October 2022 | Fall Adventures

Courtney Handlin, DO Pediatrician

Sheila Idzerda, MD Pediatrician

Claire Kenamore, MD Pediatrician

Maggie Siska, MD Pediatric Diabetes/Endocrinology

Brekke, DO Pediatric Cardiology

WIC provides supplemental food and nutrition education benefits to pregnant and postpartum women and children under 5. Moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, and other caretakers of young children are all welcome to apply.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Cathryn Darcy Jacque

Marlene Shawnna

Amie

Montana families deserve more

pediatric after-hours telemedicine

We are Montana-based pediatricians working together to ensure Montana families have access to high-quality, low-cost care whenever provider offices are closed.

As a pediatric-specific alternative to urgent care, our video-based visits are available every evening and weekend. Plus, we promise to communicate with your child’s provider, maintaining continuity of care like never before.

Learn more today at montanapediatrics.org

The Fall Festival at Rocky Creek Farm has been a local tradition for more than 30 years. If you haven’t been, here’s what you need to know: It’s held every weekend throughout October and features hayrides out to the pumpkin patch, u-pick apples, a custom apple cider press, tire swings and a farm stand stocked with certified organic seasonal produce, carving pumpkins, decorative gourds, dried flowers and ornamental grasses, apple cider and more.

Matt and Jacy Rothschiller, owners of Gallatin Valley Botanical since 2003, acquired Rocky Creek Farm from Pete Fay in 2017. Today, they oversee 57 acres raising vegetables, cut flowers, sheep, pigs, laying hens, broiler chickens, berries, bees, an apple orchard and, of course, the pumpkin patch.

But let me back up a few years. When Cora DeSantis, Shaunescy Willard and I purchased Montana Parent in 2010, we knew that the cover photo for our first issue needed to say something personal, something local, something magical to draw people in. Rocky Creek Farm it was.

On a beautiful September afternoon, we brought our eight children (ranging in age from 2 to 9 years) to the farm for our first photo shoot. Note: We had grand plans to update that photo of all our kids every year and document their growth. However, as most best-laid plans begin, we only managed to get three photo shoots in. So, the last one from 2013 still graces the magazine’s pages.

Anyway, Montana Parent and Rocky Creek Farm go way back and our relationship remains strong to this day. Matt and Jacy have kept the farm’s traditions alive, including the Fall Festival, and added farm dinners, weddings and other special events. Their specialty vegetables can be found at the Community Food Co-op, farmers markets, local restaurants and (thanks to a CSA program) in the homes of families throughout the valley.

My family’s favorite Rocky Creek tradition is cider pressing. Back when I had apple trees in my yard, my daughters and I would bring bags full to the farm to make custom cider. We loved watching the staff press apples, and plowed through every gallon we brought home. My parents still bring apples from their backyard out to Rocky Creek Farm. The cider press is in motion every day the market stand is open.

With Bozeman changing so fast, it’s a real delight to slow down and enjoy the shift of seasons while embracing an annual tradition that remains unchanged. Now if I could only get Matt and Jacy to host a football tournament during an October weekend and gather all of our Montana Parent kids together for one more photo shoot, everything would be perfect in the world.

Rocky Creek Farm Hours of Operation

FARM STAND IN OCTOBER

» Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

» *Not open on Halloween Day

NOVEMBER - MAY

» Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m.

HAY RIDES IN OCTOBER

» Walk up: Fridays from 1-5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

» Reservations are available at www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com

In my mind, autumn means two things: football and Rocky Creek Farm – and I can’t imagine an October without either one.

PHOTO KELLY KUNTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

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 2022 Roots Family Collaborative Perinatal Guide is always available online at mtparent.com

Want to be featured in the 2023 Roots Family Collaborative Perinatal Guide?

If you want to be listed, you must fill out an application and meet eligibility requirements. please contact Suzanne Bendick of Roots Family Collaborative at hello@rootsfamilycollaborative.com or 406-570-0738.

If you are interested in purchasing an ad in the Roots Wellness Guide, please contact your account representative at Montana Parent or info@mtparent.com

Fall Family Activities That Get You Outside

WRITTEN BY KATY REASONER

If you’ve ever spent time in the Midwest or northeast, you know that the onset of fall can be BIG. Pumpkin patches, donuts and cider, changing leaves, the list goes on and on. There are fall rides and fun activities for families everywhere you look.

While Montana doesn’t have a cider mill on every corner with a pumpkin patch, we do have many opportunities to get out and celebrate the seasonal changes.

A Hay or Corn Maze:

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THE BOZEMAN MAZE is located at 1340 E. Valley Center Rd. They have lots of activities and special events throughout the season.

ROCKY CREEK FARM offers hayrides and a pumpkin patch, and they will even turn your apples into cider for you. Located at 34297 Frontage Rd. in Bozeman.

¦

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THE MONTANA CORN MAZE is located at 4605 W. Cameron Bridge Rd. in Manhattan.

EDGEWATER FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH is located in Townsend, about 6 miles south of town on the west side of the highway.

THE BEAVERHEAD MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH is located 4 miles north of Dillon on Hwy 41.

Color Cruise:

Deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall after changing to brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red. Take a drive through Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman or through the Lewis and Clark National Forest near Helena and enjoy the contrast between the dark pine trees and the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. The best time of the year for this is typically October.

Fall Hikes:

Fall is an excellent time to continue getting outside and going on walks or hikes with your family. As always, stay safe by being aware of bears as they prepare for their long winter nap. Also, late fall brings hunting season in Montana, so it’s a good idea for people and pups to wear some orange.

Apple Cider Donuts:

Apple cider donuts are always a good idea and easy to make. This recipe from the New York Times for baked donuts can be made in either a donut pan or a muffin pan: cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019593-baked-applecider-doughnuts

Now, you just have to decide how your family will celebrate this incredible season. Have fun!

Katy Reasoner is a CACFP Coordinator at Child Care Connections. Child Care Connections is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children. Learn more and get resources at cccmontana.org.

Montana Corn Maze

Rose Brouwer’s Montana Corn Maze may only have been around since 2010, but the 160-acre farm where the annual maze is grown has a history dating back to the late 1800’s.

Homesteaded in 1897 by Lewis G. and Mary E. Young, the farm was sold to John and Jennie Bos in 1904 when the Manhattan Malting Company and the West Gallatin Irrigation Company encouraged and sponsored the Dutch to come to Montana.

John Bos built a barn, blacksmith shop, chicken coop, brooder coop and hog house, all of which remain on the homestead and are still in use today for livestock and other farm use.

In 1945 Jon’s son Peter Bos and his wife, Jane, purchased the farm, which was then sold to their daughter Rose (Bos) and John Brouwer in 1982.

Rose still lives on the farm and is to thank for this Manhattan-area gem.

“There was an odd corner in the back of the field, and I thought making a corn maze out of it would be something fun to do to for the community – and it might bring in a little income for our small farm,” said Rose.

