November 2026
NOVEMBER 2026
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
Turkey Day Through the Years
Meet This Year′s Favorites
Fun Finds for Everyone
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CONTENTS November 2026 • Issue 437 in each issue
The Mama Files
6 8
New & Now
School Spotlight Book Corner Parenting IRL Here for Good Faith & Family Things to Do Things We Love
10 12 14 16 18 76 84 86
Snapshots
features
2026–27 Cover Kid Hayes D. loves reading, playing outside on the swings, and visiting the park with his siblings. He also enjoys fishing with Papa D and hopes to cast a line in the ocean someday!
BEYOND BFFS: HOW KIDS ARE REDEFINING FRIENDSHIPS Today’s kiddos are building more flexible social circles, with different friends filling different roles in their lives. 22 FALL ROAD TRIP IDEAS FOR FAMILIES ON A BUDGET Hit the road this fall with family-friendly adventures that won’t break the bank. 26 THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS Take a nostalgic look at how Thanksgiving traditions have changed—and what has stayed the same—over the past 50 years. 30 THE 2026 FAMILY FAVORITES Meet the local businesses, people, and places that families voted their favorites. 42 34 WORTH THE WRAP Find the season’s best gifts for everyone on your list, from little ones to grown-ups. 32 $25 FAMILY HOLIDAY CHALLENGE Try these meaningful traditions that cost little or nothing this season.
PHOTOS BY LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AND MAGNIFIC.COM
NOVEMBER FAMILY BUCKET LIST Fun activities to enjoy this month. what’s on the web
5 DATE NIGHT IDEAS FOR PARENTS Reconnect and make time for just the two of you.
FUN FAMILY MEALS TO MAKE TOGETHER Try these delicious recipes everyone will enjoy.
FAMILY FALL GAME NIGHT Make fall nights memorable with these picks.
CONNECT WITH US
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Mama THE FILES
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER MANAGING EDITOR
AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN ASSOCIATE EDITORS KAILEY GREMILLION EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
A Seat at the Table I ’m going to say something that might get me kicked out of the Thanksgiving fan club. I’m not a fan of Thanksgiv- ing. There, I said it.
ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN PRODUCTION MANAGER KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MAIH MANUSO CONTENT MULTIPLICATION SPECIALIST TRINITY GRAYSON MERCEDES MITCHELL CLIENT SUCCESS REPRESENTATIVES
ADVERTISING/MARKETING ZACK HILL DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN JILLIAN WRAY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
cooking a massive meal, I understand why it mattered. It wasn’t about the food. It was about having everyone in one place. With my daughter in college and the boys getting older, I’m realizing how quickly those opportunities change. Everyone has their own schedules, and getting all five of us together sometimes feels like scheduling a board meeting. Maybe Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be my favorite holiday. Maybe it’s simply about appreciating who’s still sitting around the table while remembering those who aren’t. I’ll still miss my mom, still pass on the tur- key, and probably start planning my Thanks- giving escape again next year. But for now, there’s a 14-foot table waiting to be filled. And maybe that’s a tradition worth keeping. Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.
I’ve never been excited about the tradi- tional Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, dressing, casseroles, and all the fixings just aren’t my thing. Add in the fact that I’m gluten-free, and dinner becomes a game of “What can I actually eat?” Spoiler alert: Not much. But the food isn’t really why Thanksgiving isn’t my favorite holiday. Since losing my mom, Thanksgiving hasn’t felt the same. Her birthday always falls during Thanksgiving week, and she loved having a big family meal. She wanted everyone together, plenty of food, and a house full of people. Me? I’m usually trying to figure out how to leave town. Every year, I announce we’re going some- where for Thanksgiving. Somewhere with sunshine, room service, and absolutely no turkey. And every year, that plan falls apart. So, here we are again. Years ago, my husband built a 14-foot table in our house. Yes, 14 feet. Apparently, a reg- ular dining room table wasn’t going to cut it. And Thanksgiving is the only time of year we actually eat at that table. The other 364 days, it just sits there, waiting for its big moment. My mom loved bringing everyone togeth- er, and while I don’t share her enthusiasm for
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
ROXANE VOORHIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH
ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GAYLE GAUTHREAUX DIRECTOR OF FINANCE ALEXIS ALEXANDER ASSOCIATE CHIEF OF STAFF KELSEY TAYLOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AMY PLAISANCE FOUNDER
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
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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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new & now
A NEW ORYX JOINS THE BATON ROUGE ZOO The Baton Rouge Zoo welcomed a new Scimitar-horned oryx calf, adding to a busy season of hoof stock births that also included two bison calves and two Nubian ibex kids. Native to North Africa, the Scimitar-horned oryx was declared extinct in the wild in 2000 before captive- breeding programs helped reintroduce the species to its natural habitat. The zoo’s small herd now has a welcome new addition. For the first few weeks, visitors may spot the calf hiding in the grass or plants or venturing out to nurse. Zoo staff are still determining its gender and name. ■ brzoo.org/animals
