Baton Rouge Parents Magazine–April 2026

April 2026

APRIL 2026

THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

Life Skills Before Lectures

Collis Temple III’s Playbook for Parenting

LET THEM FIDGET

DREAM BIG | THINK small

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CONTENTS April 2026 • Issue 429 in each issue

The Mama Files Community Education Book Corner Dad Next Door

6 8

10 12 14 16 18 53 64 66

Thrive Faith

Things to Do Things We Love

Snapshots

features

2025–26 Cover Kid Kaiyah P. loves reading, music, animals, and serving in her church community. An active student and leader, she participates in numerous school clubs, co-leads a girls’ book club, competes in national K12 contests, and hopes to attend LSU one day to become a veterinarian.

INVISIBLE HEALTH & CHRONIC CONDITIONS Hear one mother’s journey parenting through invisible illness with resilience, boundaries, and grace. 24 BUILDING INDEPENDENCE BEFORE MOVE-IN DAY Prepare teens for college independence with life skills, emotional strength, money management, and problem-solving. 28 IS COLLEGE THE RIGHT FIT? Help teens discover college and career options to find the best fit for their future. 32 36 FIDGETS: NOT A FAD Why fidgets work, who benefits, and why they’re more than a classroom trend. AUTISM SUPPORT & SERVICES A comprehensive guide to Baton Rouge resources supporting children with diverse needs. 39 50 9 EX-SEEDINGLY FUN PROJECTS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR KIDS Try these hands-on seed projects featuring gardening, crafts, and outdoor activities to spark creativity.

PHOTOS BY PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AND FREEPIK.COM

what’s on the web

APRIL FAMILY BUCKET LIST Fun activities to enjoy this April.

EASTER EVENTS ROUNDUP Hop over to these family-friendly Easter events.

PLANET-FRIENDLY READS Inspiring reads that teach Earth stewardship.

SCREEN-FREE BOREDOM BUSTERS Creative activities to unplug and play.

CONNECT WITH US

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THE Mama FILES

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS

AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN

Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager MERCEDES MITCHELL SABRINA SMITH BREE WRAY Client Success Representatives JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern ADVERTISING/MARKETING ASHLEY ZANDERS Sales Operations CRYSTAL BARRETT ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator

Running the Invisible Marathon M y calendar has a standing monthly date with Ivy — my IV bag full of antibodies. It’s not the kind of appointment most people schedule, but it’s become part of life with primary immunodeficiency. For most of my life, being sick was just…normal. Sinus infections, allergies, and endless rounds of antibiotics were part of my routine. If I cleaned the house and ended up down for a few days afterward, I blamed my allergies. My doctor kept refills ready, we switched medica- tions when one stopped working, and life kept moving. Eventually it became clear something bigger was going on. After years of infections that refused to stay gone, I was diagnosed with primary immuno- deficiency—which means my immune system doesn’t have the antibodies it needs to fight illness the way it should. Now I receive IVIG infusions once a month, and I try to schedule them on Fridays whenever possible. By noon I’m usually heading home, grabbing a snack, setting an alarm, and taking a long nap. The first few treatments wiped me out, but now the routine is manageable. Most of the time the only evidence left behind is a bruise on my arm and a strong desire to stay under my blanket for the rest of the afternoon. What makes conditions like this tricky is that most of the time no one can see it. I can walk into the office looking completely fine—hair done, makeup on, coffee in hand. On the outside, nothing seems unusual. But fatigue is constant. Not the kind that disappears after a good night’s sleep—the kind that settles into your bones and stays there. And motherhood doesn’t slow down for any of it. My kids have grown up watching me manage this, even if they don’t fully understand it yet. They know infusion Fridays means Mom might be on the couch with a book and a blanket when they get home from school. Those days they’re surprisingly sweet—a little quieter and a little more helpful. We usually order dinner or go somewhere easy because cooking a big meal isn’t high on my priority list after treatment… especially when that meal involves feeding three teenagers, two of whom are growing boys who seem to be hungry every 15 minutes. Living with an invisible illness has taught our family patience and flexibility. We plan around treatments, pace ourselves when needed, and adjust when my body needs a break. Because once a month I’ll show up for my standing date with Ivy—then come home, take a nap, and jump right back into the real marathon of the day: keeping up with three teenagers who treat the kitchen like it’s open 24 hours a day and a husband whose brain doesn’t always know when it’s time to shut down for the night.

