Tips to Organize Your Home
This January
Declutter after the holidays
Put away new gifts or consider returning them. Store holiday decorations in bins with labels and send thank you cards. It’s a great way to get a fresh start to the new year!
Refresh the fridge
Clean out leftovers and expired items. Give the fridge a deep clean and organize it into zones for better storage and to prevent cross-contamination.
Paper clutter control
Set up a mail sorting spot by the door. Dispose of junk mail immediately to avoid cluttering your home.
Tidy gift-wrapping supplies
Make gift wrapping hassle-free. Utilize the back of a door to create an organized wrapping station with baskets for ribbons, bows, and wrap rolls.
Junk drawer makeover
Tackle the chaos in your junk drawer. Discard unnecessary items and organize the essentials neatly in a utensil organizer or small acrylic containers.
Lauren Brown
Photo:
A Letter to our Community
FROM SUZANNE BENDICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ROOTS FAMILY COLLABORATIVE
A few months ago, as I was walking to the Roots Family Collaborative office to facilitate a Blossom Mom group, I listened to a podcast a friend shared with me about the latest Surgeon General’s Advisory, titled Parents Under Pressure
If you’re like me and are already wondering how parenting could be the focus of a “a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to an urgent public health issue,” you’re not alone.
For a moment I felt overwhelmed and heavy — an advisory on parenting? How could something as sacred and tender as raising a family now be a potential health risk? I think if you stick with me, you will come to realize (and maybe celebrate) how dedicated this community is to supporting new and expecting families.
Later that evening, while reading the lengthy warning online, I learned, “advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action,” and I had a light bulb moment.
I thought to myself, yes, exactly – all parents need immediate (and in my opinion preventative) awareness and action. All parents need to be the focus of their communities because, like our Surgeon General so eloquently stated, “Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us.”
Like we always say at Roots, all parents need care and attention during this stage in life because support is not a luxury, rather a necessary part of growing your family.
On page one of the advisory, I was hit with the statistic, “In 2023, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month compared to 20% of other adults,” and sadly, if I’m being honest, I wasn’t all that surprised.
As I dug a little deeper, I became oddly energized and hopeful because of the dedication of providers in this community who care so deeply about new and expecting families, and the commitment of Roots Family Collaborative to connect families to the support they need from preconception to parenthood.
Since the very beginning, our programs at Roots have been guided by the recently released focus areas of this advisory including, “reducing stress and protecting the mental health and well-being of parents.” We know healthy communities begin with healthy families who are connected to the right resources at the right time.
For eight years, Roots has existed to connect parents to each other, parents to resources and resources to one another through a variety of programs, events and our well-respected and widely shared Perinatal Resource Guide, which is tucked into this issue of Montana Parent magazine.
The compilation of this annual Resource Guide is a big lift and one of the most important aspects of our work at Roots through our new Provider Collaborative, a professional network for providers in Gallatin and Park Counties. Both parents and providers look forward to its release each January because it is a starting point for families to find the support they need, as well as an important referral tool for providers working in this stage of life. It breaks down the stigma for new and expecting families and normalizes reaching out for help.
My hope is that by continuing to raise awareness, making space to talk about the hard things, connecting folks to the resources they need, while combating the stigma of reaching out for support, we can alleviate some of the intense pressure we are all feeling and create a culture that is supportive of new and expecting families. In all honesty, I could not be more proud to be part of a community dedicated to the important cultural shifts needed in order to make parenting sustainable and to enable parents and caregivers to thrive.
I encourage you to give the Perinatal Resource Guide a look, not because you are struggling but because you are human.
If you have any questions or cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out to our team at Roots by emailing hello@ rootsfamilycollaborative.com or by calling 406-224-5530.
*www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/parents-under-pressure.pdf
PUBLISHER MEDIA MAVENS LLC PO BOX 11056, BOZEMAN, MT 59719 INFO@MTPARENT.COM
ADVERTISING/EVENT COORDINATOR/OWNER CORA DESANTIS | CORA@MTPARENT.CO M | 406-579-0746
EDITOR IN CHIEF/ACCOUNTING/OWNER LEIGH RIPLEY | LEIGH@MTPARENT.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/OWNER SHAUNESCY WILLARD | SHAUNESCY@MTPARENT.COM
LAYOUT & DESIGN SHAUNESCY WILLARD COPY EDITORS ELEONORE SNOW & LEIGH RIPLEY
AD DESIGN ANDREA HILL
COVER PHOTO ADP STUDIO BLOG ANDREA HILL
ONLINE CALENDARS ANDREA@MTPARENT.COM
SOCIAL MEDIA ANDREA HILL, CORA DESANTIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: SUZANNE BENDICK
MACKENZIE JOHNSON BLAIR FJESETH ALI SCHWEITZER
SHANNON BEVER
BOZEMAN HEALTH
LEIGH RIPLEY
JULIE GRAVES
DONNA MCDONALD
MOLLIE WALNUM TAWNYA HEALY
KATIE DOLEN
FLORA MCCORMICK
* Montana Parent strives to provide accurate information and entertainment to our readers. Some content may be based on opinion of the author and may not represent our views. We want all voices to be heard, so we all can be educated on both sides of important issues.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: ADP STUDIO
SHANNON CONRAD PHOTOGRAPHY
SADDLE PEAK BIRTH
KATIE DOLEN, STATE OF PLAY
BARBARA RUCCI, ART BAR
• What’s Up? photos are from event social media pages if not supplied by the organization
Imagine holding a truly unique book in your hands. One that captures the most precious moments of your life or the life of a loved one. Your first day at school. The thrill of your first job. The indescribable joy of becoming a parent. The experiences that have shaped you.
At LifeBook Memoirs, we do more than just preserve stories. We bring them vividly to life. We take care of everything for you—you won’t have to write a single word. We will craft your memoir in your authentic voice and enrich it with your treasured photos. A LifeBook isn’t just a beautiful private memoir; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates a timeless family legacy for generations to come. Start your LifeBook journey today Call 844 263 6217
Roots-What They Do
WRITTEN BY JULIE ZICKOVICH
Since 2017, Roots Family Collaborative has connected new and expecting families to the support they need from preconception to parenthood through a variety of support groups, events, workshops and the annual Perinatal Resource Guide.
Roots knows all parents need great care and attention during this unique stage in life.
Their groups provide support, validation, perspective, encouragement and a place to be respected and heard. They are a space to listen and learn from the experiences of others to realize you are not alone in your journey.
Roots consistently hears from program attendees that their groups help them feel connected, validated in the challenges of parenting, provide a safe place, have helped them build community and more. With support groups alone, Roots touched the lives of nearly 200 parents in the community last year.
If you have any questions about their groups or which one is right for you, please contact Julie Zickovich, Program Coordinator, julie@rootsfamilycollaborative.com or call 406-224-5530.
BLOSSOM MOM
A welcoming and nurturing group for moms with babies in the first year who wish to connect about the joys and challenges of new parenthood while gaining wisdom from other mothers on the journey.
Dates: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. / Zoom Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
BLOSSOM MOM PARK COUNTY
Dates: First and Third Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.
