NOLA 2025
nola family Parent Fearlessly SEPTEMBER 2025
Raising Gifted Minds
HOCO: Ballin’ on a Budget
Mental Health Matters
NOLAFAMILY.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 3
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AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor SANONNA AL TAWEEL AMANDA CIANI JULIANNA STEEN MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION TOM GONZALES MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING/MARKETING STEVEN BEACHUM Sales Manager CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN MARTINE MELANCON KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY
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GEAUX TIME: GAMEDAY LOOKS FOR THE WHOLE KREWE Whether you’re cheering for the Saints, Tigers, or Green Wave, we’ve rounded up spirited gameday outfit ideas for the whole family, because fandom looks better when it’s fashionable. LUNCHBOX GLOW-UP: QUICK, HEALTHY & YUMMY LUNCH IDEAS Give your lunch-packing routine a major glow-up with quick, healthy, and kid-approved ideas, plus fun containers and smart hacks to make mornings easier.
NOLA COFFEE FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF GULF SOUTH COFFEE CULTURE Join New Orleans’ premier coffee event this October for two full days of tastings, education, and the latest trends shaping the Gulf South’s vibrant coffee scene. NOLA’S VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE: A MONTH OF PLANT-BASED FLAVOR This month, discover innovative vegan dishes across New Orleans as local chefs showcase their best plant-powered creations during the month-long NOLA Vegan Chef Challenge.
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SEPTEMBER 2025 • ISSUE 172
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nola family CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2025
14
FEATURES
16 18 20
22
24
Homecoming on a Budget
Little Faces, Big Routines: The New Age of Tween Skincare
Talking About Mental Health
Supporting Your Gifted Child
Pass the Torch: How to Keep Your Family Stories Going for Generations
IN EACH ISSUE
Spotlight Snapshots 8 1012 142732 34
From the Publisher
From the Bookshelf
Mom About Town
Out & About
Things We Love
NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.
6 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 7
Parenting in the Age of
from the publisher
W ell, school is finally back in session. The good news? We’ve got our routines back. The bad news? Homework. And with homework usually comes the anxiety. It’s kind of a catch-22—parents celebrate the return of structure, but then we’re juggling mental breakdowns, friendship drama, and the occasional boyfriend/ girlfriend situation (let’s be honest, boys or girls, kids can all be mean sometimes). Add in social media, and whew, it’s a lot. I’m just thankful I didn’t have Instagram or TikTok in my school years—real life bullies were more than enough to handle. Anxiety is something I’ve carried most of my life. I’ve read it can be hereditary, but honestly, I feel like I’m patient zero in our family. My daughter inherited mine, only hers is worse at her age, and both of my
boys have their own versions of anxiety too. My husband? He somehow skipped the anxiety gene entirely. He believes in the “just talk it out and it’ll be fine” approach. Bless him. But if you’ve ever lived with anxiety, you know that talking it out can sometimes make you want to crawl into a shell instead of out of one. That’s where therapy and, yes, medication come in. I fully believe in both. I wouldn’t be able to function without my “happy pills,” as I like to call them. This month is both National Suicide Prevention Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, so I dug into some research and came across something sobering: people with anxiety are 30 percent more likely to have suicidal thoughts. That’s a scary statistic. But
here’s the hopeful part—there are ways to help our kids (and ourselves) manage these struggles. In our house, we talk, text, or even write things out. Sometimes it’s hard to speak feelings aloud, but writing them down—what we call “brain dumping”—has been one of the most effective tools for us. Therapy is another big one. It can take a while for kids to open up, but just knowing they have a safe space to talk to someone matters. And the most important thing? Don’t give up. Every child is different. Every family is different. But working through anxiety— whether it’s with words, writing, therapy, or sheer stubbornness (and trust me, my kids have that in spades)—is always worth the effort.
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8 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
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G oing back to school after a long summer is both exciting and scary, no matter how old you are. Here are some book recommendations from the New Orleans Public Library to ease those back-to-school jitters and get students of all ages back-to-school ready.
from the bookshelf
CHILDREN First Day Around the World by Ibi Zoboi & Juanita Londoño offers a lyrical celebration of the first day of school across every continent and explores what going back to school looks like, including breakfast-to-bedtime routines for children in countries around the world. Power up your children’s reading skills with A Day in the Life of a Teache r by Paige Towler , a fun-filled nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress. In Fish Don’t Go to School by Deb Pilutti , Henry tackles his first-day-of- school nerves by donning his beloved sparkly fish costume. But as the day progresses and he becomes more comfortable, Henry takes off different parts of his costume. MIDDLE GRADE In On Guard! by Cassidy Wasserman , Grace is having trouble adapting to a new school year after her parents separate, and her best friend is no longer her best friend. But maybe the fencing
to find a new purpose. Tanya Boteju’s Messy Perfect follows Cassie Perera, a perfectionist junior at a conservative Catholic high school who teams up with a public school to found an underground Gender and Sexuality Alliance in support of a friend. Along the way, she becomes tempted to open up about her own sexuality. Ruri faces the usual high school struggles in Rurigradon Vol. 1 by Masaoki Shindo —pushy classmates and annoying teachers—until she’s hit with the biggest revelation of her life: she’s a dragon. Well, half-dragon. Her mom reveals that Ruri inherited her draconic traits from her father, who—yes—is a dragon. As if dealing with nosy classmates wasn’t hard enough, Ruri literally turns up the heat in the middle of a lecture. Visit any Library location or download the NOLALibrary app to find these titles and get more back-to-school reading recommendations.
