BH Parent Spring 2020 by Evergreen Media

BHPARENT BH PARENT SPRING 2020

LOCAL LIFE

Ti p s fro m Mom & Re altor Emil y Tu pa

Wh at You D idnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Know A bou t Recyc l ing Me et Gy mna s t Ru th i e We h r u ng

FURRY F RI EN DS DS

Wh a t to d o w h e n pe ts a r e th e pr o bl em

IS YOUR CHILD HAVING TROUBLE CONTROLLING THEIR EMOTIONS OR REACTIONS? If so, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Therapy Services may be able to help using the Zones of Regulation program.

SLOW?

You may be feeling sad, tired, sick, bored, or hurt.

JUST RIGHT?

You may be feeling good, happy, proud, calm, relaxed, or focused.

FAST but IN CONTROL?

You may be feeling silly, frustrated, overwhelmed, excited, embarrassed, or confused.

WHAT ZONE ARE YOU IN? The Zones of Regulation is a teaching tool that helps children of all ages better regulate their emotions to engage in expected behaviors for a given situation.

The Zones approach uses four colors to help children identify and verbalize how they are feeling in the moment.

This program teaches children to identify which zone they are in and how their behaviors can impact the thoughts and feelings of others.

FAST and OUT OF CONTROL?

You may be feeling angry, elated, terrified, or aggressive.

With our therapists, they can explore different strategies to change their response/ reaction to a problem in a more appropriate manner leading to improved emotional control, self-awareness and problem-solving abilities

College Planning Give your child the freedom to dream with CollegeAccess 529 No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of CollegeAccess 529 Plan before investing. This and other information is contained in the current Plan Disclosure Statement. Before investing, investors should read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully, and consider whether their state of residency – or their intended Designated Beneficiary’s state of residency – offers any benefit, such as a state tax deduction, which are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program. Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial advisor. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial advisor. Please see the Plan Disclosure Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota. CollegeAccess 529 Plan is a section 529 college savings plan sponsored by the State of South Dakota, and managed by Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC. Notice: The account is not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state. Furthermore, the account is not insured, nor the principal or any investment returns guaranteed, by the federal government or any federal agency. 637454 | 03482

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Give your baby a bright start with a FREE personal nurse. The Bright Start program helps first-time moms focus on their health during pregnancy so they have healthier babies. Your personal nurse can help you: • Access prenatal care and nutrition guidance • Learn about child development • Feel more confident by practicing breastfeeding, home safety, and safe sleep positions • Set goals when your baby arrives • Determine parenting strategies that work best for your family • Laugh when you’re feeling stressed!

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CONTENTS 40 QUICK TIPS

08 Checklists for Pets What are the do’s and don’ts? The can and cannots? Here is a list to get you started!

14 BHPARENT BH PARENT Publisher, Owner Rick DenHerder 605.343.7684 ext. 203 For Advertising Information Mike Dupre 605.343.7684 ext. 211 Alix Schaeffer 605.343.7684 ext. 213 Managing Director Jenna Carda Creative Director John Edwards Digital Director John Eining Senior Editor Mark Petruska Senior Designer Chris Valencia Photographer Jesse Brown Nelson Communications Coordinator Meghan Rose Social Media Manager Jenna Johnson Communications Intern Sarah Richards Distribution Richard Alley Contributors Katy Clark Black Hills Parent. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the expressed consent of the publisher is prohibited. The information included in this publication is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. Additional advertiser information and articles are available online at blackhillsparent. com. Black Hills Parent magazine is a free, quarterly publication distributed throughout Black Hills area communities—from Rapid City to Spearfish, Deadwood to Hill City, Custer to Hot Springs, and every place in between, including: schools, medical and dental waiting areas, childcare facilities, specialty retailers, and other key locations in this area. Get an exclusive look at Black Hills Parent through our e-letter at blackhillsparent.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates. ©

09 Teens & Cats are the Same It’s uncanny the similarities between our beloved teenagers and furry friends. 10 Baby Proofing Your Home Here is a list you won’t want to forget in main family areas.

AMAZING KIDS

12 Might as well Jump Hill City 8-year-old Izabella Johnson is jumping to pay tribute to her late brother. 14 Don’t Quit on a Bad Day Spearfish gymnast Ruthie Wehrung has been named the youngest on the team in the entire country.

PETS

18 COVER STORY When Pets are the Problem Allergies can be a huge issue for many families. Here are nine ways to limit the discomfort. 23 Introducing Your Fur Baby to Newborn Bringing Baby home isn’t only a big adjustment for you, but for your pets, too!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

24 Recycling Makes a Difference Spring cleaning? There are more things you can recycle than you may have thought.

28 Craft Corner From a cardboard cactus and a candy wrapper bracelet to an adorable rug made of rags, these are great upcycled projects for all ages.

42 33 Going Natural Do natural remedies actually work? BHParent writer Mark Petruska dives in to find out.

WELCOME HOME

40 Moving with Kids Change is hard, especially on kids. Mom and Realtor Emily Tupa shares her tips for making the move. 42 Shelf Control Parents John and Sarah Enos give us ideas on how to keep the clutter to a minimum.

EVERY ISSUE

45 Column: Making an Impact Helen Usera is helping young adults get back on their feet at the Abbott House. 47 Column: Finance Tips for Buying or Refinancing Your Home 49 Column: Medical Regional Health: The family that plays together, stays healthy together 54 Column: Dental Ditch the Chocolate Bunny this Easter 55 Column: Wellness Elevate Performance: Implement an Injury Prevention Program 56 Black Hills Cuties 58 Calendar More family-friendly events can be found online at blackhillsparent.com.

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PETS BUZZ

Can my dog eat that? Yes • Sweet potatoes • Pumpkin • Eggs • Bananas • Blueberries • Peanut Butter

DID YOU KNOW? Certain essential oils can be harmful to pets. Always ask your veterinarian before using them around your animals. A few examples to keep both dogs and cats away from are ylang ylang and peppermint.

Double Duty

Have a guinea pig at home? Try placing a brick under their water. It will catch the drips while keeping their nails filed down.

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No • Nuts • Onions • Avocados • Chocolate • Grapes • High-lactose

Toxic Plants for Pets • Aloe Vera • Baby’s Breath & Ivy • Crassula Ovata • Dieffenbachia • Philodendron • Pothos “Devil’s Ivy”

• Lilies • Sago Palm • ZZ Plant • Corn Plant • Caladium • Asparagus Fern

FUNNY PETS

Teens and Cats are the Same Creatures words Katy M. Clark It was 11 a.m. on a beautiful Saturday morning. Humming a little ditty about Jack and Diane, I opened the blinds in my teenage son’s room. As the sunlight streamed in, I changed both my volume and my tune, belting out Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi in hopes of waking my sleeping son. Neither the sunlight nor my singing roused him. He slumbered deeply, his head cockamamie, pretty much at a 90-degree angle to his neck. His limbs splayed under the bed covers in all directions. I glanced at the chair in his room to find our cat snoozing, her belly exposed, legs jutting every which way. Her head was cocked to the side. She was equally as dead to the world. That’s when it hit me. Teens and cats are the same creatures. It’s not just sleeping at all hours of the day, in the craziest positions. No, there are a lot of ways my teen and kitty are alike. For instance, both will swat you away when they don’t want to be touched. Yup, there was that moment the other day when my son’s face looked just like it did when he was a toddler. Lovingly, I reached out to touch his cheek. Swat, swat. Just like, oh, pretty much every time I think it would be nice to pet my cat and she disagrees. Swat, swat. Then there are all the times I come home from work or the store. I’ve heard dogs welcome you with love and affection. But cats and teens? Nothing. In fact, usually, I call out to both, hoping to see them as I walk through the house. Just when I think my teen must be lying on the floor choking on a pretzel, because why else wouldn’t he answer, he replies with a subdued, “Hi.” Sort of how the cat barely opens her eyes from her nap when I find her. Of course, that indifference melts away when it is dinnertime. Suddenly, both teen and cat are extremely affectionate and interested in what I’m doing. “This lady gives me food!” you can see them both think, the

teen hovering around the kitchen as I get out ingredients, the cat winding her way through my legs, purring. Until they realize it’s meatloaf for the teen and Savory Seafood Guts for the cat. Suddenly, I’m persona non grata with such unfathomable mealtime choices. They both sulk away with nary a backward glance. (I can’t serve pizza and Tantalizing Turkey pate every night, can I?) Teens and cats are night owls, too. While I’m struggling to keep my eyes open after 10 pm, these two kindred souls are just getting going. Run through the house jumping on the furniture and playing with a dust bunny at 1 am? Check for the cat. Play video games hooting and hollering at friends through a headpiece at 11 pm? Check for the teen. Maybe if the cat and

teen just played quietly with each other in the midnight hours I could get some sleep. I could go on and on about how teens and cats are similar. Both still surprise me with the mess they make after eating. They are easily distracted by text messages or bugs, especially if these appear while I am expressing affection to them. Neither one can make a doctor’s appointment and go without me. Yet, just one look at my teen and my cat and I am filled with love for these amazing creatures. I am proud to be their mom and have them in my life. And those sweet times they tell me they love me, whether through actual words or purring? There is nothing better.

“This lady gives me food!” you can see them both think...

BABY BUZZ

Home Proofing for the New Baby There is a lot to think of when making your home safe for Baby. It might seem a bit premature to get your home ready before they become mobile, but it’s never too soon to start good habits. Here are a few tricks to try.

Kitchen

The kitchen can be one of the trickier areas to control. Since we are in the room every day, it can be hard to analyze for hazards. The big items are: • Stoves: install knob covers and cook on the back burners to prevent any unwanted cooking disasters. • Don’t use dangling tablecloths; it’s really easy for little hands to pull on them from the ground and create a mess of any dishes or centerpieces on the table. • Garbage: to ensure that your little one isn’t eating out of the trash bin, place a lockable cover on it.

Odds and Ends

Furniture

The main thing with furniture is to secure loose items or place them in storage and cover sharp edges. Make sure all knickknacks are high enough that they aren’t going to get bumped off tables and hit someone, or put them in storage for a few years. If you want to keep costs low, try using old pool noodles as edge bumpers! Cut them down to size, and slip them over sharp edges.

• Keep your bathroom door closed once your kids start crawling around. • Control your cords and clean up around outlets that see a lot of usage, especially around computers and TVs. It’s also a good idea to put outlet covers on any exposed socket that isn’t being used to prevent your little one from shocking themselves. • Double-check your greens. Make sure none of the plants you have in the house are toxic. Place safety gates at the top (and the bottom!) of the stairs so they won’t fall to the bottom or try crawling their way to the top.