Location: Check rootsfamilycollaborative.com for more details
CORAZÓN DE MADRES
Corazón de Madres es un espacio creado especialmente para ti, para compartir las alegrías, desafíos y enseñanzas que trae la maternidad. En este grupo, cada historia, cada emoción, y cada sacrificio son valorados, porque sabemos que el corazón de una madre late con una fuerza inmensa. Aquí, las mamás latinas con bebés menores de un año se apoyan mutuamente, se inspiran y se enriquecen al conectar con otras que entienden su camino. Unámonos para crecer juntas con el respaldo y sabiduría de otras madres.
Fechas: Segundo viernes del mes de 10 a 11 a.m.
BREASTFEEDING AND INFANT FEEDING GROUP
This welcoming and nurturing weekly group provides an opportunity for mothers to connect, ask questions and learn about local resources in a peer-to-peer support group. Facilitated by a lactation consultant and a volunteer facilitator. Breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, formula feeding—you name it, this group is for you.
Dates: Every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
DADS GROUP
Becoming a father is a major life transition. Dads Group is a safe place to take a breath, be real and deal with things head on. Facilitated by a fellow dad.
Dates: First Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m.
FERTILITY SUPPORT CIRCLE
This group provides a nurturing space for those navigating the journey of building a family as it is unique, and can often feel isolating, discouraging and overwhelming. The Fertility Support Circle creates a sense of belonging and connection on the journey to building your family with others who understand.
Dates: First Saturday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.
FRESH AIR FAMILIES
At Roots, they believe getting outside is vital to a new parent's health and well-being. Join them as they get together to explore the trails in the community. All families are welcome.
Schedule varies with the season. See www. rootsfamilycollaborative.com for more detailed information.
MINDFUL MAMAS
This powerful and dynamic workshop is open to all new and expecting mothers, and combines movement and mindfulness.
Runs spring and fall with additional pop-up dates. Check rootsfamilycollaborative.com for more information.
PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS SUPPORT CIRCLE
A group for parents who have experienced loss at any stage of pregnancy through the first year of life. This group is a space to share your story, connect with others or to just sit in the company of parents who understand. When you feel ready, please join. Facilitators are also available for one-on-one support.
Dates: Second Monday of the month, 7-8 p.m.
PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING
The Roots Prenatal Breastfeeding Class provides a welcoming environment with experienced facilitators who guide new families through how breastfeeding works, the basics of getting started, what to expect for you and your baby in the early days and, most importantly, when and how to get the help you need by connecting you with local breastfeeding resources.
Runs quarterly. See rootsfamilycollaborative. com for more detailed information.
Keeping it Real Year of the Snake
WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH
Happy New Year, Montana parents!
Here is a special shout-out to those of you eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new baby in 2025—what an exciting year to welcome a little one into the world!
Every year, I love diving into the lunar calendar to explore the attributes of the upcoming year’s animal. Six years ago, I marveled at the Year of the Dog, not realizing I’d be bringing one of my own little “pups” into the world.
The Lunar New Year—often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year—is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide and has gained popularity here in the U.S. It’s a meaningful way to learn about other cultures while reflecting on the traits associated with each year’s zodiac animal.
Lunar New Year 2025 begins on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
If you’re expecting a baby this year, you’re about to begin an extraordinary adventure filled with love, surprises and a little mystery—fitting for the Snake’s symbolic qualities.
Snakes are revered for their wisdom, intuition and adaptability. They’re thinkers and strategists, often exuding charm and
grace. Your little Snake may grow up to possess these same traits. So, nurture their love of learning, encourage their independence and embrace their quiet confidence.
And considering we live in Montana, the Snake’s reputation for adaptability bodes well for anyone growing up in Big Sky Country, where seasons shift dramatically, and adventure is never far away.
Ready to start preparing for your Snake’s arrival? Snakes are said to thrive in their lucky colors of black, green and red, and their lucky numbers are 2, 8 and 9.
If you’re not yet sold on the magic of the lunar zodiac, consider this: Your child might share their zodiac with famous Snakes like Mahatma Gandhi, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan, Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift—but, as all little ones do, they will absolutely surprise you by becoming someone entirely unique.
Of course, parenting isn’t as simple as matching traits to a zodiac sign. The real adventure is discovering who this new, one-of-a-kind human will become. Parenting is exhausting, unpredictable and full of surprises, but it’s the most remarkable journey you’ll ever take.
Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com.
SUMMER CAMPERS IN 2025 MOR
Join Museum of the Rockies’ engaging STEAM-themed summer camps, where your children will dive into paleontology, history, natural sciences, art, physics, and more! They will learn from passionate instructors and museum experts while staying active, making friends, exploring exhibits, enjoying the outdoors, and creating unforgettable memories.
Registration opens for current MOR members on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Registration is online only at museumoftherockies.org/camps or by scanning the QR Code
406.994.2251 | 600 W. Kagy Blvd.
Not All Births Go According to Plan, But All Birth Stories are Amazing!
WRITTEN BY ALI SCHWEITZER | PHOTOS SADDLEPEAK BIRTH
I love hearing birth stories; I find them inspiring and the women who’ve gone through them amazing. As a prenatal chiropractor, one of my favorite appointments is the first postpartum appointment when I get to hear just how the birth went. No matter what kind of birth, a natural birth, an at-home birth, medicated birth or a C-section, they all have power and strength.
My own childbirth stories, however, didn’t leave me feeling empowered at first. It’s hard when we, as women, have a plan for our births and they don’t go the way we want. Sometimes it leaves us feeling inadequate and not as strong as we thought we were. I know that is exactly how I felt after both of my births.
I always dreamed of having an unmedicated birth, and hearing these birth stories from my own patients was always so inspiring. When I was expecting my first, I was ready to have that amazing unmedicated birth at the Birth Center. I mean, I was a prenatal chiropractor and I helped women all day during their pregnancy, and knew that getting adjusted helps with labor and delivery. So when I had to be transferred to the hospital and ended up having a C-section, I felt like I had failed. Although my experience at the hospital was amazing and I ended up having a healthy, beautiful baby boy, I still
struggled with feeling like my birth story was not miraculous and magical. As I recovered during my maternity leave, I started analyzing what resulted in me having a C-section, and what I came up with was nothing — nothing went wrong and, despite my original thinking, I was strong and super powerful. I did, in fact, labor for 24 hours unmedicated and dilated to 10cm, and my son was there ready to be pushed into the world. His asynclitic position caused some swelling in my cervix as I was pushing and my 10cm became 8cm, and I was told to stop pushing. Shortly after that, we decided a transfer to the hospital was necessary. The support I received was amazing and the C-section was not forced on me; it was my decision. Looking back, I realize that it takes a lot of strength to make that decision, knowing that it was the right choice, even though it was not at all what I had wanted.
Going back to work and sharing my birth story was a challenge. I had so many patients who were excited to hear my story and I again felt a little like a failure when I started telling them I had to have a C-section. I felt judged for not being able to have the natural childbirth that so many of my patients had (I was never judged by any of my wonderful patients, it was all in my head), but as I started sharing my experience, I felt more empowered and did feel more
connected to my patients, especially those who also did not have the births that they were hoping for.