club will give her a place to be herself. Old School by Gordon Korman follows Dexter Foreman, who’s lived at The Pines Retirement Village with his grandmother since he was 6 years old, homeschooled by the residents as he’s forced to attend middle school, where he sticks out like a sore thumb. Wildcats by Crystal Velasquez and Eva Cabrera introduces Mina, an average middle schooler, until she starts attending a new boarding school that her parents also attended. There, she and three other girls learn that they have generational powers that turn them into wildcats. TEEN In This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph , readers meet Ossie Brown, whose entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now, Ossie must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins
Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.
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Reconcile New Orleans
spotlight
BY MADISON VOORHIES
12 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM café, rotating through the front and back of house. With hospitality professionals guiding them every step of the way, they practice everything from food service and D uring lunchtime in Central City, Café Reconcile brings a steady stream of diners, but what’s happening behind the scenes is even more meaningful. Operated by the nonprofit Reconcile New Orleans, the café serves as a hands-on training ground for young adults ages 16 to 24. Through its comprehensive workforce development program, Reconcile helps participants overcome personal and professional barriers, gain real-world experience, and build the skills they need to succeed in work and in life. “When [you dine in], you’re dining with a purpose,” says Kheri Billy, CEO of Reconcile New Orleans. “When you eat with us, you’re actively participating in the program. You’re investing in the next generation of talent.” FROM ROUX TO READINESS Reconcile’s program is structured around four intensive tiers that blend soft skills, technical training, and personal development. Interns begin in the classroom, working with case managers to assess their goals and remove any roadblocks to success. From basic needs like ID recovery or dental care to mental health therapy and financial coaching, each intern receives a customized plan. Once stabilized, interns step into the
of everyday diners, donors, and industry partners, Reconcile has helped over 2,000 young people step confidently into their next chapter. BIG MILESTONE, BIGGER MISSION As Reconcile celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, the organization is taking time to reflect and recharge. Alongside a celebratory dinner event and Sunday lunch series, leadership is also deep into a new three-year strategic plan focused on long-term impact and policy advocacy. “Our work is really about deepening our investment in young people [by] looking at the long-term wins and impact for young people,” Billy says. At its core, Reconcile is about offering young people the same thing every good dish offers: nourishment, warmth, and something to build on. Supporting Reconcile New Orleans is as easy—and impactful—as enjoying a good meal. By dining at Cafe Reconcile for lunch, served Monday through Friday, you’re helping fund paid training opportunities for interns in the program. You can also donate directly at cafereconcile.org to support their mission year-round. Spread the word by sharing Reconcile’s story with friends, family, and local business owners who may be interested in hiring interns or externs. And don’t forget to stay tuned for volunteer and event opportunities during their 25th anniversary celebration.
prep to conflict resolution and teamwork under pressure. After café training comes career exploration: résumé writing, mock interviews, and career mapping based on the intern’s strengths and interests. In Tier 4, they head offsite for a paid externship in a field they’ve chosen, whether it’s hospitality, barbering, business, or beyond. The journey doesn’t end after graduation either; Reconcile offers 12 months of post-program support, with case managers checking in monthly to make sure alumni are still on track, whether that’s holding a job, continuing their education, or navigating life’s curveballs. BUILT FOR NEW ORLEANS, BY NEW ORLEANS Reconcile began in 2000 as an after- school program for neighborhood children. Over the years, as community needs shifted, the organization grew into the comprehensive youth workforce hub it is today. Located in historic Central City, Reconcile now employs a diverse team of chefs, career coaches, social workers, and nonprofit professionals, all united in one mission: to invest in young people and the systems that shape them. “Cafe Reconcile is like a really rich gumbo with a whole lot of flavor,” Billy adds. And it’s not just the team that makes that possible; Community support is baked into the model, with 100 percent of café profits going directly toward interns’ paid stipends and training. With the support
NOLAFAMILY.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 13
mom about town
