October 2024
nola family Parent Fearlessly OCTOBER 2024
Combatting Online Bullies
Mythbusters: Tampered Halloween Candy
Eerie-sistable Halloween Fun
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 3
@nolafamily.com
AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI AUSTRIA COHN VICTORIA MIKOTA MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING Senior Graphic Designer TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN Account Executives COMMUNITY Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of ELISABETH BARRETT KAYLEIGH MONTANA Client Success Specialists EMMY LOGAN Accounting Coordinator CONTACT US: editorial@ familyresourcegroupinc.com CORPORATE OFFICE: 11831 Wentling Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (504) 866-0555 A PUBLICATION OF
DIY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FOR KIDS Are your kiddos fighting for candy and independence this Halloween? Here are five costume ideas so easy you just get to sit back and observe (and maybe have a good laugh). HOW TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE TRICK-OR- TREATING ROUTE Discover the best neighborhoods, tips, and tricks for an unforgettable trick-or-treating adventure in the Greater New Orleans area this Halloween!
INVESTING IN YOURSELF, INVESTING IN YOUR FAMILY Investing in yourself isn’t just about self-care; it’s the key to being the best version of yourself for your family. MALCOLM MITCHELL AND COX COMMUNICATIONS UNVEIL A WORLD WITHIN REACH Join Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell and Cox Communications as they launch a magical new book, A World Within Reach, and celebrate the transformative power of digital connectivity in education.
CONNECT WITH US
Sign up for our E-NEWSLETTER at nolafamily.com.
@nolafamilymag @nolafamilymag @nolafamilymag @nolafamilymag
OCTOBER 2024 • ISSUE 161
4 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 5
nola family CONTENTS OCTOBER 2024
28
FEATURES
28
16 20
24 Not-So-Scary Dentist Visits
Exceptional Needs Resource Guide 32
Tampered Treats: Should Parents Really Worry on Halloween?
Combatting Cyberbullying: How Are Children Being Protected?
Pumpkins, Mazes, and Haunted Places: Fall Events in New Orleans
IN EACH ISSUE
Spotlight Snapshots 8 1012 143540 42
From the Publisher
From the Bookshelf
Dad 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 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.
6 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 7
from the publisher
Go With the Flow
I t’s fall, which means I travel a lot for work conferences. My boys hate it because they are used to their routine. It’s much easier to travel in the summer and not feel guilty because there isn’t a set schedule. Now with homework, after-school activities, the lunch fiasco, uniforms, and the never-ending quizzes or tests, I hate leaving them. I have to remind them though (and myself), it just makes them stronger and more independent, and it’s okay for mom and dad to be gone. I learned a lot on this most recent trip to Michigan. I am not a patient person, I am not flexible, and I am not happy when I am
thought this was comical and tried to push every button possible to push me over the edge, and man, he did a great job of it. After we got settled, I couldn’t sleep, thinking of how childish this behavior was. It wasn’t the pilot’s fault the plane engine broke. It wasn’t the stewardess’s fault either, but my inability to go with the flow just blew out the window. I try to teach my kids to go with the flow, and that things happen that you have no control over, but look at me, not setting a good example for my children. Am I so tightly wound up that I act like this when I am at home, and it hits me like a ton of bricks? I always act like this; no wonder my kids have my anxiety, I gave it to them! New goal: work on my anxiety and learn to go with the flow. I mean, I can preach it all I want, but I need to show it also. This is going to be a hard goal, but I’ve got to change the way my brain works, so that my children can learn to adapt and go with the flow as we always preach. I now understand why they have a hard time doing it!
late for something. The last one is my mom’s fault; we were never late for anything, always arriving early because you never know what can happen along the way. I never realized how bad my patience and flexibility were until now. First, we decided to leave a day early, which set things off. Our first plane was late. The pilot had to have been a new pilot because I wanted to puke when we finally–and barely–landed on all the wheels. We rolled into Charlotte and got held up on the runway. Then we literally went to the other side of the airport to park the plane. My husband and I ran from Gate E26 to B6. Luckily, they delayed the flight but only after our mad-dash sprint to allow other passengers, who arrived late, a chance to get on. Anyhow, this plane backed up and the engine quit working. We then waited to be pulled back to the terminal to change gates, waited for the new plane to be pulled to the new gate, and waited for precheck and maintenance again before finally taking off and landing in Michigan, leaving us to arrive at our hotel at 3:45 a.m. Needless to say, my husband
Publisher
Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you'd like to see in future issues.
