JANUARY-MARCH 2021
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JANUARY - MARCH 2021
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Ascension PROUD ASCENSION’S
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Your healthcare, your way. When it comes to your health, we know convenient, yet compassionate caregivers in easy to find locations is important. With our full-service hospital located in the heart of Ascension, 11 clinic locations in and around the parish, multiple urgent care clinics, and specialist clinic access points, Our Lady of the Lake Ascension is here for you. We are honored to call Ascension Parish home and look forward to helping you along every step of your health journey. Learn more about us at ololrmc.com/ascension.
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JANUARY - MARCH 2021
JANUARY - MARCH 2021 • VOL. 13 BUSINESS MANAGER K Stephanie Schexnaydre EDITOR K Scott Anderson GRAPHICS K Liz Arceneaux • Shaun Hebert • Brittney Naquin • Aanifa LeBlanc MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES K Martine Duhe • John Mouton INSIDE CLASSIFIED SALES REP K T’Shanda Baldridge Published by GANNETT Ascension Gumbo Magazine 231 W. Cornerview, Gonzales, LA 70737 K Phone: 225-644-6397 ©2021 GANNETT Ascension Gumbo Magazine must give permission for any material contained herein to be reproduced in any manner. Any advertisements published in Ascension Gumbo Magazine do not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s services or products. Ascension Gumbo Magazine is published quarterly by GANNETT
K–On the Cover: Ralph's Market COO/GM Brandon Trosclair officially kicks off King Cake Season
K–Table of Contents: 5—Editor's Note 6—Food and Drink 7—Around the House 8—Cover Sponsor 10—Automotive 11—Business News 12—Family Time 13—Parenting 14—Lost in Midlife
Due to the rising concerns with COVID-19, the visitor center in Sorrento is closed to the public in conjunction with visitor center closings across the state. However, the staff of Tour Ascension is diligently working to contact tourism partners and the hospitality community in order to navigate through this unprecedented time. Updates from tourism entities as well as events/festival updates will be posted updated as we receive more information. Louisiana Classic Wrestling Tournament ......January 15 WSA Cheer Competition ..............................January 23 Home & Remodeling Show with Ralph's Market Food Fest.....................January 30 Louisiana Sportsman Show ............................March 18
For more visit TourAscension.com
JANUARY - MARCH 2021
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K–From the Editor: Some hindsight on 2020 SCOTT ANDERSON
Welcome to 2021! Who isn't at least a little bit glad to put 2020 behind us? But before we let it go, let's thank 2020 for teaching us just how resilient we can be. Think back a year ago. The buzzword heading into 2020 was Vision. It was everywhere. All of us were casting vision like we were reeling in red snapper. That was before COVID-19. Before ventilators and masks and Stay-at-Home orders. Before we ran out of toilet paper. Before some of us lost our jobs and all of us had to find new ways to work and learn. Our family rooms became our collaborative workspaces -part office with a view and part classroom. Our circles of friends grew smaller as we were unable to hang out with our favorite people at our favorite bars and restaurants. And just when we thought we are gaining ground on coronavirus, we learned we had subscribed to the hurricane of the month club. Storm after storm ravaged our coast this year, compounding the issues so many of our friends and neighbors were facing. Then there was Election 2020 -- the most important, and most divisive, election in American history. And we can't forget the civil unrest that sparked protests and riots from sea to shining
sea. Yes, it seemed every time we turned over a new page on the calendar, we found a new challenge meant to isolate, insulate and separate us. But what did we do? Did we run from a pandemic? Did we seek the safest shelter from the storm? No, we did what south Louisianans always do: we rolled up our sleeves and got busy with the work of recovery. Sure, we still have issues and concerns. The specter of coronavirus hasn't left us. It's still impacting the way we work, shop and play. It likely will for the foreseeable future, too. Neither have the social, racial and economic tensions we face been mitigated. But we haven't lost heart. We haven't given up hope. Let's not forget, though, that many are still hurting, confused and even a bit scared. Some have grown weary of wearing masks and working from home. As we start this new year, we need to commit ourselves to finding safe and socially responsible ways to maintain the human spirit that still binds us all together. Celebrate the fact that you weathered all the storms that 2020 brought our way. The year that has past might have robbed us of our vision. But let's make 2021 the year we unite to take it back. Scott Anderson is the interim editor for Gumbo magazine. –C–
