Baton Rouge Parents Magazine–May 2026

May 2026

MAY 2026

THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

SMILING THROUGH STRUGGLES

Boys MASKING MISERY

Perfection or PRESSURE?

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026

CONTENTS May 2026 • Issue 430

in each issue

6 8

The Mama Files

Community Education Book Corner

10 12 14 16 18 36 44 46

Mom Next Door

Thrive Faith

Things to Do Things We Love

Snapshots

2025–26 Cover Kid Kate N. loves red beans and rice, is obsessed with Survivor , and enjoys interviewing local movers and shakers for her “Investigate with Kate” Instagram page. She is very involved in local theater, recently appeared in a Burger King commercial that aired during the Oscars, and spends her free time reading, singing showtunes, and thrift shopping for vintage pieces that reflect her unique style.

features

“BEFORE YOU ARRIVE” SUMMER PREP Navigate the summer before college and make move-in day— and the dorm experience—smooth and stress-free. 22 EMOTIONAL SUPPRESSION IN BOYS Explore why boys often mask emotions with anger, how parents and schools can teach emotional language, and strategies to help them express feelings in healthy ways. 26 PERFECTION OR PRESSURE Examine the signs of anxiety in high-achieving children and learn strategies to help manage the pressure. 30

PHOTOS BY BREC AND FREEPIK.COM

what’s on the web

MAY FAMILY BUCKET LIST Fun activities to enjoy this May.

5 GARDENING PROJECTS FOR FAMILIES Grow creativity with these gardening activities. MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS Kiddos will love gifting these to their Mom this year. HEALTHY SNACKS FOR BUSY KIDDOS Quick and easy snacks that are in season.

32 THE “PERFECT” MOM

Debunk the myth of the “perfect mom” on social media, the toll of toxic comparisons, and how embracing imperfection and community support helps moms thrive.

CONNECT WITH US

/brparents

/batonrougeparents

/baton-rouge-parenting-magazine

/brparentsmag

brparents.com

4 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

DREAM BIG | THINK small

Support Local St. Jude Families Today! Bring comfort & joy to local kids in treatment. Our St. Jude Clinic Family Support Program relies on small acts - donations, wish list items, or sponsorships -that make a huge difference.

SCAN TO DONATE OR VIEW AMAZON WISH LIST!

HELPING ST. JUDE PATIENTS AND FAMILIES SINCE 1994

dreamdayfoundation.org 225.754.5700

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026 5

THE Mama FILES

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL SABRINA SMITH BREE WRAY Client Success Representatives JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator

Raising Teens,

One Post at a Time

G rowing up these days really isn’t much different than when I grew up. Except now, everything is online, and there’s a digital footprint that follows you. Most of these kids don’t really understand the importance of keeping things offline. One wrong post and whatever future you had planned is gone—poof, up in smoke. But maybe the bigger difference isn’t just what’s at stake—it’s the audience. We made mistakes too—just without the audience. Today’s kids are growing up in front of invisible crowds, where every moment can be shared, judged, liked, or ignored. And that kind of constant exposure doesn’t just shape their choices—it shapes how they feel about themselves. A post that doesn’t get enough attention can feel like rejection. A comment meant as a joke can linger. And the pressure to present a perfect, curated life? That’s a heavy weight for anyone, especially a child still figuring out who they are. And as a parent—especially one raising three teenagers—I can tell you, this phase of parenting is not for the faint of heart. There’s a constant balancing act between giving them independence and wanting to protect them from a world that feels louder than it used to. You want to trust them, while quietly worrying about the choices they’ll make when you’re not around. You second-guess how much to say, when to step in, and when to let them learn the hard way. Some days, it feels like you’re parenting in the dark—guiding them through something you never had to navigate yourself. It’s not just about protecting their future opportunities anymore. It’s about protecting their sense of self. Because when everything is public, it becomes harder to have private moments of growth—the kind where you mess up, learn, and move on. Without those moments, mistakes can start to feel permanent. So we talk. We remind. We worry a little. And we hope they learn to pause—to think—not just about what they’re posting, but how it might make them feel later. Because growing up hasn’t changed nearly as much as the stage it happens on—and right now, that stage never really turns off.

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

2025

2023

2024

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

6 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

Bringing Baby Home You’ve got the baby. We’ve got the answers.

Bringing your baby home is one of life’s sweetest moments and one of the biggest transitions. Our free What Now? Guide for New Parents offers simple, trusted guidance on feeding, sleep, safety and when to call your pediatrician.

SCAN FOR YOUR FREE GUIDE

Accepting new patients. Call (225) 374-HEAL or visit ololchildrens.org

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026

community

■ accuweather.com

WEATHER AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: ACCUWEATHER MEETS CHATGPT

AccuWeather® just made checking the weather as easy as chatting! Now integrated into ChatGPT, users can access 10-day forecasts, radar, current conditions, and government weather alerts, all in one place. Whether planning a run, a weekend getaway, or just wondering if you need an umbrella, AccuWeather delivers hyperlocal, highly accurate forecasts instantly. This first-of-its-kind app brings Superior Accuracy™ right to your conversation, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps. With real-time updates and interactive insights, staying safe, informed, and weather-ready has never been this seamless—or this smart.