DID YOU KNOW? It takes the average parent 8-12 hours to child proof their home, and as many as 90% of unintentional injuries to children can be prevented by child proofing correctly. Take the weekend and play it safe!

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Your Cleaning Routine Constantly on-the-go? Not sure where to begin? Whether you’re a long-time fan of cleaning schedules or just looking to get more organized this year, here are 5 quick tips to help you stay on track with your cleaning goals.

1. Start Small.

4. Get Creative.

2. Create A Schedule.

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Master a single daily cleaning habit. From there, you can slowly introduce more and more tasks.

Try creating themed cleaning days. Monday can be laundry, Tuesdays can be the kitchen, etc.

3. Make A Checklist.

Take a walk around your house and list every area that needs to be cleaned.

Create a cute DIY cork board and tack up notes about your daily and weekly tasks or a chore wheel.

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BHPARENT 11

words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson

MIGHT AS WELL

JUMP MP JU 12 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

AMAZING KIDS BUZZ

ike many children, Izabella Johnson enjoys jumping rope. But her motives run deeper than simply having fun; the Hill City 8-year-old does it to pay tribute to her late brother, Chance. Izabella participates in Jump Rope for Heart, a fundraising event cosponsored by the American Heart Association and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). The program is designed to keep kids active and healthy while raising awareness of heart disease. It’s open to primarily elementary and middle school students across the U.S. Izabella, a third-grader at Hill City Elementary School, is the youngest of Sarah and Brian Johnson’s five children; her siblings are Brenden (21), Jaxon (16), and Marisa (15). Another brother, Chance, was born with a heart condition and passed away due to a blood clot and other complications right before Christmas, 2009. Even though Izabella never met her brother, she is passionate about paying tribute to him through her participation in Jump Rope for Heart. “I really wanted to help people like Chance,” she explains. “I didn’t want them to die like him.” She was inspired by older sister Marisa, who stayed with her mom and brother in Omaha throughout Chance’s hospitalization. When they came back home, she joined Jump Rope for Heart and ended up training Izabella once she was old enough to participate. Both girls’ fundraising efforts have been wildly successful. Izabella has been her school’s top Jump Rope for Heart earner for the past two years, collecting over $1,000 each time. Marisa claimed that honor for three consecutive years herself. As the name of the program suggests, kids who join Jump Rope for Heart (the event in Hill City is open to all elementary school students) do a lot of jumping rope, typically during PE class. After setting a jumping goal, they raise funds by going door-to-door and collecting money once they have reached their goal. In a nod to modern times, there’s even a Jump Rope for Heart app available for smartphones and tablets that allows people from anywhere to participate. This is especially helpful for out-of-state friends and family members who want to contribute. It’s not a surprise to Sarah that the Hill City community has been so supportive of both daughters’ efforts. “We had a lot of great support when we were going through

Izabella prepared a speech she wrote herself and practiced in front of her family for last year’s awards ceremony. Her PE teacher, Andra Swanson, announced that Izabella had finished in first place for the second consecutive year.

Izabella makes it a point to share Chance’s story with others when collecting doorto-door so they will understand why she is asking for donations. She is often accompanied by sister Marisa for moral support.

that year and a half,” she says. “There were lots of people looking out for the boys while they were here in school, and lots of online communication and support for Marisa and I when we were down in Omaha.” Jump Rope for Heart lasts three to four weeks each spring and includes a community performance where handouts and other educational materials are available for anybody interested in learning more about heart disease. All of this makes Izabella’s parents very proud of their daughter, especially given the fact that she never got to meet Chance. “I think it’s pretty awesome that she has asked questions and taken all of our stories about her brother and put them into this idea about helping other kids with heart conditions,” shares Sarah. “We call her our ‘Rainbow baby.’ She was our baby after losing a child, so she really takes that to heart, too.” In her spare time, Izabella enjoys basketball, piano, singing, ice skating, and playing Monopoly with her family. A scrapbook and photo album with care pages from the hospital is a treasured family heirloom; they have been able to share it all with Izabella, helping to forge a connection with a brother she never met but clearly loves. Izabella is undecided about her future, but Jump Rope for Heart kicks off in March, and she intends on matching her sister’s record. BHPARENT 13

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T QUIT ON A BAD DAY Great advice from a Spearfish gymnast who is reaching for the sky and impressing her coach and teammates.

words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson

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AMAZING KIDS BUZZ

When Ruthie Wehrung enrolled in gymnastics at the age of three, it felt as if she were fulfilling a destiny of sorts. After all, the Spearfish youth was scaling great heights by the time she was 18 months old; at an age where many children are still mastering the art of walking, she was bravely climbing up the bars of her swingset to reach the top... and she hasn’t stopped since. “We knew she’d be in gymnastics since the very beginning,” her mom Kim says. “She was fearless, strong, and agile when she was little.” Originally from Pennsylvania, the family moved around extensively before settling in Spearfish when Ruthie’s dad Jeff joined the faculty of Black Hills State University. Currently Chair for the School of Business and an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, he and Kim have been married for 18 years. At 10 years old, Ruthie is the third of seven children; her siblings, from oldest to youngest, are Paul, Daven, Lillie, Boone, Ammon, and Mae. Ruthie is a Level 10 gymnast—the highest level you can reach in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program. While this achievement is impressive, it was her selection at age nine as the youngest gymnast in the country to be invited to attend the Junior Olympic National Championships in 2019 that really caught the attention of Chris and Phil Summers, Ruthie’s coaches and the owners of Spearfish Gymnastics Academy. “She is an extremely talented young gymnast, but even more importantly, a great role model,” Chris says. “Her teammates look to her as an inspiration to all that is achievable in sports when you have passion, drive, and an amazing work ethic.” For all her accomplishments, Ruthie is surprisingly humble and down-to-earth. She prefers practice to actual competitions, an indication of her strong work ethic. While she competes in all four gymnastics events—vault, bars, beams, and floor—the latter is her favorite. “You get to perform more,” she says of floor exercise. “There is a lot more variety in the routines.” Filled with energy Gymnastics requires a lot of time and commitment. and spunk, Ruthie In addition to local home meets and bigger qualifying demonstrated events for special invitationals, there is lots of outher talents at Spearfish of-state travel. Ruthie’s team regularly visits Texas, Gymnastics Arizona, and Colorado. Then there are regionals in Iowa Academy during and nationals in Washington state, should she qualify. her photoshoot. Given the grueling schedule, Kim made the decision It was inspiring to see her in action! to homeschool her children.

“My biggest concern is, Ruthie is 10,” she explains. “I pulled her out of school because she would be there for eight hours, then in the gym practicing. By the time she finished homework and dinner, it was time for bed. These are her childhood years, and I want her to have fun.” Homeschooling does provide opportunities for fun, but it’s the flexibility Kim appreciates most. Ruthie has plenty of time for gymnastics, and the family takes advantage of their frequent travel to explore local museums and historical sites, such as Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This helps foster an appreciation for culture everywhere. Now that Ruthie has reached Level 10, performing routines equivalent to those at the collegiate level, she is contemplating her options. She could move on to the National Team (Elite group) and compete for a shot at the Olympics, or pursue college gymnastics. There are draws to both: Elite gymnastics focuses on precision routines and provides an opportunity to do something prestigious, while college gymnastics is less stressful and is beginning to emphasize fun and crowd appeal over strict form. Ruthie may not be sure what her immediate future holds in store quite yet, but she’s already looking ahead to a possible career directly influenced by her gymnastics experience. She enjoys learning about muscles, bones, and the human body and would like to be a physical therapist for college athletes. Her skills would help others battling injury and other setbacks rehabilitate and return to sports. Ruthie has a bit of advice for other aspiring young gymnasts. “Don’t quit on a bad day,” she says. “You are going to have hard days, but you need to keep pushing through. That feeling you get when you make a skill for the first time is awesome!” That’s a pretty good way to approach not only gymnastics, but everyday life, too. BHPARENT 15

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Rembrandts method also fosters handwriting readiness, fine motor skills, attention to detail, visual/spatial organizational skills, and patience. A Young Rembrandts classroom is also a safe environment for children to gain confidence and let their creativity blossom. Thanks to Young Rembrandts, art education is no longer placed on the back burner. Throughout the Black Hills region (and eventually the entire state of South Dakota), parents can now sign their children up for classes held after school. The goal is to continue to share Bette Fetter’s belief that anyone can be an artist. Natural-born talent isn’t required—just a passion to create and share. Sign your child up today to foster their inner creativity, encourage their love of art—and to have plenty of fun along the way! For more information, please visit www.youngrembrandts.com or email johannah.hatley@youngrembrandts.com.

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BHPARENT 17

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ALLERGIES PETS

When Pets are the Problem HOW TO MANAGE YOUR CHILD’S PET ALLERGY words Jenna Carda photos Jesse Brown Nelson

ets can have a special place in a family’s dynamic—especially when they’ve been with you before your children. But what do you do when your child seems to be displaying allergy symptoms toward your beloved fur baby? Over 68 percent of households in the US have at least one pet in their house—the most common being cats and dogs. South Dakota ranks fourth on a national level for cat ownership, but over 42 percent of households have dogs. However, along with the high statistics of pet ownership, pet allergies are also common. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 15 to 30 percent of all Americans are affected. Although allergies to cats are about twice as common, allergic reactions to dogs tend to be more severe. This is especially the case in those with asthma. “In our practice, positive skin testing to cat and dog are fairly common and usually occur along with other positive responses to grasses, weeds, trees, and/or pollen,” said Ronald M. Guy, MD at West River Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic. “Cat sensitivity is about twice as common as dog sensitivity. About 10 percent of the patients we see with allergic rhinitis and asthma have cat allergy.” An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system reacts abnormally to the usually harmless proteins. Different breeds produce different dander, so it’s possible to be more allergic to some dogs or cats than others. The allergen eventually finds its way into the animal’s fur. From there, it collects in carpets, on clothing, on walls, and between couch cushions. The pet hair itself is not an allergen, but the hair can hold dust and dander. When a child with pet allergies breathes in dander, or comes in contact with saliva or droppings, their immune system goes on alert and releases histamine and other chemicals to fight off the allergen.

James Robinson (age 5) and his grandma’s dog Mara are the best of friends. From playing ball to reading, this Spearfish duo spends a lot of time together.

