SB PARENTING Archives - SB Magazine https://sbmag.net/category/sb-parenting/ SB Magazine Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:46:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://sbmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sb-logo-150-100x100.jpg SB PARENTING Archives - SB Magazine https://sbmag.net/category/sb-parenting/ 32 32 How to Support your Child if they Have Anxiety https://sbmag.net/how-to-support-your-child-if-they-have-anxiety/ https://sbmag.net/how-to-support-your-child-if-they-have-anxiety/#respond Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:45:12 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=66342 If you believe your child has anxiety, then it is so important that you take steps to try and support them. If you don’t, then you may find that they end up feeling worse and that they also have excessive worries about things. You may find that this translates across school as well as at […]

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]]> If you believe your child has anxiety, then it is so important that you take steps to try and support them. If you don’t, then you may find that they end up feeling worse and that they also have excessive worries about things. You may find that this translates across school as well as at social occasions. Some signs of anxiety include difficulty fitting in, irritability, concentration difficulties, lack of confidence, and even lower grades. As you can imagine, this can have a huge impact on their mental health, as well as your own. If you want to help them here, then it is so important that you try and help them now.

Source: Pexels

Identify their Triggers

The first thing you need to do is try and take the time to identify their triggers. You need to make sure that you are aware of what is causing them anxiety, so you can take steps to try and identify their triggers where possible. You also need to try and validate their ideas and empathise with them. No matter how you think or how you feel, you need to try and make sure that you help them to feel validated as well as understood. You also need to put yourself in their shoes and recognise the feelings they are going through. If you can do this, then you will soon be able to give them the help they need to navigate different situations.

Challenge Unhelpful Thinking

Another thing you can do is try and challenge unhelpful thinking. Ask your children to see if they can offer their thoughts and feelings, and take the time to work with them. If you can help them come up with more realistic thoughts, then this will help you decrease their unhelpful thoughts. You may also find that asking them questions that challenge their negative beliefs helps. Ask them if they have ever failed a test before, so you can challenge their way of thinking. Things like this allow your child to think through the evidence, and it also allows them to conclude on a more independent basis. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier for you to not only get the help you need but also to make sure that you are giving them the support they need.  Support like this is especially useful if your child is neurodivergent, as if they struggle with things like emotional dysregulation, then you may find that anxiety is even more prominent. If this is the case, then it may help you to look into online services. You can find online therapy and resources suited to children who have autism if you know where to look, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Deep Breathing is Key

Another thing you can do is try and practice deep breathing. Deep belly breathing is a tool that helps you to calm down, and it also helps you to refocus. On top of this, it increases the oxygen levels in the bloodstream. If you want to help your child, then tell them to put their hand on their stomach and their chest. Tell them that their goal is to try and make sure that the hand that is on their belly moves up and down, while the hand on their chest stays the same. If you can try and encourage them to do this, then you will find it easier to teach them what deep breathing is about, and you will also be able to help them calm down. If you have a young child, then telling them to smell flowers and then blow out birthday candles is a good thing to do.Break

Down Tasks

Another thing you can do is try and break down tasks. Break things down into smaller steps and make sure that you offer random rewards throughout the process. If you can do this, then you will find it easier to positively reinforce their behaviour, and you can also make sure that you are making it easier for them to visualise the results they need. Things like this can work wonders for them, so try and keep it in mind. 

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]]> https://sbmag.net/how-to-support-your-child-if-they-have-anxiety/feed/ 0 HOW TO MAKE SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS https://sbmag.net/how-to-make-salt-dough-ornaments/ https://sbmag.net/how-to-make-salt-dough-ornaments/#respond Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:28:30 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=58936 The post HOW TO MAKE SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS appeared first on SB Magazine.

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How to make Salt Dough

Ornaments

 

Salt dough ornaments are easy to make at home! Follow these steps to start a new tradition!

Gather ‘round the kitchen table, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for an afternoon full of fun and creativity. ’Tis the season to be crafty and establish new family traditions with these salt dough ornaments! These ornaments are a lovely homemade gift and an enjoyable Christmas tradition, which you can create for the entire family or classroom with almost no effort and plenty of personalization options. Making these ornaments with your children will be a fantastic experience, and you can hang them on the tree for many years to come! This is the best salt dough recipe available, so you won’t be disappointed.

Materials

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Table Salt
• \1/3 cup Water, plus 1 tablespoon
• Food Coloring or Acrylic Paint
• 1 Drinking Straw or skewer
• Nonstick Baking Spray
• Parchment Paper
• 1 roll Colorful Ribbon (1/8 to 1/4- inch wide), Twine, or String

Tools

Mixing Spoon
Rolling Pins

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°F. Place the rack in the center position. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Next, line the work area with butcher paper to prevent your counters or table from becoming stained. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt until well combined. In a glass measuring cup, stir in the water and optional food coloring or paint. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and slowly pour in the colored water, starting with half the amount and adding more as needed to form a firm dough that is moist but not sticky. Stir well. Knead the dough with your hands for approximately 10 minutes (on top of the parchment paper), or until the dough has become smooth and the color is distributed throughout. If the dough is too sticky, simply add extra flour and salt in a 4:1 ratio (such as 4 tablespoons flour and 1 tablespoon salt)

Making The Salt Dough Ornaments

Firstly, place the dough on parchment paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Then, use any cookie cutters you like to cut out shapes of the dough. You may also use various items to stamp the dough to create texture or personalize the ornaments with initials, last name or a year, using alphabet stamps. If there are any leftover scraps, knead them, roll them again and cut out additional ornaments. Repeat this process until all the dough is used up. Once you have cut out the ornaments, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a straw to cut a small hole near the top of each ornament, where you want to hang it from. Remember to discard the small circular piece of dough that you remove to create the hole.

