Baton Rouge Parents Magazine—September 2024

September 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY

Solving the Louisiana Literacy Issue

Teen Drinking: Yay or Nay?

Empowering Young Hearts Through Democracy

BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

@brparents.com

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

2023

AMANDA CIANI AUSTRIA COHN CAROL EVANS VICTORIA MIKOTA MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING Senior Graphic Designer TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING CRYSTAL BARRETT

2022

WHAT’S ON THE WEB

KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN AMY PHILLIPS Account Executives COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of 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 ELISABETH BARRETT KAYLEIGH MONTANA Client Success Specialists EMMY LOGAN Accounting Coordinator AMY PLAISANCE Founder

Menstrual Products May Contain Heavy Metals: Now What? In a recent study, tampons were found to contain heavy metals like arsenic and lead. What does this mean for women and girls? When Can Your Child Eat Sushi? Sushi is a delicious raw meal and even contains some health benefits. However, children under five should not consume raw sushi. Here’s why. Should You Read Your Teen’s Texts? Is your teen being sneaky? Here’s when digital safety becomes a concern. Are Our Children Growing Up Too Fast? Between Tik-Tok, Lululemon, Sephora, and other adult things, our kids are growing up too quickly..

freebies

Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is September 15, 2024.

The Bedtime Defenderz team is here to protect your kids from the nighttime scaries. scentcoinc.com

Enjoy endless fun with the Sixem Sour Patch Kids: The Mischievous Dice Game ! amazon.com

OFFICE (225) 292-0032 11831 WENTLING AVENUE BATON ROUGE, LA 70816-6055

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 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. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

LAST MONTH’S WINNERS Look who won August’s Freebies: Rachel Hunt won the Hoglet Fidget Mouse and Jessica Jones won the ThinkFun Geologic World Changing Logic Puzzle.

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inside

SEPTEMBER 2024 • ISSUE 410

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 42 THINGS TO DO 50 THINGS WE LOVE 52 THE LAST WORD 54 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 18 MOM NEXT DOOR 20 THRIVE 22 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION

Photo by Kleinpeter Photography

ON THE COVER 2023-24 Cover Kid Jonathan J. enjoys playing basketball, football, and video games. When he gets older, he hopes to pursue politics and eventually become the Mayor of Baton Rouge. Jonathan has started his own nonprofit organization, No Fear with Jonathan. He’s an excellent leader, smart, and a hard worker.

FEATURES

26 DOES THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OFFER A TEACHING MOMENT? Start the political conversation with your kids. By Austria Cohn 30 NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA SAFELY: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

38 INVESTING IN YOURSELF, INVESTING IN YOUR FAMILY Learn how to fill your cup with these steps. By Amanda Ciani 40 WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH LITERACY IN LOUISIANA SCHOOLS? It's time to discuss literacy rates in Louisiana public schools. By Victoria Mikota

34 RISKY OR RITE OF PASSAGE? UNDERAGE DRINKING AT HOME Experts and parents weigh in on teen drinking. By Amanda Miller

Photo by Kleinpeter Photography

36 THE FOOTPRINT

OF SOCK IT TO ME A story that will warm your "sole." By Amy Foreman-Plaisance

THIS SCHOOL YEAR How you can help your children navigate safe scrolling online. By Madison Voorhies

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a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE

B ack-to-school season has finally arrived, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the last few weeks cramming in whatever vacation or quality time you can with your children before the lazy days of summer finally come to an end. It’s that magical time of year when parents are rejoicing over the end of “I’m bored!” and students are bracing themselves for the inevitable whirlwind of homework, early mornings, after-school "I'm Bored" Goes Back to School

work my school schedule, so I can head home. As they get older, I feel my time getting limited, and it tears my heart apart. As the kids head back to class, let’s all raise a metaphorical glass to the joys and trials of the back-to-school season. Here’s to surviving the chaos, and perhaps more importantly, to pretending we’re not secretly excited to see the children stressed for once with having their responsibilities return. After all, it’s the small victories, like making it through the day without a caffeine IV drip, that make this season memorable. Prayers everyone has a smooth transition back to school and lots of prayers to the teachers who will be teaching these little minds.

activities or clubs, and the never-ending battle of “what do you want packed in your lunch today?” This year is looking so different in my house. My daughter will be bringing her brothers to and from school, at least until their sports start later in the fall. I’m kind of excited not to run carpool anymore; however, I will miss the daily bickering of who gets to tell me first about their day. It's a short drive home, so in reality, by the time we get home, everyone is fighting and I have no clue what happened that day. I guess I should be relieved that I will get some extra hours at work, and hopefully get my butt to the gym in the morning. But honestly, I will most likely still

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

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ADVERTORIAL

BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

CONNECT

community

THE GREATER BATON ROUGE FOOD BANK LAUNCHES KIDS’ ZONE WEBSITE The Greater Baton Rouge Bank is excited to announce the launch of “Kids’ Zone,” brand- new resources and games available on their website. The goal of the website is to educate and inspire children about the importance of food security and nutrition. This engaging platform is designed to make learning fun for kids, while providing valuable resources for educators and parents. On the Kids’ Zone website, kids can enjoy engaging resources, including games, videos, reading lists, and easy-to-follow recipes. Parents and educators can also find valuable resources to facilitate discussions and activities related to food security and nutrition in the home and classroom. ■ brfoodbank.org/kids-zone