By the time I was pregnant with our second baby, I was at peace with my first birth story and ready to have the one that I had originally wanted. I was ready to have my VBAC, unmedicated and at home. After my water broke at midnight and labor didn’t actually start until 7 a.m. the next morning (I should have listened to my midwife and gone back to sleep), I was pretty tired and labored all day with progression stopping and me unable to get past 6cm. At 6 a.m. the next day my midwife said those dreaded words…it’s time to get you to the hospital for some Pitocin. I looked at my husband and told him, "I’m never doing this again." I felt so discouraged that this was happening again and my birth plan was getting thrown out the window. But off to the hospital we went, and again I had a beautiful experience. The nurses and doctors were on board with me having a VBAC and, after the Pitocin started, I was asked if I wanted an epidural. I refused for a while, but as things escalated, I needed something to take the edge off. I talked to the doctors and told them of my fear of getting the epidural and then needing a C-section, so we decided on a very small dose. Just enough to take the edge off but not too much so I could
still feel the need to push and I wouldn’t have to lay on my back to deliver. Six hours after getting to the hospital, in a squat position with my husband getting ready to catch our daughter, I had my VBAC. I did feel empowered after her birth, but still had those little thoughts in my head that I wasn’t as strong as I thought because I didn’t have her at home and I needed to have an epidural.
It took me a while to be completely satisfied and happy with my birth experiences, and seeing them for the amazing stories they are. It took me even longer to feel fully empowered, strong and amazing in myself. I still catch myself at times in the office when a pregnant patient asks me about my birth story, saying well I had a C-section with my first and needed an epidural to have a successful VBAC with my daughter, but… Then I stop myself, take a breath and know that in sharing my story I am sharing the idea that while we may have a plan, it may not always go as planned, and that’s OK. The truth is we are all strong, amazing women and our birth stories are all perfect and we should feel empowered that we created and brought life into this world…period.
Dr. Ali Schweitzer is a prenatal chiropractor and owner of Active Family Chiropratic & Wellness. She has two beautiful kids and loves being a part of birth stories all over the Gallatin Valley!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Let the Ridge Party Specialists help you with your child’s next birthday party! Kids will have a blast in the pool, PlayZone, or gym. Choose a birthday party location plus ala carte options to design the perfect 2-hour party for your child.
EMAIL RIDGEKIDS@RIDGEATHLETIC.COM OR CALL (406) 586-2816 FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PARTY AVAILABILITY.
RIDGE PRESCHOOL
Winter registration now open! Enroll your children in Ridge Preschool at the Ridge Athletic Clubs. Students will learn all of the wonderful things needed to prepare them for kindergarten in a fun, nurturing and energetic environment.
SPOTS ARE LIMITED — DON’T DELAY! CONTACT US TODAY AT RKPRESCHOOL@RIDGEATHLETIC.COM.
4181 Fallon St., Bozeman, MT 59718 • (406) 586-1737 ridgeathletic.com
Preserving Precious Moments Newborn
Photography and Postpartum
Support
WRITTEN BY SHANNON BEVER | PHOTOS BY SHANNON CONRAD PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s something indescribable about the first days with a newborn. They’re a fleeting blend of joy, awe and transformation. As a photographer, I’ve come to appreciate the profound importance of capturing these early moments. Through newborn photography, we preserve the tiny fingers and toes, sleepy smiles and the tender connection between parents and their new baby—a reminder of the beauty in life’s beginning.
But my passion for newborn photography goes beyond the lens. It’s deeply rooted in my own journey through motherhood, which, like for many others, has been filled with challenges, growth and lessons. I’ve learned firsthand how vital postpartum care and support are for navigating this transformative time.
Cherishing
Newborn Moments
Newborn photography freezes the wonder of those first few weeks, a time that seems to pass in an instant. As your baby grows, these images become treasures that remind you of their delicate features and the love that surrounded their arrival. Every family’s story is unique, and
capturing that story through photography is a privilege I hold dear.
Photographing newborns isn’t just about creating art; it’s about preserving the memories of a fleeting season. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, the newborn phase is special in its own way, filled with moments you’ll want to look back on as the years go by.
Navigating the Postpartum Journey
While newborn photography captures the beauty of early parenthood, the postpartum period often comes with challenges that go unseen. From feeding struggles to emotional changes, this time requires support and care for both mom and baby.
As someone who has faced postpartum challenges, I’m passionate about helping others find resources to navigate this phase. Feeding issues, for instance, can feel overwhelming, but there’s a network of support available. La Leche League, lactation consultants and even speech pathologists can make a world of difference. For me, Speech Pathways played a pivotal
role in helping my daughter overcome feeding difficulties, and now she eats like her sisters.
In Helena and the surrounding areas, there are also incredible resources for parents. The Options Education Center and Options Clinic provide educational and emotional support. Family Roots Chiropractic and Doula Services in Townsend offer services that address physical and emotional wellness. These organizations help parents feel supported and empowered during this transformative time.
Building Your Village
Parenthood isn’t something you’re meant to do alone, and having a support system is invaluable. Helena is home to many resources to help you build your village. The Helena Birth Studio, led by Amanda Osborne and her dedicated team, including Tiffany Robinson and Shari Walker, is a shining example of compassionate care. These incredible women have ushered two of my four babies into the world, offering both medical expertise and emotional support. Their care made all the difference in my birth experiences, and I’ll forever be grateful to them.
Beyond birth care, local support groups like MomCo and MomsClub provide camaraderie, advice and friendship for moms navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. Parenting expos are another great way to discover resources and connect with others in the community. These events often feature local experts and services to guide you through postpartum challenges.
The Importance of Self-Kindness
Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another child, it’s important to remember that every baby is different, and every journey is unique. There will be new challenges and lessons with each child, and that’s OK.
Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are common but often misunderstood. These experiences are not a reflection of your worth as a parent, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this new season of life.
Capturing the Beauty in Chaos
Photography and postpartum care intersect in a beautiful way. While I focus on preserving the joy and wonder of your baby’s early days, I also understand the importance of acknowledging the struggles that come with them.
Every photo tells a story, not just of your baby’s first days but of the strength, love and resilience you bring to parenthood. Whether it’s through a carefully planned photoshoot or a candid snapshot at home, capturing these moments allows you to celebrate this extraordinary chapter of life.
To all the parents out there, know that you are doing an incredible job. The postpartum journey is full of growth, discovery and love, and every challenge you face adds to the beauty of your story. Through photography and support, I hope to help you cherish the wonder of this season and remind you of just how strong you are.
Shannon Bever owns Shannon Conrad Photography in Helena, MT.
School Wide Open House Bozeman Montessori
Thursday, January 9th
5:00 - 7:00 pm
At our Original Location off of Baxter Lane 3774 Equestrian Lane, Bozeman
Currently enrolling /accepting applications in both our Toddler (Pre-Primary) and our Preschool (Primary) classrooms for 2025
• Licensed early childhood center with DPHHS since 2013
• Children’s developmental needs supported by trained Montessori teachers
• Variety of scheduling options available
• Hot lunches and snacks from our own school kitchen included with tuition
• Weekly music classes included
• Spacious, beautiful environments
• STAR 4 in Montana’s voluntary Quality Rating System (QRS)
• Supportive community of teachers and families
Questions? Contact our Enrollment Coordinator at: Enrollment@BozemanMontessori.com 3774 Equestrian Lane www.BozemanMontessori.com 406-600-8098
Also enrolling/accepting applications for 2025 at our South campus, 233 Enterprise Blvd location, serving ages 6 mths to 6 yrs.
