May 2021 | Mental Health

May 2021 | mtparent.com

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MENTAL HEALTH Maintaining Maternal Mental Health 12

Confessions of a Widowed Solo Parent 14 Where Do We Go From Here? 16 So Yeah, I have a Mom Bod...Or Had! 17 Eight Basic Needs to Help Manage Stress 18 New Wellness Trail in Bozeman 20 Reading Aloud Benefits the Whole Family 21 Teen Addiction 22 Vital Remedies for Balanced Health 24 Helping Children Find Hope and Joy Through Stuggle 25 Mother’s Day in Quarantine 26

Summer 2021 Camp and Activity Guide

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What’s Up? Montana 2021 Big Sky Country State Fair 42 Thrive Announces Capital Campaign 42 Random Acts of Silliness Summer of Magic 43

Columns Zoey’s Recipes for Success 44 Keeping it Real 46 6

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Recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, May is dedicated to raising awareness surrounding the issues of mental and behavioral health. The idea is to reduce the stigma around these issues, and to acknowledge the struggles of those who suffer from various kinds of mental and behavioral health problems.

Here are a few sobering statistics from the Montana DPHHS:

» One in 10 Montana adults (nearly 84,000) report frequent mental distress with 14 or more days of poor mental or emotional health in a month.

» Suicide-related deaths in Montana are two times higher than the U.S. average.

» Nearly 64,000 Montana adults struggle with substance use disorder (SUD).

» Among Montana youth, 2.2% of high school students

reported having used methamphetamines during their lifetime.

» Opioids are the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in

Montana, accounting for 44% of all drug overdose deaths.

America’s Health Rankings notes that an estimated one in eight women experience postpartum depressive symptoms such as feeling sad, pessimistic or angry, crying more often, difficulty sleeping, feeling disconnected from the baby and worrying about hurting the baby.

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In 2017 Roots Family Collaborative (in cooperation with a number of community partnerships) published the inaugural Postpartum Resource Guide, highlighting providers in our community who have specific training with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and those who have experience working with parents in this stage. Read more about this valuable resource guide on page 12.

Considering the statistics, chances are that you know someone who may be struggling. If you, or someone you know needs help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. You are not alone. Crisis counselors are there to support you.

MONTANA Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE 1-800-784-2433 MONTANA Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-TALK 1-800-273-8255 Bozeman Help Center 24-hour Crisis Hotline 406-586-3333 Helena Suicide Hotline 406-443-5353 LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

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May is Maternal

MENTAL HEALTH Month :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM :: MAY 2021 11 PHOTO KELLY KUNTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

MENTAL HEALTH

Maintaining MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH WRITTEN BY SUZANNE BENDICK

With so much unsettling news and nearly constant overwhelming events plaguing us all the past year, it’s not surprising to find that conversations between parents have been emotional ones filled with a strong desire to have something to look forward to, something to count on and perhaps something that feels hopeful and light. We are all craving connection and some type of light at the end of the tunnel.

In my opinion, the month of May is quite full of light.

Not only is May Mental Health Awareness Month, it is also Maternal Mental Health Month, with May 5th being celebrated by many organizations across the globe as World Maternal Mental Health Day. On top of that, we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 9th. So, to all the mamas (and those who love the mamas) out there, let’s use this incredible collective energy to help fill our buckets, knowing that moms matter – in a BIG way.

For the entire month, organizations dedicated to maternal mental health are celebrating mothers and will be hosting events and sharing social media campaigns to shine a very bright light on the importance of taking care of mothers.

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I often tell people that I think taking care of moms and, of course, their families, is the keystone for a healthy community. If it slips, is disconnected, unavailable or not integrated appropriately, there is a ripple effect – a big one. Through my personal and professional experience, motherhood is the most demanding, rewarding and soul-opening (at times crushing) experience on the planet.

In the spring of 2016, our community was rocked by tragedy as a local mother took the life of her infant son, her husband and herself.

While no one truly knows what happened that day, evidence indicated that postpartum distress was a factor. At that time, there were many resources available in our community, and various agencies were working on supporting maternal mental health in some capacity, but we now know that the best way to serve mothers and families during postpartum and other challenging times is to connect them with the right resources at the right time.

Hence the Postpartum Resource Guide. Roots Family Collaborative, along with community support and partnerships*, put together a comprehensive, well-vetted, widely distributed and beautifully designed guide focusing on

perinatal mental health, giving mothers and the providers who serve them the confidence to actually use it.

It was, and still is, important that this guide highlights those in our community who have specific training with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as those who have experience working with parents in this stage, reflecting a multifaceted approach to each individual’s wellness, while also bringing this feeling of collective support for mothers to our community.

Mothers need to know from the very first moment they even think about growing a family that they will be supported every step of the way – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually during one of life’s most incredible transformations. As much as we hope for grace and ease, it is common for this journey to bring with it many unforeseen challenges such as infertility, loss, anxiety, depression and unrealistic expectations about bodies, identities, relationships and careers, to name a few, coupled with an individual’s life experience, which – for many – includes trauma and adversity. We know, on an intellectual level, the importance and long-term significance of caring

for mothers, yet still there are many barriers that exist for moms to get the support they need, with a big one still being the stigma of asking for help.

Thanks to so many incredible partnerships every year for the last five years, this resource guide has evolved along with our community. It has been a beautiful dance of meeting the needs of our growing valley and the number of providers who have come to use this as a trusted referral tool.

Both providers and parents look forward to its release each January as it not only represents a commitment to addressing the shifting perinatal mental health landscape on a community level, but it breaks down the stigma and normalizes reaching out for help to all families in this unique developmental stage.

Although the guide has changed its name from the Postpartum Resource Guide to the Roots Wellness Guide and finally, now, to the Roots Perinatal Guide, it has always been a jumping off point – a conversation starter between a mother and her provider, a mother and her partner or trusted friend and, most importantly, a mother and herself, hopefully recognizing that she is not alone and worthy of care, which exists for her in our community on so many levels.

We encourage you all to help us keep the light shining brightly, not just in May, but throughout the year, knowing that caring for mothers and families is essential to creating a safe and healthy community. Happy Mother’s Month!

Look for the Roots Perinatal Guide in your provider’s office or online on our website:

https://www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/resources.html or direct link at https://indd.adobe.com/view/a66d7218-0c7c44fa-a2f0-c7cb71e5cba2. *The mission at Roots Family Collaborative is to connect families to the support they need from pregnancy to parenthood. In January 2017, Roots, Blossom Mom (their support group), some of the first members of The Maternal Mental Health Collective (now known as the Moms Like Me Planning Committee), with inspiration from Melissa Bangs from Missoula, and support from other perinatal professionals in the community, the first ever Postpartum Resource Guide was compiled and printed in partnership with Montana Parent.

YOU A RE NOT A LONE The Gallatin Valley has many professional resources to help local families on their journey to parenthood. With this guide, new parents and providers will be able to connect the dots of support in our community.

The 2021 Roots Family Collaborative Perinatal Guide is always available online at mtparent.com

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Suzanne Bendick is the Founder and current Program Director at Roots Family Collaborative. She wears a lot of different hats in her work as she quietly nurtures, encourages and assists families as they transition from pregnancy to parenthood. When she’s not listening to another mother tell her story or dreaming of a future program idea, you can find Suzanne breathing in some fresh air on the trails around town.

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I have not been a parent very long. But I have learned some things about solo parenting along the way, and I am certain I still have a lot to learn. My personal experience is as a bereaved widow, so I can only speak to single parenting as a result of death. I recognize that parenting solo because of an inactive parent has its own hurdles and triggers.

MENTAL HEALTH

CONFESSIONS OF A

WIDOWED SOLO PARENT WRITTEN BY ALEXIS BRILL

I would like to start with acknowledging my gratitude for the opportunity to write this article for the Mental Health issue of Montana Parent magazine. What an important topic; it is a real honor to be able to contribute.

Solo parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is exhausting, lonely and constant.

On hard days, you’re parenting alone and, on good days, you’re still parenting alone. You ache for help, and you ache because you’re alone within the vulnerability of it all. The tender moments are like a double-sided mirror: One side is so sweet and precious, seeing or hearing your child do something that amazes you; and the other is so sad because you are the only parent there to experience it. You are the sole decision maker for hard, easy – all – decisions.

And the weight of every choice is heavy. Being the “breadwinner” is very heavy. You are the only parent at parent-teacher conferences. You do drop-off and pick-up, every day of every week. There are no sick days. There is no such thing as, “Honey, you get up with her, let me sleep in for a bit,” or, “I’m not feeling well, can you watch her today?” Solo parents don’t have the luxury of falling back on the other parent when the going gets rough. You are “on” all the time. Try travelling as a solo parent, especially with a young child. It can feel impossible. I recently flew with my 2-year-old daughter and it reminded me why we don’t go anywhere these days.

Solo parenting is not co-parenting. I am not a single parent. I did not divorce my husband. I am a solo parent because I lost my husband. He died. I am the only parent in my child’s life. My husband (and my daughter’s father), Andrew, died in July 2019 from colon cancer, at age 39, when our daughter Melanie was 6 months old.

In an instant, my life changed forever, and my person was gone. I was breastfeeding, working, 14

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caretaking my husband and adjusting to life as a new mom. And then he was gone.

He became very sick when our daughter was an infant, after a six-year journey with cancer. It had spread to his lungs before we got pregnant, and once she was born, the cancer became ruthless. He wanted so much to be here with us. We tried it all over the years, and he held on with everything he had, until the cancer took over. Seven months after my husband died, COVID-19 came into our lives. While the world was reeling from this pandemic, I was still very much in the early days of grief, lost at sea. Two months after that, my dad was dying of prostate cancer, and his end-of-life was very similar to Andrew’s. Reliving that experience and losing another important and close person in my life felt surreal. Time simply stopped.

The trauma and the grief, and the heavy fog I lived in, was just too much some days. At age 35, I discovered the hollow raw hole that is young widowhood. Only now, nearly two years later, do I feel like I have my feet planted on the ground again. But, trust me, some days I find myself still searching to find it beneath me.

This life is a rollercoaster. And I have shown up for my daughter despite that life-shaking pain.

I have loved her beyond words since she was in my womb, and loved her even more when I first laid eyes on her. She is everything I have ever wanted. She is my world. I look at her, her innocence, the sparkle in her eyes, the warmest smile on her face and I see pure love. I see my husband, our past and our love story. She is our legacy. She is the ultimate gift of our love story. She is the best gift he gave me, and I have enough love for her for two parents. Being a good mom and showing her a good life is my biggest priority. And the best way I can honor Andrew’s life.

I am sure many divorced or co-parenting parents can relate to this: As I write this, on a trip with Andrew’s family and my daughter, I look around us at our hotel, and all I see are nuclear families. Doting moms and dads with their children. We’re at the pool and I overhear, “Go down the waterslide with dad!” and children yelling “Daddy, daddy!” Couples all around us. My heart aches and I internally wince at all the various triggers around me. These are things I would not have noticed before. You have such a heightened awareness as a solo parent. I underestimated the level of anxiety and fear that would come with solo parenting.

I sometimes lose sleep because of my anxious thoughts.

With so much uncertainty, it being just Melanie and me, I’ve adopted some coping strategies I’d like to share.

Build your tribe: This was especially obvious to me during the pandemic, when my daughter’s day care was closed, and we were on our own.

Know who is in your tribe when you need help, whether it’s child care, an errand run, groceries or dinner delivered. Maybe you just need to take a shower or need someone to hang out with your kid so you can take a break. Or maybe you need someone to call so you can cry, scream or have a laugh. You cannot possibly do everything on your own, and don’t try. It leads to burnout and, in my experience, emotional turmoil.

I keep a list in my phone of who to call for very specific needs. Please include a great therapist as a part of your tribe, because you need an outlet and talking with someone about the difficulties of solo parenting is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and be specific: People want to help you, but it is your responsibility to reach out and ask, whether you like it or not. That can be a tough pill to swallow sometimes. But think about what it is you need, and ask for it. It also helps when the annoying prompt comes up: “Let me know if there is anything I can do?” Well, actually, I would really appreciate a meal, you can say. You will know how to respond to this because you have given thought to what is helpful and needed. I

have been pleasantly surprised by how willing people are to help with certain things. Having time to cook dinner is a tough one for me. I have learned the hard way (after a screamfest ensued as I scrambled to make macaroni and cheese after day care) that I need to have dinner on the table and ready by the time I pick up her up. I now have her meal ready by 5 p.m.

My in-laws never hesitate to drop groceries off when I can’t make it to the store and, after I asked, they brought meals regularly during the COVID shutdown. I have a close friend who has sushi delivered regularly because she knows how much I struggle during busy weeks to have dinner ready.

Adjust your expectations: As I stated earlier, you can’t do it all. I have really had to adjust my expectations as I am a natural “doer” who takes things on, filling my plate with overcommits, a stacked list and packed schedule. Solo parenting has really turned my world upside down in this way. I have had to drastically change my expectations of what I can get done in a day, a week or a month.