Louisiana Owned Since 1960
14210 Airline Hwy. | Suite B | Gonzales, LA
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JANUARY - MARCH 2021
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fter weeks of staying at home, dealing with home schooling or wondering things will get back to normal, stress is bound to build up. Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety. While the stresses of a post-COVID world are still lingering, there are some foods that can relieve stress, according to Health.com. These foods might help to stabilize your blood sugar or your emotional responses. - Green leafy vegetables: These vegetables contain folate, which produces dopamine a pleasure-inducing brain chemical, helping you keep calm. - Turkey breast: Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, which helps regulates hunger and feelings of happiness and well-being. - Oatmeal: Carbohydrates can help the brain make serotonin, so opt for oatmeal instead of a doughnut. - Yogurt: Studies have shown that the probiotics in yogurt reduce brain activity in areas that handle emotion, including stress. Salmon: The anti-inflammatory properties in fish with omega-3 fatty acids can help counteract the negative effects of stress hormones. - Blueberries: The antioxidants and phytonutrients in berries help improve your body's response to stress. - Dark chocolate: Just a bite of dark chocolate has been shown to reduce your stress hormones, including cortisol. - Seeds: Flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and sunflower sees are a good source of magnesium, which helps regulate emotions and alleviate depression, fatigue and irritability. EASY RECIPE Crab and Summer Melon Salad Serves: 4 to 6 Ingredients 4 cups diced seedless watermelon 2 cups diced cantaloupe 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 8 ounces jumbo lump crab meat 1/2 red onion, cut into quarters and thinly sliced 1 (0.75-ounce) package basil, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Juice of 2 limes 2 tablespoons honey 1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced JANUARY - MARCH 2021
Carbohydrates can help the brain make serotonin, so opt for oatmeal instead of a doughnut. —PHOTO BY JOHN CUMMINGS Salt and freshly ground black pepper Steps In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cantelope, cucumber, crab, red onion, and basil. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey and habanero. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Garnish with additional basil, if desired, and serve chilled. Drinking coffee could reduce total body fat According to scientists at Anglia Ruskin
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University in England, the compounds found in coffee other than caffeine could lead to reduced total body fat and obesity. Their research found that women of all age groups who drink three to four cups of coffee per day had lower total body fat and lower adiposity than women who drink less coffee. FUN FACT: Crackers The reason crackers have holes in them is to prevent air bubbles from forming and ruining the finished product.
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FRESH
backsplash ideas
ROBERTA PESCOW NerdWallet.com
B
acksplashes have come a long way from their humble beginnings. Once installed only to protect walls from water, grease and food splatter, the original backsplashes were just four inches high and had little decorative appeal. Today's backsplashes are essential kitchen accents, adding vibrant pops of color, light and texture in addition to protecting walls from inevitable kitchen messes. If your kitchen needs a face-lift, here are five dynamic backsplash ideas to provide a finishing touch. 1. Ceramic and glass tiles Cost: Moderate. Maintenance: Tiles are easy to clean, but grout can stain and should be resealed regularly. Those craving historic authenticity need look no further than ceramic tile, the original backsplash material. Beautiful ceramic tiles remain popular for their durability, versatility, low maintenance and affordability but today's tiling options also include glass, which adds a captivating play of light. Whether you prefer glass or ceramic, you'll find colors, shapes and patterns to fit with modern and traditional kitchens. Tiles are generally resistant to both water and heat. They clean up easily,