8 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 9
S ummer is over and fall is finally here, which means it’s time to take full advantage of these fleeting days of cooler weather. The New Orleans Public Library has tons of great ways to make the most of the season, including these fun fall reads:
from the bookshelf
YOUNG READERS With sliding-tab surprises, Jump in the Leaf Pile by Kelly Green & Kasia Nowowiejska is a lively board book that invites young readers to celebrate fall’s vibrant colors by raking, running, dancing, playing, and jumping in the leaves. In Fall Parade by Camelia Kay & Allyn Howard, little ones are invited to follow Daddy and Baby Fox as they welcome a festive parade of autumn fun, with falling leaves, shiny red apples, acorns, and all their beloved friends. siblings in Halloween Night! by Candice Ransom as they quickly put on their costumes and participate in a fun-filled night of silly scares, a parade and lots and lots of candy. Get excited for trick-or- treating alongside two
MIDDLE GRADE When tickets for the Fall Festival go missing, the pie- eating contest is sabotaged and a suspiciously large pumpkin shows up, Math Mysteries: The Fall Festival Fiasco’s Prime Detectives— Abby, Cam, and Gabriel—use geometry and logic to do the math and discover the truth in this charming mystery by Aaron Starmer & Marta Kissi. Give Me Something Good to Eat by D. W. Gillespie takes place in Pearl, a town obsessed with Halloween: the spooky decorations, the costumes, the candy. But, no one seems to notice that every October 31st, a kid goes missing—except for Mason Miller. When Mason’s sister, Meg, vanishes while they’re trick- or-treating, Mason and his
Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Deborah Moyes & Melissa Duffy takes a spellbinding narrative straight from history. The book transports readers back to 1692 when fear reigned in Salem, Massachusetts, as widespread panic, mistrust, and false accusations led to one of the longest witchcraft trials in America, which cost more than 20 innocent lives. Malicia by Steven Dos Santos follows Ray and his best friends Joaquin, Sofia, and Isabella on a stormy Halloween weekend of documentary-making at Malicia, the abandoned theme park off the coast of the Dominican Republic where his mother and brother died in a mass killing 13 years ago. But what should be an easy weekend trip quickly turns into something darker.
friends are pulled into an underworld where monsters roam the streets. In A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig, every day is Halloween in Samhain, Wisconsin, where new kid Caleb is having a hard time adjusting. Outcast at school because he doesn’t like Halloween, but as things get even weirder, he’s the only one who realizes danger is brewing and must save a town that doesn’t want saving. TEEN Following the murder of their leader and friend, a tight- knit coven of queer teens takes on a wish-granting demon lurking in their town in Freddie Kölsch’s YA paranormal mystery Now, Conjurers. An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A
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.
10 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 11
spotlight
LIBERTY’S KITCHEN BY MADISON VOORHIES
12 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM career paths. Resources like housing assistance and benefits are offered, addressing the needs of many young people in the program. The hands- on kitchen training is complemented by discussions on time management and the supportive environment. A Program for All Paths Liberty’s Kitchen offers a 12-week Youth Development Program that goes beyond teaching culinary skills. While the kitchen is central, the program is designed to be flexible, catering to diverse interests. This adaptability is crucial, as not every young person who joins has a passion for cooking. Many are looking for ways to keep busy, earn money, or learn something new. The program is comprehensive, providing participants with life skills, case management, and exposure to various L iberty’s Kitchen, a dynamic young adults since 2008. What began as a modest initiative around a kitchen table has evolved into a cornerstone of community support, offering much more than just culinary skills. It provides a pathway to success for youth facing significant barriers, guiding them toward brighter futures. Syrena Johnson, a key figure in Liberty’s Kitchen and an alumna of the program, offers a unique perspective on the organization’s evolution and impact. Johnson, now the Director of Food Services, first came to Liberty’s Kitchen about 15 years ago. Like many others, she was looking for something to do and was drawn by the possibility of learning to cook. She rapidly excelled through the program, driven by her love for cooking organization in New Orleans, has transformed the lives of over 1,000
Cuisine for the Community As Liberty’s Kitchen continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its mission of empowering young adults in New Orleans. The organization has expanded to include a Mid-City café, a catering business, and community event spaces, all contributing to its sustainability and reach. The café, open to the public, serves as a direct link between the community and the program, with all proceeds supporting youth development efforts. “[Patrons] can come in Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the cafe sales are allocated to the program,” says Johnson. Looking ahead, Liberty’s Kitchen is exploring new opportunities to further enhance its impact. Plans are underway to develop a commissary kitchen, providing space for local chefs and entrepreneurs to prepare meals and host events. For those looking to support Liberty’s Kitchen, there are many ways to get involved. Whether by visiting the café, donating, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps sustain this vital community resource. As Johnson emphasizes, “If you know of New Orleans youth who need an opportunity and can benefit from this, definitely tell them to stop by.” In a city known for its rich culinary heritage, Liberty’s Kitchen is more than just a training ground for future chefs. Through its innovative programs and unwavering support, Liberty’s Kitchen is making a lasting difference in the lives of New Orleans youth, one meal at a time. Visit libertyskitchen.org to learn more.
and job readiness. “We talk about the day, what we learned, how we could reevaluate things we ran into in the kitchen,” says Johnson. This holistic approach ensures participants leave with both technical skills and the confidence needed for success in any field. Care Beyond the Kitchen A significant aspect of Liberty’s Kitchen is its commitment to its alumni. The organization remains a resource and support system long after the 12-week program ends. “We stay with them for two years,” says Johnson. “But it goes beyond [that].” Alumni often return to access resources, reconnect with the community, or participate in events like guest chef nights. Johnson’s journey with Liberty’s Kitchen is a testament to its lasting impact. After completing the program, she pursued further education at the International Culinary Center in New York, a prestigious opportunity made possible by a scholarship facilitated by Liberty’s Kitchen. She worked in various restaurants before returning to the organization, where she now shapes the experiences of current trainees. “Coming back was like coming home. It was like I never left,” she reflects. Liberty’s Kitchen is more than just a job training program; it’s a community. “It’s always felt like a family, even when I was [in the program],” says Johnson. This familial atmosphere sets the organization apart, creating deep, lasting connections. “Sometimes, you go through these [types of] programs, and they’re [trying to push] out so many numbers, and a person [is] just a person. But with us, what makes us unique is a more personal approach,” she explains.