I have also had to adjust my expectations of what life looks like. I remind myself it won’t always look like this. And that’s OK. My husband used to often say, “People overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10.” I think of this often. It is one of several wise nuggets he left me.

Have a Mantra: I have a few. I self-soothe using internal mantras when things heat up and life gets intense. When solo parenting is especially challenging, usually on days when Melanie is extra crabby, one of my go-tos (learned from a parenting class) is “Bigger, Stronger, Wiser,” remembering that I am the bigger person, stronger and wiser. I am the parent and it is my responsibility to show up for her in a bigger, stronger, wiser way. I also have a few other regulars: “It’s OK, and it will be OK.” Or, “I’ve got this.” Simple things I can tell myself internally to carry on easier. I also have a strong belief that it won’t always be this hard. Life is hard now, but it won’t always be this hard. I believe in validating myself and my experience, while also soothing myself with positive reassurance and hope for the future.

Plan Ahead: This has been trial and error, but I’ve learned that planning ahead is huge. For me, holidays, our wedding anniversary and Andrew’s “death-iversary” are especially hard times. I know now that the days leading up to these milestone dates are harder than the actual days themselves (for me personally, not for everyone). So, I plan accordingly. The

week before the day he died, for example, I know I need extra help with Melanie and extra self-support. I lean heavily on my mom during times like this. My sweet mom came up for my birthday last year and spent it with Melanie and me. The week that Andrew died just so happens to also be the week of my birthday, and I have learned to plan that week with extra, extra care and intention. Holidays I also plan with extra thoughtfulness. Know when support is needed and plan ahead. Carve out hard days with intention and know who you want to be around on those days (and also who you may need space from). Plan ahead for your child’s birthday and special milestones. Holidays as a solo parent are tough, so make sure you have the right people around you.

Talk about it with your child: Educate your child about solo parenting through story and discussion. This will look different depending on the age of your child(ren), of course. My daughter is not yet aware of her dad being gone in the way that older children are. But I believe she has body memories of him, and she had her own reaction to his death. She didn’t sleep well for weeks after her daddy died. She is very attached to the bunny that a friend gave her when he was dying, it’s her personal security blanket that we take everywhere we go. She also has a heightened need for knowing where loved ones are. When we are with close family, for example, she needs to know where each grandparent and auntie is in the room. I really look forward to when she will begin to ask questions about her dad and we can talk more about him together. Words like “passed away” or “gone to sleep” can cause fear and confusion with children, so I will use “died” and “dead,” even though it may feel harsh. For now, I often integrate daddy into our talks (and will continue to in the future as well), and we look at photos and videos of him. I can imagine this might feel very different for parents who are divorced or estranged, but I also believe it’s important to talk to your children about their parents, so they have a better sense of identity and the whole picture. It can help with self-esteem.

Talk about their other parent, and try to answer their questions in a positive and helpful way.

Be willing to listen without interruption. Know that they may not be ready or willing to express themselves. Talking with a counselor could be a great way for them to open up. Offer them reassurance, and respect their emotions around the loss of their parent and reassure them they are safe.

Make time for you: I know this is a tricky one, but it’s oh-so-very important. Whatever it is that brings you joy and helps you cope, make time for it and make it a priority. Exercise,

therapy, alone time, friends, reading, cooking, getting fresh air in nature, a splurgy spa day – whatever it is, schedule it in the best you can.

Even in little chunks of time. It will pay large dividends and help you be a better parent.

Breathe and remember to laugh: Parenting is hard. Solo parenting is that much harder.

Lots of deep breaths. This is another one of my internal mantras. I remind myself to breathe. I also help my daughter to deep-breathe when she’s upset (“Smell the flowers and blow out the candles”). Breathe through it and remember to laugh. Being playful and finding humor helps me to move through each day.

I was listening to a solo parenting podcast one day and the woman said it’s easier to be a solo parent because you have one less relationship to maintain (the relationship with your spouse or partner), and you get to be in control when parenting alone. I understand her good intentions in saying this and I appreciate the silver lining outlook, but I disagree with her perspective. I also don’t want to compare.

Parenting is hard, all around. But I would give anything to have my husband back. To be able to have the privilege of seeing him interact with our daughter. I can’t even put into words how much I ache for and desire that. To be able to hear her call out, “Daddy!” and be in the presence of both of them together, I cannot imagine a greater gift. I only got six months of them being together, and she was an infant. My husband is buried underground and we have this beautiful, thriving, innocent growing toddler that we created. It’s a pain I carry with me and will for the rest of my life. I read once that becoming a young widow is learning to live with a massive hole in your heart. Just like becoming a parent is knowing that your heart is outside of your body. I am learning to live with the hole in my heart, and I am learning to live as a solo parent. I trust it won’t always feel this hard. I also know it will always feel hard throughout my entire life. But I trust it won’t always be this raw, this intense.

If you are a solo parent and you want to connect, please email me at brillalexis@gmail. com. I would love to hear from you.

I leave you with a quote that speaks to me during this time in my life: “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” ~ Ernest Hemingway Carry on, my fellow solo parents. Carry on.

With love, Alexis

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MENTAL HEALTH

Where Do We Go From Here?

WRITTEN BY LORI JO BERG

“I don’t want to share my toys with my friends, mama. I’ll get COVID from the germs and get sick. I could die.”

Whoa. That statement hit me hard coming from my 5-year-old kindergartener on our way to an outdoor playdate.

The worst part? I didn’t have a response. Not a single one. Every time I opened my mouth to say something, it didn’t sound quite right or good enough.

If you’re anything like me, you might feel like we’re living in limbo. Obviously, the pandemic is still rearing its ugly head, but glimpses of normal life are also appearing. Navigating between the two is tough.

So, where do we go from here?

My daughter’s statement still warrants a conversation as I ask myself the same question.

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Do I take a deep dive into germs and let her know not all germs are bad? This seems like a poor response after everything they go through at school NOT to come into contact with any germs at all. Do I reassure her it’s OK not to share in a time like this? Navigating the death topic on top of it all is never easy and is especially tough right now.

Much like all things parenting, the questions come easily and the answers do not.

I’ve seen COVID-related issues (in kids and parents) ranging from fear of germs and noise to pure anxiety at the thought of leaving the house. I personally know a family who’s three preschoolers cry at the sight of someone other than mom or dad. After months of isolation, my 7-year-old is a different kid who now struggles with seemingly anything social.

So, again: Where do we go from here?

After much thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that we’re going to have to fight and work hard every single day to retrieve what has been lost – whatever that may be for you and your family.

If it’s a fear of socializing, start small and keep at it. If it’s a fear of germs, find that healthy balance and identify a few good germs (i.e., playing in the dirt). If it’s a child who is behind at school, seek out help. Maybe it’s a tutor, a grandparent or a weekly summer reading group at the library.

I like to think of it as adding one small drop into the bucket every day, in hopes of filling it up over time.

And let’s not forget the positive things that have come out of this crazy time. Maybe your family hasn’t experienced ear infections, the common cold or the flu as they have in past years. Perhaps we all have a better awareness of how germs are spread and have become better at keeping our hands away from our faces. Maybe it’s something as small as your school-aged child not sucking their thumb or finger anymore with all that maskwearing. And how about the major upgrade on the cleanliness of public places?

Can your kids help you identify any other positive takeaways?

I don’t think anyone can tell us where we go from here, exactly. But I do know that we all have it within ourselves to adapt, learn and move forward.

As for me, I think I’ll start by asking my daughter a few questions and letting her take the lead on this one.

Lori Jo is a Montana native, mother of three, and freelance writer who enjoys writing about the tougher side of life and connecting with her audience on a deeper level.

MENTAL HEALTH

So, Yeah, I have a Mom Bod... Or Had! WRITTEN BY CORA DESANTIS | PHOTOS COURTESY TRUE SPIRIT CROSSFIT

So, yeah, I have a mom bod. Three kids in five years while working full time or more left me exhausted and too tired to manage much more than dog walks. And the weight piled on, naturally, as that’s what birthing babies does to us. At my heaviest, during my third pregnancy, I was up to 235 pounds. When the kids got a little older, I started working out more with some aerobics and fitness classes, even instructing – but the weight still lingered. No matter how I hard I exercised, the baby fat/kangaroo pouch was still there.

This year, at age 47, I joined True Spirit Crossfit and Yoga. After 20 years as a parent, it was time to lay my excuses aside. True Spirit owner and head coach Leslie Allen were a breakthrough for me. I started doing more strength training and following nutrition guidance from Audi Butler. I had a rough start; I’m not going to lie. I had three surgeries in 2020, one knee and both wrists. So, I had a lot of physical therapy and a strong fear of re-injury. My knee repair didn’t take, but I have still been able to do Crossfit and have gotten stronger and increased my range of motion. Crossfit has been my physical therapy replacement and I’ve seen big gains. The best thing I can do for my knee is to keep the weight off.

So, Crossfit: I thought that was for meatheads and the military. I was wrong. There is a great team atmosphere where we all work together to see measurable improvements in our strength and health. And True

Spirit is mostly women! Yes, there are barbells but Leslie held my hand the whole time – particularly with the injuries. I have learned new things like how to lift weights properly and do power lifting moves. I have built mental and physical toughness doing things I never thought I could.

The best part is the results. Small victories on the scale – I am currently at the lightest weight since having children 20 years ago even as I approach menopause. Only 12 pounds to go to that mark. But, more importantly, my BMI is down from 46 to 30 – a significant decrease from morbidly obese status. My clothes fit better than they have in a long time. And I feel great. I am headed to my 30th high school reunion this summer, and Leslie is helping me lose that last 12 pounds before then. Leslie’s got a plan and I believe her because she coached me through my own bad habits (mostly being consistent and my diet).

So, if this old cowgirl can do it, I know you can too. The decrease in fat around my midsection is making all the other kinds of things in life easier.

Hiking, yoga, paddling, all those things we live for and make us feel better.

Stay tuned in the coming months for more small victories, regular habits and MOM BOD SUCCESSES!

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

17

MENTAL HEALTH

Eight Basic Needs to

HELP MANAGE STRESS WRITTEN BY BECCA COVINGTON

Stress is something we all deal with on various levels. It can be caused externally or internally; it can be short-lived or feel never-ending.

We are more in control of our stress than we think.

I’ve struggled in my own life to ask for help, set and hold boundaries and even identify what I am feeling or thinking in a particular moment.

These struggles have inevitably led me into stressful situations or made seemingly normal situations more stressful than they needed to be.

Using yoga, attachment parenting techniques, mindfulness and other tools, I can better manage the stress in my life.

Less stress has meant more happiness and peace for me in each moment.

When I feel stress take over, it’s hard for me to:

» Help others with compassion » Slow down and find calm » Maintain a patience level of any kind » Think and speak clearly » Be present in the moment Losing these abilities doesn’t help me or the situation at hand and can create more stress.

With my first therapist years ago, I worked almost exclusively on two skills to help manage stress:

1. Being able to recognize when I started to become stressed or anxious

2. Asking for help and/or expressing my needs

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It might sound silly, but making breakfast for two used to ruin my mood and make my adrenaline kick in. During these many self-inflicted emotional breakfasts, I refused to ask my partner to help set the table or cut veggies when I felt I needed the help. Sometimes I would even get mad at him for not coming to my aid – because shouldn’t he just know I need assistance?!

As I practiced skill number one (admitting feelings of anxiety), I started to notice the physical signs associated with stress: my breath would leave, my mind would race, I would start moving too fast, often bumping into things or dropping things. A heightened awareness of my stress signals, along with some yoga techniques, became a new three-step ritual of mine to move toward peace and away from stress throughout the day.

Breathing into my belly engages my parasympathetic nervous system – our rest and digest system – the opposite of our fight or flight system. It signals to the kids around me that I am focusing on being calm but also having a feeling. It is very healthy for them to see me deal with my stress in a safe way too.

Once I have recognized my stress and am breathing into my belly, the third step is to begin progressive relaxation. This relaxation technique helps me release tension from one body part at a time. I’ve found the muscles around my face, neck, shoulders and upper back often tighten when I’m stressed. To relax, I ask my muscles/body parts to soften one by one. For example, “I relax my eyes; my eyes are relaxed. I relax my jaw; my jaw is relaxed.”

MY THREE-STEP STRESSRELEASING RITUAL

This is a learned skill that I like to practice every night as I fall asleep. The more I use this technique in non-stressful situations, the easier it is for me to call on it when I really need it.

Once I know I am stressed, anxious, feeling amped up, even detached or seeing another person as the problem, I CHOOSE to do things differently.

After becoming more aware of when/how/why I get stressed, I learned to practice skill number two – asking for help. This meant I had to figure out my needs first.

Sometimes I like to say out loud what I am feeling or have realized, such as, “I am stressed and feeling anxious and my head is spinning, so I am going to slow down and breathe.” It’s really powerful for the kids I work with (at Our Yoga) to see me take care of myself and model selfawareness and self-love.