What started on eight-tenths of an acre has now grown to more than five acres. Each year, corn is planted in two different directions, creating a grid. The maze is drawn and cut without the use of computers or GPS. When the corn is about six inches tall, the paths are walked out, marked and then cut using weed eaters. This step takes place several times.

Finally, clues are hidden among the stalks for three different levels of challenges. The 2022 Montana Corn Maze theme is It’s Montana! Get Outside!

Open through October 29, the maze attraction also offers a barrel train for kids, trikes for adults and older kids and wagon rides to and from the maze. Around the farm you’ll find a playground and sandboxes, corn hole, a miniature six-hole golf course, a haybale pyramid, the Wagon Depot slide, food and drink vendors, farm animals and, on Saturdays, a farmers market.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR TICKETS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED

» $10 - Ages 4 and up

» Free - Ages 3 and under To purchase tickets online visit www. montanacornmaze.com

OCTOBER HOURS OF OPERATION:

» Wednesdays / Reservations Required

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

» Fridays / Reservations Required

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Fridays / No Reservations Required 5 to 7 p.m.

» Saturdays / No Reservations Required

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Montana Corn Maze is located at 4605 W. Cameron Bridge Rd. in Manhattan.

For more information visit the website or call 406-922-1643.

2022 MAZE THEME: It’s Montana! Get outside!

Corn Maze, Tunnel Slide, Mini-Golf and Tractor Rides!

ONLINE RESERVATIONS and TICKETS are ENCOURAGED but NOT REQUIRED

Ticket Price: Ages 4 and older -- $10 Ages 3 and under -- Free Church, school and club groups get special discounts!

Go to www.montanacornmaze.com to make reservations, see hours and our current events.

Facebook @montanacornmaze (406) 922-1643

Sunday

Kids

Wednesday

COOKING SCHOOL

Ages 10-14 | Cost $1400

Chef Dani will be guiding a small group of chefs through a 4-month cooking and baking series. Each class will build on each other. Students will plan and cook a final meal for our last class.

BEGINNERS

All classes are on Mondays from 4-6:30 p.m.

Dates

January 23,30

February 6,13,27

March 6,20,27

April 3,10,17,24

May 1

May 6 (Final Dinner)

BEGINNERS HOME SCHOOL

All classes are on Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m.

Dates

January 26

February 2,9,16,23

March 2,9,23,30

April 6,20,27

May 4

May 7 (Final Dinner)

Friday,

Kids

COOKING CLASSES

Ages 8-12

October

Halloween Baking Class Saturday, October 29 | 1-4 p.m. | $125

November

Fall Baking Class Saturday, November 19 | 1-4 p.m. | $125

December

Holiday Baking Extravaganza Saturday, December 10 | 1-4 p.m. | $150

Holiday Baking Extravaganza Sunday, December 11 | 1-4 p.m. | $150

Bozeman Maze

The Bozeman Maze has been a Gallatin Valley tradition since 1998. Last year, Ezra Cuelho and Tell Rothing took the reins from the Mandeville Family and continue the tradition again this October. In addition to the maze itself, guests will find a PowerJump Bungee Trampoline, minitrain, hayrides, corn bins, a party tent, pumpkins, concessions and more.

The creation of the maze takes more than 5,000 bales of hay and a month or longer to build with two to three people putting in around 200-man hours.

HOURS OF OPERATION ARE AS FOLLOWS, WITH FLASHLIGHT NIGHTS ON THE EVENINGS WHEN THE MAZE IS OPEN UNTIL 9 P.M.:

» Monday: Closed

» Tuesday: Closed

» Wednesday: 6-9 p.m.

» Thursday: Closed

» Friday: 6-9 p.m.

» Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

» Sunday: noon-6 p.m.

The last group of the day will be permitted into the maze at closing time. Hayrides and concessions close one hour later. The mini-train does not run after dark.

Cost:

» General: $13/person

» Children age 5-11: $11/person

» Age 4 and under free

» PowerJump Bungee Trampoline: $8 (The PowerJump will not run when the temperature is below 45°F.)

The Bozeman Maze is located at 1340 E Valley Center Rd. For more information visit www. bozemanmaze.com, e-mail info@bozemanmaze.com, or call 406-388-7818.

Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch

Make special memories with your family and friends at Johnson’s Nursery and Gardens Pick-Your-Own-Pumpkin Patch in Helena. Enjoy lots of cool Halloween decorations, yummy treats and stock up on fresh fruits, veggies and jams too at the Johnson’s Farm Market. Free entrance to the Giant Pumpkin Bounce House with the purchase of a pumpkin. Located at 5935 McHugh Ln., admission is free.

Edgewater Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

With more than 15 attractions to choose from, families can spend hours of fun at Edgewater Farms. Wander through the maze, which offers 12 acres of walking paths through corn fields; jump to your heart’s content on a 34-foot by 67-foot custom Jumbo Jumper; shoot cobs of corn with air powered corn cannons at a variety of targets – including the river; and spend hours in the next level sandbox corn pit.

Other attractions include tractors to climb, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, fire pits and a multitude of games.

Edgewater Farms offers hamburgers and hot dogs, Washington apples and homemade chocolate chip cookies and scotcheroos. They also have kettle corn made on site. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages (no alcohol). The farm is located about six miles south of Townsend on the west side of the highway. You will have to cross railroad tracks with frequent trains so please be careful and DO NOT STOP ON THE TRACKS!

HOURS OF OPERATION:

» Now through October 29, 2022

» Fridays: 4-9 p.m.*

» Saturdays: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.*

» Sunday-Thursday: Closed

*Last ticket is sold at 8 p.m.

Fall Farm Fun at Applestem

Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

The Applestem Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is an agriculture-themed outdoor recreational attraction and farm with a 10acre corn maze and other activities that are perfect for all ages. Located just outside of Craig, between Helena and Great Falls, the farm offers families hours of fun looking for the quickest path out of the corn and taking in other popular attractions like Human Foosball and Roller Bowler.

Hop on the Grain Train or ride the Cow Train. Take the plunge down Hay Mountain on the tube slide. Dig around in the corn box and try your hand at steer head roping. There’s a sandbox and an oldfashioned hay jump, rubber duck races, farm animals and spider webs to explore.

Let’s not forget the pumpkin patch. All of Applestem’s pumpkins are locally grown by the Hutterites at Sage Creek and New Rockport Colonies. Applestem specializes in selling what people cannot buy at the store, and they try to feature something new and exotic every year.

For attraction hours of operation and ticket prices visit www.applestemcornmaze.com

SCHOOL’S OUT (PIR) CAMPS

eep learning—even when school’s out! This year, MOSS is partnering with the Museum of the Rockies and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center for a variety of super fun day-camp options.

Our cool themes

Tiny Nature Sticky, Slimy Nature Nature’s Creepiest Science Superheroes

Montana’s Big 5 Spring Break Camp

9:00am - 5:00pm MOSS, MOR, Crosscut $80 per day for MOSS members; $85 for non-membersNEW

YEAR!

FALL PIR DAY

Livingston PIR camps!