BATON ROUGE-AREA VERIZON WIRELESS STORES GIFTING FREE BACKPACKS TO EASE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF LOCAL FAMILIES In an effort to help ease the financial burden for families this school year, Baton Rouge-area Verizon Wireless retail locations gave away hundreds of FREE backpacks. Verizon- authorized retailer, Round Room, hosted its 12th Annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” event where hundreds of families lined up to receive a free backpack. In total, Round Room gave over $3 million worth of backpacks to children at more than 1,000 of its stores nationwide. ■ wirelesszone.com

ICONIC SCULPTURE “IN OUR HANDS” INSTALLED AT LSU VET MED The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine installed a stunning new sculpture titled, “In Our Hands” by DiBari & Associates. This sculpture is sculpted by Vito DiBari and depicts two hands holding a dog, a cat, and a bird, and is a symbol of LSU Vet Med’s dedication to safeguarding the lives of animals through outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and compassionate care. It is positioned in front of the Stephenson Pet Clinic on Skip Bertman Drive, between the Mississippi River and Tiger Stadium, in Baton Rouge. ■ lsu.edu

BATON ROUGE ZOO TO REVEAL UPCOMING NEW ENTRANCE

The Baton Rouge Zoo has a new entrance that will enhance the experience for all visitors. This renovation is part of an effort to modernize the zoo and make it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. According to the Director of the Baton Rouge Zoo, Jim Fleshman, the new entrance is the “beginning of a reimagined experience for visitors of all ages.” This new entrance upgrade is one of the many parts of the zoo’s master plan, which includes new exhibits, educational programs, and community events. ■ brzoo.org

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Keep Louisiana Beautiful has developed 10 new lessons and complementary activities for grades K-5 on environmental stewardship. The 10 lessons cover litter’s impact on wildlife, roadside litter, school litter mapping, what happens to trash and recycling, waste management, microplastics in our environment, non- point source pollution, plastics in marine life, recycling at home, and watersheds. Lesson books will be distributed to all K-5 schools before the start of the 2024-2025 school year, and are free to order online. ■ keeplouisianabeautiful.org KEEP LOUISIANA BEAUTIFUL USES ENVIRONMENTAL LESSONS TO TEACH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FOR GRADES K-5 LSU GYMNAST SHINES AT OLYMPICS DEBUT LSU Gymnastics senior, Aleah Finnegan left her mark at the 2024 Paris Games in Bercy Arena. Finnegan was the first Filipina gymnast to compete in the Games in six decades. She was also the first active LSU Gymnast to become an Olympian. As one of three individuals for Team Philippines, Finnegan finished with an all-around score of 50.498 in subdivision three. During her floor performance in the second rotation, the athlete scored a 12.733. As she moved onto vault for the third rotation, she completed two vaults routines and finished with a 13.733. Her finishing move during the competition was on bars, where Finnegan delivered a strong 12.566 routine to close out her debut on the stage in Paris. ■ lsusports.net Photo by Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

education CONNECT

BATON ROUGE SCHOOLS ADOPT AI READING TUTOR

Students had a blast at Parkview Baptist School’s Eagle Experience Out-of-this-World Art Camp. Students explored a wide variety of media and space-based subjects and learned basic elements of design skills. Some of the crowd favorite stellar experiences included sculpting aliens with clay, creating gelli prints for plants, and glow-in-the-dark tie-dye. Each camper was able to create 10 cosmic masterpieces to take home. PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL’S EAGLE EXPERIENCE OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ART CAMP

Recently, the Louisiana Department of Education announced a new deal with Amira Learning, the first AI-powered reading assistant rooted in the Science of Reading. This opportunity gives students across 25 Louisiana school districts access to Amira’s proven AI tutor to improve reading comprehension skills. Furthermore, the Louisiana Department of Education has approved Amira as a tutoring option that can be purchased with ACT 771 funds throughout the 2024-2025 school year, allowing many more districts to access the platform. This advanced AI capability makes Amira especially helpful for ELL students, those from low-income families, and those with disabilities.

