ONE AMAZING KID

Although she has only been tapping into her artistic side for the last two years, 12-year-old Larissa Boldor is already getting recognized for her work. Larissa attends Glasgow Middle, and through her art class, she entered the International Peace Poster Competition. Her poster helped her claim first place in the district and first place in the state competition. Next up? Her piece will compete in the international competition. While the competitions are exciting, Larissa prefers to “hope for the best” and not focus too much on them. Larissa’s love of nature inspired her idea for her poster that depicts an apple tree. Instead of apples, the tree is filled with peace symbols. Larissa also included a dove holding an olive branch, where the leaves of the branch feature the flags from around the world. However, art isn’t the only area in which Larissa shines. She’s an incredible student (science class is her favorite), a hard worker, and an avid reader. Currently, her favorite book is Spin the Dawn. Larissa hopes to become a biological engineer, and she has a deep love for animals. “I like to think that if we understand the animals, the animals will become less threatening somehow. I think it’s very important to understand the world around you, not just observe it, and not take everything at face value,” she says. Larissa is talented, intelligent, wise beyond her years, and simply one amazing kid. ■

Episcopal School of Baton Rouge Lower School teacher Rosalyn Won was recently named the Connie Wootton Excellence in Teaching Award winner in the elementary category by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES). SAES presents the awards biennially in recognition of outstanding teaching in early childhood, elementary, middle/upper and special focus education. Won began teaching in 2001 and joined Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in 2013. She has taught at independent schools in New York and Los Angeles and currently teaches fourth grade science at Episcopal. She is passionate about teaching science and finding ways to integrate technology into the curriculum.

Each year, Sacred Heart of Jesus School chooses a Student of the Year in both the 5th and 8th grades to represent the school in the Diocesan competition. This year, Sophia Freese has been named the 5th grade Student of the Year, and Dorothy Raymond has been named the 8th grade Student of the Year. Selections are based on academic excellence, impressive leadership abilities, and dedication to service and citizenship. Students are elected by their peers, teachers, and administration. Each student must also meet the qualifications of a superior GPA, standardized test scores, and strong writing skills. Sophia is described as smart, kind, and a great leader. Dorothy is someone who always gives 100 percent effort and is a leader. Each year, The Dunham School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) sponsors a holiday food drive to benefit The Shepherd’s Market, a local client-choice food pantry serving the hungry and needy in the 70810 zip code. NJHS members in seventh and eighth grade collected donations of non-perishable food items and household products for the drive. Through efforts of the NJHS members, their middle school classmates, and the school community, Dunham collected 2,698 items of canned food and household items–weighing in at a whopping 1,787.2 pounds–for The Shepherd’s Pantry. The students learned powerful lessons about serving others who are less fortunate in the process.

While attending Parkview Baptist School, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, including football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, powerlifting, cross country, swimming, fishing, dance, and cheerleading. Now, the school has added a new sport to the school’s roster: gymnastics. Seven students were named to the inaugural Parkview Baptist School gymnastics team. Selected for the team are Kinsey Clark, Hannah Comeaux, Lillian David, Peyton Kennard, Brexley Moseley, Lylah Plaisance, and Jolie Gawlik. Parkview alumnae, Jessica Poumaroux Province, will serve as the team sponsor. The Parkview Baptist School gymnastics team will compete in their first competition in the spring of this year.

Volunteers In Public Schools was awarded a $13,450 grant from Capital Area United Way to upgrade its technical structure. VIPS was 1 of 22 programs to be awarded a project-grant that responds to an organization’s short-term needs in the areas of education, income stability, or basic needs. “After having to transfer our services to a virtual platform, we realized how neglected our communication and information systems had become. VIPS is grateful for this opportunity to modernize our technology to seamlessly meet the needs of our volunteers and students,” says Judy K. Bethly, VIPS executive director. VIPS is a nonprofit that places volunteers into schools to tutor underperforming students and provide positive experiences for youth.

