1October 2014

Develop & Thrive

Happy, HealthyHandwriting - 9

parenttalk

Diary of a Dad

Small Town Living - 12

October 2014

2 Parent Talk Magazine

3October 2014

The Toy BoxHappy PlatesFrolicking & Festivals

Knowledge Is PowerDiary Of A Dad

Insights From The Inside

Develop and Thrive

Let's Get Fit

4

5

ON THE COVER:

PHOTO: CRYSTAL SANDERSON

PublishersBen Jones Jr

Cody J. Blanchard

MANAGING EDITORKara Domangue

CONTRIBUTING WRITERMichelle Gautreaux

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTSJasmine Richard, Joni Bascle, Anne Marie Naquin,

Kim Thompson, Katherine Toups, Rob Bower,

Michele Bower

TO ADVERTISEKara Domangue

985.209.4933

karad@fathomla.com

PHOTOGRAPHYCrystal Sanderson

October 2014VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 1

Copyright © 2014 by Fathom Media, LLC.All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part withoutpermission is strictly prohibited.

Business Address

Fathom Media, LLCP.O. Box 5702 | 1214 Canal Boulevard

Thibodaux, LA 70302

Parent Talk Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

The opinions expressed in Parent Talk Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Fathom Media, our employees or any of our advertisers.

The cool weather is coming in and the festivals are coming out! Although it can be daunting at times, don’t be afraid to take your little ones to the different fairs and festivals to let them experience something different. Support your local community and show your children that supporting and staying local leaves an impact on your area.

Festivals are also a great opportunity to see how well your child(ren) do in crowds and around strangers. Teach them to use their manners but to also be cautious of wandering off alone, talking with strangers, etc. Use these outings to see if you’ve

Dear Parentstaught them what they need to know when being out in the public eye, while also having a fun time.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Parent Talk. We have wonderful columnists full of insight and knowledge into raising kids in the 21st century.

Looking forward to seeing you at all of our local fairs and festivals this coming season!

Keep talking, parents!

Kara Domangue, Managing Editor

In This Issue

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9

10

12

13

14

Cover face painting and artwork by Re' Howse of The Purple Penguin Art Company.

parenttalk

4 Parent Talk Magazine

The

Toy BoxJasmine RichardSocial Media Librarian

(Android, iPad, Kindle, Nook) $1.99 Award winning mobile art studio for all ages that features extensive tools, colors, and options such as adding stickers, text, and photos so it can also work as a photo editor or digital scrapbook page maker. Themed coloring books are available for purchase within the app (lockable by parents), including one for Halloween!

App of the MonthDrawing Pad By Murtha Design Inc.

Accessory, app, and 3 games (with game pieces) $99.For iPad 2 or higher or iPad Mini for ages 6+Osmo is a new iPad app, accessory, and game kit that scans physical items in real-time like blocks, letter tiles, and drawings to allow for interactive social play.

Toy of the MonthOsmo by Tangible Play (www.playosmo.com)

Eleven year old Celie lives in a magical changing castle with disappearing stairways, hidden corridors, and new rooms popping up that she tries to map. When her parents go missing and her siblings are left in charge, Celie makes use of her maps to spy on visitors who may be trying to usurp power. This engaging story is fast-paced, with unexpected twists and turns and a courageous, inventive girl at the center. (Review by Kathy, Cataloging Librarian)

Book of the MonthTuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

5October 2014

Ingredients:

Make Halloween fun this year with this healthy Ghost Pizza!

— 1 tbsp olive oil

— 1 lb whole wheat pizza dough

— ¾ cup tomato sauce

— 8 oz sliced skim mozzarella cheese

— 1 tbsp capers

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 475ºF. Brush bottom of a 16-by-11-inch rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Press and stretch dough evenly to cover bottom of sheet.