Fortunately, in 2017 I took Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P), an attachment-parenting course that gives adults skills to create meaningful, trusting relationships with their children. Specifically, COS-P helped me recognize eight basic needs we all have and how to assist children with these needs.

The second step is to take three or more deep BELLY breaths. When I am stressed my breath changes; maybe it leaves all together or becomes shallow. So, if emotions and stress change my breath, my breath should be able to change my stress and emotions.

Once I started recognizing the needs in kids, I could see them in myself too and was able to slowly conquer asking for my own help. I also found that asking for help BEFORE I really need it is an easy way to avoid unnecessary stress.

So, what are the eight needs COS-P teaches?

1. Help me 2. Enjoy with me 3. Delight in me (when I am happy and relaxed)

4. Watch over me 5. Comfort 6. Organize my feelings 7. Protection 8. Delight in me (when I am sad and angry) These needs might seem obvious, but in reality, we often miss opportunities to meet these needs with those around us. Think about a time you needed someone just to comfort you, give you a hug and wipe your tears. But instead, they thought they’d give you advice and a better outlook would help.

This is just one example of a good intention gone awry. If both parties knew how to better recognize these needs in themselves and each other, maybe the path to comfort (or whichever need it is) would be easier.

These eight needs can be grouped in two broader categories for simplification: (#1-4) SUGGESTIONS and (#5-8) SUPPORT So, next time you need some help or feel like you might get stressed, ask yourself: Do I need suggestions or support/sympathy? Then go from there.

Same goes with kids. Take learning how to ride a bike, for example – all eight of the needs could come up. Maybe I’m offering verbal suggestions from a distance, but what my child needs that day is hands-on support to feel protected, safe and comfortable while figuring out how to peddle.

Once they get the hang of it, I can let go and make suggestions while watching over them, delighting in and helping from afar.

The more I’ve practiced discovering and meeting kids’ needs (suggestions or support) the easier it has been for me to notice and meet my own needs, which is pretty cool.

M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm | Starts June 14 Ages 3-5 and 6-11 • Sibling discounts available Join us for Ridge Kids Summer Camp where kids will have an active summer doing group fitness classes, gym play, swimming and play zone fun. Camp counselors and fitness instructors are trained and qualified to give your child a safe, exciting summer and will help build a foundation for a healthy and active life!

Sign up for the whole summer or individual days.

DAILY CAMP RATES:

Members $60 full day/$35 half day Non-Members $70 full day/$40 half day

WEEKLY SUMMER CAMP RATE:

Members $260 | Non-Members $310

Register on Schedulicty or call (406) 582-4452

Good luck with your stress, stressors and stress-release techniques. I hope you feel more confidence managing your stress each day by practicing moving toward peace, discovering the needs all around you and asking for help.

Becca Covington is a co-owner of Our Yoga, Yoga For The Whole Family, a yoga teacher, and a Circle of Security-Parenting Facilitator. She is focused on helping people feel safe and connected with each other and themselves.

4181 Fallon St., Bozeman, MT 59718 • (406) 586-1737 • ridgeathletic.com :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

19

GVLT and Bozeman Health to Begin Construction on MENTAL HEALTH

NEW WELLNESS TRAIL

Vicinity map of Wellness Trail

(406) 388-4988 mosaicrehabmt.com

The pandemic has reinforced what our community has always known to be true — trails are critically important infrastructure for an outdoor healthy life. Not only is walking outside on trails beneficial for physical health, including decreasing risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as strengthening bones and muscles, it has benefits for mental and emotional health as well. GVLT and Bozeman Health will begin construction this spring on a new Wellness Trail that will connect and improve access to existing trails within the Highland Glen Nature Preserve (a Bozeman Health property), nearby residential and commercial neighborhoods and the Gallatin Mental Health Center.

This new half-mile trail will provide a safe and critical connection to the existing 4.5 miles of trails within Highland Glen Nature Preserve for the more than 2,000 individuals who use the Gallatin Mental Health Center annually, as well as nearby affordable housing neighborhoods and businesses off Haggerty Lane. The new connector will allow participants from the Mental Health Center to access the trails directly from the health center campus rather than having to walk along Haggerty Lane and Ellis Street—a much longer, more trafficked and less peaceful route. GVLT worked with a number of private landowners, in addition to the health system and City of Bozeman, to clarify and establish trail easements along the trail corridor.

As we all know, a walk outside is nature’s best medicine. Bozeman Health is inspired by a desire to take active outdoor and healthy lifestyles and combine them with traditional

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MAY 2021

services including behavioral health to increase health and wellness in the region in a way that is accessible to all community members. In this spirit, Bozeman Health’s #OutdoorHealthyLife campaign encourages people throughout southwest Montana to take advantage of the benefits that spending time outside provides.

For years, GVLT has partnered with Bozeman Health and the Gallatin Mental Health Center on the Trails Prescription Program (TrailsRx), encouraging medical providers to write “prescriptions” for trail walks to their patients who need increased physical activity, social connection and fresh air. The TrailsRx materials are available to the community and medical providers free of charge, and are printed in both English and Spanish.

Bozeman Health’s support and financial contributions to both organizations were key to the launch of this project. The health system generously partnered with GVLT and the City of Bozeman Parks & Recreation Department in 2013 to allow for public access on their 450acre property. With the help of volunteers, GVLT designed and constructed the 4.5 miles of trails that exist today and connect with the larger Main Street to the Mountains trail system. The Bridger Ski Foundation grooms the trails in the Highland Glen Nature Preserve in the winter. The trails provide a welcome natural respite from the bustling Bozeman core. While the single-track trails are great for bike rides, trail runs and quiet walks, the community is encouraged to respect the existing agricultural use on the property and extensive wildlife by leashing their dogs, cleaning up dog waste and being courteous to other users.

MENTAL HEALTH

BOBCAT SUMMER BOBCAT YOUTHSUMMER CAMP BOBCAT SUMMER BOBCAT SUMMER YOUTH CAMP BOBCATBOBCAT SUMMER BOBCAT SUMMER BOBCAT SUMMER SUMMER CRAFTS SPORTS YOUTH CAMP YOUTH CAMP YOUTHYOUTH CAMP YOUTH CAMP YOUTH CAMP CAMP CRAFTS SPORTS

SWIMMI N G OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ACTIVE EXPLORATION SWIMMI SWIMMI N G SWIMMIN G SWIMMI N GG SWIMMI G SWIMMI NN GN

CRAFTS SPORTS CRAFTS SPORTS SWIMMI NG CRAFTSCRAFTS SPORTS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CRAFTS SPORTS CRAFTS SPORTS SPORTS

READING ALOUD Benefits the Whole Family

ACTIVE EXPLORATION OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE BOBCAT SUMMER OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE NINE ACTIVE EXPLORATION ACTIVE EXPLORATION YOUTH CAMP NINE ACTIVE EXPLORATION ACTIVE EXPLORATION ACTIVE EXPLORATION ACTIVE EXPLORATION WEEKLY SESSIONS

CRAFTS SPORTS WEEKLY

NINE NINE JUNE 15 - SESSIONS AUGUST 14 NINE NINE S WNINE IMMIN GNINE EIGHT JUNE 15 AUGUST 14 WEEKLY SESSIONS WEEKLY SESSIONS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Monday - Friday WEEKLY SESSIONS WEEKLY SESSIONS WEEKLY SESSIONS WEEKLY SESSIONS ACTIVE EXPLORATION Monday -- Friday JUNE 15AM AUGUST JUNE AUGUST 14 Among other things, reading aloud reduces Camp: - 3 PM JUNE 15NINE - AUGUST 14 JUNE 15 AUGUST 1414 JUNE -9--AUGUST JUNE 15 15 -15 AUGUST 1414

stress, teaches new words to express emotions,

WRITTEN BY INGRID LINDQUIST

Do you remember your favorite childhood book? Some of my favorites were The Giving Tree, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Where the Wild Things Are. If being read to as a kid did not make an impact on me, I would not be able to list those titles so effortlessly. However, being read to by my parents is one of the things I remember most fondly from my childhood.

I remember the soothing tone of my mom’s voice, the different voices my dad did for each character and the warm glow of our reading lamp blanketing me with feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Even during times of stress and tragedy, such as my parents’ divorce, being read to provided me with a feeling of consistency, security and love.

No matter what your family may or may not be going through, reading is a great way to bring you together, build trust and give your little ones a consistent sense of stability and safety.

Reading a story at bedtime, naptime or mealtime can help your child feel that the day has a predictable schedule, even in unpredictable times. The ritual of reading gives your kiddo something to look forward to each day, while also providing you with a nice activity to give your child undivided attention, making them feel reassured and safe. We all want our children to feel secure, and reading aloud is a tried-and-true way to help your family and little ones experience these comforting feelings.

Camp: 9 additional AM - Friday 3 PM Available for cost: WEEKLY SESSIONS Monday Monday - Friday

Monday - -Friday Friday Monday - Friday Monday Friday Monday -additional Monday -for Friday opens the door for conversations, reading about Pre-Camp: 7:30 - 8:30cost: AM JUNE 15 - AUGUST 14 Available Camp: 9 AM 3 PM Camp: 9 AM - 3 -PM a character experiencing a hardship helps Camp: us feel Monday Friday Post-Camp: 3:30 - 8:30 PM Camp: 99AM AM PM Pre-Camp: AM 9 AM Camp: - 3Camp: PM Camp: AM -33 35:30 PM 9 PM 9 AM -7:30 3 --PM Available for additional for additional cost:cost: 9 AM - 3 PMAvailable less alone, teaches empathy for those that are Camp: Post-Camp: 3:30 -cost: 5:30 PM Available for additional cost: Available forforadditional cost: Available foradditional additional cost: Available for cost: Available for additional Available additional cost: Pre-Camp: - 8:30 Pre-Camp: 7:307:30 - 8:30 AMAM suffering, provides an escape and perspective Pre-Camp:7:30 7:30 - 8:30 AM AM Pre-Camp: 7:30 8:30 AM Pre-Camp: 8:30 Pre-Camp: 7:30 8:30 AM Pre-Camp: 7:30 8:30 AM Pre-Camp: 7:30 8:30 AM Post-Camp: 3:30 - 5:30 PM Post-Camp: - 5:30 Post-Camp: 3:303:30 - 5:30 PMPM and promotes oral storytelling.

Post-Camp: 3:30 PM Post-Camp: 3:30 - Post-Camp: 5:30 PM Bird Post-Camp: -5:30 5:30 PM 11) -- 5:30 Post-Camp: 3:303:30 -3:30 5:30 PM (March 1 -PM April $135 Early AGE & PRICING 121and on)11) $145 (March - April $135 Week Early Bird (April 1 - AprilPer 11) $135 Early Bird (March If you are a Gallatin County resident, Dolly $145 Per Week (April 12 and on) $15 Pre-Camp Per Week (April 12 and on) $145 Per Week Parton’s Imagination Library is an incredible $15 Pre-Camp Per Week (March 1 - April $135 (March 1 - April 11) 11) $135 Early Bird Early Bird $30 Post Camp (March 11)11) $135 Per$135 Week (March 1 Early -Pre-Camp April 11) $135 Early Bird (March -April April $135 (March 11 -1- April (March 1 Week -Week April 11) 11) $135 Early Bird $30 Bird Early Bird Early Bird $15 Per Post Camp

Per FREE resource available to all families with (April 12 and (April 12 and on) on) $145 $145 Week PerPer Week (April 1212and and on) $145 (April and on) $145 (April andon) on) (April 12 (April 12 and on) $145 Week $145 $145 K -Per 612Per Per Grades: Week $30 Per Week Week Week Post Camp Per Week children under age 5. The Imagination Library $15 Pre-Camp Per Week $15Per Pre-Camp Per Week $15 Pre-Camp Per Week $15 Pre-Camp Per Week $15 $15 $15 Pre-Camp Per Week Pre-Camp Per Week Pre-Camp Per Week mails registered families a brand-new, age$30$30 Post Camp Post Camp Week PerPer Week LOCATION $30 $30 Post Camp $30 $30 Post Post Camp Post Camp Post Camp Per Week Per Week PerWeek Week PerPer Week appropriate, specially-selected book to read to Camp$30

AGE & PRICING AGE & PRICING AGE & PRICING AGE & PRICING AGE & PRICING AGE &PRICING PRICING AGE AGE && PRICING

Grades: K - 6 Grades: K - 6 their little one each month. To REGISTER your Grades: --66 Grades: K -Grades: 6LOCATION Grades: K6-K 6- 6 Grades: Grades: KK -K child to get a free book in the mail each month LOCATION (totaling 60 books over the course of the Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center LOCATION LOCATION program) go to https://imaginationlibrary.com/ Montana State University LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center usa/affiliate/MTBOZEMAN/. If you enroll this Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center Montana State University

Montana State University

month, you will get your first book in the mail Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center

Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center Hosaeus Marga Fitness Center Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center Hosaeus Fitness Center Montana State University Montana State University when summer arrives (30-60 days). Marga More information & registration Montana State University Montana State University Montana State University Montana State University Montana State University montana.edu/getfit If you are curious which books the Imagination Library is mailing out in 2021, you can find the USA book list for all six of the age groups at: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/book-list/.

