Nola Family August 2026

August 2026

nola family AUGUST 2026 Parent Fearlessly

When Success Turns Into Stress

Beyond the Kitchen with Dook Chase

After-School & Activity Guide

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Growing Healthier Generations in Louisiana

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CONT ENT S August 2026

in each issue

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THE MAMA FILES

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

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SPOTLIGHT

DAD ABOUT TOWN THINGS TO DO THINGS WE LOVE

SNAPSHOTS

features

ACHIEVEMENT KIDS & ACTIVITY CULTURE: WHEN SUCCESS BECOMES A SOURCE OF STRESS In a world of packed schedules and high expectations, learn how to support ambitious kids without letting stress take center stage. 14 THE OVERSCHEDULED CHILDHOOD: ARE WE RAISING SUCCESSFUL KIDS OR STRESSED OUT ONES? Many children spend their afternoons racing from one activity to the next. Is there still room for simply being a kid? 18 WHAT TEACHERS WISH PARENTS KNEW IN 2026 Straight from the classroom, teachers reveal the tips, trends, and truths they wish every parent understood this school year. 22

Photos by magnific.com

what’s on the web

What to Stock-Up on During Hurricane Season From nonperishable foods to often-forgotten essentials, here’s what to have on hand before a storm heads your way. A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Vegetable Garden Growing your own produce can be easier than you think! Learn the simple steps to start a thriving garden at home. Getting Ready for Football Season as a Family From home-team tailgates to SEC watch parties, here’s how to prepare for the fun-filled season ahead. Before Your Child Starts Kindergarten Before the milestone begins, consider these keepsakes, skills, and preparations to help make the transition a little smoother.

26 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES LISTING

From sports and STEM to dance and drama, discover local after-school activities that help kids explore new interests, build skills, and make lasting friendships.

CONNECT WITH US

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THE Mama FILES

nola family MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor

The Best Seat in the House As summer winds down and we wrap up another flag football season—one that will end with a trip to the 3rd Annual NFL Flag Championship—I’m reminded how quickly one season gives way to the next. Before we know it, another sport, another practice, and another full calendar will be waiting. But before we jump into that rhythm again, I’ve found myself saying something a little unexpected this summer.

AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors KAILEY GREMILLION Editorial Assistant ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator NATALIE KAISER Social Media Content Creator MAIH MANUSO Content Multiplication Specialist TRINITY GRAYSON SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN THOMAS DRYBURGH JENNIFER HOFFMANN MORGAN PRICE JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach

try. They need permission to explore, make mistakes, change their minds, and simply enjoy the experience.

And they need us to show up.

Whether I’m watching a basketball game, standing near the long jump pit, cheering from the flag football sidelines, or sitting in the audience at a dance competition, I’ve realized the best seat in the house isn’t about having the perfect view. It’s about being the face my children look for in the crowd. As we head into another school year, I hope we can find a little balance between activity and rest, between cheering them on and giving them room to breathe. A full calendar can be wonderful, but it doesn’t have to define a full childhood. Sometimes the greatest gifts we can give our kids are an unscheduled afternoon, permission to be bored, and the reassurance that they never have to earn our applause. Years from now, they may not remember every score, jump, game, or routine. But they’ll remember who was there, cheering them on.

“I’m glad you’re bored.”

I’ve said it more than once.

Not because I want my kids to be miserable, of course, but because boredom can be a gift. It gives children room to imagine, create, wander outside, invent games, and discover who they are when no one is directing the next play. Extracurricular activities bring so much value. They teach teamwork, discipline, creativity, resilience, and courage. I love watching my kids play basketball and flag football, compete in long jump, and dance. Each activity gives them a chance to discover what they enjoy, build confidence, and learn something new about themselves. But it’s also easy for all of us to get caught up in scores, performances, awards, and improvement. Suddenly, something that started as fun can begin to feel like one more place where a child has to succeed. Our kids don’t need to be the best at everything they

ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Associate Chief of Staff KELSEY TAYLOR Administrative Assistant

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Amy L. Foreman Publisher Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

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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. 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. NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

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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

YOUNG READERS In Owls Make Terrible Teachers!! by Krisi Mahoney & Chantelle & Burgen Thorne, surprises await when you find out what might happen when an owl takes flight in the classroom as a substitute teacher. From hunting for a midnight snack to awkward bathroom breaks, this school day stretches into a night like no other. Told through humorous letters to math over the course of one school year, Dear Math, We’re Not Friends by Lina Chopra Haldar & Teresa Martinez is a perfect choice for math-hesitant kids. Readers observe the main character’s journey from feeling uneasy even thinking about math to embracing how universal—and fun— math can be. In Mi Escuela Is My School by Laurenne Sala & Zara Hoang Gonzalez, kids join a young boy as he takes them through his day at school. This charming bilingual book is full of Spanish and English vocabulary words,