14 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF CREATING BUSINESSES FOR LOCAL FAMILIES? SHELBY: The happy memories that you’re making. The one thing that I would mom, entrepreneur, and all-around force behind the joyful chaos. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? SHELBY: Because there are so many moving parts, every day looks different. Typically, my husband leaves before we wake up, so I’ll wake the girls up. We’ll get ready for school or camp, and then I’ll do school drop-off. Then, I go to Moxie on Metairie Road and get a matcha—they know my order when I’m walking in the door. After that, I’ll start to do my work. I’ll answer emails, DMs, coordinate with my employees [on] any needs that they have, and solve any problems we have. Once I’m done with that, it’s usually time to pick up the girls. We either come home or go to the park, and I’ll try to wrap up any emails and anything I need to take care of. Then, we’ll come home and do dinner or go out to eat, and then we do bedtime, which is like storytime or playing Barbies. We’ll talk about our day—that’s when the girls are most chatty. Then, my husband and I will go to bed or watch a show. Shelby Lopinto brings energy, warmth, and creativity into every corner of her life, whether she’s building businesses, raising her daughters, or dreaming up her next big idea. With a genuine love for community and a passion for making meaningful moments, she radiates the kind of grounded optimism that makes you feel like anything is possible (as long as there’s coffee involved!). Meet the Shelby Lopinto BY MADISON VOORHIES
Husband: Chris Lopinto Children: Elle (5) and Lovie (3) Occupations: Owner of Little Fins Swim Academy, Owner of Create and Play Club, and Author and Illustrator of Sleepless In Louisiana Hobbies: Running and watching The Great Pottery Throw Down in her free time
LAUNCHING YOUR FIRST BUSINESS? SHELBY: Before becoming a mom, I wish I had known it’s okay to do things for yourself. Elle was born during lockdown, so it was just the two of us for months. The first time I left her was for only an hour—and she was nine months old. I was with her day in and day out, and even taking a shower felt like time away from her. Looking back, I found doing those little things for yourself actually makes you a better mom. It makes you happier, and taking care of yourself is really important. With my business, I’m a perfectionist, and I wish I had known that things will happen outside of your control. They might not be major things, but even minor things used to really affect me. I used to take things personally if they didn’t go exactly as planned. But I’ve learned that you have to keep going, and you can’t dwell on every problem. I’ve learned, “Done is better than perfect.” I am a perfectionist and someone who obsesses over every detail. A lot of times, just putting your idea or plan out there—whether it’s a business, a schedule, or anything else— just doing it is better than making sure it is absolutely perfect. WHAT DO YOUR KIDS TEACH YOU?
say is most rewarding—if I had to put my finger on it—is the community we’ve built. We have a teacher from Florida; She moved here six or seven months before we opened, and her daughter’s birthday party was recently at the studio. Everyone that she invited to the birthday party was someone she met through the studio. Seeing people who wouldn’t otherwise know each other become friends is really cool. HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING MULTIPLE BUSINESSES WITH BEING PRESENT AS A PARENT? SHELBY: One thing I’ve learned, being in business for as long as I have, is putting systems in place. That’s something we’re still working on with the studio. Admittedly, it’s very hard. We have definitely made sacrifices with our family time. We’re together a lot because we don’t do aftercare, I do pick up and drop off, and I’m with the kids most of the time. But finding really good, quality, memory- making time is harder because of the businesses. When we do get the time, we try to make it really special, put our phones away, be really present, and make sure we’re making core memories. WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE BECOMING A MOM OR
SHELBY: There’s a million things that they’ve taught me, but I would say the most—the coolest—thing about being their mom is their little relationship and how loving they are with each other. Today, we were at the car dealership, and one of my girls was with me this week, and my other daughter is in camp (my youngest), and my five-year-old made sure to tell the dealership lady who was giving her a coloring book, like, “Oh, I have a sister, and she’s gonna want these too.” WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF? SHELBY: [Elle and Lovie] always look out for each other. It makes me feel like we’ve got to be doing something right if they’re that sweet and thoughtful and so kind to each other—and to us—but especially to each other. It’s not something I ever thought about before becoming a parent. That feeling you get when you have your baby and you hold them for the first 10 minutes and your heart is just exploding… that same feeling is something I get watching the girls do
got into a booster car seat for the first time. And in my mind, I feel like I was just strapping her into her baby car seat and freaking out over whether it was installed correctly. It’s so crazy to me how fast it goes. So that’s my biggest piece of advice: just soak it in, and enjoy the time you have while they’re little.