NEW PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES Several new partnerships were announced in Baton Rouge to support local families through health, recreation, and public safety initiatives. FMOL Health committed $500,000 to the Louisiana Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation and will provide onsite community health resources at the Inspiration Center. LECJF, BREC, National PAL, and NFL FLAG also partnered to expand access to youth flag football across East Baton Rouge Parish, with BREC providing fields and facilities. In addition, BREC and local law enforcement agencies strengthened their partnership to support safer, well-maintained parks and recreation spaces. NFL FLAG registration is open now, with the inaugural season beginning in January. ■ lecjf.org, brec.org, nflflag.com, or fmolhs.org
SCOTLANDVILLE LIBRARY RE- OPENED AFTER RENOVATION The Scotlandville Branch Library reopened following a major renovation and expansion that added more than 6,000 square feet to the building. The updated branch now features an expanded Children’s Room with interactive technology and tactile learning opportunities, a dedicated teen space, additional study and collaborative areas, a Makerspace, and an expanded meeting room. Families can also explore the renovated Black Heritage area, which houses the library’s Black history collection and exhibits. The $24 million Pay-As-You-Go Capital Improvements project was completed in two phases beginning in 2023. A formal Re-Dedication Ceremony was held in October. ■ ebrpl.com
WHOLE HEART PANTRY OPENS IN DENHAM SPRINGS Whole Heart Health installed a new Whole Heart Pantry at VFW Auxiliary Post 7017, expanding access to food and nutrition education. The pantries provide shelf-stable meals along with simple recipes, helping families turn pantry staples into flavorful dishes. Founder and Executive Director Whitney Andrus says the goal is to provide “dinner with dignity” while showing that balanced eating can be accessible to everyone. The new pantry joins their growing network of locations throughout Greater Baton Rouge. ■ wholeheart.health/pantries
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CC’S OPENS DRIVE-THROUGH IN GONZALES CC’s Coffee House opened its first drive-through-only location in Gonzales, giving customers a
convenient new way to grab their favorite coffee and drinks. The 800- square-foot shop is located at 319 West Highway 30, in front of Alexander’s Heritage Market. The Baton Rouge-based coffee chain introduced the new format as part of its growth strategy and to compete with popular drive-through coffee brands. Company officials said drive-through customers already accounted for 70 to 80 percent of CC’s sales, making the new location a natural fit. The Gonzales shop marked a new chapter for the Louisiana coffee brand. ■ ccscoffee.com
Come see what makes VCA different! Join us for our upcoming Fall Open House and experience the heart of Victory Christian Academy firsthand. Now welcoming prospective families for the 2027–2028 school year! At Victory Christian Academy, education is about more than what happens in the classroom. At VCA, it’s about more than academics. It’s about helping students grow in every area of life! EXPERIENCE VICTORY
•Building a Strong Academic Foundation •Growing in Faith
•Discovering God-Given Gifts •Belonging to a Community
BRCC OPENS NEW CONSTRUCTION TRAINING LAB Baton Rouge Community College officially opened the Capital City Construction Lab, giving students hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and construction management. Funded in part by a Gable Grant from the Lowe’s Foundation, the open-air facility was designed to provide a realistic learning environment, complete with space for heavy equipment and machinery. The grant also helped establish BRCC’s new Plumbing Program, which welcomed its first students in January. The lab also supports BRCC’s Construction Management program. The facility helps prepare students for high-demand skilled- trade careers. ■ mybrcc.edu
Ready to learn more? Contact our Admissions Office to schedule a private campus tour, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or explore our campus virtually at www.vcawarriors.org.
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school spotlight
STUDENTS RECONNECT THROUGH CHILEAN EXCHANGE Episcopal students officially traveled to Chile to reunite with students who previously participated in the school’s exchange program in Baton Rouge. The immersive experience included staying with host families, attending classes at Colegio Concepcion de San Pedro, practicing Spanish, and sharing their own school and culture. Students say the experience boosted their confidence and strengthened their language skills while creating meaningful international friendships. Chaperones also saw students rise to the challenge of communicating in Spanish and presenting to their Chilean peers. The trip was part of Episcopal’s Global Studies travel opportunities, which connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
BATON ROUGE SCHOOLS SHINE IN STATE RANKINGS
Baton Rouge-area families have plenty to celebrate when it comes to public high schools. According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, nine local schools landed among Louisiana’s top 25. Baton Rouge Magnet High School led the way, ranking No. 6 in the state and No. 209 nationally. Other local standouts include LSU Lab School, Liberty High, Dutchtown High, Holden High, Live Oak High, West Feliciana High, Albany High, and St. Amant High. The rankings consider factors including test performance, graduation rates, college readiness, and AP or IB participation, highlighting the strength of educational opportunities available throughout the Baton Rouge area.
FOREST HEIGHTS RECOGNIZED FOR ARTS EXCELLENCE Forest Heights Academy of Excellence was recently recognized by the Arts Schools Network as an Exemplary School for its commitment to making the arts a foundation of learning and student success. Every student receives instruction in visual art, music, dance, and drama, with opportunities to connect the arts to subjects across the curriculum. From multiplication raps to reader’s theater, these experiences make learning engaging while building creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Beginning in second grade, students can specialize in band, strings, or piano. Forest Heights was celebrated alongside other exemplary schools at the Arts Schools Network Conference in San Diego in October.