but the grout lines between them are vulnerable to stains. 2. Chalkboard paint Cost: Low. Maintenance: Some chalkboard paints are difficult to clean; the backsplash may require touching up. For a quick and affordable touch of whimsy, try a chalkboard paint backsplash. This special paint is made from hard pigments and dries to a finish much like a real chalkboard. Write menus and messages on it with regular chalk, or draw pictures. Use a standard chalk eraser or damp cloth to wipe your backsplash clean. Chalkboard paint is usually classic black but is available in other colors too. For easy upkeep, look for chalkboard paints that are washable and scrubbable. While these backsplashes are fun and require only periodic touch-ups, be aware that a dark backsplash may make your kitchen look smaller. 3. Glass panels Cost: Moderate to high. Maintenance: Glass requires frequent cleaning to keep looking neat, but is easy to wipe down. For a small kitchen, there's nothing like glass to create the illusion of space and make a bold statement. Backsplashes made of smoked mirror or colorful glass panels can open up the room by reflecting light and give a kitchen a clean, modern
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look. Glass is waterproof, low-maintenance and easy to wipe down, but because of its reflective surface, it requires more frequent cleaning to keep it looking neat. Splatters and fingerprints will show, especially on mirrors, making it an impractical choice for some. 4. Metal Cost: High. Maintenance: Stainless steel is easy to clean and low-maintenance; copper should be sealed regularly to maintain shine. Much like glass, metals such as copper and stainless steel reflect light to brighten and open up space. Metal backsplashes come in many textures and sheens, including shiny, brushed and hammered. Some also include patterns. Metal is a durable and heat-resistant option for modern or industrial aesthetics, and it tends to be expensive. Stainless steel requires little maintenance other than wiping up acidic splashes quickly, but copper may require sealing or a periodic salt and lemon rub to remove patina, which can make it look green. 5. Stone Cost: Moderate to high. Maintenance: Natural stone requires annual resealing, and rough surfaces can be difficult to clean; engineered quartz is low-maintenance and easy to clean. From the elegance of polished granite to the understated vibe of slate, smooth cool stone makes any kitchen feel luxurious. Stone backsplashes come in countless colors and patterns to match almost any decor, and this popular choice could add value to your home. No two natural stone backsplashes are exactly alike. And while they do require annual resealing, they're highly durable and heat-resistant. Engineered quartz provides an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone while presenting a more uniform look. Although stone can be expensive, don't rule it out completely if your budget is limited. Pairing stone backsplashes with a more affordable countertop material can give your kitchen a high-end feel while keeping overall costs in check. –C– JANUARY - MARCH 2021
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6431 Hwy. 44 PELICAN POINT 225.473.1004
A locally owned business, Ralph’s Market wants the best for our families and yours. That’s why we always offer a large selection of fresh, high quality products that includes many grown right here in Louisiana! We‘d love to serve you at any of our convenient and friendly locations!
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Since 1920
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Thank You For Voting For Us! — 8.—
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JANUARY - MARCH 2021
All-new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Entry price: $19,995. Price as tested: $32,350. Likes: Great looks, easy to drive, attractive pricing, lots of safety. Dislikes: A little wind noise, not yet sold on three-cylinder philosophy, firm back seat. GREG ZYLA
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his week, we're driving the all-new compact size 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, delivered with All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) underpinnings in upper-class ACTIV trim. Chevrolet's marketing department says Trailblazer owners will "live big in a small SUV" and after a week of driving and checking its dimensions and capacities, I have to agree. Specifically, there's room for five passengers (in a pinch), and all Trailblazers come with 10 airbags and lots of safety items. There's also up to 54.4 cu. ft. of cargo space and enough head and leg room fore and aft for even 6-foot tall adults. And, with 8 inches of ground clearance entry and exit is easy. (Front drive models offer 7.5-inch ground clearance). Historically, the Trailblazer dates back to 1999 when it was more of a truck that offered a more powerful V6 and even V8 engines. Back then, Chevy didn't have the number of SUVs and Crossovers they offer today, so I'll slot this new Trailblazer right between the smaller sub-compact Trax and larger Blazer. The 2021 Trailblazer lineup, including $995 delivery, starts at entry L for $19,995; LS at $22,595; LT at $24,695; ACTIV at $26,495 and RS also at $26,495. For AWD, which is unavailable in the L model, add $1,500 to these front-drive prices. Under the hood of our AWD tester sits Chevy's new Ecotec 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, good for 155 horsepower and 174 lb. ft. of torque. All Trailblazers rely on the three-cylinder engine that comes in two designs, one for front-drive models connected to a CVT transmission and one for the AWD trims connected to a ninespeed automatic. <span class="Appleconverted-space"> </span> The front drive Trailblazers receive motivation from a 1.2-liter Ecotec delivering 137 horsepower and 163 lb. ft. of torque. If you opt for an AWD Trailblazer, the larger 1.3-liter turbo is standard and ups horsepower to 155 with 174 lb. ft. of torque. If you order a frontdrive Trailblazer and want the larger 1.3 engine, you have one choice as the LT trim offers a 1.3 option with the CVT for $1,360 more. The only way to get a nine-