Histamine inflames the nose and airways, and the chemicals may cause the following well-known allergy symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and symptoms of asthma, like coughing or wheezing. If you’re familiar with allergies, you know they aren’t the most comfortable to deal with. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to contact your doctor and get them tested. To determine allergy triggers, an allergist may conduct a skin test, in which they prick the surface of the skin with a small amount of liquid allergen. After 15 to 20 minutes, the allergist looks for bumps or welts, like small mosquito bites, that indicate an allergy. Another test doctors may conduct is a blood test. This only requires one needle stick to draw the blood, but can require a follow-up visit to formulate a treatment plan after results have been read. “We can usually do skin testing of patients starting at about four years old,” said Dr. Guy. “Blood testing can be done down to age one.”

If your child tests positive for pet allergies, don’t fret! You have multiple options that can keep Fido or Fluffy at home. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends taking the following steps:

Keep your pet out of bedrooms at all times and restricted to a few rooms in the house, preferably uncarpeted areas like the kitchen.

Since airborne allergens can be circulated by a home’s forced-air heating and air-conditioning system, whole house filtration may reduce circulating animal allergens in the air. Install a high-efficiency media filter with a MERV rating of 12 in the furnace and air-conditioning unit. Leave the fan on to create a whole-house air filter that removes particles that may cause allergies.

Change the filter every three months (with the change of the seasons) to keep the air in your home cleaner year-round.

Do a thorough cleaning. Furniture, carpets, drapes, and even walls can trap pet dander. Consider removing your carpets (they can trap allergens for up to six months) and replacing them with smooth flooring such as linoleum or hardwood, at least in your child’s bedroom. One study found that simply dry dusting with a dust cloth was an effective way to remove allergens from a smooth, hard surface.

4 5

Place the litter box away from the living area of the home.

Change your baby’s clothes after they play with your pet. (If you can’t wash their clothes right then, put them in a separate hamper.) Wash your

BHPARENT 19

PETS ALLERGIES

When dealing with more severe reactions of allergies to pets, medications may be another option worth exploring, many of which are available over-thecounter at your local drugstore. Options range from antihistamine such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin and Benadryl. Intranasal corticosteroids such as Flonase and Nasacort, work by reducing the inflammation in the nose and airway passages. “Antihistamines work by blocking the histamine receptors which are triggered by the allergen and cause symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion,” explained Dr. Guy. “Intranasal corticosteroids work by reducing the inflammation in the nose and airway passages.” Allergy immunotherapy (SCIT – Subcutaneous Immunotherapy) is another treatment option offered in the physician’s office. This includes a regimen of weekly shots to build your immunity against the allergens that disrupt your living. “A combination of allergy medication and environmental changes can oftentime help control pet allergies making it unnecessary to remove the family pet from the home,” said Dr. Guy. “In almost all cases, the physical and emotional benefits pets can offer

child’s hands right away, and make sure they get a bath at night—wash their hair before going to bed. This helps prevent you from tracking allergens into their bedroom.

Keep your pets off the furniture. Nothing traps animal dander like upholstery. If this is impossible, or if your dog or cat has a favorite spot that you don’t have the heart to declare off-limits, try covering that chair or sofa with a removable cloth that you can wash easily.

Keep your pet out of your baby’s bedroom. Consider removing any carpeting or heavy drapes from your baby’s room, and scale back the stuffed animal collection. Launder bedding once a week, and encase the

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mattress and pillows in an allergen-proof covering.

Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-energy particulate air) filter, which will trap not only animal dander but also dust mites and cockroach droppings. Wear an N95rated filter mask while cleaning or vacuuming to reduce your own exposure, and never vacuum while your baby is in the room. Keep in mind that it takes nearly two hours for particles stirred up by cleaning to settle back down.

Keep your pet washed and groomed regularly to keep dander at bay. Visiting an allergist for a skin or blood test will determine which allergen triggers are affecting you.

children and adults far outweigh the problems allergy might cause.” It can be a rollercoaster of emotions when introducing your little one to your fur baby. But, before jumping to the extremes of rehoming your animal, talk to your doctor about pet allergies, and explore the options available to your family.

Pet hair itself isn’t an allergen, but it can hold dust and dander, which may trigger an immune system response.

TITLE SECTION

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and Toddler

BHPARENT 21

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

ALEXIS ALEXIS ALEXIS CHESROW, CHESROW, CHESROW, M.D. M.D. M.D. AND AND MICHELLE AND MICHELLE MICHELLE KROHN, KROHN, D.O. KROHN, D.O.D ALEXIS CHESROW, M.D.HEALTH ANDHEALTH MICHELLE KROHN, TO TO MONUMENT TO MONUMENT MONUMENT HEALTH WOMEN’S WOMEN’S WOMEN’S CARE D.O. CARE CARE TO MONUMENT HEALTH WOMEN’S CARE

ALEXIS ALEXIS ALEXIS CHESROW, CHESROW, CHESROW, M.D. M.D. M.D. Urogynecology Urogynecology Urogynecology Program Program Director Director Director ALEXISProgram CHESROW, M.D. Urogynecology Program Director

MichelleMichelle Krohn,Michelle D.O.Krohn, Krohn, D.O. D.O. Obstetrics/Gynecology Obstetrics/Gynecology Michelle Krohn,Obstetrics/Gynecology D.O. Obstetrics/Gynecology

Michelle Michelle Krohn, Michelle D.O., Krohn, is board-certified D.O., Krohn, is D.O., board-certified in Obstetrics is board-certified and in Obste i Alexis Chesrow, Alexis Alexis Chesrow, M.D. Chesrow, is fellowship-trained M.D. M.D. is isfellowship-trained fellowship-trained and andboardboardand boardGynecology. Gynecology. Gynecology. is is a Fellow She with is aShe the Fellow American isObstetrics a Fellow with College the with American the Am certified certified inAlexis both certified in Urology both in both Urology Urology and Urogynecology and and Urogynecology Urogynecology (Female (Female Michelle Krohn,She D.O., board-certified in and Chesrow, M.D. is fellowship-trained and (Female boardof Obstetricians of Obstetricians Gynecologists and Gynecologists and and hasGynecologists completed co Pelvic Medicine Pelvic Pelvic Medicine and Medicine Reconstructive and and Reconstructive Reconstructive surgery). surgery). surgery). She She brings brings She brings Gynecology. She of isand a Obstetricians Fellow with the American Collegeand hasand certified in both Urology and Urogynecology (Female robotic robotic surgery robotic training. surgery Her surgery training. practice training. focuses Her practice on Her practice focuses fo o expertise expertise in expertise the personalized in in the the personalized personalized management management management of of pelvic pelvic of pelvic of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has completed Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive surgery). She brings minimally-invasive minimally-invasive minimally-invasive surgery, infertility, surgery, high surgery, infertility, risk high risk hig organ prolapse, organ organ prolapse, urinary prolapse, urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence, incontinence, urogynecology, urogynecology, robotic surgery training. Her practice focuses onand infertility, expertise in the personalized management ofurogynecology, pelvic normalnormal obstetrics, normal obstetrics, nutrition, obstetrics, women’s nutrition, health nutrition, and women’s health an he fistulas,fistulas, clinical fistulas, clinical research, clinicalresearch, research, andincontinence, female and and female female sexual sexual health sexual health to to health to minimally-invasive surgery, infertility, high riskwomen’s and organ prolapse, urinary urogynecology, reproductive reproductive rights. reproductive rights. rights. Monument Monument Health. Monument Health. Health. normal obstetrics, nutrition, women’s health and fistulas, clinical research, and female sexual health to Monument Health.

reproductive rights.

RAPID RAPID CITY RAPID CITY CLINIC CITYCLINIC CLINIC RAPID CITY CLINIC 2805 5th 2805 Street 2805 5th5th Street | Street Rapid || Rapid Rapid City, City, SD City, SD 57701 57701 SD 57701

SPEARFISH SPEARFISH SPEARFISH CLINIC CLINIC CLINIC SPEARFISH CLINIC 1445 North 1445 Avenue North 1445| Avenue North Spearfish, Avenue SD | Spearfish, 57783 | Spearfish, SD 57783 SD 5

2805 5th Street | Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700 605-755-5700 605-755-5700

1445 North Avenue | Spearfish, SD 57783 605-644-4170 605-644-4170 605-644-4170

605-755-5700

605-644-4170

RAPID RAPID CITYRAPID CLINIC CITY CITY CLINIC CLINIC RAPID CITY CLINIC 2805 2805 5th Street 5th 2805 | Street Rapid 5thCity, Street | Rapid SD 57701 | Rapid City, SD City, 57701 SD 57 2805 5th Street605-755-5700 | Rapid City, SD 57701 605-755-5700 605-755-5700 605-755-5700

NOW NOW SCHEDULING NOWSCHEDULING SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS NOW SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

MEET & GREET PETS

D.O.

WELCOME

INTRODUCING YOUR FUR BABIES TO THE NEWBORN BABY

ALEXIS CHESROW, M.D. AND MICHELLE KROHN, D. TO MONUMENT HEALTH WOMEN’S CARE

words Sarah Richards

may seem like a ‘chore’ when you have so much going on already, it Many couples adopt a fur baby is very important that we consider before they have kids because this our pet’s physical needs,” she tends to be great “practice for the encourages. real deal.” However, what happens INCENTIVES CAN ADD VERY if your pet has never been around NICELY TO INTRODUCTIONS, kids? You don’t want any mishaps AS WELL. When you get home, when you bring your baby home sit down on a couch or chair and from the hospital, so here are a allow the pet to come closer to few hacks when introducing your the new baby. Your baby has a furry friend to the newest member lot of new smells and sounds of your family! Vet Technician that your pet has to adjust to. Michelle Lutheran from the Dakota Michelle adds, Hills Veterinary Clinic answers “FOOD CAN BE A GOOD some of the hard questions to help TOOL TO HELP, AS WELL. prepare families for introductions. Food activates the pleasure When you come home from the center of the brain and when ALEXIS M.D. hospital, the mostCHESROW, important thing you pair a delicious treat, they Urogynecology Program will Director to consider is that all interactions associate this new thing need to be supervised. Dogs and with something positive.” cats, like parents, are adjusting to As a general rule of thumb, in etrics Obstetrics and Chesrow, and Alexis M.D. is fellowship-trained and boardlife with someone new in the house as your kids start to crawl and n merican College College certified in both Urology and Urogynecology (Female and can be a little apprehensive. get a little ompleted d hasPelvic completed Medicine and FORCE Reconstructive surgery). She brings “NEVER AN older, ocuses on expertise on in the personalized management of pelvic INTERACTION; if a pet has a ‘safe teach gh andrisk andprolapse, organ urinary incontinence, urogynecology, place’ such as a room or their them nd ealthfistulas, and clinical sexual crate,research, allow them toand go andfemale rest how to health to Monument Health. there,” Michelle adds. Having a gently stroke regular schedule can help your pets your pet. adjust to the newness as well. This Imagine RAPID CITY CLINIC means keeping feeding times and your kids 57783 2805 5th Street | Rapid 57701 exercise regulated. “EvenCity, though SD it pulling

605-755-5700

7701

Dogs and cats are adjusting to a new environment with unfamiliar people. It’s important to supervise them closely for a few days until they become used to the new routine.