2. Spread sauce in an even layer over dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all sides. Bake until underside of dough is golden (lift up pizza with a spatula and take a peek), about 15 minutes. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut ghosts from cheese. Place ghosts on top of hot pizza and bake for 5 minutes. Place two capers on each piece of cheese for eyes. Let stand 5 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving. pt

Source: www.myrecipes.com

Happy PlatesSpooky Ghost Pizza

BY KATHERINE TOUPS, THIBODAUX

6 Parent Talk Magazine

PHOTO: CRYSTAL SANDERSON

7October 2014

“Women be shopping,” as my husband would say. Not that I am a big shopper, but every Fall when the

weather begins to get cooler and the scent of art and craft shows, fairs, and festivals become ripe in the air – I can’t help but get excited. Ladies get out their walking shoes and men gather their patience. As we venture out under the oaks, in parks, or fields of green setting out to find the piece that will fit perfectly above the sofa or that dress befitting of a princess for a special little girl. We rush out early heading out with children in tow, but as the day progresses we realize we really didn’t prepare for it. The meltdowns start around lunch and you haven’t even made it half way through.

BY MICHELLE GAUTREAUX, LOCKPORT

FROLICKINGFESTIVALSat

—What in the world were you thinking?

—Why was this such a good idea in your head at home to bring them with you?

—Oh, geez seriously you have to be quiet child please.

—Okay, now everyone is looking at us.

—Stop fighting!

—Great, I am that mom, the mom disturbing the peace and serenity of a beautiful setting full of inspirational and creative pieces.

—Okay, okay here take this lollipop, shut your pie hole with that.

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—Now I just want to go home, they are all hot, sweaty, tired and I am spending double the amount I wanted to.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Yeah, I know I have had it happen quite a bit. One solution might be just to not take them with you, but your kids should be exposed to these types of fairs and festivals. Involving them in trips like these will round them out culturally and artistically. It will also give them a greater appreciation for one’s work and socially put them face to face with those who are behind the creative works of art.

One of my favorite quotes by Mr. Benjamin Franklin is “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Alright, Mr. Franklin I get it. Be prepared, prep the kids and myself beforehand. So here are a few pointers that have worked for me.

1. Clothing – make sure everyone is comfortable. Please do not put your child in the cutest outfit with millions of ruffles and clips you’ll just have to adjust all day long. That poor child doesn’t want to wear it any more than you do while frolicking about. Consider that outfit on a day that doesn’t involve a whole day affair.

2. Shoes – be sure you can seriously walk in these all day and make a trip to the bathroom at least 50 times. Those bathrooms are never nearby.

3. Stroller – to stroll or not to stroll? That is the question. For some, it is a necessity; others just feel it gets in the way. You will need to decide its’ importance. I liked having one when the kids were little for when they were tired of walking and also for storing bags. I now use my kids to carry the bags like I am a high class citizen on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. (just kidding)

4. Rolling shopping cart – to carry not only your bought items but other necessities as well.

5. Water – at least one bottle for each. You can always refill at some water fountains around.

6. Snacks – bring their favorite snacks a few of each, so they are not asking to get one every five steps.

7. Antibacterial Gel and Wipes – because you know those bathrooms are … (insert your adjective here).

8. Notepads and pencils – for some this might be fun, others maybe not. While walking around see how many crafts and forms of art they can identify. Make a game of it or just use it to strike

up conversations. If you are unsure have them ask the vendor what it is made of, what type of mediums or materials did they use.

9. Expectations – set these before

leaving. Let them know what you expect out of them and how to

handle certain situations. It should make for a more pleasant experience.

10. Patience & Fun – bring your patience, because they might not get it right the first time or the next, but be patient and consistent and soon they will know the right way to behave there. Do not forget to bring the fun, don’t be afraid to frolic, dance, and run with your kids or sit out and take a break under a tree for a moment to take it all in. These days go by in flashes and too soon you will be wishing you ran in the rain with them that day.

If it doesn’t go as planned and you still are yelling like a crazy southern mama with children dropping like flies with meltdowns just remember you are not alone – I am across the field feeling your pain. pt

"Involving them in trips like these will round them out culturally and artistically"

— Michelle Gautreaux

9October 2014

Now that we are all back into the school year swing of things, it is

starting to become obvious to us as parents where our children are going to need some extra work this year. Some may be having a little trouble with increasing reading speed. Some are having difficulty getting those smiley faces for behavior because sitting still is a little hard. For lots of moms, though, handwriting becomes an obvious issue right off the bat because of our good ole friend…homework!