Baking The Salt Dough Ornaments

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until dry. Flip the ornaments halfway through baking so that the underneath side can dry out as well. When done baking, remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. After they have cooled down, you can use acrylic paint to add your personal touch. Finally, thread a ribbon or string through the holes and tie them to hang on the tree.

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]]> https://sbmag.net/how-to-make-salt-dough-ornaments/feed/ 0 Blended Families https://sbmag.net/blended-families/ https://sbmag.net/blended-families/#respond Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:05:56 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=54859 The post Blended Families appeared first on SB Magazine.

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Tips for navigating a new family dynamic.

The family dynamic has changed drastically over the past seven decades. In the 1960s, it was the norm for children to be born into a two parent/first marriage household. According to Pew Research, the number of traditional families dropped in the 1980 to about 61%. Today, that number is less than half. Typical families of the new millennium are a vast mixture of anything but traditional. One of the most common family types is the blended family. Blended families are family units where one or both parents have children from previous relationships, and they decide to bring their two families together to form unit.

Although making the decision to blend two families can be a wonderful experience, it does come with its share of obstacles. It’s not to say that blended families can’t work, but it is a delicate situation that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Forbes reported that there is a 74% failure rate for second marriages due to the stressors that many blended families face. Though every family is different, there are some basic things that every blended family can take into consideration when figuring out what works best for them. Here are tips for approaching the blended family dynamic:

  •  Control your words and actions. We can’t change how others act, but we can control how we react to their words and actions. If disagreements occur with an ex, refrain from fighting or arguing in front of the children. Try getting all the adults together to have a cordial one-on-one about any issues that may exist and how everyone can come together on one page for the children. At the end of the day, the happiness and health of the children involved is a top priority. You all should make the best decisions that positively impact your family dynamic.
  • Help children become comfortable with the changes in their own time and way. When mom or dad begins to date again, that alone can be a huge change for children. So, imagine what a new marriage can feel like for them. Change is hard sometimes for adults to grasp and children are no different. Among other things, they may feel a sense of loyalty to their parents. As the stepparent/bonus parent, it’s important to build a rapport with the children, but remember to let them set the pace. Parents should encourage bonding with bonus moms and dads, but they should never force these changes on the children. Give them the time they need to adjust to their new dynamics.
  • Set and respect boundaries. One key thing to remember when forming a blended family is that these two families had their own way of life before taking the leap to merge with one another. There was a code and culture already in place which should be respected. Though things will change to accommodate the new family unit, some things may remain the same.
  • Check your own heart and mind before committing to a blended family. Forming a blended family can be beautiful, but it is important to remember that there are children and feelings all through the fabric of the blended family. Before you commit to anything, you should make sure that you are in a mature place mentally and emotionally for the children’s sake.

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]]> https://sbmag.net/blended-families/feed/ 0 The Challenges of Being a Working Mom https://sbmag.net/the-challenges-of-being-a-working-mom/ https://sbmag.net/the-challenges-of-being-a-working-mom/#respond Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:00:11 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=53186 The post The Challenges of Being a Working Mom appeared first on SB Magazine.

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Women are often seen as the backbone of the home for various reasons. According to Forbes, 70% of full-time working women do all or most of the caregiving.

For decades, women of all walks of life have made incredible strides in the workforce. Unfortunately, the challenges of balancing home, work, and self can come with a mental, emotional, and physical toll. A recent study published in the New York Times showed that 66% of working parents are dealing with burnout. Balancing work and home takes a lot of planning, understanding, communication, and a strong support system. Even with routines, schedules, and to do lists, working moms are battling parental burnout at an alarming rate. While it’s been easy for people to suggest moms work from home these days, this is still a difficult balancing act. Moms need to ensure they are around for their little ones, with jobs often demanding that you are not providing any form of childcare while on shift. On top of that, it requires working moms to have to upgrade their internet to ensure it’s stable, spending more money and still potentially even looking up how to test my internet speed to check if it’s possible to work from home at all.  Dr. Jennifer Yen, a psychiatrist at UTH Houston, describes parental burnout as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to ongoing demands. Parental burnout has become a global crisis. Though it’s not included in the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses published by the American Psychiatric Association, parental burnout is recognized by many psychologists as well as the World Health Organization.

For many working mothers, one of the most overlooked aspects of avoiding burnout is tending to personal well-being in small, manageable ways. When the demands of work and family dominate every waking hour, self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. Yet, it’s these very acts of self-care that can prevent a complete collapse of energy and health. Something as simple as proper nail and foot care, for example, can be a meaningful step toward regaining control over your body and confidence. Neglecting minor health issues such as brittle nails or recurring fungal infections might seem harmless in the short term, but over time, they add unnecessary stress. That’s why solutions like a reliable nail fungus treatment are so valuable for women constantly on the go. They provide a quick, effective way to address a problem that otherwise chips away at comfort and confidence. For busy moms, knowing that there are tools designed to make these small but important health fixes easier means less mental clutter and more peace of mind. Ultimately, taking care of these “little things” becomes part of the bigger picture of resilience. By looking after their own well-being, moms are better able to sustain the energy and strength required to keep up with their children, careers, and households without feeling like they’re running on empty.