PARKVIEW STUDENTS GIVE BACK THROUGH BOOKS Parkview Baptist School’s Silver Steppers Dance Team recently volunteered with WBRZ’s Brittany’s Books book drive, helping sort donated books by grade level. The books will make their way into the hands of young readers throughout the community. The service project gave these students an opportunity to put their time and talents toward a meaningful cause while helping encourage a love of reading. Parkview celebrates the Silver Steppers for serving their community and demonstrating how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. It’s a wonderful example of students learning that giving back is an important part of being a community member.
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SUGAR MILL STUDENT EXPLORES STEM AT VANDERBILT Sugar Mill Primary student Jonathan Bates recently took learning beyond the classroom as a participant in the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF)–Pathways to STEM at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Jonathan joined students from across the country for hands-on experiences focused on STEM, leadership, innovation, and creative problem-solving. With dreams of becoming a Marine Corps engineer, the experience helped him build curiosity, confidence, and leadership skills for the future. “This was a great experience. I had fun and learned a lot. I can’t wait to go back!” Jonathan shares.
SJA STUDENTS BUILD LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT LYS Six St. Joseph’s Academy students
participated in the 2026 Louisiana Youth Seminar (LYS), held at LSU. The leadership program brought high school students together to develop skills in communication, teamwork, goal-setting, and problem- solving. Senior Evelyn Lane says LYS taught her that leadership begins with connection, while sophomore Preslie Coogler gained confidence communicating in group settings. Students also formed lasting friendships and embraced the seminar’s motto, “No Man Is an Island,” discovering the power of working together and supporting one another.
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book corner
F riends make life more fun! This November, the Book Corner is celebrating friendship, from making new friends and finding your people to navigating disagreements and being a good friend. These stories explore kindness, belonging, forgiveness, and all the wonderful ways friendship can grow.
YOUTH We All Belong by Gina Marino We All Belong starts simply with a lonely mule and rabbit who find they can be friends because they have similar ears. However, soon the page is alive with many other small animals who have joined the community, each with something they have in common with one of the other animals. Everyone belongs...until a huge brown bear shows up! He’s so big, fierce, and scary. Could there possibly be a way he could fit in too? This heartwarming story of finding community both with similarities and differences is a fun take on friendship. Make New Friends by Joshua David Stein Sometimes being the new kid at school is a lot of pressure. Every night after school, Tomasso’s dad asks, “Did you make any new friends?” and Tomasso answers, “Not yet, Dad, but I will!” One day at recess, Tomasso draws eyes and a smile on a pair of old foam balls and names them Barry and Roland. He and Barry and Roland play catch all recess...and before he knows it, Tomasso has a heap of friends to tell his dad about (thanks to his marker). But what will he do when his dad asks him to invite his new friends over for pizza?
Designed as a beginner graphic novel, Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends is a charming story about two friends appreciating each other no matter how much they change. The simple words, short sentences, and friendly speech bubbles are perfect for early readers who want to try something like a graphic novel. There is even a simple introduction to the format before the story starts! Shermy and Shake: The Not-So-Bossy Best Friend by Kirby Larson Neighbors and best friends Shermy and Shake usually do everything together! But when Shermy gets a new puppy, this starts to change. Every time Shake wants to play, Shermy is busy with the puppy, so eventually he stops asking. When Shermy notices his missing friend, will he be in time to fix their friendship, or are they ex-best-friends for life?
to herself that she isn’t the worst friend in the world.
Indoor Kid by Matt Heagerty In Muscletown, the kids who are good at sports decide who can be cool and who is a loser. Arnie is so bad at sports, he even has a nickname—Air Ball Arnie—and is a constant target of the jocks’ bullying. When he receives a magic amulet that suddenly makes him the star player at every sport, will he let the new fame go to his head, or will he stay true to the best friends who liked him without magic? That Swingin’ Sound: The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong by Rekha S. Rajan Once upon a time, famous singer Ella Fitzgerald was a tiny orphan girl who loved to dance, and famous trumpet player Louis Armstrong was a stubborn boy singing on street corners to earn money! Join Ella and Louis as they find their places in music histo- ry, and each other, in That Swingin’ Sound by Rekha S. Rajan. The Friendship Guide by Jillian Roberts Friendship is complicated. The Friendship Guide invites kids to think about what choic- es make a good friend with simple scenarios that invite discussion, cute illustrations,
Not the Worst Friend in The World by Anne Rellihan When the new girl in school slides a note to Lou that says “I’ve been
kidnapped,” Lou knows she needs to be the best friend she can be to her. But will she even know how? Not even a month ago, she blew up her relationship with her best friend since kindergarten by saying truly, totally unforgivable things that she wishes she could take back. Lou needs to help the new girl, Cece, not just for her sake, but to prove
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness
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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and easy-to-understand friendship rules. Whether you need to discuss saying sorry, bullies, or being new, The Friendship Guide has something to help!