Did you know that 44% of millennials see their pets as “practice” for the real deal? While it is an addition to your family’s responsibilities, understand that it is a commitment to add a pet to your family.

your hair; they’re likely to do the same thing with cats and dogs at first with pulling tails or whiskers. Michelle urges, “Some pets are very protective of their toys, bowls, etc. Until we know how they will react to this new stage in a baby’s life, never leave them alone.”

Michelle Krohn, D.O. Obstetrics/Gynecology

Michelle Krohn, D.O., is board-certified in Gynecology. She is a Fellow with the Ame of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and h robotic surgery training. Her practice focu minimally-invasive surgery, infertility, high normal obstetrics, nutrition, women’s hea reproductive rights.

SPEARFISH CLINIC

1445 North Avenue | Spearfish, SD 57 605-644-4170

RAPID CITY CLINIC

2805 5th Street | Rapid City, SD 577 605-755-5700

NOW SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS BHPARENT 23

Recycling Makes a Difference Recycle, Compost, or Toss? words Sarah Richards

Discerning between garbage, compost, recycling, or donating can get tricky. While some items can’t be traditionally recycled, many can be reused and are collected by individuals or organizations. For starters, Best Buy is a great place to recycle any electronics or appliances at no charge; if you’re updating products you can have them pick up and haul away large appliances like TVs, freezers, microwaves, ovens, washers and more when they deliver your new items. You can drop off recycled items three at a time per household.

BATTERIES ARE ALSO RECYCLABLE. All

of your single-use batteries (found in remotes, watches, toys, smoke detectors, etc.), as well as rechargeable batteries (found in power tools, some cameras, and other electronic items), should be recycled responsibly. Cellphones are another item that can be recycled. If they are in good condition, they might even be upcycled by refurbishing them and reselling them.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT COMPOSTING!

Composting isn’t right for everyone, but it can really help reduce the trash you have each week, as well. This process transforms certain types of waste and biodegradable garbage into material that can be used in gardens around your neighborhood as fertilizer. Even if you don’t have a vegetable garden, compost works great with floral gardens, too.

24 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

It’s important to understand that not all materials can be recycled even though they might fall under a particular category. Did you know, while pizza boxes are cardboard, they are turned away at most recycling dropoffs? Any paper-based food storage item, including takeout containers, wrappers, or food bags, can’t be placed into bins, but are great for composting. On the other hand, garbage is defined as “municipal solid waste.” Anything that you can’t recycle or compost should be thrown away. This is going to include a large list of items from animal products to everyday household or personal care items. Avoid composting bones from your chicken supper, any old meats, and fish skins; chemicals and paint; pits from avocados, peaches, mangos, and other fruits; cooking oil of any kind; and dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cream.

CLEANING SPRING

Sustainable Living

UNDERSTANDING THE NUMBERS

Polyethylene Terephthalate

High-Density Polyethylene

Polyvinyl Chloride

Low-Density Polyethylene

Food containers, water bottles, polyester fibers

Plastic bags, milk containers, detergent bottles

Flooring, window frames, plumbing pipes

Plastic bags, squeeze bottles, frozen food bags

Polypropylene

Polystyrene

Disposable cups, take away and yogurt containers, furniture

Styrofoam, toys, CD cases, video cassettes, takeout containers

All other plastics

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Bioplastics, CD, baby bottles, reusable bottles

Appliances, toys, computer plastics

Recycling isn’t only good for the environment–it has positive impacts on the community you live in. For starters, it can extend the life of your landfills. Petrika Peters is a mother of two, holds an advanced degree in environmental policy and currently teaches classes in political science and sustainability at Black Hills State University. She also owns a consulting business, was the former sustainability coordinator on campus and is a member of the board and co-founder of MakeSPACE in Spearfish. Growing up in an earth-conscious home, Petrika developed a passion for environmental policy. “It’s always been a focus in my own personal life—how to live sustainably and what that looks like on a broader level,” she says. “Recycling is the last option one should consider. We should focus our efforts first on rethinking our choices, refusing anything that’s single-use, reducing our consumption, reusing (through repair, refurbishing, and repurposing) and then yesabsolutely recycle. It’s equally critical.” To organize recycling at home, keep several different bins on hand. Under your sink, place a small trash can for plastic bottles, soup cans, and other aluminum or glass items; if you don’t have enough sink space, place another bin by the trash so it’s easy to remember to recycle. “You’re still throwing something out when you recycle. Recycling is easy to do because it’s still going in a bin away from the house, and it’s out of your hands,” Petrika says. When it comes to cardboard, keep a stack in the garage or behind your garbage bin, and when you have enough to drop off, load up the car! “Collectively as a society, we generate so much trash, so yes, recycling is really important.”

BHPARENT 25

SPRING CLEANING

Black Hills Drop-Offs SPEARFISH

estricted Use Site R 910 Camp Comfort Road (605) 645-3345 This site accepts cardboard, used oil, scrap metal, tires and more. Visit CityofSpearfish.com to get more information for costs on recycling appliances, electronics, and other household items.

BELLE FOURCHE

Northern Hills Recycling Center / Refuse Solutions Inc. 800 Chamber St. (605) 723-7723 This site is unable to accept any paper, household chemicals, hazardous waste, appliances, styrofoam, and several other items. Please review the full list at RefuseSolutionsInc.com before bringing your recyclables.

LEAD/DEADWOOD

Adams Salvage Recycling & Recovery (Tri-City Rubble Site) 21314 Yellow Creek Road, Lead (605) 920-8957

STURGIS

R & N Recycling 3150 Whitewood Service Rd., Sturgis (605) 347-5785 R & N has almost 30 years of experience aiding the recycling efforts in Sturgis; they accept aluminum, copper, tin, iron, and brass.

26 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Sturgis’ Main Collection Site South of exit 32 on Dickson Drive The site is set up to accept cardboard, glass, plastic, metals, newspaper/ magazines/catalogs, as well as tree branches and grass clippings. In 2011, Sturgis was awarded a $25,000 grant from the state to implement recycling; the city hopes to provide curbside collections in the future but has no current pickup in place.

RAPID CITY

Rapid City was one of three towns in South Dakota to receive a grant of $148,000. The recipients of the grant were announced early in January this year, and a majority of the funds will go toward building a 30-foot fence that will trap plastic bags and garbage from blowing out of the landfill and into the community. Janice Knight, the project administrator for the Rapid City Solid Waste Division, told reporters, “Solid waste is always changing and the city is turning its focus toward recycling.” There are more than 15 drop-off sites in and around Rapid City, as well as curbside pickup. Residents can use drop-off sites for cardboard, paper, electronics, batteries and more. Curbside pickup should only be used for glass, most plastics and aluminum/steel cans.

CUSTER

Sanders Sanitation Service 12365 Hall Dr. (605) 673-3174

HOT SPRINGS

ot Springs Transfer Station H 303 N. River St. (605) 745-3138 They accept plastics, aluminum, scrap metal, batteries, tires, and cardboard. This site also serves as the city’s landfill.

Recycle Makeup HIPPIE HAVEN in Rapid City can take any unwanted or old makeup products at no charge to you. If you’re emptying your purse and find multiple old lipsticks or blush containers, drive over and drop them off during business hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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CRAFT CORNER Using Upcycled, Recyclable Materials

Getting crafty with your kids doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be expensive or dreadful. Just dig out some old materials around the house for a fun afternoon to mix things up and step away from the TV!

CARDBOARD CACTUS content & photos Sarah Richards

Callee Ackland is a zerowaste activist, public speaker, and business owner of Bestowed Essentials and Hippie Haven. Growing up on the west coast in Oregon and California, Callee had a progressive upbringing which inspired her passion for an eco-friendly life. In her own store, all decor is created from upcycled material. One favorite is a cardboard cactus! You can easily tackle this craft with your kindergartners and young kids. Grab some old cardboard, scissors and paint and simply follow the steps.

Cut out the main body and branches of the cactus.

Paint each piece green on both sides, and use a black marker to create little quills here and there.

Attach the arms. To attach the branches to the body, simply make a slit at the bottom. It should then easily slide onto the cactus.

Find it a pot. An old coffee tin, soup can, or even a milk jug can work well. You can decorate the pot however you would like.

Plant it. Use old cardboard, magazine clippings, or newspaper to create your own soil. Shred half of the upcycled materials and place it in the bottom of your pot; then, stick your cactus in the middle and cover to the top of the can with the remaining material. 28 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

DIY SPRING

CANDY WRAPPER JEWELRY This is a great alternative to traditional friendship bracelets and the tools to create them are super simple! On a weekend where your daughter has friends over, collect the wrappers from their sweets (Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls, gum wrappers, Now or Laters, etc.). The only other item you’ll need is a safety pin!

Collect candy wrappers! Take the edges (lengthwise) and fold them to meet in the middle.

Fold the wrapper in half lengthwise and repeat this step twice.

You should have a long, skinny piece of wrapper now. Fold this in toward the middle “hamburgerbun style” so the short ends meet.

Repeat steps two-five for each wrapper. Once you have enough wrappers folded, you can start to create your jewelry! You can make a choker, bracelet, anklet, keychain, or even a belt!

Now it’s time to assemble! Hold the first folded wrapper in the middle where the two ends meet.

Take another folded wrapper, and insert each side into the corresponding part of the original wrapper. Push this all the way through. Continue doing this until your chain is long enough.

Poke a safety pin through both ends of the chain to serve as the clasp and then you’re done!

BHPARENT 29

SPRING DIY

RAG RUGS

If you have old t-shirts check out this fun craft. Instead of just tossing them out if the clothes aren’t good enough to donate, this is an easy way to upcycle them. Every rug is different, from the shape (squares, rectangles or circles) to the weight and width. Because of that, there is no set “pattern” for making them.

Cut your fabric into even strips along the body of the t-shirt. (Note: cut the sleeves off first and cut down one side of the t-shirt to open it up and have one large piece of fabric.)

Separate your fabric into three piles by color. Grabbing a strand from each, start braiding the materials together. You will need to tie a knot at the top to keep the fabric together.