Some noteworthy titles include: Baby! Talk! (for children born in 2021), Little Poems for Tiny Ears More information & registration (for children born in 2020), Sleep Train (for More information & registration children born in 2019), Hair Love (for children More information & registration More information & registration born in 2018), Llama Llama Loves to Read (for More information &&registration registration More information &information registration More information registration More information & More & registration children born in 2017), and Blue Sky White Stars (for children born in 2016).

montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit montana.edu/getfit

Ingrid Lindquist (she-her) is the Early Childhood Education VISTA for Greater Gallatin United Way. :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

21

MENTAL HEALTH

TEEN ADDICTION WRITTEN BY ADRIENNE WEBSTER

Parenting is a challenge no matter how old your kids are. Remember when they were babies and you didn’t sleep much for a year? There were so many decisions to make and so much new information to consider; breastfeed or bottlefeed, co-sleep or sleep train, stay home or go back to work, etc. Just as you start to figure it out, they become toddlers.

Toddlers really are too cute and their voices… oh, those little munchkin voices. Their cuteness is only rivaled by their irrationality. We have all seen the memes of toddlers screamcrying because they are not allowed to eat the dogfood, climb out of the second-floor window, sleep with a pair of scissors, (insert any ridiculous scenario here and it’s happened to some tired parent). Toddlers are feisty little angels, who sometimes bite and throw things and may or may not make a scene at the grocery store. But they smell so good and they are the best snugglers ever.

After all of that comes what I consider to be one of the sweet spots of childhood, from around the ages of 6 or 7 until about 11. They’re old enough that you feel happy and confident about going out in public with them and also old enough to have funny, sweet, thoughtful conversations – all before puberty overtakes them.

Until around the late 1990s, the vast majority of neurological research was directed toward infant and early childhood development, as well as understanding brain diseases that happen much later in life, like Alzheimer’s. It was generally thought that the brain was mostly developed by about age 5 or 6, and that the child’s brain was similar to the adult’s brain; just a little newer.

As imaging technology has advanced, so has scientists’ understanding of the brain. While the brain is mostly developed in terms of size by the 22

MAY 2021

age of 5 or 6, it is not remotely developed in terms of function. Adolescence is a unique stage of wiring and configurations in the brain. Teen brains are still very much under construction. 1 According to “Teenage Brains,” an article in National Geographic by David Dobbs, imaging work done on adolescent brains shows that “physical changes in the brain move in a slow wave from the brain’s rear to its front.”

This is important to note because the rear part of the brain, close to the brain stem, controls things like vision and movement but the front of the brain, the part that develops last, controls things like emotion, behavioral control and decision making.

As the brain goes through these changes, some brain functions form at different rates of speed than others. The pleasure center of a teenager’s brain develops faster than the part of the brain that deals with judgement and risk analysis. 2 This is, in part, what makes teens more susceptible to addiction.

Addiction is complex and has many contributing factors. For the sake of time, I will only briefly touch on a couple of things…

First, our brains are programmed to seek pleasure. Many people have heard of dopamine, sometimes referred to as a “feel-good chemical” in our brain, although that’s not exactly what it is. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, essentially a chemical messenger that helps brain cells called neurons transmit information to one another.

It’s not dopamine itself that is directly responsible for our feelings of pleasure.

Dopamine contributes to our experience of pleasure by reinforcing enjoyable behaviors and connecting things that make you feel good with the desire to do them again. 3

Lots of things can naturally provide a release of dopamine like eating a great meal, laughing, exercise, even solving a puzzle. The problem is that drugs and alcohol provide a much faster and more intense release of dopamine in our bodies.

Drugs and alcohol very quickly engage the pleasure center of the brain, which is especially dangerous to teens whose rational brain is less developed and therefore less able to regulate the desire for immediate gratification.

After sustained use of substances that cause unnatural levels of dopamine, the brain essentially becomes exhausted to the point that it either stops producing dopamine on its own, or it reduces its amount of dopamine receptors.

At that point a tolerance has developed, where a person needs more of the substance to achieve the same feeling from it. 4 The lack of development in the area of the brain that deals with reasoning, coupled with the need for acceptance, especially by their peers at this age, is a dangerous combination.

Social connection is a vital part of our lives, perhaps more so during adolescence than just about any other time. Just like a meal with family or friends is a social connector, so can a drink or a hit serve as a marker of acceptance and community for teens. The perceived social benefits of “fitting in” can potentially outweigh the negative effects of substance use.

Another reason teens are more susceptible to the effects of drugs and alcohol has to do with the fact that the protective myelin that covers our brain cells is not yet developed in the adolescent brain. Myelin helps transmit information between nerve cells more quickly and efficiently and is an important part of the maturation process. In adults, brain cells are well insulated with myelin, but the process of myelination is still developing during adolescence. As a result, brain cells send more intense, “louder” messages to one another.

Because these messages are so magnified, teens actually experience more intense pleasure from enjoyable experiences.

They also experience negative emotions more intensely as a result and may be more desperate for relief from those negative emotions than we realize. They may associate alcohol or drugs with a temporary escape from those feelings.5 Luckily, there are things we can do as parents to help. Encouraging and facilitating behaviors that naturally promote healthy connections to “feel good chemicals” in the brain is vital. Being outside in nature and getting enough exercise are essential to both emotional and physical health. Good nutrition (whole foods) plays a large role in the growth and development of our brains and bodies as well. So does a sense of community, with friends and family. I personally believe volunteering is a great way to help force kids out of their own little worlds for a bit and focus on other people and our community as a whole.

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If they are willing, I think counseling can be extremely beneficial. It can make a big difference for teens to have an objective person to talk to who is not emotionally charged by what they say (like their parents might be) and who also has the perspective of an adult and the training as a mental health professional to be a source of compassion, support and resources.

There are also places that provide online individual, group and family counseling as well as virtual intensive outpatient therapy. Charlie Health provides such services, is based here in Bozeman and specializes in working with teens and young adults.

The bottom line is we don’t have to go through challenges like this alone, and there is no shame in asking for help. None of us really has this all figured out. My wish is that the stigma that seems to surround addiction and other mental health issues will one day disappear. After all, it’s transparency that breeds compassion in the first place.

REFERENCES: 1. Frances E. Jensen, MD, “The Teenage Brain”, New York, Harper, 2015, pp 3-4.

2. https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/healtheffects-teen-substance- abuse 3. https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamineaddiction#pleasure-chemical 4. https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamineaddiction#pleasure-chemical 5. https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/fcd/effects-drugsteen-brain

Improving life, work, & sport.

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Sports Medicine Post Concussion Rehabilitation Pre & Post Surgical Rehabilitation bozemanaprs.com

Adrienne Webster is an Addiction Counselor Licensure Candidate in Bozeman, MT. You can reach her at adriennewebster.mt@ gmail.com. :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

23

MENTAL HEALTH

Vital Remedies for Balanced Health WRITTEN BY KATELYN COON

We humans need to be reminded of life’s most perfect gifts, over and over.

The most wonderful gifts are at our fingertips: water, food, exercise, sleep and mindset. If you put even the smallest effort into these five things, your mind and body will thank you on resounding levels. The best part is, you can do all of these things on your own… for FREE!

1. Drink 1.

Drink WATER

You, yes, you! Drink more water. Have you had at least two liters today? As Americans, we are so incredibly blessed with easy access to clean (in comparison to other countries) drinking water. Water has long been known to be nature’s most precious gift and simple medicine. Some incredible research has been conducted on proper hydration and the benefits of water. One of my favorite books about water, F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.’s Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, offers insight into the problems caused by long-term dehydration. Cellular function is drastically reduced and impaired by dehydration. Simply put, drink water and feel better.

2. Food Food

This one is very straightforward: You are what you eat. I am a huge fan of metabolic health and Dr. Paul Saladino’s research. He has a great podcast titled “Fundament Health.” However, there are several schools of thought, and whatever fits you best and makes you feel the best, is what I recommend. Our intuition often offers great wisdom. Whatever you do, just do it consistently. The less you eat processed foods, the better you will feel physically and mentally, and that is just a hard fact. That doesn’t mean I don’t sneak in a Pop Tart every now and then… the key word is balance.

3. Exercise 3.

Exercise

Ok, Bill (Let’s give Karen a day off), sure you are “tired” or “don’t like to work out,” you have all the excuses. You can walk. Walk at least 1 mile a day.

Even that small effort will allow for better sleep and a brighter outlook. Find something that you love. For me, that’s hot yoga and lifting. Whatever your thing is – again, just do it consistently to reap the reward.

Know that it’s OK to try out different things until you find the things that light you up and bring that life force energy to you.

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4. Sleep 4.

Sleep

If you don’t get good sleep, that is the biggest indicator that you need the above three things desperately. If don’t have good sleep because of your own habits, that is very easily fixed. Give yourself seven-to-eight hours of sleep time every night. Put away the phone, turn off the TV and sleep. If you are not falling into deep sleep and are constantly tossing and turning, often your water, food or exercise is off and needs an adjustment. A hydrated body and short walk each day will do wonders for your sleep. Have you noticed that you have crazy dreams or restless sleep if you eat late, drink caffeine too late in the day, or go to bed super stressed? Different things trigger different people.

Take the time to look within and notice what upsets your body. Our bodies hold the answers if we just take the time to listen. The better your sleep, the longer your body is in homeostasis, keeping you healthy and full of vitality.

5. Mindset 5.

Mindset

Yes. Mindset. Perhaps the hardest change to incorporate out of all five of my health guidelines. Why is that? Well, the amygdala (the ancient part of our brains that controls our fight or flight responses) loves to keep us safe. It’s like the blinking neon light in our brain that is constantly flashing DANGER, DANGER. If you have been allowing only that part of your brain to rule your thoughts and decision-making process, it will take time to rewire your brain. Using your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain that is capable of so much and the part we know the least about) is pure magic. The pre-frontal cortex is the part of the brain our conscious minds use to make decisions and create thoughts and patterns. Your thoughts shape your feelings. Change your thinking, change your health and your life. It’s just that simple.

This is YOUR life. Take charge of it. Live well and feel well.

Katelyn Coon is a local REALTOR® and personal development enthusiast.

She can be reached at katelyncoonmt@gmail.com. Follow her @ katelyncoonrealestate or @becoming.a.lion.

Helping Children Find Hope and Joy in Struggle Orienting to Interest,

MENTAL HEALTH

Strength and Success WRITTEN BY DAVID M. HARDY

Struggles are often viewed as being the result of problems, failures and personal faults. However, there is no reason this has to be true. Anxiety is the ability to recognize and avoid negative situations, sadness communicates a need for support, and anger is the impulse to confront what seems wrong. All of these are strengthbased assumptions about what might otherwise be seen in purely negative terms.

Equally important is taking time to focus on the interests and strengths of our struggles to help make them more meaningful. Talking only about problems can trigger negative emotions.

If those problems aren’t solved, then over time talking about problems can become connected in a child’s mind to feeling bad and failing. If these conversations happen a lot, difficult feelings and a sense of failure can feel more and more central in a child’s life.

For this reason, make sure that noticing and celebrating your child’s interests and strength is more central than just focusing on their problems. Over time, you can connect strengths to the problem by observing how their positive qualities and skills may actually help them through struggles. Even when you talk about problems, you can break it up with positive activities to prevent the conversation from becoming overwhelming. Keep in mind that positive activities can teach and reinforce focus, confidence and hope, all of which are important in overcoming struggles.

Breaking the Momentum of Struggle

Finding humor, telling stories and noticing new things about a situation all create momentary confusion before resolving it. Humor may confuse two meanings in a pun, or set up a joke that isn’t obvious until the punch line.

Stories tend to include a meaning or message that isn’t always clear at the beginning.

Noticing something new about a situation may significantly change how it is interpreted.

When people’s emotional struggles don’t resolve naturally, the cause can be the beliefs and perceptions unintentionally reinforcing those reactions. Mental and emotional reactions can also become habitual. Together, these create the momentum that causes the

struggle to become more stable in a person’s life, continuing even outside of the situation that initially created it. Creating a moment of confusion or chaos can break the momentum of a habit and put your child into a state of curiosity about the present. That creates an opening to find new meaning and a new way to understand and respond to a struggle.

The biggest risk with creating chaos is that you don’t want your child to feel that you are minimizing their situation or making light of their struggle and efforts. For this reason, parents should aim to connect the humor, story or observation back to the situation in a positive and supportive way. It is also important to avoid overusing these methods, since staying in a state of confusion for too long can create anxiety and frustration.

406.585.0070

secretgardenmontessorischool.com

Create a Foundation of Compassion

One of the biggest mistakes people make in trying to help is moving too quickly to try to solve the problem. It can be tempting to try and get someone to cheer up when they are struggling. However, this often does not work, because it can feel like an effort to distract from, and minimize, the emotions of the person who is struggling. Humor, in particular, is sometimes used this way with the best of intentions.