The Dopple Registry
Redefining Gifting and Rebuilding the Village for New Parents
The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” has never been more relevant than in today’s world, where new moms often face the overwhelming demands of parenthood with limited support. Traditional baby registries tend to focus on material gifts like strollers and onesies, but they fall short of addressing the day-to-day challenges parents encounter. Enter The Dopple Registry — an innovative platform that transforms gifting into a meaningful act of collective care and community building.
A New Kind of Registry
The Dopple recognizes that parents need more than things— they need practical services, ongoing resources and support. By offering gifting options like dog walking, housecleaning, meal prep, lactation consultations and counseling services, Dopple caters to the real needs of new families.
Through fractionalized gift-giving—similar to a GoFundMe tailored for specific services—friends and family can collectively contribute to larger expenses prioritized by the mom. This makes essential support like night nurses, recurring diaper subscriptions or therapy sessions more accessible. The result? Moms can focus on what truly matters: bonding with their baby and taking care of themselves.
Beyond Traditional Baby Showers
While baby showers are filled with adorable gifts, they often miss the mark when it comes to addressing the realities of early parenthood. Dopple bridges this gap by enabling parents to request what they truly need.
Friends and family can pool resources to provide impactful gifts such as a few delivered meals, housecleaning services or lactation support. Even small contributions become part of a larger, collective effort to reduce the stress of parenting. This approach fosters a shared sense of responsibility, transforming material gifts into gestures of love and practical care.
Supporting Moms and Service Providers
The postpartum period can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging times for moms, filled with sleepless nights, physical recovery and the demands of a new routine. Services like meal delivery, therapy and cleaning help lighten the load but are often overlooked as potential gifts. Dopple changes this by putting services at the forefront of its platform.
For service providers—whether lactation consultants, doulas or night nurses—Dopple offers a direct connection to families in need. It normalizes asking for and giving help, ensuring that vital support becomes accessible to moms who might not otherwise afford it. This also makes the registry particularly valuable for families in underserved or lower-income communities, where traditional registries often fail to meet deeper needs.
Rebuilding the Village
Many families today live far from extended relatives or lack built-in support systems. Dopple helps rebuild this “village” by empowering friends, coworkers and even acquaintances to step in and provide tangible support. Whether it’s contributing to recurring diapers or gifting a month of meal prep, this model fosters a culture of care and shared connection.
Dopple reminds us that parenting is a community effort. A simple gift can become a profound act of kindness, reducing the isolation many moms feel and creating a network of support for the entire family.
A New Way to Parent
Parenthood is a deeply personal journey, and no two families have the same needs. Dopple reflects this reality by offering a flexible and diverse gifting framework that prioritizes services and recurring essentials over traditional gifts.
Whether you’re a mom looking for support or a service provider aiming to make a difference, Dopple transforms the way we think about gifting. It moves beyond material goods to focus on building connections and easing the often overwhelming transition into parenthood.
With Dopple, no mom has to navigate parenthood alone. It truly takes a village—and with this innovative platform, that village is just a few thoughtful gifts away.
Journey to Motherhood at Bozeman Health
At Bozeman Health Family Birth Center (FBC), their approach to your care is familycentered and includes comprehensive services such as prenatal education, labor and delivery care and postpartum care. The FBC framework includes support from the following care teams: Labor and Delivery, Mother Baby and southwest Montana’s first neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Medicated and Natural Birth Options
Bozeman Health’s Family Birth Center has the resources and expertise to accommodate a full spectrum of birth plans, from unmedicated labor and delivery to cesarean delivery. The FBC offers alternative pain management options such as whirlpool tubs, “peanut” balls, birthing stools, Theragun massage equipment and cordless monitoring to allow for mobility during labor. If patients are interested in midwifery care, the FBC has four licensed and certified nurse midwives on staff in addition to OB/ GYN physicians. Doulas are also welcome.
“The amazing thing about modern labor and delivery is the ability to have a variety of options during labor. Every birth is a special and deeply personal event, and it is an honor and privilege to assist families in welcoming their children into the world,” shares Kirsti Hahn, RNC-OB, labor and delivery nurse leader.
Postpartum Journey
The FBC care team prioritizes skin-to-skin contact after birth and 24-hour rooming in, where mother and baby stay together. Lactation consultants offer daily feeding support as well as outpatient lactation appointments if needed.
Whole Person Care
Bozeman Health Women’s Specialists Clinic and the Family Birth Center work cohesively to provide you with a medical home for your pregnancy and birth journey. An integrated hospital care setting allows for comprehensive, whole-self care in one convenient location.
Women’s Specialists provide maternal fetal medicine physicians, who specialize in highrisk pregnancy care, and OB nurse navigators who enhance your pregnancy journey by offering educational resources and guidance along the way.
“As the OB nurse navigators, we have extra time to listen and make sure everything is taken care of. Our goal is to empower you to feel confident in your prenatal care and prepared to care for your baby,” say Jessica Williamson and Shaina Bilyeu, nurse navigators.
Additionally, behavioral health specialists are integrated within the clinic as a routine part of prenatal and postpartum care. Hospitalist pediatricians, who specialize in the care of newborns, will care for your baby after delivery. As your baby grows, their care continues from tot to teen with the Bozeman Health Pediatrics team.
Bonding with Baby
Activities for parents, caregivers and babies under 2 years
WRITTEN BY LEIGH RIPLEY | PHOTO ADP STUDIO
Bozeman
Blossom Mom
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Bozeman Public Library
Ç Baby Storytime: Sing, rhyme, read and dance with your little one, and then stay for community, sensory exploration and playtime. Especially for kids under 35 months and their caregivers. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:15-11 a.m.
Ç Family Storytime: Singing simple rhymes and songs for babies, moving and grooving for tots, reading a longer book or two for preschoolers – this program has it all! Then stay for the community, sensory exploration, hands-on learning and playtime. Designed for children under 5 years. Held every Saturday at 10:15 a.m. For more information visit www. bozemanlibrary.org or call 406-582-2404.
Breastfeeding and Infant
Feeding Group
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Dads’ Group
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Sign your child up to receive a free book every month until their 5th birthday.
Find your local affiliate via: www.imaginationlibrary.com/usa/findmy-program/
Fertility Support Circle
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Fresh Air Families
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
MAEVE Bozeman
This is a local moms’ group and chapter of a nonprofit aimed at connecting and supporting mothers in their local communities. Join them for connection and friendship through weekly playgroups, field trips, mom-only events, community service, charitable giving and more. For more information visit www.maevebozeman. org or follow MAEVE on Facebook @ maevebozemanmt.
Mindful Mamas
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Music Together
Since 1987, Music Together® has introduced millions of children, parents and teachers around the world to the powerful benefits of having music in their lives. Today, classes for children from birth through grade two are found around the world. Currently, Music Together Bozeman offers four classes a week, serving children and families from Bozeman, Big Sky, Belgrade and Livingston. Sign up for a free class today and experience it for yourself, visit www. musictogetherbozeman.com.