wondering, “How could we solve that problem,” or, “What if we did this or that?” I always have a ton of ideas in my head, and there’s no telling what we’ll do next. But for now, we’re working on franchising. We’re expanding the studio, helping other moms with the experience that I’ve had over the last 12 years now, running businesses and opening their own Create and Play clubs. [We’re] giving them the tools, the support, the systems, all of the things that we need to succeed, and giving that to them in their town, wherever they want to put their Create and Play club. That’s our main focus right now. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER PARENTS? SHELBY: To soak it in. It’s really hard to do, because even the moms I know who are getting a job, like being a nurse, or stay-at-home moms, I feel like it’s so easy—with how fast life moves— to get caught up in all the things you have to do. There’s a different sport every night of the week, there are so many things that have to get done, but just soaking it in and thinking about the fact that you won’t get that time back, [because] they change every single day. Like today, we had a big milestone: Elle (my oldest)
QUICK Q’S: Fave Spot For A Treat, Just For Me… A Bar Class Go-To “Mom Superpower”... Patience Something That Lifts My Mood… Spending Quality Time With The Girls Current Favorite Books… John Grisham Books One Thing I Never Leave The House Without… Coffee
stuff like that for each other. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
SHELBY: I am a serial entrepreneur; I am always thinking of something or
NOLAFAMILY.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 15
Homecoming on a Budget
BY JULIANNA STEEN
H omecoming is a big deal… from the wacky dress up days like “Senior Citizen Day” and “80s Day” and the endless pomping and sticky fingers from float decorating to the Friday night lights at the big football game and the HOCO dance (with 1,000 pictures taken beforehand, by a professional photographer, of course). There are what feels like five million events that all require their own costume, lest your teen appear to have no school spirit—and it all adds up fast. Homecoming can quickly become positively overwhelming, not to mention overwhelmingly expensive, but it needn’t be. Make your teen’s homecoming special with these tips and tricks to make the most of homecoming without busting the bank.
THE WIN Growing up, it’s not uncommon for kids to have a dress-up box filled with costumes: grandpa’s old Hawaiian shirts, previous years’ Halloween cowboy getups, princess dresses, and more. Along the way, however, they grew out of playing pretend (or simply grew out of the clothes), and the costume bucket got tossed to make room for other things. Well, it’s time to rebuild! Before you purchase anything for your teen’s dress up days, go through your closet to see if you have anything that works. Don’t forget to check grandma’s house, too, in the closet where she kept old homecoming and bridesmaid dresses. Then head to Hobby Lobby to get crafty. You wouldn’t believe what a little paint or ribbon can do to spice up an outfit! Make sure to keep the costumes—they’ll need one in college, trust me! You can also thrift for costumes—Goodwill is filled with Hawaiian shirts and iconic ’fits from decades past. Amazon can also come in clutch for securing one or two small items that can make a big difference, like colorful wigs, an eye patch, or a bald cap. SNAPS WITHOUT THE SPLURGE Mom snapping shots on her phone just doesn’t cut it anymore—anything less than a professional photographer is not acceptable (at least, according to your
it clear that there is a cap, and if they want to go over that, they’re more than welcome to use their money. (It’s amazing how much they decide they don’t actually need when it’s their own money they’re spending!) BE THRIFTY: “DRESS” FOR SUCCESS You’d be surprised at the gold mine of formalwear you can find at the secondhand shop located just down the road. Will you have to sift through the mud to find it? Likely. But good news! The hobby “thrifting” is trendy (which you can remind your teen when they roll their eyes at your suggestion). Thrift your teen’s dress at consignment shops, antique stores, or even your local Goodwill. You don’t even have to leave your house if you don’t want to—shop online on sites like Poshmark, Mercari, ThredUp, and Facebook groups. My sister has found dozens of gorgeous, unique dresses for HOCO dances and even for when she was on homecoming court at little mom-and-pop consignment stores or online. Remember, no one can see the tag inside… it doesn’t need to be “designer” to look nice. Not a “thrifter”? Never fear: You can still save by shopping sales, buying dresses in the off-season (hello, after-Christmas and New Year’s sales, it’s me again!), and renting dresses on sites like RentTheRunway or Nuuly. GET CRAFTY: COSTUME BUCKET FOR
BUDGET PLANNING: START WITH A CAP
16 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM all actually costs. Feel free to let them decide how they want to divvy it all up— they can pick their priorities. Just make It may feel cruel to set a limit on how much your teen can spend on their homecoming week, but it’s actually a kindness because you’re teaching them how to strategically manage money. Sit down with your child and let them know how much you’re willing to shell out for their costumes, formalwear, pictures, and more. Don’t be surprised if they look at you bug-eyed, shocked at how much it
IT’S IN THE DETAILS The little things add up. Encourage the kids to decorate each other’s cars and carpool instead of renting a limo (especially if the venue requires paying for parking). Suggest a movie night, bonfire, or late-night breakfast at your house for a safe, cheap “after party” post-game or post-dance. Emphasize that it’s about the fun and memories they’ll make with their friends, not about the fancy designer labels. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute splurges. You can even make a Trader Joe’s flower run and help your teen create their own corsage or bouquet. You can also throw a flower arranging party so all their friends can help each other. Between the float decorating, costume wearing, and formalwear buying (not to mention if your teen is on homecoming court), there’s no question that homecoming will eat your wallet if you let it. But by being proactive and getting creative, your teen’s homecoming week can be memorable and fun while still being affordable. Make sure to snap photos of them each theme day so you can show your friends all your creative hard work! (Phew!)