TWEENS AND TEENS
Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling
While using a public library computer to find help for her mother who has an addiction, 12-year-old Jolene witnesses a friend's livestreamed crash-landing in the Arizona desert and embarks on a journey to rescue her.
You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly
Over the course of a week, Charlotte and Ben, online friends connected only by a Scrabble game, intersect in unexpected ways as they struggle to navigate the tur- moil of middle school.
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Elizabeth Lawson
After falling from grace last summer, Alice Ogilvie needs to stay out of trouble. But now she and her friend Iris have a murder to solve. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier For several hundred years, there has been a secret society with 12 time-travelers in all, and Gweneth finds out that she, instead of her well-prepared cousin, is the last one. She and Gideon (her fellow time traveler) have to "close the circle" so something spectacular will happen. Since no one will tell her what that is, and every time she goes to the past, her life is in danger, she and Gideon spend their time in the past trying to find out what exactly will happen when the circle closes, while her best friend Leslie spends her time in learning everything she can about the secret society and what might happen to Gweneth if the circle does close.
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parenting irl
Whitney Andrus
BY AMANDA MILLER
F or Whitney Andrus, motherhood isn’t about perfectly curated moments. It’s about paper rainbows, hodgepodge Christmas trees, family adventures, and learn- ing to give yourself—and everyone else—a little more grace.
WHAT DOES LIFE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU WHEN YOU’RE NOT
Occupation: Founder of Whole Heart Health, certified nutrition coach, and certified personal trainer Husband: Ben Hobbies: Creating, traveling, and trying new things
WORKING OR SERVING THE COMMUNITY? WHITNEY: My husband’s a pilot, so he’s gone a lot. The good thing is when he’s home, he gets to be home. Those weeks look very different because we get to do things as a family. We love hanging out in the communi- ty and try to make a point to do family date nights and stuff like that. My oldest is in college now, so that has looked very different, too. I feel like this piece of our family is gone, but she’s just living her best life. One day, we might be like, “Let’s buy a rock tumbler!”We live on a gravel road, so we tum- ble rocks. We just try to think, what are we into? What’s piquing our interest right now? And move into that. But we always make a point to travel and take a trip. And when we take a trip, that’s definitely an off time. Nobody’s working, nobody’s doing anything.
roof over your head or food. It’s about how we do it and how they feel when we do it. Are we honoring humans as humans, or are we diminishing where they are right now? So when I realize I’m doing that with my kid, I try to remember how it felt when I was a child and not do that. HOW DID YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY SHAPE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS TODAY? WHITNEY: I was nine years old and compar- ing my body to this girl named Jennifer at the pool. Growing up in the ’90s was wild because there was no concept of, “Oh, food is like the gas you put in a car. You need it.” Food was public enemy number one because my body didn’t look like Jennifer’s. I thought, if I was going to eat, I needed to go to the gym and work out. As I got older and found a love for food, I started thinking, how do I balance that out? And I realized, I’m not alone in this. We all grew up with some kind of similar story of chasing a certain body type or hearing the adults in our lives always talking about being on a diet. That’s what shaped my desire to go into schools and talk with kids. I wanted to be part of changing the way we talk about food and dieting. As I talked to kids, they would say, “That’s great, Miss Whitney, but we can’t
afford it. Eating healthy is expensive.” A lot of the adults I coached told me the same thing. So I thought, “I can build a healthy meal at the Dollar Tree.” And that’s kind of how it started. Instead of just saying, “Here’s food,” it’s “Here’s balanced food, here’s how you can recreate it, and here’s how you can make it work.” All of that still roots back to being nine years old and comparing my body to some- one else’s. I don’t want my girls doing that, and I don’t want other girls doing that. How do we let them know that food is not public enemy number one? It’s not reserved for a certain income level. No matter your income, even if you’re re- ceiving social resources, you can learn how to fuel your body in a preventative, longevity-fo- cused way. It can taste good. It can be dinner with dignity. It can be something that feeds your soul as much as it feeds your body. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD TELL MOMS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD, THEIR BODIES, OR THE PRESSURE TO “DO IT ALL” PERFECTLY? WHITNEY: From watching my mom, I learned more from how she messed up, fixed it, and picked herself up than I ever did from all the things she did perfectly.
HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD SHAPED THE WAY YOU SEE YOURSELF AND
THE WAY YOU SHOW UP FOR OTHERS? WHITNEY: My oldest is my stepdaughter, so I learned to be a parent quickly. Then I was pregnant and had to deal with my own physical health. My body did not love being pregnant. I think I brought that into how we talk to our kids about health, but also from being a daughter. We’re all just doing the best that we can. Being a daughter and being a mom, you realize it’s about more than just providing a
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did from all the rules and things that went right.