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speed automatic is in an AWD format. Not surprising is the three-cylinder engine that generated most of the conversation I engaged in during my week-long test. And after driving the new Trailblazer, Chevy engineers have perfected the "little three" to when the turbo kicks in it delivers surprising low end acceleration. The front drives will accelerate to 60 in about 8 seconds, while the heavier AWD units take about 9.5 seconds with the 1.3 engine. Most prospective consumers who test drive this Trailblazer won't even know there's a three-cylinder under the hood. It's when you get to 60 mph and hit the gas to pass you'll know there's only 155 horses under the hood. If you opt for the 1.2-liter with just 135 ponies, I would expect things to get a bit slower. So if you use the Trailblazer for jaunts around town or long highway driving with one or two passengers, it's a fine little SUV. If you need to haul cargo and four passengers regularly, you might want to consider moving up the line to a bigger, more powerful Chevy Blazer or Equinox. Fuel mileage is decent as the frontdrive 1.2-liter delivers 26 city and 29 highway whereas the larger 1.3 is better at 30 city and 32 highway. Our AWD Trailblazer offers 26 city and 30 highway estimates, both acceptable and in line with competitors like Kia Seltos AWD, which delivers 27 city and 31 highway from a 147-horse four-cylinder. Now for some Trailblazer positives, of
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which there are many. The AWD Trailblazer is ready for some off roading, thanks to skid plates where necessary and with the rear seat down, you can fold flat the front passenger seat making for room inside from everything from a small kayak to all your camping needs. Most important is standard safety as each and every Trailblazer, from L to RS, come with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam automatic high beam headlights. Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now and Gannett Co. Inc. Contact him at greg@gregzyla.com or at 303 Roosevelt St., Sayre, PA 18840. –C–
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DAVE RAMSEY Dear Dave, I let my fiancee uses my car to get back and forth to work, and it has a lot of miles on it and a few mechanical issues. The money we've put into the car to fix the issues is about the same or more than the car is actually worth. We just started your plan a couple of months ago, and we've almost got a beginner emergency fund saved up. We also have very little consumer debt to pay off. I'm afraid, though, if we get into a second $1,000 to $2,000 car, we'll just experience the same kinds of issues and it will turn into another money pit. I bring home about $5,000 a month, and she works part-time and goes to school. How do you think we should handle things? Thaddeus Dear Thaddeus, Well, if you're serious about following the plan, you don't really have a choice right now. But you're bringing home a nice paycheck, man. You ought to be able to buy a better $1,500 to $2,000 car with cash in a month or so, just to give you some relief. Then, stick some money aside each month until spring and get something that's a big step up in the $5,000 to $6,000 range. Listen, I don't want anyone driving around in a rust bucket longer than they have to. And it sounds like you really need to get up out of the junk. But if you do some research and buy wisely, you can get a good year or two out of a $1,500 car. The car may not look like much, but you're not trying to catch a girl's eye. You've already got a fiancee. If you find an old Honda or Toyota that's still mechanically sound - and yes, they're out there - it'll get you by while you save up for something a lot better. But remember, you and your fiancee don't need to own anything together until you're married. The kind of arrangement you have now can cause real problems. If you guys get married and combine your resources and dreams, it'll be better for everyone relationally and financially. You're playing house already, so you might as well go ahead and get married and combine your lives on every level. It's time to paint or get off the ladder, dude! Dave Dave Ramsey is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.