Since 2012, wife & mother of two, Treneisha Hill, has been an Assistant DA with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office. Over the last decade she has tried a plethora of homicide and sexual assault cases. She also assists with handling and resolving high profile cases. Being that she and her husband of 8 years, local attorney Kerry Hill of Hill Law Firm, both have high demanding careers, it’s vital for them to work together setting firm boundaries so their children always know that they come first. Shortly after having their second child, Hill was faced with a few unforeseen life circumstances while balancing home and a hefty workload. Hill said, “Our jobs don’t slow down just because life circumstances change. I went on working hard and tirelessly, but eventually took a little time off to recharge.” Hill went on to say, “Navigating my journey has at times been a bit difficult, sometimes exhausting, but at best very rewarding. For me there is something very fulfilling about operating in the many roles that God has called me to using the many gifts He’s blessed me with.”

Licensed esthetician and salon/school owner Carmen Evans is a single mom of three who is thankful that she has always had a solid support system, but that didn’t stop burnout from creeping up on her. Evans, who has been a permanent makeup artist for 12 years, said, “I cannot recall the last time I felt so drained and depleted. I am thankful for the improvements I have made more recently, though I wish I would have listened to my body sooner.” Her experience with burnout was a surprise to her, but it wasn’t a surprise to her body and mind. She explained, “The simplest everyday things were going haywire with no logical explanation. Just complete and total overwhelm that slowly creeped up on me and knocked me to my knees. My body just gave out and I was asleep every day for weeks in December.” Evans is now on a mission to help others to avoid getting to that point she never saw coming.

Though both women walk the tight rope of work/home life, they make a point to keep their families in the foreground. Whether through movie nights, traveling, date nights, or just talking about their days, Hill and Evans prioritize the functionality of their families and the happiness of their children. There is nothing more important than to keep a proper work/home balance for the stability of the children.

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]]> https://sbmag.net/the-challenges-of-being-a-working-mom/feed/ 0 New Year New YOU! https://sbmag.net/new-year-new-you/ https://sbmag.net/new-year-new-you/#respond Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:08:46 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=51192 The post New Year New YOU! appeared first on SB Magazine.

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An estimated 41% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, most of which center around health-related goals. However, only 9% feel they are successful in keeping or achieving them. Why is it so challenging to stick with New Year’s resolutions? It may not be related to goal-getters discipline; it may be that the resolution itself isn’t SMART enough.

 Setting a SMART goal is a way to guide your resolution to be more Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Defining these parameters ensures that your goal is more achievable over time.

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Popular health-related New Year’s resolutions

  •  Lose weight
  • Eat healthier
  • Exercise more
  • Be healthy

These are great goals, but they need to be SMART. They do not define what “healthy” means. There are no actionable words. It is not specific, and it does not set a deadline. Before setting your SMART goal, take some time to define the why behind the goal.

Define the “why”

If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, first figure out why you want to lose weight. Then, ask why this resolution is important to you, what you will gain by achieving this resolution,

and if this resolution aligns with your core values. Some examples are: 

  • Increased confidence
  • Improved relationship with food
  • Longevity
  • Decreased medications
  • Prevention in disease
  • Increase activity with family members

 Now that you clearly understand your “why,” setting your SMART New Year’s Resolution will be easier. Here are three ways to set yourself up for success in 2023:

 Make your New Year’s Resolution SMART 

If your goal is to lose weight by eating healthy in 2023, apply the SMART method to make the resolution more attainable.

 Specific
Making your New Year’s resolution specific applies a clear focus to your efforts. It answers who, what, when, where, and why. Do you want to change the number on the scale, or do you wish to change your body composition–focusing on adding lean muscle mass and decreasing fat mass?

 Measurable
You want to track your progress toward your goal. Make it measurable–define how much or how many. How will you know you have reached your goal?

Achievable 

Your goal should challenge you, but it shouldn’t be impossible. Have you attempted to lose weight before? If you did, what was successful and what was unsuccessful? Keep that in mind when creating your resolution. Be realistic. Don’t set an overly ambitious goal you know that you cannot achieve. 

Relevant 

This is the point where you need to reference your “why” again to ensure your resolution aligns.

Is your goal important to you? Or is it a goal you need or even want to achieve? Will it bring you closer to your overall goal? 

 Time-bound 

The deadlines you set for your SMART goals will prevent less critical tasks from getting in your way and hindering progress. You’ll be able to keep your priorities straight when you have the sense of urgency that comes along with a deadline.

Focus on SUSTAINABLE change.

It’s great if you achieve your New Year’s resolution, but it’s even greater if you can sustain it. A sustainable rate of weight loss is half a pound to two pounds per week, which equals about two to eight pounds per month. So if your New Year’s resolution is to lose 30 pounds in a month, this is an unrealistic and unsustainable goal. Instead, 30 pounds in 4 months is a resolution that has the potential to be achieved and sustained over a more extended period.

Often, individuals begin a new fad diet for their New Year’s resolution as a tactic to decrease weight. Unfortunately, fad diets offer fast unsustainable results with restrictive eating plans. In addition, a fad diet is often difficult to adhere to for a month, much less a year. Instead of adopting a drastically new way of eating, consider your current choices and make adjustments. For sustainable changes to your nutrition, focus on the following:

Protein
Protein helps regulate appetite and maintain muscle stores. Therefore, ensure you consume a lean protein source with each meal/snack.

Fiber
Fiber helps regulate appetite, bowel movements, and blood sugar levels. Ensure you have a source of fiber with every meal. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber.

Anti-inflammatory fat

Anti-inflammatory fats like olive oil, avocados, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds help regulate blood sugar levels, are heart-protective, and help you feel satisfied after a meal. Prioritize mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats over saturated and trans fats.

Fun

Don’t forget to prioritize foods you consider fun. Typically, fun foods are more decadent, higher in calories, and lower in nutrients. To feel more in control around your fun foods, normalize them by intentionally incorporating them into your lifestyle. This will help you feel more in control when you are around them in social settings or eating out, which can help you achieve sustainable weight loss.