■ nhc.noaa.gov

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: SMARTER,

SMALLER, AND MORE MOBILE The 2026 hurricane season brings a smarter forecast from the National Hurricane Center. The iconic “cone of uncertainty” is shrinking by 4–8 percent and now displays color-coded inland warnings, keeping residents better informed. New gray “X” markers clarify low-risk tropical systems, while a mobile-friendly website ensures updates load fast during emergencies. For tech enthusiasts, an experimental “ellipse” cone will better show storm speed and path. Combined with Potential Tropical Cyclone alerts giving up to 72 hours of preparation, this season’s tools aim to make hurricane tracking more precise, accessible, and actionable than ever. Together, these innovations help communities prepare smarter and stay safer.

■ womans.org

WEARABLE TECH AIMS TO SAVE LIVES IN LABOR

Woman’s Hospital is serving as one of the first U.S. sites in an international study testing Baymatob’s Oli wearable sensor. Placed on laboring mothers, Oli monitors vital signs in real time to detect early warning signs of postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of preventable maternal death worldwide. After promising pilot results, the study now aims to enroll 1,000 women across five U.S. sites. By combining cutting-edge AI with hands-on clinical expertise, researchers hope to transform maternal care, giving doctors crucial insights and giving women safer, more informed births.

■ louisianaleadershipinstitute.org

A NEW STAGE FOR LEARNING AND OPPORTUNITY A transformative new space is rising in Baton Rouge, and it’s about much more than performances. The Louisiana Leadership Institute, in partnership with ConnectLA, is building a $3 million, 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater as part of its Education and Wellness Hub. Designed with free high-speed internet access, the space will host job fairs, STEM events, health screenings, and community programs, all aimed at breaking down barriers for local families. Backed by federal funding, the hub blends technology, education, and wellness in one accessible place, creating new opportunities for connection, growth, and long-term success across the community.

8 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

Photo by freepik.com ■ ldh.la.gov

EXPANDING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Louisiana health officials are taking steps to strengthen mental health care, proposing a $6.5 million investment to expand the state’s crisis response system. The plan includes a new statewide hub designed to connect services, improve response times, and ensure people get the right care when they need it most. With hundreds of thousands of adults and teens facing mental health challenges—and many communities lacking providers—the need is urgent. By enhancing tools like the 988 helpline and increasing outreach in schools, leaders hope to close critical gaps and make mental health support more accessible, responsive, and effective statewide.

■ louisianaoldstatecapitol.org

LOUISIANA’S HISTORIC MOMENT ON DISPLAY Baton Rouge residents and visitors have a rare chance to see history up close: The original Louisiana Purchase agreement is on display at the Old State Capitol. Signed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803, the purchase added 828,000 square miles of land from France for $15 million, nearly doubling the size of the U.S. and forming parts of 15 modern states. Part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, this marks only the second time the historic documents have been shown at the museum, offering a unique glimpse into a deal that shaped a young nation.

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026 9

education

EAGLE ARTISTS SHINE AT BATON ROUGE GALLERY

DENHAM VENOM ROBOTICS TAKES FIRST BY STORM The Denham Springs High School Robotics Team, Denham Venom, captured first place at the FIRST Robotics Pikes Peak Regional in Colorado Springs, earning a coveted spot at the 2026 FIRST World Championship in Houston. Competing against 33 teams, including international contenders from Mexico and Taiwan, the team showcased precision engineering, teamwork, and creativity, earning the Quality Award for robot design and pit efficiency. Coach Daniel Eiland highlighted the experience as both competitive and educational, with students exploring new cities, hiking, and learning teamwork skills. Denham Venom continues its season with regional competitions before heading to Houston.

Parkview Baptist School senior Presley Downing and junior Violet Faust earned recognition with their artwork selected for the Real Life Experience exhibition at Baton Rouge Gallery. Their pieces were showcased alongside other talented area high school students, and a special “First Wednesday” opening reception included an awards presentation celebrating the artists’ achievements. The school community was proud to see their Eagle Artists representing the school with such distinction, highlighting both their creativity and dedication.

TALES FROM THE OAKS INSPIRES YOUNG READERS AND WRITERS Twin Oaks Elementary School celebrated stories and imagination at its second annual Tales from the Oaks Children’s Book Festival. The event highlighted the talents of 91 student-authors, with attendees able to purchase their works. Originating from a summer writing camp initiative to make every student a published author, the festival also featured a virtual library of 43 student-written books, including 15 published on Amazon. Families, educators, and community members enjoyed activities, storytelling, and creative adventures, while volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, helping bring literacy, creativity, and community spirit to life.

