Baton Rouge Parents Magazine—December 2024

December 2024

DECEMBER 2024

THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

Gifts Moms Want RSV 101: The Basics for Families

Ho Ho Holiday Happenings

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

@brparents.com

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor SANONNA AL TAWEEL AMANDA CIANI JULIANNA STEEN MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING Senior Graphic Designer TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN Account Executives COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING CRYSTAL BARRETT Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator

2024

2023

WHAT’S ON THE WEB Christmas Gifts: How Much is Too Much? Kids love Christmas gifts, but is there such a thing as “too much” under the tree?

2022

Keep the Christmas Magic Alive for Older Kids How to ignite holiday cheer and Christmas wonder in your oldest kids.

What To Do When Your Kids Are Ungrateful Christmas is a cheerful time of giving. Here’s how to navigate ungrateful children.

Elf on the Shelf Giving You the Creeps? Here Are Some Alternatives Tired of Elf on the Shelf? Here’s what to do instead!

MAKAYLEE SECREST Administrative Assistant SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager ELISABETH BARRETT KAYLEIGH MONTANA Client Success Specialists EMMY LOGAN Accounting Coordinator AMY PLAISANCE Founder

freebies

Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is December 13, 2024.

TableTopics 20th Anniversary Limited Edition includes new questions and a luxe design to inspire conversations that are fun and thought-provoking. tabletopics.com

Woven Woven’s Cotton Kids Weighted Blanket is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and therapeutic benefits, and it’s bead-free. wovenwoven.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 November's Freebies: Beth Green won the Empowering Journaling Craft Kit and Seth Holmes won the Power Lightning Connected Controller.

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4 DECEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

inside

DECEMBER 2024 • ISSUE 413

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 62 THINGS TO DO 70 THINGS WE LOVE 72 THE LAST WORD 74 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 18 DAD NEXT DOOR 20 THRIVE 22 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION

Photo by Kleinpeter Photography

ON THE COVER 2024-25 Cover Kid August D. will turn five next March. His favorite movie is The Wild Robot , and he hopes to one day become a robot repairman! When it comes to music, his song of choice is “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift. As a first- time Cover Kid, August had a spectacular time during his photo shoot, especially because he was able to show off his light-up slippers.

FEATURES 26 WHAT MOMS REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

50 TOP 5 TIPS FOR TOY SAFETY Keep kiddos safe by checking their toys for these components. By Sanonna Al Taweel 54 UNDERSTANDING RSV Explore the symptoms and prevention of RSV, while utilizing these care tips. By Sanonna Al Taweel

While a robe is a nice gift, there are other things on mom’s wish list this year. By Victoria Mikota 30 SPARKLY GEAUX GUIDE 67+ holiday

Photo by CST Photography LLC

58 8 GREAT FAMILY TRADITIONS TO START IN 2025 Reconnect with your spouse and children with these activities. By Pam Molnar

experiences to enjoy with the family this holiday season. By BRPM

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BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE

Moving On

I ’ve been in limbo for two years now, same conclusion: God got it wrong. The thought isn’t passing; it consumes me daily. This month marks two years since my momma passed, which I believe would not have happened if proper protocol had been followed. But I cannot go back in time, run different scenarios in my mind, or change history. I understand what happened—I read every report—but I know it could have been prevented during those critical first 24 hours. So, even though there’s so much to blame, it’s time to put this blame to bed and focus on what I can control. Christmas has always been my family’s most favorite holiday. To honor her memory, I keep her Christmas stocking at my house. For those who don’t know, my mother lived with me during her last few years of life, due to several falls and broken bones. She was the life of the party. She used to wonder where I got it from, but it was her. My daughter is a mini version of us both, a wondering how to move on and be at peace with my life. I keep coming back to the

sassy, independent, and goal-driven girl. Though she’s a tough cookie, this loss has hit her hard; she can’t see a way forward, but we’re working to help her through it. During the holidays, let’s not forget the people who have loved ones who are not here, or the friends who may not have any family nearby. Let’s reach out to the ones hurting and bring them together. Counseling and talking about problems are not easy tasks, but sometimes just having people around who have been through the same experiences can be more helpful than a therapy session. I guess my whole point is, even though you might be having the best Christmas, don’t pressure the ones who feel down to participate fully–they may be missing an important part of their holiday tradition. If they are there and present, that is all that matters. They are hurting but are trying their best to be okay. Merry Christmas, and I hope you and your family have the best holiday season. P.S. Don't forget to move the Elf!