Enlist help and accountability from a dietitian

 Dietitians are food experts. Before beginning any weight loss plan, it is important to consult with your dietitian to figure out the best diet plan that works for you and your individual health goals. Dietitians can also be a source of accountability and help you set sustainable health-related New Year’s resolutions to help you become the healthiest version of yourself in 2023.

Courtney Hammons Butts, MS, RDN, LDN

Courtney Hammons Butts, MS, RDN, LDN

Weight loss dietitian at Courtney Butts Nutrition.

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]]> https://sbmag.net/new-year-new-you/feed/ 0 SB PARENTING -TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR HOUSEHOLD https://sbmag.net/sb-parenting-tips-for-maintaining-your-household/ https://sbmag.net/sb-parenting-tips-for-maintaining-your-household/#respond Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:05:02 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=51185 The post SB PARENTING -TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR HOUSEHOLD appeared first on SB Magazine.

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Maintaining a household can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and a positive outlook, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a working parent or stay at home parent, household management will help you run your home like a well-oiled machine. 

There isn’t any magical way to weave everything together, but there are a few tips that any parent can keep in mind when attempting to figure out what works for their family. It will usually involve a bit of trial and error that will all be worth it in the end. 

Focus on these four areas to improve your household management: Cleaning, Preparing Meals, Delegating Tasks, and Establishing Routines.

CLEANING

The best thing to do is to break everything down into smaller pieces. Start by making a list of what needs to be done. Write out what needs to be cleaned daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonally. From there, plan out what days each task will get tackled. For example, Mondays can be cleaning bathrooms, Saturday can be changing linens, and the last Friday of the month can be reserved for cleaning baseboards.

PREPARING MEALS


It’s always easier to know what you’re going to cook or to have some meals prepped and ready to go. Making meals ahead of time in a slow cooker or using an instant pot are both great time savers. So is freezing meals ahead of time and some meals that keep well are lasagna and casseroles.  One fun idea for choosing meals for the week is having everyone in the family write some of their favorites on pieces of paper and put in a jar. Each week 7 meals are picked from the jar and assigned days for prepping and cooking. No guessing or fussing! 

DELEGATING TASKS


Remember when it comes to managing your home, no one can do everything alone. It’s important to delegate certain tasks to children and spouses/partners. This will not only ease the weight of trying to be a superhero, but also teaches responsibility to children and teens. For example, younger children can perform tasks like walking pets, picking up things laying around like toys or shoes, taking out trash, loading/unloading the laundry, or loading/unloading the dishwasher. 

 

If children are old enough to handle the task, then they are old enough to help. They may be too young to fold bed sheets, but there’s nothing stopping them from folding towels or matching socks. Older kids can help with prepping or even preparing meals. Sometimes we don’t realize how helpful it is for the veggies to be chopped ahead of time or for the meals to at least be in process by the time we make it to the kitchen. Delegating tasks to others doesn’t have to seem like punishment for them or mean a lack of ability on your part. Everyone is living together in the home; therefore, everyone should have a hand in helping it function properly.

CREATING ROUTINES


Another great way to help your home run more smoothly is by creating routines. Keeping your family on a schedule or routine is one of the greatest helps you can ever have, especially if your family is always on the go with extracurricular activities. Routines help develop structure for yourself as well as your family. When solid routines are in order, things don’t feel so chaotic and all over the place. The kids know where they should be and what they should be doing; parents find themselves not yelling as much or feeling less frazzled. With routines it’s less likely that certain things don’t pile up on you. It’s so easy to say “I’ll do it later or tomorrow.” Next thing you know, you’ve said “I’ll do it later” 15 times and now that tiny mole hill is a huge mountain.

 

Running your home is important, but don’t forget that having a happy family means more than anything. Set those routines, delegate those tasks, make those lists, and don’t forget that your kids are only kids for a certain amount of time. In between all the cleaning and meals, remember to cherish your time together. 

BY URSULA BRANTLEY

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]]> https://sbmag.net/sb-parenting-tips-for-maintaining-your-household/feed/ 0 SB Parenting- Teaching the importance of Giving https://sbmag.net/sb-parenting-teaching-the-importance-of-giving/ https://sbmag.net/sb-parenting-teaching-the-importance-of-giving/#respond Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:50:05 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=50844 The post SB Parenting- Teaching the importance of Giving appeared first on SB Magazine.

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BY URSULA BRANTLEY

Kids are never too young to learn the importance of giving to others. The earlier children learn about giving back, the more it becomes a part of who they are. For the most part, children enjoy helping others. Have you ever noticed when kids are small, they always want to be the big helper, or they don’t mind sharing their snack with a friend or sibling? Children can lose touch with their empathetic side if it’s not properly cultivated. That means it’s up to parents and guardians to show children the way when it comes to giving BACK and being a loving member of society. 

In an article published by The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California-Berkeley, researcher Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm of Indiana University found that adolescents were 18% more likely to donate money to a charitable organization if their parents made any donation of their own in the past year. If a parent donated and talked with their child about giving, that child was 33% more likely to donate. Adolescents whose parents did volunteer work were 27% more likely to volunteer themselves and 47% more likely if their parents also talked with them about generosity.

Here are some great ways to get the giving ball rolling in your home:

   1. Help children understand why they should give back

Kids don’t always want to do things unless they can understand why it’s important. They may think that they are too young to help or what they contribute isn’t big enough, but the truth is there’s no such thing as too small when it comes to giving. If they can see the problems and solutions through their worldview, then it will touch them more. The best way to get their mental wheels turning about the giving subject is by talking about it. Ask their point of view and then share your thoughts. Explain to them how those in need possibly became a person in need. Maybe they lost their job, became ill, or they had to escape an unsafe environment. The key is relatability. The next time you see someone in need, try having a brief conversation with that person instead of acting like you don’t see them. You will see that they aren’t much different than you are. 

