Red Stick Mom

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by EnrollBR.  Don't Settle When it Comes to Your Child's Education - Join us For EnrollBR's Virtual Open House on March 24th! EnrollBR is a common application process created to ensure that all children have fair access to a great education at the school of their choice. Through EnrollBR, families can easily apply to multiple high-quality schools through one centralized platform. Our mission is to empower YOU to find a school that meets your family's needs. It takes less than 10 minutes to apply to multiple schools! Join us on March 24, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm for EnrollBr’s Virtual Open House. Attendees have the opportunity to explore great schools and video chat with school...

“Take the picture.” This is something I’ve heard and read in so many places over the years. It’s true. For most of my life, I was the obnoxious friend or family member taking excessive photos. I wanted to be a photographer. Photos meant so much to me, mostly because there were parts of my life that were difficult for people to talk about that I wanted to remember so badly. Photos helped me do that. Over the last few years, something changed. I stopped taking as many pictures, and I’m in even less. No Memories Frozen In Time I lost my mom when I was 22 years old. We had a terribly rocky relationship my entire life, which also meant we...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health and written by Dr. Chad Gnam III, OB-GYN.  COVID, Pregnancy & Fertility: Know the Facts There are many theories and opinions about how the COVID-19 virus and vaccines impact pregnancy and fertility. The truth is less scary. It seems everyone is talking about COVID-19 vaccination these days for one reason or another. The chatter seems to be loudest among moms-to-be and those trying to conceive. Is it safe? Does the vaccine cause infertility? How will it impact my pregnancy? Are doctors recommending it? Can I continue to breastfeed if I receive the vaccination? These are all great questions. Women searching for answers can easily drown in the sea of...

Early 2020: If you were like me, TikTok sounded like a playground for teens and those in their early 20’s. Catchy songs and dances were the last thing on my mind back then. I was more focused on virtual schooling our two children and the financial well-being of our family. Hard pass on the Savage Love. I needed sanity and clarity more than I needed to learn how to dance with my arms like my 12 year old does. Then, for whatever reason mid-year, I downloaded it. Probably out of desperation for a change in scenery. I fully expected to hate it as much as that other social media platform with the ghost as its icon. I literally could not...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Ochsner Baton Rouge.  Warning Signs of Suicide for Children and Teens The COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health, including children and teens. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that people of all ages are struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. Ongoing school closures; the loss of routines; missing out on milestones, like prom or graduation; and a lack of in-person interaction can be especially difficult for young people. As a parent or caregiver, you may wonder if your child is in danger. The following are a few signs to watch for in friends, family and your child: Talking about...