BLACK BOX COMPANY SHINES WITH PIPPIN

St. Joseph’s Academy and Catholic High School’s Black Box Company delighted audiences with Pippin in the Academy Arts Center Black Box Theater. This 2013 Broadway Revival version, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, follows a young prince’s quest for meaning, weaving themes of self-discovery, love, and purpose throughout its story and songs. Under the direction of Lori Kaiser, the production featured standout performances from senior Janie Elliott as the Leading Player, Claire McGuinness as Fastrada, and sophomore Sarah Bertucci in the ensemble. Audiences praised the cast and crew’s dedication, with the Saturday evening show selling out and students cherishing the unforgettable experience.

10 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

EPISCOPAL BRINGS THE

MAGIC OF MAMMA MIA! TO THE STAGE Episcopal School’s Upper School lit up the Visual & Performing Arts Center with Mamma Mia! , delivering a dazzling night of ABBA hits, sequins, and disco fun. Under director Ali Brady, with music by Carrie Poynot and choreography by Lauren Reed, the cast brought every character to life with energy and precision. The set, crafted by Louis Gagliano and the Tech Theater class, transported audiences to a sun-soaked Greek island. Seniors Anne Bradley Ewing and Marshall Elliott led a talented ensemble, celebrating community, friendship, and self- discovery in this unforgettable production.

CELEBRATING DANCE AND CREATIVITY The East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Fine Arts Department hosted its third annual Collaborative Dance Showcase, delighting audiences with performances set to timeless classics and modern hits. Talented student dancers brought each song to life, keeping the energy high from start to finish. The showcase celebrated creativity, passion, and the transformative power of the arts in local schools, highlighting the dedication of both students and instructors. With performances this memorable, the community is already counting down to next year’s event.

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026

book corner

M ay is a great time to explore the many feelings that shape our everyday lives. From happiness and worry to anger, kindness, and confidence, these books help readers recognize emotions, talk about them, and better understand themselves and others.

YOUTH Enjoy these picture books that show how feelings can be big, wild, and sometimes messy, while also teaching the value of understanding, kindness, and a little humility. Feelings Are Wild by Sophy Williams Count up to 10 with these adorable Australian animals as they deal with big wild feelings throughout the day! Showing both tiny animals with big feelings and then how those feelings pass or change later as the animals count back down, this adorable picture book is a comforting and fun read for little people just learning to manage their own big emotions! The Humble Pie by Jory John Humble Pie doesn’t like a lot of attention. He’d rather brag on his friends—especially his best friend Cake! However, when his best friend starts taking him for granted, will he be able to speak up for himself or will their group project fall apart? The newest Food Group book is certainly just as delicious as the previous ones in the series! This beginning reader book helps kids understand big emotions as forest friends learn how one small question—“Are you okay?”— can make a big difference.

Crumble by Emily Mclaren Stop at this magical bakery for a treat that will really make your emotions shine—the bakery’s only rule: only good emotions! When Emily’s aunt dies, her emotions overflow and she bakes a crumble full of anger and sorrow. It’s a terrible crumble—it looks horrible and tastes terrible! But for some reason, people can’t stop eating it. Emily doesn’t feel relieved to have let her emotions go, she just feels numb. When weird things start happening, will Emily be able to make things right? This non-fiction book introduces young readers to simple mindfulness exercises and tips for finding calm, joy, and happiness in everyday life. Be Happy: A Little Book of Mindfulness by Maddy Bard Everyone has a lot of emotions throughout the day. Follow two little dogs, Buzz and Hucky, as they work together to learn to be mindful of their emotions! This illustrated non-fiction book is sure to be a book your family returns to again and again when feeling big emotions! TWEENS AND TEENS From magical gardens that change how you feel, to colorful manifestations of emotions, to practical guides for managing stress and building resilience, these stories and guides help teens understand, express, and navigate their feelings.

Zilbo’s Forest: What’s Up With That? by Summer Benton

How would you feel if you said hi to your best friend and they ignored you? Beginning readers will certainly empathize with the contagious bad mood going around the forest! What will happen when Mouse decides to ask her grumpy friend a very important question…”Are you okay?” This chapter book introduces readers to an unexpected group of friends who discover that courage, kindness, and understanding others can turn anyone into a hero.

The Unlikely Heroes Club by Kate Foster

What is that dog doing going into that soon- to-be-demolished building? How can people tear down a dog’s home? What can a kid do? Ollie and his unique group of peers would not normally hang out. However, they’ve all been sent to therapy camp over Spring Break to help learn to manage their emotions and make friends…so much fun, NOT! When they notice a stray dog going into an abandoned building across the road, suddenly they have a mystery to solve…and a mission. Will they be able to rescue the dog before the city tears the building down? This graphic novel follows a heartfelt story of friendship, resilience, and finding your place, perfect for readers who love stories with emotion and heart.

Book Corner is provided by librarians at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. To learn more about the libraries in East Baton Rouge Parish, visit ebrpl.com.