UTDOOR S CIENCE.ORG 406-582-0526

TUESDAY

SCIENCE

Join MOSS on Tuesday after noons September-November and March-May to explore lo cal science in a fun new way!

• Nature Art

• Airborne Engineers

• Wild Survival

• Snow Party

• Out of Hibernation

• Baby Animals

GRADES: K - 5 TIME: 3:30pm - 5:30pm LOCATION: MOSS COST: $100 per session for MOSS members; $105 for non-members

www.outdoorscience.org/tuesday-science

Dinosaur, Witch or Superhero?

Grab those costumes for a good cause Run for Your Life

OCTOBER 29, 2022

It’s a crisp fall morning, you are enjoying your run or walk and then BAM…out pops a ZOMBIE! Over the last eight years, Run for Your Life has become a fun Halloween tradition in the Bozeman-area community. This Halloween-themed 5k and Kids’ Fun Run, which is the Help Center’s largest fundraiser, supports its suicide prevention and intervention services. This event aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention, destigmatize seeking mental health help, remember those we have lost to suicide and raise funds for vital services of the Help Center.

Run for Your Life is equal parts fun and meaningful. “Bringing awareness to suicide and mental health is so important,” said a previous participant. “As depression has run in my family, I choose to participate in this event for them. I choose to participate for the millions of people who don’t know that they are worthy of love and life.”

Grab the whole crew on Saturday, October 29 and head over to the MSU Football Stadium parking lot for a 5k run/walk through Bozeman’s southside with some spooky characters along the way. The Kids' 1k Fun Run is for all ages. The course goes around the stadium, provides a fun optional obstacle course for the kiddos and ends through the Bobcat football head. Dogs on leash (and in costume!) are invited to join the fun. This event also includes a costume contest for dogs and humans.

If you are unable to join in person, you can still participate virtually from ANYWHERE, October 23 through 29. You choose the distance, when and where.

Running or walking isn’t the only way you can participate in this event. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages; become a Fundraising Champion or donate directly.

Register, volunteer or donate at: www. run4yourlifemt.com.

The Help Center is our local suicide, crisis and resource line, operating 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and has been serving Gallatin and the surrounding 12 counties for more than 51 years. When you need help, the Help Center is there by calling 406586-3333, 988 or 211.

halloween

h a l lo we en

Kids' Fall Festival

October 15' 2022

The annual Kids’ Fall Festival returns on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pioneer Park in Helena.

Head out for the famous Pumpkin Patch, with pumpkins ready for kids to pick up, along with games, food and a multitude of fun activities. Visit www.downtownhelena.com for a full listing of participating vendors and activities.

Bozeman Parks & Recreation Halloween Activities

Preschool Classes & Events

Bozeman Parks & Recreation preschool classes give children ages 2 to 5 an opportunity to discover, learn and grow in a fun environment that encourages them to be their own unique selves. Parents or guardians are required to stay with their children and are encouraged to participate. Preregistration is required. For more information call 406-582-2290 or visit www.bozeman.net/recreation.

October Pumpkin Party

October 7 & 14

Kiddos and their caregivers will be going on a pumpkin scavenger hunt, creating works of art with pumpkin themes and even finding some time to have a pumpkin treat. Wear orange for this fun-filled pumpkin party.

Halloween Party

Monday, October 31, 10 a.m.

Get into costume early, grab your friends and head to the Beall Park Recreation Center to create spooky crafts, dance the Monster Mash and explore the inside of a pumpkin. There will be healthy treats too!

Fun for Families

Pumpkin Stroll – Drop and Glow

October 26, 2022

Bozeman Parks & Recreation invites you to share your spooktacular creation during their Community Pumpkin Stroll in Story Mill Park. Carve a pumpkin in the comfort of your own home, drop it off during any of their office hours on Wednesday, October 26, and they will add a tea light and make it glow. Jack-o’-lanterns will be placed along the grand lawn trail between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. for all to enjoy. Hot cider will be provided.

Witches’ Night at the Story Mansion

October 31, 2022

The porch of the historic Story Mansion at 811 S. Willson Ave. will be transformed on Halloween night and full of witches who will delight and not frighten. This is a perfect trick-or-treating stop and is brought to you by the Friends of the Story Mansion. Learn more by visiting www.friendsofstory.org.

Kenyon Noble’s 24th Annual Junior Carpenter

Pumpkin Carving Contest

October 29' 2022

Kenyon Noble’s 24th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest is just around the corner. The community is invited to this FREE event on Saturday, October 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at all Kenyon Noble locations in Belgrade, Bozeman and Livingston.

Select a free pumpkin of your choice (while supplies last) and spend a fun-filled afternoon carving and trying to win some super cool prizes – you could be sporting a grin as bright as any jack-o’lantern!

Prize categories are broken into three age groups: 0-5, 6-9 and 10-12. At 2 p.m. Kenyon Noble judges will pick the three winning pumpkins from each age group and announce prizes soon after. Winners will need to be present to win, so if you have a little time after you're done carving, grab some complimentary snacks and hydration – oh, and don’t forget to pick up your free goodie bag full of some spooktakular Halloween swag. Kenyon Noble staff will be holding their own Halloween costume contest where you get to vote for the winner, so make sure you vote for your favorite getup. You don’t want to miss this event! Feel free to join in the fun by wearing your own costumes if you would like.

Boo Bash

October 29, 2022

Join the Gallatin Valley YMCA on Saturday, October 29, for their Annual Boo Bash celebration.

This is a FREE community event for kids of all ages. Come play ghoulish games, win spooky prizes and enter to win the creepy costume contest. Festivities will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin Valley YMCA.

Downtown Bozeman Trick-or-Treating

October 31' 2022

Head on down to Main Street on Monday, October 31, from 4-6 p.m. and join downtown Bozeman businesses for safe, traditional trick-or-treating. More than 150 businesses welcome kids and families with candy and Halloween decorations.

Little Tykes Trick or Treat

in Helena

October 31' 2022

On Halloween, dress up your family in their most entertaining costumes. Downtown businesses will have treats waiting from 1 to 5 p.m. Little Tykes Trick or Treat will be great fun for the whole family. For more information visit www.downtownhelena.com.

Trunk or Treat

October 31, 2022

Deals on Wheels in Helena will host a fun trunk-or-treat event on Halloween from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Haunted House

2022

The eighth-grade class at Anderson School has been spooking the unsuspecting, yet brave members of the Gallatin Valley since 1992. Now, after a two-year hiatus they are at it again, and this year’s House of Phobias promises to be one of their best haunted houses yet! Don’t miss all of the scary fun this year on October 28 and 29 at Anderson

There are two different ways to experience this spooktacular event. For the more easily startled, both evenings begin with the “lights on” version from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For those willing to face their phobias in the dark, the lights go out from 7-10 p.m. The “lights out” version is not recommended for the faint of heart, however, there is a midway point of exit for those who find they cannot continue with the scary madness!

