Parenting in Acadiana - Quality Resources Through Your Parenting Journey

Kellie Duhon, Corporate Giving Program Manager of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana shares her insightful story of how her family was able to overcome COVID-19. Like many of us, Kellie prepped, prepared and stocked on all of the essentials needed during the mandatory stay-at-home order. However, when "the outside" slowly opened up, her family soon realized that there was a high chance COVID-19 was knocking on their door. Resources mentioned in the episoide: Where to find testing sites: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3934?clearCache=1 Checklist to prepare for COVID-19: https://www.goodrx.com/blog/coronavirus-home-checklist-how-to-prepare-stock-up-covid-19/ How to become a blood/plasma donor: https://lourdesrmc.com/ways-to-give/blood-donor-center Additional: Blue Cross has created interactive graphics for its social media that encourage people to wear masks now so we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and safely resume activities like tailgating, going to festivals and having crawfish boils. Anyone can share or post these graphics to their personal social media and are asked to use the hashtag #MaskUp when doing so. Find and download the graphics at www.bcbsla.com/covid19.

Social Emotional Learning, Goal Setting, and Core Values with Girls on the Run by WomansFoundation

Yvette Quantz with Eat Fit Acadiana joins us again to give our listeners a great and easy way to navigate emotional eating and distress. It's a simple acronym that can help you slow down, recognize your emotions, and know that it's completely normal during a time like this. Listen to our newest episode to hear how Yvette uses her passion to educate, spread positivity, and empower others to live their best, healthy life. Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatfitacadiana Instagram: eatfitacadiana Website: www.ochsnereatfit.com

Michelle Mahne with the Lafayette Parish School System chats with us about how she serves our community and how she helps businesses redirect their business tax dollars to benefit early childhood education here in Lafayette Parish. If you are an essential worker in need of childcare assistance during this pandemic, Michelle is the one to contact! Her office can help you find a childcare center that is still open. Resources: www.ontrackby5.com or call 337-521-7282 For School Readiness Tax Credit information: 337-521-7209

Parents around the world have been faced with a new reality. The kids are no longer in school and working moms and dads have transitioned their home into a home office. We understand that this has probably been one of the most overwhelming challenges for parents. “How can I work 8 hours a day at home when the kids are home for an extra 8 hours than I am use to?” “Are they going to advance to the next grade?” But as parents, the greatest superpower you all have is the ability to find that balance to get it all done, no matter the circumstance. Listen to this week’s episode featuring Tiffany Major. She is a mother of 2 toddlers, under 5. She reminds us to live in the moment, make the best of these days, and take this time to focus on molding and shaping our children’s future. Coping Skills: https://youtu.be/td4LQ2rxVa0 Coping Cards: https://youtu.be/QXvadKTSR8M Follow Tiffany Major on Instagram @themommyplug to follow her parenting journey!

Is it almost that time to let your "baby" get a feel for what it's like behind the wheel? We know... we don't want them to grow up. It's tough to come to that realization, and most certainly scary. Casey Barfield, an instructor with Safety Premiere Training talks us through some tips to prepare you and your child for a BIG step in their teenage life. He also mentions some new steps you have to take required by the DMV that requires a visit before attending a driver's ed class. Safety Premiere Training will be offering classes this summer, so sign up early! Check out their website: http://www.safetypremiere.com/ They are on Facebook & Instagram!

Ever heard of Pavlov's theory? The same notification you receive on your phone has the same effect on your brain just like other types of stimulants. This could be why kids in today's age are growing up attached to their devices. Marie Collins with The Family Tree talks to us about parenting in the digital age and tips on monitoring your child's activity on their devices. As she mentioned, technology is just like treats and snacks - it should be allowed in moderation.