To add new strips you can either knot the strands together or use this method which is a little cleaner. Fold over the end of the strand that you need to lengthen and cut a small slit into the center. Do the same with the new fabric you are attaching. Line up the slits, and take the end of the fabric around through the back of the hole and pull it through. Pull-on both slightly to tighten the link.

30 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

After braiding about four inches, grab the strand closest to the center and pass it under through one of the loops in the coiled braid.

Keep braiding and looping your material into the coil every few inches.

Once you’ve made the rug to the desired size finish braiding the materials and knot each strand of the material into the coil. Don’t be too concerned with mistakes or having it lie perfectly flat. If your rug isn’t laying flat when you finish and you don’t want to pull anything out, wash your rug in warm water with extra fabric softener and lay flat to dry with the ends pinned down.

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GOING NATURAL SPRING

Do Natural Remedies Let’s take a look at some of the most popular cure-alls to learn more about their purported health claims, how well they work, and what your doctor thinks about using them.

Actually Work? words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson

which are enjoying a surge in popularity these days. The 2020s might just represent a new “golden age” of alternative medicine...

No parent wants to see their child sick,

but how effective (and more importantly,

but more often than not, parents don’t feel

how safe) are these solutions? The answer

completely at ease giving over-the-counter

varies depending on the remedy. Let’s take

or prescription medications—at least not for

a look at some of the most popular cure-

minor illnesses that are likely to run their

alls to learn more about their purported

course within a few days. More and more,

health claims, how well they work, and

parents are turning to natural remedies,

what your doctor thinks about using them.

BHPARENT 33

Essential Oils The list of ailments essential oils have no effect on is much shorter than those they are purported to cure! These compounds, extracted from the flowers, bark, leaves, and fruit of various plants, have been used in folk medicine applications for centuries to treat everything from anxiety and nausea to migraines, eczema, insomnia, and cancer. They are most commonly inhaled through a process known as aromatherapy, in which the scent molecules stimulate the amygdala of the brain. Popular essential oils include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, lemon, and clove.

Do they work? Essential oils aren’t a miracle cure like some claim. Despite numerous clinical trials, there is scant evidence they provide much benefit, and must be used with caution. They aren’t regulated by the FDA and may contain ingredients not listed on the bottle. Essential

34 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

oils must be diluted before use, should not be ingested, and can cause allergic reactions. Doctors recommend parents avoid giving children essential oils of any kind. Those who are pregnant or nursing should get their doctor’s “okay” before using them.

GOING NATURAL SPRING

Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is more than just a cooking ingredient found in the pantry; people have been extolling its health virtues for years. As with many alternative medicines that have been embraced by mainstream society, the claims are hard to digest: ACV supposedly helps cure diabetes, contributes to weight loss, and clears up bacterial infections. All these assertions canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possibly be true...right?

Does it work? ACV is one of those rare ingredients that lives up to its hype. It contains acetic acid, an organic compound with antimicrobial properties that help neutralize bacteria and other microorganisms. Studies have shown that ACV is effective in lowering blood sugar levels, calming an upset stomach, reducing nasal congestion, and clearing up acne. There is even evidence that it may help lower

blood pressure, suppress your appetite, and reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high in antioxidants and, like all probiotics, promotes healthy gut bacteria. It is safe for children, but be sure to avoid unpasteurized ACV (which can cause food poisoning) and use sparingly as it can contribute to erosion of tooth enamel. BHPARENT 35

Coconut Oil Coconut oil is touted as a “superfood” with some pretty amazing health benefits. Proponents say it boosts metabolism, aiding weight loss efforts; improves mental functioning, slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease; promotes strong heart health; and helps prevent diabetes and arthritis. Some parents swear it alleviates cradle cap and diaper rash. Coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, drawing the scorn of many health professionals, but that fat consists mostly of medium-chain triglycerides, which raise HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. The question is, does the good outweigh the bad?

Does it work? Coconut oil also raises LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels, so its impact on heart health is neutral at best. Those fatty acids go straight to the liver, helping you digest foods more efficiently, but coconut oil is high in calories, which may offset any advantages. And evidence of its ability to reduce cognitive decline is

purely circumstantial. There are some genuine benefits for parents of newborns, however; gently massaging coconut oil onto your baby’s scalp can help clear up the rash associated with cradle cap, and similarly, applying a little bit to their rear end may reduce the inflammation and irritation that accompany diaper rash.

36 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

GOING NATURAL SPRING

Chicken Soup Chicken soup is good for the soul, but is it good for the body? Your grandmother would answer with a resounding “yes!” This has been a go-to home remedy for eons, used to soothe a cold or flu and speed up the healing process. Think of it as the original superfood!

Does it work? There has been anecdotal evidence of chicken soup’s disease-fighting properties for centuries, and recent scientific studies actually back up many of those claims. The broth is warm and soothing and chock full of electrolytes, keeping you hydrated and reducing nasal congestion and sore throat irritation. In addition, it’s high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—ingredients

that help with digestion and give the immune system a boost in fighting off germs and infection. Chicken soup also contains tryptophan, which encourages serotonin production. This can literally improve your mood and make you feel better! There is no remedy more natural (or delicious) than homemade chicken soup...so go ahead and ladle up a bowl when you’re sick. BHPARENT 37

Amber Teething Necklaces Emerging teeth cause pain that leads to drooling, fussiness, and sleepless nights (for both baby and mom and dad). Cold pacifiers, teething rings, and gently massaging the gums can help, but parents looking for a natural remedy have been turning to amber teething necklaces in recent years. The Baltic amber in these necklaces releases oils containing succinic acid, a natural analgesic, when exposed to body heat. When these ingredients are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, they supposedly calm and soothe a fussy child.

Do they work? Succinic acid is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and while it does contain anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, there are no scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of amber teething necklaces. Furthermore, Marie Farke, a CNP at Rapid City

38 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Medical Center, cautions that the FDA issued a warning about teething necklaces following an infant strangulation and multiple reports of choking incidences. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents avoid all teething necklaces due to their inherent dangers.

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Buying a home is a big step for you, your partner, and your entire family. But, finding a home that fits you and your life will be well worth the time and stress. With a light at the end of the tunnel, your house will be welcoming you home.

40 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

MOVING TITLE SECTION HOME

Moving can be incredibly stressful. But, when you go from the renting life to buying your first home, there are more stressors than you probably realize. Luckily there are professionals like Emily Tupa—a wife, realtor, and mom—in the Black Hills to help us along the way. Here are her three steps to making the transition easier, especially on your kids. family photo Legacy words Jenna Carda

Emily has been a realtor with RE/MAX Advantage in Rapid City for the past four years, and in addition to helping others buy and sell their home, she and her husband Tyler have walked through the process (multiple times) as well. In July of last year, six months pregnant with their second daughter, the Tupas solidified the agreements of selling their second home and buying their third. As they negotiated the deals, the clash of storms arose when Emily’s mother passed away. “So many of my clients are in the same position,” explained Emily with compassion. “It may not be that traumatic, but I tell people, ‘You don’t quit working, quit making dinner, quit fighting with your spouse, or quit helping your kids with homework while you’re doing something as major as buying a home.’ None of that goes away; you’re just suddenly handed this boulder of an extra activity to manage.” Even in the best of circumstances, large decisions can bring extra stressors— especially for little ones. Emily’s oldest daughter Julia, now five years old, experienced this. Still at a young age where adulthood is a mystery, their knowledge of and ability to recognize and react to change is very present. Here are a few ways to make the transition to a new home a bit easier for the littles in your household.

take a tour

Children are often visual learners. If you are set on a house, ask your Realtor for a walkthrough with your kids. During this tour, talk through the ideas for your new home and ask for their input on spaces they will frequent, like their bedroom. “We did a ‘check-in’ on our house with Julia in the final weeks before our move, and asked her questions like, ‘Where should your bed go?’ and ‘What’s something you don’t have now that this new house could have.’ It got her excited to be able to make some of those decisions,” said Emily. In addition to touring the home itself, take a walk around the neighborhood as a family to explore the new area! Advice from the Realtor Be respectful of the seller’s position, too. Selling a house can be just as stressful as buying, and asking to view the property multiple times could make the transaction uneasy.

let them help

To understand the reality of their toys, books, and belongings being packed up, let your little one help. Give them a box and a task while explaining the items will only be put away for a short time. “We gave Julia a box and we made it into a house where her stuffed animals went,” said Emily. “She patted them all on the head and said, ‘We’ll see you soon’ before we taped it up. I think it made it a little less scary for her as her room was being packed up.”

be patient

As every parent knows, there will be questions upon questions during this time of transition. However difficult it may be, take the time to explain and walk your child through this new chapter in your life. One way to make the connection a bit easier to understand for children is accepting your new home like a new member to your family. “A new home is like a new family member entering the picture; you will have to figure out what quirks this home has that you will have to adapt into your family dynamics,” said Emily. For example, the Tupa’s new home is at the top of a hill where the wind is much stronger than their past home. With louder storms came more sleepless nights when little Julia became frightened. But being patient with the characteristics of a new “family member” and explaining them to their daughter has helped. Advice from the Realtor It may be frustrating when a seller will not budge on their price, but changing your perspective of the home to a piece of that family will help you picture what is happening in their situation. People take great pride in their homes and what they’ve done to them. Selling a home is like walking up to a family member and assigning a worth to them. Sometimes, it can be very off putting. Be patient as you go through the negotiation process.

Advice from the Realtor If you can, make the investment of hiring a moving company. As a parent, it saves time and frustration. Rather than moving furniture all day then trying to show up for your family that evening, it frees you up for an overall positive experience. BHPARENT 41

shelf control creating a space for toys

words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson

PLAYROOM HOME

In households with young children, nothing accumulates faster than toys. Few parents are immune to the struggles of figuring out a place to store everything so the house isn’t cluttered. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of stepping on a LEGO while barefoot, you’re going to be even more motivated to get all that stuff put away. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative solutions for tidying up your home...and reducing the odds of bodily injury! Turning a spare room into a playroom is a great way to keep your house neat while providing your kids with a dedicated place to play. Even if you don’t have the space to set aside an entire room for your kids’ Barbies and Hot Wheels, there are still things you can do to keep your home organized and your children entertained.