Forty high school students from the greater Baton Rouge area celebrated the conclusion of their summer internships with ExxonMobil’s High School Internship Program. During the closing ceremony, the interns presented their final projects that they had worked on during their tenure. The interns were placed in several different pathways such as engineering, information technology, laboratory sciences, project management, environmental stewardship, mechanical operations, and pipeline and terminal management. The program consisted of a diverse group of rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates that originated from 23 schools across eight school systems in the Capital Region. They acquired new skills, participated in hands-on projects, gained insights into operational processes, adhered to safety standards, and contributed to community service initiatives—all while earning competitive compensation exceeding $18 per hour. CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF EXXONMOBIL HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS AT CLOSING PROGRAM

Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) provided volunteer assistance for East Baton Rouge Parish elementary schools on the first day of school. VIPS' First Day Helpers were dispatched to local schools to assist with bus duty, carpool duty, office help, calming anxious parents and students, providing treats and coffee for teachers, and ensuring teachers feel supported and parents and students feel welcomed. This school year over 100 experienced volunteers signed on to serve at 21 schools. Mayor Sharon Weston Broome and Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr., along with 15 other public servants and community organizations, also registered to serve as First Day Helpers. VOLUNTEERS DISPATCHED TO ASSIST STUDENTS ON FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL

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Throughout the summer, campers visited ExxonMobil’s Wildlife Education Building (WEB) to plant a garden of flowers, go on a nature scavenger hunt, and perform hands-on STEM activities, including water filtration experiments. The wildlife habitat team manages over 500 acres of wildflowers, grasslands, forests, wetlands, and swamps. The property is home to a variety of wildlife such as bluebirds, bats, rabbits, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It is also home to over 120 varieties of trees that provide environmental, ecological, and visual benefits to the community. They educate hundreds of local students at the WEB every year. ExxonMobil’s Wildlife Education Building & Arboretum are available for any school classes, clubs, or camps that are interested in visiting. EXXONMOBIL'S WILDLIFE EDUCATION BUILDING HAS A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS The Council for Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) welcomed 81 teachers from 7 countries to begin teaching in schools in Louisiana in the 2024-2025 academic year. CODOFIL, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), and the Louisiana Consortium of Immersion Schools collaborate with international partners, including the Consulate General of France in New Orleans and the Ministry of Education of Spain, to recruit teachers annually to work in French and Spanish immersion programs in public schools throughout Louisiana. This year’s group includes educators from France, Belgium, Canada, Senegal, Cameroon, Spain, and Mexico. LOUISIANA WELCOMES 81 INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS TO WORK IN IMMERSION LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

CONNECT book corner

Ready for back-to-school? It can be exciting and fearful…at the same time! Share these stories with your young scholars to help them make a smooth transition as they navigate school situations and shenanigans with these characters. Best wishes to students and teachers for a wonderful year!

YOUTH These picture books bring the fun of starting

Experienced readers will enjoy the classroom hijinks in these chapter books! First Day, Worst Day by Andy Nonamus It’s the first day at a new school, and this fresh new start means absolutely no one knows just how unlucky he is. But after missing his school bus, getting lost looking for his classroom, and getting smacked in the face with a basketball, he quickly realizes he is doomed forever. Luckily, some new friends might just help him make it through the worst first day ever! Strangeville School is Totally Normal by Darcy Miller Strangeville School is the wackiest, most dangerous school you will ever attend! Harvey Hill's first day doesn't go quite as expected when he discovers Strangeville School is full of various wild creatures and super odd happenings! Approach the school year with humor! Laugh along with this graphic novel and joke book! Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness by Ben Clanton

Narwhal and Jelly become teachers in the world wide waters and embark on four brand new adventures together. From substitute teaching to a science scavenger hunt to playing tag at recess, Narwhal and Jelly teach others and themselves with positivity and humor. Silly Jokes About School by Michael Dahl Get ready to laugh from the cafeteria to the playground with these silly jokes about school! “Why did the runner give all the wrong answers in class? He was off track!” TWEENS AND TEENS Even tweens and teens with years of back-to-school experience can be nervous on that first day. See how these

school to your little ones! The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt

All of the crayons are getting ready to start school again and each one has a favorite subject that they are looking forward to the most. They are ready to make new friends and cut loose during their absolute favorite time of day at school: art class, of course! Ready for Kindergarten by Bethany Freitas With both cheerful reassurance and expert guidance, this book helps kids and their caregivers feel ready for anything, especially starting school! This back-to-school sibling tale is perfect for beginning readers! School Day! by Candice Ransom It's big sister's first day of third grade, and it will be a cinch for her to show her little brother the ropes on his first day of kindergarten.

characters survive! Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar

While navigating his first year of high school and awaiting the birth of his new baby brother, Scott loses old friends and

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

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gains some unlikely new ones as he hones his skills as a writer. How to Survive Middle School by Donna Gephart When 13-year-old David's best friend makes the start of middle school even worse than he feared it could be, David becomes friends with Sophie, who shares his love of TV shows and posts one of their skits on YouTube, making them wildly popular online. grandmother, a former hippie, but when she falls from a tree and breaks her hip, Cap is sent to a foster home where he has his first experience in a public school. New Kid by Jerry Craft Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves Schooled by Gordon Korman Cap lives in isolation with his nothing more than drawing cartoons, but instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics.

BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

craft corner CONNECT

Crafty Characters: 3 Children’s Book Character Crafts

Experience some of your child’s favorite storybooks with them in a new way with these book-inspired crafts. Whether they prefer a classic story or something new to the library shelves, these crafts can be easily customized to fit every story. BY AMANDA MILLER

DIY FROZEN SNOW GLOBE Courtesy of Natural Beach Living Materials Distilled Water Glycerin

Glitter and Sequins (white and silver) Waterproof Characters (LEGO figurines work well!) Snow Globe (can be found on Amazon!) Glue Directions 1. Glue your character onto the snow globe stopper. 2. Fill your snow globe about half full of distilled water. 3. Add your glitter and sequins into the snow globe. 4. Pour in glycerin (about a teaspoon is fine) and stir. 5. Fill your snow globe the rest of the way with distilled water. 6. Hold your snow globe over the sink while you add the character that is glued to the stopper. Twist on the lid and tighten.

cut out two thin green rectangles for his overalls. Finally, cut out four arms, rounding them at the ends, from the brown construction paper. 3. Using the heart punch, punch out a small heart from the black construction paper. 4. On your dried, regular-sized paper plate, cut a triangle slit at the bottom of the green end. 5. Then, glue the two overall straps onto the regular paper plate. Next, glue the arms and legs onto the regular paper plate. 6. Glue the muzzle onto your dessert paper plate. Add some glue to the back of your small black heart and glue it onto the muzzle for the bear’s nose. Then, glue on the two bear’s ears and googly eyes. 7. Finally, glue the dessert paper plate to the regular paper plate. Add a white button to one of the overall straps. Draw a mouth under his nose, and draw a small slit on the second overall strap to show the missing button.

CORDUROY PAPER PLATE CRAFT Courtesy of I Heart Crafty Things Materials

Regular-Sized Paper Plate Dessert-Sized Paper Plate Paint (brown and green) Cardstock or Construction Paper (brown, green, light brown, and black) Heart Punch Googly Eyes White Button Black Marker Scissors Glue Directions 1. Start by painting your two paper plates. Paint the small plate brown and paint the regular plate one-third brown and the rest green. Let them dry. 2. Cut out two brown circles for ears from the construction paper and one light brown circle for the muzzle. Then,

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PUT ME IN THE ZOO SLIME Courtesy of Natural Beach Living Materials

5 oz Bottle of Clear Elmer’s Glue 7-8 tsp of Elmer’s Magical Liquid Small Pom Poms (yellow, orange, green, blue, purple) Directions 1. Pour the clear glue into a bowl. 2. Add in 3 teaspoons of the Magical Liquid and mix well. 3. Once mixed, add in the pom poms and mix again. The mixture will still be sticky. 4. Add another 3 teaspoons of the Magical Liquid and mix well. The mixture should be getting less sticky at this point. If it’s still sticky, add another teaspoon of the Magical Liquid and knead with your hands. Continue to knead until it’s no longer sticky.

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mom next door LIVE

Angelle Terrell BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY

Occupation: Author and Photographer Husband: JP Terrell Children: James, 7, and Jack, 5 Hobbies: Writing, cycling, and cooking

A n Acadiana native, Angelle Terrell is no stranger to the Louisiana way of life. As an author and photographer, Angelle spends a lot of her time investing in her creativity and sharing her writing and photos with others. Her dream of publishing was realized in 2020, when she published her very first children’s book. In her recent book, Someone in Louisiana Loves You , Angelle recounts the many places that make Louisiana special, and how we carry the ones we love in our hearts, no matter where we go. When Angelle isn’t spending time with her kids and husband, she visits schools in the community for story time, where she reads her books to different elementary school students. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY? ANGELLE: Bedtime. We’re currently

reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? ANGELLE: A normal day for me involves waking up, preparing the kiddos’ uniforms, and cooking breakfast. By 8:30 a.m., I’m usually alone and will spend a couple of hours working on photography and editing. I usually put two hours a day aside for writing before I have to go pick up my kids from school. Once I pick up my kids, we do homework and have some downtime. Then, I cook dinner for my family, and shortly after, we wind down for bed. WHAT’S A COMMON CHARACTERISTIC IN YOUR WORK ETHIC AND PARENTING? ANGELLE: I try really hard to make

everyone feel seen and heard. I want everyone to feel comfortable and not stressed out! With my kids, sometimes it’s crying, we’re hot, or we’re not cooperating. I want them to know I see and hear them during their uncomfortable moments. When I’m writing, I want all kids to feel they can see themselves in my writing and in the illustrations in my books. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A MOM? ANGELLE: The joys of being a mom would include teaching my kids to do the right thing and then seeing them do that. Whenever I see them doing the right thing or being kind to someone, or being patient with each other, it brings me great joy. One of the challenges I’ve noticed is being able to allow my kids to be independent without me being overbearing. I want them

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ANGELLE: I like going to explore a new city. As a family, we enjoy going to museums, art galleries, or any outdoor activities. If I asked my kids, they’d definitely say Disney. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR HUSBAND? ANGELLE: We are big fans of the DiGiulio Brothers. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PARENTING? ANGELLE: The key to being a successful parent is allowing your children to be partners in the family. Listen to your kids and understand what morals and values you want to impart onto your children. It’s really hard work to be a parent, but as long as you have the attitude and willingness, it’s extremely worthwhile. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS? ANGELLE: Accept that you’re not perfect! Embrace the imperfections of daily life. As long as you’re trying, you’re doing the right thing. Embrace trying.