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 13
dad about town
JUSTIN KENNEDY BY MADISON VOORHIES
Wife: Becca Child: Josephine (18 months) Occupation: General Manager at Parkway Bakery & Tavern Hobbies: Working on Boats, Boating, Visiting classic restaurants in new towns
“
From someone who never thought they’d become a dad, I think everyone needs to experience it.
”
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? JUSTIN: When I’m here on the job, I live upstairs, and I get down to work around 7:30. I’ll look online and see what orders and parties we have coming in. I walk the restaurant in the morning while it’s quiet and nobody’s here, and the place is clean. I get the restaurant set up for everyone, just making sure the AC is running and the lights are on. My mother also lives upstairs, and she’ll meet me down here. I’m a member of a little gym on the street, and I’ll go there for about 30-45 minutes, get a little exercise, get my mind straight, and get out for a little bit. When I show up at nine o’clock, everybody else is showing up. When [there are] people everywhere, moving, prepping, I know if I didn’t come here earlier and get all that premeditation done, I’d be walking into a hornet’s nest. We open at 10, but we usually get a bunch of big orders from 10 to 12, and then W hen Justin Kennedy isn’t eating, sleeping, and breathing all things po’ boy related, he’s a loving husband, a devoted father, and a man who pours his heart into everything he does. He and his wife have a unique, true Louisianian love story: they met during a po’ boy competition in 2017 where both of their family businesses competed for the title of Best Po’ Boy in Louisiana. Both bustling shop managers now divide their time between New Orleans and Lafayette, but Justin never misses a chance to call his wife and daughter throughout the day, even if it’s just for a quick chat. His passion for people and his community shines through in every interaction, and his love for his daughter, Josephine, is a testament to the kind, compassionate person he is. Whether he’s greeting customers with a warm smile or guiding his daughter with a nurturing hand, Justin embodies the essence of dedication and love in both his personal and professional life.
12 to 2 is our lunch-dinner rush. I’m pretty much in the kitchen walking around whenever we’re busy. I’m never stagnant. I’m never sitting in the office. If I am, it’s just for a second, just to orchestrate. I make sure the staff is comfortable. I make sure no one’s overworked while still being productive. I make sure I talk to every single employee every day, even if it’s just a simple, “Hello, how you doing?” I’ll come in [the office] in the afternoon, check my list, and think, “What do we need to do to get forward?” After that, we close up. [Throughout the day], I’m talking to my wife and my daughter. We’re always on the phone,
or we do a lot [of] FaceTime. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
JUSTIN: That’s an easy one: meeting people. I love people. I love to be around folks. I like to be around the hustle and
14 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
bustle. This place–Parkway–is different. You have plenty of nice [restaurants] in this town, but every walk of life comes to this place. When they come here for a good sandwich, you’ll have people in line waiting to order, and then they just start chatting, and they make friends that they would never meet otherwise. I’ve met presidents here. I’ve seen kids I could hold in my hand, and now they’re in college or doctors or lawyers, and I love the aspect. It’s more than a restaurant; It’s a place that’s rooted in New Orleans. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A DAD? JUSTIN: What I love most about being a dad: it’s almost something you can’t even describe [or] put into words. We waited to find out if it was going to be a boy or a girl. Of course, I wanted [a] boy, [but it was] out of my hands. When the doctor showed me it was a girl, all that [stuff] went out the window. I don’t care if I ever have a boy–give me five more girls! There’s just a sweetness to [Josephine]. [A child is] something you know love has created, and it’s something that you can give unconditional love. Loving a child is like a love you can never experience unless you have it. Her little smiles or watching her grow–I’m not a seasoned dad–but I’m loving this. It gives me a jump start to be a better person. [Being] a dad, you look at life totally different. Your dreams are their dreams; it’s not about you anymore, it’s about them. It’s not about what you want, it’s what they want, and it makes you humble yourself. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE? JUSTIN: My wife is soft and sweet and understanding, and I’m a little louder. When [Josephine] sees me, she gets a little rambunctious–probably a typical dad thing. We let her explore–no rules– she’s going to figure it out. Of course, we say “no” to certain things, but we try to let her see why it’s the right or wrong thing to do. If she’s doing something great, we praise [her]. We try not to do screen time; we read books. I think we should let them figure out things on their own to an extent. Right now, we’re just letting her figure things out and helping her along the way. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO TOGETHER AS A FAMILY? JUSTIN: When we’re in New Orleans, we love the aquarium, City Park, Café Du
Monde, and the Children’s Museum. In Lafayette, we’ll go to Moncus Park, and go to the splash pad or pool. Our favorite thing to do in Lafayette is going over to [Becca’s] parent’s house to barbecue or put up a fun jump. We love family time. She has family here in New Orleans and family in Lafayette. I love having fellowship with [Josephine], cooking, or doing something with family, whether it’s playing games or relaxing at the house. At this point in time, that’s the [most fun] thing. WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS OF YOURS DO YOU SEE IN YOUR DAUGHTER? JUSTIN: I want her to be kind and treat everybody with respect and to have respect for herself. I want her to not be so serious while knowing what’s right and wrong. I want her to have fun. She’s definitely witty. Her personality is persuasive, but she is hard-headed. When she wants something, she won’t let it go. She loves the [outdoors]. I think she’s going to be an outdoorsy girl. She loves to explore things, and I think that’s a trait she gets from me. Her personality is coming in, and it’s huge. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS? JUSTIN: Spend the most time with them in these early stages–I think it’s the most important. Because I see my daughter on a weekly basis, I don’t interact with her every single day. I see her three days a week, or every day on the phone, [but] when I see her [in person], the change is magnificent. You can’t love them enough. Quick Q’s Favorite po’ boy … cold ham and Swiss po’ boy with brown mustard. Favorite sweet treat … sea-salted dark chocolate. Something you never leave the house without … my sense of humor. Something that makes you laugh … joking with my employees. Something you’re looking forward to … spending more time with my daughter and wife, figuring out what home will be. That’s going to be happening real soon.