Organization is Key

John and Sarah Enos know the struggle well. They are parents to two children of their own (Reign and Micah), as well as three additional foster kids. They also happen to own VL Homes, a residential remodel and design company in Rapid City, along with John’s brother Dan and his wife, Erin. This makes them ideally suited to offer practical advice on creating a playroom or separate space for kids. The pair, who met before attending college at Black Hills State University, didn’t originally set out to be business owners. Both began their professional careers as teachers but felt the pull to go in a different direction. John enjoyed building things and working with his hands and Sarah had a passion for designing, so they decided to fulfill their dream of starting their own business and formed VL Homes in 2018. The company’s goal is to remodel homes and renovate lives, and they have been successful in both endeavors. As their own family grew, they needed

The secret to organization is making the playspace kid-accessible. You’ll want to store toys at the child’s level, so they can take them out and put them away.

to figure out how best to use the limited space available to them. Their solution was simple, and one many parents turn to: creating a play area for their kids. “You really have to decide what’s important,” John says. “Ask yourself, is your room about creating an impression for guests, or truly designed for kids to play in? Kids won’t use a space if they don’t feel they can actually play there.” “When you’re considering a playspace, organization is key,” Sarah adds. “Design has to meet function. You want a beautifully aesthetic space that [allows you] to do what you want.” John and Sarah are proponents of storage cubes and bins that are reserved for separate toys. Places like IKEA offer a wide selection of functional, inexpensive options. One cube might contain dolls, another could house blocks, etc. This not only makes it easy to find favorite toys, but teaches children to pick up after themselves. Another key strategy involves rotating toys, putting some aside and bringing them out only occasionally so children won’t grow bored with them. These can be stored in a garage or closet when not in use. Don’t be afraid to pass them down to cousins or donate to thrift stores when your kids are no longer interested in playing with them.

Designing a Shared Space While a dedicated playroom is ideal, not everybody has that luxury. You might have

to designate a room to serve double-duty, perhaps creating a playspace in a guest room or home office. If you go this route, John suggests adding a shelving system where kids’ toys occupy the lower shelves and other items are stored higher, out of reach of little hands. If guests will be sleeping there occasionally, a convertible day bed is an excellent option. While less common nowadays, a Murphy bed that slides vertically against a wall is a great space-saver. Arrange furniture with safety in mind (e.g., place a recliner in a corner where you aren’t likely to get hit by flying toys), and invest in washable slipcovers or, if your budget allows, leather furniture, which is durable and easy to clean. Don’t fill the room with expensive or hard-to-replace items like heirloom vases or fancy lamps; even the best-behaved kids break things. John and Sarah like to seek out thrift stores for inexpensive items that are still aesthetically pleasing but functional and don’t have sentimental value. In a larger space, such as a basement, keep in mind that kids love forts and cubby holes. You can even get creative in small spaces. If you’re living in a tiny apartment while saving up for a down payment on a house, a bookcase with dedicated shelves and a few storage cubes will go a long way toward clutter-free living quarters and kids will feel like you are inviting them into your shared space. With a final piece of advice, John urges: “Let kids be creative, play, and have fun!” BHPARENT 43

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bbott House has been a fixture in South Dakota for over 80 years. Founded as an orphanage in 1939 by a group of Mitchell citizens who wanted to provide disadvantaged children with stability, the private charity offers residential treatment services, therapeutic foster care, and independent living programs for children aged seven to seventeen who have suffered physical and emotional trauma and abuse. Realizing that the Black Hills were lacking in such services, Abbott House expanded to Rapid City in 2015. Before she was involved at the Abbott House, Helen was an educator for 12 years and worked with several other nonprofit organizations beginning in 2002 including WAVI, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wellfully, and more. “Life comes full circle,” she shares. “I had worked with children in foster care and have had to be the person to call DSS and see kids in those situations.” Living that experience on the sidelines was really hard for someone who’s always had a soft spot for lending a helping hand to children, so in 2018, she assumed the role of assistant development director for the Black Hills Region. Black Hills Bridges by Abbott House aims to provide premier services for youth and give them second chances. Helen’s job is to make connections with the community and encourage organizations like the YMCA, Big Brother Big Sister, and others to create partnerships. Helen also works to create relationships with professionals. “A lot of the children we see come from

Helen is very involved in the upcoming development of two more homes in Rapid City. These homes will provide services for 18- to 23-year-olds who transition out of foster care until they can get their feet on the ground.

a traumatic or high needs situation, so we have to make services available to them to help process the situation,” Helen says. The mission of the Abbott House is to focus on what is best for each of the kids involved, according to Usera. “It’s about making sure that they feel loved and accepted. It doesn’t matter if they’re in the home for 24 hours, weeks, or months. It’s making sure that they are a part of a family,” she says. Helen’s family-centered upbringing provided the perfect backdrop for her role with the Abbott House. “In our family, you take care of one another,” she adds. Having someone in the home who knows your situation that you feel completely comfortable around is healing for the kids, which is why the Abbott House prides itself on keeping siblings together. Right now between the two Rapid City homes, there are three sets of siblings.

Bragging like a proud mom, Helen shared the story of one individual in the care of the Black Hills Bridges home. “This young man was motivated to stay in school and keep his grades up so that he could compete in wrestling,” she says. Consistency and studying was hard in his previous situation, but being put in this home with foster parents who care helped him to get back on track. Helen smiles, “He placed second for All City Wrestling, and he was so proud.” The success of these individuals is all the reward that Helen needs to keep the torch lighted in finding new To learn more, visit them online: efforts and paths to helping AbbottHouse.org. these kids.

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FINANCE COLUMN

Tips for Buying or Refinancing a House

words Mark Petruska A 2018 survey found that 40 percent of Americans consider buying a house “the most stressful event in modern life.” It’s natural to feel anxious about making such a large purchase, but a little advance planning can make the process a lot easier. Trevor Madsen should know. He’s been a loan originator for Unify Home Lending in Rapid City for two years now and has seen it all. This self-described “Loan Ranger” has a background in journalism and says there are quite a few similarities between that and mortgage lending. “Everybody’s got a story,” Trevor says. “When doing loans for people, you sit down and listen to their wants and needs, learn what they hope to accomplish, and put the pieces together.” Trevor has some helpful advice for those planning on buying a house. The most important thing a prospective homebuyer can do, he says, is track their spending. Little things are often overlooked, he warns. Recurring charges such as Netflix subscriptions, dollar shave clubs, and gym memberships that are automatically withdrawn from your account make it easy to fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” trap. Even seemingly insignificant purchases add up quickly when they become routine. Trevor cites the morning latte as a perfect example; if you’re paying $5 for a daily cup of coffee, you might end up spending over $100 a

month. That’s no small amount when you’re trying to save up for a down payment. The key, Trevor says, is to live at or below your means. Equally important is paying your bills on time. Many of us are familiar with how quickly credit card debt can get out of hand; missing even a single payment can have a negative impact on your credit score. “If you can’t pay for something right then and there, maybe you shouldn’t buy it, Trevor advises” Lenders will look at your credit score in order to determine whether you qualify for a loan. If it’s too low—generally, banks like to see a score of at least 640—there isn’t a whole lot you can do immediately. The higher your credit score, the better your interest rate will be, so adopting wise spending habits can pay off for you when it’s time to look for a house. Trevor suggests sitting down and figuring out a budget three to six months in advance. Many people focus on paying off as much debt as possible before beginning the process, but he cautions that this isn’t always the best strategy. “Paying off a loan will absolve a line of credit and that’s a negative factor,” he explains. “Your credit score can take a ding.” You might be better off taking the same amount of money you’d use to pay off a car loan, for instance, and applying it toward credit card debt so you reduce your balance to no more than 30 percent of your credit limit. Other common

mistakes to avoid when buying a home include taking on new debt, making an employment change, and fixating too much on interest rates, which are already at historic lows. As long as you’re planning on staying in your house a long time, it’s simply not cost-effective to chase after a few dollars. There are a lot of puzzle pieces involved in buying a house, but help is available. Trevor and other lending specialists have financial simulators that allow customers to play around with different scenarios in order to determine the best ways to qualify for a loan. Everybody’s situation is unique; an experienced lender will provide the tools to get you on track, whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing an existing loan. Don’t worry if you encounter a few bumps in the road during your journey. These are perfectly normal. “If nothing comes up, we call that a unicorn,” Trevor says. “More often than not, there are hiccups, even for super savvy people.” Most are easily resolved with documentation.

When it comes to home mortgages, Trevor enjoys helping his clients through the challenges. “It’s like solving one big puzzle,” he said with excitement. BHPARENT 47

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MEDICAL COLUMN

The family that plays together… Stays healthy, happy – and, yes, together

Regardless of your age, exercise should be a part of your routine, even for kids. Thirty percent of adults and 12 percent of children in South Dakota are obese. Type 2 diabetes among children is on the rise. But with today’s busy families, it can be hard for parents and children to find the time for fitness. Between daycare drop-offs, after-school pickups, extracurricular activities, shopping and everything else, exercise can wind up at the bottom of the to-do list. One solution: Turn your fitness into family fun. Doing activities as a family brings everyone together in a fun and interactive manner. It allows the whole family to be healthier, achieve new goals together, and provides a bonding experience. An added bonus – if your kids see you exercising and taking your health seriously, they are more likely to grow up with the same healthy habits they see in you.

Things to remember when planning family fitness: MAKE IT FUN Unlike adults, children don’t exercise for their health. They don’t care about cholesterol, they’re not impressed by six-pack abs and getting 10,000 steps is SO BORING! But give a kid a soccer ball, a big green field and opposing team, and the fitness will follow. If they are entertained, they won’t notice that they’re exercising.

MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE In the Black Hills, we’re blessed to have multiple outdoor opportunities just outside our door. We can mountain bike the Mickelson Trail. We can hike the Centennial Trail. We can take family backpacking trips into the Black Elk Wilderness. The opportunities don’t end when the weather turns cold. A family pass at Terry Peak Ski Area will get you a winter’s worth of fresh air, sunshine and outdoor fun. DON’T FORGET NONTRADITIONAL GAMES When you play nontraditional games such as badminton, disc golf, hacky sack or foursquare, the playing field is automatically leveled. Nobody has an advantage, and you get to learn together how to play. TAKE TURNS PICKING WHAT TO PLAY For youngsters, there is something empowering about being in charge of the game the family plays. And when it’s someone else’s turn, they are more willing to play because they get to pick the next game. Translation: No back-seat bickering… OK, maybe less bickering. They are siblings, after all. AND DON’T BE ROUTINE Remember, if what you do as a family appeals to everyone’s sense of fun, adventure, new experiences and family bonding, your exercise routine will be anything but routine.

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ASK THE DENTIST

Why can proposed treatment plans change after an initial examination?