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

2025

2023

2024

BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FRG publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

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community

ONCE UPON A ROOM LAUNCHES BATON ROUGE CHAPTER A new chapter of Once Upon a Room has officially launched in Baton Rouge, bringing extra comfort and creativity to children receiving medical care. The nonprofit, which transforms hospital rooms into more cheerful, personalized spaces for kids undergoing active treatment, celebrated its local debut at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital. The Baton Rouge chapter is led by Landry Kiffin and kicked off with a special visit from Lane Kiffin and Whit Weeks. Together, they helped spotlight the organization’s mission: turning hospital stays into brighter experiences for young patients and their families when they need it most. ■ onceuponaroom.org

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

SNAP LIMITS CERTAIN FOOD PURCHASES IN LOUISIANA New rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are changing what some Louisiana families can buy with their benefits. Recently, candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks are no longer eligible purchases for the more than 390,000 households statewide who rely on assistance for groceries. Tobacco, alcohol, and hot prepared foods were already restricted. Local store owners say many shoppers are learning about the updates at checkout. At seafood markets, the rules bring added clarification: while SNAP typically covers raw seafood, cooked items must be chilled before purchase. Businesses are posting signs and helping customers navigate the changes as the new guidelines take effect. ■ ldh.la.gov

CRUISE LINE RETURNS TO BATON ROUGE RIVERFRONT Baton Rouge is once again welcoming river cruise visitors as American Cruise Lines returns to the city’s downtown dock. City leaders announced that the American Melody will now include Baton Rouge as a regular stop, marking another step in ongoing efforts to revitalize the riverfront and boost local tourism. The cruise line first added Baton Rouge as a port of call in 2018 with the American Song and resumed visits in 2021 after a pandemic pause. Now, with renewed riverfront improvements underway, local restaurants and businesses are hopeful the steady flow of visitors will bring fresh energy—and customers—to the heart of the city. ■ americancruiselines.com

ST. GEORGE LEADERS LAUNCH NEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Business leaders in St. George are taking a major step toward strengthening the city’s economic future with the formation of the St. George Chamber of Commerce. Led by chairman Travis Thornton, the newly created organization aims to unite and support the city’s growing business community. Organizers say the chamber will provide a centralized voice for local businesses, helping coordinate efforts, encourage collaboration, and promote continued development. As St. George continues to establish its identity, leaders believe a dedicated chamber is crucial to fostering economic growth and ensuring the city’s business community plays an active role in shaping its future ■ stgeorgechamber.la

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“LITTLE EXPLORERS” EXPANDS EARLY LEARNING ACCESS IN BATON ROUGE Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana and Knock Knock Children’s Museum have launched “Little Explorers,” a new partnership designed to broaden early learning opportunities for families across the Baton Rouge region. The initiative officially kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the museum. Through the program, children and families receive free museum tickets for field trips and family visits, helping remove financial barriers to enriching experiences. Little Explorers also sponsors the museum’s Crawbaby learning zone for infants and toddlers and offers professional development for early childhood providers, all with a focus on school readiness, family engagement, and early literacy and STEM skill-building. ■ knockknockmuseum.org

Covered.

Give your kids the ultimate summer camp experience.

SCAN HERE to see our camp directory!

PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

LSU-DEVELOPED DASH DIET EARNS TOP HEART-HEALTHY HONORS AGAIN A diet developed in part by researchers at LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has once again been named the best heart-healthy diet—and the second-best diet overall—for the second year in a row. Known as the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), the plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, while limiting sodium and saturated fat. Designed to help lower blood pressure, the diet has earned national recognition for its practical, sustainable approach to improving heart health. Nearly 30 years after its development, researchers say its lasting impact continues to support families seeking realistic, long- term wellness habits. ■ pbrc.edu

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education

LOCAL ROBOTICS TEAMS PARTNER FOR COLLABORATIVE BUILD DAY Students from Scotlandville Magnet High School recently spent the day at the STEM and Robotics Center at Denham Springs High School for a hands-on robotics build alongside Denham Venom (FRC 8044), Louisiana’s top-ranked FIRST Robotics team. The visit connected Scotlandville’s rookie team (FRC 11342) with experienced student mentors through FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi. By the end of the session, students had assembled key components of a competition robot while learning programming, wiring, and manufacturing skills. Both teams will compete at the upcoming Bayou Regional, continuing a partnership designed to build confidence, leadership, and community through STEM.

SOUTHDOWN PRE-K CENTER OPENS INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND Southdown Pre-K Center has officially opened a new, fully inclusive playground, becoming the first school in the area to create a space intentionally designed for children of all abilities. The thoughtfully planned playground replaces traditional stairs and mulch with wide ramps, smooth ground coverings, and ground-level play features. The design allows children who use mobility devices to move freely and play alongside their peers. School leaders say the goal is to remove both physical and social barriers during recess. With support from Louisiana State University engineering and architectural design students, the project hopes to inspire other schools to prioritize accessibility and inclusion.

PARKVIEW CELEBRATED KINDNESS WEEK 2026

EPISCOPAL WELCOMED CHILEAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS It was a memorable two weeks at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge as 14 students and two teachers from Colegio Concepcion de San Pedro visited campus for the school’s first Chilean exchange since 2020. From cooking lessons and a swamp tour to exploring the Louisiana State Capitol and the Louisiana State University campus, students immersed themselves in local culture. The Chilean students also shared their own traditions, performing La Cueca, Chile’s national dance, and speaking at assemblies. This summer, Episcopal students will travel to Chile to complete the exchange, continuing a partnership designed to build cultural understanding, courage, and global citizenship.