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 15
Tampered Treats: Should Parents Really Worry on Halloween? BY AUSTRIA COHN PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
16 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM dates back to the 1960s, growing stronger in the 1970s thanks to media reports, urban legends, and a few isolated incidents that received widespread attention. To further understand this topic, let’s look at some case files that led to this fear. Case File 1 Date: October 31, 1964 Location: Long Island, New York E very Halloween, kids put on their best costumes–whether spooky witches or cute pumpkins–and go door-to-door in search of sweet treats. It’s a night of fun and excitement that both children and parents eagerly await. Yet, amid the laughter and sugar rush, a familiar warning always lingers: “Check your Halloween candy!” It’s a message echoed by city officials, neighbors, and friends alike. But is there any truth behind this caution? The fear of tampered Halloween candy
Suspect: Helen Pfeil Source: New York Post Description of Incident:
“too old” for trick-or-treating. No one was hurt. Case File 2 Date: October 31, 1974 Location: Pasadena, Texas Suspect: Ronald O’Bryan Source: HubPages Description of Incident: Ten years after Helen’s Pfeil’s dangerous Halloween antics, Ronald O’Bryan committed one of the most notorious crimes in Halloween history. O’Byran, his two children–Tim and Elizabeth–and some friends ventured out for trick-or- treating despite the rain. After a few blocks, they arrived at a darkened house with no lights on. The kids knocked anyway but got no answer and started heading home because the rain had picked up. O’Bryan lagged behind for a moment, then suddenly caught up with the group holding five giant Pixy Stix, claiming that “rich neighbors” were handing out premium treats.
On Halloween night of 1964, three teen girls dressed as “hobos” knocked on the door of Helen Pfeil, a mother living in Long Island. Instead of the usual candy, Pfeil teased the girls, questioning, “Aren’t you a little old to be trick-or-treating?” She then handed out a strange “treat” hidden among the candy. The girls continued their rounds without suspicion but later discovered something alarming when their mother emptied their candy bags. They found arsenic pellets, and wrapped inside a napkin was a bottle- cap-shaped ant trap with a clear warning—“poison.” The police launched an immediate search for the suspect and any more deadly disguised candy. When confronted, Pfeil admitted to distributing the poison only to the three teens because, in her opinion, they were
Once home, O’Bryan allowed his kids to pick a treat before bed but encouraged them to have the Pixy Stix. His daughter declined and chose a different candy, but his son Tim accepted. What Tim didn’t know was that his father had tampered with the candy. O’Bryan had added two inches of potassium cyanide to the sugary powder. After consuming the Pixy Stix, Tim immediately complained of a bitter taste. His father gave him Kool-Aid to wash it down, but the damage was done. Tim soon began vomiting and convulsing before tragically succumbing to the cyanide poisoning. O’Bryan planned to poison both of his children for insurance money. Case File 3 Date: Shortly after Halloween, 2013 Location: Salinas, California Victim: Anonymous Source: KSBW Description of Incident: Just days after Halloween in 2013, a 32-year-old woman in Salinas, California, innocently reached into her daughter’s Halloween candy stash and picked out a Snickers. Almost immediately after eating it, she began to feel strange–a combination of panic and euphoria overwhelmed her. Upon closer
inspection, the Snickers wrapper had a tiny puncture in it. The woman was taken to the hospital, where doctors found that her symptoms were similar to those of someone who had ingested LSD, a potent hallucinogen. After investigation, police believed the incident was an isolated one, though it left the community on edge. What Does This Mean? While the fear of tampered Halloween candy is a long-standing concern, parents generally don’t need to be overly worried. Verified cases of children being harmed by Halloween candy are extremely rare, and most reports of tainted candy turn out to be hoaxes, accidents, or misunderstandings. However, it’s not a bad idea to check your child’s candy after their night of knocking on strangers’ doors. When inspecting Halloween candy, here are some things to look out for: 1. Packaging Issues Torn or Unsealed Wrappers: Candy wrappers that are ripped, torn, or not fully sealed could indicate tampering. Only allow children to eat candy that is
securely wrapped. Unusual Wrapping: Homemade candy or items wrapped in plastic or foil may pose a risk if they don’t come from someone you know and trust. 2. Foreign Objects Punctures or Holes: Look for small holes or punctures in the candy packaging, which could indicate an attempt to inject something harmful. Lumps or Bumps: Feel the candy to ensure no unusual lumps or objects are embedded inside. 3. Discoloration or Strange Smells: Odd Colors: Candy with an unusual color or appearance could be contaminated. Weird Odors: If the candy smells off— chemically or strange—discard it. When Halloween rolls around, there’s no need to let fear overshadow the fun– cases of candy tampering are extremely rare. Still, it’s wise to take a few moments to inspect your child’s haul before they dig in. Trust your instincts, and if something seems off, reach out to local authorities. A little caution can help keep the spooky night safe and enjoyable for everyone.