to make mistakes, explore, and grow into their personalities. I know my role is to teach them the right and wrong things and also to nudge them to grow in their own wonderful ways. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE? ANGELLE: Tough love. I want to lead my kids with love, but also understand it is my job to teach them. I want them to understand the things they do, and be transparent about why I am disciplining or reprimanding them when they step out of line. I want to be very open and honest with them and avoid any, “because I said so” answers. I want them to understand the reason behind my decision making and know that I am here to guide them. ANGELLE: We are proud homebodies. We like to watch movies together, play games, and spend lots of family time snuggled up on the couch together. I am perfectly okay with this! As a family, we love to cuddle in bed and read. HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ALIKE AND DIFFERENT? ANGELLE: My oldest is a dreamer and he’s very analytical. My youngest is very by-the-book and so funny. We’re both alike in the ways that we are creative. One is more creative with science and the other is more creative with storytime and coming up with ideas. We’re all emotional and feel our feelings. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY? WHAT’S SOMETHING YOUR CHILD HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF? ANGELLE: My children have taught me to be more selfless than I ever thought I could be. Being their mom has made me value long-term thinking and inspired me to care for what’s going on in our world so much more. I have been extremely compelled to take action with what is happening in and outside of our community. WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOTS?

Q&A My favorite TV show is… House of the Dragon . I can’t stop watching… True Crime. I love singing along to… Taylor Swift and Broadway musicals. My favorite dessert is… cookie dough. My favorite food is… any pasta...I haven't met a noodle I didn't like. My favorite holiday is… Halloween. My guilty pleasure is… Bravo. My favorite book is… Pride and Prejudice .

BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

Founded in 1908 by alumni of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, the Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) stands as the oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing (DDBHH) citizens in Louisiana. LIVE thrive A Legacy of Equality & Inclusivity BY VICTORIA MIKOTA LAD’s origins trace back to the collective vision shared by alumni of the Louisiana School for the Deaf who recognized the critical need for a support network that would address the linguistic and educational needs for Deaf children. Originally, LAD was focused on fostering linguistic skills and educational opportunities, but has since evolved into a comprehensive service-based industry. In 2021, LAD expanded its scope and responsibilities when it acquired the Deaf Focus organization. The goal of this How LAD Transforms the Deaf Community acquisition was to create sustainable revenue streams and set a model for effective Deaf-centric advocacy and service. Now, in 2024, LAD operates with a strong emphasis on Deaf leadership and advocacy. LAD Executive Director, Jay Isch, says, “LAD wants to be the model of how a Deaf association is run.” To do this, he and his Board work with the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf to monitor and champion state progress and policies. Since 2016, LAD has been instrumental in passing 11 key laws with the help of supportive figures like Governor Edwards. “Deaf people deserve equal access to information, services, and other resources,” says Isch. “It’s important to me that Deaf individuals obtain what they need, at the same equivalent level that a hearing person has.” LAD Addresses Educational Inequities Based on research from the National

Impact on Baton Rouge and Beyond While LAD serves the entire state of Louisiana, its impact is especially felt in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. The organization provides essential services, including financial assistance, fundraising for schools, and support through mental health services. LAD’s initiatives extend to providing educational supplies, ensuring that teachers and students in Deaf education programs have the necessary resources. “For schools, we buy the supplies, split them up, and then distribute them to teachers, and the teachers in turn, give them to the students,” says Isch. LAD provides support wherever there is a community need. LAD is also focused on employment opportunities for Deaf individuals, addressing the alarming statistic that 99 percent of Deaf people in Louisiana are unemployed. The organization recognizes the barriers Deaf individuals face in accessing mental health counseling and aims to offer direct support while ensuring that services are culturally competent and accessible. Most recently, LAD provided $100,000 in aid to the Deaf community after a hurricane struck, filling gaps left by slow federal assistance. LAD Believes in Nourishing Every Deaf Person’s Well-Being As community support continues, LAD aims to be a safe space for Deaf people in the state of Louisiana–through everyday services or support during natural disasters or emergencies. LAD strives to be the face of Deaf leadership in Louisiana, and wants to make sure that everyone– child or adult–has access to everything they need to thrive in the fullness of life, liberty, and equality in the state of Louisiana.

Association of the Deaf, “70% of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing children do not have access to language.” For children who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC), this number is much higher. “It is imperative to prevent language deprivation in all Deaf children, and this requires addressing the usual reliance on auditory input for language acquisition,” says Isch. As a result, it is necessary to utilize “active prevention” to mitigate any possibility of language deprivation in each Deaf child. According to the NAD, “Active prevention refers to the systematic structures used to ensure that Deaf children are exposed to language in all forms necessary to avoid language deprivation.” Parents, families, and professionals need to actively prevent language deprivation within Deaf children starting at birth, and especially through the newborn hearing screening process. The responsibility of active prevention lasts well beyond the initial experience in infancy, meaning that every provider, professional, advocate, teacher, organization, and program who comes in contact with the family then becomes equally responsible to prevent language deprivation with each Deaf child. To help prevent language deprivation, LAD advocates for the importance of ASL in early childhood development, and has been a vocal proponent for improved educational practices and higher standards for interpreters. For instance, LAD successfully advocated for increasing the required score on the Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment (EIPA) from 3.0 to 4.0. In addition to helping improve ASL in schools, LAD also provides interpreting services, expert consulting, professional development, educational support, and ASL classes. LAD aims to support Deaf children every step of the way.