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

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

8 DECEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

CONNECT

community

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE HELPS FAMILIES AND SENIORS Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is helping Baton Rouge families and seniors in need this holiday season. In September, more than 500 families and clients were screened and verified by the group. Donors who chose to participate were asked to choose recipient families to buy gifts for based on the wish lists provided. Most recipients listed necessities like shoes, clothes, and personal items, but some also included gifts for children like toys and dolls. Gifts will be delivered from December 2–6 and Monday, December 9. ■ ccdiobr.org

LSU STUDENTS, ALUMNUS LAUNCH AI APP TO SIMPLIFY AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR FARMERS

CANGELOSI DANCE PROJECT PRESENTS HOLIDAY NUTCRACKER PRODUCTION The Cangelosi Dance Project will present their annual Holiday Nutcracker on Sunday, December 15 at the Dunham Theatre with shows at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Kris Cangelosi, the artistic director, created the plot and choreographed the entire production using traditional narrative, as well as added fun holiday images. The production tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a pair of pointe shoes for Christmas. Her magical uncle gives her a Nutcracker doll as her party gift where she shows it off to all until her rebel brother breaks her doll. A noteworthy scene of the production includes the battle scene between the Mice and Soldiers. ■ cangelosidanceproject.com

A startup led by an LSU alumni and two current students is transforming how farmers and agricultural professionals access essential information. FarmSmart, an AI-powered app currently in beta testing, helps to streamline complex research from dense agricultural documents into fast, user-friendly responses available at the touch of a button. The idea for FarmSmart came after then- LSU student Colin Raby had a conversation with Professor David Stevenson at the LSU AgCenter. There was a common trend being noticed: Many of the farmers weren’t consulting the AgCenter’s annual guide—a comprehensive, 500-page document detailing best practices of crop management and pest control. With FarmSmart, the goal is to exceed the quality of the best agricultural consultants. ■ lsu.edu

NEW HOSPITAL COMING TO LIVINGSTON PARISH IN 2027

Baton Rouge General is planning to build a new facility on Juban Road at I-12 in Denham Springs. This hospital plan will include a 40,000 square-foot facility, with a 14-bed emergency room, 12-bed inpatient hospital, outpatient services like imaging and lab, as well as physician practices. To move forward, Baton Rouge General needs approval from the Livingston Parish Planning Commission. Once approved, groundbreaking for the new facility will begin in early 2025, with opening planned for 2027. ■ brgeneral.org

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Pack the Pirogue, an initiative of Louisiana Federal Credit Union (FCU), a division of OnPath Credit Union, has provided essential school supplies to 19 classrooms in Southeast Louisiana. A total of 9,000 school supplies were collected and distributed to 19 classrooms, each nominated by community members. This initiative has not only transformed communities in St. John the Baptist, St. James, Ascension, and Lafourche Parishes, but has also become a cornerstone of Louisiana FCU’s commitment to serving its communities. ■ louisianafcu.org CREDIT UNION DONATES OVER 9,000 SCHOOL SUPPLIES THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA TAYLOR SWIFT DONATES TO SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK DURING ERAS TOUR Taylor Swift, during the last leg of her Eras Tour , stopped in for her three-day performance in New Orleans in late October. According to Second Harvest Food Bank, Swift contributed enough of a donation to cover 75,000 meals for families in need in South Louisiana. “This gift will provide the equivalent of 75,000 meals, helping to alleviate hunger for thousands of our neighbors. It’s an incredible gesture of kindness, and we thank her for supporting our mission,” says President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Natalie Jayroe. Second Harvest officials said the generous donation will help many families in Louisiana with food assistance. ■ no-hunger.org

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

education CONNECT

Parkview Baptist School recently announced that it has been named a Niche Best School. Niche Best Schools are considered the best private high schools and use Composite SAT/ACT scores, top college scores, college enrollment, parent/student surveys, and student-teacher ratios to determine eligibility. Parkview is thrilled to have this recognition, and will continue to seek first the Kingdom of God while providing a Christ-centered, college- preparatory education to guide their students and staff to grow and mature in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL NAMED A NICHE BEST SCHOOL

Louisiana State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley announced a recent “significant” reduction in the time students will be allowed to spend taking standardized tests. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is making immediate changes to the amount of time students will be allowed to test by 20 percent in 2025. In April 2025, grades 3–8 will spend less time taking the LEAP test, according to the LDOE. With these upcoming changes, students will spend at least 40 to 75 minutes less testing in ELA, depending on their grade. In addition, students will spend about 30 to 40 minutes less testing in math, and the LDOE says they’ve eliminated four machine-scored tasks and two long response tasks on the test. SCHOOLS IN LOUISIANA PLAN TO REDUCE TIME SPENT DURING STANDARDIZED TESTING

Recently, the East Baton Rouge School System announced the district’s 2024-2025 Students of the Year at McKinley Middle Academic Magnet School of Visual and Performing Arts. In attendance, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome was the guest speaker, and Superintendent LaMont Cole and Deputy Superintendent Adam Smith were also present. The students awarded were: Zoey Jenkins, Parkview Elementary School; Zachary Jarquin, Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School; Kaitlyn Smith, Baton Rouge Magnet High School; Jace Johnson, CSAL; Karissa Carter, Inspire Charter Academy; and Adison Salecedo, Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy. Congratulations to the outstanding students! EAST BATON ROUGE SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES 2024-25 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

When the students enrolled in The Dunham School’s American Sign Language II class discovered Mr. Joanathan Ross, a member of the school’s dining staff, was deaf, they invited him to visit their classroom so they could learn from him and practice using their ASL skills in real life. The class continues to communicate with Mr. Ross in ASL whenever they see him around campus. REAL-LIFE LEARNING AT DUNHAM

12 DECEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM

PARKVIEW COACH NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR

Congratulations are in order for Parkview Baptist School’s Girls Soccer Coach Raphael Nunes on being named the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) Coach of the Year for his work with the athletes on the PBS Girls Soccer Team. The NFHS will be submitting Coach Nunes’ name for further honors at the sectional and national levels. The PBS Girls Soccer Team has won state titles in 2023 and 2024 as well as a district championship in 2024. Coach Nunes has served as Head Girls Soccer Coach at Parkview since 2018.