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 17
18 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 19
Combating Cyberbullying How Are Children Being Protected? BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
20 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM aware of what they are doing online. It’s definitely a lot easier said than done, but taking an interest in what apps they are using, TikTok trends they’re participating in, and who they are communicating with is a crucial step in the right direction. So, what do we do? What measures are being taken in order to protect our children and teens when they log in or simply pick up their phones? At Home One of the most important things parents can do when it comes to protecting their children from cyberbullying is to be T echnology has transformed our world by providing us with a gateway to stay connected at all hours of the day. Despite our best efforts at monitoring screen time, our pre-teens and teens are often chronically online, connecting themselves to family, friends, and unfortunately, bullies. With the changing of the times, the bullying that existed in school halls (and still does) has also entered the digital era, causing even more harm to the victims and following them home long after the bell rings.
StopBullying.gov, managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also encourages taking the fol- lowing steps to help protect them from harmful online behavior: • Review or reset your child’s phone location and privacy settings. • Follow or friend your teen on social media sites, or have another trusted adult do so. • Stay up-to-date on the latest apps, social media platforms, and digital slang used by children and teens. • Know your child’s usernames and passwords for email and social media. • Establish rules about appropriate digi- tal behavior, content, and apps. If it’s determined that cyberbullying is occurring, immediately block the person doing the bullying. Reports of the bully- ing can be made to online service pro- viders, mobile phone providers (call and report the number), or law enforcement. When submitting the report, include dates, times, and screenshots. According to StopBullying.gov, when cyberbullying involves threats of vio- lence, child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos,
photos or video taken of someone in a private place, or stalking and hate crimes, it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement. Louisiana State Police provides a form on their website (lsp.org) to submit reports. However, to file a police report, a person must visit the state police in person or call the office directly. In School Louisiana anti-bullying laws cover all off-campus conduct, including cyber- bullying. As a part of the law, “[e]ach elementary and secondary school shall institute a program to prohibit and pre- vent bullying.” Programs created must inform and educate every student, parent or legal guardian, school administrator, and vol- unteer of their duties and responsibilities in helping to prevent and stop bullying. Furthermore, the programs must also provide a process for reporting and investigating alleged incidents of bullying. To submit a cyberbullying report, contact the child’s school to learn the proper steps. The process can vary by school.
Discord: Discord’s Community Guide- lines are similar to other social media platforms. Some of the guidelines state that users are not allowed to send unwel- come or unwanted content to an indi- vidual, call for the suicide or self-harm of others, or post content with the intent to cause disgust, anger, or fear. Those who disobey the guidelines, Discord will take action against the accounts. Users who see the policies being disobeyed are encouraged to report the guilty users and content. The majority of the apps that teens are using have strict community guidelines in place. However, a good rule of thumb is that if teens are using any apps without safety measures or anti-bullying policies in place, that is probably not an app they should be using. Unfortunately, even with the best-laid plans and safety measures in place, bul- lies can slip through the cracks and still cause others harm. Preventing cyberbul- lying and protecting our children is still a work in progress, but work we should consistently do until cyberbullying is no longer trending.
