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Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

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So your kids are home from school for the next month. What are you going to do? How will you keep them entertained? Will they fall behind in school? Take it from this homeschool mama of two, all of these things can be avoided with a little prep and a good measure of organization. I’m not talking crazy and elaborate projects that tie you to a table helping for hours. I’m talking about some good planning leading to you not losing yourself in kid chaos.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Stick to a schedule

You will never convince me otherwise. Kids like expectations to their day. My kids know breakfast, school work, art, etc. and when each thing is coming. When you set the expectation for your kiddos it will help keep them from coming back over and over with “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do”. It also allows for you to plan when you need to get your own things accomplished.

Get outside!

This past week we flew a kite. It was simple, cheap, and fun. Get some bubbles or chalk. Play hopscotch. Throw the ball. Go for a walk or jog. For us, it is one of the best times of the year for getting to spend time outside. Going outside lets the kids get out pent up energy and the fresh air is great for you. The heat isn’t stifling yet, and we’ve even had a breeze as of late.

Online time

Our kids get online time that isn’t, as we call it, “brain dead”. There are so many free educational sites and games that are available for kids to get their screen time and still have to think. For example, for science we use mysteryscience.com. There are several free lessons available. A video plays and they usually have an easy project or follow up that they give directions on how to complete. If you want a subscription, there are even more options. We personally use ABC Mouse for my younger and Adventure Academy for my older. The kids have to complete educational tasks to get to do other fun things on their “journey”. 

Pinterest!

I know I said no spending hours glued in project assistance mode, but Pinterest really has some easy projects that kids love. They also have great science projects, game ideas, cooking projects, and so much more. We may do one Pinterest idea a week. Sometimes they are great and sometimes they are a most definite #pinterestfail, but we always have fun and make memories while we do it. That’s what it’s really all about y’all!

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Free Time

I know that we are trying to fill this, but kids really do need some free time. Our free time consists of me being able to get things done without interruption. The kids should not have to ask “Can I?” They have the option of playing with toys, playing board games, pretend play, etc. All things that are at their disposal and they are able to do themselves. They great thing about this is that you get to set the parameters. They could have access to one specific toy bin or shelf. They could get to spend time in a playroom or however you are set up. It’s about what works for you.

School work

There are so many FREE resources for worksheets, coloring sheets, etc. The local library is a wealth of books and dvds. Where we live, they also have educational tablets. I have made youtube lists of educational videos that we watch. Disney + has Nat Geo with so many interesting shows. One of the great things about the digital age is that if you want your kids to learn, you have only need to hop online. You can also find many Facebook groups of homeschoolers to join that have pre-built lists of all kinds of resources for parents. They don’t care if your kids are only home for a month or if they homeschool full time. They welcome you to the information.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Quiet time

This one is important Mommas because we cannot spend all day running kids from project to project to be a non-stop source of entertainment. We have things to do too! We have a quiet time every single day. When my kids were smaller, they napped. They now have additional options. They can read, they can draw or color, they can listen to music. Anything that allows for some quiet to enter your home and you to get that break that you may really need to re-center and gain focus, where there may be chaos.

Finally, use the TV

We don’t sit in front of the TV for hours on end, but there is certainly nothing wrong with sitting the kids at the TV for a movie or a couple of shows. Go ahead and sit down with them! I find that when my kids are not sitting in front of the TV constantly, they grow to be much more appreciative of the time they are given. They are selective on the shows or movies they choose to watch. They pay attention to what is on. It is a treat instead of a constant background noise. 

As a homeschooling mom, you come to realize that there has to be balance. A balance of entertainment, of getting things accomplished, of managing your house and the kids. We constantly have things that need to be done and sometimes the biggest thing you can do for yourself is just realize that the day doesn’t always go as planned. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend. It doesn’t matter if it is for ideas for rainy days or just to have some good conversation with another adult.

Don’t be afraid to just kick up your feet with the kids for a movie. If a project fails, laugh and take pictures. We have some pretty great fail memories. Let go of expectations, whether they are from others or yourself, and find what works for you!

At bedtime, I always ask my kids what their favorite part of the day was. Sometimes they do say it is something big that we did as a treat. Most of the time, my kids list simple things that you wouldn’t think about: Popsicles outside, flying a kite, messing up our baking project, or playing a board game. Through the eyes of a kid, the simple things sometimes mean the most. That is what it’s all about!