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BRPARENTS.COM | SEPTEMBER2024

LIVE faith

Faith and Technology Raising Children in a Digital Age

BY FATHER TODD LLOYD, PASTOR OF MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

W ith substantial breakthroughs in science and technology come both the hope of benefit and danger of destruction. Humanity must find the balance of using its new knowledge responsibly and safely. Consider fire and nuclear fission. In either case, when humanity discovers it, there is potential for danger and good. We can burn or we can have light and warmth. We can destroy or we can treat cancer and have energy. Human progress is not merely discovering knowledge, science, or technology. The key to real progress is discerning how to use the new knowledge for the best good and the least bad. We are living in an era of technological revolution called the Digital Age. This revolution is affecting the life of no one more than young people. Access to this technology is important for their advancement. It also has the potential to be dangerous. The internet and digital media are as helpful or as dangerous in a young person’s hands as a burning flame.

Much attention could be given to the kind of material and exposure that a young person can experience via digital media. There is a lot of dangerous material that the internet can bring to light for people of all ages. Only the most naïve, lazy, or demented parent could dismiss the danger of pornography and other material that is only a click away. The importance of vigilance cannot be overstated. The more general danger of digital technology is the disconnection from real interpersonal interactions. The more any person, and especially young people, turn to the digital world, the less in tune they can become to the world around them. Something that readers hopefully notice in the gospels of the New Testament is how Jesus does not only deal with the masses but interacts with people intimately. Jesus lives with, speaks to, eats with, teaches, ministers to and touches people personally. He gives the example of how real human interaction happens through personal contact.

To be human is to be in relation with others. Wholistic human relationship means being present to the other with our whole person. In other words, while digital media enables communicating aspects of personality like our thoughts or ideas or opinions or knowledge, it does not make possible a complete human relationship. It is this I would encourage parents to be attentive to in the digital age. Help your children to have authentic human interaction and form real human relationships that are not dependent on, and therefore hindered by, digital media. Whether it be with family members in and out of the house, or peers, or God, every human person must develop contact with the other that is unbounded by the sterile and impersonal nature of digital media. All of us, of all ages, are in need to unplug from our technological devices of communication so that we can do more than communicate, but relate with each other and our Creator.

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Does the Presidential Election Offer a Teaching Moment? BY AUSTRIA COHN PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2023-24 COVER KID JONATHAN J.

A s the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, children will likely hear or learn about bits and pieces of the process. Whether the debate is playing in the background or students are learning about democracy in class, some young adults might show interest in the election. With the nation buzzing with conversation, the presidential election offers a time to teach young adults about democracy, critical thinking, and

misinformation on social media. WHY UNDERSTANDING DEMOCRACY MATTERS

Teaching democracy to children can be as simple as telling them their voice matters. This can encourage children to voice their opinions on topics they’re passionate

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1. Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach children to question the sources of information they encounter online. Who is providing this information? What are their motivations? 2. Promote Media Literacy: Introduce the basics of media literacy, like recognizing biased or unreliable sources and understanding how to cross-check facts with reputable sites. 3. Discuss the Impact of Misinformation: Help them understand the real-world consequences of misinformation and the importance of making informed decisions. 4. Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where children feel comfortable discussing what they see online. As the country prepares for the 2024 Presidential Election, consider using this time as a teaching moment, where young adults earn valuable skills to help them later in life. Learning about democracy and social media misinformation will teach teens to be critical thinkers and help them understand that their voices and actions matter.

about, building confidence and a sense of empowerment. Children can also benefit from learning that their choices matter and impact their communities. For older teens who are showing interest in the election, discussions about democracy can help them better understand the world and the country we live in. Depending on their maturity level, exploring concepts like freedom and comparing other countries to the U.S. can broaden their perspectives. OPINIONS ARE TRENDING In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping how information is consumed. While it can be a powerful tool for learning and connection, it also poses challenges, particularly when it comes to misinformation. For teens following the election, take the time to explain that it’s important to fact- check information seen on social media and explain how clips can be taken out of context to appeal to specific audiences. Moreover, technology is constantly evolving, and this includes “deepfakes,” which are realistic-looking videos or audio created by AI to make it seem like real people are saying or doing things they never actually did. Deepfake videos and sound bits are circulating social platforms,

and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to determine what is real and what isn’t. When discussing social media, it’s important to also discuss algorithms with preteens and teens. The algorithms that drive social media feeds are designed to show users content that aligns with their interests. Whether it’s a specific TV show, celebrity, activity, or opinion, algorithms are intended to keep users engaged and using the app. While this can make the online experience more engaging, it also means that people are often exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs rather than challenging them. Encourage young adults to research topics further and engage in conversations to understand different viewpoints instead of solely relying on social media for news. This will not only help them when they’re old enough to vote, but it will make them critical thinkers and well-rounded adults. TEACHING YOUNG ADULTS TO FACT-CHECK Given the prevalence of misinformation online, it’s crucial to teach children how to fact-check and verify information. Here are some practical steps parents can take to help their kids navigate the ever-changing digital landscape:

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Navigating Social Media Safely A Guide for Parents This School Year

BY MADISON VOORHIES PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2023-24 COVER KIDS KYLIE B. AND KAYLA D.