Your Crush in Three Easy Steps could turn middle school into your best years ever or a total disaster. Readers decide what happens next in this choose-your-own-adventure tale, packed with 19 possible endings. TEENS In Worst-Case Scenario by Ray Stoeve, Sidney has two goals for their junior year. One: become president of their school’s Queer Alliance club. Two: keep their self- diagnosed anxiety in check, so their grades don’t tank like they did last year. But when the election results in a tie with Sidney’s arch nemesis, the two are forced to share the presidency until a revote at the end of term. Corpse de Ballet by Megan Kearney introduces readers to Rosamund Hammond as she arrives at a fancy new boarding school in the middle of the year. But something at Saint Anselmus doesn’t feel right. It turns out that just before Rosamund enrolled, a student disappeared without telling anyone. Was it really a leave of absence—or something more sinister?

bringing readers from el gran árbol to la biblioteca, and everywhere in between. MIDDLE GRADE Middle School Monsters by Robin Easter is a fantastic story about fitting in, standing out, and accepting what makes us unique. Readers of this graphic novel meet a “werewolf” looking for a fresh start when she finds an unexpected friendship with her school’s so- called vampire. In Absent by Rex Ogle, three lonely boys are thrown together in detention for skipping school and realize they still have a lot to learn—not just from their teachers, but also from each other. With issues ranging from incarcerated fathers to bullies, Ogle explores absenteeism through three distinct voices: Manny’s in verse, Calvin’s as a comic, and Liam’s as a prose journal, in this unique middle-grade novel.

From boy trouble to BFF drama, every choice you make in Emma Carlson Berne’s Snare

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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SECOND LINE ARTS COLLECTIVE

spotlight

CELEBRATES A DECADE OF HELPING YOUNG NEW ORLEANS MUSICIANS THRIVE

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

N ew Orleans has no shortage of isn’t enough to build a career. Skills that are rarely taught in traditional music education are vital to a young performer’s path to success. As the nonprofit marks its 10th anniversary, Second Line Arts Collective talented young musicians. But in today’s music industry, talent alone continues to bridge the gap between music education and the business training needed for artist sustainability. As executive director and co-founder Gregory Agid began his own music career, he realized traditional music education teaches performance but lacks entrepreneurship lessons, especially in today’s music industry. He explains that artists now have to manage branding, marketing, accounting, social media, booking gigs, and finances. “You’re not only an artist, but you’re responsible for every aspect of your business. You’re essentially a small business owner,” Agid says. Throughout the year, Agid, musical instructors, and special guests lead family classes, workshops, concerts, and activities. The Saana Music Summer Workshop, in particular, is a major display of the nonprofit’s mission. Around 34 students, ages 14–24, rehearse in six student-led ensembles, selecting repertoire, arranging original music,

and learning to perform together as working bands with coaching from teaching artists.

“It’s meaningful to see people who’ve come through the program, thriving in life and being so appreciative of the experience.” The nonprofit’s impact begins even earlier through Little Stompers, an interactive music program focused on families with children ages one to five. The classes introduce New Orleans culture through singing, dancing, and hands-on musical exploration while giving graduates of the workshop teaching opportunities of their own. Reflecting on the 10th anniversary, Agid says the milestone is a reminder of the organization’s lasting impact. By helping the next generation of artists share their passion with the world while teaching them how to navigate the business side of music, he believes they’re making a difference. He also hopes to help ensure New Orleans artists receive the recognition and economic opportunities they deserve for their contributions to American music. “If we can get these artists to buy houses in New Orleans and have families and feel comfortable calling this home and still be able to make music…that’s the biggest win.”

The workshop then shifts from artistry to entrepreneurship through a rotating series of masterclasses led by experienced professionals. Everything from filing taxes and understanding W-9s to forming an LLC, marketing a band, booking gigs, hiring a publicist and even developing stage presence through improv are taught to students. As the organization has grown, so has its culture, with many students returning year after year. Agid recalls one student who arrived overwhelmed, convinced she couldn’t keep up. After breaking down in tears on her second day of camp, she nearly quit. Three years later, she’s one of the workshop’s biggest advocates. “I believe in challenging kids in a supportive environment where they’re safe to make mistakes,” explains Agid. “That’s how they push themselves to become their best.” Agid says witnessing the success of the program’s alumni brings him the most joy. He points to one alumnus, now an in-demand drummer performing on arena tours, as an example of the program’s lasting impact.

To learn more about Second Line Arts Collective, visit secondlinearts.com.