WITH “BETTER TOGETHER” THEME Parkview Baptist School celebrated Kindness Week 2026 as students across all divisions focused on unity, service, and reflecting God’s love in everyday actions. Centered on the theme “Better Together,” the week encouraged age-appropriate opportunities to practice empathy, gratitude, and community care. High school and middle school students assembled snack baskets for local fire and police departments, while elementary students prepared appreciation baskets for cafeteria and maintenance teams. Early childhood students collected items for local police officers, who visited campus to receive them. Throughout the week, students also created thank-you cards, reinforcing the message that small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

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SJA TRACK REPEATS AS INDOOR STATE CHAMPIONS The St. Joseph’s Academy track and field team claimed back-to-back titles at the LHSAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championship, held at the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse. The Redstickers scored 57 points to secure the championship, marking their fourth indoor state title since 2020. Standout performances included Amalia Terry-Lee’s school-record win in the 60 meters and Kennedy Papillion’s Division I meet record in the high jump. The 4x800 meter relay team also captured first place. Coaches credited the team’s depth, preparation, and composure across events for the victory.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS SPREAD THE JOY OF READING Second graders at McKinley Elementary School received a special literacy boost thanks to a visit from the International WeLoveU Foundation and local employees from Amazon. Through Amazon’s sponsorship, 130 books were donated, ensuring every second-grade student went home with a brand-new book of their own. Volunteers spent time reading alongside students, helping turn the experience into more than just a lesson. The visit highlighted the power of community partnerships in supporting literacy, encouraging a love of reading, and investing in student success.

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book corner

A pril is in full swing. Let’s make it musical! Looking for something fun and uplifting to enjoy this season? Turn up the tunes, try a new instrument, or explore the .stories behind your favorite songs. Check out these music-themed reads and let the rhythm of a good book carry you away. Let’s make April sing!

YOUTH These picture books may just inspire your little ones to clap along, sing some tunes, and discover the joy of music! How to Sing a Song by Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston Part poem, part song, all gorgeous picture book, How To Sing a Song by Kwame Alexan- der and Randy Preston invites the reader into the music from the first indrawn breath and the listening pause before the music begins to the upwelling of music from deep inside. Poetry lovers will love this book. Musicians will love this book. Families will love how this book captures so many everyday musical moments and makes the reader want to hum along! The Animal Song by Jonty Howley With an upbeat sound and rhyming text, The Animal Song by Jonty Howley invites listeners to clap along as Crocodile, Bear, and Weasel try to find a place to play their music while all their friends want to sleep. Families with night owls will feel both sides of the story and love the twist at the end! This beginning reader book will have young readers singing along as they dive into a fun, musical adventure with Clark the Shark!

Clark the Shark and the School Sing by Bruce Hale

right out of the club, the only thing to do is call for the best dog detective! Rider will have to brush up on his guitar skills if he is going to go undercover as a musician and catch the instrument thief!

Clark the Shark has a big problem! His class is going to sing one of his favorite songs for the school program, but his music teacher wants them to dance, too! Clark can sing. Clark can dance. But will Clark be able to figure out how to sing and dance at the same time in time for the big day? Kids will discover melody and music in this exciting graphic novel—full of rhythm, songs, and toe-tapping fun!

Making music isn’t hard when you have help from these non-fiction titles!

And There Was Music by Marta Pantaleo From childhood recorder lessons to neigh- borhood block parties, from stages to space stations, we sing, we dance, and we find music! And There Was Music is a vibrantly illustrated celebration of how music moves people and brings them together across the globe and beyond! The Purple One: A Story of Prince by Matthew Burgess Rock and roll through this fast moving, fascinating picture book biography of music legend Prince! From a childhood writing songs for friends to his smash hit record deal at 19, Prince’s life skyrocketed! Read all about his incredible triumphs in this fun kids’ biography. TWEENS AND TEENS From bands and concerts to discovering their own rhythm, these teen reads hit all the right notes.

Pizza and Taco: Rock Out! by Stephen Shaskan

Best friends Pizza and Taco have decided to start a band. They’ve got a plan—what else could they need? Oh wait…what about instruments, bandmates, music…Oh no, this may be more complicated than they thought!

Readers will dive into a world of music in this lively, easy-to-read chapter book.