Pregnancy & Infant Support
Loss Circle
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Prenatal Breastfeeding
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Thrive
The mission at Thrive is for all children to have the opportunity to grow, succeed and become valuable members of our community. Whether you are 16 and pregnant or a seasoned parent raising high schoolers, Thrive provides quality, evidence-based programs – for all families –that are proven to get results. For more information Visit www.allthrive.org.
Ç Parent Place: These programs are free and designed to provide parents with unique opportunities to enjoy parenting, enhance their skills as parents and meet other families in the community.
Programming Includes:
Ç One-on-one parent support
Ç Circle of Security classes
Ç Thriving Parents courses
Ç Thriving Dads monthly group
Ç Parents as Teachers™ home visiting program
Ç Resource library
Ç Parent workshops, Family Fun Nights and other family activities throughout the year
Ç Thriving Institute presentations on topics such as “Helping Your Child with Anxiety,” taught by community experts
Ç Partnership Project: A home visiting program that provides a support network to young families with children under 5. Services are free and plans are individualized to fit the needs of each family.
The
Orchid Club
Just like an orchid, children with special needs are unique and complex in their own way. They need extra love and attention to help them flourish. The vision of the Orchid Club is that every family raising a child with special needs will feel supported, empowered and connected to others sharing the joys and struggles of this unique journey. Through play groups, community events and educational opportunities, the goal of The Orchid Club is that you know you are not alone and there is joy to be found. For more information visit www. orchidclubmt.org.
YMCA Child Watch
As a benefit to Gallatin Valley YMCA members, the Child Watch program provides on-site childcare for children 6 weeks to 11 years during a member’s visit to the facility. The goal is to provide a positive and fun experience for children in a safe and secure environment. Staff are CPR/ First-Aid Certified, receive a background check and regular training to ensure the safety of the children.
HELENA
Helena New Parent Group
Instagram: @helenanewparentgroup
This group connects and supports new parents in Helena.
Lewis & Clark Public Library
Ç Books & Babies
Storytime is a valuable component of early literacy that introduces children to books, music and play. Lewis & Clark Library offers free storytimes for children of all ages and abilities throughout the county on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Area. There is a lap-sit storytime for babies who are not walking yet and their caregivers. Enjoy 20 minutes of gentle fun featuring songs, rhymes, bounces, finger plays and very short
stories. Bond with your baby during storytime and then stay for a 30 -minute open-play session to meet other caregivers and help your babies socialize. Siblings are welcome.
Ç Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Sign your child up to receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday. (www.imaginationlibrary.com/us/ affiliate/MTLEWISANDCLARK/)
MOMS Club of Helena
The MOMS Club of Helena offers a fun calendar that appeals to moms and kids of all ages. Members range in age from their early 20s to mid-40s, and kids run the gamut from prenatal to college. Activities are designed around what the moms want to do, so there is something for every mom, no matter how old her kids may be. Annual dues are $25 per mom, and nobody is turned away if they cannot pay. For questions and more information, visit www. momsclubofhelena.org.
Livingston
Blossom Mom Park County
See page 12 (www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com).
Livingston Park County Public Library
Enjoy year-round family-friendly activities including Books and Babies held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. For more information visit livingstonparkcountylibrary.blogspot.com or call 406-222-0862.
Pregnancy Pains Solved How to Tackle SI Joint Pain with Chiropractic Care
WRITTEN BY JULIE GRAVES
Pregnancy is a time of joy and transformation, but it can also come with unexpected challenges, such as sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. This pain, caused by changes to the pelvis and spine, can be managed effectively with chiropractic care, exercises and the right support. Let’s explore what makes SI joint pain unique, how to manage it and how the role of the SOT chiropractic technique and the Webster method can promote pelvic balance during pregnancy.
What is SI joint pain and how is it different from generalized back pain?
The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis and are critical for stability and movement. During pregnancy, hormonal changes loosen ligaments in preparation for delivery, which can sometimes lead to pain or instability.
Unlike general back pain, SI joint pain is typically felt as sharp, localized discomfort in the lower back and buttocks, often radiating into the thighs or groin. It tends to worsen with activities like standing, rolling in bed or climbing stairs. Other symptoms include grinding or clicking sensations in the pelvis and a feeling of instability.
SI joint instability is often associated with Category 2 (CAT 2) subluxations in the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) system. These subluxations result from ligament laxity and affect the interconnected relationship between the pelvis and other parts of the body. Interestingly, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are also linked to CAT 2 subluxations.
Pregnant women with SI joint pain may notice symptoms like jaw clicking, tension or discomfort. This connection stems from the body’s fascial and ligamentous systems, which integrate the head, neck and pelvis. Chiropractic adjustments targeting CAT 2 subluxations not only stabilize the SI joints but also alleviate TMJrelated discomfort.
How chiropractic care can help
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing SI joint pain. The Webster Technique is particularly beneficial during pregnancy, focusing on reducing sacral misalignment and balancing the pelvis. This technique helps alleviate SI joint pain while optimizing conditions for fetal positioning, which is especially useful for addressing breech presentations.
For women with CAT 2 subluxations, chiropractors may use pelvic blocking and gentle adjustments to correct imbalances in the pelvis. This holistic approach addresses not just the SI joint but also related issues, such as TMJ dysfunction and spinal alignment.
What can you do at home to help?
Along with chiropractic care, specific exercises and self-care strategies can help stabilize the SI joints and reduce discomfort.
Exercises to Strengthen and Stabilize:
Ç Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with knees bent. Slowly tilt your pelvis upward, flattening your back against the floor. Hold for five seconds and release. Repeat 10-15 times.
Ç Bridge Pose: While lying on your back, lift your hips toward the ceiling, engaging your glutes and core. Lower slowly and repeat 10-12 times.
Ç Clamshells: Lie on your side with knees bent. Lift your top knee while keeping your feet together. Perform 10-12 reps on each side.
Ç Bird Dog: On all fours, extend one arm and the opposite leg. Hold for a few seconds, then switch sides. Repeat eight-10 times.
What to Avoid:
Ç Asymmetrical Movements: Avoid activities like standing on one leg or crossing your legs while sitting.
Ç High-Impact Activities: Refrain from running, jumping or exercises that jar the joints.
Ç Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Alternate between sitting and standing, and use lumbar support pillows when sitting.
Embrace Relief and Wellness
SI joint pain doesn’t have to overshadow the joys of pregnancy. Through a combination of chiropractic care, targeted exercises and mindful self-care, you can manage discomfort and maintain mobility. The Webster Technique, combined with SOT chiropractic care, provides a powerful approach to stabilizing the pelvis and supporting overall well-being.
If you’re struggling with SI joint pain or preparing for a healthier pregnancy, consider consulting a chiropractor trained in prenatal care. With the right support, you can move through pregnancy with confidence and comfort.
Julie Graves, Doctor of Chiropractic.
Why Prenatal Massage?
WRITTEN BY DONNA MCDONALD
The structural changes in a woman’s body can be profound and some of the most radical in her lifetime. Here are some potential and likely changes to be aware of:
Ç Increased weight
Ç Postural changes
Ç Walking / gait changes
Ç Musculoskeletal changes
Ç Weakness and numbness in arms
Ç Enlarged breasts
Ç Hormonal changes that loosen connective tissue
Ç Low back and pelvic pain
Massage can relieve many of these aches and pains by addressing specific areas of discomfort and facilitating overall relaxation.