The Healthy Acadiana Coalition is challenging organizations, businesses, schools, church groups, sports teams, and everyone in the community to participate in the Acadiana Community #DonateHealthy Food Drive. The goal of the food drive is not only to collect items for our local food banks and pantries, but to ultimately raise awareness on food insecurity and educate the community on best practices of donating healthier, more nutritious, and non-expired food to our neighbors in need. Because food drives are most common during the holiday season, Healthy Acadiana hopes to spread the education and encourage other organizations hosting food drives to focus on giving with intention. Families experiencing food insecurity are often limited on healthy options and more inclined to experience higher rates in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and overweight/obesity and other subsequent health outcomes. “Our goal with this food drive is to help educate our community of donors that what we give can make a difference. If we can shift our mindset from just giving whatever food is in the back of our pantry to sharing nutrient-dense foods, we will see our community thrive with healthier and stronger citizens. Together we can help nourish and build a healthier Acadiana” says Yvette Quantz, Eat Fit Dietician and Co-Chair of Healthier Eating Task Force. It is important as a community to understand that in order to reduce our significant rates of public health issues, we must work together and teach our children healthier ways to live, work, and play. Health touches all aspects of a community, attracts economic development, and creates a safer community for all. Together, we can make a difference in Acadiana by donating healthy items for the Acadiana Community #DonateHealthy Food Drive and for all other following food drives. If your business or organization would like to participate as a collecting site, please contact Yvette Quantz, eatfitacadiana@gmail.com or call (337) 739-3539. Boxes and signage are available for pick up.

We welcome Monica Rowand with UL Lafayette's Sustainability Office to our podcast, and WOW did she provide such valuable, insightful, and great information on how the university is helping feed the hungry. Learn about the wonderful and amazing things our local university is doing to one day become a Zero Waste campus, how they are utilizing the leftover food at football games and at the dining hall, and how they are turning food waste into compost. She also includes fun, simple, and easy small changes families can implement in their home to help the environment.

Dr. Jennifer Jackson with Keystone Nutrition was such a joy to have on our show! As you can tell, she is very passionate about helping families and kids find what works for them in order to stay happy and healthy. She recommends families to eat foods you enjoy and like, but in smaller portions; avoid sugary sodas, and avoid loading your kids' plate with too much food. Listen to our newest episode to hear what other tips she suggests for picky eaters and young children!

Dr. Erin Hemsell with Acadiana Women's Group, as well as a Board Member of Woman's Foundation, sits down and talks PERIODS. Not the basic birds and bees and body changes, but addresses questions all parents have for teen girls like "Are tampons okay to use?" and "Should I put my daughter on birth control for cramps?"

This weekend we celebrate and give a special shout out to all of the wonderful, hardworking, and dedicated fathers in our lives! On this episode, we feature a very personal story from Mick Essex, Senior Marketing Executive at Vantage Health Plan. Mick has been a single father since his son was about 4 years old. He gives us a deep inside scoop of what was his motivators were, how he was able to support his small family, and be the best father he can be with an absent mother in their lives. Reach out to Mick Essex to learn more about him and his professional work at messex@vhpla.com or connect with him on Facebook or LinkedIn!

Dr. Anita Gouri, a local pediatric dentistry suggests getting your child in for their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first. Not only is this preventative, but it allows your child to become acclimated and comfortable with the process as they get older. She also specializes in a laser, non-invasive procedure on babies and infants to help them easily latch on during breastfeeding. Listen to hear more about what you can do help your kids have healthy teeth! Visit lafayettepediatricdentistry.com and find them on Facebook!

Amy Schwarzenbach, Grant Writer for the Children's Museum of Acadiana joins us in the studio to chat about their newest exhibit called the Sensory Sea. This wonderful and interactive addition will help young children develop important cognitive skills, interact with different sensations they don't experience on a daily basis, and helps improve their social interactive ability through touch, smell, seeing, hearing, and tasting. Visit cmalaf.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, bonus mothers, soon to be mothers, and dads who have to play two roles!