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dad about town

MEET CHEF EDGAR ‘DOOK’ CHASE IV BY MADELINE PISTORIUS E dgar ‘Dook’ Chase IV wears many hats: executive chef, restaurateur, television host, community leader, and grandson of the legendary Leah Chase. Beyond the kitchen, he’s a devoted husband and father, passionate about preserving family traditions. Whether he’s serving guests or gathering with loved ones, Dook believes the best conversations happen around the dinner table. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? DOOK: We have a few different restaurants: our family’s flagship, Dooky Chase Restaurant; my newest one, Chapter IV, which is downtown in the Central Business District; and then we have operations in the airport. The restaurants open at different times. The airport locations open first, Chapter IV opens second, and Dooky’s opens at 11 a.m. So I may start at the airport first, double back, go to Chapter IV, and wind up at Dooky’s around 10 a.m.—but not every day. Normally, I’ll stop by at least Dooky’s and Chapter IV. I try to be at the airport restaurants two or three times a week. Besides the restaurants, community service is something I also love, and my family is huge on it. I’m blessed to sit on a few boards in New Orleans, so those committee meetings pop up throughout the week. WHAT DOES QUALITY TIME USUALLY LOOK LIKE IN THE CHASE FAMILY? DOOK: Togetherness. No matter what we do—whether it’s eating, watching TV, or just spending time together—we’ll have a big gathering at either our house or one of our cousins’ houses. Every Memorial Day weekend, we take a big family beach trip where 50-plus of us come together. Some weekends, we go to our family land in south Louisiana, and that can get up to about 40 people. We work together, and we play together.

Wife: Gretchen Children: Sidney, 15; Vito, 13 Occupation: Restaurateur

Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, live music, visiting French restaurants, watching Sydney play soccer and Vito play baseball, and enjoying the city or wrong, them just saying, “You can do it,” was huge. They gave me the motivation to push forward, and I try to do the same. They also taught us the ways to survive in life and the ways we should operate in life—in terms of loving people, loving humanity, standing with integrity, having confidence, having courage, and to never, ever stop working. My mom’s mom used to say, “Brick by brick,” meaning, just keep going. My grandmother on the other side would say, “Keep moving. Keep pushing.”They understood that as long as you’re moving forward, something’s going to happen. You’re either going to accomplish it one way or the other. It’s going to get done. That’s what I try to tell my kids: Give 100 percent. That was one thing my dad always preached to us. If you’re going to do it, be committed to it and give 100 percent. And one of the awards we always got at school was perfect attendance because my mom believed in showing up. We may not have made the honor roll every time, but we showed up to school every day. WHO’S THE CHEF AT HOME, AND WHAT’S A MEAL THAT IMMEDIATELY GETS EVERYONE TO THE TABLE? DOOK: So, my wife cooks, and now my son and daughter cook a little bit. They are very protective, in particular, about their recipes. My wife does most of the cooking at home, and I’ve learned how to respect her kitchen and her pots. I don’t jump in unless I’m called to jump in. Lasagna is her go-to. My daughter’s eggnog is a big hit during the holidays.

ARE THERE ANY FAMILY TRADITIONS FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD THAT YOU’VE CONTINUED TO PASS DOWN? DOOK: Family reunions are huge. We gather every Christmas Eve at my house. Birthday celebrations are huge. Even though we’re in the restaurant business, holidays are huge for us. Our restaurants may be open for dining, but we make sure to gather every Thanksgiving, even if it’s after we close. Every Christmas. Every Easter. I still do Halloween at my house, which is fun. A lot of the things we grew up enjoying, we try to continue. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WHILE RAISING A FAMILY AND DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER? DOOK: One is definitely listening. Two is compromise. Three is making sure you find time for each other. It’s hard, but when you have a partner and you understand that person, you know when sacrifices have to be made. So there are sacrifices where you can’t make it, but you also understand when you have to make it, and nothing comes before, “I have to make this.”We understand that. Growing up in the business and with Gretchen coming on, she appreciates the work that we’re in. Hospitality is a lot of hours, so she understands the sacrifices we make. It’s always give and take, but we find time. The family also comes into the business. Vito will pop in and work Friday nights and Saturday nights in the restaurant. Sydney does too, and Gretchen helps out at Chapter IV. So we find time, whether it’s inside or outside of the business, to make it work. ARE THERE LESSONS FROM YOUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS THAT SHAPE THE WAY YOU APPROACH PARENTING? DOOK: The support and the love my parents gave me provided me with the opportunity to chase my dreams. They were always my biggest cheerleaders. No matter if it was right

DO YOUR KIDS SHOW INTEREST IN COOKING AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS?