I personally have erased and thrown away entire pages of spelling words in an effort to get my kiddos to focus on neater handwriting. I have made them write thank you notes, notes to Santa, and even letters to Justin Beiber in an effort to improve what I know will help them to become more efficient students. I know that they can do it when they pay attention so it is frustrating when they are tired and rushing through homework and it is a mess!

Many children have significant issues that may cause fine motors delays. They may truly have dysfunction in their hand-eye coordination or they may have difficulty with sensory processing and how much pressure they should put on a pencil

Develop and ThriveHappy, Healthy Handwriting

BY MICHELE R. BOWER, PT, PCS, THIBODAUX

to make it write. Often students have decreased strength in their hands due to neurological or developmental issues.

But then there are the other ones…you know them. The precious little boys who want to press the same button on the keyboard or iPad a million times to make the penguin jump over the rock or the little girls who want to lay on the couch and watch Dora and Barbie movies all weekend long! I cannot understand their dislike of writing! I remember writing to my pen pal when I was in 1st grade. I remember coloring for hours to pass a rainy Saturday morning. I also remember punching out paper dolls, learning to sew, and brushing my baby dolls’ hair for hours…how can they not like using their hands for something useful like handwriting? Oh wait…I forgot…they don’t do all of those things!

There are many ways to make improvements to handwriting that are fun:

—Practice writing letters with a finger in a tray of cool-whip or shaving cream or on a friend’s back (then let them guess)

—Use upper body muscles and increase coordination doing jumping jacks, crab walking, pushups, wheelbarrow walking (remember that?), cartwheels, playing

basketball, throwing and catching a football…

—Practice fun activities that involve fine motor control like painting, cutting and gluing, playing instruments like pianos, guitars and drums

—Make letter formation more fun when it is non-conventional like drawing with chalk on the cement, using Wikistix to form letters or writing notes to Santa or grandparents

Although your kids may whine when you make them get up off of the sofa, they will soon learn the joys of more effortless handwriting. The added benefits may be the ability to create those cool braiding bracelets more easily and even faster reaction time in Skylanders. If your child is not improving in their fine motor skills as their body grows, changes, and becomes stronger or you find that even trying these fun ideas is difficult for them, help them out by talking to your pediatrician or signing them up for a free therapy screening to help them start on their way to happy, healthy handwriting! pt

10 Parent Talk Magazine

Does your child need personalized assistance catching up to his classmates or getting ahead of the learning curve?

A good instructor will inspire and help students at all levels of academic accomplishment and develop study habits and organizational skills, which will result in significantly improved schoolwork and test scores. Taking the time to consider whether or not to hire a personal instructor means parents are giving their children an opportunity to excel in the classroom. The purpose of tutoring is to teach children efficient learning skills and techniques. It's important that parents take action early and seek a supplemental service that develops these skills for success.

Look for the following signs that your child may need a tutor. Is Your Chilld?

—In need of assistance to reach his or her full potential?

—Developing low self-esteem?

—Losing interest in learning?

—Preparing for college testing, including college entrance exams,

Knowledge is PowerDoes Your Child Need a Tutor?

BY ANNE MARIE NAQUIN, HOUMA

SAT and ACT tests?

—Struggling to focus on a task (e.g. – spending more time daydreaming than on reading or homework)?

—Receiving test scores that do not reflect their daily performance?

—Interested in enriching themselves beyond the classroom?

If you answered yes to any of these questions – your child will benefit from personalized instruction. A good personal instructor will inspire and help students - at all levels of academic accomplishment - develop study habits and organizational skills that will result in significantly improved schoolwork and test scores. Taking the time to consider whether to hire supplemental assistance means parents are giving their children an opportunity to excel in the classroom - from the very first day of school.