Baton Rouge Moms Ambassador -Erica Mautner

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?Erica is an LSU alum, with a Master’s in Business Administration. She recently left her career in banking to be at home with her 2 boys, Fisher & Sawyer, full time. They have started an adventure in homeschooling. Erica likes to travel, take photos, and attempt crafting projects with her boys. She also likes to attend LSU football games with her boys and husband of 11 years, Cody, who proposed while tailgating fall of 2008. 

Six Reasons to Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park

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Baton Rouge families, the Louisiana Children’s Museum opens to the public August 31st and you should start planning your day trip now! We recently had the opportunity to attend a media preview of the LCM, it wasn’t yet complete, yet we felt like we were walking through the most magical of places. It’s going to be something special for Louisiana families, a tactile experience that will delight young and old alike. Every section of the LCM is created to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through many inventive and engaging experiences, most importantly PLAY! Every decision made throughout the museum was intricately thought out to help elevate the capacity of our little ones. 

Julia Bland, CEO of Louisiana Children’s Museum, spoke beautifully on the importance of childhood, she encouraged us to enjoy and celebrate children where they are and to not make the mistake of wishing away seasons of childhood. The museum has been structured to support parents in their efforts to embrace each stage of development while focusing on literacy, environmental education, health and wellness, STEM, arts, and our rich Louisiana culture. 

Why the relocation? The new location allows the museum to better meet the needs of the community as well as improve geographic access and connect children to nature. The attention to detail outside is just as significant as the inside. The Louisiana Children’s Museum will include five new exhibit galleries indoors as well as a literacy center, a parent/teacher resource center, an edible garden, a sensory garden, and full-service café. There are a plethora of reasons to make the day trip to New Orleans to visit the LCM, here are just 6 reasons to start planning your family day trip…

Six Reasons to Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Talk and Play Center

The Talk and Play center is a family-centered space that encourages families to make joyous connections  – connections of children to parents, to grandparents, to life long learning, to growing cycles – the continuums, connections, circles, and cycles that we see in so many parts of our lives.

Play With Me Exhibit

Created for children under the age of four, this ground-floor gallery is designed to provide easy access for parents of young children with strollers. Little ones can explore and play while resources are available to support parents in their journey as children’s first teachers. The Play With Me exhibit includes a fun one of a kind Sensory Lagoon, much like a tiny Lilly Pad water bed for children play on and experience. Play With Me also includes a Cypress Tree Book Nook, Peek-a-Boo Puppet Theater, Early Literacy Sensory Wall and a Discovery Zone. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Follow That Food 

Follow That Food will be one of the largest galleries. It will take children on a playful Louisiana Growing & Gathering food journey that starts in the fields and coastal waters, passes through the busy Ports & Cargo with stops at the Food & You Market, Creole Kitchen, café and finally, makes its way to the family table. 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Dig into Nature

Overlooking the lagoon on the ground floor, this gallery is where children will discover the abundance of natural resources unique to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. Through this tactile and textural set of experiences, visitors will explore the relationships between the diverse resources, ecosystems, plants and animals who live here. The “caring” and “sharing” stations will allow children to bring their own outdoor treasures to examine under massive microscopes and projector. The exhibit also includes Exploration & Innovation, Sedimentation Table, Storytelling Nest, Cajun Pirogue and an amazing Promise Tree Portal.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Make Your Mark

Entering the second floor, Make Your Mark celebrates New Orleans’ rich art and its architectural, musical, historical and cultural heritage. When children understand and embrace their heritage it invites children to discover how to make their mark with their own original creations.  This is exhibit includes Studio in the Park, Jammin’ House, Jackson Square, NOLA Urban Design Studio, Build Big Dreams, Book Nook & Light Tables and more! 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Move With the River

Move with the River will immerse children in an action-packed wet world of fun where they will begin to explore the story of the Mighty Mississippi River. Families will follow the journey of Louisiana’s most abundant resource, water! 

Acorn Café 

We’re not done yet, a huge BONUS to your visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum is the family-friendly Acorn Café! Acorn a Dickie Brennan & Co. Cafe at the new Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park is the icing on a day of fun exploration. Guests can enjoy a meal indoors or outdoors on the LCM balcony overlooking the lagoon, oaks, and wildlife. The menu is sourced around high quality, local food at an affordable price. The majority of children menu items are $6, and adult entrees range from $6 to $11. Have a little one with a food allergy? No worries! Acorn will be peanut-free and will offer many gluten-free options, including a gluten-free dough for pizzas. Come early or stay late, Acorn will open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with French Truck coffee and pastries served for a morning starter or an afternoon pick me up.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

We can’t wait for you all to visit. The new Louisiana Children’s Museum is breathtaking, but don’t take our word for it, make it a family day trip and plan to visit the new museum in City Park which will open on August 31st. 