When you are in to see us for an examination, we aim to be as conservative as possible with treatment. This is something that is perhaps unique for our practice, and something that we are also proud of. The options for more extensive treatment will remain, however the ability to turn back the clock and undo something that has been done is not. When in for your examination, we discuss different risk factors: diet, home care, patient history, and family history all may be factors reviewed. These all help in the determination of potential decay, recurrent decay and how rapid of growth for any decay. Reviewing x-rays of your teeth, there must be a minimum amount of tooth structure that has been affected before those areas of concern will be diagnosable. We will place a “watch” on a tooth when we see perhaps the beginning, yet not quite the necessity of needing a filling, so we can let you know the potential concern. This watch may be

placed next to a tooth that has reached the point of needing a filling, and the opportunity to clinically see that area we are “watching” when in for treatment. If the area clinically is sound, we will continue to watch. If however the area adjacent is with clinical decay, we let you know and address it. Dentistry is a world that contains many shades of gray and has options that are available to you as a patient. We believe in letting you know options available, and presenting you with the risks and benefits of them so you, as the patient, may be able to make an educated decision about your individual care. As the patient/doctor relationship grows, we can determine the best route for each individual situation. Different factors affecting treatment include comfort/anxiety, esthetics, materials, working with and around existing completed work, finances, insurance coverage, and more. We work with these factors and all your options to provide the best dentistry possible. At All About Smiles Valley Dental, we take pride in general dentistry being our specialty.

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DITCH THE CHOCOLATE BUNNY THIS EASTER Easter is synonymous with bunnies, chocolate... and chocolate bunnies. Too many sweets help promote tooth decay, so try filling your kids’ baskets with non-candy alternatives this year. We bet they won’t even miss the chocolate! TOYS Depending on your child’s age and interests, you could include small and inexpensive items like Hot Wheels cars, LEGOS, bubbles, finger puppets, dolls, balloons, plush animals, and action figures. HEALTHY SNACKS Substitute healthier kid-favorite foods like raisins, pretzels, nuts, Goldfish crackers, apples, oranges, animal crackers, and low-sugar juice boxes or flavored waters. BOOKS Encourage your child’s love of reading with age-appropriate books. These might include comic books, coloring books, magazines, puzzle books, paperbacks, diaries or journals. GAMES Classic card games (UNO, Crazy 8s, Old Maid), puzzles, mini Etch-a-Sketches, dice, marbles, Rubik’s cubes, and small electronic video games can all provide hours of enjoyment. MISCELLANEOUS The sky’s the limit when filling an Easter basket. Items like hair brushes, Band-aids, fingernail polish, toothbrushes, wallets and purses, flashlights, watches, and bike accessories are all popular and fun. CLOTHING Stylish accessories like colorful socks, slippers, sunglasses, hats, bibs, gloves, and scarves are always appreciated.

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WELLNESS COLUMN

Implement an Injury Prevention Program What length would you go to in order to prevent an injury to your child? Most parents would say “I’d do whatever it takes.” What if you could save a significant amount of money and protect your child? Common injuries in youth sports and recreational play include: · Sprains where ligaments connect to bones, such as an ankle sprain · Tendon and muscle strains, such as a hamstring strain · Tears in ligaments and cartilage, such as meniscus and ACL tears in the knee Fortunately, 50-80 percent of these injuries can be prevented simply by implementing an Injury Prevention Program into their normal training routines. If the possibility of preventing an injury to your child isn’t enough, here are three more reasons to implement a program for your young athlete:

Saving Money

The cost of surgery and rehab for an injury, such as an ACL tear, could add up to thousands of dollars! 200,000+ ACL injuries occur each year and can take up to 12 months to rehabilitate, resulting in time off school, sports, and work. Who wouldn’t want to save thousands in medical bills and time lost?

A Rise in Sport Specialization Not many years ago, student athletes would often play multiple sports during the school year and take summers off. It is becoming more common for student athletes to commit to a single sport early on in their athletic careers and train for this sport year-round. One would think this would be beneficial to progressing quickly as an athlete and gaining scholarships. However, the research disagrees. The Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine reports an association between “early single sport specialization

and overuse injuries,” as well as higher rates of burnout and even foregoing sports altogether. With the growing number of singlesport athletes, Injury Prevention Programs are becoming more and more critical to keep our kids safe, happy, and injury free.

Prevention Programs Produce Stronger Athletes Dedicating time during the offseason or pre-season to specific Injury Prevention Programs can save money, keep our young athletes injury free and can keep them in the game. Prevention programs that specifically target hip, ankle, and core stability not only prevent injury and pain, but can also make the student a more fit, well-rounded athlete at the start of the season. Completing prevention programs as a team leads to better team bonding and athletes that are ready to go on day one of the season.

Injury prevention programs generally consist of mobility, strength training, plyometrics, and sport specific agility training to address strength deficits and stabilization of muscles in specific areas. If saving money, reducing injuries, and keeping our athletes in the games is important to you, I encourage you to consider implementing an Injury Prevention Program for your athlete or team!

words Dr. Rhianna Wickett, PT, DPT, CSCS Co-Owner Elevate Performance BHPARENT 55

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Our Spring Favorites

March

Weekly Fun in the Hills MONDAYS Mini Makers Hours Pre-K kids are invited to come build, explore, and create with their guardians. 9-11 a.m., makeSPACE, 517 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish MONDAYS Kids Night Take your kids for a free meal! Up to two kids per adult meal eat free and receive ice cream. 4-8 p.m., Sickies Garage, 3313 E. Mall Dr., Rapid City, 605-716-7690 TUESDAYS Toddlers Story Time Join us for songs, music, and stories. 9:30 a.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Pre-K Story Time Join us for stories and crafts/activities. 10:30 a.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 WEDNESDAYS Story Time Listen to a story, participate in a craft and eat some snacks. Families don’t need to have a library card to participate. 11:15 a.m., Phoebe Apperson Hearst Library, 315 W. Main St., Lead, 605-584-2013

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THURSDAYS Imagination Club Enjoy a different activity each week. 3:30 p.m., Hill City Public Library, 341 Main St., Hill City, 605-574-4529

Friday 6 First Friday Skate Night All ages are welcome! 5:30-8:30 p.m., Spearfish Rec Center, 122 Recreation Lane, Spearfish, 605-7221430

THURSDAYS Learning from the Masters Great for high school students, this class gives kids the opportunity to test out various mediums while exploring the lives and art of some of history’s greatest artists. Register online. 7-9 p.m., Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th St., Rapid City, 605-394-4101

Friday 6 Parents’ Night Out Let your kids be entertained by CPR and first aid certified staff for an evening out with your significant other and friends. Dinner, snacks, fun, and games provided. 5:30-9 p.m., YMCA of Rapid City, 815 Kansas City St., Rapid City, 605-718-9622

FRIDAYS (EXCLUDING 13TH) Family Skate Night Open skating for all ages! $3 admission, $2 skate rental. Concessions are available. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead, 605-580-5535 SATURDAYS Children’s Story Time Open to kids of all ages; come read a story, do crafts, sing and eat snacks! 10-11 a.m., BHSU Jacket Zone, 617 Main St., Spearfish, 605-717-5801 SATURDAYS Fun Size Painting Class Participate in a 90-minute painting class. Recommended for painters 8+. 2-3:30 p.m., Canvas 2 Paint, 632 St. Joseph St., Rapid City, 605-716-3325

Friday 6-8 Rapid City Regional Competition Celebration Talent is hosting a professionally run family-friendly event showing off rising and shining stars and everything in between. 6-8 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115 Saturday 7 Rush Hockey Game: Princess Night Cheer on the Rapid City Rush as they face the Utah Grizzlies and enjoy a special performance at intermission by the Mini Miners Camp. 7-10 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115

Date Night: Saturday 7 Rapid City Heart Ball 5:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115 Saturday 7-8 2020 Home & Sport Show Come take a look at what 100 Spearfish Home and Outdoor businesses have to offer this year. All-day, Donald E. Young Center, 1200 University St., Unit 9400, Spearfish, 605-643-6096 Sunday 8 Daylight Saving Time Spring forward! Wednesday 11 Tweens Get Crafty Join us for a fun craft. Ages 10+. 9:30 a.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 Friday 13-14 Middle School Retreat All youth in grades 6-9 are welcome to take some time away to experience camp in the spring. We will gather in the community, have fun, eat good food and enjoy the outdoors! Register Online. 7 p.m., Outlaw Ranch, 12703 Outlaw Ranch Rd., Custer, 605-274-5326 Saturday 14 Rush Hockey Game: Thrillers Night Rapid City Rush vs. Idaho Steelheads. 7-10 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115

BLACK HILLS EVENTS

Saturday 14 Sturgis Indoor Winter Market Take the family for a stroll through the monthly local crafts and produce vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 920 HarleyDavidson Way, Sturgis, 605-347-2556 Sunday 15 Rush Hockey Game: Faith and Family Night Watch the Rapid City Rush game against the Idaho Steelheads and skate with the team afterward, win or lose! 4-8 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115 Mondays 16, 23, 30 Oil Painting - Landscapes Great for high school students! These classes will teach you to use oil painting in a realistic manner to create landscapes. Register online. $80/member; $85/ non-member. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th St., Rapid City, 605-394-4101 Monday 16 Community Showcase & Health Fair Join Sturgis in the annual event that invites community nonprofits to display booths and generate awareness of their missions. The Greater Sturgis Lifecare Foundation also hosts a Chili & Soup Cookoff. The event is open to the public. 5-7 p.m., Sturgis Community Center Gymnasium, 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis, 605-347-6513 Tuesday 17 St. Patrick’s Day

Wednesday 18 Baby Shark Live! Take your kids to see a one of a kind concert. Your kids will love the full experience as they take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark and join up with his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance through some favorite new and classic songs! 6-7:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115 Saturday 21 Quilting Youth Workshop Celebrate National Quilting Day and discover how quilting has become a popular pastime for South Dakota and Deadwood residents. For students K-6. Reservations required. 10 a.m.-noon, Days of ‘76 Museum, 18 76th Dr., Deadwood, 605-578-1657 Date Night: Tuesday 24 Shen Yun Shen Yun, a nonprofit based in New York, is now bringing the wonders of this ancient civilization to millions of people across the globe. 7-9:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 800-468-6463 Tuesday 24 Doolin’ One of the most innovative bands of the Irish music scene, Doolin’ is comprised of six accomplished and eclectic musicians who have quickly gained fame through their music. Come watch their evening performance. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youth or BHSU students. 7:30 p.m., Matthews Opera House, 616 N. Main St., Spearfish, 605-642-7973