Two students who recently solved the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry have added nine more solutions to their proofs. Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, former St. Mary’s Academy students, presented their discovery to the American Mathematical Society in Atlanta back in March of 2023. This year, their solutions were peer-reviewed and thoroughly investigated to confirm what many in the mathematics community would have never imagined—the Pythagorean Theorem can be solved using trigonometry. The students managed to evade circular reasoning, coming to the conclusion that the theorem can prove itself. LOUISIANA STUDENTS DISCOVER NINE SOLUTIONS TO THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

CONNECT book corner

S eason’s Readings! During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, remember to take a break and cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and a good book. These festive stories will add warmth and excitement to the most wonderful time of the year!

YOUTH Make the holidays magical for little ones with these sweet picture books. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett When Santa arrives on Christmas Eve, how does he go down the chimney? What happens if he gets stuck or if there is no chimney? And what happens when Santa finally gets inside? Li’l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. His Granna Rabbit is sick, so his family will not be able to celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year, the big feast called Karamu. Li’l Rabbit decides to find Granna Rabbit a present, but no matter where he searches, he cannot find something she would like. But then, with the help of their neighbors, Li’l Rabbit surprises her with the best gift of all! Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna Washington Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Greg Wolfe Shmelf is one of Santa’s Elves, and while checking Santa’s List, he learns that Jewish

children do not celebrate Christmas but Hanukkah instead. Shmelf sets out to learn all about Hanukkah, and when he returns to the North Pole, Santa gives him a special new job! Young readers will enjoy these humorous chapter books full of holiday hijinks. A Very Merry Christmas by Geronimo Stilton Geronimo Stilton is on his way to the Big Apple, New York City, to spend the holidays with his family. On his way there, his luggage gets switched with someone else’s, and now all of the presents that he brought along for his family are missing! Will he be able to search the Big Apple and find all of the missing presents before Christmas? Miss Holly is Too Jolly! by Dan Gutman Miss Holly, AJ’s Spanish teacher, loves celebrating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas! The weird school kids are trying to get into the spirit of the season, but the class Secret Santa gift exchange does not go the way any of them expected! Can the big holiday pageant turn things around?

Ring in the season by learning about celebrations from around the world in these non-fiction titles. True or False? Holidays and Celebrations by Lauren Kelliher What does the festival of Diwali celebrate? When is Waffle Weekend? Learn awesome facts about different holidays from around the world in this engaging edition of True or False. Joy to the World! Christmas Around the Globe by Kate DePalma Children of all ages will enjoy learning about Christmas traditions from 13 countries around the world. TWEENS AND TEENS Teens won’t be able to put down these holiday-themed page-turners! 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston After an unexpected breakup, 17-year- old Sophie lets members of her large,

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

14 DECEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM

eccentric, extended family set her up on 10 blind dates during Christmas vacation. Carols and Crushes by Natalie Blitt Charlie’s moment to shine has arrived; she’s determined to land a solo in this year’s holiday concert. With her best friend Renee and her smart, cute crush Eric in chorus with her, the winter promises to be pitch perfect. Until disaster strikes. The concert is suddenly in danger of being canceled, and Charlie must partner up with annoying, oh-so-perfect Matthew. If they can’t work in harmony, Charlie’s favorite time of year will be ruined. Will she be able to save the show from a blizzard of problems—and figure out who makes her heart sing? One Jar of Magic by Corey Ann Haydu Rose is turning 12 and can finally join her community’s New Year’s Day magic- capturing ceremony. Although she has always been lucky, she captures only one tiny jar of magic. Now her dad won’t talk to her and her friendships have gotten all twisted and wrong. So when Rose hears whispers that there are people who aren’t meant for magic at all, she begins to wonder if that’s who she belongs with. The text contains mature topics such as domestic violence and child abuse.

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

CONNECT

craft corner

BY KIMBERLY MCLEOD, CREATOR OF THE BEST IDEAS FOR KIDS Q-Tip Snowflake Craft

We love that you can easily customize these Q-tip snowflakes by changing up the colors of the cardboard to match your holiday décor. This is also a craft that is great for kids of all ages. Older kids can cut the Q-tips and design the snowflakes themselves. Even preschoolers will love helping to paint the cardboard background and glue the Q-tips on. Add a string to turn them into an ornament or a gift tag.

Directions 1. Cut circles out of cardboard. You can trace around a round object, like a jar or lid, to make a circle shape. Note: Thick cardboard is hard to cut with regular scissors so we recommend a pair of heavy-duty scissors.