Learn more about the museum, prices, birthdays and more on the LCM website at LCM.org.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

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Back to school…three words that represent great joy to parents who are ready to get back to routine and bring great anguish and “pain” to kids who aren’t quite ready to give up their summer freedom. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the fun and less structured summer into a new school year, I think it is important as parents to take the time to talk to our children about their worries and concerns going into the fall semester. The question could be as simple as, “Is there anything you are worried about for this school year?” I know in my office when I ask this question, I have had many a parent be surprised by the answer their child might give. When we know what our children are worried or afraid of, it makes us, as parents, better equipped to give them the guidance they need to maneuver through the unchartered waters of a new school experience happily and successfully.

Back to school baton rouge

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

I encourage parents to teach children to view school as their job. What better time to start teaching children about work ethic than from the very beginning of school. As parents, we should set expectations for our children in regards to their “job” performance, and if these expectations are not met, then they should be held accountable. Now, the expectations, as well as the consequences, will, of course, vary by age, but even the youngest child should understand that they should strive to be the best they can at their job. Even my son who is starting Pre-K 3, knows that mommy and daddy expect him to listen to his teacher, follow directions, and be a good friend to his classmates. If he doesn’t achieve these things, he doesn’t get to read books at night (his favorite pre-bedtime activity). These expectations are established from the get-go so that there is no confusion about the “job description.”

I also encourage all parents, but especially the parents of elementary aged children, to establish a good rapport with their child’s teacher. After all, the reality is that in many cases their teacher will spend more time with them during the weekday than we will. It is crucial to make sure there are channels of communication that exist between parents and teachers, and these should not be one-way avenues. Parents should feel comfortable bringing up concerns to teachers just as teachers should be respected when they bring concerns back to parents. A partnership between teacher and parent is vital to helping children achieve success in the classroom which often translates to increased self-confidence in kids.

So as everyone heads back to school, establish those expectations, let them know their “job description,” and then make sure your voice as a parent is a positive one with excitement, support, and encouragement for the upcoming school year. As kids make the trek up the ladder to reach those expectations you have set, make sure they know you are their biggest cheerleader and will always be behind them to catch them when they stumble, to give extra little pushes along the way, and to celebrate all of their achievements all from a place of unconditional love.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food,  fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Rainy Day Activities For Kids – Parent Sanity Savers!

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With the never-ending rain and school being canceled, we have put together 20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids that will help you pass the time with the kids, indoors…

20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids:

  1. Get out the crafts – Let the kids use their imaginations and create some Mother’s Day masterpieces.
  2. Make a fort in the living room out of blankets.
  3. Play Restaurant – Let the kids help in the kitchen for a day – bake cookies, make lunch and dinner together and have them “critique” meals.
  4. Write letters to friends and family or fill out a year’s worth of birthday cards.
  5. Have a fashion show or photo shoot or better yet, make a photo both and take lots of funny pictures. Making photo props can be fun and allow the creative juices to flow!
  6. Read books, Make a book or flip bookYou can rent books online or via Amazon! 
  7. Put on a puppet show. During Hurricane Katrina, we had our boys put on a play with puppets, or paper dolls. They drew the characters, cut them out, glued them to cardboard and glued a stick on the backside,  fixed a stage out of a large shipping box, wrote a script and put on a play. This entertained them for hours!
  8. Make paper airplanes and have a flying contest.
  9. Cleaning party! Crank up the radio and have a dance party while cleaning the house.
  10. Skype or FaceTime Catch up with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while or talk to friends fellow home-bound friends. 20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids
  11. Donate – Go through your home with the kids and find items {clothes, toys, appliances} to donate.
  12. Camp out– Create an indoor camp with tents and use the microwave to make s’mores.
  13. Bowling! Create your own bowling game with items around the house. 
  14. Try to make Origami – this site has tons of great ideas.
  15. Go to the movies at home–  pop some popcorn and catch up on movies you have yet to see or revisit an old favorite.
  16. Puzzles, board games, and Charades are always a must on a snow day…try to change things up or make up your own games. Use this Charades generator to get ideas.
  17. Have a beach party... indoors! Get creative with crafts, treats, and a beach themed movie!
  18. Paint Rocks of Kindness and leave around Baton Rouge once the rain stops. 😉
  19. Go through old photos – this always offers plenty of entertainment.
  20. Paint rocks!

We would love to hear your ideas for indoor activities, please share them with us on Facebook!