This episode is a MUST LISTEN! In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month (May) Monique Reno and Stefanie Henrie with Acadiana Area Human Services District answers my questions about the difference between depression and anxiety, signs and symptoms to look out for in children ages 5-7, in-depth differences between ADHD and defiance, and do's and dont's for parents to help alleviate certain behaviors. We even touch on how social media can affect children's behavior. The mission of the Acadiana Area Human Services District (AAHSD) is to increase public awareness of and to provide access for individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities to integrated community based services while promoting wellness, recovery and independence through education and the choice of a broad range of programmatic and community resources. Visit their website at aahsd.org and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AcadianaAreaHumanServicesDistrict/

Happy Financial Literacy Month! We are bringing you an episode about how you can teach your kids lifelong money-saving skills, starting as early as they are born! Advancial Federal Credit Union offers great programs kids can enroll in to begin saving for their future. All you need to start off is $5! Like Blair Suire mentions, it is never too early to start! For more information on their programs, visit advancial.org

To pop or not to pop, that is the question! The Skin Experts at Hubbell Dermatology answers all of our burning questions about teenage acne. They also provide valuable tips on how your teenager should care for their face and which products to use. Moms - they even dropped some tips for you, if you are fighting stress acne. Visit skinexpert.com or follow them on Facebook at Hubbell Dermatology & Aesthetics for more information on their services and products.

It’s National Nutrition Month! To celebrate, we invited Yvette Quantz, RDN, CSSD, LDN with Eat Fit Acadiana on to the show. It was such a pleasure having her in the studio, and we are excited to share her passion for healthy lifestyles for your mind, body, and spirit! Listen to this great episode to learn more about eating disorder, the different types, signs and symptoms, how you can help a loved one, and where to seek help. It may also help to listen even if you don't know anyone with an ED to learn preventative measures you can take! LIKE , LISTEN, AND SUBSCRIBE! Follow Yvette Quantz on Instagram at @yvetteperrierquantz and @foodspiration.s

Sergeant Casey Barfied with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department, Juvenile Division is back for another episode to talk about cyberbullying and what you can do as parents to identify if they are being bullied, preventing it, and what steps you should take if it occurs.

Amy Wander with the Lafayette Public Library joins us in the studio to tell us all about the Lafayette Reads Together Program that goes way beyond the book. Not only can you grab a free copy of Finding Gobi, families can participate in numerous FREE programs throughout the community that families have access to with a Lafayette Library Card. Get yours today! Visit their website and check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn how your family can participate in the community-wide reading program. http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LafayettePublicLibrary/ https://www.instagram.com/lafpublibrary/ https://twitter.com/lafpublibrary/

We know it's a hard subject to talk about and many of us shy away from thinking our kids would ever have suicidal thoughts or that they are depressed. Nicole Lahr with Brentwood Hospital provides us with signs to look out for in children of all ages to open up the conversation with your child. She also gives great tips and appropriate steps to take when seeking help. You are not alone in this situation and neither is your child. Listen to our newest episode for expert advice on how to handle situations when your child is showing signs of depression. The suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255. Brentwood Hospital Contact: 1006 Highland Avenue Shreveport, LA 71101 https://brentwoodbehavioral.com/ 24/7 Admissions Line: (318) 678-7500 Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program Intake: 877-678-7500

A SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE! Ben Broussard with Catholic Charities of Acadiana joins us in the studio to give us some great ideas on how families can get together to help the most vulnerable population in Acadiana, especially during the holiday season! Providing shelter for the most vulnerable population in the area and the basic necessities at their time in need can be very rewarding and humbling. Got any fun ideas to help out or interested in volunteering? Email ben@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org or check out their website http://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/.

Sensei Micah Lopez with Cajun Karate talks about what makes his Dojo different than others in the Acadiana area. His focus and technique on self-defense are based on the natural instinct of human reactions. He also gives us some techniques and tools you and your children can use if they ever feel uncomfortable when you are not around. Listen to our new episode!

Kendra Coco, a long-time instructor for many of Woman's Foundation's programs including Teens with Life Choices and Let's Talk Puberty joins us in the studio to talk about how parents can make the conversation with their child less nerve-wracking for the both of you. We get it, it's not easy to have the first talk but we all know how important it is. Listen to her advice on opening up that door of communication and building trust with your kids. Woman's Foundation offers the Let's Talk Puberty program for boys and girls ages 8 to 18. Classes are typically held at the foundation monthly. We also visit schools for free of charge. Visit http://womansfoundation.com/lets-talk-puberty/ for dates.