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WE CAN HELP THERE TOO! NO WAITING. DRIVER’S STUDENTS! LICENSE/ID/HANDICAP WE CAN CHANGE YOUR AND PERMIT TO DRIVER’S LICENSE! RENEWAL DUPLICATES BRING YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, ROAD SKILLS TEST, SCHOOL ATTENDANCE STUDENTS! LETTER, PERMIT, A PARENT AND YOUR SMILE. WE CAN CHANGE YOUR PERMIT TO LICENSE! FULLDRIVER’S SERVICE NOTARY BILL OF SALE, DONATIONS OF VEHICLES & REAL ESTATE, AFFIDAVITS, BRING YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE, SOCIAL SECURITY WILLS, POWER OF ATTORNEYS, SMALL SUCCESSIONS, AND MUCH MORE. CARD, ROAD SKILLS TEST, SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ALL SCHOOL AND RESIDENCY AFFIDAFVITS NOTARIZED LETTER, PERMIT, A PARENT AND YOUR SMILE. WILDLIFE & FISHERIES PROCESSING FOR BOATS/MOTORS - SALES & DONATIONS
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One woman's victory for all women
LYDIA SEABOL AVANT My generation of women, those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, had it a lot better than our mothers and grandmothers. It was a time when women were urged to "do it all," and we as girls were told, growing up, that we could be anything we wanted to be. And for the most part, that was true. My mother, who was born in the mid1950s and came of age in the early 1970s, said that during her time, women could be teachers or nurses, secretaries or flight attendants, or a handful of other positions deemed acceptable by society for "working girls." Unlike her brothers, my mom had to stay in town and live at home while she went to college. But she did graduate, after getting married and moving to California to finish school. My mother became an occupational therapist. She specialized in hand therapy, a field she worked in until she retired last year. For her daughters, it was normal having a mother who worked full time, who seemed to know everyone in town because either they had been her patient at some point or they had a family member who had. But when it came to choosing our careers, we were never told we couldn't do something. While I went into journalism - something I knew I wanted to do since sixth grade - my sister has had a very successful career in sales. We are both working moms, like our mother was, with six young children between the two of us. I am thankful that, unlike my mother or grandmothers, there was no limit imposed upon us. At least, not one that I could see. But there are still glass ceilings to be broken and women to the lead the way. After Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were announced as the president-elect and vice-president-elect, I sat on the sofa in our family room with my husband, my mother and my 11-year-old JANUARY - MARCH 2021
daughter that evening, watching their post-election acceptance speeches. We represented three generations of women, who will ultimately likely have very different experiences growing up in the United States. But it was not lost on any of us that we were watching a historic moment, as Harris will be the first female vice president in the history of the United States. During Harris' speech, she mentioned her late mother and how she was thinking of her and all "the generations of women, Black women, Asian, white, Latina, Native American women who throughout our nation's history have paved the way for this moment tonight - women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality and liberty and justice for all." She went on to acknowledge "all the women who have worked to secure and protect the right to vote for over a century." "Tonight," Harris said, "I reflect on their struggle, their determination, and the strength of their vision to see what can be unburdened by what has been. And I stand on their shoulders." While Harris spoke, I couldn't help but glance over at my daughter, whose eyes were seemingly glued to the TV screen. I could tell she was soaking in what Harris was saying. "But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won't be the last," Harris continued. "Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities." I then looked at my mom, smiled, and looked at my eldest daughter, who was clapping. I was lucky to grow up during a time when little girls were told that women can do or be anything, with the right amount of work and determination. But my daughters are lucky, I believe, to grow up in a time where they can witness that that is actually true. Lydia Seabol Avant writes The Mom Stop for The Tuscaloosa News in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Reach her at lydia.seabolavant@ tuscaloosanews.com.
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OUT OF THE MOUTHS DR. ELAINE HEFFNER A Mark Twain quote says, "When I was a boy of 14 my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." There are many teen-agers who would agree with the first part of that statement and many more parents who would appreciate the underlying sentiment of the entire quote. For those parents who have experienced hearing from their children that they don't know anything, it may be a comfort to learn that young people do come to appreciate parental wisdom. Even without the familiar parental wish that they have children of their own who will make similar accusations. In a conversation, a young adult unexpectedly began to praise his parents for their child-rearing approach during what he now sees as having been difficult behavior on his part. He knows he didn't think so at the time because it was tough for him then. His parents were supportive and got him whatever help he needed, but at the same time, they didn't change their expectations for his behavior. At a certain point he either had to adjust his behavior or face consequences that were not appealing. What he learned eventually was that the world was not going to change for him. If he wanted to be accepted, he was the one who had to make changes. From further conversation it seemed that entry into the work world had reinforced that message and continued the learning experience. It was interesting that this conversation came about in the context of a political