Ages & Stages

Five Strategies for Raising Strong, Successful Children As parents, we hope to raise our children to become strong, successful, contributing members of society. How is success measured? Some would say it is graduating from college, being an entrepreneur, having healthy relationships with others, having an excellent work ethic, having a strong sense of self, or a combination of things. Below are five strategies for raising outstanding adults :: Promote their interests. Even when you do not understand their interests, showing your support is instrumental. Show your interest by asking questions or going to their performances. This will encourage them to develop their talents to their fullest potential. Open Lines of Communication. Ensuring your children know your door is always open is key to raising...

How To Keep Your Littles Hydrated This Hot Summer Here’s a list of ways to keep your child cool and hydrated during these hot months :: •Drink plenty of water! Make sure your littles are drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Pack a water bottle when going out. •Giving your child fruits and vegetables that have a high water content can be a great option for keeping them hydrated, such as watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. •Attaching fans to strollers and wagons to keep them cool. •Protect them from the sun by applying sunscreen. This is a must when leaving the house. We have to protect their little skin. •If the temperature is really high, try to limit outdoor activities. If you plan...

Football :: A Huddle Of Blessings Since my son Maison could walk, he loved playing sports. His first sport was basketball, and he played his first game at 4 years old. His attention span went from dribbling the ball to running in the stands because he saw my brother and he wanted to sit by him. Then he turned 5 and wanted to play soccer, and that's how I became his soccer coach for 2 years. We were called the “Texas Flossers.” Whether we would win or lose, they would stop and do the floss. We had so much fun playing soccer. But then life happened, and he lost his joy in playing sports.   For the past 4 years, we...

Meet Six Exchange Students Who Would Make Great Honorary Cajuns The exchange student program was established to encourage Americans to share their culture while experiencing a new one. At its core, it serves as a tool for international diplomacy. It's an incredible opportunity that you can learn more about here. As a local coordinator, I have the joy of reviewing exchange student profiles to find students who will fit in well with our vibrant Louisiana culture. As we approach the upcoming school year, I’d like to take a moment to introduce a few exchange students who are still searching for a host family and would be the perfect addition to a Louisiana family. Ambroise from France Ambroise gets an automatic honorary Cajun point...

Five Reasons Kids Under 10 Need to See Inside Out 2 My family loves Riley Andersen, her emotions, and the journey through her interior world as she adjusts to a new environment when her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco. So we’ve put Inside Out on regular rotation in the past few months, getting ready for the sequel’s release. We’ve also watched “Riley’s First Date?” a Pixar “bridge” short from 2015 and charming addition to the story. In it, we see a boy arrive at the Andersen's house, to go skating with Riley and her friends. It’s another new landscape, and not just for Riley – the 5-minute delight gives glimpses into Riley’s parents' minds as they grapple with the...