Materials Cardboard Q-Tips Scissors Acrylic Paint Tacky Glue or Hot glue (adult assistance) Small White Pom Poms

3. Cut your Q-tips into pieces. Depending on your snowflake design, you can cut Q-tips into different lengths and sizes. Cut some in half and cut some smaller pieces for the end of the snowflake.

Hole Puncher String/Twine

2. Paint the cardboard circles. We painted in different colors of blue, but you can paint any color you’d like! Lighter colors of paint may require more than one coat.

4. Glue a white pom pom to the center of your cardboard circle. You can use tacky glue or hot glue for this step (with adult assistance).

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There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.

5. Attach the Q-tip pieces to the cardboard.

Lay out your snowflake design first. Then start to glue the Q-tips to the cardboard, starting with the pieces attached to the pom pom first. This is where you can have fun coming up with all different kinds of snowflake designs!

THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®

800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org

6. Hole punch the top of the cardboard to make a hole for the string. Tie a string or piece of twine through the hole.

7. Hang on the tree or attach it to a gift! We hope you enjoy making these beautiful snowflakes! These are so pretty and would make a fun gift for Christmas too!

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

dad next door LIVE

Occupation: Dean of Students, teacher, and girls’ basketball coach at Parkview Baptist School Wife: Michelle Children: Kyleigh, 17; Brie, 14; and Steele, 10 Hobbies: Watching sports, going to the gym, and Ubering the kids around Brett Shelton BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY CST PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

B rett Shelton’s life is a blend of family, faith, and dedication to guiding future generations. With the support of his wife, who he acknowledges as a major influence in his life, he successfully balances his career with raising his three children. However, despite his busy schedule, Brett embodies the role of husband, father, teacher, coach, and mentor with grace and humility. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN EDUCATOR AND A COACH, AND HOW DID YOU BRETT: I originally became a coach after college. I love sports, and I wanted to be a part of sports. I used to say, if you can’t play sports anymore, coaching is the next best thing. I started coaching at False River Academy in 2003 and I coached everything I could. I enjoyed working with the young people and helping them to improve, and I enjoyed the competition. [While coaching] at Ascension Christian, one of my former basketball players was an assistant coach at Parkview, and she let me know their head coach was no longer going to take that role. She told me I should apply for it. I thought it would be cool to work with a former player and come over here and coach at a high school that had won state championships and was known for its CHOOSE PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL?

AFTER THEY LEAVE THE TEAM? BRETT: Relationships with other people. I think that sports are kind of a microcosm of what life is about, working together with people to achieve a common goal. So I think the relationship they have with their teammates, the experience they have, the journey putting in the work, and then being able to see what they get at the end from all the work that they put in, I think [is] probably what I’d like them to see. WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A DAD? BRETT: Seeing them accomplish something and have success is probably the most rewarding part, especially something that they struggle in, whether it be school, a class, or a sport. WHAT HAS PARENTING TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF? BRETT: It has taught me patience. It has taught me that it’s not always easy. There’s no one way to parent. It has taught me that every kid is different, and I don’t know how you can raise three kids the exact same way and the behavior be completely different. It has taught me that my parents had no idea what they were doing when they were growing up, and I didn’t know that when I was growing up. I thought they had it together. I'm sure all the kids think we all have it together too, but we learn. We learn

athletics. I thought it was a good challenge, and then I’d have her here with me as well. Now, she left me the next year, but I was blessed to have a great replacement for her, but that’s how I got to Parkview. CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM YOUR COACHING CAREER THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON YOU? BRETT: Every year is different. Two years ago, when we won the first state championship, that was a huge year, because we were underdogs. We won seven games the year before, and then we won a state championship. We didn’t have any superstars on the team; we just had a team that played really well together. I think what stuck out to me the most was that they were so selfless. They shared the basketball and they did whatever it took to win. We had goal sheets, and I think one of the eighth graders put [winning the championship] down as her goal, but I didn’t think it was a realistic expectation at the beginning of the year. They just continued to grow though and improve and get better. It was cool coming from an underdog position. WHAT LESSONS DO YOU HOPE YOUR PLAYERS CARRY WITH THEM LONG

18 NOVEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM

OF ADVICE TO OTHER DADS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? BRETT: Find a good partner, because it really takes at least two. You’re going to have days where you fail and you’ve got to learn from your mistakes, just like the kids do. [Also,] allow your kids the freedom to make some mistakes, because they’re going to learn more from that than not being allowed to do certain things. So, find a good partner and learn from your own failures. HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED AND POSITIVE DURING CHALLENGING TIMES? BRETT: I think just being competitive makes you motivated. I look at these challenges and end up saying, How big of a deal is this really? Am I going to remember this a few years from now? Is this going to affect me next year, two years from now, and then? If it’s not, then why am I so anxious or so worried about it, right? I try to keep positive with that. Scripture as well, knowing that I’m not going through anything that somebody else hasn’t gone through already and has come out better. CHILDREN AS THEY GROW UP? BRETT: I hope that they stay in Christ; I hope they would not part from that. I hope they have families, and that they’re successful. I think those are the three main things. I want them to experience family. I want them to experience success in their professional careers, and for them to keep their families in church as well. WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR YOUR