12 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

The Garden Just Beyond by Lindsey Leavitt

Fourteen-year-old Maggie and her eccentric family harvest crops that alter emotions, but their centuries-old agricultural secret and magical dinner parties come under threat when a mysterious stranger moves to town. True Colors by Abby Cooper In a town where everyone looks on the bright side, 12-year-old Mackenzie, whose emotions manifest as a colorful haze around her body, loves her new home until a documentary maker comes to town, making her haze explode onto the whole town, causing everyone to reveal their real feelings. Your Life, Your Way: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Skills to Help Teens Manage Emotions & Build Resilience by Joseph Ciarrochi Psychologists and teen experts Louise Hayes and Joseph Ciarrochi show teens how to face common daily challenges—including bullying; feeling lonely, depressed, or anxious; failing school; achieving peak performance in sports; and much more. With this fun and illustrated guide, teen readers will find solid and actionable skills to help them overcome these challenges, increase psychological flexibility, and achieve their goals.

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026

mom next door

Dr.

Amy Rabalais

BY AMANDA MILLER

Occupation: Otolaryngologist (ENT) Husband: Mike Children: Pace, 16, and Marjorie, 14

Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, traveling, cooking, gardening, exercising, and painting

D r. Amy Rabalais is a Baton Rouge- born ENT, a mom of two, a lifelong learner, and a firm believer that you don’t have to do it all. Whether she’s embracing the excitement of each parenting phase, caring for her patients, needlepointing on the couch, or enjoying an episode of Survivor with her family, Dr. Rabalais leads her life with heart and intention, always making time for what matters most. AMY: I would definitely say the sense of family and the sense of place. When I was growing up here, my grandparents were here, and I had a ton of cousins around. My dad is from Thibodaux, so between Baton Rouge and Thibodaux, we always had big family gatherings. I remember going to all the LSU events growing up—LSU football, LSU baseball. I think we still have our same season tickets. AMY: I think I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician because I do love kids and babies. As I went through the med school journey, I realized how much I really loved surgery and operating, so I kind of naturally fell into this surgical field where you get to treat and take care of babies and kids, but also their parents, adults, and grandparents. YOU WERE BORN AND RAISED IN BATON ROUGE, WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT GROWING UP HERE? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MEDICINE?

WHAT’S ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF YOUR JOB? AMY: I would say when families bring back siblings or when they come back for their next ENT problem. For me, that says a lot. Obviously we never want our children or family members to be sick, but they’ve chosen to come back with that next person, or they’ve told their mom to come. You know, they have a baby, or we do surgery when they’re little, maybe put tubes in, and then they come back when they’re six or seven to get their tonsils out. That’s just so much fun, to see those kids grow up over the different phases of their lives. And the fact that they come back makes me so happy. WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST WHEN YOU BECAME A MOM? AMY: I would say how much children are born with personalities from the moment they come out. I was surprised by how much our children had their own personality, their own instincts, and how much of that carried through until now. You get the privilege of raising this person, but they’re already born with so many intrinsic characteristics. The other thing that has surprised me, now that I’m a mom of older kids, is how much I don’t miss the previous phase, because each phase just keeps getting better. I thought I would look at baby pictures and feel sad, but each phase really does get better than the one before.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU HOPE TO PASS DOWN TO YOUR CHILDREN? AMY: My husband and I both try to set an example that we’re still growing as people. My husband recently went back to school to get his Ph.D., and the kids were like, “So our dad’s going to be a student?” I’ve also taken some certification courses, so it’s about being lifelong learners. You’re constantly evolving and growing.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY ROUTINES

THAT HELP YOU ALL STAY CONNECTED? AMY: We have dinner together every night at seven o’clock. Up until two years ago, we only had one TV in the house, so we got in the habit of having dinner and then watching a show together. Right now, we’re watching Survivor, and we’re making our way through Elsbeth, which is cute. Also, before we travel somewhere, we all do presentations for each other about where we’re going, so they have to learn something about the destination. HOW HAS MARRIAGE SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO MOTHERHOOD? AMY: You have to roll with it. You may have all these plans about how you think things are going to be, and then on any given day, it’s completely off the wall. You have to have a partner who’s ready for the adventure. Every day is different, and it really is a team sport, especially as kids get older.

14 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

As they’ve gotten older, it’s been important to have time without the kids. We try to go to happy hour most Fridays, and we aim for at least one or two trips without them. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WHILE PARENTING? AMY: I think having a sense of humor is key, and just kind of starting each day fresh. I would say he probably puts up with more craziness than I do. I tend to come up with ideas, and he’s like, “We’re doing what to who?” WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO METHOD FOR UNWINDING AT THE END OF THE DAY? AMY: My daughter got us into needlepointing, so now when we’re sitting on the couch, we’ve started needlepointing together at night. After the kids go to bed, I’ll usually stay up a little later than everyone else to have some quiet time to read or watch a show. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE OTHER MOMS? AMY: You don’t have to do it all. There were so many things I used to drive myself crazy over, like having party favors for every party, or sending Christmas cards and keeping up with everyone’s addresses. All of these

things we put on ourselves, so many of them are expendable and not necessary. I think it’s about choosing what’s important to you, doing those things, and letting the rest go.

RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite spot for date night… Mid City Beer Garden. One word that best describes your famil y…loving. Favorite food… Lebanese food. Favorite meals to make for the family… shrimp and grits, and every Halloween, I make meatloaf in the shape of feet. The kids are simultaneously disgusted by it and talk about it for weeks before. We can’t decide if it’s things that, looking back, I wish I could have told myself to relax about. One of my favorite patients—who has since passed away—gave me advice I’ll never forget. I saw her every month for eight or nine years, so I got to know her really well. Around my 40th birthday, she came in and said, “Honey, I’m going to give you some advice.” And I said, “Please, give me all the advice.” She told me, “When you’re my age, no one is going to remember if your floors were clean.” And she’s right, no one remembers those things. So now I think, just relax. Sit down, needlepoint with your 14-year-old. It’s all going to be fine.

HOW DO YOU MODEL WORK-LIFE BALANCE FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

AMY: After the pandemic, so much shifted to Zoom. It became easier to schedule meetings at times that were more convenient, but maybe less appropriate for family time. I thought I was doing a good job because I was home, but I was on Zooms and taking calls. I made a comment about that in front of my daughter, and she said, “Mom, I hate that. I would rather you stay at work, and then when you’re home, be home and be done.” I took that to heart. Now, I make sure that when I’m home, work doesn’t spill into that time. There are things that feel urgent, but they can wait until tomorrow.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO YOURSELF A WEEK BEFORE YOU BECAME A

MOM, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF? AMY: I would tell myself to relax. I used to research everything—what mattress we needed for the crib, what bedding to use, what detergent was best. I made all the baby food and researched which spices we could use. It was wonderful, and it made me happy, but I spent so much time and energy on

“meat feet” or “foot loaf.” Hidden talent… painting.

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026 15

thrive

Bringing Light to Life Through Storytelling

BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY ALEX MUÑOZ

J udith Vitanza-Kattan, a Baton Rouge- based author with roots in Honduras, Italy, and Jerusalem, turned a deeply personal loss into a heartwarming story for children and families. Following the passing of her father, Judith channeled her grief into creating Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures , a book inspired by the values he instilled in her: love, kindness, courage, and gratitude. Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures follows a “brave girl and her mysterious friend as they explore the wonders of the night, discovering magical adventures filled with laughter, friendship, and valuable lessons about life,” according to the book’s overview. “They’re lessons that I think we all know, but as we grow older, we kind of forget them. The intention was to be a children's book, but a lot of adults have come to love the book,” she shares.

The book’s themes include courage, kindness, and friendship, to name a few. She adds, “My father made sure that we knew to always be kind, that no matter how much or how little we had, we’re all blessed. [The book’s] a lot about friendship, being grateful, and being careful with trust.” Judith’s creative process extends beyond storytelling. She personally illustrated all of the characters and was encouraged by her friends and family to preserve the “child- drawn” aesthetic rather than using artificial intelligence. Each character represents a real person who has impacted her life, from friends and artists to spiritual mentors. She even created bookmarks featuring the illustrations, offering readers a tangible connection to the people and lessons behind the story. Alongside showcasing the lessons she has learned, the book also reflects Judith’s philanthropic heart. “Helping others is one of

the things I cherish most,” she says. “I’m part of many organizations and I do a lot of anonymous giving. I feel that if I’m blessed, it’s very important to give those blessings back.” Proceeds from the book are donated to children’s mental health programs. Judith is already looking ahead to her next books. The second book will focus on the healing process, exploring the question: How do you heal from loss? The third will share lessons she has learned from her mother, though she plans to hold off for now as she continues learning from her. With its heartfelt lessons and family- friendly appeal, Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures invites children to explore courage, friendship, and generosity, while giving them tools to face life’s challenges. Available on Barnes & Noble’s website, this book offers more than a story. It’s a legacy of kindness and hope for future generations.

16 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

BRPARENTS.COM | MAY 2026

faith

Every Mom’s Daily Works of Mercy

BY SHERI WOHLFERT PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

O h golly, it’s May and ‘tis the season for ball games, school events, graduations, and special happenings galore. It’s that season when meal planning, bedtimes, regular schedules, and empty laundry baskets seem like ancient history! It’s easy to get tangled up in the chaos and wish it would all just stop. Finding time for daily prayer and family meals is tricky at best, and these busy days can leave us feeling like we are lagging behind as disciples. I’d like to offer a different perspective today for anyone who might be choking on their May calendar. We serve and are adored by a God who can’t be outdone in generosity. Time and again, he shows up and multiplies, subtracts, divides, and adds the perfect things our lives need when we remember to invite Him in. As I was thinking about the Works of Mercy through the lens of a busy parent, I could see something different that just might bring you some peace and help you realize you are discipling and serving God and others more than you think in this busy season. Let’s take a look at those Works of Mercy. FEED THE HUNGRY That means packing lunches, providing the post-game snack or making cookies for the school fundraiser. It also means making meals sometimes magically appear from the bare cupboards and fridge because mamma

doesn’t have time to shop. Remember to pray for all the eaters.

