this summer. By Amanda Miller 28 FATHER- DAUGHTER BONDS Discover how our dads shape our lives. By Victoria Mikota
30 THE SCARY DREAMS KEEPING KIDS AWAKE AT NIGHT Find out how sleep disorders can affect individuals’ daily lives. By Austria Cohn 32 TEEN SAFETY WHILE TRAVELING ALONE Use these tools to help your teen stay safe while traveling solo. By Victoria Mikota
Photo by Don Allen Jr.
35 2024 SENIOR SENDOFF Celebrate our senior graduates from around the city with us. By BRPM
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a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE
Beginnings, Ends, and a New Season
p a s s(ennogleorn gp reirn cae s s )
C losing out a big chapter of life is not much, no matter how present you are in their lives. As we begin June, I have had a few chapters close in my life. My husband drove my daughter to school for the last time, and it was my last time driving through the elementary carpool. Next school year, my daughter will be driving and taking the boys with her. How did this happen? I feel like I just entered another universe. always easy. Watching your children grow up so fast, you feel like you have missed so I am that dance mom who is backstage any chance I can get, helping the girls–and I love every minute of it–especially since my daughter requests my presence. Not all girls like their moms helping, so I will gladly continue this role until she graduates. I am also that room mom who is at every function possible and attends weekly chapel with my boys. I’m sad knowing that this will now come to an end. I still joke
with the principal that I will borrow a child each year just so I can enjoy my Wednesday morning chapel. A lot of chapters have closed, but I will just continue with our family motto and “go with the flow.” While summer begins and we start summer camps or vacations, I have a new driver in my house. What this means, I have no clue. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. I am always the driver on family trips, mainly because my husband works in the passenger seat and I get car sick easily. However, I am going to have to learn to let my daughter take the wheel, take some Dramamine, and enjoy the ride. I hope you all have a fantastic summer, whether you have a staycation, vacation, travel overseas, or send your child to camp and have some quiet time. We all survived another year of school and it’s time to take a break. Happy summer!
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
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CONNECT
community
EXXONMOBIL BATON ROUGE TRAILBLAZER TO BE NAMESAKE OF UNIVERSITY ExxonMobil’s longest-serving current employee, Barbara Beckmann, committed a $5 million estate gift to her alma mater, the University of Mississippi, to support high-quality higher education for future generations. With this gift, the University plans to call for the Department of Engineering to bear her name. For nearly six decades, Beckmann has been a trailblazer for women in STEM as the first female to graduate from the School of Engineering at Ole Miss in 1961. In 2021, she celebrated her 60th anniversary working at ExxonMobil. The Barbara Kerr Beckmann Department of Chemical Engineering Endowment will provide monetary resources to support quality teaching, research, and financial assistance for future generations of engineers. ■ umfoundation.com/beckmann
CVS HEALTH OPENS NEW WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER CVS Health announced the opening of a new workforce development and community resource center designed to help the Baton Rouge community overcome employment barriers and increase access to local healthcare services. Located off Essen Lane, the facility includes a Workforce Innovation & Talent Center (WITC), which offers comprehensive career skills training and job placement that includes a CVS Pharmacy mock store, simulated pharmacy environment, and authentic, hands-on externships at local CVS Pharmacy locations. This facility also includes a new Community Resource Center (CRC) supported by Aetna Better Health of Louisiana. The combination of WITC/CRC marks the first time the company has co-located these critical community resources, bridging the gap between career training and health services that help overcome impediments to stable employment. ■ cvshealth.com
JURASSIC QUEST UNLEASHES EPIC EXPERIENCE Experience North America’s most popular can’t-miss prehistoric adventure at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center from June 21-23. Jurassic Quest provides a three- day, unforgettable experience, transporting families through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to roam among true-to-life versions of the creatures that once ruled the Earth. This event is filled with hands-on activities and educational fun for kids of all ages. For these migrations, kids can face off with the notoriously fast Jurassic Quest Utahraptors for “Raptor Run” races, and “Rope-a-Raptor.” Take your family on “The Quest,” a self-guided scavenger hunt activity where little paleontologists can become Jr. Dinosaur Trainers! This is an event you won’t want to miss. For one weekend only. ■ jurassicquest.com
Lawmakers in numerous countries have expressed concerns that TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, may expose private user data. The U.S. government in an attempt to protect user data on TikTok, plans to pass legislation to ban the social media platform unless it is sold to a government-approved buyer. Currently, more than 30 states have joined the federal government in the motion to ban TikTok on government-issued devices. Many colleges and other schools have the social media app blocked from campus Wi-Fi networks. President Biden recently signed into law legislation that gives ByteDance up to a year to divest from TikTok. To protect your data and privacy, you can employ the same practices used to protect yourself on other social media platforms, such as not allowing apps the permission to access your location or contacts. ■ nytimes.com TIKTOK MIGHT BE BANNED, HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW
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LA HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMISSION TEACHES VEHICULAR
HEATSTROKE AWARENESS
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and state and national safety advocates came together to urge parents and caregivers to never leave a child in a parked car, even for just a moment. This event highlighted Governor Jeff Landry’s proclamation that designated May 1 as Child Heatstroke Prevention Day. Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke can happen very quickly in a parked car, where temperatures can rise 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 15 minutes. ■ lahighwaysafety.org
BEAUREGARD WATERMELON FESTIVAL
The Beauregard Watermelon Festival is coming to Beauregard Parish on June 27-29. Join the locals for three days of watermelon fun! Enjoy watermelon seed spitting and eating contests, watermelon games, live music, carnival rides, and so much more! Be sure to check out the canning contest, cornhole tournament, and crafters displays at the festival–along with the antique tractor show! Have some good, summertime fun. ■ beauregardwatermelonfestival.com
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education CONNECT PARKVIEW BAPTIST SENIORS PARTICIPATE IN SUDDEN IMPACT At Sudden Impact, Parkview Baptist students learned the importance of not driving while impaired or distracted. Louisiana State Police and University Medical Center New Orleans joined forces to educate the students with a mock crash and a mock trial in the auditorium. This interactive experience–complete with fake blood–teaches students about the devastating effects of driving while under the influence, distracted, and without a seatbelt. The Sudden Impact Program is a nationally-recognized, award-winning initiative developed by the University Medical Center that aims to educate young drivers about the consequences of reckless driving.
At Trinity, the WonderLab is a 45-minute weekly co-curricular class for Pre-K through Kindergarten. This class is critical in achieving the school’s mission of building a foundation of academic excellence and nurturing the whole child. It is a place where all children find success and can develop their own interests, strengths, and talents. This STEAM-rich environment nurtures student’s collaboration, critical thinking, creative production, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students develop adaptability, curiosity, initiative, persistence, and leadership. THE WONDERLAB AT TRINITY EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL
In an effort to share the mission, guiding pillars, and success stories of Gardere Community Christian School, the school held its Share Your Heart 2024 Luncheon. More than 75 guests enjoyed presentations by students, Board members, and staff. The school touted its academic success, including standardized test scores of 300% higher than neighboring schools. The luncheon was held at the school, and lunch was catered by Chef Tremain Devine of Tre’s Street Kitchen. Notable attendees included Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, Metro Council Member Rowdy Gaudet, John Fetzer, and Marcio Araujo, among others. GARDERE HOLDS SHARE YOUR HEART 2024 LUNCHEON
Recently, Helix Community Schools launched a website for its Helix AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Medical Academy, which is set to open in August 2025. The website features important information about the new school and what residents in St. Landry Parish can expect, including its mission, curriculum, construction, and upcoming plans. Jennifer Gordon, Executive Director for Growth and Opportunities and Founding Principal of Helix AI and Medical says, “We’ve received lots of questions from people interested in learning more about the school so we’re excited to launch our new website to help keep residents informed.” Helix AI and Medical will offer classes for students in kindergarten through fifth grades, expanding to grades six through eight in 2026. The goal is to add a grade level each year, to become a K-12 school by 2030. HELIX COMMUNITY SCHOOLS INTRODUCES HELIX AI AND MEDICAL ACADEMY
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Episcopal School of Baton Rouge congratulated senior Kathy Hu for being named one of two honorees in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. The winners were selected from more than 6,000 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2024. In addition to being a Presidential Scholar, Kathy is also a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and an Episcopal Webster Scholar. Kathy is actively involved with Mu Alpha Theta, Youth Legislature, and the Science Olympiad. This school year, she presented research at the National Obesity Week Conference hosted by the Obesity Society and is a Student Ambassador and Honors Thesis student. EPISCOPAL STUDENT NAMED U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR
TWO SCHOOLS NAMED GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS
Two schools were named U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. They include Eva Legard Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies and Park Forest Middle Creative Sciences & Arts Magnet. Across the country, 41 schools, 10 districts, 3 postsecondary institutions, and 1 early learning center are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education.
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CONNECT book corner
‘Tis the season for vacation! Whether you hit the road or take to the skies, don’t forget to pack a good book! Kids and teens will love traveling along with the characters in these stories and sharing their adventures. Bon voyage!