  2. Help children see how their contributions and kindness impact those in need

When kids can see how happy they’ve made someone by giving, then they are more likely to keep giving. Small children don’t truly understand the impact of monetary donations, but they can see how a new pair of socks can put a smile on a person’s face. Tangible things like food, clothing, undergarments, bedding, toys, and toiletries are great things to let small children give to those in need so they can clearly see the impact it makes. As they grow, they can begin to understand how volunteering and monetary donations are just as important as toothbrushes and clothes. 

   3.Try integrating giving into children’s everyday life

In the previously mentioned Good Science article, Jill Gordon, director of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana, said “Giving and serving, being philanthropic—it doesn’t need to be a separate part of your life. It can be part of your identity, part of the activities you’re already passionate about. If you’re into the arts, let’s find a way that you can use those talents. If you’re into sports, maybe you can organize a drive to give away sports equipment.”

  4.Bring your kids along to do good

When you do volunteer work or charity work, bring your children along to witness it all. They will be able to see you do good as well as put a face to the help being given. They may see a child there around their age and realize that it’s not just grown-ups that are in need.

Kids are never too young to learn to give. Now during Christmas time is a great time to start “giving” lessons and keep it going all year long! 

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]]> https://sbmag.net/sb-parenting-teaching-the-importance-of-giving/feed/ 0 Things you (Probably) didn’t know about HALLOWEEN https://sbmag.net/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-halloween/ https://sbmag.net/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-halloween/#respond Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:53:45 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=49930 The post Things you (Probably) didn’t know about HALLOWEEN appeared first on SB Magazine.

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BY ADAM BAILEY

Every October 31st, people all over the world(or at least in most parts of Europe, NorthAmerica, and Latin America) celebrate the ancient holiday of Halloween, also known asAll Hallows’ Eve. Although today it features costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses and ghost stories, it wasn’t always that way. Here are some things most people didn’t know about Halloween:

Halloween is More Irish than St. Patrick’s Day

Whereas St. Patrick’s Day was invented in America by Irish-Americans, Halloween’s origins likely evolved from the ancient Celts. The celebration of Samhain—which in very ancient days was a ritualistic festival that honored the pagan gods of the harvest—was a time when the wallbetween our world and the paranormal world was  porous and spirits could get through. Because of this belief, itwas common for the Celts to wear costumes and masks during the festival to ward off or befuddle any evil spirits.

Samhainophobia

Many people enjoy embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween, but for some, the fear is not all in good fun. Some people suffer from Samhainophobia, according to Newsweek, the fear of Halloween.

Show Me the Money!

Halloween is the second-most commercial American holiday after Christmas. According to History.com, approximately 8 billion dollars is spent annually, with over 2.6 billion dollars being spent on costumes alone (with plenty more being shelled out for trick-or-treat candy and decorations). 330 million dollars will be spent on pet costumes.

Candy, Candy, and More Candy Did you know that more sweets are sold on October 28th than any other day?

It’s true! Reports show that supermarkets sell more sweets and confectionery three days before
Halloween than any other day of the year. What’s the number one candy of choice? According to CandyStore.com, the top candy last year was Skittles, followed by Reese’s Cups and Starburst. What’s the least favorite? You guessed it, Candy Corn.

Candy Corn was Originally Known as
“Chicken Feed”

Invented by George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderle Candy Company of Philadelphia in the 1880s, Candy Corn was originally called “butter cream candies” and “chicken feed” since back then, corn was commonly used as food for livestock. They even had a rooster on the candy boxes. It had no association with Halloween or fall, and was sold seasonally from March to November. After World War II, advertisers began marketing it as a special Halloween treat due to its colors and ties to the fall harvest.

The Candy Industry Supposedly Influenced Daylight Savings Time According to the book, Spring Forward:

The Annual Madness of Daylight Savings Time, the candy industry played a major role in changing the length of Daylight Savings. Candy makers supposedly lobbied to extend daylight savings time into the beginning of November to get an extra hour of daylight so children could collect even more candy (thus forcing people to purchase more candy to meet the demand).

Fears of Poisoned Halloween Candy are Unfounded

One of parents’ biggest fears is that their child’s Halloween candy is poisoned or contains razor blades. In reality, this fear is almost entirely unfounded. There are only two known cases of poisoning, and both involved relatives, according to LiveScience. In 1970, a boy died of a heroin overdose. The investigators found it on his candy, but in a twist they later discovered the boy had accidentally consumed some of his uncle’s heroin stash, and the family had sprinkled some on the candy to cover up the incident. Even more horrifically, in 1974 Timothy O’Bryan died after eating a Pixy Stix his father had laced with cyanide to collect on the insurance money, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

Seeing a Spider on Halloween is Actually a Good Thing

According to legend, if you see a spider on Halloween, it’s actually the spirit of a loved one watching over you. That is part of why spiders appear so often in Halloween media and decorations. That and the fact that they look creepy and scare people. You can’t help but to question why, of all the signs your ancestor could send from beyond the grave, they would choose an eight-legged creepy-crawly.