I hope I’m somebody they want to be friends with and somebody who adds value to their life. I hope I was a good mom. I hope I am. But more than anything, I hope their bills are low and their lives are full. I hope they never feel like they had to be me or that I tried to create them into anything other than who they were meant to be and whatever their purpose in life is. WHAT PARENTING ADVICE HAVE YOU RECEIVED THAT HAS STUCK WITH YOU? WHITNEY: Remember that your kid is just a smaller human. They're human just like you. My friend told me that once. She said, “She’s just a human,” and I was like, “What?” And then it clicked. I realized I was devaluing her by thinking, “She’s just my kid.” But she’s not just my kid. She’s a tiny human. Rapid-Fire Questions Favorite spot for date night… Elsie’s. One word that best describes your family… mismatched. Favorite food… mashed potatoes or my mom’s crawfish pies. Favorite movie… A Love Song for Bobby Long . Any hidden talents… No, I put my talents out there. I need the validation.
I grew up in a privileged home, but there was addiction from her second hus- band. I remember him coming into the house, and I had a little brother who was nine years younger than me. She looked at me as a grown teenager and said, “I just need you to focus on making this,” and it was a paper rainbow. It " I realized I was devaluing her by thinking, “She’s just my kid.” But she’s not just my kid. She’s a tiny human. didn’t mean a lot to me then, but looking back, she made sure I had something to focus on and that I was safe so she could go check on my little brother and be that mom. She had this grace about her when things went wrong. We’ve gotten out of the habit of offering ourselves grace as parents. When I think back to my mom, I see all the times she offered herself grace. I learned more from that and how I should treat myself than I ever
WHAT IS ONE FAMILY TRADITION YOU HOPE YOUR CHILDREN CARRY ON? WHITNEY: I hope the Christmas tree always stays a hodgepodge of ornaments. I hope it looks like a crazy mess of memories from all the years before. Christmas tree decorating is my favorite because you pull out an ornament and say, “Oh, remember when?” It becomes more about the life than just the 25 days.
WHEN YOUR CHILDREN LOOK BACK, WHAT DO YOU HOPE THEY’LL SAY ABOUT THE KIND OF MOM YOU ARE?
WHITNEY: I hope they realize that I’m not trying to be their friend right now. I’m trying to raise somebody I want to be friends with when they’re 30. When they look back at the things I’ve built, I hope it means something to them. I hope they’re like, “Man, I’m really proud of that.” But I don’t need them to carry it on. If they carry on generosity, great, but I hope they recognize that I was never trying to make them mini-mes.
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here for good
Turning One Mom’s Story Into Hope for Others
BY AMANDA MILLER
W hen Anitra Monroe
become successful and do the things that you’re purposed to do.” Since its beginning, Blooming Butterflies has worked to support teen mothers and expectant families throughout the communi- ty. The organization initially hosted individual baby showers for teen moms before expand- ing to community baby showers open to ex- pectant mothers of all ages. It has also hosted teen summits, provided college scholarships and, most recently, launched a mentor-men- tee program specifically for teen mothers. The need is about more than baby supplies. Monroe says financial struggles, transportation, child care, and access to resources can create significant obstacles for young mothers. Blooming Butterflies helps connect families with essentials such as diapers, wipes, and formula while also recognizing the importance of mental health and emotional support. Through the new mentoring program, teen mothers meet with mentors weekly and gather in person each month for workshops covering topics such as finances, parenting,
trauma, mental health, employment, and college preparation. The goal is not simply to provide assistance but to help young moth- ers build confidence, set goals, and develop the skills they need to create a future for themselves and their children. Ultimately, Monroe hopes Blooming Butterflies will open its namesake maternity home, a safe haven for displaced mothers where they can access temporary or long- term housing, parenting education, child care, and the resources they need to finish school and prepare for their futures. For now, Monroe and her volunteers continue doing what they can, one mother at a time. “If I’m helping one mom, that’s a blessing,” she says. “And we’ve been able to help more than one mom.” That, Monroe says, is what keeps her going: knowing that even a small act of support can put a smile on a mother’s face, and remind her that her story is far from over. For more information, visit them online at bloomingbutterfliesbr.org.
became a mother at 16, she quickly learned that finishing
high school while raising a child would require determination, sacrifice, and a strong support system. Finding child care was one of her biggest challenges. With family members working, there were times she missed classes, watched her grades drop, and even had to retake a class and attend night school, all while working a part-time job. Still, Monroe graduated on time, with her son by her side. Years later, after returning to college and earning her degree while raising a family, Monroe realized her experiences could become a source of encouragement for other young mothers. That passion became Blooming Butterflies Maternity Home, an organization she founded in 2021. “I want them to know, yes, you got pregnant, but you still can complete school,” Monroe says. “You still can go to college and
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faith & family
When God Feels Silent, He Is Still Working
BY SARAH MILLER PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC.COM
H ave you ever found yourself in a season where you’re asking God, “What are You doing?” Maybe you’re waiting for a relationship, a new job, financial stability, healing, or simply an answer. I know that feeling well. One of the hardest lessons God has been teaching me is that I don’t have to understand His plan to trust Him. I am someone who likes control. I like having a plan, knowing what comes next, and feeling like I’m moving forward. But God has repeatedly reminded me that His timing is better than mine. Sometimes what feels like a delay is actually preparation. Sometimes a door closes because He sees something we cannot.