Undercover in the Bow-Wow Club by Walker Styles

Famous dog detective, Rider Woofson, has a nose for clues and two ears perked for wrong notes in this awesome mystery adventure! When the instruments of famous musician David Bow-Wowie and his band are stolen

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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Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia Clayton feels most alive when he’s playing music with his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, and the band of Bluesmen. He can’t wait to join them just as soon as he has a blues song of his own, but then the unthinkable happens. Dropping Beats by Nathanael Lessore Thirteen-year-old Growls (aka Shaun) is an aspiring (awful) rapper who hopes to enter this year’s Raptology competition with his best friend, Shanks (aka Zachariah). After all, what better way to land his crush (Tanisha) and get the respect he finally deserves than winning the contest and going viral? But when a livestream practice goes epically wrong, the two friends do go viral—and not in the way they’d hoped. Boy Seeking Band by Steven Brezenoff Terence Kato is a prodigy bass player, but he’s determined to finish middle school on a high note. Life has other plans. In eighth grade, he’s forced to transfer from a private arts school to a public school, where the kids seemingly speak a different language. Luckily, Terence knows a universal one: music. He sets out to build a rock band, and in the process, make a few friends. However, great music and great friendships aren’t always in harmony.

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dad next door

Collis Temple III

BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY JARRELL SCOTT

C ollis Temple III wears many hats: CEO, entrepreneur, husband, and father of four. Between leading E.P. Breaux Util- ity Services and running a financial services business, he still finds time to coach, work out, and spend meaningful moments with his children. Collis shares his daily routine, parenting philosophy, and the lessons he hopes to pass on, from affirmations at the beginning of each day to resilience learned while playing sports. WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? COLLIS: To get a little bit of me time, I wake up at 4:30 and work out until six. Then I wake up the kiddos so they can get ready for school. I shower and get ready while they’re making their lunches and grabbing some- thing to eat for breakfast on the way out. We ride to school, and depending on the day, I start meetings around eight o’clock. Britney and I attempt to have a daily lunch together. Sometimes we can get away—her mom is a huge help. On Wednesdays, I coach my son’s AU team with some other great dads. Monet, my oldest, will ask me to bring her lunch, and since the school isn’t that far, I’ll sneak away and do that every once in a while. Weekends are where we really shine. We go to Mt. Zion First Baptist Church on Sundays— or at least we try. It doesn’t always work out because someone usually has a game. Be- tween volleyball, track, soccer, and basketball, it’s pretty much sports all weekend. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT BECOMING A DAD? COLLIS: When I think about my dad, I re- member always watching him. As a parent, I feel like the best parents are always “on.” A lot of people say you can’t always be on, but I think that in order to be the best, you have to always be on because they’re watching.

Occupation: CEO and President of E.P. Breaux Utility Services and owner of a financial service company with Primerica Wife: Britney Children: Monet, 15; Eden, 13; Collis IV, 11; and Briton, 5 Hobbies: Working out

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU HOPE TO PASS DOWN TO YOUR CHILDREN? COLLIS: Discipline and mental toughness. I hope they’re able to have those two traits, because they still can be who they are at the highest and best level. If they're going to be the best version of themselves, I think those traits will serve them well. I don’t want them to be like me. I want them to be like them- selves, but I believe those two things can help them be the best versions of themselves. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF A CAREER WITH FAMILY LIFE? COLLIS: My wife helps out a lot—and also calendars, calendars, calendars. There are things I know I need to do and things I’d like to do. For instance, my son wants to go play golf. When you go play golf, you have to block out two-and-a-half, three hours, right? So it’s just making the time, because I know he really wants to do it. HOW HAS MARRIAGE SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO FATHERHOOD? COLLIS: I grew up with boys, and I was the oldest of three. I have a much younger sister, but we didn’t really grow up in the same house. I’m 46 and she’s 22, so parenting my daughters is different from parenting my son. I saw how to parent boys, because

that’s what I watched my dad do. Britney has helped me because of her own experiences. We use something called STARS: Structured, Technical, Action-oriented, and Relational. I'm action-oriented and really structured. Britney is big on relationships, with some action-ori- ented. She’s helped me see things from a different perspective. It’s not better or worse, it’s just different.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO MAINTAINING A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WHILE PARENTING? COLLIS: Communicating.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE OF ADVICE BRITNEY

HAS GIVEN YOU ABOUT PARENTING? COLLIS: Well, not just in parenting; this is just a general piece of advice: Not everybody thinks like you do. YOU’VE ACHIEVED A LOT IN YOUR CAREER. WHAT LESSONS DO YOU CARRY OVER INTO YOUR ROLE AS A DAD? COLLIS: Three things apply to everything in my life: coachability, focus, and work ethic. Coachability comes from observing people who have raised solid, well-adjusted adults. I’m always open to hearing their take on par- enting, and I try to apply the things they’ve

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COLLIS: Don’t take any of the time for granted. I have three more summers with my 15 year old, and I wish we had made a few different financial decisions early on to make sure we could take bigger family vacations. We kept saying, “We’ll wait until they’re old enough to appreciate it,” but then we kept having kids. Now, she’s traveled a bit, but I would have loved to take more trips togeth- er. But, we still have three summers with all of them, and hopefully we can get her to join us sometimes, even as we travel later on. The main thing I’d tell myself: Don’t take the time for granted. RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite spot for date lunch… Cecelia Creole Bistro or Ruth’s Chris Steak House. One word that best describes your family… dynamic. Favorite movie… Coming to America . Favorite food… filet mignon from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Hidden talent… The talent I have— people who watched basketball at LSU 20 years ago know about it. It might be hidden now, but it wasn’t back then.