A s the new school year begins, parents may face concerns regarding their children’s education, well-being, and social lives. One area that continues to be of the utmost importance is social media. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominating the digital world, ensuring your child's safety online has never been more critical. DID YOU KNOW? Louisiana found great legislative success in the last year when lawmakers and former Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law the Secure Online Child Interaction and Age

Limitation Act. This law requires children 16 and under to get parental consent to create a social media account and includes safeguards for adult-minor messaging, minors' personal data collection, ads targeting minors, and parental monitoring features. While social media is vastly evolving every day, this law should grant parents some peace of mind knowing they have rights when it comes to the safety of their child’s online presence. So, just take a deep breath, and don’t let the internet scare you. Here are other tips and strategies we gathered based on research by the American Psychological Association and

Norton Security to help you keep your child safe online as they return to school. 1. OPEN COMMUNICATION IS KEY The foundation of social media safety starts with open and honest communication between you and your child. Encourage your child to talk about their online experiences, both positive and negative. Let them know they can come to you if they encounter anything uncomfortable or confusing online. 2. SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES

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AND EXPECTATIONS Establishing clear rules about social media use is crucial. Discuss what types of content are acceptable to post and view. Make sure your child understands the consequences of sharing personal information (age, hometown, school information, etc.) or engaging in risky online behavior. 3. EDUCATE ON PRIVACY AND ONLINE ETIQUETTE Teach your child about the importance of privacy settings and how to use them effectively. They should understand that once something is posted online, it can be difficult–if not impossible–to completely remove it. Help them set their profiles to private and explain the dangers of accepting friend requests or follows from strangers. It’s also crucial to discuss online etiquette—how to communicate respectfully and the impact their words

apps allow you to set screen time limits, filter content and followers, and even monitor messages in some cases. Popular social media apps, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord all offer these features. 5. KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S #TRENDING Social media platforms and online trends are constantly evolving. New apps, challenges, and threats emerge regularly, and it can be difficult to keep up. You can join online parenting groups, follow child safety organizations, and read up on the latest news regarding social media trends. This knowledge will help you to better understand what your child is experiencing and how to guide them through it. 6. ENCOURAGE CRITICAL THINKING Finally, one of the best ways to keep your child safe online is to foster critical thinking. Encourage them to question what they see on social media and to think critically about the content they consume and share. Discuss the difference between real and fake information and the impact of algorithms on what appears in their

feeds. Teach them to recognize red flags, such as messages from strangers, requests for personal information, or anything that seems too good to be true. By equipping your child with critical thinking skills, you empower them to make safer choices online. EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE! Cyberbullying–the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person–is, unfortunately, a large ongoing issue in the United States and more prevalent than most parents may think. A 2023 report by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that out of 74 Louisiana adolescents surveyed, 62.8 percent reported they had been cyberbullied at some point in their lives. Parents must educate their children about cyberbullying so they can recognize when it’s happening and feel empowered to discuss it or report it to a trusted adult. While social media offers numerous benefits, from staying connected with friends to exploring new interests, it also comes with risks that parents need to navigate carefully. As the school year begins, make social media safety a priority in your household. After all, a safe online environment is essential for your child's overall well-being.

and actions can have on others. 4. MONITOR WITHOUT MICROMANAGING

As a parent, it’s natural to want to keep tabs on your child’s online activity. Tools like parental control apps can help you stay informed without being overbearing. These

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Risky or Rite of Passage? Underage Drinking at Home BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM

“I would rather it be done under my roof than somewhere else.” When it comes to teens drinking under their own parents’ roofs, many parents share this same sentiment: they would much rather their teen drink around them at home than anywhere else. Other reasons behind their approval stem from removing the taboo of drinking, encouraging better habits for when they’re older, creating a safer and monitored environment while the teen is drinking, and remembering what drinking was like when “we were their age.”