YOUTH Children will delight in these picture books about the surprises you encounter on vacation. Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher Told as a collection of hilarious short poems, this story follows a family on a long cross-country car trip to a family reunion. Playing car games, stopping at famous roadside attractions, and finally making it to the loving chaos of cousins and aunts and family fun, there’s so much to enjoy on this road trip! Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan As Musa and Dada ride the daladala (bus) to the shore, the driver picks up some unexpected passengers: “Come in, there’s room for everyone!” But as “one old man and his bike with no seat” is joined by a herder with two goats, vendors with three baskets of fruit, and many more, Musa starts to wonder if there really is “room for everyone.” As Musa and Dada travel to the shore, learn some Swahili words and
This Would Make a Good Story Someday by Dana Alison Levy Sara’s summer plans are totally derailed when her parents decide that their family must take a summer-long cross-country train trip to bond and sightsee. Worse, Sara’s mom is going to be writing a book about the two-month-long trip. Being that close to her family 24/7 is enough to drive anyone nuts, but having all the details of her 12-year-old life out in public is not how she wants her summer to go...and now her mom and older sister are fighting and her little sister can’t turn down the volume. Will she even make it back to school, let alone find anything good to put in her summer journal assignment? Experience Australia in this title. Are We There Yet? A Journey Around Australia by Alison Lester Grace and her mom and dad are going on an adventure through Australia! They plan to go camping, feed the quokkas, go bushwalking, and meet lots of new people as they travel around the different parts of Australia.
Arabic phrases while counting passengers from 1 to 10. All aboard to beginning readers as they traverse the zoo. Fiona’s Train Ride by Richard Cowdrey A new baby red panda was born at the zoo, and Fiona couldn’t be more excited to see the new cub! But how will she get across the zoo? By zoo train, of course! Join Fiona and her friends as they travel to welcome the new baby. These chapter books will entertain kids with road trip “family bonding.” Road Trip with Max and his Mom by Linda Urban Max is heading out on a road trip with his mom, though he usually spends his weekends with his dad. Although worrying about his dad being lonely, he is excited about all the things his mom has planned, like meeting his cousins and maybe even being brave enough to ride a really tall roller coaster!
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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TWEENS AND TEENS
Traveling with teenagers is always an adventure! Keep them reading this summer with these exciting stories. As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds Genie’s summer is full of surprises. The first is that he and his big brother, Ernie, are leaving Brooklyn for the very first time to spend the summer with their grandparents all the way in Virginia – in the COUNTRY! The second surprise comes when Genie figures out that their grandfather is blind. The Great Wide Sea by M. H. Herlong Still mourning the death of their mother, three brothers go with their father on an extended sailing trip off the Florida Keys and have a harrowing adventure at sea. Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya After a fight at school leaves Marcus facing suspension, Marcus’s mom decides it’s time for a change of scenery. She takes Marcus and his younger brother to Puerto Rico to spend a week with relatives they don’t remember or have never met. Greetings from Witness Protection by Jake Burt Thirteen-year-old Nikki Demere is an orphan and a kleptomaniac, making her the perfect girl to portray the Trevors’ daughter in witness protection. But she soon learns that the biggest threat to her new family’s security comes from her own past.
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craft corner CONNECT
Things seem to slow down in summer. Come summer, the hurried pace that dominates much of the year takes a backseat to vacations, lounging around the pool, diving through ocean waves, and setting up tents at campsites near or far. When the weather is accommodating, there’s a seemingly endless list of ways to enjoy time spent outdoors. But as everyone knows, Mother Nature tends to be a bit unpredictable during the hazy days of summer. Thunderstorms can roll in quite suddenly, or rain may persist for a few days as the atmosphere attempts to right itself after an abundance of steamy days. Keep a list of craft ideas at the ready to make the most of time spent inside or out. The following are a few ideas. 8 Summer Crafts for Families BY BRPM
FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS
different animals or whatever designs one can imagine. DREAMCATCHERS With some twigs, yarn, and feathers, crafters can make dreamcatchers to hang bedside. SUNPRINTS Check out the craft store for a special light-sensitive solution that can be painted onto thick craft paper. Set various natural items on top (such as fern boughs, shells, feathers, and more) and let the sun do its work. You’ll
There have been different iterations of friendship bracelets for every generation. With some general craft supplies, such as embroidery thread, beads, plastic lanyards, or other jewelry-making materials, kids can make and share a variety of friendship bracelets. SEASHELL CREATURES At the next beach excursion, pick up differently-shaped shells. They can be painted and glued together to resemble
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ultimately be left with some beautiful silhouettes.
LEATHER SEWING KITS Evoke the feelings of summer camp right at home with leather sewing kits that enable everyone to make handcrafted leather wallets or small purses. PAINTED STONES Kids can have fun gathering smooth pebbles from trails or on the shores of lakes. They can be painted with various designs or sweet sentiments, only to be left around the neighborhood for others to discover. SEA GLASS JEWELRY An adult can use a very thin drill bit to make holes in sea glass remnants that washed up on beaches. Feed through earring hooks or chains to create one-of-a-kind jewelry. DYED SHOES OR ACCESSORIES Use commercially-produced or homemade dyes made from teabags, berry juice, turmeric powder, or more to color certain items. Dress up canvas sneakers with summertime hues, or make colorful bandanas to help keep you cool. With these easy craft ideas, you’ll keep everyone entertained all season long.