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Liberty Lagoon Swim Lessons – Beat the summer heat with BREC

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Beat the summer heat and help your children stay safe with LIBERTY LAGOON SWIM LESSONS offered by BREC. Recent news stories of children and even adults drowning this summer have highlighted and reminded us of the importance of water safety. It only takes minutes for a child to slip into a dangerous situation. Louisiana has one of the highest drowning rates in the nation. It’s not just the beach parents need to worry about, it’s the backyard pool as well. Give your child the gift of water safety with swim lessons this summer! 

Here are some startling facts on drowning!

  • Child drowning is a silent death. There’s no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.
  • 58 percent of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children. (Resource ISR)
  • Drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4 (CDC)
  • Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years (CDC)
  • The majority of children who survive (92% percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion. (Branche 1999)
  • Rates of fatal drowning for minorities are notably higher among these populations in certain age groups. The fatal drowning rate of African American children is 20% higher than that of Caucasian children in the same age range. (CDC)
  • 19 percent of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present.
  • Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are males.
  • Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water and even in the presence of lifeguards.

  • Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.

2019 dates for all swim classes can be found below. Space is limited. All programs are first come, first serve.

LIBERTY LAGOON SWIM LESSONS

LIBERTY LAGOON SWIM LESSONS

BABY BUBBLERS

Parents and children learn together to increase a child’s comfort level in the water and build a foundation of basic skills, such as arm and leg movements and breath control. This course is fun-filled and helps introduce water safety concepts, encouraging a healthy recreational habit that your entire family can enjoy. Classes offered twice a week. You are welcome to come to as many classes as you would like. Minimum of 2 participants must be enrolled in the class with a maximum of 10 participants per class. (Subject to change depending on registration and number of instructors.) Payment is taken day of class.
June 4 – July 25
Tuesday + Thursday
6:30-7:30 p.m. (please arrive by 6:15 p.m.)
Ages: 6 Months-3 years / $7 per child per class
VIEW BABY BUBBLERS CALENDAR

WATER EXPLORATION CLASS

This class teaches the beginning stages of swimming including blowing bubbles, leg kicks, submerged face, arm actions and water safety. Class is taught in water depth of 3’6”.
Session 1: June 3-13
Session 2: July 1-11
Session 3: July 15-25
Monday-Thursday / 8-8:45 a.m. (eight classes)
Ages: 3-5 / No Fee
Session limit 50 participants per session
VIEW WATER EXPLORATION CLASS CALENDAR

LIBERTY LAGOON SWIM LESSONS

This class teaches more advanced stages of swimming such as leg kicks, arm strokes, swimming under water, front crawl, back crawl, diving, streamline swimming techniques and water safety. Class is taught in water depth of 3’6 or 8’ depending on skill level.

Registration for a limited number of free swim lessons at Liberty Lagoon is now available onsite and online!
Registration is coming soon for free swim lessons at our community pools. To provide your information for the free swim lessons at community pools please call 225-272-9200 and ask for the Recreation front desk.

Session 1: June 3-13
Session 2: July 1-11
Session 3: July 15-25
Monday-Thursday / 8-8:45 a.m. (eight classes)
$60 per person per session
VIEW SWIM LESSONS CALENDAR

REGISTER FOR SWIM LESSONS

ADAPTIVE AQUATICS

These classes are for youth and adults ages 3 and up who are living with disabilities. These programs utilize instructors and volunteers to maintain low staff-to-participant ratios to better meet the needs of all. Students will focus on water exploration, water safety, breath control, leg kicks, and arm movements.
Session 1: June 24
Session 2: June 25
Session 3: June 26
Session 4: June 27
8-8:30 a.m. / Ages: 3+ / No Fee
Session limit 5 participants
VIEW ADAPTIVE AQUATICS CALENDAR

REGISTER FOR ADAPTIVE AQUATICS

TEEN GUARDS

Teen Guards helps build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills for future lifeguard teens. The course introduces participants to lifesaving skills, such as in-water rescues, use of a rescue tube and first aid, CPR and AED. Participants can also shadow lifeguards in rotation to get an in depth look at lifeguarding.
July 15-Aug. 2
Monday-Friday / 9 a.m.-2 p.m. / $60 per person
VIEWTEEN GUARDS CALENDAR

REGISTER FOR TEEN GUARDS

SNORKELING

This class will teach you how to be comfortable using a Mask & Snorkel. This class also teaches to properly kick with & without fins.
May 11 + Aug. 17 / 10-10:45 a.m. / Ages 8 +
$5 per person / Session limit 10 participants
VIEW SNORKELING CALENDAR 

Register for Liberty Lagoon Programs here!