It is much more effective to try and teach ways to engage children in difficult situations and emotions in a way that is supportive and hopeful, and to expand the perspective to include the positive as well as the negative in life. Warmth, compassion and appreciation are important foundations for the ideas presented in this article. Take time to listen and be with your child in struggles, and join that with your faith in them and the things you see that create hope. Within hope are reasons to find joy and let go of some of the oppressive seriousness that comes with the fear that problems may be too great to overcome.

David Hardy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who provides individual and family therapy in Bozeman, Montana. He specializes in helping teenagers, young adults and parents. For more information call 406-548-5309 or email david.hardy@ integratedsystemicpsychotherapy.com.

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Comprehensive Therapy Services for Independence and Growth ✦ Occupational and Physical Therapy ✦ Speech and Language Therapy ✦ Breastfeeding and Nutrition Services A warm and comfortable environment serving: Infants, Children and Women 300 N Willson Ave Suite #2005, Bozeman

www.thecozynestmt.net

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

406-587-2755 MAY 2021

25

*Reprint from April 2020, check out Montana Parent’s blog on May 16th to read about Dr. Ali’s 2021 Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day in Quarantine: Real, Raw and Unfiltered WRITTEN BY ALI SCHWEITZER

For the first time in six years, I spent Mother’s Day alone. I needed this. For seven weeks I had slowly lost my balance, the balance that helped keep me sane and fulfilled.

I am a mother, wife and business owner and have worked hard to find balance so that, first and foremost, I am able to be myself. Seven years ago, I had my first child and opened my business all within three months. I knew that as a new mom I didn’t want to spend 40-plus hours a week growing a business, because I wanted to have time to see my kids grow up, so I never opened my doors longer than 30 hours a week. I also knew that I didn’t want to only be “mom,” I needed to remain Ali, so self-care was always at the top of my list. Over the years I’ve maintained this balance and even considered myself pretty damn good at it. Sure, I’ve had weeks here and there where things went a little haywire, but I always got back into my groove and found peace with all the hats I wore. I even gave a few talks here and there to local mom groups and often offered tips and ideas to my patients to help them achieve balance. Then COVID-19 struck and a shelter in place order happened so fast I didn’t have time to figure out a new normal.

As for so many of us, panic mode set in quickly and I was faced with all the questions and feels.

“How am I going to homeschool and keep my 26

MAY 2021

business open?” “How am I going to pay the bills?” “How am I going to pay my employees?”

But none of the questions were, “How am I going to take care of myself?” I went into fight or flight mode and did what I do best: I created a new schedule and a new routine, but it lacked my self-care routine – not at first, but slowly, so slowly in fact that I didn’t notice it at first.

I was too busy…too busy being mom, wife, teacher, friend (to my kids who could no longer see theirs), doctor, etc. that I forgot to be Ali. I decreased my work hours even more so that I could devote more time to making sure my kids were getting the needed time for schooling but, in doing this, I forgot about my CEO hat, which enabled me to be a doctor and business owner without having those two things interfere with each other. I now had to keep my kids focused on school, while depriving them from the social interaction with peers they both loved. I had to be a referee for the two of them, who were spending too much time together and getting very annoyed with each other. And I had to step into a friend role for each of them, so that they had some human interaction outside of the parent-child dynamic. With all of this, I lost balance.

I first started to realize my balance was gone when I reached out to a friend and asked her to reschedule a moms group meeting for which I was supposed to be a guest speaker. I told her

I didn’t feel like I could give a talk because I didn’t want to add another thing to my plate.

After we decided to postpone the talk, I asked myself if I didn’t want to add another thing, or if I really felt like I couldn’t give a talk on balance when I didn’t feel like I had any in my life.

Then I started hoping that my husband would forget about Mother’s Day so that I wouldn’t have to spend a day with my kids “pampering” me and pretending I was excited to wear their homemade jewelry and eat their breakfast-inbed smorgasbord. Then my dear friend sent me a message suggesting a Mother’s Day hike without the kids…and I immediately thought, “Wow, when was the last time I did anything by myself, for myself? The answer was that over the past seven weeks – I had done nothing for myself. So, I agreed.

As Mother’s Day approached, I was nagged by the anxious feeling that a hike was not going to be enough, so I told my husband that I was taking the day off. I was going to wake up, hike with my friends and spend the whole day out of the house and away from the kids. I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I was going to focus on me and fill my mind, body and soul back up.

I spent most of Saturday thinking about what I was going to do with my Sunday. I won’t bore you with what I did, because it really wasn’t all that exciting after the hike, but it was what I needed to re-center myself and to reflect on

JOIN US FOR FAMILY FUN!

BOZEMAN , MT

Back Better Than Ever!

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PARDNERS CORRAL:

JULY 21-25

• 2021 • Honey Bear Dancers

Reptile Adventures

Presented by Montana Parent Magazine

in the Fair Market Building

Extreme Dog Show

Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull

Presented by Bridger Animal Nutrition & Outside Bozeman

Tyzen, Master Hypnotist

Freckle Farm Petting Zoo Pony Rides & Turkey Races

First Security Bank Livestock Barns

Presented by Belgrade News

Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull Cutest Show on Earth

Open all week

406STATEFAIR.COM

where I lost myself and how to get me back. I had planned to stay away from the house until well after the kids’ bedtime, but felt more like myself around 5 p.m. and came home to a special Mother’s Day dinner well planned out by my husband.

Looking back, I never felt mom guilt that I didn’t spend Mother’s Day with my kids. I only felt proud of myself for recognizing that I needed space, and that I couldn’t go back to not having it. The truth is that even as a mother, I am first and foremost Ali, and when I lose sight of that I’m not the good mother that I know I am.

We all have been in a weird place. Whether you’re a mom, dad, brother, sister, child – these are uncharted waters and, in all of this chaos, many of us are forgetting to take care of ourselves. We can’t be fully functional humans without first acknowledging ourselves, so I give you permission. Permission to stop taking care of others and the many things you might need to do, and just be you. Find yourself, keep yourself and hopefully you can find the balance you need (even if you don’t think you need it).

Dr. Ali Schweitzer is a chiropractor and owner at Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness. She’s a mom of two but, most importantly, she’s herself.

it’s a

OF SCIENCE Open for learning & play all summer!

Check our website for current hours & to renew your membership.

2477 W. Main St. | 522.9087 | montanasciencecenter.org :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

27

Helena est. 1984

Summer Camps 2021 Spend the summer as a scientist at Montana’s premier science camp for kids, and explore the world around you!

Find camp descriptions and registration at montanalearning.org

MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE We are your go-to dinner service.

Fully prepared family-style meals delivered straight to your door every Tuesday and Thursday. Just reheat and eat and we will handle the rest.

To sign up for next week’s delivery and to learn about cooking camps and classes, please visit

28

MAY 2021

AUG

BOZEMAN’S MOST POPULAR

JULY

MAY

Kid’s

COOKING CAMPS & CLASSES

Cinco de Mayo Cooking Class May 5 | 4-6:30 p.m. | $100 Mother and Daughter Cooking Class May 8 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $125 per couple Baking Camp July 14-16 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $290 Baking Camp July 28-30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $290 Summer Baking Sleepover Cooking Camp August 4, 5:30 p.m.- August 5, 10 a.m. | $175 Mastering Breakfast Cooking Camp August 11-13 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $290

ORDERSUPDELIVERY.COM

SUMMER 2021

Camp + Activities

guide

BOOST YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING THIS SUMMER Sage Learning Center

Ç 2055 N. 22nd Ave., Ste. 4 Ç http://www.sagelearningcenter.com Ç http://www.facebook.com/

sagelearningbozeman There is so much success in the fun, interactive summer learning sessions at Sage. Sessions are held in a one-on-one setting with individualized instruction for children ages 4-18. They offer flexible weekly sessions throughout the summer months; both in-person and virtually via Zoom.

Plan your kids' summer fun here for more information about these camps, visit our interactive Summer Camp & Activities Finder at www.mtparent.com

Bozeman Bozeman Children's Theatre Summer Camp ALPENGIRL

GIRLS ADVENTURE CAMP

Ç 406-570-6312 Ç https://www.alpengirlcamp.com Ç https://www.facebook.com/ AlpengirlCamp Ç https://www.instagram.com/

alpengirlcamp Alpengirl is an overnight summer adventure camp for girls ages 11-16. One- or twoweek outdoor camps are held in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rocky Mountains.

Trips are multi-adventure and include a variety of activities such as backpacking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, rock climbing, tent camping, self-esteem development, friendship building, leadership opportunities, yoga and more.

BOBCAT SUMMER YOUTH CAMP

Ç 120 Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center Ç 406-579-1067 Ç http://www.montana.edu/getfit/

bobcat_summer_youth_camp/ summercamp.html Outdoor adventure, crafts, games, sports, field trips and more await campers, grades K-6, at Bobcat Summer Youth Camp (BSYC). Located on the Montana State University campus, BSYC offers eight one-week themed camps that are fun, engaging and sure to make your camper raring to go every morning.

Bozeman Children's Theatre

Ç 1407 Bluebird Ln. Ç 702-481-3622 Ç http://bozemanchildrenstheatre.com Ç https://www.facebook.com/

bozemanchildrenstheatre Bozeman Children's Theatre is run by K-5 educators who believe in the power of theater for all children. They know that theater can have such a positive impact on young children by developing confidence, peer relationships and a love of music and acting. Jungle Book Kids will take your children on a journey from auditions to full production in 10 Days with a final performance under the Big Sky! Open for all children grades K-5, July 19-30.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

29

SUMMER 2021

Camp + Activities

guide

Camp Bodhi

BOZEMAN SPORTS CAMP

Ç 205 N. 11th Ave. Ç 406-661-5496 Ç http://www. bozemansports.camp Ç http://www.facebook.com/ bozemansports Ç http://www.instagram.

com/bozemansports.camp Bozeman Sports Camp is an active summer sports camp for kids entering grades K-6. They provide fun and engaging activities, games and instruction of sports of all kinds.

Instruction covers the skills, drills and games of all the sports that campers participate in. Come join them this summer.

CAMP GOTR

Bodhi Farms

BY GIRLS ON THE RUN Thrive

A summer farm camp for kids! Focusing on their core values, Camp Bodhi encourages a connection with nature and each other through yoga, gardening, cooking, art and exploration around the farm. With their fourweek series offered in both July and August, they start with the fundamentals of nature and naturally progress through wilderness education and homesteading skills, culminating in a weeklong celebration of art. While each week is a new adventure, all weeks include: daily farm fresh lunch, kids’ yoga classes, nature hikes around the farm, guest speakers, one free adult yoga class pass.

girlsforachangemt/ Camp GOTR offers a unique opportunity for girls to build self-confidence and learn life skills for now and forever, led by caring coaches.

Enjoy building friendships in a fun, inclusive setting with interactive lessons, games, activities and creativity in arts, crafts and storytelling.

See you there!

Ç 13624 S. Cottonwood Rd. Ç 406-201-1324 Ç https://www.bodhi-farms.com/camp-bodhi Ç https://www.facebook.com/experiencebodhi Ç https://www.instagram.com/experiencebodhi

Ç 400 E. Babcock St. Ç 406-587-3840 Ç https://allthrive.org/programs/girlson-the-run/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/allthrive Ç https://www.instagram.com/

VISIT:

https://www.bozemansummeracademy.com/

Or Call: 406-548-7512

CAMP EQUINOX

SUMMER THEATER DAY CAMP

Summer Tutoring for Middle School Students BOZEMAN SUMMER One/one or small groups Ç Bozeman Summit School Remote or in-person 3001 W. Villard St. ACADEMYCertified Teacher with 20 years experience

Ç 406-548-7512 Ç https://www.

Focus on Reading Remediation and Algebra Readiness

bozemansummeracademy. com/ Small group and individual tutoring for students in middle school.

Flexible schedule, inexpensive, taught by a certified Bozeman school district teacher with more than 20 years of experience.

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MAY 2021

Ç 406-522-7623 Ç https://www.campequinox.com/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/CampEquinox-Summer-Theater-DayCamp-104945576214990

Ç

https://www.instagram.com/campequinox/ Bozeman’s premier summer theater camp is now in its 26th year! Acting, comedy improv, puppetry, musical theater, mask-making, you name it. A summer of great friends and creative fun. Two four-week sessions are available. In the words of one parent: “What a magical, magical place. You guys really have a gift.”

CEDAR RIDGE EQUINE

Ç 555 Rocky Rd. Ç 406-282-3355 Ç https://www.cedarridgeequines.com/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/

cedarridgeequine/ Cedar Ridge Equine offers summer horsemanship day camps and clinics for all ages from beginners to advanced riders. In all CRE Summer Horsemanship Camps, they believe it is important to teach life skill development and personal growth as an intricate component of their horsemanship program.

Inspiring a Love for the Outdoors Since 1994.

AMPS -NEW C BRAND LUDING C IN G COMIN LOGY!

O

FIRE EC

VISIT OU R WE B SITE T O VIE W T H E SU M M ER B ROC H URE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Register Now!