When children are successful in school, they build confidence that translates into all areas of their lives, helping them build strong foundations for successful futures. The purpose of tutoring

11October 2014

is to teach children efficient learning skills and techniques to use in the classroom and, ultimately, in the workforce as adults. It is important that parents take action early and seek a reputable supplemental education service that creates individual learning plans and develops the skills needed to achieve success.

If you notice that your child is struggling with homework at the beginning of the school year, the first step is talking with your child and determining the underlying cause. Once you know the potential source of difficulty, it will be easier to develop a strategy for changing the struggle into success.

Even a child who is doing well in the classroom can benefit from outside help to sharpen study and test-taking skills. A supplemental education provider can help your child prepare for a test or obtain academic enrichment in a particular subject.

What Should Parents Look For When Selecting a Tutor?

1. Get recommendations from family, friends, and teachers.

2. Ask prospective instructors for references from previous employers and students. Or, hire a respected supplemental

education company with a proven record of unlocking children's potential to achieve academic success.

3. Make sure the instructor is licensed and certified.

4. Ask personal instructors how they will help your child master a specific skill.

5. Request an assessment to gauge your child's current level. A good teacher will require that a child learn a specific skill before advancing to the next academic level, and, by utilizing the results of an assessment, you can benchmark your child's progress.

6.Most importantly, ensure the instructor will work with you and your child's classroom teachers to create a personal learning program based on your child's current needs and skill gaps.

If you're looking for maximum flexibility, consider online educational services. Look for online programs that offer real-time assistance where students obtain individualized attention and personalized programs taught by highly trained and certified teachers – from the convenience of home. pt

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internet homeschooling

home-based or onsite

customized education plan

elearningk12.com | 985-223-9077220 civic center blvd, houma la806 North Acadia Road, Thibodaux la

our After School Program assists students with homework completion

individualized instruction

self-paced learning

one to one tutoring

Just like many of my friends in high school, I thought that I couldn’t wait to

move on to “bigger waters” somewhere else out in the world! I wanted to experience all that the glorious world had to offer!

After I graduated from High School, I pretty much moved away from Lafourche Parish and the small town life for 15 years.

We ended up having a chance to come back to Thibodaux in 2005 and we grabbed it. At first, it was weird going to the grocery store and bumping into classmates or people I played with in Dixie baseball. At one point, I even remember dreading running into people I knew because it was going to add time to what would normally have been a short trip to the store (That must have been a left over side effect

Diary of a DadSmall Town Living

BY ROBBIE BOWER, THIBODAUX

of living near Miami for 2 years where everything was a rush). Eventually, our children started to get old enough to go the same school where my wife had gone and, in two instances, they even had the same Kindergarten teacher who taught my wife many, many years before (haha).

My kids now want to go to our local high school’s football games every Friday. It’s such a good feeling seeing and talking to people I’ve known my whole life and knowing that my children now know their children. My kids have a connection with the high school they will attend when they get older and that’s so awesome.

I love everything about living in my hometown. Everything! Even the bad stuff. The bad stuff you say? What’s the

bad stuff? People knowing your business…who cares! At least people know you. I’ve lived in other parts of America where they don’t care to know anything about you. Generally, Lafourche and Terrebonne are doing better economically than almost every other place in the country. People are moving here for jobs! Our community is generally safe, we don’t have to drive very far to get pretty much anywhere and we have some terrific schools including NSU, a gem tucked away here on the Bayou in Thibodaux. We have a vibrant, strong community here that everyone should be proud of. I know I am! pt

13October 2014

Is it already Fall y'all? It sure is and October means

Halloween, trick or treating, bon fires, school bazaars, parties, and CANDY coming out the whazoo! How do you keep your fit kid on a healthy pathway in the midst of all of that craziness? We have a few ideas that might just help you out! Sorry, but you eating your child's loot is not where I'm going with this article.