done well. Work ethic is just like marriage. If it’s important to you, you have to work at it. It requires effort. And focus goes hand in hand with that. I put in the same focus, energy, and effort for my family as I do in my career. So really, it comes down to coachability, focus, and work ethic.

what she was saying. These affirmations are foundational to who they are and how they see themselves. WHO WERE THE BIGGEST ROLE MODELS FOR YOU GROWING UP, AND HOW HAVE THEY INFLUENCED YOU? COLLIS: Absolutely, my parents. All the things I just talked about, the coachability, focus, and work ethic, both my mom and my dad modeled that for me. HOW DO YOU MODEL RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE FOR YOUR KIDS? COLLIS: I think sports play a vital role. My kids are fortunate. They don’t face major life challenges. They have both parents, almost all their grandparents, and they haven’t lost anyone. So they haven’t had to overcome serious hardships. That’s why I believe it’s im- portant to put them, even if it’s in an artificial way, into situations through sports where they have to struggle, work hard, and over- come obstacles. If they want to succeed at a high level, playing sports has been the way. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO YOURSELF A WEEK BEFORE YOU BECAME A DAD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

WHAT VALUES DO YOU PRIORITIZE IN TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN?

COLLIS: I’d say valuing people over things, valuing having integrity, and affirming who they are as people and what their potential is. HOW DO YOU USE AFFIRMATIONS WITH YOUR CHILDREN? COLLIS: Early on—even before they were born—I started using affirmations with the kids. Britney adopted the practice as well. All of them can repeat their affirmations anytime, and I hope it’s been burned into their subconscious, shaping how they see themselves. We have them say things like: I’m a leader, I’m a champion, I’m a child of God. For my daughters, I add, I’m a princess. My oldest, when she was four or five, asked to add another one; she wanted I’m a winner, and we also added I never give up. That, to me, meant she understood and owned

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thrive

Building Better Sleep: National Sleep Foundation

BY AMANDA MILLER | PHOTO PROVIDED BY NATIONAL SLEEP FOUNDATION

F or the past 35 years, the National Sleep Foundation has worked to change the way Americans think about sleep. At the center of that mission is CEO John Lopos, who shares that the organization was found- ed by people who were very active in the sleep field and committed to elevating sleep as a pillar of health. While some organizations focus on sleep disorders and sleep medicine or research, the National Sleep Foundation focuses on the public at large. “We don’t have a membership. Our constituency is the public, so our mission is really one of helping the public understand the importance of sleep for their health and their well-being,” explains Lopos. A major driver of that awareness has been Sleep Awareness Week, launched nearly 30 years ago to coincide with spring’s time change, when many are experiencing sleep disruption. This campaign is designed to highlight the importance of sleep. Beyond awareness campaigns, the Na- tional Sleep Foundation has shaped national conversations by publishing evidence-based guidelines, consistently creating content, and

partnering with groups, such as the Consumer Technology Association, to further educate people of all ages. When sharing these messages, the Foundation has a way of making research and guidelines easier to understand. He adds, “We work as communicators to try and simplify the message.” Right now, the Foundation is focusing on sleep technology. “If you use them appropri- ately and responsibly, they can help with your sleep, and that’s everything that can measure or track your sleep. These are technologies that people can wear or have around their home. That’s one area that is really starting to blossom,” he says. Lopos acknowledges that many products are being developed right now, tech-related or not. “If you’re watching television on any given day, you can probably pick out three or four different things that are advertising how they can help people with their sleep. The most important thing there is, consumers sometimes need help sorting through the products and understanding what they’re saying about the product,” he says.

Lopos recommends that before purchasing a product, consumers should check to see whether there is evidence to back what they’re saying. One of the most compelling parts of this work is the growing recognition that sleep affects everything from cognitive function to emotional wellness and performance. The Foundation especially emphasizes sleep within families. “One person sleeping poorly in the household really affects the other sleepers,” Lopos says. “That’s something we’ve been focusing on: the appreciation of how important sleep is within the household and the family to help build the best sleep for families.” Lopos’ takeaway for families is simple: “Practicing healthy sleep behaviors is something that anyone and everyone can do, and they are fundamental to people’s health, performance, happiness, and ability to thrive. A family that prioritizes healthy sleep is going to not just sleep better, but they’re going to

have a much more fulfilling life.” To learn more, visit thensf.org.