Camps are filling quickly!

WWW. O UTDOOR S CIENCE.ORG SCHOL ARSH IPS AVAIL ABLE!

406-582-0526

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

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SUMMER 2021

Camp + Activities

guide

SUMMER EMERSON ART CAMP CHALLENGE ISLAND OUTDOOR CAMP

Ç Bozeman Area Park Ç 406-209-3898 Ç http://challenge-island.com/

southwest-montana School is out, Challenge Island is in! The world's #1 STEAM program is a high-energy, handson experience combining problem-solving adventures and creativity. Campers embark on fantastical journeys where they work in collaborative tribes to tackle various exciting challenges.

DANCING FROM STAGE TO SKY: AERIAL ARTS & DANCE CAMP Mountain Air Dance

Ç 406-595-0909 Ç http://mountainairdance.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ mountainairdance Ç https://www.instagram.com/

mtnairdance This unique day camp challenges students physically and mentally with classes in aerial arts, dance technique, yoga, Pilates, hand balancing, flexibility training, and arts and crafts.

Experienced instructors guide students through their day in small groups based on age and skill level. Learn to Fly!

Kids Art Ca

Emerson Center for theAges 5 – 13 Arts & Culture

Ç Ç Ç Ç

| We

Emerson Summe 111 S. Grand Ave. are pleased to o camps featuring 406-587-9797 COVID consciou http://www.theEmerson.org explore a new th https://www.facebook.com/ 2D Arts, Sculpture TheEmersondotcom Each week culm The Emerson invites you to join them for Reception show another fun-filled, creative summer.artistic Full-dayaccompl camps for ages 5 to 13 with 10 consecutive WK to DATE THEME WK D weeks choose from. Professional art 1 June 14 interns – 18 Kaleidoscope of Colors 6 J educators and will guide and inspire students using weekly themes and a variety of 2 June 21 – 25 Yellowstone Naturalist 7 J mixed-media art projects.

3

June 28 – July 2

Epic Myths

8

4

July 6 – 9*

I Heart Montana

9

A

5

July 12 –16

Flower Power

10

A

* 4 day camp in observance of Independence day

To Register call 405.581.9797, ext. 105

FARM TO SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS

CIRCUS CAMP 406cirque

Ç 4720 Classical Way Ç 406-475-2513 Ç http://406cirque.com Ç http://facebook.com/406cirque Ç http://instagram.com/406cirque

A spectacular location, world-class coaches and team-oriented atmosphere—Circus Camp has it all: juggling, aerial silks and trapeze, unicycling, stilt-walking, tumbling, ninja, balloon sculpting, balance, acting and physical comedy.

Three intense weeks filled with friends, new discoveries and lots of FUN!

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DANCING UNDER THE BIG SKY (DUBS)

Montana Ballet Company

Ç 2304 N. Seventh Ave., Ste. C-3 Ç 406-582-8702 Ç https://www.montanaballet.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ montanaballetco/ Ç https://www.instagram.com/

montanaballet/ Montana Ballet Company’s Annual Dancing Under the Big Sky (DUBS) two-week Summer Dance Intensive is an enriching, educational program featuring exceptional guest teachers and a full curriculum. Rachel Van Buskirk and Christian Clark, both of whom have danced and taught for the Atlanta Ballet, will serve as special guest teachers. For more information, visit www.montanaballet.org.

A

Ç Story Mill Community Park 698 Bridger Dr. Ç 406-219-1010 Ç https://www.gvfarmtoschool.org/ summercamps Ç https://www.facebook.com/ gvfarmtoschool Ç https://www.instagram.com/

gvfarmtoschool/ Preschool- to middle school-aged kids get busy with Gallatin Valley Farm to School camps exploring healthy food, farming and cooking. All camps take place outdoors in the garden, and include time for growing and harvesting food, COVID-safe cooking activities, games, handson learning and LOTS of fun!

SUMMER CAMP MONTANA INDOOR SPORTS

AGES:

Kids entering 1st to 6th grade

SCHEDULE:

Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm, Fridays 8:30 am-12:30 pm COST: $260 SESSION 1: June 14 – 18 SESSION 2: June 21 – 25 SESSION 3: June 28 – July 2 SESSION 4: July 5 – 9 SESSION 5: July 12 – 16

DON’T WAIT! REGISTER NOW!

montanaindoorsports.com

SESSION 6: July 19 – 23

ADDRESS

SESSION 7: July 26 – 30

41 Pronghorn Trail, Bozeman, MT. 59718

SESSION 8: August 2 – 6

(Next to Murdoch’s in Four Corners)

SUMMER2021YAA! register online at www.yaacamp.org Young & Free day camp

1-4 Grade • Camp 1: June 21-25 • Camp 2: June 28-July 2 • Camp 3: July 12-16 • Camp 4: July 19-23

RESIDENTIAL CAMP

Rookie Camp 2-4 Grade • July 6-9 Trailblazer Camp 3-5 Grade • June 20-25 Pioneer Camp 5-6 Grade • June 27-July 2 Explorer Camp 6-8 Grade • July 11-16 and • July 18-23 Senior High Camp 9-12 Grade • June 13-18

YAA is permitted for outfitting and guiding in the Gallatin National Forest

SPECIALTY CAMP Archery Camp 7-9 Grade • July 6-9 Base Camp 6-8 Grade • July 6-9

FAMILY CAMP

• July 2-4 • Sept 3-6

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

33

SUMMER 2021

Summer is for Kids!

Join us outdoors for storytimes, scavenger hunts, performers, and free lunch.

Weekdays noon - 1pm

June 14-18: Summer Reading Kickoff June 21-25: Dogs & Cats June 28 - July 2: Farm Animals July 5-9: Montana Animals July 12-16: Montana Animals July 19-23: Animals Around the World July 26-30: Safari!

August 2-6: Unusual Animals August 9-13: Animals: Real or Not?

Camp + Activities

guide

FIT KIDS

Ridge Athletic Club

Ç 4181 Fallon St. Ç 406-582-4452 Ç https://ridgeathletic.com/kids/kids-

programs/ Motivate the kids with Ridge Athletic Club’s healthy half- and full-day camps for children ages 3-5 and 6-11. Themed activities with fitness fun, arts and crafts, STEM play, swimming and Playzone will help the kids learn and burn energy. Snacks provided. Lunches are an additional cost. Fun is guaranteed.

bozemanlibrary.org/summerreading

Want a recipe for fun?

Girlsing Music and Art Camp SINGING, SONGWRITING

AND ART - MUSIC CAMP

Ç 2118 S. Third Ave. Ç 406-570-2839 Ç https://www.GirlSing.com Ç https://www.facebook.com/

GirlSingCamps Camp is held five days a week, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. GirlSing empowers girls (ages 7-11) to explore and celebrate their unique creative spirits through music, singing, songwriting, journaling and art projects. Daily indoor/outdoor fun with hikes, picnics and time to connect. An art/music program will be held on Thursday nights. Small camp numbers: 15 girls and three adults.

GIRLS' STORIES, GIRLS' VOICES Thrive

Ç 400 E. Babcock St. Ç 406-587-3840 Ç https://allthrive.org/programs/

Explore outdoors in the garden this summer!

Learn to cook, create, grow food, and more!

Age 4-8th grade Different sessions offered each week!

June 14- August 27 Registration is open

www.gvfarmtoschool.org/summercamps

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MAY 2021

girls-for-a-change/girls-stories-girlsvoices/

Ç https://www.facebook.com/allthrive Ç https://www.instagram.com/

girlsforachangemt/ Thrive’s weeklong summer camp includes writing, art, movement, sharing and fun.

Discover a sense of self, grow relationships, explore local and global communities and build confidence to understand yourself, appreciate uniqueness and find authentic self-expression.

Led by caring staff and volunteers.

HEART AND HAND CENTER

Summer Day Camps for Kids/ Teens and Virtual Adult Weekend Retreats

Ç 20010 Bridger Hollow Rd. Ç 406-587-4036 Ç http://heartandhandcenter.com Ç https://www.facebook.com/ heartandhandcenter/ Ç https://www.instagram.com/

heartandhandcentermt/?hl=en All camps include art, horses, hiking, drumming and yoga at a mountaintop ranch east of Bozeman where campers are safely socially distancing and instructors provide recreational day camps with a healing component designed to help alleviate the emotional effects of stress, depression, anger and anxiety.

SUMMER 2021

Camp + Activities

Great Beginnings is hiring Summer Camp Instructors!

guide

Our summer camp runs Monday-Thursday June 14th-August 12th GBMS Summer Camps take advantage of Montana’s beautiful weather while supporting our students’ continuing academic and social development. With smaller, intimate groups, we’re able to focus on building friendships, getting outside, supporting individuals, and offering plenty of fun! Each week focuses on fun activities blending environmental education, outdoor adventure, art, academics, and summertime play.

LEADERSHIP WITH HORSES Windhorse Equine Learning

Ç 3477 Johnson Rd. Ç 406-522-3906 Ç https://www. windhorseequinelearning.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ windhorseequinelearning Ç https://www.instagram.com/

windhorseequinelearning/ Give your child a unique camp experience where they learn horsemanship and riding skills while also focusing on being good leaders and fair partners. Kids have a blast while they gain confidence, build self-awareness and learn valuable lessons about respect, trust, empathy and communication.

Love Children.

Love Nature.

Essential Job Functions: ( Deliver a fun program to campers ( A positive and enthusiastic attitude ( During the program, instructors participate in classroom, outdoor, and recreational activities ( Instructors assist with weekly themes, field trips, and nature-based activities.

Please contact: jamey@gbmschool.org

100 Springhill Lane, Bozeman • 406-587-0132 • www.gbmsbozeman.org

SUMMER ART CAMPS Kids Art Camps

Ages 5 – 13 | Weekly | 9am – 4pm

Emerson Summer Art Camps are back! We are pleased to offer 10 weeks of full-day camps featuring a variety of themes in a COVID conscious environment. Campers explore a new theme each week through 2D Arts, Sculpture, and creative art projects.

Each week culminates in a Friday Art Reception showcasing each camper’s artistic accomplishments.

LONE MOUNTAIN

Ç 1237 N. Rouse Ave. Ç 406-587-1180 Ç http://lonemountain.biz

Lone Mountain offers a variety of summer camps and activities all summer. Check out Kidventures (preschool) camp, gymnastics camps, trampoline, swimming lessons, dance and ninja. Stay active, get strong and have fun!

WK

1

DATE

THEME

WK

June 14 – 18

Kaleidoscope of Colors

6

DATE

THEME

July 19 – 23

Master Builders

2

June 21 – 25

Yellowstone Naturalist

7

July 26 – 30

Strange Fishes

3

June 28 – July 2

Epic Myths

8

August 2 – 6

Prehistoric Art

4

July 6 – 9*

I Heart Montana

9

August 9 – 13

Cosmic Comets

5

July 12 –16

Flower Power

10

August 16 – 20

Around the World in 5 Days

* 4 day camp in observance of Independence day

To Register call 405.581.9797, ext. 105 | www.theEmerson.org

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

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SUMMER 2021

Camp + Activities

guide

LOVE CHILDREN. LOVE NATURE. 2021 SUMMER CAMP Great Beginnings Montessori School

MONTANA OUTDOOR SCIENCE SCHOOL

Ç 4056 Bridger Canyon Rd. Ç 406-582-0526 Ç http://www.outdoorscience.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool Ç https://www.instagram.com/mt_

Ç 100 Springhill Ln. Ç 406-587-0132 Ç https://www.gbmsbozeman.org/ summer Ç https://www.facebook.com/ moss/ gbmschool.org/ MOSS Summer Programs offer FUN, ENGAGING and EDUCATIONAL SPACE IS LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY! Ç https://www.instagram.com/great. explorations of the natural world through

MUSIC CAMP

EMPOWERING GIRLS Through Singing, Song Writing and Self-Expressive Art! Girls Ages 7-11

5-DAY CAMP @ 9 AM to 4:00 PM

with opt-in Early Drop Off & Late Pickup Thursday Night—Family Concert & Art Show

JUNE Camp: June 21-25 OR AUGUST Camp: Aug. 16-20

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beginnings/?hl=en Soccer Sprouts is a soccer-based Child science experiments. MOSS quality hands-on Campers will spend theDevelopment summer exploring Program for kids age 2-5. believes that inspiring a love for nature helps everything from the playground and local 6 week session children become aware of (and want to care for) mountain ranges to the+edges of local lakes. + Meets once per week for minutes the45 amazing environment in which we live.

Based on their age, they will have fun getting + Learn, Play, Exercise & Smile! dirty in the soil or learning about the unique Micro Sprouts (2 years old) ecosystems that make Montana a wonderful Mini Sprouts (3 years old) SOCCER place to live and play.