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DOOK: I grew up where all the kids called the restaurant “the playground,” and it’s still the same. They come in, fold napkins, polish silverware, shine glasses, and sometimes race to do it and have fun with their cousins. They also show an interest in cooking, but we don’t force them into that. We want them to go out, do their own thing, and get their own education. But at the end of the day, some of us always find our way back home to the business. WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT RAISING YOUR KIDS IN NEW ORLEANS? DOOK: My wife and I were both raised here. I’ve known my wife, Gretchen, since high school. Besides being close to family, I love raising my kids here because New Orleans has its own way of presenting hospitality and love within the community. I don’t think you can find that everywhere. With our city and its different cultures and backgrounds, everybody is welcoming. Doors are always open. There’s a lot of generational history in the people who are here. Being in a city where people know one another and kind of watch over each other, love is felt. You can also go anywhere here and experience something different. We have a festival for everything, celebrating so many different cultures. My children get a little taste of the world through those experiences before they go out and navigate the bigger world. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE YEAR AHEAD? DOOK: For me, certainly our new show, Dook Chase: A Chef’s Journey , and the companion cookbook coming out in September. I hope people enjoy the show and love it as much as I do, and really get back to cooking in the kitchen and telling those family stories. That’s the key—really sitting down and making sure you’re passing those stories along the way. But also seeing how far we can take that message. I think that’s what’s needed right now: people getting back to the table, sharing stories, and having dialogue, and starting to see how similar we all really are. Something that’s always in our freezer at home is… coffee ice cream. Our favorite New Orleans spots are… Audubon Zoo, City Park, or the riverfront. People would be surprised to learn that… I used to work in the economics and finance industry for about nine years. If I wasn’t a chef, I’d want to be… a musician, although I have no musical talent. Three words to describe my family are… work, prayer, and service.

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week because of their child’s sport schedule, and “slightly more than 1 in 10 families (13.2 percent) eat five to seven meals out per week” for the same reason. Not only is it important for children to eat healthy, it’s even more important for young athletes to eat well in order to prevent injury, help muscles recover, and improve their energy levels. Family Health Another way Activity Culture robs your family is by cutting down on family time. Getting the kids where they need to go is a game of strategy, and most nights it’s a “divide and conquer” parenting situation. In fact, the 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey reports parents average over three hours per day on their child’s sport activities, with over an hour of that devoted to attending practices and competitions. “Oh, it’s just for a month or two,” you might say—except the same survey also found that over 20 percent of parents have a child that participates in scheduled practices or competitions in their primary sport 9 to 12 months a year. Aka, all. year. long. How Sports Convey Status Let’s be real: There is a legit “elite” status connected to youth sports—both for the kids and for their parents. When recalling her children’s introduction to sports, author Linda Flanagan writes in Take Back the Game , “It wasn’t long before I started noticing how athletic ability, even among elementary school kids, conferred prestige. For though it goes unsaid, physically gifted children do indeed gain status, as do the humble parents who brought them into the world.” But the status isn’t just conferred because of skill level—it’s also usually a measure of the wealth a family already possesses. Unfortunately, that status comes with a hefty price tag. The Financial Weight The 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey reveals that families in the sample spent an average of $1,015.64 annually on their child’s primary sport—and approximately $475 on their child’s other sports. Bill Lennon wrote in his 2017 article for Medium , “The average cost to participate on a travel baseball team is in the ballpark of $1,900, not including the actual travel costs for players and parents to attend tournaments.” Needless to say, it’s not cheap to participate in one sport, much less in multiple sports. It’s becoming harder than ever to resist the pull to overcommit your kids. After all, the youth sports industry only continues to grow, making Activity Culture the norm—and to resist is countercultural. For example, The

Achievement Kids & Activity Culture:

When Success Becomes a Source of Stress

BY JULIANNA STEEN

I n days gone by, children used to roam outside playing until dark; now, “free time” has been replaced by the hustle of club sports, competitive cheer, ACT tutoring, and a hodgepodge of school-related club meetings. If you feel like a full-time, unpaid Uber driver for your kids, you’re not alone. Today’s children have full-length resumes before they have driver’s licenses. Just last week, when I was talking to a 6th grader, she brought up her future career goals and potential colleges she could attend for her intended major. It’s one thing to think about your “dream job” at 12 years old—it’s another to seriously consider what you need to do to be admitted to college at such a young age. You don’t have to look hard to see that the pressure is rising—and social media is only compounding the fears that drive many to over-achieve. The pressure isn’t only on kids to succeed, though; it’s on parents to engineer that success. Why Activity Culture Is Toxic Nowadays, if you want to hang out with a middle schooler, you’ve got to get on their calendar weeks before, or find a rare open window on a Saturday afternoon—between Bible studies, gymnastics, lacrosse practice, baseball games, and more; every hour of their schedule is filled. It’s practically become a competition between kids to see who can be the busiest and most “accomplished.” After all, busy = well-rounded = successful, right? Yet as the pace of life speeds up, it seems the important things—like unstructured free play, family