However, the Louisiana Department of Education (louisianabelieves.com) provides a “Bullying Report Form,” which can be downloaded and printed out to be turned into the principal or appropri- ate school leader. The form encourages the submitter to describe the incident and list any witnesses. A similar form is available on NOLA Public Schools web- site (nolapublicschools.com) and can be submitted online. On Social Media While there are many benefits to using and creating with social media, those same platforms can be used for cyber- bullying. Knowing this, popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have implemented processes to protect the younger generation. Here are some of the precautions the most popular apps and forums are taking to prevent bullying. TikTok: TikTok provides private ac- counts; customizations for For You Pages, messages, and who can Duet or Stitch videos; comment control; filtering com - ments and keywords; and reporting. Instagram: Instagram provides tag and mention controls, a space to report users
or content, the ability to block users, and the ability to limit or restrict users from interacting with the victim. Instagram also includes a comment warning feature, which flags potentially offensive com - ments before they are posted, reminding the commenter of Instagram’s Commu- nity Guidelines and warning them that if they proceed, their comment may be removed or hidden. Facebook (Meta): Facebook and Instagram are Meta Platforms, so they share similar features when keeping teens safe on social media, including blocking and reporting bullying. Meta employs teams that review reports of bullying and harassment 24/7, in more than 50 different languages. However, they also utilize technology in order to find and remove inappropriate content, often before it even gets reported on. Snapchat: Snapchat allows users to block others and report bullying. The company has also partnered with the Crisis Text Line to provide additional support and resources to Snapchatters. Users can text KIND to 741741 to chat with a live, trained crisis counselor. This service is free and available 24/7.
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 21
22 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
ADVERTORIAL
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 23
24 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM a mirror, toothbrush, and gloves, and encourage them to pretend to look at Make It Fun and Play Pretend If you’re noticing your child is anxious a few days, or even weeks before the dentist, take time to get them acquainted with some of the tools. Give your child F or children (and adults), alike, the dentist can be a scary place to visit. Mysterious drilling sounds, gargling, and beeping can be heard echoing through the hallways, and for a young child, this can be an overwhelming experience. While it’s crucial to keep up with six-month cleanings, it can often feel like pulling teeth to get your child into the dentist’s chair. Fear not parents, we have some tips on how you can make the dentist a not-so-scary place. Visiting the dentist can be filled with a lot of unknowns like cavities, dental procedures, or even tooth removal. In order to keep your child calm, try to use details about the visit sparingly. Keep the conversation lighthearted and positive, and maybe even promise a fun treat after it’s all over. Keep the Details Short and Sweet Choose Words Carefully Going to the dentist can be an uncomfortable experience. Needles, x-rays, and other foreign tools can be scary to kids. Try to avoid going into too much detail about what the dentist is going to do, or how scary some of it might be, or even saying things like “this might hurt a little.” Instead, let the dentist or dental assistant provide your child with explanations about certain tools, or what they are going to be doing. Bring Distractions Sometimes, anxiety is unavoidable in a new environment. To make it easy for your child, bring toys or games along for them to distract themselves with. When it comes time to sit in the dentist’s chair, maybe provide them with a stuffed animal to hug and comfort them while they meet with the dentist. BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM Not-So-Scary Dentist Visits
your teeth. They might even like to try this on their toys, too! Remember, it’s a good way to acquaint them with new textures, tools, and experiences. Expect Some Anxiety at the Dentist Despite all of your efforts, your child may still be anxious once they arrive at the dentist. Remind them that anxiety is a normal feeling, and it is okay to be scared of new things. Stay calm and acknowledge your child’s fears by offering comforting words of encouragement, or even a nice hand squeeze. Bring comfort toys or activities to keep their mind off of the visit. According to Board-certified dentist, Rebecca Day, DDS, “Pediatric dentists are trained to use several behavioral techniques to help children become comfortable at the dentist. One of these techniques is called ‘tell-show-do.’ For example, the pediatric dentist will ‘tell’ the child about the dental explorer or ‘tooth counter,’ then they ‘show’ them how to count while demonstrating on their fingernails, and finally they will actually count their teeth with the instrument.” This technique builds trust between the child and the pediatric dentist and helps the child see it is not as scary as it seems. Encourage Healthy Teeth Habits One of the best ways to make the dentist less scary is to remove all of the
uncomfortable things that might happen at the dentist––root canals, cavity filling, or bleeding gums. Most of these things can be avoided through proper oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing and flossing, and avoiding excessive sugar. To help your child get into healthy habits, teach them the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth, and how their healthy habits can make dentist visits feel like a breeze. Choose Child-Focused Dentists While any dentist will take care of your child, a pediatric dentist has all of the necessary tools and training to handle child patients with patience and care. You can rest assured that your child is in good hands. Dr. Day says, “Pediatric dentistry is important because it provides families with an avenue to fulfill the needs of their children’s oral healthcare in a fun, relaxed environment.” Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat baby teeth, monitor growth and development and communicate with children in a way to make them comfortable. If your child has a fear of the dentist– don’t worry! It can be natural for children to fear the unknown, new experiences, or unfamiliar faces. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the dentist, try to make the experience a positive one! Your child will thank you later.