teen). You can save money by using a free location, though: Parks, gardens, and well-manicured (or decorated) backyards make great free backdrops. There are a few ways to navigate the hefty price of homecoming dance photos: • Talk to parents in other friend groups and see if you can split the photographer’s fee with them. Typically, the photographer has a time range and a certain number of photos they will take and edit, so see if both groups want to take photos at the same location and just take turns, going halfsies. • Bring your own camera or borrow one from a friend. You might can even loan one from your public library. • Talk to the other parents in your teen’s friend group and see if any are photographers who would want to take and share pictures of the group. (My sister’s benefitted from a parent photographer before!) • Try to find a budding photographer. Let’s be real: This isn’t their wedding, the pictures don’t have to be immaculate. Their prices will be cheaper, and you’ll probably get more bang for your buck. HOST A POTLUCK DINNER
While sure, it’s fun for teens to go out to eat before the dance, it will be loads easier and more affordable to have everyone bring a dish and have a potluck dinner at the house or a picnic spot before heading to the dance floor. If you’re feeling lazy, just order a couple of pizzas (which are also perfect for taking to a scenic overlook—very “Instagrammable”). If your teen really wants to eat out, make reservations at a budget-friendly restaurant like a diner or pizza joint. THE GET-READY GAME PLAN For girls, getting ready can be the most fun part of HOCO (and often the most stressful, if we’re being honest). There are three routes you can take to save money: First, you can check the nearby beauty schools for a discounted rate to get her hair and makeup done. Second, you can throw a “get-ready party” at your house before pictures and have all the girls do each other’s hair and makeup. (Everyone can bring their favorite “tool” and supplies so the girls have lots to choose from!) Third, your teen can do it herself. If this is the plan, make sure to practice ahead of time so she knows what hairstyle she’s going to do and how to style it (thank you, YouTube tutorials!).
NOLAFAMILY.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025 17
Little Faces, Big Routines: The New Age of Tween Skincare BY MADISON VOORHIES
18 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM environmental damage during the day while removing dirt, oil, and pollutants in the evening. Over time, children may need to add moisturizer or additional steps depending on their unique skin needs, but the basics don’t change. advice? Keep it simple, keep it gentle, and above all, keep it age-appropriate. START WITH THE BASICS For young kids, tweens, and even many teens, a “healthy skincare routine” doesn’t require a shelf full of products. In fact, it starts with just two simple steps: applying sunscreen in the A.M. and washing your face in the P.M. This foundational approach helps protect against A s it turns out, the skincare aisle isn’t just for adults anymore. With social media trends and influencer routines making their way into elementary and middle school conversations these days, many parents find themselves fielding questions about serums, toners, and face masks, often from kids who haven’t even hit puberty. But when does skincare actually need to begin? What’s appropriate for developing skin, and what’s simply too much too soon? To get some clarity, we turned to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deirdre Hooper of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. Her
products can be effective starting points for mild acne. However, anything that causes stinging or burning is likely too harsh and should be avoided. THE SOCIAL MEDIA SKINCARE TRAP In recent years, dermatologists have seen a surge in kids—some as young as eight or nine—experimenting with trendy skincare products meant for adults. It’s not uncommon for preteens to request popular anti-aging serums, chemical exfoliants, or influencer-approved “multi- step routines.” But things can take a turn for the worse. Using too many products or even the wrong ones can overwhelm and irritate young skin, and Dr. Hooper has seen it firsthand. “One of my daughters broke out with clogged pores because she was applying so many different products to her skin,” she shares. “Kids see influencers using 10-step routines and think more is better. But more often, it backfires.” Anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and exfoliating acids are designed for adult skin concerns and are generally unnecessary for young users. Physical scrubs and heavily fragranced products, while often marketed as “natural,” can also trigger reactions in sensitive or acne-prone skin. So in short, more is not better, and “clean beauty”
“If you can teach your kids to wear sunscreen in the morning and to wash their face at night, they’ve laid a great foundation for what they may need later in life,” says Dr. Hooper. “That’s a healthy routine whether you’re four or 14.” According to Dr. Hooper, daily sun protection is the single most effective way to protect the skin’s health and appearance long-term, and it’s never too early to start! One tip? Opt for sunscreen in a pump bottle. Studies show that kids are significantly more likely to use it consistently when it’s easier to apply. LET SKIN NEEDS GUIDE THE ROUTINE Skincare should never be based solely on age; It should respond to the skin’s actual condition. Some children may need a gentle moisturizer or eczema treatment as babies, while others may not need any additional products until their late teens. If a child begins to experience persistent dryness, redness, breakouts, or irritation, it’s time to adjust their routine or consult a dermatologist. One major turning point for many families is acne. While breakouts are common during puberty, acne can appear earlier, and Dr. Hooper agrees that even a single pimple is reason enough to consider treatment. Over-the- counter benzoyl peroxide or adapalene
doesn’t always mean “safe.” WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST Parents often spend months or even years trying to treat their child’s skin issues with over-the-counter solutions. But there comes a point when professional guidance is essential. If a child’s skin is painful, itchy, or showing signs of eczema, discoloration, or persistent acne, it’s time to book an appointment. And if acne is leaving behind dark marks or scars, don’t wait. Scarring can be difficult and costly to treat later on, but it’s often preventable with early intervention. It’s also important to remember the emotional toll that skin issues can have, especially in today’s selfie-heavy, social media-driven world. “Parents often underestimate the psychological impact of acne, especially in this age of Snapchat and constant photographs,” says Dr. Hooper. “Acne is such a treatable disease. No one should feel like they have to live with it.” WHAT TO BUY (AND WHAT TO SKIP) You don’t need a huge Sephora haul to build a smart skincare routine. Dr. Hooper recommends starting at the drugstore, where brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay offer effective, dermatologist-tested options for young skin. These products are affordable, accessible, and designed with sensitive skin in mind. For families dealing with particularly reactive skin, brands like Vanicream and La Roche-Posay are often recommended by dermatologists for their gentle, minimal-ingredient formulas. La Roche- Posay, for example, includes thermal spring water known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, and some products feature prebiotics to help support the skin’s microbiome. On the flip side, avoid products with strong fragrances, harsh exfoliants, or buzzy ingredients like retinol unless specifically recommended by a dermatologist. Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or trendy to be effective. For most children and teens, healthy skin begins with a gentle cleanser, a daily sunscreen, and a watchful eye for any issues that arise. And when those issues do show up, don’t waste time guessing—reach out to a board-certified dermatologist. The goal here isn’t perfect skin; It’s healthy, comfortable skin that supports your child’s confidence, no matter their age.