to begin and you chat with the person sitting next to you, perhaps you are visiting them in a prison of personal loneliness. When you take the time to ask someone about a person in their life who is suffering or struggling, you give them the strength and support they need to continue their journey. When you offer to pray for those in tough situations, you are giving them the greatest help imaginable. Remember to pray for all those sitting in the bleachers, auditorium, or lawn chairs. As you continue to wade your way through the rest of this busy season of your life, there are a few things you can do to make sure you aren’t wasting these minutes. In fact, these four simple things can help you turn the chaos into a chance to grow in holiness. First, be sure to invite Jesus into the business of the day. Offer all of it, every last stinkin’ thing on the schedule, to Him, and ask Him to help you see Him working through all of it. Second, use car time to say quick prayers with your kids. Take turns sharing what you need prayers for and say a prayer together for each other. Third, ask the Holy Spirit to take control of all your conversations so you can be a vessel of His grace. Finally, remember that each and every thing we do can be offered as a gift to the Father who will offer it back as grace ten-fold.

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY I’m pretty sure juice boxes and Gatorade provided for the school picnic or ball team count. Quick prayers together in the car can also quench a thirst for peace, confidence, and contentment. Remember to pray for all those you offer drink to. CLOTHE THE NAKED I’ve come to believe in my older age that laundry is truly a labor of love. That late night load tossed in to make sure the right outfit is ready for tomorrow's event is in fact a merciful and unselfish act. Remember to pray for the wearers of the clothes as you wash and fold. SHELTER THE HOMELESS You provide a home that serves as a place of prayer, safety, and rest for the people you love most. You work daily to make sure the children God entrusted you with are noticed, valued, corrected, and directed. Most of you open that same home to neighbors and friends too. Remember to pray for all the people who cross your doorstep.

VISIT THE SICK AND IMPRISONED As you sit waiting for the game or concert

18 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

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“Before You Arrive” Summer Prep

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

I t’ s a monumental day in every home when a college acceptance letter arrives. Squeals, happy tears, and phone calls to family and friends follow— because in just a few short months, your child will be off at their chosen university, starting a whole new journey. But that acceptance letter? It’s just the beginning. The summer before college is when the preparation happens—figuring out what your child will pack, how they’ll organize a small living space, and who they’ll be sharing it with. It’s a transitional season, and a little planning now can make move-in day (and everything after) feel a lot smoother. DORM ESSENTIALS TO BRING (AND WHAT TO SKIP) Packing for a dorm is all about balance— bringing what your child will actually use while avoiding clutter in a small space. Dorm rooms fill up quickly, so skip anything that won’t be used regularly. Think practical, compact, and multi-use! BRING WHAT THEY’LL ACTUALLY USE ■ Make sleep and downtime comfy: Mattress topper, backrest pillow or headboard, mini fan, sound machine ■ Keep things organized: Under-bed storage drawers, hanging shoe racks, rolling utility cart, desk hutch, compact organizers ■ Everyday must-haves: Air purifier, desk lamp, portable laundry bag, water filter pitcher, full-length mirror, mini safe ■ Lofted bed add-ons: Bedside shelf,

safety rail, and extra-long phone charger ■ Kitchen and bathroom basics: Mini fridge, microwave, electric kettle, mesh shower caddy, shower shoes ■ Daily comfort items: Slippers, robe, towel wrap ■ Cleaning made simple: Broom or Swiffer, handheld vacuum, disinfecting wipes, covered trash can SKIP WHAT THEY WON’T NEED ■ Bulky items like TVs, printers, vacuums, or clothing irons ■ Large furniture such as futons, couches, or non-foldable chairs ■ Too many clothes, pillows, and linens ■ Excess dishes, school supplies, or heavy decor ■ Candles, fragrance plug-ins, or other fire hazards ■ Hot plates, toasters, and coffee machines decorating a dorm room. A few intentional pieces—artwork, bedding, and photos— can personalize a space without overwhelming it. ■ Use space wisely: Bed-lofting creates space for under-bed storage like drawers, shelving, or even a small seating area. ■ Measure before buying: Look up dorm dimensions and plan the layout before purchasing larger items. ■ Check guidelines: Review school rules for restricted items like extension cords or certain appliances. ■ Coordinate with roommate: Decide PLAN AHEAD ■ Start simple: Less is more when

ahead of time who will bring shared items like a fridge, rug, or storage pieces. ROOMMATE 101 Finding a roommate is one of the biggest parts of dorm living, and there’s no one “right” way to do it. ■ Social media connection: Many students meet roommates through Facebook or Instagram groups created for their class year. Posting a short introduction with a photo and messaging back and forth with others can help find someone with similar habits and interests. ■ Pre-existing relationship: Sometimes your child will room with a friend from home or a mutual connection. It’s important to still discuss routines and expectations, even with a familiar face . ■ Matching services: Most colleges offer housing portals to match students based on lifestyle preferences. After answering questionnaires, students can message potential roommates and get to know them before move-in. Approach a roommate search with an open mind! Dorm life may mean little privacy, but it’s an invaluable experience full of late-night conversations, small compromises, and often a friendship that lasts well beyond move-out day. The summer before college comes with its own set of milestones—valuable time with family, final moments with friends, and the excitement of what’s ahead. Encourage your child to have fun with the process. Preparation matters, but so does cherishing this in-between season before the next chapter begins!