After prenatal massage, women often report that their back pain, pelvic pain and neck and shoulder pain are greatly diminished. You can expect better sleep for at least a day or two after massage as well.
Studies show that massage reduces stress and anxiety and improves mood. It can also help reduce complications during labor.
Perinatal massage (massage after labor and delivery) is beneficial for the whole body’s healing from carrying the baby, labor and delivery and can improve a new mother’s mood.
Interested in becoming a SPONSOR or VENDOR for our SPRING 2025 BABY EXPO? Follow us on social media or email us for more information babesinbozeman@gmail.com
Babes in Bozeman Baby Expo
Ages 3-7yr Old 9am - 3pm Monday - Thursday
Donna McDonald is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Donna’s Massage Bozeman. Donna has taken advanced prenatal and perinatal training to assist a better pregnancy and recovery from child bearing.
Looking for a fresh dance experience for your child?
Try our small classes with individualized attention and loving care for each precious student! Our students have acquired a love of dance and have gone on to professional careers with Royal Danish Ballet, Vienna State Opera, Texas Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, Compania National de Danza, Spain and other companies.
PHOTO BY ADP STUDIO
the EATING DISORDER CENTER
of
MONTANA
TRANSITIONS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TO BETTER SERVE MONTANANS
The Eating Disorder Center of Montana (EDCMT) is announcing its new status as a nonprofit organization to better serve the community and those seeking care in Montana.
EDCMT will continue to offer evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. Becoming a nonprofit organization will allow EDCMT to expand its services through initiatives to reduce financial barriers, provide specialized training to educate and advance eating disorder professionals and offer community outreach and educational programs to raise awareness.
“The love, care and dedication that we’ve poured into EDCMT will remain at the heart of everything we do,” said Jeni Gochin, EDCMT’s co-founder and clinical director. “This change will allow us to expand our impact and deepen the meaningful, purposeful work we’ve been doing for the past 11 years.”
EDCMT, which has been operating as a for-profit company since 2013, will continue offering eating disorder treatment in Bozeman, Missoula and virtually across the state. The treatment center offers specialized care for eating disorders at three different levels of care: outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment and a day treatment program, also known as partial hospitalization.
“EDCMT converting to a nonprofit is a natural next step to align the structure of our organization with the mission-driven work we’ve been dedicated to since day one,” shared Elysa White, EDCMT’s executive director. “We’ve witnessed the devastating impact financial barriers can have on someone’s ability to access care when they need it most, and it’s been heartbreaking. Becoming a nonprofit gives us the opportunity to remove those barriers and ensure more patients receive the care and support they so deeply deserve.”
As a nonprofit, the organization plans to expand its initiatives to reduce financial barriers to care, such as offering stipends to patients for ongoing expenses during treatment, reduced housing costs while in treatment away from home and assistance with high insurance deductibles. Other goals of the nonprofit include educating more Montana health care providers on eating disorders, as well as training more professionals in specific therapeutic modalities for both adults and adolescents.
In addition to providing evidence-based eating disorder treatment, EDCMT believes that education and community outreach are pillars of its nonprofit model. EDCMT will continue to offer free, educational presentations to schools, professional offices, medical facilities, community groups and more, as a way to prevent eating disorders and destigmatize mental health care.
White, who has been with EDCMT since 2022, will lead the organization as its executive director, alongside co-founders Gochin and Paige Reddan, its nutrition director, and the nonprofit’s new board of directors. Board members include Tanaya Carter, market president at First Western Trust; Floyd Khumalo, president and CEO of Medical Credentials Hub; board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Raven Lipmanson; Bozeman business coach Karen Lum; and Bozeman therapist Warren Vaughan. EDCMT worked with Stillwater Strategy Partners to plan for the transition.
LOCAL PARENTS CRAFTING the FUTURE of Healthy Family Convenience
WRITTEN BY MOLLIE WALNUM
Over the past seven years in our quest to create the most delicious, healthy and convenient toaster waffle, we have been consistently asked, “What is an Unwaffle and what does the name mean?” Well, we know that to waffle is to be uncertain or lack confidence. While round, crispy and great with maple syrup, Unwaffle is made with no traditional ingredients and the result is a waffle unlike any other.
I met my husband Erik in culinary school and after a few years of working in world-class restaurants, he was asked if he would leave that life to cook privately for a family.
Fifteen years passed as he worked as a private chef for a couple of families, earning credentials in nutrition while competing as an endurance athlete along the way. Our first child was born with a severe allergy which forced us to shift our perspective on food. We celebrated her first birthday while packing to move from Washington, D.C. to Bozeman. Now she’s 9 and has two siblings. Our house is never quiet or witness to a dull moment.
Maybe like a few other parents, we wished for a better breakfast solution and a way of sneaking in wholesome foods to fuel our family at school, work and play.
Unwaffle has been an obsession of ours for the last seven years now. After getting so tired of his trusty breakfast of overnight oatmeal — the cold, soupy mixture of whole oats and crushed seeds, some cinnamon, a pinch of salt and drizzle of maple syrup — my husband Erik dropped a scoop from his Mason jar into a hot waffle iron and the idea was born.
After waffle number one was made, we transformed the whole ingredients that had been blended for the overnight oatmeal breakfast by milling them separately in a coffee grinder until each one was just right, yielding different textures of every ingredient,
nutrition intact. Thousands of iterations followed and were mixed and cooked in many types of waffle irons, and a history lesson ensued as we dug deep into the rabbit hole of how to make the world’s best-foryou toaster waffle.
What makes the world’s best-for-you toaster waffle? Well, we still mill some of our own ingredients but we’ve outgrown the coffee grinder. We are still using whole food ingredients that are cold-milled into whole food flours keeping the abundance of nutrition present in every bite. Unwaffle has the cleanest and fewest ingredients, the highest protein in the waffle category (from whole food sources, never highly processed isolates), the highest fiber, zero added sugars or processed sweeteners, long-lasting complex carbohydrates and an abundance of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Everything we make is gluten-free and safe from the top 14 food allergens.
After a few good years at local farmers markets and sharing with neighbors, Unwaffle began to build a following. Today, we still make each Unwaffle by hand from our Bozeman commercial production kitchen and source more than 60% of our ingredients from organic Montana farms.
Unwaffle is served to our local Montana community in cafes, coffee shops and grocery stores, as well as to the lower 48 states from our website.
A quick, healthy breakfast keeps us together each morning and helps us get out the door a little less stressed. We invite you to try Unwaffle from our website www.eatunwaffle.com. Please use the discount code MTLOCAL for special savings. We’d love to hear what you think!
Warm regards, Mollie Walnum
Mollie and Erik Walnum are also chef owners of Planted Kitchen.
BOZEMAN WINTER Farmers Market
SATURDAYS THROUGH MAY 31, 2025
The Bozeman community’s demand for a direct producer-to-consumer experience has grown, and so has the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market. You will find a lot more than traditional winter staples like potatoes and onions. Area farmers have worked hard to create a successful, thriving market with a bounty of local vegetables and farm products. The market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building #4.