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Holiday Themed Sensory Activities for Children

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With the holidays underway, fun is in the air, the temperature is decreasing, and the days are getting shorter. One way to help your kids connect with nature and get them into the spirit of the season is to do some holiday themed sensory activities.

Sensory play is an important part of child development. From babies putting everything in their mouths to toddlers opening cupboards and making messes, children learn by exploring the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the world around them. Learning what is hot and cold, rough and smooth, squishy and hard, can help build vocabulary and develop fine motor skills. Fun experiences in a controlled environment help children learn to process sensory input so they are less likely to be overwhelmed when they’re in crowded or noisy places. This is particularly important for children with sensory integration issues.

So how can you incorporate sensory play into your activities with your child this fall? Here are some fun, affordable ideas that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Eight great holiday themed sensory activities:

Decorate your home: One great activity to do with your children is decorating your home. With Christmas or any holiday upon us, placing decorations around your home can help to set the proper mood for this time of year. In order to give your decorating activity a sensory component, make sure your decorations have different textures for your children to experience. Consider getting some decorations that make noise, move, or involve some crafting, as they’ll encourage your little one to actively participate in the decorating, and give them a chance to ‘interact’ more with your decor.

Make homemade gifts: Helping your child make their own holiday gifts can be a lot of fun. There are a plethora of items that can be used for gifting and crafting. Adding finishing touches like paint, glitter, buttons, and gluing felt are all things your kids can do to help keep them involved in making their holiday gifts. Gifting loved ones with items they have made will give them a sense of accomplishment because they put work into it. 

holiday themed sensory activities

Write and perform a play: Sit down with your kids and help them draft up their very own play. Once the play is written and they have a cast composed of their friends, help them make simple costumes and create their set and ‘stage’ complete with props and twinkle lights. Since the weather is so nice this time of year, think about having the play outside. Help your kiddos rehearse and set up chairs for their audience on the night of the show. Have parents and friends over to watch, complete with an ‘after party’ celebration following the show.

Plant a winter garden: Starting a garden at this point in the year can be a little tricky. Make sure to research what plants are hardy enough to survive the winter temperatures in your particular location. Lettuce, carrots, radishes, garlic, and onions are all options for a winter vegetable garden. Seeds should be started indoors and transplanted outdoors. Think about investing in some type of heat-conserving covers for your plants, which can keep plants at a temperature 5 to 10 degrees above the temperature outside. A great way for your kids to get hands-on when starting the garden is to have them make their own mulch for the plants.

Make a fall-themed sensory bin: Create your very own fall-themed sensory bin. Sensory bins are really easy to make. All you need is a container and a filler. Make sure your container is large enough for your kids to explore in without making a mess, or lay a plastic tarp under the bin to keep the mess under control. A fall-themed bin can simply be a plastic fall-colored bin. After deciding on your bin, pick out a filler. It can be anything from unpopped popcorn, to oatmeal, sunflower seeds, and dry rice. All are acceptable filler items for your bin. Once you pick your filler, consider adding farm animals, fallen leaves, fall-colored pom poms, and various scoops and spoons for digging and exploring.

Go on a nature walk: Going for a walk may seem like a simple activity, but it gives your kids a chance to combine most of their senses at the same time while also providing them with some exercise. They’ll be able to feel the temperature shift from summer to fall in the air, hear leaves crunching and crackling under their feet, see the leaves that haven’t fallen yet change color, and smell the fall air. We recommend Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center for a Baton Rouge trail. 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Try geocaching. For older children, you can add a sense of excitement to your walk by going geocaching. Working to find the caches will help your kids focus more on their surroundings and learn about coordinates and directions. Chances are they’ll be getting more hands-on with nature than they would have otherwise.

Earn merit badges. Whether you do it as part of a formal scouting program or invent your own, you can award your kids merit badges for trying new foods, performing CPR on dolls or stuffed animals, cooking something, building a tower, and lots of other tactile activities.

Final thoughts

To get your kids into the spirit of the season, change up their at-home activities to have a holiday theme. Different seasonal activities can usually be tailored to have more of a sensory aspect. These activities help kids work on their fine and gross motor skills, communication and linguistic skills, and they improve their understanding of their own senses. These holiday themed sensory activities will get your little ones ready for the season ahead, and keep them having fun and learning at the same time.