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 25
26 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 27
Pumpkins, Mazes, and Haunted Places: Fall Events in New Orleans
BY NOLA FAMILY PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
nonprofit event featuring food and drinks, a Kids’ Zone, the Harvest Market arts and crafts area, and live music from Grammy-winning artists. Visit the Abita Springs Trailhead Park Friday, October 11 at 5 p.m., and Saturday, October 12, at 11 a.m. CM Farms 252 CM Farms Rd., Dry Creek You may need more than just one day to explore everything CM Farms has to offer, including its 50+ attractions like pony rides, pumpkin patches, and a 12-acre corn maze. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through December 1. Drop in October 26-27 for the special Not-So- Spooky Carnival. Fall Garden Festival 5 Victory Ave., New Orleans (504) 483-9402 neworleanscitypark.org Join the City Park Conservancy for plant and garden product exhibits and sales, educational programs, music, arts and crafts, cooking (337) 328-8916 cmfarmsllc.com demonstrations, and more. Walk the Botanical Garden Saturday-Sunday, October 5-6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to endure all the floral, fall fun. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze 4560 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge (225) 763-3990 lsu.edu Join the LSU AgCenter every Saturday this month—October 5, 12, 19, and 26—for a fun-filled day including pumpkins, sunflowers, hayrides, and, of course, the corn maze. Session times are 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m., and 2:30-4:30 p.m. Visit
October 26 from 6-9 p.m. for the night maze! Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch 11215 Lee’s Ln., Hammond (225) 567-3493 thfarms.com/pumpkin-patch Mrs. Heather officially invites you to join her at this year’s pumpkin patch through November 8. Pick and carve your pumpkin, play with farm animals, or meet your favorite cartoon character. NOLA Craft Culture’s Glitter Pumpkin Patch 127 S. Solomon St., New Orleans (504) 454-8837 nolacraftculture.com All that glitters is gold with this fabulous pumpkin patch at NOLA Craft Culture! Visit October 12-13 and 19-20 from noon to 6 p.m. for handmade glitter pumpkins, local crafters, From October 5-31, you can visit St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church to collect pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, play family games, and win door prizes. Visit Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Thursday, October 17, St. Andrew’s will hold their open house that will lead to their pumpkin patch! St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch 2216 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 835-7357 stmepiscopal.com Act fast, because this patch is food vendors, and fun! St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch 1031 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans (504) 866-0123 standrewsnola.com
open Monday, October 7, to Thursday, October 31, or until pumpkins are sold out! Visit Monday through Friday from 3:30-6 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal School Pumpkin Patch 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans (504) 488-1319 stpauls-lakeview.org Pick out your perfect pumpkin and pose for fall photos in Lakeview from October 5-30, Monday through Friday, 3:30-6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sugar Roots Farm Pumpkin Patch Festival 10701 Willow Dr., New Orleans (504) 239-8695 Sugar Roots Farm opens its doors again this fall season to cultivate a community where we share the goodness of the earth. Visit Sunday, October 20, or Sunday, October 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for vendors, musicians, games, pumpkin patches, face painting, pony rides, hayrides and more. The farm is also selling pumpkins during their everyday operational hours. SINGING OR SCREAMING? Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular Roussel Hall, 6301 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans With musical tributes to Star Trek, Harry Potter, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents familiar tunes for people of all ages, (504) 523-6530 lpomusic.com
HALLOWEEN HAUNTS
Field of Screams Halloween Trail 4001 De Porres Rd., Covington (985) 892-1873 covla.com Children and adults of all ages can enjoy thrills and chills as they explore eerily-staged Blue Swamp Creek trails on Saturday, October 26, sunset to 10 p.m. The Mortuary 4800 Canal St., New Orleans (504) 483-2350 themortuary.net/hours Let the thrills begin! Mortals of New Orleans are formally invited to the 2024 “Hell-ection” at one of the most haunted places in America. The Mortuary is open every day in October, except for October 7-9, 14-16, and 21-23. View their calendar for specific opening times. Not recommended for children under the age of 11. New Orleans Zombie Run Warehouse District (504) 669-7655 neworleanszombierun.com Escape the zombie apocalypse and the Big Easy Roller Derby during this two-mile race through the Warehouse District on Saturday, October 19. Let the outbreak begin at 9 a.m. in the Warehouse District’s “quarantine zone.” PUMPKIN PATCHES, CORN MAZES, FALL FESTIVALS… OH MY! Abita Fall Fest 22044 Main St., Abita Springs
(985) 773-8539 abitafallfest.com
Celebrate the art, music, and culture of Abita Springs at this
28 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
perfect to get anyone in the Halloween mood. Head out to Loyola’s campus on Saturday, October 26, at 11 a.m. The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1419 Basin St., New Orleans (504) 525-1052 mahaliajacksontheater.com Let’s do the time warp again! Visit the Mahalia Jackson Theater for an interactive screening of the original movie- musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with a live shadow-cast. You can also meet the original “Magenta,” Patricia Quinn. For one night only, this “Science Fiction/Double Feature” is landing Thursday, October 24, at 8 p.m. SPOOKY CELEBRATIONS Boo at the Zoo 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans
this family-favorite tradition. Come rain or shine, wear your best costume to trick-or-treat with your favorite animals, get lost in the Halloween maze, explore a haunted house, and more at the Audubon Zoo October 18-20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boo Carré Halloween Haunt 1101 N. Peters St., New Orleans (504) 636-6400 frenchmarket.org The French Market presents Boo Carré, Halloween fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, trick-or- treating in the French Market District, and its Spooky Second Line! This happy haunt takes place on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brews and Boos 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans (504) 482-4888 neworleanscitypark.org Brews and Boos features adult- only access to the amusement park at City Park and a ghastly amount of “boos” for guys and
ghouls ages 21+. This exclusive event is from Friday to Saturday, October 25-26, 8-11 p.m. Ghosts in the Oaks 7 Victory Ave., New Orleans (504) 482-4888 neworleanscitypark.org From Thursday, October 17, to Sunday, October 20, visit the City Park Carousel Gardens Amusement Park from 5-9 p.m. to explore the pumpkin patch, go trick-or-treating, or enjoy a hot dog around the campfire during this spooky outdoor celebration. Krewe of BOO! Parade Rolls from Elysian Fields Avenue (504) 233-2831 kreweofboo.com The Krewe of BOO! Is New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, blending the festive spirit of Mardi Gras with a spooky Halloween theme, featuring elaborate floats, costumed characters, and unique throws like candy and VooDoo doll pins on October 19, at 6:30 p.m. Visit their website for the full
parade route. Oktoberfest 1700 Moss St., New Orleans (504) 522-8014 oktoberfestnola.com Celebrate German heritage at the Deutsches Haus with traditional music, German folk dancing, cold beer, wine, and liquors, and delectable German cuisine. Get your chicken dance on or enjoy bratwurst sausage Fridays from 4-11 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-11 p.m., October 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26. St. Tammany Monster Mash 213 Park Dr., Covington (985) 898-4435 sthfoundation.org/ monstermash Visit the Northshore for the 35th anniversary Monster Mash to support the STHS Parenting Center and experience trick-or- treating, music, cookie decorating, crafts, carnival rides, and more. The Bogue Falaya Park will host its mini-monsters on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(504) 861-2537 audubonnature institute.org/boo
Celebrate Halloween with your little ghosts and goblins during
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 29
TRAEH THYSSEN HAVE A HEART FOUNDATION Traeh was a 13-year-old middle school student. His name is heart spelled backwards. He was caring, compassionate, loving, forgiving, kind, and considerate. Traeh died by suicide on October 3, 2019 as a result of unresolved bullying by his peers. OUR MISSION It is our hope to take a stand to stop bullying and prevent youth suicide. We seek to provide heartfelt assis- tance to families who have lost a child related to bullying and/or suicide. We hope to do this by enhancing awareness and providing education, training, and emotional and financial support to families and communities. Some of our activities include youth-led panels, random act of kind- ness events, #SockItToSuicide Sock Drive benefiting the homeless, #13MinuteChallenge, and the Bullying and Suicide Awareness Runway show.
There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.
www.StutteringHelp.org THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®
Visit: ihaveaheart.org for more information
30 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2024 31
BY NOLA FAMILY PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM Exceptional Needs Resource Guide
With these local resources, you and your child will have access to businesses and organizations that provide excellent support, therapy, and hands-on programs that work best for every need.
32 OCTOBER 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Raphael Village (504) 524-5955 raphaelvillage.org St. Benilde School - Exceptional Learners Program (504) 833-9894 stbenilde.com/exceptional- learners-program St. Michael Special School (504) 524-7285 stmichaelspecialschool.com St. Thérèse Academy (504) 513-4400 sttheresenola.org CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS (CHD) CARE Camp Bon Coeur (337) 233-8437 heartcamp.com Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute (985) 236-0710 louisianaheart.org Ochsner Health Center for Children - New Orleans (504) 842-3900 ochsner.org The Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans (504) 896-2888 chnola.org/services/heart-center LEARNING CENTERS Opportunities Academy (504) 503-1421 oa.collegiateacademies.org PediaTrust (225) 665-7287 pediatrustkids.com
NONPROFITS Autism Society of Greater New Orleans (504) 603-6548 asgno.org Chartwell Center - Easterseals Louisiana (504) 523-7325 easterseals.com/louisiana/programs-and- services/chartwell-center Exceptional Lives (844) 354-1212 exceptionallives.org/louisiana Magnolia Community Services (504) 733-2874 mcs-nola.org The Bright School for the Deaf (504) 256-9200 thebrightschool.org PROGRAMS Aurora Program - Tubman Montessori (504) 376-3475 tubmancharterschool.org Behavior Teaching Concepts (504) 517-4282 behaviorteach.com Camp Friendship (504) 737-5181 sblouisiana.org/camp-friendship
GiGi’s Playhouse (504) 321-6770
gigisplayhouse.org/neworleans Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disabilities Project (504) 556-7536 lasard.org Louisiana Children’s Museum (504) 523-1357 lcm.org Louisiana DeafBlind Project (504) 556-3455 hdc.lsuhsc.edu/ladbp Louisiana EarlySteps (866) 305-4985 ext. 2 laeikids.com Love Swimming - Special Needs Classes (504) 891-4662 loveswimming.com Miracle League Greater New Orleans (504) 894-5415 gnomiracleleague.org ReNEW Schools Special Education Programs (504) 367-3307 renewschools.org Special Olympics Louisiana (985) 345-6644 specialolympicsla.org
Dragonfly Café (504) 544-9530 dragonflynola.com
The Art in Me (504) 481-7359 artinmenola.com
Firstline Schools - Discovery Plus Program (504) 267-9038 firstlineschools.org
The Prism Project of Greater New Orleans (504) 943-0343 fhfnola.org
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online