We want our children to enjoy the fun of the holidays but like everything else...in moderation. Have them pick out their absolute favorites. Set a number of favorites that they can choose. I like 5 favorites. Let's say for example that bubble gum is one of their favorites...they can keep all of the gum from their loot. For all of the not-so-favorite candies, give them away! Bring them to work, send them to work with your spouse. Not for you to pig out...to be shared with your co-workers. Don't like the idea

Let s Get FitGobblin Goblins

BY JONI BASCLE, THIBODAUX

of taking their candy that they worked so hard for? Ration it out. Separate it into ziplock bags and let your little ones know that this bag of candy has to last them all week and they'll get another little bag next week. All that sugar will manifest itself in some crazy way, so encourage your child(ren) to burn off the extra, hyperactive power punch in fun and creative ways. The Fall brings beautiful weather so get them outside! Try a scavenger hunt that they have to complete while you take pictures of each item checked off the list. 'Climb a tree...check! And a cute picture as proof! Ride your bike 1/4 of a mile...check! Another picture for the game!’ Get creative and you'll both have a blast! Most importantly, always set a good example for your little ghosts and goblins! If they see you living a fit life, they're sure to follow in your healthy footsteps. Happy Halloween, y'all! pt

14 Parent Talk Magazine

Grief is a natural process that occurs after something or someone is lost. But grief does not FEEL natural,

especially to youngsters. Inexperienced grievers feel a total loss of control when a death occurs. Teens may reject or avoid unexpected thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that occur because this feels foreign to them, and they aren't in control.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and certainly no time frame; however, there are some helpful responses that support persons may use to help a teen move through this unchartered territory.

Common ReactionsIn the beginning, grievers typically experience denial and

disbelief, which looks and feels like numbness. They may have daydreams and nightmares about the incident, but it doesn't feel real. As the numbness fades and the pain becomes more real, intense feelings such as sadness and anger often show up in tears, irritability, and isolation. Often times grievers will bargain with

Insight from the InsideGrief Guide for Kids

BY KIM THOMPASON, THIBODAUX

their God or with themselves about the death, including how to move forward or how to have that "one last conversation" with the loved one. Toward the healing stages of grief, people may seek forgiveness (toward God, the deceased, or even oneself). And, finally, acceptance of the reality and finality of life allows one to move forward, with a mended (to replace the once shattered) heart.

Ways to Help1. Don't be turned off by the teen's aloofness. They are famous for sending mixed messages; they act as if they are unaffected, yet they secretly long for our hugs and unconditional acceptance. It just has to be in their time.

2. Let the tears flow. Accept crying, and you may cry with them, even if it seems untimely (like years after). If you hide your emotions about the death, they may feel that it's not ok to grieve outwardly. Tears are a natural and necessary part of grief. If you do not see the tears, do not assume they are not

15October 2014

there. If a teenager shares his tears with you, be still, be quiet and listen; don't try to fix his pain.

3. Share the experience. Let the teenager tell you about their experience with the death itself. Where was your teen when the death occurred or when he found out? This lets your teen know that if he's thinking it, here is a safe environment to let it out.

4. Be an active listener, not an all-knowing advisor. Allow the teens to control the time and steps towards accepting the reality that they are grievers as they progress in their journey. Good eye contact, a warm touch, and silence (or affirming "uh-huhs") are more effective than finding the "right words" because in that moment, to your teen, "it's NOT gonna be ok."

5. Put it in writing. Especially when good-byes weren't said, teenagers can achieve closure by writing and reading a farewell letter at the gravesite or to a picture. I recommend journaling, but if journaling seems too vague, search for a teen grief journal with helpful sentence starters.

6. Put it in pictures. Ask to see a picture of the deceased loved one or make a collage. Gather pictures of the deceased or words from magazines that represent the loved one. Share stories about the deceased as the two of you cut and paste words and pictures on a poster board. Then hang it up in the home where people may ask about it, giving the teen a chance to share and memorialize the loved one.

7. Encourage but don't force teens to continue connection with others. In response to a death, teens sometimes disconnect from friends and loved ones, either hiding their emotions or fearing they could lose someone again, which would be more pain than they could bare. Isolation could produce overthinking and loneliness, which may lead to depression. You can offer support and suggest connecting activities; however, the teen should be able to choose if he is ready.

Grief is ongoing; it never ends. By simply listening and loving, your teen can navigate through these unchartered waters to find peace. pt

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