time (including eating together!), and sleep—seem to fall through the cracks. Not to mention the damage overscheduling does on children’s mental health. Mental Health Turns out Activity Culture can actually prove detrimental to kids’ health, despite the fact it’s supposed to make them healthier little humans. An article by Mindset describing a 2024 study correlates an excess of activities and homework with anxiety and depression in kids. “There’s a point where a child could still boost his academic skills by doing another hour of homework or tutoring,” writer Jill Barshay explains, “but it would come at the expense of mental well-being.”While it initially proves beneficial for the child, this overworking ends up “making students more anxious, depressed, or angry.” But Activity Culture affects more than mental health—it also leads to less healthy eating habits. Physical Health I’m not arguing against youth sports—there’s no denying its many benefits, including teamwork, communication, resilience, and maintaining a healthy body. But when you overdo it, you might be surprised at some of the repercussions. For instance, the 2024 National Youth Sports Parent Survey by Aspen Institute reports that over 35 percent of the parents in their sample “believe that their family’s youth sport commitments contribute to less healthy eating habits.” The same study reveals that most families (56.3 percent) eat two to four meals out per

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Washington Post states that “the youth sports industry grew by a reported 55 percent from 2010 to 2017 and is worth an estimated $19 billion.” In 2019, the kids’ sports industry was worth $4.2 billion more than the NFL’s estimated value. And that’s not even factoring in sports tourism. A post from Engage TU states, “Between 2005 and 2022, the multi-billion-dollar travel sport tourism industry grew by 5.6 percent annually.” The Sports Business Journal shares more than $9 billion was devoted to youth and amateur sport-specific venues between 2017 and 2022. But here’s the most staggering number of all: The 2021 State of the Industry Report declares the sport tourism industry has an economic impact of $91.8 billion. When Sports Stop Being Play So how do you stop the intrinsic force pulling your family into the Activity Culture vortex? Limit your kids to one sport or extracurricular per season. Maybe change from travel ball to rec ball for a season. I know you think your kid has some real talent, but according to the NCAA, only 7 percent of high school athletes play in college and less than 1 percent of all youth athletes even go pro.

Will it be disappointing if they don’t choose the sport you want? Sure—but it’ll save you time, money, and stress in the long run. And even if they do enjoy it now, chances are they won’t later. It’s important to let teens explore their interests with the pressure off. After all, “70 percent of kids quit organized sports by age 13,” Dr. Brandon Podgorski exposes in “Why Kids Quit: Rethinking Youth Sports.”“So next time you design a program, run a practice, or cheer from the sidelines, ask yourself: ‘Is this still fun for them?’ Because if it’s not, we’re doing it wrong.” Signs of youth sports burnout: • Chronic fatigue • Irritability • Loss of enjoyment • Increased anxiety before games • Feeling trapped rather than motivated “Today’s sports culture exposes children to too much, too soon,” authors of Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting In A Toxic Sports Environment write. “We want to apply the brakes a bit and give kids time to grow at a more appropriate pace.” Even Peyton and Eli Manning advocate for the importance of play over pressure, stating: “It’s time to put play over pressure” and “So why aren’t kids having

fun? There’s too much pressure on them…. Too much emphasis on winning over fun.”

Excellence Without Exhaustion Yes, college is important. Yet Sarah Bernstein describes “personal branding” in her article “Elite College Admissions Have Turned Students Into Brands,” saying, “students who brand themselves too early or too definitively risk missing out on the kind of exploration that will prepare them for adult life.” Children need opportunities to achieve, but they also need room to rest, fail, wander, and discover who they are apart from what they accomplish. “Do what’s truly going to make your family happy,” dares journalist Anna Nordberg in her article “The Parents Who Are Saying No to Activities Culture–and Why.”“If that is competitive sports, like it is for many families I know, that is wonderful. If you are a family who wants to keep to the middle road of rec sports or sandlot games, fight for that as long as you can. And if your kid wants to sit home making houses for stuffed mice out of cardboard, that’s fantastic too. There’s a college essay in there somewhere.” Remember: The goal is not to raise impressive children. The goal is to raise healthy adults.

Ask them which extracurriculars they love.

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The Overscheduled Childhood Are We Raising Successful Kids or Stressed Out Ones?

18 AUGUST 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Then there’s the comparison to other children and the fear of their own kids Why Parents Say Yes There are several benefits to participating in these activities, from developing time management and prioritization skills to learning teamwork and how to handle both winning and losing. Many parents see these activities as valuable opportunities for their children to build character and grow into more well-rounded individuals. For some families, those busy afternoons and weekends consist of baseball, basketball, dance, cheerleading, theatre, and more, along with the countless hours of practice needed to thrive in those chosen activities. Did we mention game times too? These packed schedules create nonstop busyness and often leave families juggling unpredictable days. Michelle Shelton, a local mom of three, shares that her family doesn’t have a typical week. “It depends on what sport is in season and what activity is going on. Then you shift to the summer schedule, which can be just as crazy as to who’s going when and where. If I was going to describe a typical week, it’s a lot of activity,” she says. BY AMANDA MILLER B rrrring ! That’s the sound of the school bell ringing, signaling the end of the school day. But for many students, it’s only the beginning of a marathon of after- school activities, sports, and enrichment programs—not to mention squeezing in homework, dinner, showers, and a full eight hours of sleep before doing it all over again the next day. This is what modern childhood looks like: jam-packed, fast-moving, and exhausting. It’s teaching them discipline, teamwork, and life skills. But it also leads us to one important question: Are we actually raising successful children, or simply stressing them out? Childhood on a Schedule Today’s children have access to a myriad of extracurricular activities. From sports and the arts to educational opportunities and school clubs, their schedules are often a beast to manage.