SPROUTS

Super Sprouts (4 & 5 years old)

COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

PEAK POTENTIAL MONTANA SPORTS FOR INDOOR MORE INFORMATION AND

Ç 41 Pronghorn Trail Ç 406-312-6111 Ç https://www.montanaindoorsports. com/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/ montanaindoorsports Ç https://www.instagram.com/ TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT:

montanaindoorsports.com/kid-stuff

montanaindoorsports/ Exercise, socialize and smile! Montana Indoor Sports Summer Camp is for kids entering first through sixth grade. Each day, campers will play different sports, games and activities in a stateof-the-art sports facility!

Ç 1143 Stoneridge Dr., Suite 2 Ç 406-551-2737 Ç https://www.peakpotentialmt.com/ summer-program Ç https://www.facebook.com/ peakpotential.mt Ç https://www.instagram.com/

peakpotential.mt/ Peak Potential offers high-performance project-based learning in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, aimed to deepen children's connections to their surroundings through fun, interdisciplinary activities that build local connections and develop their sense of self.

SUMMER 2021

Camp + Activities

guide

BOOST YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING THIS SUMMER SUMMER SESSIONS BEGIN ON JUNE 14 OFFERING BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ZOOM SESSIONS

PET PALS SUMMER DAY CAMP Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

Ç 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd. Ç 406-404-3068 Ç https://www.heartofthevalleyshelter. org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ bozemanhov Ç https://www.instagram.com/

heartofthevalleyanimalshelter/ This six-week summer day camp is for children (6-12 years old) who love animals. Campers learn the importance of compassionate animal care through time with animals, games, crafts, humane education lessons and a wide variety of guest speakers. Each week children will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals.

ROCKHAVEN UNCAMP Rockhaven Camp and Retreat Center

Ç 406-586-9194 x267 Ç http://www.rockhavencamp.org Ç http://www.facebook.com/ rockhavencamp Ç http://www.instagram.com/

rockhavencamp UnCamp at Rockhaven is an innovative and unique summer camping program where nature-connectedness, free play, outdoor play and child-led independent play are front and center. They provide daily transportation for day programs, full meal service and financial aid is available for all programs.

ONE-TO-ONE INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-18.

AT SAGE WE NOW OFFER FLEXIBLE, WEEKLY SCHEDULING OPTIONS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER.

Sa g eLearnin g Center.c om

406-582-9570

ROCKY CREEK FARM SUMMER CAMP Rocky Creek Farm

RHYTHMS WORLD DRUM CAMPS

Held at the Emerson

Ç 406-580-8229 Ç http://rhythmdrums.com

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Chet Leach (a.k.a. Mr. Chet) for weeklong drum camps at the Emerson in Bozeman. These summer camps will include drumming from Africa, Brazil, Cuba and Egypt. Your child will learn about World culture through storytelling, games and, of course, lots of DRUMMING!

Ç 34297 Frontage Rd. Ç 406-599-2360 Ç https://www.gallatinvalleybotanical.

com/education Join Rocky Creek Farm this summer for an opportunity to explore connections between nature and farming. Weeklong sessions give campers the chance to be farmers, explorers, scientists and artists while growing their sense of connection to the land.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

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SUMMER 2021

Helena

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Camp + Activities

guide

SCIENCE CAMP

Montana Science Center

Ç 2744 W. Main St. Ç 406-539-9004 Ç http://montanasciencecenter.org Ç http://www.facebook.com/ montanasciencecenter Ç http://www.instagram.com/

montanasciencecenter Discover exciting science and technology at Science Camps all summer long. Starting June 14, each week is filled with hands-on science, outdoor games, guest speakers, activities from all areas of science and time in the high-tech makerspace—the STEAMlab. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SUMMER BALLET PROGRAMS Montana Ballet Company

Ç 2304 N. Seventh Ave., Ste. C-3 Ç 406-582-8702 Ç https://www.montanaballet.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ montanaballetco/ Ç https://www.instagram.com/

montanaballet/ Please visit montanaballet.org for more details on Summer Ballet Programs for dancers of all ages and the two-week summer intensive, Dancing Under the Big Sky, for ages 8 and up.

"NO HOUR OF LIFE IS WASTED THAT IS SPENT IN THE SADDLE." -Winston Churchill

SUMMER 2021 CA MP & CLINIC REGISTR ATION IS NOW OPEN!

SPIRE CLIMBING CAMPS

SLEEPING BEAUTY SUMMER Montana Ballet Company K Beginner to Advanced Riders K Ages 5 and up K Life Skill Development Workshop K Speed/Rodeo Events K English/Western Riding K General Horsemanship Learn more about camps, clinics and events at

cedarridgeequine.com

cedar ridge equine

horsemanship camps, clinics & lessons Owner/Trainer Amy Prechter email cedarridgeequines@gmail.com phone 406-282-3355

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Ç 2304 N. Seventh Ave., Ste. C-3 Ç 406-582-8702 Ç https://www.montanaballet.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ montanaballetco/ Ç https://www.instagram.com/

montanaballet/ Learn all about The Sleeping Beauty ballet with a daily ballet class, dance-related arts and crafts, choreography and more. Held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon: June 14-17 (ages 4-6), June 21-24 (ages 6-8), July 12-15 (ages 4-6), and July 19-22 (ages 6-8).

Ç 13 Enterprise Blvd. Ç 406-586-0706 Ç https://www.spireclimbingcenter. com/summer-camps Ç https://www.facebook.com/ SpireClimbingCenter/ Ç https://www.instagram.com/

spireclimbing/ Spire's summer camps are a great way for children ages 5–16 to enjoy rock climbing in a fun, structured environment. Spire's camps teach beginners the essentials of the sport while kids with prior climbing experience take their skills to the next level.

SUMMER 2021

Helena

STARLITE BOZEMAN SUMMER CAMPS

Ç 622 E. Tamarack St. Ç 406-551-2220 Ç https://starlitebozeman.com/ summer-camps/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/ starlitebozeman Ç https://www.instagram.com/

starlitebozeman/ Starlite Bozeman Summer Camps feature unique adventures that will grow into a lifelong appreciation of the world around us.

Choose from several unique camp themes in art, dance, nature and even gaming. Small camp sizes mean individualized instruction, the best care and fewer germs.

SUMMER COOKING CAMPS

Ç 96 Laura Louise Ln. Unit 7 Ç 406-600-7936 Ç http://www.ordersupdelivery.com Ç https://www.facebook.com/

ordersupdelivery Summer cooking camps and classes are offered in a new 5,000-square-foot kitchen.

Each class will be taught by trained chefs. If you are looking for something different this summer and your child loves to cook/bake this is not to be missed. Participants will bring home everything they cook.

YELLOWSTONE ALLIANCE ADVENTURES

Ç 13707 Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Ç 406-763-4727 Ç https://yaacamp.org/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/

yaacampmt YAA runs camps throughout summer for all ages. Whether you are new to YAA or are ready for another great week, there is bound to be something amazing for you! YAA is permitted for outfitting and guiding in the Gallatin National Forest.

Camp + Activities

guide

THE MONTANA LEARNING CENTER

AT CANYON FERRY LAKE

Ç 7653 Canyon Ferry Rd. Ç 406-475-3638 Ç MontanaLearningCenter@gmail.com Ç MontanaLearning.org Ç Facebook.com/MontanaLearningCenter

The MLC is Montana's science camp for kids! It is a place for students to come together to solve problems, create and be empowered. Camp life includes STEM immersion experiences, friendship building and recreation. Campers enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating and swimming at the lake. The MLC's staff is composed of certified teachers, many of whom are award winning. The studentto-staff ratio is 8:1. Each of their instructors and counselors are CPR and First Aid certified.

Hele YMCA ADVENTURE DAY CAMPS

Gallatin Valley YMCA

Ç 3673 Love Ln. Ç 406-994-9622 Ç https://www.gallatinvalleyymca. org/ Ç https://www.facebook.com/ Gallatin.Valley.YMCA Ç https://www.instagram.com/

gvymca/ Gallatin Valley YMCA Adventure Day Camps focus on youth development and learning through a wide range of activities, field trips and opportunities. Campers will participate in arts and crafts, daily reading, games and visit with the weekly STEM instructor to create a well-rounded experience.

EXPLORATIONWORKS 2021 SUMMER CAMPS

Ç 995 Carousel Way Ç 406-457-1800 Ç https://www.explorationworks.org/ summer-camps Ç https://www.facebook.com/ ExplorationWorks/ Ç https://www.instagram.com/

explorationworks/ Spend the summer as a scientist and explore the world around you. This year, ExplorationWorks is offering 80 summer camps. The fun kicks off the week of June 14 and runs through August 19. All day camp options and scholarships are available.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

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SUMMER 2021

Helena

1 4/18/19 9:52 AM1 Page 1 9:52 AM Page 1 ageAd.qxp_Layout 4/18/19

Join LEWIS & CLARK LIBRARY for a summer of play and activities!

This year's theme is Tails and Tales.

Camp + Activities

guide

LCL_FullPageAd.qxp_Layout 1 4/18/19 9:52 AM Page 1

June 1-June 7: Birds June 8-June14: Reptiles June 15-June 21: Safari Animals June 22-June 28: Rodeo Animals June 29-July 5: Montana and Patriotic Animals July 6-July 12: Snails and Mollusks

SUMMER THEATRE SCHOOL AND MINI CAMPS

July 13-July 19: Marsupials July 20-July 26: Arctic Animals July 27-July 31: Pets Download our Summer Library Program booklet with fun activities for all ages by visiting www.lclibrary.org/391/Summer-Library-Program

LEWIS & CLARK COUNTY

VISIT VISIT

LCLIBRARY.ORG LCLIBRARY.ORG LCLIBRARY.ORG

FOROF A CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR A CALENDAR EVENTS OF FOR A CALENDAR EVENTS

406.447.1690 406.447.1690 406.447.1690 AUGUSTA

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BOOKMOBIL E

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EAST HEL ENA

Ç 325 N. Park Ave. Ç 406-442-4270 Ç http://theatreschool.

grandstreettheatre.com/summertheatre-school/

Ç https://www.facebook.com/ grandstreettheatreschool.org Ç http://grandstreettheatreschool.com

SERVING SERVING HELENA AND HELENA AND SERVING HELENA AND LEWIS & CLARK LEWIS COUNTY & CLARK COUNTY VISIT

GRANDSTREET

H

HELENA

H

L IN COLN

H BOO KM OHBIL E H E AST HELENA TA AUGUSTA ELE NAA HH HLEI L NECN OLN BO O K MO BI LE H EASTH HHELEN A H L I N C OLN

Full-day two-week theater camp. Develop skills in acting, improvisation, rehearsal techniques, voice and diction, character development, creative thinking, dance, movement and much more. OR take one of three half-day mini camps: Podcast and Tok Tok; Beanie Show (K-2nd); Musical Theatre.

FLY! Little Fox Learning Center

Ç 204 E. Lyndale Ç 406-502-2111 Ç https://www.littlefoxhelena.com Ç https://www.facebook.com/

Online Class Registration at: MountainAirDance.org 40

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Lewis & Clark Library

Ç 406-447-1690 Ç https://www.lclibrary.org Ç https://www.facebook.com/ LewisandClarkLibraryHelena Ç http://Lewisandclarklibrary

Join Lewis & Clark Library for a summer of play and activities. This year's theme is Tails and Tales. Each week, they will celebrate a different animal with a themed take-home activity kit for grade-school kids, reading adventures, and much more!

y

…inspiring people of all ages to

Birthday Parties Parent & Tot After School Classes Teen/Adult & Summer Camps!

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

LittleFoxHelena Little Fox offers child care in June, July and August, M-F, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., for ages 6-13. Their nature-based camp takes kids outdoors as much as possible. They have a small property on the Little Blackfoot in Elliston, MT where the children can play and create in the woods, swim and hike, as well participating in karaoke, theater, scavenger hunts, cooking, arts and crafts, plant identification and more.

Campers will work on a garden plot in Helena and learn basic gardening skills as well as some more advanced skills for older kiddos. The goal is to provide fun, safe, educational activities for all!

Go to our

camp finder

at www.mtparent.com for camp dates and more info

A WHAT'S UP?

Montana SPRING FAMILY EVENTS

Please visit mtparent.com/calendars for the latest family events happening in Southwest montana! :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

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A MT

2021 Big Sky Country State Fair is Back Better Than Ever July 21-25

Need a dose of fun? Indulge in your favorite fair foods, experience the thrill of the carnival and take in live entertainment at the 2021 Big Sky Country State Fair. Enjoy family fun starting Wednesday, July, 21; gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. daily (6 p.m. on Sunday).

With 20 food vendors on the roster ready to bring fair guests the best in culinary creations, you can expect to see and smell hand-dipped corn dogs, homemade ice-cream, shaved ice, funnel cakes, huckleberry drinks, Mexican and Asian inspired food and more.

Enjoy nationally recognized talent NELLY with special guest Carly Pearce; GRANGER SMITH with special guest Kolby Cooper; and TRACE ADKINS with special guest Parmalee during the evening shows of the 21st -23rd. With the addition of the new Silver Bullet Stage, the fair offers nightly performances by live, local bands, along with music from the Everly Brothers on the Treasure State Stage daily.