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dad next door LIVE
Dante Bidwell BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY DON ALLEN JR.
Occupation: Chief Administrative Officer of Baton Rouge Wife: Michelle Bidwell Children: Savannah, 5, and Dean, 4 Hobbies: Outdoor activities, spending time with family, seeing live music, festivals, Blues Fest, Jazz Fest, and traveling
Dante Bidwell gracefully stepped into his role as the new Chief Administrative Officer of Baton Rouge at the beginning of this year. As a full-time government professional and father of two, Dante has his hands full most days. With each stride, he has carried not only the weight of his responsibilities but also the warmth of being a devoted husband and father. His commitment to excellence is mirrored in both his professional endeavors and in his role as a loving husband and father. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RAISING YOUR CHILDREN? DANTE: It’s always changing and it’s never boring. As they get older, questions get more and more interesting. It’s really cool to watch them grow and evolve. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY? DANTE: We do a lot of live music at outdoor venues like Live After Five. My kids love the art and science museum. Dean just started t-ball up in Zachary, and my daughter does dance. They both do music. WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? DANTE: My daughter is a typical daddy’s girl. Me and my son
bond on a lot of different things. It’s been so good to see him come out of his shell and interact with other kids. Being a dad is structured, but it’s so fun. I love getting to watch them grow up. I also see myself reflected in them–the good stuff and the stuff that used to get on my mom’s last nerve. HOW HAS PARENTHOOD CHANGED YOU? DANTE: I think I’ve had to become a lot more patient. I’ve become more patient as a dad and I am still not where I think I should be, but I am better. It has helped me to view my parents differently. You get the chance to potentially redo the things your parents did. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN PARENTING? DANTE: My biggest challenge has been really trying to find that work-life balance. It has been something I’ve had to work at a lot considering the work I have to do. When I am not in the building, I am getting calls, texts, questions, and inquiries off the clock. If non-urgent matters arise, I have to make a conscious effort to turn off my phone and unplug with my kids and wife. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? DANTE: I truly believe that the things we do in Baton Rouge– in the city and in this parish–make a difference. It’s powerful
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and impactful. This responsibility isn’t something I take lightly. The decisions made in the mayor’s office impact public safety. It’s a great responsibility. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN 2023? DANTE: Selecting a new police chief and running the committee process on her behalf. We ultimately made the right choice. There’s a lot of funding priorities that we had to navigate for the federal rescue funding and how those contracts got executed last year. WHAT HAS YOUR JOB TAUGHT YOU ABOUT PARENTING? DANTE: I think a big thing is, in this kind of role, it’s important to manage expectations but also recognize there’s more than one way to get to the destination. I want my kids to grow up and be successful, and I want to give them what they need to get there. We work together to get to the final outcome. HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME TO RELAX? DANTE: That one’s hard! My wife runs her own business, and I have multiple city leaders I interact with every single day. The calls don’t stop. The 20 minutes I’m in the car, I try to finish out and close out the day so I can be in full dad mode when I get home. Usually, I’m home a little later, so we try to make time for the kids and us as a couple. It’s difficult. It’s one of those things we have to be intentional about. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR WIFE? DANTE: So we’re from New Orleans originally. On the weekends, we can bring our kids by and drop them off with the parents. Then we’ll go listen to live music and have a nice dinner and drinks and just spend time together reconnecting. It’s hard to find those pockets of time where it can be just us. We love any time we have together uninterrupted. WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HOPE TO INSTILL IN YOUR CHILDREN? DANTE: I want them to be high- character individuals. When you operate from a place where you know your values, other things sort themselves out. They don’t have to be the most athletic, smartest kids, and we don’t want them chasing ideas of success just because they can. I want
them to be good, kind people who don’t let outside forces shape their morals. WHICH FAMILY MEMBER HAS BEEN THE GREATEST ROLE MODEL IN YOUR LIFE? DANTE: My mom. My mom absolutely has been the greatest role model for me. My mom and family in general don’t come from money or high means or any political connections. She left the place where she knew to give herself and her children opportunities. She joined the Army for 10 years and got two degrees all while raising children as a single mom. I get my values DANTE: We only get one chance to get this right. Try to be intentional and as patient as you can about the things you say to your children. My mom always said you can make yourself right and be wrong. The way that you deliver the message is as important as the message. It’s odd the things that stick with you for years. Our comments might resonate with our kids forever. Practice intentionality and patience. Q&A Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have.. I always do a pocket check– phone, keys, wallet, and watch. In my fridge, you will always find… juice. There’s always some kind of juice in our fridge. Favorite cuisine… Korean food. Both of my parents were deployed in Korea in the army. My mom always brought it back after her deployment. Favorite movie growing up… I have two: Gladiator and Goodfellas . My guilty pleasure… Crumbl cookies. Music I’m loving… 2010s rap music and 1970s rock music. I’m always laughing at… my wife. I always tell her she’s not that funny but she kinda is. and work ethic from her. ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
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LIVE thrive
Restoring Hope & Preserving Dignity
BY VICTORIA MIKOTA