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Talking About Mental Health Suicide Prevention & Crisis Resources: New Orleans & Beyond If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available, 24/7, free, and confidential.
Cope Crisis Line: Call (504) 269- COPE or Text TWLOHA To 741-741 Covenant House New Orleans (Ages 16-22): (504) 584-1111 , 611 North Rampart St., New Orleans Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority Crisis Line : (504) 832-5123 Metropolitan Human Services District Crisis Line: Call ( 844) 568- 6473 (Orleans, Plaquemines, & St. Bernard Parishes) New Orleans Family Justice Center: (504) 866-9554 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 , or Visit louisiana988.org The Trevor Project: Call 866-488- 7386 , Text Start To 678-678 , Or Visit thetrevorproject.org University Medical Center New Orleans Behavioral Health ER: 2000 Canal St., New Orleans Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 , Then Press 1 , Text 838255 , or Chat via veteranscrisisline.net VIA Link: Call 2-1-1 , Text 898211 , or Chat via vialink.org percent of rural counties in the U.S. have no practicing psychiatrist, and nearly half lack any mental health professionals at all. This shortage means that young people in these areas face longer travel distances to seek care, fewer treatment options, and often, greater stigma within tight-knit communities. Suburban communities, while often better equipped with mental health providers than rural areas, face their
BY SANONNA AL TAWEEL
20 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM • The pressure to live a “perfect” life. Constant exposure to others’ (often edited) lives can make people feel like they’re falling short. • Cyberbullying. Online harassment often hopelessness. The survey also reported that 20 percent of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 16 percent had made a plan. THE ROOTS OF THE CRISIS If you’re like me, you read those numbers and your heart sank. How do we have this many young people hurting so badly that they feel they have no other options? The truth is, it’s not just one thing. Today’s generation is facing a myriad of problems. Take social media, for example. While it is a great way to connect with others and have fun, there are many dark sides to it, including: I t’s no secret that we have a mental health crisis on our hands. The evidence of anxiety and depression— particularly among Gen Z—is everywhere: higher rates of self-reported loneliness, surges in emergency room visits related to self-harm and suicidal ideation, and the increased use of social media as an escape from everyday life. A 2023 Harvard survey found that two in five Gen Z young adults ages 18–25 “feel like they don’t matter to others.” That means that 44 percent of that age group is experiencing a deep sense of disconnection. And they’re not the only ones. Based on U.S. data from 2022– 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 11 percent of children ages 3–17 had current, diagnosed anxiety, and 40 percent of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or
looks like someone “joking” nowadays. People comment thoughtlessly and hurt others’ feelings just to get some likes. • Doomscrolling and access to too much information. I miss the days when my Instagram feed was just people I followed. Now, thanks to AI algorithms, it’s a constant stream of influencers I’ve never heard of, political news, trends you “have” to hop on, and scare- tactic reporting. Another factor contributing to the staggering rates of mental health issues is the long-lasting effects that the pandemic had on our lives. Sure, we’re not stuck inside for months on end anymore, but the disruptions it caused are still being felt. Many young people experienced prolonged social isolation, missing out on crucial milestones like graduations, sports seasons, and time with friends. These losses have left lasting feelings of loneliness and disconnection. At the same time, remote learning created academic gaps and increased stress, with some students struggling to catch up or stay motivated. The uncertainty and fear that marked those years also heightened anxiety about the future, worries that continue to linger as kids and teens navigate a world that suddenly feels less predictable and safe. IT’S NOT AS SIMPLE AS JUST GETTING HELP Despite the growing need, many young people face serious barriers to accessing mental health care. Wait times for therapists and counselors can stretch for months, and insurance coverage is often limited or confusing. For families in rural or underserved areas, finding specialized care for children and teens is even harder. According to Mental Health America, 65
own challenges. Suburban areas can experience a shortage of specialized mental health professionals trained to work with children and teens, and families may struggle with affordability, as insurance coverage gaps and high out-of- pocket costs make therapy inaccessible for many. There can also be a culture of privacy and stigma around mental health that discourages seeking help, leading some young people to suffer in silence. STARTING THE CONVERSATION It’s crucial to talk about mental health with your children. Open, honest conversations about feelings can lay a foundation of support that will stay with them their entire lives. Starting these conversations may feel uncomfortable, especially if your family isn’t used to these types of discussions. Here’s how to approach it with kids at different stages of development: • Young Kids (Ages 3–7) Keep it simple and use language they understand. You might say things like, “Sometimes our feelings get really big and confusing, and that’s okay.” Use stories, books, or drawings to help them express how they’re feeling. Reassure them that all feelings are okay, and they can always talk