Megan Garretson has always been passionate about helping others. As the visionary and owner of Young Scholars Academy, Megan divides her time between being a community advocate and a mother of two. Typically, Megan can be found at the State Capitol testifying and advocating for the children of Louisiana—she prides herself in being a strong advocate and voice for others. With more than 13 years in early childhood education, Megan collaborates with organizations like the EBR Ready Start Network and the Childcare Association of Louisiana. In 2024, Megan also became a finalist for the 2024 Early Childhood Leader of the Year and won an award from For Provider by Providers (4PXP) for Provider of the Year. In addition, Young Scholars Academy also won Family Favorite 2024 for Family Favorite Childcare.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
MEGAN: Whenever I pick up my children and they see me at school. The excitement of my kids seeing me again during the day. I love their joy.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
MEGAN: While every day is different, I have the same morning routine. I wake up at 6 a.m., spend time with the Lord in Scripture, and have a hot cup of coffee. I visually plan out my day, and mark out areas where I want to be intentional with my time. Then I practice gratitude and list things I am thankful for before I get my kids up for school. We eat breakfast as a family, and then it’s time for me to tackle my to-do list. My husband picks our kids up from school, and we set aside time to discuss our individual days. We are very intentional about spending time as a family, so we have a traditional at-the-table dinner setup, and we make sure to ask questions and connect as a family. Then, it’s time for dinner, bath, prayers, and reading books before bed. We read our children a book every night and then pray together as a family before bed.
WHAT’S A COMMON CHARACTERISTIC IN YOUR WORK ETHIC AND PARENTING?
MEGAN: The two words that come to mind are tenacious and intentional. I guess I am always up for a challenge, and I see everything as an opportunity to grow
and learn.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A MOM?
MEGAN: I think every child is different. I aim to be intentional about parenting our kids. Some of the joys are that I get to see my kids experience life, and it is so rewarding to witness that as a mom. I think this is a great reminder to slow down and be intentional.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE?
MEGAN: My parenting style is like a tool belt. Every moment is different and I want my kids to feel confident that I have all of the tools and resources to help them succeed in life. Of course, I meet them where they are at, and assist and try to provide as much help as possible.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?
MEGAN: We are an adventurous family. We love hiking, visiting museums and creeks, and going fishing.
HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ALIKE AND DIFFERENT?
MEGAN: Me and my daughter are alike because everybody calls her my “mini-me.” She is very into art and music, and I am very much not someone who can draw. It’s so fun to get to see her learn and grow in this area, and I feel like I learn a lot myself just by watching her. For my son, I feel like we both like the outdoors, so it’s easy to connect in that way. However, he loves monster trucks, and I am not as knowledgeable as he is. It’s still fun to listen to him talk about things he’s passionate about.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOUR CHILDREN HAVE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
MEGAN: I would say resilience. It’s important that we as moms give ourselves grace. It’s important to me that my kids are resilient and are always up for a challenge. I always encourage my kids to never give up and try their hardest.
WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOTS?
MEGAN: Any all-inclusive suites. The location doesn’t even matter, just as long as everything is provided.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR HUSBAND?
MEGAN: Honestly, we love to be intentional and comfy at the house together and reconnect uninterrupted and in the comfort of our own home—enjoying what we built. We want to soak up
every moment.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PARENTING?
MEGAN: The first thing that comes to mind is to give grace and let kids be kids. Allow kids grace and the ability to explore and learn on their own. Also, be more intentional with your time together. Put the phone down, turn off the TV, and be fully present with your kids in the moment. Show them how to be intentional, and love them and give them grace.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
MEGAN: Have fun exploring with your children and see life through their eyes. Explore with them and have fun allowing them to be kids. Spend more time with them and be intentional and present.
Q&A
My favorite TV show is…The Parenting Test.
I can’t stop watching…documentaries.
I love singing along to…Rock City Worship.
My favorite dessert is…all of the above.
My favorite food is…depends on my mood.
My favorite holiday is..Christmas.
My guilty pleasure is…coffee.
My favorite book is…the Bible.