Trick-or-Treating is from Celtic Tradition

In the UK, trick-or-treating is known as ‘guising’—a historic word meaning to dress up or wear a disguise. The origins of the Halloween tradition actually stem from the Celtic festival of Samhain that coincides with Halloween. During the festival, people would put out food to appease the spirits that roamed the streets during the night. Guising comes from this idea with the guisers taking on the role of the spirits and traveling from door to door searching for treats. In Great Britain, this tradition dates back to the 16th century whilst in North America, it was first recorded in 1911 in Ontario, Canada.

Trick-Or-Treating, as We Know it, Was Re-Popularized by Cartoons

Trick-or-treating was brought to America by the Irish and became popular during the early 20th century, but
died out during WWII when sugar was rationed. After the rationing ended in 1947, children’s magazine “Jack and Jill,” radio program “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” and the “Peanuts” comic strip all helped to re-popularize the tradition of dressing up in costumes and asking for candy from door-to-door. By 1952, trick-or-treating was hugely popular again.

A Full Moon on Halloween is Quite Rare

Though a common trope in horror movies and Halloween decorations with witches flying across the full moon, an actual full moon occurring on Halloween is not a common occurrence. The reality though is that, despite the supposed mysticism surrounding the full moon, it is unlikely to see one on Halloween itself. When will it happen again? You might want to plan accordingly because the next full moon on Halloween won’t occur until 2039.

Jack-O-Lanterns are Named After a Man Named Stingy Jack

The origin of Jack-O’-Lanterns comes from a Celtic folk tale of a stingy farmer named Jack who would constantly play tricks on the devil. The devil responded by forcing him to wander purgatory with only a burning lump of coal from hell. Jack took the coal and made a lantern from a turnip, using it to guide his lost soul. The myth was brought over by Irish families fleeing the potato famine in the 1800s, and since turnips were hard to come by in the U.S., America’s pumpkins were used as a substitute to guide lost souls and keep evil spirits like “Jack of the Lantern” away.

Pumpkins are Not Always Orange

Every time you see a Jack-O’-Lantern either in real life or on TV, they are always carved from an orange pumpkin. This is likely because the color orange has always been associated with Halloween. However, pumpkins actually come in a range of colors! They can be grey, white, red, or even green. Recently, white pumpkins have become more popular. Why not try carving a different colored pumpkin this year? It will make your Jack-O’-Lantern stand out!

New Hampshire Holds the Record of the Most Jack-O-Lanterns on Display

On October 19, 2013, Keene, New Hampshire, U.S., set a new record on the lighting the highest number of Jack-O’-Lanterns in one place. According to Guinness World Records, 30,581 lanterns were lit on display at Keene Pumpkin Festival organized by the “Let it Shine” group. Central Square’s tower was the event’s central attraction, while jack-o’-lanterns were displayed on Main Street.

Some Places Have Halloween Laws

Halloween is supposed to be a fun day where you can put on a costume and eat sweets—but some places have strict rules about that fun. In Alabama, it
is illegal to dress up as a priest. That includes all those tacky store-bought costumes. 

Meanwhile, in Hollywood, there is a
$1000 fine for anyone who uses silly string between 12:00am on October 31st to 12:00pm on November 1st. Any other day of the year, it is perfectly okay to use silly string. Do it on Halloween, however, and it will be the most expensive trick-or-treating you have ever done.

What’s in a Name?

Halloween has been called a number of things throughout the years including Hallowe’en, Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Eve, Lamswool, Samhain, Summer’s End, and Snap-Apple Night.

You’re Probably Spelling It Wrong

The correct spelling of Halloween
is actually Hallowe’en, a con-traction of All Hallows’ Eve.

The post Things you (Probably) didn’t know about HALLOWEEN appeared first on SB Magazine.

]]> https://sbmag.net/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-halloween/feed/ 0 SB ART & CULTURE – Leading lady Seva May https://sbmag.net/sb-art-culture-leading-lady-seva-may/ https://sbmag.net/sb-art-culture-leading-lady-seva-may/#respond Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:39:35 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=49686 The post SB ART & CULTURE – Leading lady Seva May appeared first on SB Magazine.

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SB ART & CULTURE  – BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL

Leading Lady 

SEVA MAY 

For over 45 years, Shreveport has had the good fortune to have the talented Seva May right in our midst, a central figure of the theatre industry, charming audiences and delivering outstanding performances in a long list of musicals with theatre groups all over town. She is an outstanding singer and award-winning performer, director, teacher, mentor, and inspiration to those who watch her and work with her alike. A woman with the talent to perform on the Broadway stage, came to live in Shreveport through an interesting path that began with her singing talent and ended with love. Her mother actually wanted her to go to New York; her father, not so much. Seva has a passion for performing. People remember the first time they saw her perform. “I’ve been an eyewitness to Seva’s career. She’s just a tremendous talent. There are performers who cross your path and, once in a while, I can call somebody Broadway quality and Seva is one of those. I’ve seen hundreds of Broadway shows. And Seva could easily be up on a Broadway stage. That’s how talented she is,” says Robert Darrow, Managing and Artist Director of the Shreveport Little Theatre. Seva Day May grew up in a small town, Thomasville, Georgia, and had a voice teacher with a degree from the prestigious Julliard School of Music. Seva, wanting to attend college but needing funds, took his advice when he suggested she enter the Miss Thomasville pageant for a $500 prize. Never having been in a pageant before, she showed up, sang “My Man,” and won the talent competition—and the crown. Performer and director Rocky Maddox met Seva at, of all places, a high school pageant where he was invited to sing and she was