daily. I would say it also taught me that I need some help. You know, I need a good partner in it to parent these kids and not go crazy. HOW HAS BEING A FATHER INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU COACH? BRETT: You can’t coach girls the same as boys, and I don’t know that I would know that if I didn’t have daughters. Girls are very sensitive, and so I try to take that into consideration. They’re also very selfless. I coach boys as well, and boys kind of do their own thing, but girls are better teammates. They’re not so much about individual accomplishments and things like that. They really are more team players. So, having coached both, I stuck with girls’ basketball because of that. FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? BRETT: It’s hard to have a family day to be honest with you. I’ve got my oldest daughter who plays soccer—high school soccer and club soccer—and she plays high school basketball. The middle child does dance three nights a week, and then the youngest plays every sport that he can. So it’s not a whole lot of family days. My wife loves to plan vacations where we can get away and be together. We try not to have a whole lot of distractions with phones and things like that. But on a normal family day, I don’t want to take credit for having these great family days. My wife plans them all out. She expects them to go a certain way, and they usually don’t go quite as expected. We’ve done LSU games together. We used to go hiking a lot, especially during COVID, and things like that. If we can get a dinner together at TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? BRETT: My wife intentionally creates these traditions, whether we like them or not. She’s amazing, and that’s why I said you have to have a good partner. We go and look at Christmas lights, and we all complain about it until we go. [Also,] things with family. We travel every year to visit her family. She grew up military, moving around a lot, so it’s definitely important to her. She organizes it; we just show up, so I’m not going to take any credit for that. IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL FAMILY DAY night, to me, that’s success. WHAT TRADITIONS ARE MOST IMPORTANT

RAPID FIRE Q&A Favorite local spot for family day… We go eat at a Japanese restaurant... well the girls eat there. The boy doesn’t like the food as much. One word that best describes your family… Busy. Favorite TV show

and movie to watch… Ted Lasso and This is 40 . Favorite food… Any type of barbecue. Hidden talent… Playing the guitar.

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

LIVE thrive

W hen Paije Lopez’s sons were all diagnosed with autism, she quickly realized how few resources were available and just how many gaps needed to be filled. “Once you get the autism diagnosis, you kind of have to rely on yourself to figure out what to do next. Unfortunately, the waiting list for resources is extremely long. We wanted to figure out how to help our children while we waited for other resources to become available,” says Lopez. Determined to help her sons and other families just like hers, Lopez founded the ATA-Lopez Foundation. The organization offers services to families to help them navigate the journey to an autism diagnosis, as well as educating them on what to expect and what to do post-diagnosis. “There is some grief that comes with the diagnosis, so we help parents with processing the diagnosis, [including] IEP preparation, support and advocacy, guidance for helping parents find therapy resources, mom meet ups, and inclusive playdates,” she explains. One Mother’s Mission for Autism Support BY BRPM PHOTO BY CHRISTY GALLEGOS PHOTOGRAPHY

At a recent playdate, the organization hosted nearly 300 children and their families. Mom meets are also a great success and a much-needed resource for moms navigating the experience. Currently, the organization has been heavily focusing on IEP education. Lopez shares, “In order to get an IEP, you have to have some sort of a medical diagnosis that affects children developmentally. For my first child, I fought for three years, involved a lawyer in the process, and had no idea how to navigate the process. The support that you can receive for an IEP is crucial for a child’s learning environment, speech, OT, adapted P.E. classes, and other accommodations for the classroom setting. When you first begin this journey, you don't know your rights as a parent, and it can feel overwhelming and pressuring. This preparation gives them the confidence to help their kids receive an IEP. Also, I will personally go with the parents to the IEP meetings.” With the support the organization provides, Lopez has seen parents’ confidence soar in IEP meetings. They’re more prepared and able to advocate for

their child more effectively. Playdates are also a welcome support. “There are so many families that have come to our playdates and are in tears afterwards [because they] receive such loving support from the community. They aren't judged in this environment, and it's an incredible thing to witness. A lot of our families are grateful to have this,” says Lopez. While families may reach out to the organization for many different reasons, regardless of the reason, Lopez has made it her mission to be able to provide these services to families free of charge. “My main goal was to never charge a family in need, even as an LLC. It’s a difficult process for parents to deal with, and we didn't want to place that extra financial burden on them,” she shares. Many families often fall through the cracks or don’t end up receiving the support they need. Through the ATA-Lopez Foundation, families aren’t getting left behind. For more information, visit them on Facebook at ATA-Lopez Foundation and follow them on Instagram @the_ata_lopez_foundation.