Waiting doesn’t mean God has forgotten you. His silence isn’t His absence. Scripture reminds us of Abraham and Sarah, who waited years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. God was silent for a season, but He was never absent. He was still working. I’ve also learned that trusting God means surrendering the things I desperately want to control: my future, my relationships, my finances, my plans, and even my timeline. That doesn’t mean we stop working or preparing. It means we stop trying to force an outcome that God hasn’t opened the door for yet. And while we wait, we can choose gratitude.
Look around. Maybe you don’t have everything you prayed for, but God has still provided. A roof over your head. Food on the table. A family member who loves you. A job. A warm shower. A quiet moment. These everyday blessings are reminders that God is faithful, even when life feels overwhelming. So if you’re waiting right now, take a breath. Give God the things you cannot control. Open His Word. Pray honestly. Surround yourself with people who point you back to Him. And remember that your current season is not your final destination. You may not see what God is doing yet. But He does. And He is not finished.
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Ochsner Health
You voted, and we’re honored. In this year’s BR Parents Family Favorites, Ochsner Health providers, services and programs were recognized across a range of specialties, reflecting the many ways we care for our community. For growing families, our team supports parents from pregnancy through delivery and beyond, with award-winning midwifery care, childbirth education classes and a birthing hospital designed to help parents feel prepared and supported. Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit ochsner.org.
CARING FOR BATON ROUGE FAMILIES THROUGH EVERY STAGE Ochsner Health is a leading non- profit healthcare provider serving Louisiana, Mississippi, and com- munities across the Gulf South. Its website connects patients with medical services, physicians, loca - tions, health resources, and digital tools, providing accessible, trusted information to support healthier lives and stronger communities.
225.752.2470 | www.ochsner.org | 17000 Medical Center Dr, Baton Rouge
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Beyond the “BFF” What Friendship Looks Like for Kids Today BY MADELINE PISTORIUS F or a lot of parents, “best friend” meant one person: the kid who came to every birthday party, had sleepovers often, knew practically every secret and inside joke, and was basically part of the family. But does that still describe how kids think about friendship? Today, children’s social worlds may not be quite so simple. Friendships can stretch across classrooms, sports teams, neighborhoods, group chats, and online communities. Kids today may not be choosing between one best friend and many friends, but are learning to move between different kinds of friendships.
WHAT DOES “BEST FRIEND’’ EVEN MEAN ANYMORE?
personalities, understand different back- grounds, and build their social confidence. But there’s a difference between having peo- ple who know your name and having people who really know you. A child can have classmates, social media followers, and people who invite them places, and still not have someone they feel comfortable calling when they’re upset. That’s where the quality of a friendship mat- ters—having relationships where they feel supported, understood, and like they belong. ARE BEST FRIENDS STILL IMPORTANT? The term “BFF” might be evolving, but close friendships aren’t going anywhere. They give children a place to practice trust, empathy, compromise, communication, boundaries, and vulnerability. Researchers studying chil- dren’s friendships consider things like caring, support, companionship, and being able to work through disagreements as important parts of a quality friendship. But that closeness can also make conflict feel bigger. If one friendship becomes a child’s entire social connection, “You’re not
my best friend anymore” can feel devas- tating. A disagreement can feel like losing everyone. Learning how to handle those moments is part of growing up, too. Friendships change, interests shift, and sometimes friendships end. Having multiple, meaningful friendships can give children other places to turn as they navigate those changes, rather than putting all of their social life on one person. THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL FRIENDSHIPS Today, friendship doesn’t always require being in the same physical place. Children can play video games with people across the world, connect through shared passions, or find communities through social media and fandoms. Pew Research Center’s 2024 research found that among teen video-game players, 89 percent play with other people, and 47 percent say they’ve made a friend online because of a video game. An online friendship can still feel very real to your child even when it exists primarily online. Digital spaces may help them find
Friendship is about much more than having someone to sit with at lunch. The Child Mind Institute describes friendships as an import- ant part of children’s development, helping them build skills such as empathy, communi- cation, problem-solving, self-expression, and conflict management while gaining a sense of belonging. A child might have the school friend they see every day, the activity friend who shares their hobbies, the neighborhood friend they play with after school, the digital friend they game with, and the confidant they tell everything to. However, having more friends doesn’t necessarily mean having better friendships. Some children naturally prefer smaller social circles, and that doesn’t automatically mean they’re lonely or struggling socially. The Child Mind Institute notes that even one or two good friendships can be enough. At the same time, having several friend- ship circles can give children opportunities to explore different interests, navigate different
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people with similar interests, maintain friend- ships after a move or school change, and connect with communities they might not find in their everyday lives. But that connection comes with compli- cations, too. Among U.S. teens, 74 percent say social media makes them feel more connected to their friends. At the same time, 39 percent say it can leave them feeling overwhelmed by drama, while 31 percent say it can make them feel excluded by friends, according to a 2025 report from the Pew Research Center. For parents, online friendships don’t necessarily have to be depicted as “not real.” Instead, focus on understanding who your children are connecting with, where those interactions happen, and what information they’re sharing and engaging with. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PARENTS? The Child Mind Institute also advises parents not to place too many of their own social expectations on their children. Instead of counting how many friends a child has, par- ents can look at the quality of their children’s social circle. Questions parents should consider: • Does my child feel like they belong somewhere? • Do they have someone they trust? • Can they navigate disagreements? • Are they comfortable being themselves around their friends? • Do they have opportunities to meet kids with similar interests? • Does one friendship seem to carry the entire weight of their social world? • Are their online friendships age-appropriate and safe? Having a close friend during a child’s devel- opmental years is beneficial. It’s someone they can confide in, grow with, learn and play with, and discover new things alongside as they grow up. Still, children today might not have one person who occupies every corner of their social life. They might have someone they laugh with, someone they confide in, some- one who shares their interests, and someone who just gets them—and those people don’t necessarily have to be the same person. So maybe it’s not the end of the BFF, but simply a broader idea of what childhood friendship can look like and how each can bring something different to a child’s life.