Anderson School’s Haunted House of Phobias

Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29

Located 5 miles south of Huffine on S. Cottonwood Road

Fast Pass (much shorter than the general admission line): $20

Since its inception, the Anderson School Haunted House has raised the bulk of financing needed to send the eighth-grade class to Washington D.C. each year as a part of their American History curriculum. Students look forward to the opportunity to scare the stuffing out of the community in the years leading up to their final year at Anderson. Beginning on day one of their eighth-grade year, students start planning, organizing, skit developing, prop gathering and frightening costume designing in earnest. They have watched their predecessors perform. They have walked the unhallowed halls. They have screamed, cried and escaped out the side door at the scariest moments of their haunted house journey. Now it is their turn, and they are up to the challenge.

Parking is easy at the Little Red School House. Attendants will be on site both nights to direct you to parking in the field directly adjacent to the school. Please dress appropriately for the weather and plan on the event being well attended! There will be concessions including food, cold drinks and hot drinks to keep you warm while you wait.

Halloween Safety Tips

for Parents and Children

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA TALSMA

Halloween in Montana can be unpredictable – who knows whether it will be snowing, and our kids will need to wear their costumes over snow suits or a perfectly clear night and 60 degrees. Whatever the weather will be, it’s important to keep our little ghouls and monsters safe while out trick-or-treating this Halloween.

Costume Safety

When choosing a costume, it’s important to consider a few factors:

» Make sure that your child’s costume is appropriate for the unpredictable weather.

» Avoid tripping or falling hazards by making sure your kid is wearing the right size costume.

» Avoid costumes that may block your child’s vision such as masks, wigs or oversized hats.

» Test any costume make-up or face paint on a small area of your kid’s skin prior to doing full face make-up to avoid any surprises or potential reactions.

Be Seen and Walk Safely

Ensuring that your kids are visible, especially to motorists, is one of the most important things to do before they leave the house. You can achieve this by doing some of the following:

» When choosing a costume, avoid dark colors. Instead, favor bright and light-colored costumes.

» Use reflective stickers or tape on costumes and bags.

» Have your kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.

» Trick-or-treat in a group; larger groups are easier to see especially when crossing streets.

» Remind your kids to cross at street corners, looking both left and right and never dart out into the street.

Have a plan

Kids are known to be mischievous and curious. If you plan to let your child trick-or-treat in a group, follow these steps to keep them safe:

» If you feel like your child is too young to be going out alone, plan to go out with them.

» If you are OK with your child going alone, remember there is safety in numbers and plan to have them trick-or-treat with a group of friends, classmates or even other neighborhood kids.

» Set a route, have a conversation or draw a map for your kids showing where they are allowed to trick-or-treat and the importance of sticking to the plan.

» Set a curfew. Give them a set time of when you expect to have them back home, and have them set a reminder on their phone or watch.

» Remind your kids to never enter the home of a stranger even if they live in the same neighborhood as them.

» Remember that if a house doesn’t look like they are participating in Halloween, then it should be skipped.

Treat Safety

Every kid knows the best part of Halloween is getting to eat all the amazing treats and candy that were given throughout the night. With the chance of Halloween treats being exposed to allergens or other dangerous factors, it’s crucial to remind our children the following:

» Don’t eat candy while out trick-or-treating.

» Never accept a treat that looks to be homemade.

» Never eat candy that hasn’t been inspected by a parent first.

Parents, remember to inspect all the treats that are brought home. Look for anything that looks like the packaging has been tampered with and anything your child may be allergic to. If you suspect either of these, discard the treat immediately.

With these tips and safety precautions you and your little witch, zombie, ninja or ghoul are sure to have a spooktacular and safe Halloween.

Samantha Talsma is the Outreach Coordinator at Child Care Connections, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children. Learn more and get resources at cccmontana.org.

Resources:

» mommabe.com/halloween-safety-tips

» safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

» amig.com/agents/blog/10-safety-tips-to-follow-during-halloween

» amig.com/agents/blog/10-safety-tips-to-follow-during-halloween

Spooky Science

WRITTEN BY QUINCY BALIUS

Happy Halloween! Get ready for some spooky science with easy activities you can do at home courtesy of the Montana Science Center, a Bozeman nonprofit that provides interactive STEM learning opportunities to the Montana community and beyond.

Activity #1:

Frankenstein’s Hand

First up is Frankenstein’s Hand, an homage to the famous doctor and his monster. This year is the 225th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s birth and the 204th anniversary of Frankenstein’s publication. It’s a great Halloween year to celebrate Frankenstein.

In this activity you will generate a chemical reaction to create a spooky monster hand. The reaction will produce a gas that will inflate the glove and cause it to rise up from the cup. It’s (almost) alive!

Set-Up:

Gather cups, baking soda, vinegar, rubber gloves and rubber bands. Set up measuring spoons nearby to measure your ingredients. This activity can get messy, so take it outside or use a washable surface.

Materials List:

1. Measuring spoons

2. Vinegar

3. Baking soda

4. Plastic cups

5. Vinyl or latex gloves

6. Rubber bands

Try This:

» Add 3 Tablespoons of vinegar to the cup

» Add 2 Tablespoons of baking soda to the fingers of the rubber glove

» Carefully stretch the open end of the rubber glove around the top of the cup

» Secure the glove with a rubber band

» Pull the glove upright to release the baking soda into the cup

» Step back and watch the glove inflate

Go Further:

» Vinegar is an acid, and baking soda is a base. When you mix baking soda and vinegar together you create a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas. The gas fills the rubber glove and causes it to inflate. The glove will stay inflated throughout the reaction. The length of time that the glove is inflated will depend on how tight the seal between the glove and the cup is.

Activity #2:

Flying Tea Bag Ghosts

Halloween is all about spooks – and what’s spookier than ghosts? In this second activity, you will explore density, thermodynamics and heat transfer. You will create a thermal convection current that will help your tea bag ghost lift off and fly away.

Set-Up:

Set out your surface protector. You’ll use this to protect your surfaces from stains when you decorate your tea bag ghosts. Set out your other materials, including tea bags, scissors, markers and your heat-proof surface. Make sure to have a discussion about fire safety. Young children should not be allowed to use lighters, and children should always be supervised when using fire in science experiments.

Materials List:

1. Tea bags (note: use tea bags with fold-over tags)

2. Scissors

3. Markers

4. Lighter

5. Baking sheet or other heat-proof surface

6. Surface protector

Try This:

» Snip off the top of the tea bag, including the string and tag, and remove it. Carefully snip the string holding the tag of the tea bag and remove it

» Fold open the tea bag and empty out the tea

» Smooth the tea bag out and set it on top of your surface protector. Decorate your tea bag to create your spooky ghost

» Open up the tea bag into a tube shape and stand it up on the heat-proof surface

» Light the top of the tea bag with a lighter

» Step back and prepare for lift-off

» The flame should burn down your tea bag.