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faith

Continuing to Put Faith First this Easter Season

BY SHERI WOHLFERT | PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

T he Easter season is a perfect time to revisit how we can prioritize faith in the life of our family. We put a lot of time, money, and energy into our children. We spend money on and plan for their education, social development, and so many other things. All of these are good and are essential in our mission to raise great human beings. But the most important thing we can do for our children is foster their discipleship and teach them to live in such a way that Jesus is truly the center of their lives. Our faith is the answer to everything that causes worry, fear, disappointment, or frustration. Faith is the blueprint for building a rich, happy, grace-filled life, which is what we wish for our kids. How can we do that? We can start by building a foundation of love, celebrating the sacraments (not simply going through

the motions), and modeling a faith-filled life. Here are some more ideas to help make Jesus the center of your kids’ lives. MOVE CLOSER We can’t give what we don’t have! In life we are either growing closer to Christ or we’re drifting away. Growing closer requires work. We have to read, listen, study, pray, and learn in order to deepen our relationship with Jesus. When our kids see us carve time out of our day to invest in our relationship with Christ, that leaves a mark. Growing in faith has to be a priority to us, and our kids need to see us honoring that commitment. Things of earth come and go, but our eternal life is a big deal, and we don’t devote enough thought, time, or energy to it. Our kids might be disappointed if we miss a ballgame to make it to Bible study, but

honoring Christ in this way sends a strong message.

SAY THE WORDS Make faith a frequent conversation. Talk about asking for protection from your guardian angel or for the intercession of the saints. Talk together about God’s plan for your life, and pray together to model how to involve Jesus in every decision and event. Pray before meals, pray at bedtime, and pray in the car. Make it a habit every single day to ask your kids what they need prayer for. Hopefully, they will form the habit of asking you and others that same crucial question. Living a faith-filled life does not come about as a result of a one-hour obligatory event on Sunday. It is attained by putting God first in our thoughts and in our actions each and every day.

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Experience Excellence at U-High

K–12 College-Preparatory Education Top 10 School in the State by LDE

99% of graduates attend four-year colleges

STEM Learning Opportunities

3318-3344 Dalrymple Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 NOMINATE US

(225) 578-3221

uhigh.lsu.edu

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Invisible Health & Chronic Conditions Parenting While Managing an Invisible Illness E ver been secretly suspicious of the healthy-looking person who snagged the handicapped spot while you trying to parent while managing your own invisible illness. BY JULIANNA STEEN

immunodeficiencies (PIs), also called inborn errors of immunity (IEI), are “a group of more than 550 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.” While no PI functions the same, all disrupt the body’s immune system. Amy’s affected her body’s antibodies, the proteins needed to fight off illnesses, which led her to a constant state of sickness. In September of 2025, after discussing options with her doctor well in advance, she decided to begin regular Intravenous Immunoglobu- lin (IVIG) treatments. While the infusions drain her limited energy, she says the tradeoff is worth not getting sick all of the time. “For me, fatigue is constant,” Amy admits. “I am always tired, regardless of how much sleep I get or don’t get. It’s not the kind of tiredness that goes away with a good night’s rest—it’s a deep, ongoing exhaustion that becomes part of daily life. And yet, I still show up. I still take

hoofed it from half a mile back? Just because someone may look healthy on the outside doesn’t mean they are: CDC research reveals that more than one in four adults in the US deal with some type of disability every single day. That means over 61 million people strug- gle with debilitating hearing, vision, cogni- tion, mobility, self-care, and independent living—and many of these are not visible disabilities. There’s a good chance they are grappling with what the Invisible Disabilities® Associ- ation calls an invisible disability, which they define as “a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s move- ments, senses, or activities.” Of course, since you can’t see these symptoms, it’s easy to dismiss them—until all of a sudden you’re

AMY’S STORY Family Resource Group’s Publisher Amy L. Foreman always knew something wasn’t quite right with her health. After all, it only took one day of cleaning the house to knock her out for a few days because of the dust. However, she just sucked it up and chalked it up to allergies. Eventually, though, in May of 2016, Amy shares the moment when that changed: “The right side of my face went numb, and a trip to the ER showed my sinus cavities fully blocked requiring me to have sinus surgery to clear them out.” After years of almost endless sinus infec- tions—and countless allergy shots, pneu- monia vaccines, and refills of antibiotics and steroids—she was finally diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency. According to the Immunity Deficiency Foundation, primary

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care of my responsibilities. I still try to live fully.” She explains that she doesn’t want pity or for people to treat her differently; rather, she just needs a little extra grace, flexibility, and recognition that her sickness is real and challenging, even if it’s not visible. PARENTING WHILE MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESS Sometimes just doing basic tasks like walking into the office, riding the elevator, and sitting down at her desk requires Amy’s body to work overtime. “Just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they feel okay,” she states. “Invisible doesn’t mean insignificant—it just means you can’t see the battle they may be fighting.”Throw in motherhood, and you’re looking at a tough balancing act. So how do you do it? “Most of us who have dealt with this for a long time have made adjustments in our lives that work for our families and our lifestyles,” Amy explains. “We learn our limits. We plan carefully. We pace ourselves. We build routines around treatments, doctor visits, and recovery time. It may look ‘normal’ from the outside, but it takes intention and resilience behind the scenes.” THE EVERYDAY CHANGES Practically, you’re going to have to set some new boundaries to protect your health. This may look like letting the kids help out around