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Fall Family Road Trips on a Budget T here’s something about the temperature finally falling under 90 degrees that invites you to explore the so you spend the day exploring instead of driving. (More on that in a bit!) BY JULIANNA STEEN
you can camp, bring the RV, or stay in a cabin or the lodge, most of which are relatively inexpensive. As for the state parks themselves, many are even free to enter, while others have small entrance fees. There’s almost endless things to do: hit the trails for a scenic hike (keep an eye out for waterfalls!), swim in the lakes, shoot at the archery range, stargaze, ride horses, play disc golf, fish, hunt, or bike, to name a few. At some parks, you can even rent equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, or pontoon boats, or go rock climbing! If you’re not looking to be physically active, picnicking is always a great option too. If you’re looking for a park not too far away, the closest you can visit is Tickfaw State Park (~45 min). Other parks include Fairview- Riverside State Park (~1 hour), Fontainebleau State Park (~1 hour), Bogue Chitto State Park (~1.5 hours), Lake Fausse Pointe State Park (~1.5 hours), and Chicot State Park (~2 hours). VISIT (OR REVISIT) A NEARBY CITY! Personally, I find every good trip has a mix of city and nature… and when you need to get away, visiting a nearby city can offer fun, exciting activities for the whole family. Sometimes it’s just about changing scenery: You may still end up at a park or the zoo (a gorilla is a gorilla anywhere), but it can make for a special adventure and new memory- making opportunities! If you’re hoping to hit a bunch of touristy attractions, look into if the city has an attraction pass bundle so you can get more bang for your bucks.
Make it a day trip: Eliminating the hotel is probably the single easiest way to slash the price. If you’re wanting to stay overnight, you can also… Travel with another family: Splitting a cabin or rental can often beat the price (and vibes) of two hotel rooms. (Although hotel breakfast is always ideal.) Pack breakfast, snacks, and/or lunch: Then choose one fun local restaurant, bakery, or ice cream shop as your splurge. (Anyone with hangry kids knows snacks are always a must…) Look for free fall fun: Scenic drives, hiking trails, downtowns, farmers markets, festivals, playgrounds, and overlooks. Don’t overestimate the fun of a new playground! Check community calendars: Small- town fall festivals often provide hours of entertainment for free. (You can also ask ChatGPT to come up with a list of local events happening in the area!) Let the scenery be the attraction: Especially in places with great fall foliage, nature can become the main event. Give the kids a souvenir budget: $5–10 each keeps the gift-shop begging under control. (It’s okay to say no! They probably don’t need another squishy…) Fill up before you leave: Particularly if your destination is rural or touristy… usually gas is cheaper where you live. WHERE TO GO: AFFORDABLE FALL TRIPS NEAR YOU State Parks One of the most cost-efficient options you’ll find out there is a trip to the state park. If you’re planning to stay the night,
big, beautiful world outside your window. Maybe it’s the leaves, slowly, reluctantly changing color and falling into perfect piles meant to be stomped on. Maybe it’s the local festivals promising apple- and pumpkin- flavored goodies, or the prospect of a gorgeous view at the end of a popular hike. Regardless of what type of adventure you’re seeking out this fall, rest assured: You don’t need a big vacation budget to have a grand time. A day trip—or one inexpensive overnight—can still feel like a vacation. Here are a few budget-friendly destinations worth piling into the car for this fall. HOW TO PLAN A FALL ROAD TRIP ON A BUDGET We live in a practical world, so first let’s start with logistics. Unless you have a surreal number of credit card and hotel points, waiting to be spent, it’s unlikely that you’re flying anywhere far. (However, I never discourage from looking: If you get a deal on a flight, you can often figure out the rest.) Challenge yourself to think about it like this: How much family fun can you fit into one tank of gas? Ask each family member to come up with one priority or thing they would like to do, within reason. If your family prefers the great outdoors, you’ll find yourself planning a very different outing than if you’re all foodies. But don’t worry, you don’t have to camp to make it affordable if that’s not your cup of tea! (Although that’s certainly a good option.)
Here’s a few things to do in whatever city you visit:
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR BUDGET STRETCH Stay close: Pick somewhere 1–3 hours away
Explore downtown: Walk the main streets, browse local shops, and try to find murals!