Kids’ Yoga SIX WEEK SERIES
JANUARY 23-FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Help your child develop mindfulness and calming practices with Kids’ Yoga classes, taught by Deneen Pancari. Kids’ Yoga classes are for ages 5 to 12 and held at Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness on Thursdays, January 23 through February 27 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Participate in the six-week series or give a few classes a try (www.bit.ly/kidsyogabozeman)
Deneen is a trained yoga teacher with a special focus on mindfulness and yoga for children. Over the years, she has worked closely with children in various settings, including preschool teaching, summer camps and as a childcare provider.
Throughout her career she has developed a deep understanding of what children need as they navigate big emotions. Witnessing how children express frustration, sadness or even joy taught her the importance of creating environments where they feel safe, heard and supported.
Deneen strives to meet each child where they are emotionally and embrace exactly who they are as they arrive to class. Supporting children navigating big feelings involves active listening, validation and offering tools to help them self-regulate. One of the most effective ways to help is acknowledging and naming their feelings. For example, when a child cries because they miss their mom, Deneen might say, “It’s OK to feel sad. It is hard to miss your mom.” This acknowledgment validates their experience, models empathy and helps kids feel understood.
This is where mindfulness and yoga come in. Deneen’s classes are child-centered and include activities to support young nervous systems. The yoga component helps connect children with their bodies by stretching, balancing and making shapes. Breathing deeply teaches kiddos to understand that it is OK to slow down. Mindfulness encourages an awareness of the present moment, grounding us in the here and now. Meditation creates mental space, nurturing positivity and peace.
Together, these activities provide children with essential resources and skills to practice throughout their lives. Deneen creates a space of kindness where students can build relationships with one another, practice setting boundaries and have autonomy in expressing their wants and needs. “Having witnessed how this curriculum can strengthen and empower a child's mindset, offering classes in Bozeman brings me great joy,” said Deneen. “I look forward to working with the children in this series, watching them grow and providing them with tools that will last a lifetime.”
To register, visit www.bit.ly/kidsyogabozeman.
Webster
Gentle
Talking About Death
WRITTEN BY TAWNYA HEALY
Death is not simply an event; in many cases, it is a gradual process, much like birth. We all enter the world, and at some point, we will all exit it. Death is more intimate than sex, yet it remains a subject that many avoid. Bring it up with friends and observe the reactions. Death is a natural part of life, it isn’t broken and it doesn’t need to be fixed. It is inherent for us all.
Mountains of Courage is a nonprofit organization fostering meaningful conversations about death and dying. Since 2010, they have created safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss end-of-life care, hospice and the deeply human experiences surrounding our final days.
Their mission is simple but vital: To connect, educate and empower our community on matters related to death and dying.
Mountains of Courage has sparked essential conversations about a subject many find difficult to discuss. Inspired by a story about the high cost of extending a dying person’s life, often with little quality, Dr. Susan Kreitzberg set out to make a difference. She created an event where individuals—whether caregivers, professionals or members of the general public—could explore the practicalities, emotions, myths and cultural practices surrounding end-of-life experiences.
Through experienced presenters and personal connections, they create a supportive environment where no topic is taboo. The sessions empower participants to ask questions, share stories and explore their beliefs and fears, ultimately transforming what can be a traumatic process into one of understanding and peace.
In America, 60-70% of people do not put their personal affairs in order before they die. While most wish to pass at home, the
2025 Mountains of Courage Conference
Saturday, March 29 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, Bozeman, MT
Online at
majority will spend their final days in hospitals or nursing facilities, often without the informed, compassionate conversations they desire; and often because they have not had the critical conversations necessary to ensure their wishes are honored. Mountains of Courage addresses this silence.
This year’s keynote speaker, palliative care specialist and telemedicine pioneer Michael Fratkin, MD, FAAHPM, of northern California will present: Humility and Healing: How Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Address Demoralization in Palliative and End of Life Care. Local, Lorca Smetana, will present Where Grief Wants to Meet Us - Resilience for Humans, and globally-renowned Death Doula Suzanne O’Brien, R.N. will discuss her new book, The Good Death
Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Bozeman, MT, or watch with your loved ones online. You can purchase tickets, donate or sponsor the event at: www.mountainsofcourage. org. Credit hours will be available.
Tawnya Healy is a Death Midwife, Sacred Circle Practitioner, Mountains of Courage President and Owner of Sacred Maven. She has been working on end-of-life matters since 2018 and focuses on energy work and plants for processing and integration. Her work will expand into kid’s retreats in 2025 where kids will sleep in a yurt, do introspective work, sip cacao, participate in a song circle and connect with nature. Tawnya loves to adventure with her wonderful 11-year-old son.
Memorial Park Ice Rink
2025 Events
The Memorial Park Ice Rink, located at 5 Memorial Dr., is a cozy place to rent skates, enjoy a hot chocolate and iceskate under the twinkling lights. The ice rink hours are always weather dependent, so call the ice-line 406-443-8774 or check Facebook for current conditions.
Ç JANUARY 4: NEON NIGHT, FREE GLOWSTICKS, 4-8 P.M.
Ç JANUARY 20: MLK JR. DAY, OPEN 11 A.M.-8 P.M.
Ç JANUARY 27: DISNEY’S FROZEN -THEMED SKATE, 11 A.M.-8 P.M.
Ç FEBRUARY 7: 90’S-THEMED SKATE PARTY, 4-8 P.M.
Ç FEBRUARY 14: EVERYONE GETS A VALENTINE
Ç FEBRUARY 17: PRESIDENTS' DAY, OPEN 11 A.M.-8 P.M.
Helena
Symphony Kids
The Billy Goats Gruff
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
Created for children ages 5-10, this imaginative 30-minute performance with narration and actors introduces children to the world of music and instruments, and imparts life lessons through interactive stories. The Billy Goats Gruff will be held on February 1, at 10 a.m. at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. Following the concert, children are invited to try instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo (sponsored by Piccolo’s Music).
Helena Civic Center
Upcoming Events
To purchase tickets, visit www.helenaciviccenter.com, call 406-447-8481 or in-person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Civic Center Box Office.
Ç NIGHT TO SHINE HIGH SCHOOL
TALENT SHOWCASE, FEBRUARY 18, 2025
Ç PRINCESS TEA, MARCH 9, 2025
Free Ski Day / Try-It Biathlon
JANUARY 11, 2025
Through National Winter Trails Day, no trail pass will be required for the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone on Saturday, January 11 for the Free Ski Day / Try-It Biathlon.
Ways to Encourage Creativity
Indoor and Outdoor Winter Art Projects
WRITTEN BY KATIE DOLEN | PHOTOS KATIE DOLEN, STATE OF PLAY & BARBARA RUCCI, ART BAR
Before opening State of Play, founders Katie Dolen and Kama Werner considered the following questions when designing their atelier, or art studio, inside the play space: Will our studio be joyful or intimidating? Will parents feel comfortable or fearful? Will being messy be inspiring or limiting?
“I don’t have a creative bone in my body. I would never think to put out materials like this.”
Once they opened the space, they heard a variety of comments coming from the art studio. One parent said, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.” Another said, “I would never think to put out materials like this.” It occurred to Katie and Kama that they needed to help undo any stress that parents might be holding onto from their own early art experiences that might be clouded with judgment or fear.