Make sure you check out the commercial vendor booths along A Gate road and in the Fair Market Building and the new Fair Market Stage, where the Chicago Dancing Honey Bears will be performing daily.

With more than a hundred years of tradition, the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo will be held on Saturday, July 24th. Come back Sunday, July 25th for the Barnyard Brawl featuring Mutton Bustin’, the calf scramble and the chicken chase for the kiddos.

The fair will also feature several fun-filled activities in the Morrison-Maierle Pardners Corral: Freckle Farm petting zoo with pony rides and turkey races; Reptile Adventures; Extreme Dogs; Cutest Show on Earth; Kids Pedal Pull; Tyzen – Master Hypnotist; competitive exhibits; workshops; blacksmithing demos and more.

Animals are the number one reason visitors come to fairs in the United States. This is the last place you can get up close and personal with your favorite goat or pig without living on your own farm. First Security Bank Livestock Barns will be open all week, and visit the Northwest Farm Credit Services Livestock Show Tent to see the animal shows.

Make sure you head over to the motorsports area for extreme Motocross by Octane Addictions, The Mud bog and the Hill ‘N Hole, to name just a few. NEW this year is the American Minor League Ninja course happening Sunday.

We look forward to having you at the 2021 Big Sky Country State Fair! Look for gate admission tickets and bundles to go on sale May 28. For more information, visit 406StateFair. com or call 406-582-3270.

Thrive Announces Capital Campaign Purchases Red Chair Building for Future Community Programs Thrive, a community nonprofit organization, has purchased the Red Chair building in Bozeman and plans to renovate it as a permanent home for their community programs. This is the organization’s first Capital Campaign in its 35-year history of supporting local children and families.

“Thrive’s new facility will be a reflection of our history, a commitment to our future and to raising happy, healthy and thriving future generations,” said Carrie Gilbertson, Executive Director of Thrive.

Thrive feels very fortunate to have found the Red Chair building with its location in what is now the heart of Bozeman surrounded by local families on the west side of town. It is conveniently located on the bus route making it accessible to anyone in the community. The new space will have additional classrooms for Thrive’s ever-growing parenting classes and mentoring trainings. The Early Childhood Learning Lab will offer social, emotional and developmental screenings to keep kids on track and help parents identify critical developmental milestones for their children.

There will also be additional storage space for diapers, clothing, baby equipment and activity kits that are offered to all of Thrive’s families, and expanded parking will increase access for families, mentors, parents and staff.

Thrive received a generous financial investment from the City of Bozeman and was awarded a prestigious Innovations Grant through the University of Montana to expand their Early Childhood programming, which will be a cornerstone element of the new space. This new space will continue to bolster Thrive’s ability to be a central hub for any parent with any need.

Thrive invites the community to learn more about how we can make sure all children in our community have a place to thrive. “Our community is critical to our success and their support will impact local children and families for generations to come,” said Gilbertson.

Learn more about this project at allthrive. org/place or call 406-587-3840.

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A www.ashleydawnphoto.com

MT

Random Acts of Silliness Summer of Magic:

Trolls! Enchanted Forests! Fairies!

Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) is thrilled to bring a medley of magical experiences to the Gallatin Valley this summer.

across glowing waterfalls, buckets of pixie dust or spellbound canoes? You tell us! Reservations required, pay what you can for tickets.

In June, visit Bozeman Pond for the Troll Tromp.

Several nomadic troll families have come down from the mountains to feast on early summer delicacies: fish, tender willow shoots, grubs and crunchy gravel. Trolls are notoriously shy, but they aren’t quick. Look high and low, and you may find them hiding around the pond. This is a self-guided experience offered for free in partnership with the Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department and Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

At the end of August, the Fairy Village returns.

This year the Village will inhabit the twisty forested paths of the East Gallatin Recreation Area. In addition to featuring spectacular fairy houses made by local artists, a portion of the trail will be dedicated to visiting fairy architects to build their own fairy houses. This is a self-guided experience offered for free in partnership with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust.

In July, RAS is bringing you an improvised outdoor theater experience, “Enchanted Forest: Pick Your Path.” Will you encounter clumsy wizards, fiendish elves or good-hearted snakes?

The audience decides! Will the characters come

LONEMAN

PHOTOGR

For the latest information on exhibit dates and times, to make show reservations or to find out how you can be part of the fun (create – donate - volunteer!), visit randomactsofsilliness.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

APHY

Babes in Bozeman

BABY EXPO Saturday, MAY 15, 2021

11:00am - 3:00pm

at the Gallatin Valley Mall Email for Vendor info: BabesinBozeman@gmail.com Find us on FB (Babes in Bozeman-Baby Expo)

DERIK OLSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

MAY 2021

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REGULAR COLUMN

Zoey’s RECIPES

FOR SUCCESS: Tricks & Shortcuts Tips,

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

&

IN THE KITCHEN

WRITTEN BY ZOEY MAHONEY

At Gallatin Valley Farm to School one of our goals is to set parents and kids up for success in the kitchen. On any given day, feeling confident in the kitchen can be a challenge; however, during the middle of a pandemic it can sometimes feel impossible. I have dabbled in breadmaking for some time now but, after COVID hit and I experienced those few months of empty grocery stores and limited availability of staple items like bread, I knew it was time to get more comfortable with my own breadmaking. Being able to make such a versatile item from scratch and not having to worry about the availability in the grocery store makes life just a little bit easier. Plus, there is something about putting a handful of ingredients together and then getting a beautiful loaf of bread a few hours later that is just soothing for the soul.

a Tasty Recipe HOMEMADE SANDWICH BREAD One might look at the amount of time this loaf takes to bake and decide that bagged bread from the grocery store is the better option...but I promise you want to give this recipe a shot!

While it does take some patience, there is only about a half-an-hour of active work to make this delicious loaf – the rest is spent watching it rise and smelling the delightful aroma of baking bread. Make a whole-wheat variation by reducing the bread flour to 1½ cups and adding 1 cup of whole-wheat flour with 3 tablespoons of toasted wheat germ. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to increase the yield. For a little extra “yum,” smother a tablespoon of butter over the top of the loaf while it’s still warm.

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Yields: 1 Loaf Rising Time: 2½ -3½ hrs Total Time: 4-5 hrs Supplies: - 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan - Spray bottle - Mixer with dough hook - Spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing bowls - Plastic wrap - Ruler Ingredients: - Vegetable spray - 2½ cups bread flour - 2 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast - 1½ teaspoons salt - ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature - ⅓ cup water, room temperature - 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 Tablespoons honey Directions: - Spray a large mixing bowl with vegetable spray and set aside.

- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, yeast and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, water, melted butter and honey until fully combined.

- Using the dough hook on low speed, slowly add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough starts to form and there is no more dry flour. Raise the speed of the mixer to medium-low and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—about 7-8 minutes.

- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured counter and knead by hand until a smooth, round ball forms—about 1 minute. Put the dough in the greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size—about 1½-2 hours.

- Grease the loaf pan and set aside.

- Push down on the dough to deflate it, then transfer to a lightly floured counter and stretch the dough into an 8x6-inch rectangle with the long side parallel to the counters edge.

- Roll the dough away from you to form a tight cylinder. Pinch the seams closed and place the dough seam side down into the prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely with greased plastic and set in a warm place and let rise until the loaf reaches 1-inch above the lip of the pan—about 1-1½ hours.

- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and make sure one rack is in the lower-middle position in the oven.

- Lightly mist the loaf with water and bake until deep golden brown (about 35-40 minutes) rotating the pan halfway through the bake.

- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes and then remove the loaf from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

suggestions for sourcing Wheat is Montana’s primary crop, so it shouldn’t be surprising that there are many sources of quality flour for breadmaking in our grocery stores. Wheat Montana is a top producer of traditional products like allpurpose, wheat and bread flours. Conservation Grains is an organization that specializes in whole grain flours made out of rye, kamut and spelt. If you need to steer clear of gluten, Montana Gluten Free provides all sorts of flour mixes for gluten free baking.

A Parent and Kid Collaboration Tip Bread is never going to go out of style, so this is a great recipe to share with your kiddos as a way to set them up to be successful in the kitchen for the rest of their lives. My recommendation would be to make two loaves of bread and make them side-by-side with your kids. Hands-on experience is the best way to learn in the kitchen, especially with something like bread where you really need to feel the dough to get a sense of what you’re looking for. Bread also freezes really well, so if you can’t eat two loaves in a week then freeze one of them, and then you’ll be set for two weeks!

An Enviro-friendly Sustainability Tip Single packets of yeast are very convenient, but can also be wasteful. Most grocery stores sell yeast in bulk that, if kept in the fridge, will last for up to six months. You might not think that you’ll go through that much yeast in six months, but if you’re making four loaves of bread per month...you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll go through. We all have to do our part to cut down on single-use packaging and yeast is a great place to start!

For inspiration, you can also check out our latest virtual learning video, “un-BEETable art” at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=On5ODHcNdsY. To learn more about other fun activities we do at summer camps, please visit our website at gvfarmtoschool.org.

Zoey Mahoney is the Culinary Instructor with Gallatin Valley Farm to School and is completing degrees in Dietetics and Sustainable Food Systems from Montana State University. Zoey enjoys spending her days adventuring with her husband and building their greenhouse/chicken coop.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

Finished loaf cooling on a rack

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WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

My husband and I left our children with a babysitter for the first time in more than a year.

Talk about hermits, am I right?!

“A what?!” He said nervously.

Doing my due diligence, I explained to our three children that a very nice girl named Maggie would be coming to hang out with them the following day. The older two children (ages 7 and 5) are savvy to this situation. They knew they would have Maggie captive and forced to play with them for hours on end. Those stinkers knew they could leverage the situation and request whatever dinner they wanted and, of course, they would get dessert – probably extra – to shore up a good babysitting review. They know how to play the babysitter game, and a yearlong break wasn’t about slow them down.

His eyes darted at me with intensity. “Oh, we are, are we?” he said to her, his eyes still piercing mine.

As for my 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter, well, this was the first time she would be with someone unfamiliar to her.

“I’m having a babysitter,” Nell asked? “Yes,” I replied, “and she will be really nice and fun.”

When my husband arrived home from work an hour later, we were both caught by surprise when she ran towards him and yelled, “Guess what, dad? We’re having a baby sister!”

“A baby sister,” she confirmed.

I quickly reiterated the “sitter” part of babysitter. I even made her practice it. “Can you say it- it- it- ter, Nell?”

“Baby siTEEERRR” she said, exaggerating the “er” part like she was a dog growling.

The next day I received a very supportive congratulations on the soon-to-be baby from one of her day care teachers. I quickly clarified the situation. “lol’s” were exchanged, and I moved on.

At pick-up, she once again declared to the entire room of parents that she was having a baby sister. I quickly squashed their joy by firmly saying, “No, Nellie, you are having a babysitter, not a baby sister.”

On the drive home, I reminded myself that all this effort was worth getting to spend alone time with my husband.

When Maggie arrived that night, Nell ran to the door screaming, “My baby sister is here!” Poor

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Maggie wasn’t what Nell had in mind as a new baby sister. Nell’s joy quickly and dramatically turned into sobbing and burrowing into a pile of blankets on the couch. My husband peeked in on her to instill comfort, but all she could mutter through buggery tears was “Daddy, I don’t want a baby sister.”

After showing Maggie the ropes and introducing her to my children (except Nell, who would not even look at her), we were off on our date. It was glorious. I ate with both hands and wasn’t interrupted every other second.

That night before climbing into bed, I mentioned needing to do that more often to my husband. As I lifted the covers, I saw my sweet girl had secretly climbed into my spot . . . her little body curled up around her favorite stuffy.

“I suppose once a year is good enough for now,” I whispered.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom.

You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com. Follow her Instagram @blair_mt for more adventures.

∂ $159 win ENTER TO

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

Luli Bebé

Monaco Diaper Bag

MAY 2021

How to enter:

Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook page starting May 1.

1. Like the post and Tag one friend

2. Follow @mtparent on Facebook (if you don't already!)

Other info:

Winner will be chosen at random and announced June 1. No purchase necessary.

Enter for your chance to win a Luli Bebé Monaco diaper bag ($159 value). The Monaco, made with soft vegan faux leather texture, is gorgeous and easy to care for. Worn as a backpack or a shoulder/crossbody bag, with clips provided to attach it to a stroller, this diaper bag is versatile and beautiful.

The Monaco Diaper Bag is the perfect gift for the new mom who will appreciate the subtle and elegant design that is practical and gorgeous, all at once.

For more details about this prize, head to

https://www.lulibebe.com

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MAY 2021

47

Here from the start.

I’m here to guide you and your child, ensuring health and wellness through all of life’s adventures.

Dr.Chris D’Ardenne

Bozeman Health Pediatrics Call 414-4900 today to schedule a same-day appointment!

Belgrade 206 Alaska Frontage Rd BozemanHealth.org/kids

Bozeman 937 Highland Boulevard, Suite 5320