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Emotional

Importance of Teaching Language Suppression in Boys:

BY AMELIA ROESSLER PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 COVER KID ISAIAH F.

W e might see boys mask sadness with anger, internalize shame, and have more moments of act- ing out. They’re told to shake things off, don’t cry, be tough. And when the anger comes, people might say, “Oh, boys will be boys.” Dr. Alyssa Lucker, the medical director at Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, says over time, boys are taught that it’s not appropriate to express emotion. While she says at base- line, boys and girls both have the ability to express and show emotions, she thinks boys aren’t taught emotional vocabulary when girls are. “If boys aren’t taught that emotional vocabulary, it’s hard for them to distinguish their feelings. They don’t know what’s going on,” says Dr. Lucker. “Maybe they’re feeling frustration, or they can’t separate them out.” With no words to accurately express what they’re feeling, boys might turn to anger. Along with encompassing other emotions,

step. Look at what came before the behavior, and then what was the consequence. Maybe a child was trying to express they were hungry and didn’t have the words, but they knew that throwing a tantrum gets a parent's attention and gets their needs met. “There’s always a reason for why someone is acting, the way they’re doing it,” she ex- plains. Without proper language, boys might express externally as irritability, shutting down, acting out, or aggression. Dr. Lucker believes emotional suppression also involves how the parents were raised. If parents don’t feel comfortable talking about emotions be- cause they never talked about them growing up, it’s unlikely they’ll be comfortable talking about it with their kids. While Dr. Lucker says emotional suppres- sion is seen more in boys than girls, she turns to language to see signs of emotional sup- pression. Through observation, parents can label what they see—say a boy getting mad and throwing toys—and acknowledge to the boy that they looked upset and ask if they were feeling angry or embarrassed or hurt. “Giving them words, and maybe it’s a ‘I don’t know what embarrass means,’ and then it’s explaining to them that it means this,” explains Dr. Lucker.

Dr. Lucker says trying to do things like that are going to look differently with a two2- year-old than a five5-year-old, but starting to have conversations with two2-year-olds who are developing the language and giving them the dialogue to help them with words is very beneficial with emotional growth. SCHOOL AND SOCIAL MEDIA Learning how to express emotions doesn't just come from the home. School and social media can also play a role in teaching chil- dren, and boys, what’s right and wrong when it comes to expressing emotions. While not every child is exposed to the extremes of, say, toxic masculinity or heroic masculinity, social media and school can make it difficult for boys to navigate how they should be acting. Dr. Lucker gives the example of being at recess—if a peer throws a tantrum, gets angry and aggressive, but then gets the ball, it’s easy for a boy to identify, “When Timmy is aggressive, he gets the ball. Every day I notice Timmy gets the ball, so I’m going to act this way because if Timmy gets the ball, I want the ball.” A way to use social media for learning good emotional and social communication is FaceTime. She says a lot of research around

anger gives a sense of protection for boys afraid to show vulnerability, Dr. Lucker explains.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S DRIVING IT Trying to understand what is driving a tan- trum, or an outburst, or aggression is the first

26 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM

FaceTime shows it being super effective for social emotional learning when kids interact with grandma, aunt, uncle, a friend of the parent. They can see their actions, their re- actions, and they can hear words. While they can get that from mom and dad, they can also get through the app. WAYS TO HELP Teaching language, modeling behavior, and understanding why a child is acting the way they are is a great way to start helping boys learn to express their emotions. Responding to a feeling without endorsing the behavior is also a way to help grow language. “I can see you’re really upset. I’m not going to let you hit me, and I want to understand what happened.” To help a child learn language, especial- ly emotional language, Dr. Lucker says it’s important to have parents mirror things such as talking about feelings or working through feelings. “It’s okay for a parent to cry in front of a kid,” Dr. Lucker emphasizes. “If their kid sees that their parent is crying, talk about it.” Boys need to see adults handling sadness, disappointment, without shame, says Dr. Lucker. It is okay to model feelings, model

emotions. She explains that you can model strength and vulnerability at the same time, and they can coexist together. If a boy is older, say elementary, middle, and high school, and a parent is

RESOURCES LIST Baton Rouge General Behavioral Wellness Center brgeneral.org

still noticing patterns of irritability, disrupted relationships at home, at

Beacon Behavioral beaconbh.com

school, they can’t hold a friend, they’re withdrawn—that’s when Dr. Lucker says it might be time to consider going to see a therapist. A lot of times, irritability, lashing out, and anxiety can be undiagnosed ADHD as well. “Especially ADHD oftentimes really comes out in middle school because in elementary school, they’re the class clown, they’re hyper, but they can kind of get through it. But in middle school, when the academics are more demanding, that’s when really specific learning disorders are coming out, ADHD’s coming out. That’s when we’re figuring out maybe this is going on, what’s driving that avoidance, that anxiety, that irritability,” says Dr. Lucker. LOCAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR CHILD These behavioral health centers offer coun- seling, psychiatric care, and family support services for children, teens, and adults. Baton