to you about anything. • Elementary and Middle School-Aged Kids (Ages 8–12) At this age, kids can understand more about emotions and mental health but may still find it hard to talk about. Encourage them by asking open-ended questions like, “What makes you happy or worried?” Validate their feelings and let them know it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or anxious sometimes. Share your own experiences in simple terms to normalize mental health discussions. • Teens (Ages 13–18) Teens are developing their independence and may be reluctant to open up. Be patient and create a judgment-free space where they feel safe sharing. Respect their privacy while gently encouraging professional help if needed. The mental health challenges facing today’s young people are complex and often overwhelming, but families have a powerful role to play. Keep your discussions supportive, honest, and respectful of their feelings. Talking about mental health with your kids sets them up to be emotionally healthy adults who know they can always come to you for help.
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Supporting Your Gifted Child
BY MARY BETH RITCHIE, LCSW
testing is usually not recommended before age five. TRAITS OF GIFTED CHILDREN 1. Gifted children often command a large vocabulary. They will frequently prefer adult conversation to those with their peers. It is important to encourage your gifted child to engage with same-age peers. Not doing so can lead to a sense of isolation. 2. Intellectually gifted children often display strong feelings and can be very opinionated. Because they are also often very self- aware, they may recognize that they are different. This may lead them to feel left out. Many become introverted. It may be helpful to consider a school for gifted children where the student will be surrounded by others who are similar. 3. Young gifted children may become bored easily. They learn by being exposed to new stimuli. At home, you may find that the gifted child loses interest in new toys quickly. Be prepared to expand your toy budget. 4. Gifted children frequently focus intensely on one specific interest. One of my sons wanted to learn everything about dinosaurs. At age six or seven, he undoubtedly knew more about dinosaurs than the average adult. I’ve also taught some gifted children. One of these children was fanatical about trains. Everything he drew or wrote about dealt with trains. This was one of the signs I
recognized in him when I requested that he be tested. 5. Gifted children are able to teach themselves and can remember things easily. Some may be reading and writing before they ever attend school. In my third grade classroom, I can sometimes spot these children because they are often able to solve a new type of math problem by using logic and reasoning. 6. These children may have an original way of expressing themselves. You may find that they are able to write extremely well. Their stories may be very complex and well developed. 7. Gifted children often exhibit an advanced sense of humor. I’ve witnessed this in my classroom. At times, some of my jokes will go right over my third graders’ heads. However, there will be one or two children cracking up. These are often the gifted children. Gifted children may also be highly sensitive with intense feelings. 8. Gifted students frequently prefer to work alone, rather than in groups. This may be due to their unique methods of approaching their work or a feeling of social awkwardness. 9. All children seem to ask a lot of questions. However, the gifted child will ask even more! The questions may be very deep and detailed as these children try to satisfy their thirst for knowledge and understanding. At times, this can be
22 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM The gifted child will frequently score within 10 points of a parent. There are many formal assessments to determine whether a child is gifted, and it’s helpful to identify children early. However, ability significantly above the norm for their age in one or more domains, including: intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, or in a specific academic field such as language arts, mathematics, or science. Giftedness exists in all demographic groups and personality types. According to the most recent report from 2022–2023 by the National Association for Gifted Children (nagc. org), Louisiana had identified 27,813 gifted students out of a total population of 634,424. The state mandates identification for gifted and talented students. The website for the Association for Gifted & Talented Students in Louisiana is agtslouisiana.org/index.php. It’s important to remember that each child is unique and may not display all of these traits. Giftedness is often hereditary. Many people don’t realize that parenting an intellectually gifted child is truly parenting a child with special needs. These needs are founded in strengths, but they do require special attention and extra resources. Parenting a child with special needs, of any variety, requires extra time, money, and energy. You may be wondering whether your child is gifted. Generally, a child who has an I.Q. of 130 or more is considered intellectually gifted. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) defines giftedness as children who have