E ach person comes to HOPE with a different story. While everyone’s story is unique, HOPE makes a difference in the lives of others when they help them to lighten their burdens. Since 2003, HOPE has served thousands of people–helping them move closer to a life of freedom and self-sufficiency. Amidst previous hardships, HOPE became a second responder to those affected by hurricanes–specifically Katrina and Rita–and the flood of 2016. Resources like water, food, flood buckets, and help with complicated paperwork were available for people who had lost everything to these catastrophic events. These events changed the trajectory of HOPE’s footprint and direction–providing growth opportunities. In 2018, HOPE became the only third- party provider of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Education and Training–helping those who receive SNAP benefits to get jobs. The following year, thanks to their many sponsors, including Baton Rouge General, Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, and the Pennington Family Foundation, HOPE opened the doors to The Way to Work Learning Center, enabling clients to attend adult education classes, apply for certifications in the computer lab, and increase their employability. In 2021, HOPE’s Client Choice Food Pantry opened Mr. Eddie’s Kitchen, a test kitchen offering live demonstrations of healthy and safe food preparations. At HOPE, families are fed with dignity by giving families and individuals their choice to “shop” for their family’s food needs in HOPE’s Client Choice Food Pantry. “The Client Choice Food Pantry has been a great success,” says David Tidwell, HOPE Ministries Chief Operating Officer. “We serve about 4,000 individuals a year. This is a significant operation.” The Client
Choice Food Pantry is open three days a week and features a setup similar to that of a small grocery store. Clients can grab a shopping cart and shop in a way that is dignified and allows them to
money to support themselves in the state of Louisiana. Most people who are ALICE live under a curtain of certain circumstances beyond their control, such as lack of financial literacy, mental health issues, broken families, lack of education, illiteracy, and other challenges. Through the Client Choice Food Pantry and Way To Work program, clients can take control of their health, develop autonomy, and learn how to gain and keep a job. In addition, the foundation works with many different companies in Baton Rouge and offers professional development training tailored around the idea of the dynamics of poverty. Another sister training program called, “Understanding Your Workforce,” helps to educate employers about employees who were hired from a poverty background. HOPE Ministries works with a number of agencies throughout the city and has funders, volunteers, and foundations that help build clients’ success stories. The food pantry is largely driven by volunteers who are dedicated to the mission of HOPE. In the near future, Tidwell plans to help HOPE expand into a bigger collaborative effort called Skilled BR. Through this initiative, HOPE plans to build a network of providers and employers throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area to help clients find employment, medical care, and support throughout the community. “It takes a village,” says Tidwell. “If we don’t work together, if we remain in silos, we’re not going to do our best.”
think outside of the box of just fast food or canned goods. While clients are waiting to shop, they can watch healthy food demonstrations in the test kitchen in the waiting area. Giving clients the option to choose what they want helps to preserve a sense of dignity and autonomy–the very things HOPE values. Another way that HOPE helps clients become self-sufficient is through the Way To Work program, a client-centered program that provides a structured environment to help participants achieve and maintain employment, housing, financial, and family stability. The process involves clients enrolling and participating in a class to help them get the skills they need for the job they want. Personnel at HOPE help clients develop a resume and then assist them in their job search. Tidwell emphasizes HOPE’s commitment to assisting clients in acquiring essential skills. “Over the years, we’ve successfully supported many in obtaining CDLs and medical licenses. By directing them towards online learning platforms offering OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications, they can enhance their qualifications and position themselves as highly attractive candidates to potential employers.” Nearly 51 percent of Louisiana is considered Asset Limited, Income Restrained, and Employed, or ALICE. ALICE is our friend, family member, or neighbor who works hard to make ends meet, yet struggles to make enough
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LIVE faith
Nourishing Spiritual Health
BY DR. CHRIS DEGEORGE, LEAD PASTOR OF PARKVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
W hen we begin to think about how to nourish spiritual health in ourselves and our
him praying for extended periods, and even in the most intense moments he turns to prayer. In 1st Thessalonians 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes to “pray without ceasing.” Paul also puts down into words the result we see yielded through prayer. In Philippians 4:6, it is, “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” This peace was the result of prayer in Jesus’s life, and our expectation when we pray should be that our hearts are impacted with that kind of effect. Put very simply, prayer is important, and we cannot expect to be spiritually nourished and thrive without it. Another practice that contributes to our spiritual health is Bible Engagement. This means Bible reading, study, memorization, and meditation. Why so much emphasis on the Bible? Because God has given it to us to know him and how to follow him. Psalm 119:105 states: “your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:11 also states, “your word have I hidden
in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 1 calls the one that “meditates on the word day and night,” “blessed,” and, “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season.” Jesus countered the temptation of Satan with scripture that he memorized, and in 2 Timothy 3:16, the apostle Paul writes that the word is, “profitable for teaching, reproof, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Through this wealth of information on the Word of God we see the clear impact it can make in our lives. Through these practices of Bible Engagement, we are being saturated like a sponge with the Word. So, while we could list a lot of other things that contribute to spiritual health, we should not neglect these two vital disciplines. The beauty of it is that you don’t have to wait. You can start right now, and through regular engagement you will be nourishing your soul through your fellowship with God.