20 DECEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM

BRPARENTS.COM | DECEMBER2024

LIVE faith

Trusting in a Miracle-Working God

BY SHANNON EASLEY, WIFE OF PASTOR WILLIS AT CHRIST’S COMMUNITY CHURCH

I just returned from serving those in need after Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, and I want you to know: we serve a miracle- working God! The ministry I was serving with was preparing seven thousand meals per day. One day, we were almost out of bread. A volunteer said, “I am going to drive an hour away and buy all of the bread that I can find.” I said, “No, let’s just see; God will send us bread.” I asked Heidi, another volunteer, to go to the warehouse where supplies were being delivered and see if anyone donated bread. Heidi told me later that night that she found one loaf of bread. As she walked the distance from the warehouse to the

dining hall, she held that loaf of bread and asked God to multiply it. An hour went by and my cousin—who lives a few hours away—walked up a hill, and guess what she was carrying? You guessed it, as many loaves of bread that she could carry! A while later, someone came in with two loaves, and then someone else with another loaf. Thirty minutes later, someone drove up with cases of bread. Then another person with even more cases of bread. About 20 minutes later, a couple walked up with cases of bread; then another man drove up with a truck full of bread. Each time bread came into the dining hall, everyone cheered and gave God the glory. Just as we were about to start making plates for supper, a man came in with

another truckload of bread. We could not stop cheering as we were running out of places to put the bread. The guys bringing in the food (who cook at disasters all over the country) said, “we have never been to a site where there has been so much bread.” The God who performed the miracles that we read about in the Bible is the same God that we worship today. I want to encourage you today and remind you that God sees you and He hears you. The Bread of Life gave us bread, and more bread than we needed. What is it that you need today? Ask God. He already knows and is waiting for you to ask Him. James 4:2: “You have not because you ask not.”

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What Moms Really Want for Christmas BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

R obes are nice… BUUUUT. opening gifts together on Christmas morning, and everyone gets really cool, exciting gifts, and the mom gets a robe? It’s a hilarious skit, but it does highlight a few truths about gifts for moms on Christmas. First of all, moms work too hard to just Have you seen that Saturday Night Live skit that shows a family

MOMS WANT NICE SKIN Motherhood is a beautiful thing, but can really wreak havoc on your skin. The stress of last-minute projects, carpool lines, and noisy kids can all lead to premature wrinkles and unsightly blemishes! Give the gift of a spa day for mom this year. Consider booking her for a hydrafacial,

receive a robe—even if it is super soft! Secondly, moms are unique! Every mom is different and has different likes and dislikes. Just because we think they will like something doesn’t mean they always will—and that’s okay! We’re here to shed some light on what moms might actually want for Christmas. But as always, it’s the thought that counts.

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MOMS WANT SOMETHING FROM THE HEART In some instances, the holidays have become a time of gifting the most elaborate gifts, like expensive jewelry, designer purses, or even a brand-new vehicle. While material things have their place in life, it’s always special to receive something made with love from those you love. If you want to do something special for Mom, consider baking her a delicious treat! If you want to do something more artsy, paint her a picture or write her a poem. All of these gifts will mean more than anything you could buy. They’re priceless and from the heart! IT'S ALWAYS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS Christmas is such a good time to count your blessings and be grateful. While beautiful, elaborate gifts are always seen as the ultimate Christmas experience, it’s important to realize they could never overshadow what the season is truly about. Whether you give Mom a brand-new Apple Watch or hand paint a Christmas wreath, you should be sure to know that any gift to Mom will be treasured for years to come.

facial massage, or even buying her favorite skincare products. Trust us when we say, she can never have enough. MOMS WANT CUTE WORKOUT CLOTHES Clothing is one of those things that can be difficult to shop for someone you love. After all, everyone has different tastes in clothes. With workout clothes, you really can’t go wrong with black leggings and a matching sports bra. Or opt for a neutral set in green, beige, or brown. Don’t forget to get a cute, slimming workout jacket! MOMS WANT NEW MAKEUP If it’s one thing all women can never have enough of—it’s makeup. Whether it’s a new eyeshadow palette, mascara, lipstick, or brushes, you can always find something for mom at Sephora or Ulta. If you are stumped on what to buy her, ask to see her current makeup lineup. This way, you can buy her refills of stuff you know she already likes and uses. In addition, Sephora does annual sales and holiday sets to help shoppers save on popular must-haves! MOMS WANT FREE TIME Every mom can agree that a little alone time does everyone good. If you want to

give mom a priceless gift this year, give her the gift of free time. This could look like going over to a friend’s house for the weekend, giving her a solo shopping spree, or even just giving her an hour to take a bath and pamper herself at home. MOMS WANT FAMILY TIME Moms are always taking kiddos to school, dance, football practice, and making sure the entire family is fed and happy. While routine is part of a regular lifestyle, it’s important to set aside time for intentional family time. This could be something as simple as having a family movie night, or something more exciting like an amusement park vacation. However the time is spent, just know that Mom will love every second of it. MOMS WANT DATE NIGHT When was the last time Mom and Dad got to go out for intentional time alone, away from the kiddos? If it’s been a while, and you want to treat mom to a special night with romance, candles, and a nice cooked meal, consider planning out a date night. Dads could call the restaurant ahead of time to reserve a table, and the kiddos can go off to Grandma and Grandpa’s for the weekend. It’s a win-win!

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Sparkly Geaux Guide BY BRPM PHOTOS BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2024-25 COVER KIDS AUGUST D. AND SAVANNAH R. The holiday season is here! Explore our “winter” wonderland here in Baton Rouge and beyond to see Santa, have a delicious brunch, watch seasonal favorites on stage, and finish your holiday shopping. Grab your hot cocoa and let’s geaux!