sEVA maY

the emcee, a fitting role for the former Miss Georgia. (Yes, she sang “My Man” again and took home the talent and title.) He was taken by the way she handled the audience. “After I sang, she said ‘you remind me of me.’ I never forgot meeting her at the age of 16,” says Maddox. Fast forward to age 28 when he was looking for a hobby and tried theatre and ended up performing with her. “I had seen Seva in shows. She has more fun out there. She is just amazing. This woman is like a star. She gives everything she has to the audience. People just have a great time when she’s on stage,” he said. Even after her hip surgery she jumped right in and taught him how to do the tango. He played opposite her in The Addams Family. “I never thought I’d be the leading man with Seva May. It was such an honor,” says Maddox. He enjoyed working with her from another perspective – when he was directing. When Darrow was a theatre major at Centenary, Seva joined a class mid-semester. “She was fresh off the circuit having been Miss Georgia and I’ll never forget, Seva entered the room wearing some Jackie-O sunglasses and just looked like a movie star. And we were so lucky to have her.” He has performed in numerous roles opposite Seva. Seva credits actor, costume designer, and director Patric McWilliams, Shreveport native and New Yorker, with teaching
her how to act. They worked together
on her very first theatre production, Applause. When she came to audition, “it was extremely clear she was an amazingly talented person. She could sing the roof off of the building. But she didn’t have background and theatre training and
all of that,” says McWilliams. From her perspective, she would listen to how he spoke lines and then repeat it back. He was teaching her the techniques of acting, like how to break a character down, how to approach lines, pacing and timing and more. “She was what we call a ‘quick study,’” says McWilliams. “Seva has a perfect, musical theatre voice that has a powerful belt to it. Much color in her voice that she could adapt to fit the specific character. Her voice is very supple, and she really just learned how to use it in the various roles that she’s done,” he adds. Over the years they worked opposite each other in leading roles in many shows. As Seva says, there is no saying “cut” during a live performance; you never know what unexpected occurrences or problems might appear, but as they say, “the show must go on.” According to McWilliams, “It was always a joy to be on stage with her because you knew she was solid and knew her stuff. And so it gave me a sense of security, and the back and forth between

us we felt safe with each other on stage. And not all actors provide that. But she did in truckloads.” What would feeling “unsafe” be? “Being with someone on stage when something goes wrong. And they don’t think quickly. And there’s that horrible dead silence. Seva could very quickly ad-lib. She could sense something was wrong at any given moment if something was off course,” says McWilliams. Seva May truly is a Leading Lady, in more ways than one. Seva is known for playing a variety of very different interesting women, from the Spanish dictator Eva Peron, The Baker’s Wife, Mame, Morticia Addams, and more, each fully and forcefully. “When I have a part in a show, I immerse myself in the character,” says Seva. According to Darrow, an actor has to memorize to playwright’s words and then interpret them. They have to be very familiar with the playwright’s intent, and Seva is always prepared in that sense. “Seva’s dedication to any production is unparalleled. She comes to rehearsals prepared. She’s done her homework. And usually she’s playing the leading role. So of course, she wants
to set a good example. And
she does. She is a wonderful performer and cast members love to work with her because she’s prepared.” “When Seva goes out there, the audience just immediately comes to life. They really respond to how Seva is onstage and how she emotes in the way she sings her songs and just the presence that she brings,” says actress and choreographer Anna Maria Sparke. At the age of 15, Sparke was cast in her first show Hello Dolly where Seva was the leading lady. Sparke had never sung on stage before, and describes Seva as having a “gift,” and being kind, giving, and helpful. Seva is the one who taught Sparke how to do her makeup! “Seva was just the person that you aspire to be. She was professional. She was an amazing performer. She had the audience in her hand. And at that point, I kind of wanted to become like her if I could become like somebody. That’s what I wanted to do because she really set the bar high.” Sparke added that Seva really seems to have a heart for working

with children. Seva is currently the drama teacher at Providence Classical School, guiding and directing the next generation of performers. Recently Darrow wanted to find the right vehicle to feature Seva’s talent. He and Seva came up with a two-act autobiographical one-woman musical, Seva May: On My Own, to be performed
at the end of October at the Shreveport Little Theatre. As soon as Shreveport native and New Yorker playwright, director, and screenwriter Erik Champney heard about this idea, he offered to direct the show. Champney first saw Seva in Man of La Mancha, and vividly remembers a specific point in time during the show. “There was such an intensity and such a magic to her to be so completely committed to that moment and all she was doing was being present in the moment. And that’s what made me think ‘I’m gonna do this for the rest of my life.’” Champney and Seva worked together to come up with the idea of telling the story of her life, to develop the script and determine what songs to use and what shows to highlight. “It’s all very interwoven in a meticulous way so that when a song appears, it’s relevant to what she’s talking about,” says Champney. The production will be full of stories and songs and visuals from her past performances. “When Seva puts herself out there, it’s always inside of a character, which she’s really great at doing, but it’s never been her story. Now we’re doing a one woman musical about her and she’s playing herself.” At the show, you will hear who influenced her along the way. You will hear how she balanced career and family. You will hear how she felt when she ended up in the Miss America pageant. You will hear what happens backstage and even sometimes on stage. You will hear how long it took Shreveporter Byron May to call Miss Georgia for a blind date! And you will hear her SING! It’s impossible to translate the magnificence of her voice and the charisma of her performance onto paper. Those who have seen her in action, know. Seva May: On My Own is a must-see performance!