children, we are tempted to look for something novel or flashy. Just like an advertisement that promises something new and extraordinary to solve a problem, we look for something that is new or novel to provide for our spiritual health. But as far as our spiritual lives go, many of the practices that provide spiritual health are those that have literally been around forever. The Bible gives us clear direction as we seek to grow and thrive spiritually. Two practices that are particularly important for our spiritual nourishment are Prayer and Bible Engagement. To challenge you to pray may seem like too obvious of a suggestion. But, with that said, it is surprising how many people really don’t pray that much. One of the practices we can see that Jesus made a priority was prayer. Sometimes we see
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4 Unforgettable Staycations in Louisiana BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2023-24 COVER KID YA’EL H.
P lanning a faraway, week-long summer vacation for the entire family may not sound relaxing, or even feasible, this year. If you find yourself sharing that sentiment, consider planning a quick staycation that can be enjoyed over a weekend. Here are four cities to explore that will have you ready to get up and go. BATON ROUGE If you find yourself wanting to stay extra close to home, Baton Rouge may be just the city for you! There’s so much to do and see right here in our own city; we just have to allow ourselves the time
amenities, this hotel is situated perfectly between shopping, dining, and entertainment. WHAT TO DO There’s really no shortage of fun when it comes to experiencing Baton Rouge, and there are plenty of hot spots to check out right around the hotel. Across the street from the Renaissance sits the Mall of Louisiana , offering shopping, dining, and a movie theatre to watch the latest releases. Within the Mall, your family will also find Blue Zoo Aquarium , a hands-on environment where visitors can touch and feed stingrays, birds, and reptiles. There’s even a pirate ship to explore! Before you head out, make sure to stop by Main Event for bowling, laser tag, and VR games. Perkins Rowe is just a short drive down from the Renaissance. There, you will find even more shopping, delicious food, a theatre,
to actually enjoy it all. WHERE TO STAY
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel is the perfect centerpoint for your stay in Baton Rouge. Featuring upscale decor and convenient
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and weekly events the whole family can enjoy. If you’re looking to get outdoors, visit BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center . This 103-acre facility houses an award-winning building filled with animal exhibits, natural artifacts and mineral displays, and a waterfowl decoy carving collection. Outdoors, you will find over a mile of gravel paths to explore, including plenty of wildlife to see. WHERE TO EAT When it comes to food in the capital city, you really can’t miss anywhere you go. There’s something to satisfy every taste bud, and yes, even those picky eaters! If a chain restaurant is more your speed, you’ll find Shake Shack and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers nearby. If you’re looking for a nice restaurant to sit down at, consider Mi Padres Mexican Grill & Catering or Roux 61 Hop in the car for a quick trip to Lafayette for the weekend. The “Happiest City in America” offers an experience for all personalities, whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or a history buff. WHERE TO STAY Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette is the perfect walking distance from most shopping and dining in the area, and it boasts a wide selection of amenities. Start your morning with a buffet-style complimentary breakfast, or work up a sweat in the fitness center. For those with little ones who eyed the pool as soon as they arrived, there’s one to enjoy featuring comfortable seating and sparkling water–and it’s heated for those chilly mornings. WHAT TO DO Lafayette is home to Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees , a cutting-edge entertainment, fitness, and sports facility, offering bowling, karaoke, a trampoline park, sports simulator, arcade, ninja course, jousting, and a zipline–just to name a few activities. This summer, kiddos can bowl for free, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., through August. Seafood & Grill . LAFAYETTE Kid’s World Indoor Play Arena is a two-story, 1,700 total square feet, playground structure, filled with climbing obstacle courses, slides, swings, ball pits, and a ball blaster, providing endless hours of fun so you can beat the Louisiana heat. Looking for a different form of indoor fun? Don’t forget to stop by the Lafayette Science Museum . Offering hands-on experiences for curious minds, the Museum is a “playful portal” featuring exhibits and installations designed to educate and enlighten. WHERE TO EAT Tacos, burritos, salads, bowls, and more are ready to be dressed to perfection and just the way you like them at Taco Sisters . After your meal, top it off with one of their housemade pops! If you’re looking to tempt your taste buds with something new, venture over to Viva La Waffle for all things waffle–waffle sandwiches, waffle fries, and pizza waffles! NEW ORLEANS Down in New Orleans, there’s plenty to do and see. It’s an epicenter of fun, if you know where to go. WHERE TO STAY Within walking distance from the Mississippi River, Omni Riverfront Hotel is a luxury hotel offering top-notch amenities for guests to enjoy, including an on-site bistro, room service, a