BUNCHES OF BRUNCHES

Breakfast with Santa Grace Church of West Feliciana bontempstix.com Enjoy breakfast, crafts, Santa, and

performances from the WFHS Cheer and Dance Team from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, December 7. Breakfast with Santa Jefferson United Methodist Church jumcbr.org Enjoy breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 7. Breakfast with Santa Mason’s Grill masonsgrill.com Includes photos with Santa, reindeer pancakes, crafts, and balloons on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday, December 15, at 9 a.m. Brunch with Santa The Legacy at Bonne Esperance eventbrite.com Enjoy a brunch buffet with a visit from Santa on Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pancakes at the North Pole Main Event Baton Rouge eventbrite.com Enjoy cookie decorating and eating pancakes, write a letter to Santa, and meet Santa on Sunday, December 8. Pancakes with Santa Barn Hill Preserve barnhillpreserve.com Enjoy pancakes, photos, and animal encounter shows on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21 and Sundays, December 8, 15, and 22, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Princess and Superhero Holiday Soirée Have pancakes with Santa or flapjacks with firefighters at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 14. Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center eventbrite.com Includes a brunch buffet, hot chocolate bar, photos with Santa, and sugar cookie decorating from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. St. George Fire Department facebook.com/stgeorgefire

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ADVERTORIAL

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CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES A Christmas Carol Theatre Baton Rouge theatrebr.org See the holiday classic on stage from December 6–15. A Christmas Concert Price Leblanc PACE Center eventbrite.com Enjoy a concert with George Bell and friends on Friday, December 6. A Dulcimer and Drums Holiday Concert EBR Libraries ebrpl.com Experience an exciting concert at the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries this month. Baton Rouge Concert Band Christmas Concert St. Joseph Cathedral brcb.org The band will accompany the telling of Twas the Night Before Christmas from 3–5 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. Light Has Come, Christmas Worship

at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. Cool Winter Nights

See the film at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11. JUMC Christmas Play Jefferson United Methodist Church jumcbr.org Enjoy two performances on Sunday,

and Hot Jazz Manship Theatre manshiptheatre.org

Jazz evening featuring Brian Shaw, Robin Barnes, Willis Delony, and Fr. Greg Daigle

December 15, from 2–3 p.m. Morgan James: A Very Soulful Christmas Manship Theatre manshiptheatre.org

from December 3–4. Disney Frozen Jr.

The Reilly Theatre playmakersbr.org A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. Every Friday and Saturday from December 13–22. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Manship Theatre manshiptheatre.org Watch the animated film at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11. Holiday Brass Hemingbough brso.org Special concert featuring BRSO brass and percussion on Friday, December 6 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. Holiday Brass Houmas House brso.org Traditional holiday favorites will be performed on Sunday, December 8, from 4:30–6 p.m.

Morgan James is a Juilliard trained singer, songwriter, actress, and recording artist in New York City. See her soulful Christmas performance on Thursday, December 12, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Movies on the Plaza: Holiday Edition EBR Main Library ebrpl.com Watch a holiday classic on the plaza’s big screen. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, enjoy hot chocolate from S.A.B.’s Snowball Shoppe, and stay for the after-movie dance Follow four little elves as they discover who they are, what true friendship is, and what purpose they have as one of Santa’s little helpers on Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m. The Extra Elf: A Holiday Surprise Independence Park Theatre eventbrite.com Enjoy a festive tale that celebrates generosity, holiday magic, and the joy of finding one’s place on Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 2 p.m. The First Christmas: Tales party on Friday, December 13. Santa’s Little Helpers Manship Theatre manshiptheatre.org Experience the magic of the season with storytelling and music at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. The Nutcracker–A Tale from the Bayou River Center Theatre for Performing Arts batonrougeballet.org Experience the holiday classic performed by the dancers of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre from December 14–15. from the Birth of Christ Jefferson United Methodist Church eventbrite.com

First Baptist Zachary fbcz.org/christmas

Enjoy a touching, musical worship experience at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. Christmas Choir Cantata Jefferson United Methodist Church jumcbr.org Enjoy a holiday service on Sunday, December 8, at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight & Lord’s Supper Service

Holiday Brass St. Joseph Cathedral brso.org

The glorious St. Joseph Cathedral is the perfect backdrop for renditions of traditional holiday favorites on Thursday, December 5, from 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Holiday Nutcracker The Dunham School Theatre cangelosidanceproject.com

First Baptist Zachary fbcz.org/christmas Celebrate Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 24. Christmas in the Air Zoar Baptist Church zoarbaptist.org Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas from December 12–15. Christmas Spectacular Concert EBR Main Library facebook.com/civicorchbr Enjoy a free concert by the Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge featuring holiday favorites

The Cangelosi Dance Project presents two performances of their annual Nutcracker on Sunday, December 15, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Home for the Holidays River Center Theatre for Performing Arts brso.org Hear holiday favorites for the entire family on Saturday, December 21, from 2–4 p.m. It’s a Wonderful Life Manship Theatre manshiptheatre.org

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS A Very Merry Museum LASM lasm.org Includes hands-on art and science

activities, science experiments, holiday- themed planetarium shows, free Coca- Cola Polar Bear plushes for the first 100 children in the building, and photo-op with Santa Claus and the iconic Coca-Cola truck on Saturday, December 7.