Thursday 26 Souper Starz Dinner Join us for a crowdfunding dinner celebrating creative projects in your local community. $10, 6:30-7 p.m., Shepherd of The Hills, 825 W. Main St., Lead, 605-722-4670 Friday 27 Family Night For current members and families only. Join us for dinner, games, and prizes! 5:30-8 p.m., The Club for Boys, 320 N 4th St., Rapid City, 605-343-3500 Friday 27-28 Earth Hour Overnight Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons is committed to making a difference by taking part in the worldwide Earth Hour movement to reduce energy usage. Girls will take part in a special lighting ceremony, participate in

glow-in-the-dark activities, and learn about Tree Kangaroos. Register online. $37, 6 p.m.-9 a.m., Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, 1202 E. Saint Francis St., Rapid City Saturday 28 Northern Hills Polar Plunge Join in the fun at this annual fundraiser by South Dakota Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics SD. Dive into frigid waters for a cause, and bring the whole family to enjoy the new ice skating rink at Outlaw Square. Register Online. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Outlaw Square, 703 Main Street, Deadwood Saturday 28 RFK’s Annual Auction ‘Glitz and Glam’ Realtors for Kids is hosting its annual auction at the Lodge at Deadwood. 6-9 p.m., The Lodge at Deadwood, 100 Pine Crest Lane, Deadwood, 605-722-0181

Saturday 14 4GMX Indoor Motocross Series Riders range from 4 years old to professional and come from all over the Midwest to Canada racing for the big check. 6:30-10 p.m., James Kjerstad Events Center, 915 Centre St., Rapid City, 605-391-5089

BHPARENT 59

April

Weekly Fun MONDAYS Mini Makers Hours Pre-K kids are invited to come build, explore, and create with their guardians. 9-11 a.m., makeSPACE, 517 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish TUESDAYS (ENDS 21) Toddlers Story Time Join us for songs, music, and stories in a story time. 9:30 a.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 WEDNESDAYS Story Time Listen to a story, participate in a craft and eat some snacks. Families don’t need to have a library card to participate. 11:15 a.m., Phoebe Apperson Hearst Library, 315 W. Main St., Lead, 605-584-2013

Wednesday 1 LEGO Club Ages five to eight are encouraged to come for an afternoon of LEGO fun! 3:30-4:30 p.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 Thursday 2 Bump and Baby Expo Services, products and booths will be set up to answer questions and provide information for moms-to-be, new moms, babies and families in the Black Hills Area. 4-7.30 p.m., Evergreen Media, 329 Main St., Rapid City, (605) 343-7684

THURSDAYS Imagination Club Every Thursday throughout the school year for all kids! 3:30 p.m., Hill City Public Library, 341 Main St, Hill City, 605-574-4529

Thursday 2-5 Spring Craft Retreat Do your kids like to craft or scrapbook? Register them online for a fun weekend of uninterrupted crafting, fellowship and good food! Cedar Canyon Camp, 5130 Memorial Rd., Rapid City, 605-343-4394

FRIDAYS (EXCEPT THE 10TH) Family Skate Night Open skating for all ages! $3 admission, $2 skate rental. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead, 605-580-5535

Friday 3 First Friday Skate Night All ages are welcome! 5:30-8:30 p.m., Spearfish Rec Center, Lookout Room, 122 Recreation Lane, Spearfish, 605-722-1430

SATURDAYS Children’s Story Time Open to kids of all ages. 10-1 a.m., BHSU Jacket Zone, 617 Main St., Spearfish, 605-717-5801

Friday 3-5 25th Annual Youth & Family Services Kids Fair For 25 years, Kids Fair has provided children with a safe place to be active and engage in fun, hands-on activities while spending time with their families! 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri/Sat, 12-4 p.m. Sun, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N Mount Rushmore Rd., Rapid City

SATURDAYS Fun Size Painting Class Fun for the whole family; recommended for painters 8+. 2-3:30 p.m., Canvas 2 Paint, 632 St. Joseph St., Rapid City, 605-716-3325

Saturday 4 Summer Expo Sign up for your kids’ summer of classes, camps, and workshops all in one place! Best for children ages 5-13. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Evergreen Media, 329 Main Street, Ste. 1, Rapid City, 605-343-7684 Saturday 4 2020 Rapid City Polar Plunge 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Black Hills Harley-Davidson, 2820 Harley Dr., Rapid City Saturday 4 Rush Hockey Game: Fan Appreciation Night Rapid City Rush vs. Kansas City Mavericks 7-10 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mount Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115 Saturday 4 Hill City Community Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m., Hill City Visitor Center, 23935 Hwy. 385, Hill City, 605-355-3700 Saturday 4-5 2020 Diggers Softball Clinic Are your girls interested in softball? Sign them up for the FREE clinic if you live in the Lead-Deadwood School District. Times vary, Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead Saturday 11 Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m., Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home, 2500 Minnekahta Ave., Hot Springs

Saturday 11 Hoppy Easter Eggs-perience Bring the whole family for cuddles from your favorite critters, an egg hunt, prizes, horseback rides, and the chance to get a picture with the Easter Bunny himself! 2-5 p.m., The Charm Farm, 14970 Eagle Ranch Rd., Box Elder, 605-430-8265 Saturday 11-12 Spring Fling Fun & Glow Egg Hunt! Included with the purchase of a cave ticket, your kids can enjoy face painting, games with prizes, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Rush Mountain Adventure Park, 13622 Hwy. 40, Keystone, 605-255-4384 Sunday 12 Easter Sunday Saturday 18 Sturgis Indoor Winter Market Take the family for a stroll through the local crafts and produce vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 920 HarleyDavidson Way, Sturgis, 605-347-2556 Wednesday 22 Earth Day Friday 24 Family Fun Night: A Fantastic Beast Party Come enjoy movies, refreshments and fun activities for the whole family. 5:15 p.m., Hill City Public Library, 341 Main St., Hill City, 605-574-4529

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May

Weekly Fun MONDAYS Mini Makers Hours Pre-K kids are invited to come build, explore, and create with their guardian! 9-11 a.m., makeSPACE, 517 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish MONDAYS Kids Night Take your kids for a free meal. Up to two kids per adult meal eat free and receive ice cream. 4-8 p.m., Sickies Garage, 3313 E. Mall Dr., Rapid City, 605-716-7690 WEDNESDAYS Story Time Listen to a story, participate in a craft and eat some snacks. Families don’t need to have a library card to participate. 11:15 a.m., Phoebe Apperson Hearst Library, 315 W. Main St., Lead, 605-584-2013 THURSDAYS Imagination Club Every Thursday throughout the school year for all kids! 3:30 p.m., Hill City Public Library, 341 Main St, Hill City, 605-574-4529 FRIDAYS Family Skate Night Open skating for all ages! 5:30-7:30 p.m., Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead, 605580-5535 SATURDAYS Children’s Story Time Come read a story, do crafts, sing and eat snacks! 10-11 a.m., BHSU Jacket Zone, 617 Main St., Spearfish, 605-717-5801

62 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Friday 1 Parents Night Out Take a night to yourself and let your kids be entertained by CPR and first aid certified staff for an evening out with your significant other and friends. Dinner, snacks, fun and games await your children at no additional cost! Registration required. 5:30-9 p.m., YMCA of Rapid City, 815 Kansas City Street, Rapid City, 605-718-9622 Friday 1 First Friday Skate Night All ages are welcome! 5:30-8:30 p.m., Spearfish Rec Center, Lookout Room, 122 Recreation Lane, Spearfish, 605-722-1430 Saturday 2 Celebrating 20 Years Join Academy of Dance Arts in Celebrating 20 Years with two anniversary shows. Tickets available at Civic Center Box Office Showings: Munckinland: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. and Over The Rainbow: 6 p.m. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-342-4426 Saturday 2 Spring City-Wide Yard Sale All day, various locations around Sturgis, 605-347-2556 Wednesday 6 LEGO Club Ages five to eight are encouraged to come for an afternoon of LEGO fun! 3:30-4:30 p.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330

Saturday 9 Black Hills Speedway Kart Track $12/general admission; kids under 4 feet are free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Black Hills Speedway, 2467 Jolly Ln, Rapid City, 307-257-9589 Sunday 10 Mother’s Day Wednesday 13 Tweens Get Crafty 3:30-4:30 p.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 Saturday 16 Black Hills Walk for Wishes The 8th annual, familyfriendly event is a fun morning of exercise, activities and camaraderie. Register Online. 8:30 a.m.-noon, Main Street Square, 526 Main St., Rapid City, 605-716-7979 Saturday 16 Black Hills Kart Racing Season Opener $12/general admission; kids under 4 feet are free. 7-11 p.m., Official Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, 1216 Short Track Rd., Sturgis 307-257-9589 Friday 22 Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony The Evening Lighting Ceremony begins the Friday before Memorial Day and continues every Friday night until September 30. 9 p.m, Mount Rushmore, 13000 Hwy. 244, Keystone, 605-574-2523

Friday 22 Legends in Light Enjoy a a giant 500foot “screen” of colorful animations and sound effects on the mountainside. Time varies based on sunset, Crazy Horse Memorial, 12151 Ave. of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, 605-673-4681 Monday 25 Memorial Day Monday 25 Monday Night at the Movies Come with your chairs & blankets to claim your spot! 7-9 p.m., Outlaw Square, 735 Main St., Deadwood, 605-578-1876 Wednesday 27 Summer Concert Series Outlaw Square kicks off its summer concert series. Join them on Wednesdays for a fabulous night of music featuring local, regional and national bands. 7-9 p.m., Outlaw Square, 735 Main St., Deadwood, 605-578-1876 Thursday 28 Deadwood History Family Fun Night 6-7:30 p.m., Outlaw Square, 735 Main St., Deadwood, 605-578-1876 Saturday 30 Black Hills Kart Raceway feat. The Rookie Division $12/general admission; kids under 4 feet are free. 7-11 p.m., Official Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, 1216 Short Track Road, Sturgis 307-257-9589

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BH Parent Spring 2020

Articles inside

Apple Cider Vinegar

Craft Corner: Cardboard Cactus

Craft Corner: Rag Rugs

Craft Corner: Candy Wrapper Jewelry

REPLACE SHOTS WITH DROPS

Shelf Control

Calendar

Moving with Kids

Do Natural Remedies Actually Work

Craft Corner

When Pets are the Problem

Might as well Jump

Introducing Your Fur Baby to Newborn

Recycling Makes a Difference

Don’t Quit on a Bad Day

Baby Proofing Your Home

Checklists for Pets