fitness center, and concierge. The hotel is also kid-friendly and hosts an Omni Junior Chefs Program, offering the youngest guests an enriching experience where they are given a “Say Goodnight to Hunger” postcard to color and turn in at the front desk to donate a meal to Feeding America. Also, through September 29, kiddos staying at the hotel can eat for free! WHAT TO DO Attractions in New Orleans could easily be described as endless. Whether you’re heading over to the National World War II Museum to learn more about the “war that changed the world” or diving under the sea at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas to learn about our scaly friends, there’s almost always something new to discover. Take a walk on over to the Riverwalk Outlets for some shopping, or stop by the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen to take a tour with your crew. If seeing a performance is more your style, the Saenger Theatre cannot be missed. WHERE TO EAT For delicious food and great service, make sure you stop by Mulate’s while visiting. Whether you prefer seafood, pasta, or a salad, there are multiple tasty options to choose from. However, one cannot visit without indulging in the Famous Bread Pudding and the Nutella Crème Stuffed Beignets. Looking for a real crowd pleaser for the kiddos? Try Magazine Pizza ! Magazine Pizza offers pizzas, calzones, wraps, salads, and sandwiches, all made with the freshest ingredients. Make it your own or try one of the specials before satisfying your sweet cravings with some cheesecake. SHREVEPORT–BOSSIER CITY The Shreveport-Bossier City area is two cities that are twice as nice and twice as fun for your next staycation. WHERE TO STAY A trip to paradise for the weekend sounds nice, right? At Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City , you’ll get to experience tropical elegance with luxury resort amenities, including a spa and salon, pool, dining options, and live entertainment. WHAT TO DO If you can tear yourself away from the resort and are looking for entertainment in the area, check out Sci-Port Discovery Center . This 92,000-square-foot science and entertainment center houses the Louisiana’s Science and Space Center , Power of Play (PoP) Children’s Museum , Gallery of Intrigue , and an IMAX® Dome Theatre . If you still have kiddos full of energy, visit the Shreveport Aquarium to get up close and personal with sharks, seahorses, turtles, and eels. Or, visit the Louisiana Boardwalk to shop until you drop. WHERE TO EAT Margaritaville Bossier City offers an assortment of dining options on-site, including Drago’s Seafood , Sportsbook Restaurant , Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak , Bamboo Asian Café , and Banyan Tree . If you’re wanting to venture away from the resort, head over to The Blind Tiger to try some of their Cajun specialties or one of their shareable desserts. ■
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Father-Daughter Bonds: How Our Dads Shape Our Lives
BY VICTORIA MIKOTA
A s Father’s Day approaches, sons and daughters recognize and honor the contributions of the wonderful fathers and father figures who have had a hand in raising them in a loving, nurturing, and inviting home. Similar to a mother’s role, fathers have an important and irreplaceable role in their children’s lives. A strong father-child relationship has a long-lasting effect on how children grow up and perceive the world around them, while a weak father-child relationship can lead to insecurity, abandonment issues, and other mental health problems.
A lot of emphasis is placed on father-son relationships, but strong father-daughter relationships are crucial for the healthy development of young girls into adulthood. WHEN DAD IS HIS DAUGHTER’S FIRST LOVE As a father, you probably have a vivid memory of the first time the nurse handed you a swaddled baby in a pink blanket. You probably vividly remember counting her toes, each one soft and new to the world.
At that moment, you probably also swore that you would never let anything bad ever happen to that sweet, innocent baby in your arms. As she began to grow and hobble around, you remember being there to catch her almost falling while learning her first steps. You remember the first time she hopped on a bicycle and you finally let go. And more than likely, her sweet face looked up at you and she said, “Daddy, you’re the best.” And that was that–she was forever wrapped around your finger. You are her first love.