Christmas in the Village Denham Springs Antique Village facebook.com/cityofds

Features a free Christmas concert by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, December 19. Christmas on Pointe Pointe-Marie pointemarie.com Enjoy Santa pictures, food trucks, a DJ, crafts, a Christmas Market, and inflatable games on Saturday, December 7. Christmas Tour of Homes St. Francisville bontempstix.com Tour beautifully decorated homes during Christmas in the Country on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CPKC Holiday Train Express Stops Visit CPKC Yard on Thursday, December 5, from 4–8 p.m. to tour the holiday decorated rail cars. Creole Christmas BREC’s Magnolia Mound brec.org Hear traditional songs in French and Spanish, see period demonstrations, and visit with the vendors from noon–5 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. Festival of the Bonfires Lutcher Park festivalofthebonfires.org Enjoy food, live entertainment, crafts, carnival rides, and the lighting of the bonfire from December 13–15. Hankies2Hope Mothers Christmas Tea CPKC Yard cpkcr.com

The Lake House eventbrite.com

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Zoo Lights BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo brzoo.org

Enjoy a time of fellowship, hear encouraging stories, have a time of remembrance, and receive hope for the holidays from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. Hilton’s New Year’s Eve Party Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center eventbrite.com Gatsby-esque glamour party, including a Dueling Pianos performance from 88ReasonsWhy on Tuesday, December 31. The green space in front of the hospital is transformed into a twinkling, singing, and musically-synchronized lights display for the community to enjoy, now through December 31. Holiday Open House & Toy Drive Distribution Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge fhfgbr.org Holiday Lights Baton Rouge General brgeneral.org Enjoy holiday refreshments, get creative with festive crafts, and meet dedicated staff from 1–3 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. Holiday Princess Tea Old Governor’s Mansion facebook.com/petiteprincesscompany Meet the snow sisters and Kristoff, while enjoying sweets and photo ops. Times TBA. Ice Skating on the River Raising Cane’s River Center raisingcanesrivercenter.com The River Center will magically transform into a winter wonderland, from December 18–January 8. Kids Culinary Class: Gingerbread Houses Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel eventbrite.com Decorate premade gingerbread houses with times on December 7 and December 8. Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel batonrougeballet.org Enjoy an afternoon of dancing, crafts, and photos with the cast at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. Louisiana Lights Burden Museum & Gardens lsu.edu/rurallife

Journey through illuminated garden rooms, past a sparkling lake and a shimmering tunnel of light on the grounds of the former Burden family home. Held through December 29 on Thursdays–Sundays, 5:30–8 p.m. Mini Holiday Workshop Louisiana Culinary Institute eventbrite.com Bake cookies for Santa and make Reindeer food on Saturday, December 7. New Year’s Eve Shaw Center for the Arts eventbrite.com Ring in both the New Year and the year of the Center’s 20th Anniversary on Tuesday, December 31. New Year’s Eve Celebration Crowne Plaza

Now through December 30, enjoy a trail of thousands of dazzling lights around the zoo. HOLLY JOLLY PARADES Broadmoor’s Annual Christmas Parade Broadmoor High School facebook.com/ broadmoorresidentsassociation Parade rolls at 11 a.m. and features floats, cars, music, and other entertainment on Saturday, December 7. City of Walker Christmas Parade City of Walker facebook.com/cityofwalkerparksandrec Enjoy the parade on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade Downtown Baton Rouge christmasinbr.com Celebrate Christmas with this seasonal parade on Saturday, December 14. Jones Creek Christmas Parade Jones Creek Road jcaba.org Watch the parade as it strolls down Jones Creek Road on Sunday, December 8, at 2:30 p.m. Lighted Christmas Parade Town of Livingston facebook.com/townlivla Experience a lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. Zachary Christmas Parade Downtown Zachary zacharychamber.com Enjoy festive fun at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 14. MISTLETOE MARKETS Baton Rouge Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market Tanger Outlets eventbrite.com Shop local vendors from December 14–15.

Executive Center Baton Rouge facebook.com/crownebaton

Celebrate the New Year with Chase Tyler Band & Wayne Toups from 7 p.m.–2 a.m. on

Tuesday, December 31. Red Stick Revelry Davis Rhorer Plaza redstickrevelry.com

Features live music, fireworks, and the countdown until the Red Stick drops at midnight on Tuesday, December 31. Reindeer Ride BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center brec.org Experience a unique eight-mile nighttime family bike ride on Friday, December 6, from 6–8 p.m. Sunshine Social: Winter Wonderland Ball BREC’s Milton J. Womack Park Ballroom brec.org Get into the holiday spirit with this social for adults and teens with disabilities on Friday, December 20, from 6–9 p.m. Experience a holiday celebration for kids from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. The Merriest Mile Livingston Parish Fairgrounds themerriestmile.com Enjoy synchronized lights dancing to holiday tunes, dazzling attractions, and Louisiana’s tallest MegaTree, now through Tuesday, December 31. Teddy Bear Tea The 121 Event Venue eventbrite.com

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