When it reaches the base, your ghost will take flight

» The ashy remains of your ghost should float back down to your heat-proof surface

Go Further:

» Setting the tea bag on fire causes the air molecules inside the tea bag to become energized and move around rapidly. The heat from the fire causes the molecules to spread out as they move more rapidly. Therefore, the air inside the tea bag is less dense. These air molecules expand and spread up and outside of the tea bag. The air outside the tea bag is colder and denser in comparison to the air inside the bag. Warm, less dense air rises above cold, dense air. The density difference between the two air temperatures causes the tea bag ghost to fly. Warmer air moves up and colder air moves in to replace it, which forms a thermal convection current and lifts up your tea bag.

» The tea bag will continue to rise until it reaches an area with colder and denser air. Then, it will float back down to your heat-proof surface.

Enjoy these at-home activities and mark your calendar for Spooky Science at the Montana Science Center on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will have handson science experiments and related crafts at the Science Station. Wear your costume for an extra sweet treat! Check out montanasciencecenter.org/ for information on exhibits, programs, camps and other offerings.

The Montana Science Center’s mission is to “provide hands-on learning experiences in science and technology that inspire creativity, innovation and lead to real-world application.” They accomplish this mission through interactive exhibits and programs that generate experiential learning opportunities for all ages.

Quincy Balius is the Education Coordinator at the Montana Science Center.

After-school

activity guide

Fall-Winter 2022 bozeman

Art school

State of Play

221 E. Oak St., Suite 1-C

509-939-5383

kama@stateofplay.co

www.stateofplay.co

www.facebook.com/playbozeman

www.instagram.com/playbozeman

After-school DROP-OFF art school for children ages 4 and up will start at State of Play this fall! Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. and will last all fall semester. Choose one day or both. Sign up NOW, space is limited.

Classical Ballet Instruction for All Ages

Montana Ballet Company

2304 N. Seventh Ave., Suite C-3

406-582-8702

info@montanaballet.org

www.montanaballet.org

www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

www.instagram.com/montanaballet

Montana Ballet Company offers fine classical ballet instruction for all ages and levels in a fun, educational and nurturing environment. Classes are held Monday through Saturday, with performing opportunities available. MBC is a nonprofit arts and education organization in its 39th annual season. Classes are taught by a professional faculty with a focus on health and wellness and the whole dancer.

MOSS School's Out (PIR) Camps and Tuesday Science

4056 Bridger Canyon Rd.

406-582-0526

bgitch@outdoorscience.org

www.outdoorscience.org

www.facebook.com/MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool

www.instagram.com/mt_moss

Looking for something a little extra for days when your mini-scientist is out of school? MOSS PIR Camps expose kids to a variety of science careers and engaging lessons to pique their interests.

Tuesday Science - Join MOSS for two hours on Tuesday afternoons to participate in place-based lessons, hands-on activities about natural science and instructor-led nature hikes. Each month-long session revolves around an exciting science topic, the perfect variety to keep kids engaged. Great for homeschool students or families looking for an afterschool program.

Science Day Camps

Montana Science Center

2744 W. Main St.

406-522-9087

qbalius@montanasciencecenter.org

www.MontanaScienceCenter.org

www.facebook.com/ MontanaScienceCenter

www.instagram.com/montanasciencecenter

Hands-on, interactive science-themed day camps each day while school is out. Join MSC for engineering, science and chemistry activities each PIR Day and Winter Break. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes time in the high-tech makerspace, STEAMlab. Optional aftercare available.

MOSS

After-school

activity guide

STEAM Exploration

Bozeman Public Library

626 E. Main St.

406-582-2420

enewell@bozeman.net

www.bozemanlibrary.org

www.facebook.com/BozemanPublicLibrary

www.instagram.com/bozemanlibrary

Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math at your Bozeman Public Library. Visit the Children's Room anytime during open hours for a special hands-on learning activity, especially for kids in grades K-5 and their caregivers. Programs will change monthly.

Waldorf Forest School

Epoch

1778 Moffit Gulch

512-680-1671

info@epochbzn.com

www.epochbzn.com

www.instagram.com/epoch_bzn

Epoch is a Waldorf Forest School for grade school students. Planning to add an early childhood program soon, Epoch offers after-school clubs, enrichment classes, community dinners, traditional Waldorf festivals yearround and culture trips.

For Fall 2022-23

For over 50 years Pilgrim Preschool has been helping children grow and develop socially, physically, emotionally, and academically through creative play, art, music, science, language, and math.

Visit our website or call to enroll your child.

www.pilgrimpreschoolmt.org 406.586.6060

guide

LIVINGSTON

Friday Field Day Program in Partnership with Montana Outdoor Science School EDUCATIO Rad School

129 S. Main St.

406-202-8201

emily@educatio.life

www.educatio.life/admissions

www.facebook.com/EducatioRadSchool

www.instagram.com/educatio_school

On Fridays throughout the school year

EDUCATIO aims to get kids outside exploring their backyard and learning about themselves and our world. This fall and spring they will be partnering with Montana Outdoor Science School for STEM curriculum and activities. In the winter session they will head to Bridger Bowl for skiing.

Fall Theme: WATERSHEDS! Ecology, Change and Stewardship Students will observe plants, animals, invertebrates and geology of our local watersheds; investigate how they change and the power, impacts and benefits of floods; and discover all the gifts of this shared treasure and how we can give back as stewards.

After-school

now through December 31, 2022.

PHOTO S. WILLARD

PHOTO KELLY KUNTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

women in our community who are living with breast cancer.

Harvest Market:

FUN FOR ALL AGES IN A BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN SETTING

OCTOBER 8, 2022,

FROM 11 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Bozeman, MT— Check holiday shopping off your list, enjoy fall fun with your family and help kids experience the joy of camp by coming to the second annual Harvest Market at Yellowstone Alliance Adventures!

On October 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the YAA Harvest Market will feature something for everyone in our beautiful mountain setting: a pumpkin patch, hayride, petting zoo, bounce house, climbing wall, bungee bounce, more than 28 local artisan vendors and more! Lunch and other camp-made treats will be available for purchase, local artist Jim Howard will do a live painting to be auctioned and local musician Josh Kaltenbach will provide live music. Event proceeds will support camp scholarships for families in need.

Homecoming Pep Rally

OCTOBER 7, 2022

Help the community get ready for Homecoming weekend and pumped for the big game. Coach Vigen and some of the players will help rally the crowd along with the Spirit of the West Marching Band and MSU Spirit Squad. So come downtown to the MSU/Downtown Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday, October 7 at 6 p.m. and show your Bobcat spirit. Go Cats, Go!

Yellowstone Alliance Adventures is located at 13707 Cottonwood Canyon Road. Please follow signage for parking, stop by the welcome tent for event info and to purchase activity tickets/wristbands, and enjoy a day of shopping, fun, and the flavors of fall!

Yellowstone Alliance Adventures is a camp and retreat center that offers year-round opportunities for fun and rejuvenation through summer camps, retreat rentals, special events and our Mountain Getaways experience. Visit www.yaacamp.org for more information or give us a call at (406) 763-4727.