 

{OPINION} One person’s opinion of TOPS does not make the majority

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Do you hear that? That is the middle class pulling back the comforter from their Neiman Marcus bedding, stepping on to their Emperador light polished marble floors, drinking their Kopi Luwak coffee before going to work in their Mercedes- Benz Maybach Exelero. If you read Stephanie Riegel’s recent article “TOPS affords high-end college living” from the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report than that is the image that she paints in your head.

Instead how about eight-year-old bedding from Bed Bath and Beyond, noticing the stains in the carpet left by the dog that needs to be cleaned, skipping home brewed Community Coffee to get some at work because you are running behind, driving a 12-year-old truck because you gave your daughter your 6-year-old car to take to college so she would have something reliable. You get the idea and I am sure you have a similar story of a typical morning in your middle-class home. But wait, Riegel says your kid doesn’t deserve the TOPS college scholarship program and it should be needs based instead. Really? Even though your kids took the ACT an extra time or two to get the better score, took the Advanced Placement classes. They studied extra hard in school for Honors level TOPS believing it would be there when it was their time.

Tops

TOPS began as the first state funded merit based college tuition program in the country. There has been changes to it over the years and in the future additional changes may be made but the foundation is “merit based” and should remain “merit based”. There are numerous needs based college scholarship programs out there for low income households. TOPS is the one program for Louisiana residents that middle class can qualify for. Even then there are requirements your student must keep in college such as GPA, number of credits in college to take or your TOPS level will be dropped and not reinstated. Plus, you may still be out thousands of dollars a semester in dorm fees and mandatory meal plans if your student needs to stay on campus since TOPS doesn’t cover it all.

Yes, there may be some students staying in the nicer apartments around campus. Yes, there may be some sorority rooms that went a bit Pinterest crazy (more than likely most homemade crafts which look high-end) but if there was a poll done around the campuses of Louisiana you would see that is certainly the minority and not the majority as Riegel would like you to think.

Here are some stories in response to Riegel’s Tops article from other parents across the state:

“Even with TOPS and a scholarship I still had to pay a balance for Amanda. Her dorm is not lavish by any means. She brought stuff from her room at home and we got some new bedding. She worked since she was 16 and saved a good chunk of money to buy books and supplies. Plus, she has an on-campus job. On paper I’m sure we seem well off at least according to FASFA. If you are needy you already get Pell Grants and other such benefits. Middle class qualify for nothing except for TOPS and merit scholarship. She also took a student loan out that was unsubsidized of course so we will pay the interest while she is in school.”

“My son doesn’t live extravagant!!! His bedding is over 10 years old!!! He drives a 15 year old truck. He was valedictorian and made a 35 on ACT!! Even with TOPS, scholarship, band stipend and a job, we still pay a great deal of money for college. To take it away from deserving kids would be a shame. 
This writer needs to look at the majority of students, not just a few that live extravagant. 
Even if the students are wealthier, if they earn it they should be awarded it!!!! Mr. Taylor gave so graciously and it would be a great injustice to his legacy to change it for this reason.”

Tops

“On paper, my daughter would not qualify for a “needs based” scholarship. But we all know that the cost of living in 2018 is expensive. The lavish living that the article describes is absurd. I don’t know any college student who lives extravagantly. Just like the author doesn’t have data to support her argument, I don’t have any either. But decorating has come a long way since the 80s. You can create the illusion of luxury without spending a lot of money. Another point to argue is that if TOPS takes some of the burden of college expenses away for families, we should be grateful that families are able to spend their money elsewhere. Isn’t that important to stimulate and grow Louisiana’s economy?”

You get the idea, there are thousands of examples like this. I can share student’s stories as well from their perspective. But who again is Stephanie Riegel to say how we and our kids live? Do we need to provide receipts in how we decorate our homes and our kid’s dorm rooms or apartments along with their high school transcripts since she seems to think we ‘the middle class’ live so extravagant?

Just a reminder Mr. Patrick Taylor’s vision and commitment to form TOPS for the education in the State of Louisiana paved the way to give students an opportunity to go to college based on their ability to learn, not their ability to pay.

How many less successful alumni would Louisiana have in the past 10-20 years if it had not been for the TOPS scholarship college program? Something to think about.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page HERE.