discussion in which current beliefs and thinking were connected in his mind to his own upbringing. Apparently, the lesson from his childhood, reinforced by those of his first work experience, began to seem applicable to interactions in the larger world. The saying is, "out of the mouths of babes," but apparently when those babes grow up, some lessons seem to have remained. The self-reflections of this young person are noteworthy because the issue of parental expectations is central to parents' concerns. Parents are known to question how to respond to unacceptable behavior, beginning with the toddler years and continuing into adolescence. A question about the role of consequences always arises, particularly the feeling that there have to be consequences for misbehavior in order for children to learn. The conflict for parents is between the wish to be supportive and the felt need for consequences, which usually implies setting of limits. The problem is that enforcing consequences is difficult for parents when it leads to angry behavior on the part of a child, which parents would prefer not to have to deal with. A parent may
have to tolerate being called "mean" or "bad" when enforcing limits in response to unacceptable behavior. Another source of the conflict for parents is the wish to be supportive of the evolving development of autonomy in their children as a factor in determining how much leeway to allow in parental expectations. The way parents feel about their own upbringing as children can have great bearing on their current parental behavior. The postSecond World War baby boom generation became known as the Spock generation, with parents thought to be too permissive. Their children are the parents of the current generation of children some of whom are already parents themselves. For better or worse, the realities of life - such as the pandemic - may have an even greater impact on child-rearing than how you, yourself, were raised. Elaine Heffner, LCSW, Ed.D., has written for Parents Magazine, Fox.com, Redbook, Disney online and PBS Parents, as well as other publications. She has appeared on PBS, ABC, Fox TV and other networks. Dr. Heffner is the author of "Goodenoughmothering: The Best of the Blog," as well as "Mothering: The Emotional Experience of Motherhood after Freud and Feminism." She is a psychotherapist and parent educator in private practice, as well as a senior lecturer of education in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Heffner was a co-founder and served as director of the Nursery School Treatment Center at Payne Whitney Clinic, New York Hospital. And she blogs at goodenoughmothering.com.
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TRACY BECKERMAN My husband listened quietly to his work associates on a Zoom call, and then suddenly, he burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHA!!" he bellowed across our living room. I looked over at the windows to make sure they hadn't been shattered by the sonic boom of his laughter. "What's so funny?" I asked him when he got off the call. "Oh, nothing," he said. I gave him the side eye. My husband and I had been working from home together for a while, and yes, we were still married ... barely. There was definitely a strain on our relationship, and it wasn't all the togetherness that was to blame. It was the laughter. Well, his laughter ... when he was on a Zoom call. When he's alone with me, he has a normal laugh. But when he's on a Zoom call, his laugh suddenly gets thunderously loud, like he's trying to make sure that the people on the Zoom call who live a thousand miles away can hear him guffaw, even if they have the sound on their computer turned off. Imagine if a jackhammer and a fog horn had a child. That would be his Zoom laugh. The problem isn't merely that it's loud. It's also really sudden. It can be emitted so abruptly that it not only scares me, it scares the dog. When I hear it, I jump out of my chair. When the dog hears it, he tucks his tail between his legs and runs into another room, convinced an elephant stampede is about to come through our living room. It's somewhat disconcerting to know that if, in fact, an elephant stampede were to come through our living room, the dog would not stay to protect me. Apparently when it comes to loud laughter or elephant stampedes, it's every man, woman and dog JANUARY - MARCH 2021
for themself. My husband used to be a loud phone laugher, but that would happen infrequently since he wasn't much of a phone guy. But now that he was spending nearly eight hours a day on video calls, the issue had escalated. There was an average of a dozen loud laughs a day, and I thought it was just a matter of time before the neighbors reported us for violating the local noise ordinance and we would have a Noise Control Officer show up at our door and cite us for breaking the sound barrier. When he arrived, he might also wonder if the cause of the noise was an elephant stampede going through our living room, and then he would cite us for not having a variance to house large wild African animals, as well. Wanting to save myself and the dog, and also, not wanting to worry about going to jail, although it would probably be quieter there, I thought it was time to take some action. "Honey," I said sitting him down. "I need to talk to you about your laugh." "What about my laugh?" he said. "When you are on a Zoom call, you laugh really, really loudly and it scares the dog." "It scares the dog?" "Yes. Do you think you can tone it down a bit?" I said. "You want me to laugh softer?" he said scowling. "Yes. Just on the Zoom calls." He thought for a minute. "Okay," he said finally. "I can do that. But now let's talk about your snoring." You can follow Tracy on Twitter @TracyBeckerman and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LostinSuburbiaFanPage.
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You can’t schedule your illness.
JANUARY - MARCH 2021
3 Lane Drive Through Located Next to Ochsner YOU K N A TH king for ma
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JANUARY - MARCH 2021
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