CareSouth Medical & Dental caresouth.org

Family Focus familyfocusbr.com

Genesis Behavioral Health Services genesisholisticbr.com

Magnolia Therapy Group magnoliatherapygrp.com

Refinery Counseling Center refinerycounselingcenter.com Regions Behavioral Hospital regionsbh.com

The Baton Rouge Clinic Psychiatry batonrougeclinic.com

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry thriveworks.com

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EXPECTATIONS CRUSH It’s okay—important, even—to have high expectations for your child, but it’s tough to determine when you’ve gone too far. In Jennifer Wallace’s book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It , she shares results of countless interviews with parents, as well as her own struggles regarding how to maintain healthy expectations of excellence without crushing your kids. “When you live in a community of high achievers with strict definitions of success, when friends are com- peting for the same leadership positions, for the same teams, for the same acceptances to increasingly exclusive colleges, you grow up in an environment of outsized expectations,” she writes. The pressure to stand out, the pressure to fit in, the pressure to be the best in every- thing you do… it’s exhausting. Don’t hear what I’m not saying: You don’t need to make your kid quit the sport they love and let them drop out of school to play video games all day—there are many benefits to recreational activities and moving your body. You should consider, however, evaluating your expecta- tions and adjusting them where needed. REDEFINING SUCCESS Whether you’re conscious of it or not, the American dream is deeply saturated in all of us. After all, what parent doesn’t want their child to be “successful”? What parent wants their child to grow up and experience financial instability or a lack of happiness? So instinctively, you push your child to do more and be better. But here’s the kicker: Happiness and success are not one and the same. In a national study of parents in 2020, Wallace shares that 73 percent agreed that it’s a common conception that getting into a selective college is one of the most import- ant ingredients to later-life happiness. After all, it feels good to see your child do well. In the same survey, 83 percent of parents also agreed that their child’s academic success re- flected their parenting. No wonder you push for just a little more!

BY JULIANNA STEEN PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025–26 COVER KID KATE N. Recognizing Anxiety in High-Achieving Kids

I was the child that never made a B from Kindergarten through grad school. I can still recall moments of pure panic after receiving a less-than-stellar grade, the deep-seated fear that I wouldn’t be perfect. Which is, in fact, a hilarious notion—because as Hannah Montana once so aptly put it, “No- body’s perfect… Everybody makes mistakes.” Nonetheless, this desire for perfection drove my every action, both academically and per- sonally, motivating me to achieve “success.” It wasn’t until my “perfect little plan” for my life went slightly awry that it truly began to sink in that I’m not in control and that this idea of reaching “perfection” is unattainable. Turns out, I’m not alone in this—today’s students are facing more pressure than ever. THE PRESSURE’S ON The thing about perfectionism is that the pressure stems not just from sources like parents and teachers, but from inside yourself. Sure, my parents encouraged me to study and do my best, but they weren’t harsh taskmasters, waiting to punish me when I messed up. I was the one to put the pressure on myself and berate myself endlessly for not doing enough, not being talented or smart enough, etc. Unfortunately, this internal pres- sure is only rising as factors like technology and social media come into play. In a study that analyzed long-term chang- es in perfectionism in college students be- tween 1989 and 2017, researchers found a 33

percent increase in the drive for perfection. This was “more than double the 10 percent increase seen in self-oriented perfectionism and the 16 percent rise in other-oriented perfectionism.” Across a similar timeline, we have watched the percentage of adolescents experiencing mental health issues skyrock- et—and it’s not a coincidence. WHY PERFECTIONISM IS HARMFUL The issue is, society condones, even encour- ages, perfectionism. Social media perpet- uates a “perfect image” with no room for error—only the best of the best “make it” in life (and into elite colleges), so kids must scramble for resumé-builders. I mean, have you seen these kids’ schedules these days? Between club sports, tutoring, school clubs, AP classes, and resumé-padding activities, they hardly have time to inhale food before jumping into the next thing. That in and of itself is an issue. Additionally, “Maladaptive perfectionism can lead to sleep problems, attention issues, procrastination, exhaustion, and poor mental health,” according to an article on Psycholo- gy Today . Chronic psychological stress puts physical strain on the body, and there’s no questioning the anxiety that comes with all that pressure to perform to the highest stan- dard. For many, the weight becomes unbear- able, leading to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and more. Perfectionism can also lead to avoidance and isolation.

DISCOVERING SELF-WORTH OUTSIDE OF ACHIEVEMENTS

There’s this exhilarating high I’m always chas- ing, the feeling of being “the best.” But you know what? It doesn’t last, and it rarely feels as satisfying as I thought it would. I had an eight month gap in between undergrad and grad school, and let me tell you: It was one of the hardest seasons of my life. For the first time ever, I couldn’t claim the label “student”

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