 

Baton Rouge Garden Fest 2018 – A Family Friendly Day of Fun

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With summer break just around the corner, now is the time to start planning for fun outdoor excursions and enjoying the bounty of locally grown goodness our Louisiana climate offers.  One such event is Baton Rouge Garden Fest at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at the Burden Center on Essen at I-10. The Botanic Gardens are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Baton Rouge Garden Fest

Baton Rouge Garden Fest

Garden Fest is a family-friendly festival in the middle of Baton Rouge, enjoy an early morning of omelets provided by the Louisiana Egg Commission, fresh Bloody Mary samples by Mason’s Grill, fun hayrides for kids and adults alike, educational programs, Bayou Goulas petting zoo, Touch-A-Tractor and it’s summer so… water slides! There will be vegetable tastings, plant advice, and answers to your burning plant questions. Geaux Cuban, Kona Ice, and City Gelato vendors will be present for lunch, snacks, and a refreshing dessert!

Baton Rouge Garden Fest

Tickets are $5 for ages 4 and up and free for ages 3 and below, we hope to see you there! Please bring your swimsuits and beach towels for a mini-vacation right here in the heart of Baton Rouge! 

Baton Rouge Garden Fest

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2018 – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
TICKETS: Admission is at the door for $5 per person and free for children ages 3 and under.

Be sure to follow LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens on Instagram and  Facebook and enter our giveaway for tickets on the Baton Rouge Moms Facebook and Instagram pages!

 

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30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond #BRMSummer

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Summer break is just around the corner, time to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer…  but tell that to kids who are bouncing off the walls or singing the boredom blues.  As parents, we want each summer to be more memorable than the last, and with that comes the need for a few new ideas, especially if your child is too young to go to a summer camp. Here are 30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge and beyond that are sure to keep you busy all summer long! 

Things To Do in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond This Summer

  1. LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
  2. Tiki Tubing – Just a hop skip and jump away down the Amite. While you’re there grab some grub at Day’s Smokehouse & Specialty Meats
  3. Blueberry Picking – There are an abundance of places to do this around the area. Sooner the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze with our fresh crop.
  4. Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs. Perfect place to bring the kids. Bonus – they offer some
  5. Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
  6. Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
  7. Overtones Music Class – I am so excited about this. We are enrolling the oldest in a lesson and the toddler will start a little class in August.
  8. Blackwater Conservation
  9. Tunica Falls – Okay if I am being honest, I am a bit dubious of this one. This seems like a “Am I in good enough shape for this?!” But I supposed there’s one way to find out, but if the girls and I disappear, we are probably stuck somewhere hiking…
  10. Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay so maybe this isn’t quote the day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive to the home of my Alma Mata, Louisiana Tech University (Can I get a “How ‘bout them dawgs?” from my peeps?). Happening June 23-24, 2017 in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
  11. Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer this happens August 16-20, 2017. Bring your dancing shoes.
  12. Old State Capitol – This is one of those things I am embarrassed I haven’t taken the girls to yet. While you’re downtown hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
  13. Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underrated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kids summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
  14. Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. One day her and I will have a slumber party here, but till then a day tour is on the agenda. On your way home do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
  15. WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction or a reason why. Pair this with
  16. Louisiana Children’s Museum – Until Baton Rouge opens up their fabulous place this is one of my fondest childhood memories.
  17. Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
  18. Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch a urchin and eat crickets.
  19. Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because after all these big adventures you are going to need some time at home.
  20. T-Shirt Totes at EBRL – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has so many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
  21. Michael’s – Michael’s has some amazing little classes and fun summer programs for kids and adults of all ages. Cost of supplies and you are good to go!
  22. Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things and this summer we intend to find out for ourselves, they sat that this park uses amusement park management system so I have big expectations!
  23. Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door and there are so many fun programs form Spingeneering to Toddler Dance (wiggle) classes.
  24. Baton Rouge Ballet is touring around the parishes to a library near you!
  25. Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. It´s pretty much like teaching a class of gardening for beginners, except it´s very fun with your kids. I am quite positive my plumbing pipes do not agree, but it doesn´t matter, I have to install new pipes with Watertite Plumbing & Heating Bristol so they can have all the fun the want. Letting the kiddos grown and harvest their own veggies is the best way to inspire them to eat them.
  26. Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
  27. Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
  28. Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
  29. Aqua Pards Water Park –One can never get enough water fun during the summer heat! 
  30. Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.

#BRMSummer

You can follow our Summer adventures on Instagram just search #BRMSummer for more Things To Do in Baton Rouge. Use the hashtag to share your summer adventures and have a chance at winning Gift Cards and prizes throughout the summer!! Each Friday we will do a #BRMSummer roundup on Instagram to share what other moms are doing in to keep the boredom blues at bay! 

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Autism Awareness is Your Responsibility, Not Mine

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My son, Eli, said his first full sentence before he was two years old. “That’s a dog!” He said it all the time regardless of if there was actually a dog in sight. It was on repeat in the car, at the grocery store, and at home.