falling behind, adding even more pressure to participate. Kodi Brown, M.Ed., Ed.S., a behavior specialist and parent educator, says today’s families are facing a different kind of pressure than previous generations. “There is now enormous cultural pressure to ensure children are constantly engaged in sports, tutoring, extracurriculars, and enrichment programs,” she explains. “Parents often fear that if their child slows down, they may fall behind socially, academically, or developmentally.” Shelton shares that most parents do feel that pressure. “There’s the feeling that, ‘If I don’t put them in the club sport and they don’t get that training, will they make the middle school or the high school team? Are they going to be as prepared as their friends?’ That’s a giant guess we’re making sometimes. You don’t want your kid to show up and not be ready, but looking back now, there are God-given talents some kids are going to have regardless of elite training, and so they’re going to have that edge on your kid no matter what you do with your kid.” At the heart of it, most parents say yes to activities because they don’t want their children to miss out on opportunities, and they’re making those decisions with good intentions.

children are involved in a variety of sports and activities. She encourages families to be intentional about the activities they choose, trying new things while also “protecting the schedule.”When the busyness becomes too much for children, the signs are clear. She’s seen it in her own home through tears and tempers. According to Brown, “Children respond to overload in very different ways. Some children become emotionally explosive, while others completely shut down.” Brown shares some common signs to look for: • Meltdowns over seemingly small situations • Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity • Frequent frustration or anger • Withdrawal or emotional shutdown • Difficulty transitioning between activities • Sleep problems or exhaustion • Increased anxiety or perfectionism • Complaints of headaches or stomachaches • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed • Resistance to attending practices, lessons, or events The Role of Boredom & Unstructured Time Downtime is not wasted time. Just as there are benefits to participating in activities, there are also benefits to simply being.

When Busy Becomes Too Much Local mom of four Scarlett Pourciau’s

According to Brown, “Unstructured time is incredibly important for child development. Free play, rest, imagination, and even boredom help children build emotional regulation, creativity, problem-solving skills, independence, frustration tolerance, and social confidence.” Pourciau even recalls a recent vacation when she and her husband loved keeping a full itinerary, while their children expressed a desire to slow down, relax, and simply sit on the beach. It was a shift for the family, but a welcome one. Successful or Stressed? So what are parents really doing? They’re giving their children opportunities, preparing them for success in a world that feels busier than ever. But even with the best intentions, packed schedules can sometimes become overwhelming for children. Brown encourages parents to look beyond accomplishments and pay attention to how activities are affecting their child as a whole. “A healthy schedule supports the whole child, not just achievement. The key question is not simply, ‘Is my child successful?’ but rather, ‘How is this schedule affecting my child emotionally, physically, socially, and behaviorally?’” Pull out the calendar, talk with the kiddos, and find out what drives their hearts and what they’re truly passionate about. Brown continues, “Children can absolutely benefit from sports, structure, activities, and enrichment. The goal is balance. Healthy schedules still leave room for rest, emotional recovery, family connection, and flexibility.” Finding Balance There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for raising successful, well-rounded children. Every family and every season looks different. That’s why Pourciau encourages parents to give themselves grace. Some weeks may feel beautifully balanced, while others feel like pure survival mode, and that’s okay. Childhood is not a checklist to complete perfectly. It’s about creating space for children to grow, explore their interests, rest, connect with family, and simply be kids. At the end of the day, success may not be found in a perfectly packed schedule, but in raising children who feel supported, healthy, and loved along the way.