Pediatric Care

We’re

Tuesday, September 13

Billings Clinic Bozeman began seeing patients in its new multispecialty clinic on September 13, 2022. The beautiful three-story, 142,000-squarefoot building continues Billings Clinic Bozeman’s efforts to meet the growing health care needs in the Gallatin Valley and is a key piece of the first phase of its new medical campus in Bozeman.

“This is an investment in the health of the entire community,” said Clint Seger, MD, Billings Clinic Interim CEO. “The Gallatin Valley continues to grow, and we’re honored to be able to both enhance the care available and help meet the care needs of the people who live and work here. Most importantly, this new multispecialty clinic is filled with caring, compassionate physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, care teams and support staff who are not only here to provide high-quality care, but also live right here in the community.”

A public Grand Opening ceremony will be held at the new clinic (3905 Wellness Way in Bozeman) on Saturday, October 15, beginning at noon.

Designed with community input to honor and reflect the beauty of the surrounding area, the new facility includes valley vistas, open spaces, a Healing Garden and a focus on a calming and comfortable atmosphere.

The facility will house more than 50 physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, while offering more than 20 different specialties in the Bozeman area.

The building includes more than 60 exam rooms, 10 treatment rooms, infusion space, physical and occupational therapy services and conference space.

We are so excited to move into our beautiful new building and to have all our other specialties and services under one roof.

Primary Care for Babies, Kids & Teens

appointment today, (406) 522-KIDS (5437)

Rely on our team when your child needs:

• Preventive care, including vaccinations

• Routine well-child checkups

• School, daycare, camp, and sports physicals

The new medical campus will employ an additional 200 clinical and support staff. It will also house outreach services from Billings Clinic’s more than 80 specialties. All Billings Clinic physicians have the unique opportunity for added consultation as members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network affiliation.

• Management of chronic and complicated conditions

Mon - Fri: 8 am to 5 pm 3905 Wellness Way Bozeman, MT billingsclinicbozeman.com

The multispecialty clinic is part of the first phase of the new 54-acre Billings Clinic Bozeman medical campus along I-90 at 19th Street (3901 Wellness Way).

Bozeman favorite Mavens’ Market will have a cafe space in the new building, offering a specially designed menu featuring delicious and fresh breakfast, lunch, snacks, treats and beverages for visitors, patients, neighbors and staff.

Appointments for new and existing patients can be made by calling 406-898-1200. For more information, please visit www. billingsclinicbozeman.com.

Billings Clinic Bozeman is recruiting for both clinical and non-clinical employees. Those interested can apply by going to www.billingsclinic. com/careers.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM :: october 2022 35 • Follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors

Sheila Idzerda, MD Pediatrics

Courtney Handlin, DO Pediatrics

Claire Kenamore, MD Pediatrics

Maggie Siska, MD Pediatrics Diabetes/Endocrinology

CHILDREN’S Festival of the Book

NOVEMBER 5, 2022

A gaggle of middle schoolers navigating friendship and crushes, a princess with a secret ninja identity and a kitty who knows she’s actually a unicorn – these characters populate books written and illustrated by New York Times bestselling children’s book creators Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. Come meet these two creatives during the 2022 Bozeman Public Library Children’s Festival of the Book on Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Story Mill Recreation Center. The festival features writing workshops, author talks, playtime and is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.bozemanlibrary.org/cfob

The Children’s Festival of the Book is celebrating its 14th year of connecting young people with big-name professionals in their field. The festival bridges the distance between a Newbery Medal-winning author like Lois Lowry (2010 CFOB guest) and rural kids from the Gallatin Valley, empowering children to dream about sending their own stories out into the world one day. Don Tate (2021 CFOB guest) spoke about the power of meeting a black artist when he himself was a child and realizing that little black kids can grow up to be professional illustrators. CFOB teaches us that the stories we read and adore are created by people just like you and me.

Inspiring and feeding big dreams is the bread-and-butter work of the Bozeman Public Library, all year-round. The Youth Services Department provides children with opportunities to explore all of their curiosities. When toddlers explore simple machines, they build the foundations they’ll need to design and construct Bozeman’s next architectural marvels. When kids examine fossils, they envision themselves as future scientists, perhaps in MSU’s laboratories.

Nurture the dreams of the artists (big and little) in your family at this year’s Children’s Festival of the Book. You’ll walk away inspired to create.

Ladies’ Night

NOVEMBER 17, 2022

Nobody enjoys holiday shopping more than the ladies, and this event gives them MORE of what they’re craving…a fun, stress-free evening of dining and holiday shopping in downtown Bozeman. There will be specials and promotions at more than 50 downtown retailers and restaurants. So, grab your friends and come downtown on Thursday night, November 17 from 5 to 10 p.m. for a fun holiday shopping experience.

SMALL BUSINESS Saturday

NOVEMBER 26, 2022

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. Bozeman has many amazing small businesses that would like to welcome customers on SBS with varied promotions and activities. When we all shop small, it will be huge.

Christmas Stroll

DECEMBER 3, 2022

Be a part of downtown Bozeman’s greatest holiday tradition…the Christmas Stroll. Always held the first Saturday in December, the stroll officially kicks-off the holiday season. First, Santa Claus works his way down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holiday lights with more than 5,000 people in tow to help get everyone into the holiday spirit. Then enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa Claus, entertainment, holiday treats and much more. The fun lasts from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Buttons will be available for purchase after Thanksgiving at various Bozeman locations.

MONTANA BALLET COMPANY’S 39TH ANNUAL

NUTCRACKER

DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2022

Celebrating 39 years in Bozeman, the one and only original, MBC’s Nutcracker returns to the Willson Auditorium on December 3 and 4.

With outstanding guest artists, the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, MBC's own company dancers, and more than 100 dancers from the community, this magical production is a beloved holiday tradition and treat for the entire family.

Tickets are on sale now. To purchase, visit www.montanaballet.org. Hurry, all three MBC Nutcracker performances sold out in 2021!

Winter Art Walk

DECEMBER 9, 2022

The Downtown Bozeman Association and participating art galleries and businesses invite you to a special “Winter” Art Walk on December 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Various galleries will feature artists’ openings and receptions and often provide hors d’oeuvres and complimentary refreshments. This is also a wonderful chance to stroll downtown Bozeman, take in some art and culture while holiday shopping.

JUST FOR THE HELENA OF IT Half-Marathon & 5 K

OCTOBER 16, 2022

Just for the Helena of It is a new annual half-marathon and 5K, showcasing the Queen City with a course that highlights everything that makes Helena great.

Come run the family-friendly half-marathon route that weaves through Helena’s most historic and scenic areas as an out-and-back course.