challenging for parents and teachers. It’s important to be patient with these children, as we don’t want to squelch their curiosity. 10. A parent or teacher may notice that a gifted child learns more quickly. It is estimated that most children need 8–15 repetitions in order to learn something new. Gifted children frequently need only one or two. TESTING FOR GIFTEDNESS AND HOW TO PROCEED If you suspect your child may be gifted, you can have them tested by a psychologist, though many schools offer the same evaluations at no cost. Parenting a gifted child comes with unique responsibilities—encouraging curiosity, providing plenty of enrichment, and exploring educational options such as gifted programs, private tutors, or after-school activities. It’s also important to collaborate with your child’s teacher to ensure their needs are met in the classroom. Because schools often focus on helping struggling students, gifted children can be overlooked. Advocate for an environment that challenges and supports your child’s creativity and abilities. WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY CHILD TESTED? The National Association for Gifted Children notes that schools often use standardized tests to identify students for gifted programs, though you can also choose independent testing. Before deciding to have your child tested, ask yourself: Are there indicators—such as academic performance, social-emotional characteristics, or certain behaviors—that make me suspect my child is gifted? Is my child not thriving or unhappy in his current learning environment? Is my child applying to a gifted and talented enrichment program, camp, online course, or independent gifted school where test results are required for admission? Does my child demonstrate giftedness, but it’s not recognized because I suspect other factors (such as a learning disability, ADHD, or anxiety, for example) may be getting in the way? If the answer is “yes,” to any of the above questions, you might want to pursue having your child tested privately. Source: nagc.org
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Pass the Torch: How to Keep Your Family Stories Going for Generations
BY PAM MOLNAR
next youngest is seven, go back around the room with seven-year-old stories and continue until all ages are covered and only one person can share their story. PLAY “WHAT’S YOUR TALENT?” Find out who you get your talents and traits from. Ask who can wiggle their ears, curl their tongue, and who has a second toe longer than the others. Compare eye color, skin tone, hair texture, and height. It’s interesting to see a family’s similarities and differences. TAKE TIME FOR SHOW AND TELL. Search the attics and closets to find old report cards, military awards, high school jackets, and wedding or baptismal gowns. The kids will be intrigued by the special items that have been saved all those years. Pulling them out
electronic devices, check out some of these ideas. GET OUT THE OLD FAMILY PHOTOS AND MOVIES. It’s time to introduce all the characters. Show them Grandma’s prom pictures and Grandpa in his army uniform. Open the wedding photos and watch the grainy movies that don’t have any sound. Talk about the people who have passed on, the changes in fashion, and the family resemblances. TELL A STORY FROM WHEN YOU WERE THEIR AGE. Go around the room, starting with the youngest person, and tell a story from that age. For example, if the youngest is five, share your own stories of something that happened when you were five. If the
24 SEPTEMBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM younger people who did the same sort of things we were doing as kids. On some occasions, my grandmother would bring out her old family photos for us to look through, and that made their stories come to life. If you are looking for a way to keep the family stories alive, but not lose the younger generation to the glow of their Some of the best memories of my childhood were when we were gathered around the table after dinner with my parents and grandparents. While most of the time their conversations revolved around politics or current events, occasionally they would share stories about their childhood. Those thoughts brought out another side of my parents and grandparents. It was strange to imagine them as
of storage will bring back memories and open opportunities for questions and conversation. SEARCH YOUR FAMILY TREE ONLINE. You can open the doors to the past with just a few details about your ancestors. Log into Ancestry.com or FamilySearch. org and enter facts such as names, important dates, and where those events took place. Consider taking a DNA test to find out your real ancestral background, reconnect with long-lost cousins, or perhaps find an unexpected family member. PLAY “WHO TELLS IT BETTER?” I am sure every family has the same few stories that get retold over and over. With this game, everyone gets a chance to tell their version of the story. Vote on the best re-enactors to decide who told it best. The winner doesn’t have to do the dishes! SHARE THE STORIES ON PAPER. After the death of his brother, my father started writing down the stories of their childhood to share with my uncle’s children. The stories can be sent via email as they are remembered or collected and made into a book. PASS DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION. My grandmother used to make homemade ravioli with her mother every year before the holidays. She shared those recipes and techniques with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Every family has their own traditions or special skills that would be lost if not shared with the next generation. What are some of yours? SCRAPBOOK TOGETHER. If your extended family just spent the holidays together or went on a vacation, why not collaborate on a scrapbook? You can each make a page to assemble a scrapbook for a grandparent gift (which is another fun family event). If you prefer a digital scrapbook, look at Shutterfly, Mixbook, or ask everyone to add to a file you set up on Google Photos. CREATE A NEW FAMILY STORY. Try something for the first time as a family, whether it is snowmobiling, making homemade sushi, or playing a new game. Share experiences that are so much fun that you want to do them again next year. That’s how new traditions are started.
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