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Archbishop Chapelle High School A r chb is h op Cha p e ll e H i gh Sch ool

Open House

To learn more about us, visit: www.ArchbishopChapelle.org Archbishop Chapelle High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or disability in violation of state law and federal law or regulation in administration of its education policies or programs. Nov. 5 Vote for us! We’ve been nominated for the following: FAVORITE PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL | FAVORITE PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL | FAVORITE SUMMER CAMP | FAVORITE COMMUNITY EVENT (CRAFT FAIR) | FAVORITE CHEER PROGRAM

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22 AUGUST 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Kids need to fail and get up. Aggarwal explains that kids nowadays are kept in bubble wrap, but they don’t need their “If you have missed an assignment, I am not going to leave my job and go home and pick up the assignment that’s sitting on the table,” she says. “You will have to deal with it. You will have to talk to your teachers, because that is one-time learning that will teach you responsibility in the long term.” Gates recommends the CDC guideline for screen time for kids. “Many students don’t look you in the eye, and their listening capabilities are not as they used to be. Students have difficulty focusing and it’s not just because of ADHD. It’s because many kids are on devices when not at school and are used to the constant dopamine hits,” she says. Sumeera Aggarwal, a kindergarten teacher, says she has started seeing kids who lack resilience. If a child forgets their lunch or assignment at home, parents immediately rush to grab it and bring it to the school. Aggarwal adds that as a parent, she understands, but knows it is something parents should work on. What Teachers Wish Parents Knew in B ehind every report card, parent- teacher conference, and late-night email is a teacher juggling far more than lesson plans. We asked educators what they wish parents knew about today’s classrooms, and their answers reveal the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities shaping education in 2026. What Parents Should Know Lori Gates taught third grade at a public school for almost 25 years before she retired at the end of May this year. She said it’s the kids’ attention span that is really hard to deal with right now. 2026 BY AMELIA ROESSLER

problems solved for them, they need to become critical thinkers and good decision-makers. Teachers also are finding themselves spending a lot of their own money on the supplies and on the things to make the lessons engaging for kids. Gates says people think teaching is fun, especially with summers off, but in reality, many teachers are working second jobs, especially in the summer. Biggest Misconceptions Parents Have “If it’s a behavior issue, and you get a phone call, and you’re thinking your child never acts that way at home, the school or teacher is probably right,” says Gates. She explains that teachers don’t have time to make a phone call home or send an email home just to “pick on a child.” So when they do initiate a communication from school, parents should listen. Parents can try to defend their child, but Gates says they should try to take the teacher’s or the principal’s word for it, have a conversation with their child about what happened, and help reinforce discipline at home. Aggarwal says parents need to presume positive intent. “You are worried about your own kid, they’re worried about 27 of them in their classroom.” Both Gates and Aggarwal encourage parents to become more involved in their child’s classroom, whether that is through volunteering in the classroom or just stopping by. Aggarwal says she has an open

door policy where she says parents can come in and talk about what they do or just see the classroom routine. Communication “I always say, nobody can do this job alone, teachers or parents,” says Aggarwal. “It has to be a combined effort because this is the actual learning, actual teaching life— resilience and perseverance—and we need to stop advocating for our children just because they have made the mistake and now they want you to clean the mess.” Gates says it’s always a triangle—the teacher, the student, and the family at home. Each part of the triangle needs to be on the same page or it isn’t going to work. “I know parents are bombarded with emails and texts from the schools and districts,” says Gates, “but the unwritten rule is that email communication should be responded to within 24 hours. A communication should be either ‘I got it,’‘I’m going to look into it,’ or ‘Thank you for that.’” Both Gates and Aggarwal say they send out weekly emails for parents to give them important information about the classroom. Aggarwal adds that she daily sends parents prompts and pictures through an app to not only communicate with parents and give them updates, but to give parents the opportunities to start conversations with their kids. As for parents reaching out, Gates recommends keeping it brief. She says she uses bullet points in her weekly emails and recommends parents also heed to using

brief communication because of all the texts, emails, and communications people get every day.

finish up things from that day or get ready for the next.

kids have the ability to synthesize so much information.

“I’m the funny teacher. What I used to say to the kids was like, ‘Look at this gorgeous worksheet I made for you, and I really was thoughtful.’ But I go, ‘I did this when I wasn’t…’ and the kids would always say, ‘When you weren’t getting paid,’ because they needed to know that I’m doing all this extra stuff for them.” Strength in Kids Despite the trials of teaching, and kids struggling to have resilience or strong attention spans, Gates says there is a positive note to social media. With their access to YouTube and educational programs, she explains that kids have an impressive background knowledge of topics that surprise even her. “I always tell the parents, like I do deal with these five- to seven-year-old bodies, but I treat them as adults,” says Aggarwal. “They have such an amazing audacity to imagine, and they’re so empathetic.” She adds that adults tend to ignore what kids are dreaming about or just brush off their conversations as childish. But if people pay a little attention to what they’re saying,

The Future of Education With everything teachers have to face and deal with in 2026, Gates says she worries about the longevity of teachers. Not only are teachers having to deal with long working hours or small paychecks, but they also are concerned about the state of education. If a person becomes a teacher not because it’s a calling but because they didn’t really know what to do for a career, they’ll figure out they’re not making enough money, and the work is more demanding than advertised. “I’m just scared that people are going to work for three years and then dip out, which means you’re not going to get any teachers like me that can pull stuff out of their back pocket all day long, that know how to deal with behaviors, like I know how to do it,” explains Gates. “I have magic tricks all the time, but these three year teachers are not going to be able to come up with the magic tricks. So I’m worried—they’ve got to either pay teachers more, or make the workload less. Or you’re not going to have good teachers.”

