Perspectives in Parenting

Uncertain Times I see the apprehension as I step into your room. You aren't familiar with seeing me this way, with so many layers of protection donned between us. Your eyes possess a fear that I am not accustomed to either. "How many are there like us?" she asks, clinging to her coughing child. "You aren't alone, mama," I say in my own attempt to comfort her. I can see her holding her breath when she inquires, "Anything back yet?" and after refreshing the results tab once more, "nothing yet" is all I can offer her. The television in every room blares with breaking headlines. Even those patients not awaiting a test result verdict seem on edge. "Why won't they let...

The days have not been pleasant, but the memes have been nothing short of gold. A nation of children suddenly barred from their schools. Parents and guardians left analyzing Moodle, Google classroom, or pages of light grey workbook pages. Some set up makeshift classrooms in the dining room, others at the kitchen counter. Suddenly my J.K. Rowling inner monologue clues me onto one certainty – teachers everywhere are universally appreciated. As the first week crawled along like an 18-wheeler with the parking brake engaged, there was a small shift in the narrative I could see in my social media: pledges of a lack of parent-led teaching at home, and the world is now a classroom. I certainly have empathy for those...

We are thrilled to introduce our community to eight new members of the Red Stick Mom team. Each one is a dynamic, warm and inspiring mom in Baton Rouge, and we can’t wait for you all to get to know them both online and in person at any of our upcoming events. We are humbled and honored to have these women join our team. Charlee Conner Her krewe: Husband Jeff and Rockwell (3) Originally from: Park City, Utah Favorite snowball flavor: Orange Creamsicle Favorite Baton Rouge Restaurant: Superior Grill on Highland Rd During LSU games you’ll find her ... either having friends over to bbq, or out at a local restaurant cheering on the Tigers with the crowd Favorite family outing in Baton Rouge: Packing a...

"I gave all my germs to you!" he proudly exclaimed. He'll be celebrating his fifth birthday in just a few days- during #quarantine2020. This was his way of fixing the problem I guess. A boy after his mama's own heart- find a problem, find a solution. We hadn't really said a whole lot about Covid-19 in front of him. Beyond extra hand washing and skipping his Pre-K4 class, life was pretty normal for him (or I was at least trying my best). But his proclamation of where he sent his germs had my mama brain reeling. He gave his germs to Mama because Mamas can fix everythinggg. Except when we can't. Day 6 of "social distancing" had me realizing I was paralyzed...

This time in our community has many of us perplexed. The media seemingly has done its job of getting us information, while also playing on our emotions for the entertainment factor. I’m with you in frustration, like many other moms, trying to navigate the facts from the propaganda. As a mother and educator, I am choosing to look at this time as a gift with my babies. I know it is presenting many complications with work and school closures. It is my hope that parents would truly be intentional with their children’s time over the next 4 weeks. Here are just a few ideas from the heart of a teacher. Take care of your kids' emotional health. Like us, they are overwhelmed...