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Psychology at Louisiana State University. “A father’s biggest impact is indirect,” says Dr. Mikolajewski. “Having a father in a home means there is likely more financial stability, social support for mom, and indirect impacts that influence the children.” Fathers and mothers influence kiddos in similar ways. It’s more about that warmth and nurturing and closeness. It doesn’t matter the parent’s gender, as far as research goes. However, it can be apparent when a home lacks the protection and security of a father. WHEN DAD IS ABSENT The father wound is an ever-present feeling in the pit of your chest. What starts as just an absent father, begins to mold and shape into seemingly every male relationship a young woman might encounter. The desire to be loved as you are, the yearning for acceptance and security, and the anger and resentment of abandonment all mark the scars that a father wound leaves behind. What’s more, the father wound can affect every aspect of our lives–relationships, jobs, financial stability, self-esteem, and so much more. According to Dr. Mikolajewski, “Women with absent fathers tend to put less value on what a man can bring to relationships.” This leads to lower expectations for what a
man in their life would fulfill. “If you think about secure attachment in general, if they have a secure attachment, that tends to set the stage for future relationships.” Healthier relationships set the stage for secure attachment in relationships. A negative father-daughter relationship can cause avoidant and anxious attachment or a disorganized mixture of the two. YOUR PRESENCE IS A PRESENT Fathers need to be involved in the beginning of their children’s lives. It starts at prenatal classes and follows through each developmental milestone their children face. At the Psychological Services Center of LSU, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is designed to help address behavioral issues that children might have due to that lack of parent-child connection. Since children form attachments early, it’s imperative that fathers are there each step of the way to nourish and protect their kiddos. This will set the stage for the relationship they have with their children moving forward. As time goes on, your child will see you as a reliable, safe, and secure attachment. For more information about PCIT, visit lsu.edu. ■
THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF A HEALTHY FATHER-DAUGHTER BOND When it comes to a healthy father- daughter bond, research has shown countless times that the positive effects of a strong father-daughter bond are undeniable. A positive father-daughter relationship can foster a sense of security and self-worth in the daughter, leading to better mental health outcomes. It can also contribute to communication skills, emotional regulation, and resilience. In addition, a secure father-daughter relationship can help the daughter explore her identity and create healthy boundaries. Most children will have similar outcomes—whether male or female— with father involvement. However, the effects of an active father-daughter relationship will begin to show when the daughter begins puberty. A warm, inviting father-daughter relationship will lead to feelings of acceptance, improved self-esteem, and lower rates of depression and behavioral problems. “Children with involved fathers are less likely to act out in school, fail classes, and engage in risky delinquent behavior,” says Dr. Amy Mikolajewski, Assistant Professor of
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The Scary Dreams Keeping Kids Awake at Night BY AUSTRIA COHN PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2023-24 COVER KID ELLA S.
H ave you ever found yourself trapped in a twilight zone between wakefulness and sleep, unable to move or speak while eerie shadows surround you? Or perhaps you’ve been jolted awake by blood-curdling screams echoing in the dead of night, only to realize it’s all in your head? Whether you, your child, a family member, or a friend has ever experienced something like this, you have stepped into the realm of night terrors and sleep paralysis. While it’s common for children to have irrational fears, like monsters under the bed or ghosts lurking in the closet, fear of sleep itself due to night terrors and sleep paralysis is a genuine concern. These sleep disorders can significantly impact daily life, leaving individuals sleep-deprived and fearful of closing their eyes because they
OF SLEEP DISORDERS Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders characterized by unusual behaviors, movements, or experiences that occur during sleep or its transition stages. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), parasomnias include sleepwalking, sleep terrors, sleep talking, and sleep paralysis and are behaviors linked to partial awakening. Most of the time, parasomnias are more often seen in children and will improve as a child gets older, yet some people struggle with these sleep disorders for their entire life. NIGHTMARES VS. NIGHT TERRORS & SLEEP PARALYSIS To fully understand night terrors and sleep paralysis, we need to understand what a nightmare is and how to tell the difference. Keep in mind that there is data on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but many answers
have yet to be found on why many of these sleeping disorders occur. Nightmares Nightmares are intense and unsettling dreams that stir up feelings of anxiety and fear while asleep, often causing someone to awaken abruptly in the middle of the night. Even though nightmares are common, they can be terrifying and can affect a person’s day and sleeping habits. According to the Sleep Foundation, nightmares are more commonly experienced during the second half of the night because that is when the most time is spent in REM sleep. “Nightmares may begin in children between 3 and 6 years old and tend to decrease after the age of 10. During the teen and young adult years, girls appear to have nightmares more often than boys do. Some have them as adults or throughout their lives,” explains the Mayo Clinic. Nightmares can happen due to stress or
might end up in a haunting dream. NAVIGATING THE REALM
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