Kristen Boutte from Faith House talks about a touchy subject parents can be afraid to face. She helps us identify signs teenagers usually show when they are in a toxic or abusive relationship. Listen in on her tips and learn how you can help your child if they ever find themselves in similar situations. Contact Faith House for support groups or help. Their 24 hour confidential hotline is 1-888-411-1333 or email them at info@faithhouseacadiana.com for help. Remember, love does not hurt.

This episode celebrates National School Lunch Week starting October 15! Celeste Finney, the Nutrition Program Coordinator for Lafayette Parish Schools and dietitian joins us in the studio to discuss the science behind your kids' school lunch meals. At the beginning of her career, she worked in the school systems in Texas right after Hurricane Rita hit. She then moved back to Louisiana after several years and began working in diabetes education which landed her the current position now. It was so interesting to sit down and hear how complex, unique, and regulated schools' lunch are to fulfill kids' nutritional and calorie needs based on their grade level.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Harmony Decker visits us in our studio to talk about ways mothers can help their children when there is violence in the homes. Faith House offers shelter and support groups to women and families who are victims of domestic violence. Please call 1-888-411-1333 for their 24 hour confidential hotline if you or your family need support.

Study Skills & Keeping Homework Organized with Your Kids by WomansFoundation

To celebrate over 1000 listens and 100 likes on Facebook, we are releasing this special episode. Listen to meet the hosts of Parenting in Acadiana podcast! You will hear several voices throughout the journey of our podcast, and we wanted to sit down and introduce ourselves to our listeners. We hope you enjoy getting to know us. Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us on Facebook!

**Episode contains educational information that may not be appropriate for young children.** Sending off your child to college this semester? Dr. Stefanski, past-president of Woman's Foundation, local pediatrician, and Louisiana Department of Health Regional Medical Director provides us shocking STD and STI statistics right here in Lafayette. It may not be easy to have the conversation with your teenager or young adult, but we are here to help!

Gerald Broussard, Executive Director of Christian Youth Theater talks about the importance of opening the path to allow your child to discover their true identity and individuality, whether it is being on stage or working behind the scenes. Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 4-18. Since its founding in 1981, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater program in the nation, with Affiliates across the country training thousands of students a year. Each local program conducts three ten-week sessions (Fall, Winter, and Spring) teaching drama, voice, dance, and specialty theatrical workshops at weekly two-hour classes. Enrolled students have the opportunity to audition and perform (or work behind-the-scenes) in a Broadway-style musical performed for the community. CYT also offers summer camps for kids ages 4-18, where they will spend a week learning musical theater skills resulting in a showcase performance for family and friends! CYT stands in the forefront in its commitment to the highest ethical, moral, technical, and artistic standards of excellence. Instructors are professionals, qualified in teaching and/or performing, who understand our mission statement, values, objectives, and goals.

Have No Fear, Kids' Gut Health and Food Allergies In the Clear by WomansFoundation

Do you ever wish there was a magic button to help you through raising teenage girls? Robin Ferguson, Co-Owner of CycleBar Lafayette joins us in the studio and talks about the class she teaches on the 6 Biggest Decisions teen girls will ever make in their life including self-worth, addiction, dating, and friends just to name a few. The class is based on Sean Covey's book The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make which is offered at the Woman's Foundation.

The Louisiana heat is NO joke. Families in Acadiana are finding ways to stay cool near a pool or at the beach. Listen to Dr. Stuart Clark, a local pediatrician suggest the best protection against harmful sun rays, mosquitoes, and the importance of staying hydrated.

We welcomed Sergeant Casey Barfield to explain the ins and outs of what criminal charges your child could face if they are exchanging explicit photos of themselves to their friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends using social media.

Do you sense your kids are addicted to their electronics? We know how easy it is to give them their tablets or phones so you can knock out all of your errands. Listen for some fun, easy, and simple ways to get their eyes off the screens and their hearts pumpin'!

Blair Suire tells us a personal story about what happen to the Facebook Cover Photo of her one-year-old son. Learn more about Facebook Photo Sharing Settings you didn't know and how to protect the privacy of your family.