Making art can be intimidating for some, and when art and kids mix, questions for non-art educators can include: What materials are safe to use with young kids? I’ve got white carpet; how and where do I set up an art project?! How can I purchase art materials on a budget?
Modeling for parents how accessible and approachable art with children can be is one of the many things that sets State of Play apart from other play or art spaces. “If we can help parents and caregivers soften any judgment they put on themselves, then we’re doing our part to slightly shift their comfort level of offering art experiences with children. Leaning into acceptance for mistakes, letting go of proper technique and simply offering materials to see what happens are all freeing ways to participate in art making,” Dolen says. When you visit State of Play’s play and art space, there’s always an educator in the art studio to make you feel at ease, providing a “place of YES” to all who enter.
How do the educators at State of Play come up with ideas for art projects? They look to their years of experience finding projects that are easy and inexpensive. They also love looking at resources written by fellow art educators such as Art Workshop for Children by Barbara Rucci and Wonder Art Workshop by Sally Haughey.
Here are a few easy art projects for children ages 3 and up that are sure to bring you joy on those cold and gray winter days.
Wooden Mini Me’s and Milk Carton Houses
Purchase wooden peg people from a local craft store, add two eyes and a mouth with a Sharpie. Offer liquid glue and a variety of materials such as scrap pieces of fabric, yarn, feathers and ribbon. Invite your child to decorate their mini version of themselves.
Gather an empty cardboard milk carton, paint the carton white first. Once dry, choose bright colors to paint designs on the outside. Add black sharpie for details such as windows. Cut out a door and now you have a home for your Mini Me!
Watercolor Lacing Cards
Cut out a cardboard circle and have your child paint it using watercolors. Punch holes around the edge of the circle and offer yarn tied onto a plastic needle. Have your child lace the yarn in and out around the edge of the circle.
Want to bring art outside this winter?
Fill up an empty spray bottle with a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolor paint and water. Spray the snow and add little animals for play and art fun. Or, head to a thrift store to pick up used kitchen items. Spray the snow with colored watercolor and make magic stew or cookies in the snow.
Again, if you’re feeling nervous about setting up an art project for your child, give yourself a pat on the back and remember that your child isn’t judging you… they are having a blast!
Katie Dolen is the co-founder of State of Play in Bozeman.
How to enter:
Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook and Instagram page starting January 1.
1. Like the post and Tag one friend
2. Follow Montana Parent magazine on Facebook and Intagram (if you don't already!)
3. Follow The First Years on Facebook and Instagram too!
Winner will be chosen at random and announced February 1. Must be 18 years of age to enter. Enter for a
win a Sure
Reclining
The First Years Sure Comfort 4-in-1 Reclining Bathtub is like a mini lounger that your baby can relax in…and you can relax about using. The ingenious recline adjusts in just seconds with an intuitive design that easily grows with your baby through four different stages.
To learn more about The First Years, visit: https://us.thefirstyears.com
Ask Flora
WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK
In this column, you can ask your questions about parenting kids from ages 2 to 10 to Flora McCormick, Licensed Counselor & Parenting Coach.
Q. I have a 1-year-old who is starting to be really challenging. He throws things, screams a lot and seems to always want to do what I JUST told him not to do. It seems too early to start time-outs or anything like that. What can I do?
A. The good news is discipline can start at a very young age. In fact, the very word discipline means “to teach,” so, of course, we are teaching our children in many ways, even as babies. Ten-to-12 months is often when our children start to be wonderful little scientists, with several lagging skills (see explanations below).
1. As “little scientists,” our kids are constantly testing rules and boundaries to see what happens when they do. Also, they are experimenting with weight, sound, taste and touch in almost every way imaginable. That’s how their brains are primed to learn. The more we can reframe their behavior as exploring and experimenting, instead of being bad, we will respond to these challenges as teachable moments.
2. Having lagging skills means toddlers have skills that are not-yetdeveloped. These skills include how to communicate their needs, how to manage their emotions and how to effectively have power and control in the world.
To help young children in both of these areas, we’ll want to establish kind and firm boundaries alongside strategies to redirect curiosities and build their lagging skills.
What does this tangibly look like with a 1-year-old?
Ways to start disciplining your young child effectively:
1. Distract and Redirect
The key is to focus on what he CAN do, instead of talking about what he can’t do.
Examples:
» When your child wants to throw a harmful object, replace the item with pompoms, a balloon or a squishy ball, saying, “This is what we can throw.”
» When he is stuck on something in the house he can’t have, redirect toward something he can play with. The more enthusiasm you show for the appropriate object/activity, the more likely he will follow.
For example, when he wants to have the remote, say “Look at this cool shaker over here,” instead of, “No. I told you, you can’t have that remote!”
2. Use Sign Language to help them communicate their needs “Help,” “More,” “Please” and “All done” were the foundation signs we used with our kids between eight and 18 months.
When you notice your child trying to communicate something, give them the sign as a replacement for screaming or resisting. (www.tinysigns.com/ baby-sign-language-tips/) Help the child learn the sign by taking their hands and making the sign motion.
3. Offer Choices to Foster Independence
At this stage, toddlers are developing their sense of autonomy, and they often test limits as they explore their independence. Offering simple, ageappropriate choices can empower your child and reduce power struggles. Keep in mind that these choices should feel manageable and safe.
For example:
» “Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt today?”
» “Would you like to play with the blocks or the stacking cups?” By giving your child control over small decisions, you help them feel respected and capable, while also guiding them toward appropriate behavior.
Conclusion
Disciplining a 1-year-old can be challenging, but it’s also a time of tremendous growth and learning. By understanding that your child is exploring boundaries, working with lagging skills and developing autonomy, you can respond with patience, kindness and clear guidance. Focus on teaching moments, redirecting unwanted behavior and offering simple choices to empower your child. With these strategies you’re not only addressing current challenges, but also helping your little one build the skills they need to thrive. Consistency and a calm approach will go a long way in fostering a positive relationship and setting a strong foundation for future learning and growth.
To get more sanity-saving strategies for parenting young kids, join Flora’s Free Facebook Group: Sustainable Parenting. Questions for the next issue or wins/questions from this issue can be submitted to contactflora@ gmail.com. A special thank you to those who submit monthly questions.
JAN 2025
ENTER TO win One of Two Book Bundles! Includes both books in the series and a tote!
How to enter:
Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook and Instagram page starting January 1.
1. Like the post and Tag one friend
2. Follow Montana Parent magazine on Facebook and Intagram (if you don't already!)
3. Follow Cara Pinder on Facebook and Instagram too!
Other info:
Enter for a chance to win a Book Bundle and Tote
Cara Pinder is back with another epic Tooth Fairy adventure!
Includes The Tooth Fairy’s Stars AND The Tooth Fairy’s Stars - The Missing Tooth AND a Tote bag!
Cara is raising two children with her husband in Montana where she is surrounded by her loved ones and her yellow lab, Agei.
Winner will be chosen at random and announced February 1. Must be 18 years of age to enter.
To learn more about Cara and her books, visit: www.carapinder.com
SCRAPES HAPPEN.
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