Professional

  • A Little Night Music – Desiree
  • Stepping Out – Mavis
  • The Women – Crystal
  • And the World Goes Round – Ensemble
  • Dirty Blonde – Mae West
  • My Fair Lady – Mrs. Higgins

Regional

  • Nine – Carla
  • Sweet Charity – Charity
  • Funny Girl – Fannie Brice
  • Mame – Mame Dennis
  • Chicago – Velma
  • Cabaret – Sally Bowles
  • Evita – Eva Peron
  • Into the Woods – Baker’s Wife
  • Grand Hotel – Raphael
  • Jerry’s Girls – Musical Review
  • Little Mermaid – Ursula
  • Little Mermaid II – Morgana
  • Nunsense – Mary Regina
  • The Gingerbread – Lady Toby
  • The Dixie Swim Club – Dinah
  • Godspell – Ensemble
  • Some Enchanted Evening – Ensemble
  • The Sound of Music – Elsa
  • My Way – Ensemble
  • Taffeta Memories – Cheryl
  • Company – Joanne
  • Always Patsy Cline – Patsy Cline
  • The Addams Family – Morticia
  • Sister Act – Mother Superior
  • Auntie Mame – Vera
  • Picnic – Rosemary
  • Hello Dolly! – Dolly Levi
  • Mamma Mia! – Tanja
  • Annie – Ms. Hannigan

Academic – Centenary College of Louisiana

  • Birds of Paradise – Hope
  • Noises Off – Brenda
  • Man of La Mancha – Aldonza
  • Pride’s Crossing – Eve
  • Nunsense II – Margaret Anne
  • Blood Brothers – Mrs. Johnstone
  • Hello Dolly! – Mrs. Mallory
  • Smile – Brenda
  • Annie – Ensemble

SEVA MAY

On My Own

OCTOBER 28 & 29 – 7:30 PM

OCTOBER 30 – 2:00 PM

SHREVEPORT LITTLE THEATRE

BOX OFFICE: 318-424-4439

SHREVEPORTLITTLETHEATRE.COM

BUY TICKETS NOW!

The post SB ART & CULTURE – Leading lady Seva May appeared first on SB Magazine.

]]> https://sbmag.net/sb-art-culture-leading-lady-seva-may/feed/ 0 What’s Your Parenting Style? https://sbmag.net/whats-your-parenting-style/ https://sbmag.net/whats-your-parenting-style/#respond Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:41:30 +0000 https://sbmag.net/?p=49313 The post What’s Your Parenting Style? appeared first on SB Magazine.

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BY URSULA BRANTLEY

Every child is different, every parent is different, and every environment is different, so every parenting journey will differ from home to home.

In an article published in the StatPearls Online Medical Journal, authors Terrence Sanvictores and Magda D. Mendez explain how cultural backgrounds can influence how the family unit exists and how children are raised. Other things that impact child rearing are socioeconomic status and single parent families. It’s true that children can grow to be great in a variety of environments, but data proves that children raised in healthy two parent homes are more likely to reach greater heights that children raised in single parent homes or broken two parent homes. Children begin to develop their morals, worldview, and codes of conduct right in their own homes. They watch their families, they observe their environment, and then they typically become what they’ve learned.

Research by Berkeley Developmental Psychologist Diana Baumrind back in the 1960s identified various parenting styles, and her research was refined in the 1990s by Stanford researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin. There are four parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and neglectful/uninvolved. Parents may fall in line with one style or a blend or more than one.

Here are descriptions of each parenting style as well as informative takes on how children reared within each parameter is impacted.

👤 AUTHORITARIAN

The authoritarian parent is the disciplinarian. They don’t stand for back talk, questioning, or anything along those lines. A CNBC report describes these parents as extremely strict and having little consideration for their children’s feelings, social-emotional or behavioral needs. Authoritarian parents tend to say the phrase “because I said so” quite often. There is little communication with their children and when communication is present it’s very one-sided.

Children reared in an authoritarian household are more well behaved because they know that the consequence for misbehaving is punishment. They know how to avoid punishment and get the task done. Children reared in the authoritarian parenting style can be shy, socially incompetent, and unable to make their own decisions.

👤 PERMISSIVE

The permissive style of parenting is generally seen as the ‘anything goes’ parenting style. With this style of parenting, the parent communicates openly with their children and allows them the opportunity to make decisions for themselves, as opposed to parents making decisions for them. They are warm and loving parents, but they rarely establish boundaries or tell their children ‘no.’ Permissive parents go above and beyond to keep their children happy. They will do and allow almost anything as long as their kids get their way.

Children raised within a permissive environment have little to no rules enforced, which can lead to being impulsive, rebellious, or having a lack of self-control among other things, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

👤 AUTHORITATIVE

Authoritative parents often see their home almost like a democracy. They listen to their children’s views and opinions, but the final decision is made by the parent and in the best interest of everyone. The CNBC report described authoritative parents as those who set clear rules and expectations for their children while practicing flexibility and understanding. Authoritative parents attempt to use situations as a learning opportunity. They explain the ins and outs of everything so that their children know why certain rules are in place or why things are the way that they are. They want their children to understand themselves and the world around them.

Children reared with an authoritative parenting style are more likely to be curious and cooperative, to have self-control, and to be achievement oriented, says the APA.

 

image: Freepik.com

👤 NEGLECTFUL/UNINVOLVED

Under the neglectful or uninvolved parenting style, children basically raise themselves. These parents literally don’t care or place other priorities above their children. Neglectful or uninvolved parents offer little to no guidance or attention. They regularly ignore their children or even push their children off on other people or things. These types of parents may provide their child’s basic needs, but anything above that isn’t a concern.

Children reared by uninvolved parents are described in the StatPearls Journal article as being resilient and more selfsufficient than children with other types of upbringings. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions, possess less effective coping strategies, may have academic challenges, and may have difficulty with maintaining or nurturing social relationships.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Which parenting style do you most identify with? Or do you have a blend of more than one style? Does your parenting style meet the needs of your child? It’s never too late to incorporate new strategies if you want to make changes to your parenting style.

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