the house—even if you feel guilty for letting them, as Amy’s husband Brandon likes to say, “pull their weight.” It might mean avoiding certain chores completely: For instance, Amy is no longer allowed to dust or vacuum the house. On treatment days, the Foremans tend to go out to dinner or order takeout so Amy doesn’t have to cook. It also requires going with the flow, and being okay setting the kids up with a quick snack and a movie so you can rest for an hour. Most importantly, in order to “pull off” parenting while battling an invisible illness, you have to be willing to ask for help when you need it. Your family and friends are likely on the outskirts, just waiting and willing to step in and help the moment you ask. Let them, even if it feels embarrassing to admit you can’t do it all. HOW TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic or invisible condition, Amy suggests that you get your facts together first before talking with your children. “Once you fully understand your illness and what your op- tions for wellness are, you can explain to your children the game plan,” she says. “I know my kids do better if I give them the problem but have the solution ready to follow so they don’t spiral or go to Google or ask Alexa a million questions. It’s not the end of the world. Yes, your lifestyle will change, but at

least you have answers now and can start getting the proper healthcare that you need.” They may not fully understand, and that’s okay. Amy’s kids are still confused why she was always sick growing up and why she has to get monthly IVIG treatments. But keeping them informed (age-appropriately) and in the loop is important. And who knows? Perhaps they’ll learn a few things along the way, like patience—or how to clean! KEEP FIGHTING Parenthood on its own is hard enough. Add- ing a chronic illness into the mix can make it feel nigh unto impossible some—or rather, most—days. Nevertheless, Amy describes it well: “Parenting while managing an invisible illness feels like running a marathon every single day—showing up fully for your very active kids even when your body is exhaust- ed and no one else can see how hard you’re pushing just to keep going.” But don’t lose heart! You don’t need to be the “perfect” par- ent—after all, there’s no such thing. Do your best, ask for help when you need it, take naps when you can, prioritize what you need to do vs. what you can delegate, and keep loving those kiddos. Wondering if your never-ending infections and health problems are something more? Take IDF’s free primary immunodeficiency (PI) self-assessement.

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College Prep:

Building Independence Before

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS | PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM Move-In Day

A time comes when parents not-so-little kid pulls out of the driveway of their childhood home, car packed to the brim, heading towards a new stage of life. The dorm room door shuts. The rearview mirror no longer reflects home. And just like that, in these moments, independence begins. I know that moment well—I’ve lived it myself. And as a first-year college student, I unload boxes into dorm rooms or wave goodbye as their

SMART MONEY HABITS There’s a difference between purchasing things they want versus what they truly need. Establishing a form of income, like a part- time job or monthly allowance for expenses like groceries, social life, and personal needs, and creating—and sticking to—a budget is necessary. TIME ACCOUNTABILITY The world of relying on a parent’s wake-up call is no longer. The first step to success is

quickly learned that the biggest challenges weren’t just lectures and exams, but the life skills and responsibilities that suddenly became my own. From managing money and time to maintaining communication and well-being, independence requires preparation before a student’s move-in day. While parents may only be a phone call away, learning how to navigate these responsibilities helps set the foundation for adulthood.

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timeliness: Setting the alarm, waking up, and getting to class—on time. Whether using a digital calendar with alerts or a weekly planner to track important due dates, staying on track eliminates long-term stress and feeling behind. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION Has your child ever scheduled their own doctor’s appointment? It’s understandable if they haven’t, but it’s essential they learn how. Do they know how to speak to profession- als? Observe their phone call tone and email etiquette—do they speak with confidence and respect? BUILDING EMOTIONAL STRENGTH Your child will immediately face countless decisions when starting college. It won’t be easy, but learning their limits (when to rest versus pushing hard in academics, friend- ships, and activities) is crucial. Equally import- ant is utilizing on-campus support, asking for help when needed, and setting healthy boundaries. After all, independence doesn’t mean handling everything alone. PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED Many teenagers don’t know how to change a flat tire or schedule an oil change. Knowing campus police numbers, the nearest urgent care facility, and personal information like insurance details all contribute to emergency preparedness. EVERYDAY HABITS For your child’s sake, they should know how to leave laundry day without shrunken, pink-stained shirts. An understanding of how to cook easy, balanced meals goes a long way versus living off of fast food. Changing a lightbulb, unclogging a drain, sweeping the floor, and washing their sheets often are also habits worth having. GUIDING WITHOUT TAKING OVER Before your child leaves for college, start shifting your guidance. Allow them to make more of their own decisions and experience consequences and outcomes. Offer advice, but hold back on fixing problems for them. Remind them of responsibilities while encouraging independence. Consistency in these areas must be built before they leave, because soon, choices will be entirely theirs to make. Every student’s journey is different, but with support and practice, they can enter college and adulthood feeling prepared with valuable life skills.