My family laughed. We thought he was so cute. His voice was soft and sweet when he said his favorite sentence and the only other time we heard it was when he was reading.

Before we could make out Eli’s speech he was very interested in books. He’d sit for hours with his books spread around him. He would turn the pages one at a time and stare intently at the words and make sounds.

Autism Awareness

As his speech matured, I realized he was actually reading the words. He could read almost any book in front of him independently, but he still struggled to ask for things he wanted. I was concerned about Eli’s hearing.

At a doctor’s visit, I expressed my concerns with Eli’s pediatrician. The doctor agreed that his speech was an issue and agreed to refer him for ear tubes if he continued to have chronic ear infections. Two months later he was scheduled to have ear tubes put in.

Eli was two years old. The plan was to pay close attention to the progression of his speech over the next six months. Things did not improve. Eli could repeat words when prompted, but could not generate sentences on his own.

Everyone told me not to panic. “He’s young.” “Give him time.” “Boys develop slowly.” My mommy senses were going off and I paid close attention to them.

We were referred to a neuropsychologist who watched Eli play in her office for 30 minutes. “I see his signs of autism. I would like to refer him for speech therapy to see if a speech delay is the issue,” she told me and his father.

Less than a year passed before he was given an autism diagnosis.

Autism Awareness

When we got the diagnosis, I was not shocked. I didn’t know that much about children with autism, but I knew something was different about Eli. I was relieved to know what that difference was.

But the news was difficult to process. The first feeling I felt was worry. I just didn’t know what this meant for Eli and his future.

No parent plans to have a child with a disability.

I named him Eli Jett. I planned to scream “Go Jett!!!” at his soccer games. I planned his first day of kindergarten and his high school graduation. I planned driving him to college and crying outside of his dorm. I planned his wedding day and being a grandma.

The plans had changed. I wasn’t sure exactly how, but I definitely knew that I had to let go of my personal plans for his life.

Processing that your child has autism is one thing. Explaining it to your family and friends is another.

“Why did you let them label him?”

“Do you think it was the vaccinations?”

“Nothing is wrong with him! He’ll grow out of it.”

People meant well but knowing that did not make it easier. I spent a lot of time justifying my decision to get him evaluated. It was exhausting.

The next few years were different than before. I quit my job and devoted my time to getting to know Eli. I read a lot of books and articles, but it was most important for me to learn about him from him.

Autism Awareness

We spent a lot of time away from family and friends. During that time we missed many birthday parties and celebrations. It was hard to take him places where people didn’t understand. Staying home was the only way to avoid the stares and judgments of Eli’s meltdowns.

The most overwhelming part of mothering him during that time was apologizing and explaining his autism away. But I noticed he was unapologetic and unbothered. He had his own swag and a personality that could light up a room. One day I decided that I was not going to apologize for who he was anymore.

I could not be responsible for explaining why he didn’t want to talk to every stranger in the grocery store. Or to justify his behavior to other parents at the park.

I never thought anything was wrong with him, but I felt like explaining that he was different to other people contradicted that. Nothing is wrong with him. What’s wrong are other people’s assumptions and expectations of him.

To me, his label of autism is no different from him being black or a boy. The only difference is that you can’t see it.

Autism Awareness

As a parent of a child with autism, I have to teach Eli a lot of things. He has 6 hours of ABA therapy a day just to be able to socialize appropriately with his peers. We are constantly working on improving. Some days he doesn’t want to talk because he’s so overwhelmed by all of these tasks.

He does a lot of work to fit into society. I expect him to do it because that is just how life works. But it would be nice to see other people put in some effort to enter into his world sometimes.

If you asked me what someone could do to make the world better for children with autism, my answer would be simple: change their thinking.

Educate yourself. Don’t expect everyone to be the same. Be slow with your judgments. Be compassionate. Be accepting and teach your kids to be the same. Be willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone to be inclusive of others.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Have you been thinking about how you can enter the world of someone who has autism?

Autism Awareness

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Here’s a book that I recommend to everyone: 

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

A helpful video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6fy7gUIp8Ms

Khayriyyah Cutno is Eli’s mom. She is co-owner of New Orleans Doulas and a contributor to This Mama Wines. Giving birth was a pivotal moment in her life that led her to the decision to support other growing families in her native city of New Orleans. Her personal motto is “Chasing happiness and my kid one day at a time!”

Instagram: @dohappystuff

Business: New Orleans Doulas noladoulas.com