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Visit a museum (especially the children’s museum or science center). Go to the zoo or aquarium: Look for discounted days, reciprocal memberships, or late-afternoon admission. Find the best city parks: Think playgrounds, botanical gardens, and scenic overlooks. Ride local transportation: If they have streetcars, a train, or even a downtown trolley, it can become an attraction for kids. Visit a local farmers market: Let each kid get a treat to make it extra fun! Find a quirky local landmark: Giant statues, unusual museums, roadside attractions, famous signs, historic buildings, or other “only in this city” stops… there’s some in every city! Attend a local event: Festivals, outdoor movies, concerts, art walks, markets, and seasonal celebrations can make the trip feel much more magical and local.
Natchitoches, LA: (~3 hours) Explore Louisiana’s oldest permanent settlement, stroll the historic downtown and Cane River waterfront, grab one of the city’s famous meat pies, and visit filming locations from Steel Magnolias . Natchez, MS: (~1.5 hours) Head up the Mississippi River for a weekend filled with historic homes, beautiful river views, and plenty of Southern history, then stretch your legs along the Natchez Bluff and explore the city’s walkable downtown. Lafayette, LA: (~1 hour) Experience Cajun culture at Vermilionville and Acadian Village, explore downtown, take a swamp tour around Lake Martin, and make the short drive to Avery Island for the TABASCO Factory and Jungle Gardens. Biloxi / Gulfport, MS: (~2 hours): Head to the beach, then explore local attractions like the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum, TrainTastic, or the Biloxi Lighthouse. MAKE THE DRIVE PART OF THE FUN Spice up your drive with some car ride games, like fall road-trip bingo: See who can spot a pumpkin patch, red leaves, a scarecrow, cows, a roadside produce stand, etc. You can also throw in some fun pitstops along the way (I mean, who doesn’t love a Buc-ee’s moment?).
If you’re feeling really generous, let each child choose one stop. Other fun ways to embrace the fall season on your roadtrip is to create a fall playlist or listen to a spooky audiobook together (or a story set in autumn, like Rip Van Winkle). You can also bring disposable/instant cameras for older kids to snap pictures along the way, or have everyone vote on the best fall display they see. SPLURGE HERE, SAVE THERE Budget travel doesn’t mean saying no to everything—it's about picking the one or two experiences that are actually worth paying for. For example: SAVE: Pack sandwiches. SPLURGE: Stop at the famous local bakery. SAVE: Choose a free hike. SPLURGE: Buy tickets for the scenic train. SAVE: Skip the hotel. SPLURGE: Let everyone pick a souvenir. It’s all about balance! Sometimes you have to say no so you can say yes. After all, you don’t have to travel far—or spend a fortune—to make a trip feel unforgettable. So fill up the tank, pack some snacks, and get ready to make a few fabulous fall memories—without emptying your wallet.
If you’re hitting the road from Baton Rouge, here are a few cities to consider:
New Orleans, LA: (~1.5 hours) Introduce the kids to the Big Easy with beignets and a stroll through the French Quarter, then visit Audubon Aquarium, explore Louisiana Children’s Museum and New Orleans City Park, or see the larger-than-life floats at Mardi Gras World.
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Thanksgiving Traditions Now vs 50 Years Ago, 1976 vs 2026
the fall harvest. Americans traditionally recognize the “first” Thanksgiving as a 1621 feast at Plymouth Colony, when the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest along- side members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. But Thanksgiving didn’t immediately become an annual holiday. Over the following years, colonies observed days of thanksgiving at different times and for different reasons. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed November 26 a national day of thanksgiving, although it was not es- tablished as a permanent federal holiday. It wasn’t until the Civil War that President Abraham Lincoln called for a regular national Thanksgiving observance in 1863, setting the stage for the holiday Americans continue to celebrate today. BY AMELIA ROESSLER PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2026–27 COVER KID HAYES D.
E ach year, families across America gather for one of its favorite cele- brations: Thanksgiving. While every family’s celebration looks a little different, plenty of familiar traditions have stood the test of time: roasting a turkey, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cheering on a football game, and saving room for pie. But how much has Thanksgiving really changed? From gelatin molds to Turkey Trots, we dove into the history of the holiday and how Thanksgiving now might look a little different from Thanksgiving celebrations 50 years ago.
TODAY’S FEASTS When you think of Thanksgiving today, you might picture the table decorated and filled with platters of food, a gathering of family, the TV showing the parade or a football game (or two). Or maybe you imagine the morning’s Turkey Trot, dreading or excited for the race. (Married into a Turkey Trot family? Good luck when Thanksgiving rolls around and you have to join the obligatory crowd racing in the chill.) First, you start the day full of excitement and American spirit. Across the country, people are kicking off the day with colorful parades, live music, and community cele- brations. The most famous of all events is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City with enormous balloons, marching bands, and dazzling floats.
HOW THANKSGIVING BECAME A TRADITION
Most of us were taught that the history of Thanksgiving was when the Pilgrims and the Native Americans came together to celebrate
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