While many parents approve, there are just as many parents who are against the idea, and some who are even unsure after weighing both sides. However, this controversial topic includes many sides, and it’s important to take note of what the experts recommend. WAIT, IS IT EVEN LEGAL? Often before the conversation even begins, several parents wonder if teens drinking at home is even allowed. What may come as a shock to many is that underage

consumption of alcohol is actually legal in many states, including Louisiana, when consumed in a private residence. Louisiana’s policy, which can be found in the Alcohol Policy Information System (a project of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,) also states that it is legal when consumed with a parent/ guardian or spouse present. BUT AREN’T THEY STILL DEVELOPING? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), yes, and because of this,

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AAP urges parents to establish rules and prevent their teens from drinking because it’s a “critical time for brain growth.” Lynn R. Schechter, PhD, MPAP, a medical psychologist, explains, “Alcohol is a toxin, so it will impact the brain of any person who consumes it. A human brain continues to develop for the first 25 years of life, and so that is, in theory, when it is more vulnerable to the impact of substances since neuronal connections are still forming. This is especially problematic because the frontal lobe, which is responsible for making good decisions, isn't yet developed, and alcohol in the body can impede its development.” Knowing the effects alcohol might have on your teens ahead of time could also be a teachable moment. One local parent, Jacki S. (initial is used because of requested anonymity), shares, “Allowing your teens (older to high school/ college teens) to taste various alcohols and drink in moderation teaches them to drink more responsibly and enables a parent to have productive conversations with their children before they leave home. I want to see how it affects my child so we can talk about it, particularly as it relates to making sure you have control over yourself, make smart decisions, and not drive after alcohol has been consumed.” IS IT REALISTIC TO THINK TEENS WON’T DRINK? “As a psychologist (and as a parent) of course I have to say the answer is no. We know that teenagers drink and that they will do it whether we want them to or not. So, it makes sense that parents have had the mindset that ‘if my kid’s going to drink, I’d like to be around to supervise them and make sure they’re safe,’ or ‘I want to make sure they’re not going to drink and drive.’ Other parents may feel that it will remove what I’d like to call the ‘taboo appeal’ of drinking, which can sometimes lurk in the background of kids’ minds as they get ready to leave for college and they’ve been prohibited from drinking until they leave,” says Dr. Schechter. When polling parents on whether or not they would allow their teens to drink at home, many said yes because it lessens the appeal of drinking when they are older. Local mom Katherine G., agrees with this. “It's the nature of maturing. Children want to rebel against the boundaries that are set for them. If they have access to alcohol at home, it loses the 'cool' factor. My parents always said I could have it if I wanted, but I thought it tasted disgusting, and I would roll my eyes when my friends got hold of cheap beer. I happily passed on it because I had no interest at all. All of the

wildest kids I knew growing up had the strictest parents.”

WHAT THE PARENTS ARE SAYING “At age 18-21, I believe it is fine. Not six beers or eight shots of pure alcohol. Talk to your son or daughter as you drink and find out their feelings. You should be able to tell them what you think about their consumption. Have a real conversation about their thinking and their misgivings.” –Jaime F. “No, it will start them down the road to addiction. Trust me, I know!” –Roxanne B. “I firmly believe that you should not drink alcohol until you are legally able to do so. I would not want to help my child participate in this activity–it would just lead to other illegal actions.” –Nakeshia D. “I think it removes the taboo of it and makes it less tempting if you're offering it at home. Education is key though. You should teach them the dangers of alcohol poisoning and alcoholism, especially if it runs in your family. I'm no expert, but I know other countries are definitely not as stringent about minors with alcohol, and binge drinking is less rampant there. Something to think about.” –Lena A. “Yes, it teaches them how to control.” –Whitney R. “To allow high-school seniors (17-18 years old) to drink responsibly with parents and give them exposure to alcohol without peer pressure is beneficial. It allows teenagers an outlet and to act maturely at home. Eighteen year olds can fight and die for our country before being legally allowed to drink. Other countries allow teenagers to drink wine at dinner.” –Nicole P. “Having a glass of wine or something at a family dinner when they are in their late teens is ok, but parents who let their children and friends get drunk at home as young teens is a big no.” –Dawn S. “No, it’s not good for their developing brains.” –Megan C.

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

Parents who are against teens drinking at home feel that by allowing them to consume alcohol at a younger age only puts them on the road to addiction and offers a gateway to other illegal activities. A research study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs that spanned over 15 years found that “allowing adolescents to drink at home is neither inherently protective nor risky but depends on the family context.” One of these factors to consider includes whether or not there is already a family history of alcohol problems. Kevin Murnane, PhD, Associate Director for Basic Sciences Research, Louisiana Addiction Research Center, also shares, “Research has shown that adolescent exposure to alcohol can change brain chemistry and brain activity in brain areas critical for decision making. This puts the child at greater risk of developing many neuropsychiatric disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction.” In AAP’s Alcohol Use by Youth policy statement, lead author Joanna Quigley, MD, FAAP, explains that parents should not downplay these risks, but instead, keep the conversations open and model healthy habits. SO, SHOULD THEY OR SHOULDN’T THEY? If you’re looking for an easy yes or no answer on whether or not teens should be allowed to drink under their parents' roofs, unfortunately, you won’t find it here. Considering the facts from the experts, as well as what is legal in our state, there really isn’t a simple yes or no answer to this parenting obstacle. The decision will ultimately come down to what the parent feels is the best route for their teen and what the parent is most comfortable with. Everyone is different. Dr. Schechter adds, “The decision of whether to allow teenagers to drink at home is not a simple one but a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer in my opinion. Parents should be aware of the power that they have to influence their teens’ attitudes and behavior even through early adulthood.” If you’re looking for more information and help with navigating through the decision process, reach out to your teen's doctor or another parent you trust.

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