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ADVERTORIAL

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Is College the

BY AMELIA ROESSLER | PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY | 2025–26 COVER KID KAIYAH P.

C ollege isn’t a golden ticket to success, and it’s no longer the default option. For today’s teens, life after high school could mean a university campus, a welding apprenticeship, a military contract, or launch- ing a small business. The real challenge isn’t choosing college—it’s choosing the right fit. A recent survey found that 90 percent of Gen Z students say they trust their parents to advise them on next steps after high school. The bad news? Parents say they don’t know enough about the vast majority of valuable education and training options their child could pursue and are especially in the dark about anything that isn’t either pursuing a ca- reer directly or getting a bachelor’s degree. After all, there are a finite number of traditional colleges, but a seemingly infinite number of pathways beyond college. And it’s not a glass slipper moment—several options could fit just as well.

THE BIG DECISION Thinking about college seriously starts in high school. Todd Rinehart, a university vice chancellor for enrollment, says even though many higher education schools visit high schools, there is a lot of information out there about applications, financial aid, and what a school is like right on a school’s website. Rinehart says national enrollment in colleges has been trending down recently. He cites a decline in the number of high school seniors and smaller graduating classes as a reason, coming from the birth rates that have not returned since the 2007 recession. “I think what’s concerning in recent years, even before we started to see the decline in seniors in high school, you started to see a smaller percentage of graduating seniors going to college. So in recent years, maybe 70 percent of high school graduates would go directly to college, and in the last couple of

years, that's been closer to 60 percent,” he says. But maybe your student doubts if they could succeed at college. Rinehart thinks oth- erwise. He says students should try to avoid imposter syndrome and questioning whether they are good enough to go to college. He believes they are. “I'm not saying that college is the right match for every person. It certainly isn't, but I think for most students who really want a pathway to college, there's a way to get there, and they can definitely do it,” explains Rinehart Local school systems are expanding op- portunities beyond the traditional four-year degrees for the students who may choose a different path. The East Baton Rouge Public Schools even have an Office of Workforce Development where they offer Career and Technical Education, Work-Based Learned

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Programs (Internship), the Career and Techni- cal Education Center, and JROTC programs for students across the district. QUESTIONS TO ASK As a parent, all you want is to see your child succeed. You can help by starting conver- sations on self-reflections of their goals, researching options, and discussing finances openly. Encourage them to explore career interests, think about what they are good at doing and what they find joy and passion in, visit different types of campuses, and con- sider alternatives like trade schools or a gap year. Act like a sounding board and guide them toward a school or path that fits best for them, rather than one with prestige. “I think families need to be evaluating colleges on three levels,” says Rinehart. “Is this particular school a personal match for me, is it an academic match, and is it a financial match?” And if a school, or even college in general, is not a fit—it’s ok! If your child is unsure, a gap year is perfect to work and explore inter- ests, helping them mature and define their goals. Recent studies show that 90 percent of students who take a gap year before going to college return to school. IF COLLEGE IS RIGHT Rinehart says there are numerous great col-

leges and universities that families should go explore, even locally. He encourages families to hop in the car and visit all different types of schools—public, private, small, medium, large. “You can start to get a feel for what resonates with you and what excites you,” he says. Rinehart emphasizes that families should not expect college to be a golden ticket to success—a student is not automatically transformed, guaranteed a job, promised a certain salary, and set for a successful life and career until they retire. “Life is a journey, it’s not as simple,” he explains. “You should come into college eyes wide open to know that you will transform personally and academically, but you still have another 60 years of your life and your career that will also be influenced by a lot of other things besides that you went to college.” CAREER ALTERNATIVES You spend 18 years preparing your child for the world after high school, so what do you do when your child comes home and says, “I don’t want to go to college”? First, make sure it isn’t just nerves—have them meet with a college counselor or their high school counselor to help alleviate some misguided expectations and ease the nerves. If it truly is that the traditional four-year col-

lege route is not for your child, but they still want to continue their education, there are other options. Many accredited online and community colleges also offer associate or bachelor’s degrees. Vocational fields and jobs in construction, manufacturing, welding, electricians, me- chanics, and plumbers are facing personnel shortages due to an aging workforce, accord- ing to Stephen Tave, president and CEO of American Higher Education Development Corporation. These hands-on jobs also come with a built-in advantage—they’re essentially AI-proof. Not to mention that vocational colleges are significantly more affordable than other universities, require less time to earn a de- gree, and graduates enter the workplace sooner. But no matter what decision is made, Rinehart says to just enjoy the process and try not to stress over it. “I think people get discouraged and stressed out of the gate, and really, they should just enjoy it. There's noth- ing more fun than being on a college campus and just visiting different schools,” he explains. The goal to help your child succeed isn’t necessarily to chase prestige or follow tradi- tion, it’s to help your teen choose a path that fits who they are and who they’re still becoming.

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