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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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!