This year’s event is going to support The Friendship Center. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this is an opportunity to bring domestic violence awareness to the forefront: advocate for change, celebrate survivors and mourn those who have tragically lost their lives. To register visit www.helenamt.com/event/just-for-the-helena-of-it-halfmarathon-5k

Early Childhood ArtStart

HOLTER MUSEUM OF ART

ArtStart will engage and entertain children ages 3 to 7 with a story-time session and handson art activities led by friendly Holter arts instructors. Sessions may be themed around a specific exhibit, art medium, part of art history or other related topics. Classes are capped at 12 parent-and-child combos. Parent-guardian must be present for entirety of session. www. holtermuseum.org/education/early-childhood-artstart

Yellowstone national park Entrance-Free Days 2022

NOVEMBER 11: VETERANS DAY

Yellowstone Ski Festival

NOVEMBER 19-27, 2022

Start the skiing season together with thousands of skiing enthusiasts, numerous famous skiers and lots of events and activities in West Yellowstone.

Every year during Thanksgiving week more than 3,500 cross-country skiers from all over North America come to West Yellowstone to take part in the Yellowstone Ski Festival.

For over 30 years this event has marked the beginning of the Nordic ski season on the Rendezvous Ski Trails. The festival features a series of Nordic skiing master classes, competitive races, Biathlon races, the On Snow Gear Demo and an Indoor Ski Show.

You can test your own fitness and techniques on the trail or enjoy watching various events around town and meet some of the famous skiers. To keep up to date on the events, activities, details and updates visit www.skirunbikemt.com/yellowstone-ski-festival.html, Facebook @RendezvousSkiTrails, or Instagram Rendezvousskitrails1. You can also email info@skirunbikemt.com with questions or call Freeheel & Wheel at 406-646-7744.

Keeping it Real

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

I showed up to the restaurant five minutes early. I wanted to secure a decent table for the occasion: No dark corners and definitely not adjacent to the bathroom.

My outfit was thoughtfully curated, more so than for a date with my husband. I'm not sure if that's just embarrassing or if it shows how desperately I wanted this lunch to go well.

These sorts of things are always so uncomfortable at first; as a very social and extroverted person, even I get anxious about meeting new people.

On paper, we look so compatible. Our kids attend the same school, and I've seen their family at our favorite breweries, concerts and outings. They seem to have the same laid-back parenting style as my husband and me. Their kids, from what I can tell, are outgoing, kind and funny. Most importantly, they get what it's like to have three kids and the chaos that comes with three individual humans, all with uniquely busy schedules.

Platonically dating other parents is complicated and something they certainly don't teach you in school. They never tell you that once you have kids, you have to find other people who have children so that all the kids can grow up being friends and having a "village." We've met friends organically over the years, sure, but now that the kiddos are in elementary school, it would be great to find friends with children in the same school.

Research suggests parents' friendships—and the proverbial "parenting village"—play a vital role in the success of a child's upbringing. You aren't just picking people to hang with at school events casually. You are building a support system for your kids, people who will have their backs when mom and dad aren't around, people who will call them out when they are in the wrong, not to mention being solid role models. What happens if it doesn't work out and I see them at every bake sale and soccer tournament for the next 14 years?

She showed up, sat down and said, "OMG, I was so nervous for today." It was just what I needed to hear. A sigh of relief left my body, and the rest of our lunch flew by like we were old friends. We've hung out a few times as family units and it seems to be going well. Check back for Episode Two of "Please Date My Family," where we dive into PTO shenanigans, the schoolyard drama and more.

When I thought about sharing this story, I knew it would be a tad mortifying. What grown woman can't make friends? Putting my pride aside, I want to convey that being new to town, a school or parenthood comes with different social challenges. Most people have their heads in their phones and striking up conversation at a ballet recital can seem intrusive rather than friendly. Making friends in established communities can feel unnatural, daunting or even impossible. But take it from me. We are all the awkward kid waiting to find buddies with whom to share this thing called parenthood. Include other moms when you can, use birthday parties to network and don’t be afraid to ask a mom to lunch.

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.

Mental Health Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

WRITTEN BY LAUREN BUXBAUM

Autumn has finally arrived. Every year, I count the days until I can pull out my cozy sweaters and walk through fallen leaves, seeking that oh-so-satisfying crunch beneath my boots. However, fall lovers like me don’t just look forward to pumpkin spice lattes; we dream of the spooky season. We don our homes with spider webs, headstones and skeleton bones, buy pumpkins to carve into Jack-o’-lanterns and eat a little more candy than usual. A lot of things can be frightening during this season: stories of ghouls and goblins, Halloween costumes, decorations, maybe even a scary movie or two. However, what should not be scary is talking about our mental health.

Talking with your child about emotional topics like mental health can feel uncomfortable either because of a perceived stigma or lack of information. Unfortunately, people often blame mental health challenges on the person experiencing them, saying they aren’t trying hard enough or that they are doing something wrong. This can make a child feel like it is their “fault” when they are facing a mental health challenge.

Talking to your children about mental health is a great way to decrease the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding it. Like overcoming the fear of a monster under the bed, working together with your child to tackle something frightening can be challenging. Here are some helpful ways you can start the conversation to make mental health a little less scary.

Download Meet Little Monster Coloring & Activity Book

Perfect for the Halloween season, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created Meet Little Monster, a mental health coloring and activity book, which is available for download at no-cost in both English and Spanish. Meet Little Monster is a useful tool for helping children express their feelings in a fun, creative and empowering way. You can download this activity book on the NAMI website at www. nami.org

I highly suggest printing one for yourself to complete alongside your child. Sometimes grown-ups must confront monsters too.

Make An Analogy to A Medical Problem

Children are used to talking about their medical problems. They understand that if they have a fever or cough, they need to take medicine to make them feel better. Similarly, you can let your child know that mental health concerns like anxiety, depression and ADHD are also physical conditions. Like a cough starts in your lungs, mental health concerns start with their brain. The brain controls feelings, thoughts and behaviors—kind of like the central headquarters of the body. Sometimes the brain needs a little help getting better. As with other medical problems, we may need a health professional or medicine to feel OK again.

Practice What You Preach

Whether or not you have a diagnosed mental illness yourself, everyone deals with feelings of anxiety, sadness and confusion. Sharing these feelings and the way you address them—whether it’s medication or jogging every morning—can help your child understand that difficult feelings are normal. The same way you share the importance of brushing teeth every day, share the importance of taking care of your mental health.

Talk Often

Like anything you do in life, talking about your feelings and emotions gets easier with practice. Don’t think of “talking about mental health” as something you do during an emergency. Make it part of your daily routine. Every day ask at least one question about your children’s feelings and emotions. Don’t force them to tell you. Just give them a chance to share. Questions can be simple, like: “Have you been feeling sad lately?” or “Do you ever feel afraid?”

Talking with your child about their mental health may be scary at first, but you are more than capable of starting the conversation. And like any occasion when you confront something frightening, you can always ask for help if you need it. Reach out to a trusted healthcare professional if you need additional support.

Lauren Buxbaum (she/her) is a Care Management Intern at Bridgercare.

Ask Flora

WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK

Q: Help! I want to be a gentle parent, but my son does NOT listen to anyone. I find myself getting angry or very frustrated with him sometimes and I become an angry mom, which I think hurts in the long run.