Baker Heights Elementary School celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a campaign dedicated to the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and violence. Teachers and students created banners and posted them around the school. Donated coupons from local businesses were awarded to the Red Ribbon Student of the Day. The Baker Fire Department, with the help of Councilman Robert Young, helped Baker Heights take an aerial shot of the students, staff, and faculty in the shape of an “R” to commemorate the week in the school’s yard. “On behalf of Baker Heights, I would like to thank Councilman Robert Young of District 4 for his efforts of making Red Ribbon Week a success,” states Ms. Carolyn Lewis.

BY SARAH LYONS PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2021-22 COVER KID EZRA W.

When your child throws a tantrum, it is easy to get frustrated, overwhelmed, angry, and embarrassed, especially if the tantrum occurs in public. Unfortunately, the occasional tantrum cannot be avoided. They happen to every parent, but while your child is in the throes of a fit, try to remember these tips.

1IT IS NORMAL

The first thing to remember when your child has a tantrum is that it is normal. Tantrums are a normal way for kids to express their frustration when they may not be able to communicate their feelings appropriately. While this fact doesn’t make the tantrum any easier to deal with, it does help to know that, developmentally, this is a normal stage.

2DO NOT ENGAGE

During a tantrum, you may be tempted to lecture, yell, or reason with them. They cannot hear you or comprehend reason when they are in the middle of a tantrum. The best thing to do is wait it out. If you do feel the need to discuss the situation with them, wait until later when they are calm and ready to listen.

3LEAVE THE SCENE

When the child starts to throw a tantrum, make sure they are safe, and then leave the area. Typically, if the child

doesn’t have an audience to get a reaction from, the tantrum will cease. If you are not comfortable leaving the child alone, get busy doing other things and pretend to ignore them. If the tantrum happens in public, take the child to the car or the bathroom to calm down. If the tantrum continues and the child is unable to calm down, buckle them safely in their car seat and drive home.

4CONSIDER TRIGGERS

Think about what triggered your child to get so upset in the first place. How can frustrating situations be avoided in the future? Of course, not all tantrums can be avoided, but certain triggers can be removed to help prevent them. When armed with this information, parents can be prepared to use distractions to lessen or avoid a future tantrum.

5DON’T GIVE IN,

Giving into a tantrum will do nothing but encourage future tantrums. If your child is throwing a tantrum because he wants to eat a cookie before dinner, do not give him the cookie. It is also not a good idea to use bribes to stop a tantrum. “If you stop crying, I will buy you a toy” rewards the child for the tantrum. However, if your child is in the middle of a tantrum and listening to the same annoying song over and over again on the car ride home will help him calm down, this may be an exception you can live with.

6YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Although it might feel like you are alone while your child has a fit at the grocery store, we have all been there. It is likely that your child will have a tantrum in public at some point, and it will be embarrassing and inconvenient, but it is generally unavoidable. Remind yourself again that it is normal for kids to have tantrums, leave the store if needed, and try to laugh about it later.

7USE DISTRACTION, HUMOR, AND HUGS

During a tantrum, children are not able to listen to reason, but that doesn’t mean parents can’t try to wrap up the crying episode quickly. Try using a distraction like “Where is the ball?” or “Do you want to read a book?” Make a silly face to lighten the mood, or turn on some music and begin a silly dance. For some kids, a tight hug helps them to calm down when they are upset. Trying to help your child move past the tantrum can teach them methods for calming themselves down in the future. The situation that caused the

tantrum can be discussed later if needed. There was a day when I had dealt with a particular horrible tantrum from my daughter and I began to blame myself. “What am I doing wrong? I am a terrible mom.” After expressing these things to a friend, she reminded me that I am not a bad mother, I am just having a bad day. It happens to all of us. Remain confident in your parenting and remind yourself you are doing the best you can. Tantrums happen to all parents.

The next time your child has a terrible tantrum, try to stop and remember these tips, even if it’s hard. Ultimately, the tantrum will end and your child will grow and learn to communicate more effectively. ■