The Realities Teachers Face in Schools Today

“I’ve always said, the thing you think I do all day, I do for about 10 percent of my day,” Gates laughs. People tend to think of teachers standing at the front of the classroom, teaching kids information all day. Or maybe you picture teachers at their desk grading papers in between classes. In reality, teachers are forced to work long hours outside of their scheduled 8-4 just to get everything done. “Parents have no idea what the reality of a school day looks like,” says Aggarwal. “That is why I use a talking points app where every other day I put some pictures with a prompting question.” Not only that, but there’s no time to do other work, like creating lessons or grading papers or projects, until the kids are gone. Gates explains that because she teaches so many different lessons, there are so many papers to grade and lessons to be planned. Once she goes home, she has to go right back to work, either to

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Extracurricular Activity Listing

F rom sports and dance to music, martial arts, STEM, yoga, and more, our 2026 guide to after-school awesomeness is your go-to resource for enriching activities across the New Orleans area. Whether your child is eager to learn a new skill, explore a passion, or simply have fun after the school day ends, you’ll find programs for every age, interest, and ability. Use this guide to discover opportunities that help kids stay active, creative, confident, and connected all year long. BASEBALL & SOFTBALL Carrollton Boosters execcb@gmail.com, New Orleans carrolltonboosters.org MLB Youth Academy New Orleans New Orleans neworleansya.leagueapps.com BASKETBALL Carrollton Boosters execcb@gmail.com, New Orleans carrolltonboosters.org CREATIVE ARTS City Park Movement and Art cityparkmovementandart@gmail.com, New Orleans cityparkmovementandart.com

New Orleans Dance Academy (504) 899-3780, New Orleans neworleansdancelessons.com New Orleans School of Ballet (504) 866-0652, New Orleans neworleansschoolofballet.com

NFL Flag Football New Orleans neworleanssaints.com/community /nfl-youth-programs NORD Football (504) 658-3052, New Orleans nordc.org/sports/football GOLF First Tee - Greater New Orleans (504) 304-3309, New Orleans firstteenola.org Lakewood Golf Club (504) 373-5926, ext. 4 , New Orleans lakewoodgolf.com/junior-golf/

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts

(504) 461-9475, Kenner rivertowntheaters.com

Studio School of Dance, The (504) 941-7345, Metairie thestudionola.com Upturn Arts (504) 390-8399, New Orleans upturnarts.org EDUCATIONAL & TUTORING SERVICES

GYMNASTICS & CHEERLEADING All Star Gymnastics (504) 328-3838, Harvey allstargymnola.com Elmwood Gymnastics Academy (504) 733-4496, Harahan ochsner.org/locations/elmwood-gymnastics- academy

Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans (504) 568-0770, New Orleans af-neworleans.org/learn-french/for-children

Kumon Math & Reading Centers Multiple locations kumon.com Learning Smiles Tutoring (985) 373-2733, New Orleans learningsmiles.org Mathnasium of New Orleans Multiple locations mathnasium.com NOLA Master Tutoring Service (504) 236-2170, New Orleans nolatutoring.com R.E.A.D. (Reading Enrichment and Development) New Orleans (504) 495-0233, New Orleans readnola.com

Empire Gymnastics Academy (504) 734-0644, Jefferson empiregymnastics.net Westbank Gymnastics (504) 368-3547, Gretna westbankgymnastics.com HORSEBACK RIDING Cascade Stables - Audubon Park (504) 891-2246, New Orleans cascadestables.net Equest Farm (504) 483-9398, New Orleans equestfarm.com

Crescent City Stage (504) 354-8636, New Orleans crescentcitystage.com Delta Festival Ballet (504) 888-0931, Metairie deltafestivalballet.com

Encore Studio of Dance, Tumbling, Music & Theatre

(504) 294-3588, Harahan dancetumblemusic.com

Splendor Farms (985) 630-8960, Bush splendorfarms.com

Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) (504) 885-2000, Metairie jpas.org

LACROSSE Carrollton Boosters execcb@gmail.com, New Orleans carrolltonboosters.org Louisiana Lacrosse Academy info@louisianalacrosseacademy.com, Jefferson

Sylvan Learning of Metairie & New Orleans (504) 708-5058, Metairie sylvanlearning.com

Lafon Performing Arts Center (985) 331-3670, Luling lafonartscenter.org

FOOTBALL Carrollton Boosters execcb@gmail.com, New Orleans carrolltonboosters.org

26 AUGUST 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Multiple locations laapa.com

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