A: Thank you so much for your openness and honesty. First off, what is gentle parenting? The Cleveland Clinic explains it by saying, “The goal of gentle parenting is to raise confident, independent and happy children through empathy, respect and understanding, and setting healthy boundaries.”

I find many parents end up becoming the “angry mom” when they are leaning more into the empathy side (affirming feelings with understanding), but don’t have effective strategies to enforce boundaries. Here are the key components:

1. Use “I love you AND…(boundary)” as a clear way to keep a respectful/understanding relationship, while still holding your boundary.

» “I love you AND we are turning off the iPad.” Or “I love you AND when you throw a toy, it will take a break above the fridge until tomorrow.”

» “I love you AND I notice your bike is still not put away.”

» “I love you AND when your backpack is hung up, you can go play.”

2. Be clear with your child that “ALL feelings are accepted, yet certain actions must be limited.” (How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk)

» “I hear that you are angry. When you are done screaming, I’m happy to talk to you about it.”

» “You seem disappointed with what I made for dinner. Whining about it is not going to change what’s for dinner.”

» “You’re sad to leave your friend, but it’s time to get in the car for soccer.”

3. Follow through on the boundary you set. Instead of repeating yourself 100 times and getting to the end of your rope, have a clear plan and follow through after only one or two prompts:

» “I was clear that if you hit, you sit.” Then take them by the hand to take a break somewhere to calm down.

» “I see that you chose to throw that. Now the toy is taking a break on top of the fridge.”

» “I see that you are not walking to the car, so I’ll take your hand and help you walk there.”

I imagine what you want MOST in your gentle parenting is to have a healthy, happy relationship with your child. I encourage you to lean into the side of gentle parenting that includes enforcing boundaries in order to have a more balanced approach of both kindness and firmness at the same time.

“Ask Flora,” where you can ask your parenting questions (about kids between 2 and 10), to Flora McCormick, Licensed Counselor & Parenting Coach at Sustainable Parenting.

» What is the natural consequence of hitting your sister?

» Throwing food at mealtime?

» Screaming when not getting your way?

A: Great question! One of the biggest issues parents bring to me in parent coaching is that they struggle to find consequences that make sense and effectively motivate the child to take responsibility and behave differently in the future.

What you first need to know is that natural consequences aren’t always possible. For instance, you are not going to let your child run into the street to experience getting hit by a car to learn that isn’t a good choice. In that case, logical consequences may be a more effective focus.

1. Natural Consequences: Allowing natural outcomes to show the child that his/her choices aren’t very effective. A cold day without a coat teaches the child what happens if you don’t wear a coat.

2. Logical Consequences: Something enforced by an adult, intended to create a helpful learning experience that encourages responsible cooperation.

Here are my four R’s to Logical Consequences:

Reasonable – The intensity or duration matches the behavior. Instead of canceling a birthday party for not listening at bedtime, a logical

consequence is the child losing one bedtime book or instead of them getting to choose the bedtime book, you choose it.

Related – Connect the outcome to the behavior as closely as possible. Instead of canceling a play date for tomorrow when the child doesn’t put their bike away in the garage, remove the privilege of bike riding the next day. A related consequence for hitting could be taking space to reset and focusing on how to be a good boss of your body, or not having access to an iPad because your hands have not been showing they can be safe.

Relayed in advance – This one is key to me. Instead of saying “Don’t yell at me,” five times, tell them in advance, “When you shout, I’m out,” (meaning you will walk away until they are done shouting). Then your follow-through will likely have more impact, as they clearly knew what would happen if they continued that behavior.

Relationship-based – The goal is to maintain the idea that you always LOVE the child, and they are always a GOOD child. The correction and consequences are never about saying, “Because you were bad, you lost this.” Instead, focus on the behavior. A great way to keep this focus is to use the word CHOSE. “I’m sorry you chose that” or “That was a sad choice because now you don’t have….” Or “When you chose to run away, you chose to have me hold your hand.”

To get more sanity-saving strategies for parenting young kids, join Flora’s Free Facebook Group: Sustainable Parenting. Questions for the next issue or wins/questions from this issue can be submitted to contactflora@gmail. com. A special thank you to those who submit monthly questions.

Q: Can you help me better understand the concept of a “natural consequence?”

Entrepreneur Aly Robins

WRITTEN BY REBECCA COLNAR PHOTOS ROBINS FAMILY

Twenty-six-year-old Aly Robins believes in the power of rural communities. She attended Miles Community College in Miles City, then transferred to Montana State University where she received a range management degree, followed by three years working for the Natural Resource and Conservation Service.

“I felt I wasn’t living up to my potential, so I decided to branch out into marketing. I believed that many small towns, rural areas and ag businesses weren’t using the internet to their best potential. They weren’t able to grow,” said Robins.

In 2019 the enterprising young woman from Moore, Montana, started Snowy Mountain Marketing offering website development and today, she has a team of subcontractors in place: Aly works on marketing strategy, one of her team members works on development and the other focuses on copy creation.

“I work on developing websites, social media marketing consulting and business coaching,” Robins said. “We work to create a customized plan for a business’s market strategy, bring that plan to life and troubleshoot what is needed. We are there to support and guide while the plan is implemented and serve as a sounding board for questions.”

She explains on her website, alyrobins.com, there is so much “noise” on the internet, it’s hard to know what direction to go because it seems like nothing works. “I’ve found that using social media and your website is the cheapest, fastest and most effective way to increase sales in your business. Using a strategy that’s specific to your business is key to seeing the results you want.”

family Life on the Ranch

She enjoys business coaching, which offers a way to get a business back on track if it’s struggling to make a profit. Robins explained, “Business coaching is helpful for people who have started their business or been in business for some time but want to take it to the next level.”

Working with small rural businesses is Robins’s passion, especially when it involves agriculture. (She grew up on her family’s ranch outside of Helena.) Recently, she developed a website for Wyoming-based Williamson Land & Cattle, who help ranchers buy and sell cattle. Another client using her expertise in marketing consulting is Broken Arrow Outfitting.

Her advice to anyone wanting to start a business is to figure out what you’re selling and put it out to the people via social media. “Social media is free, so figure out what you want to sell and see what people’s reaction is. It’s a great way to make sure what you’re selling is what people need. Get the word out as much as possible. I believe it’s the only way to know if you’re on the right track.”

Robins and her husband welcomed a baby boy, J2, in February, but the young son hasn’t slowed her down.

“I have an in-home nanny three days a week so I can work, and the other four days I spend a lot of time with my son. That’s one of the many reasons why I love owning my own business,” said Robins. “Having a newborn in the house has made me look at my values and priorities closely. Time is very limited and precious because the little guy needs a lot of undivided attention. It’s important to make sure I am staying organized so I can stay efficient.”

Her father ranches east of Helena and Robins regrets not living closer so she could take her son there more often. “However, I do take him to see my aunt and uncle, who are closer,” said Robins. “I hope to have him out in the fields and around livestock often because I want him to get used to everything as early as possible. It's one of my priorities to have him around agriculture even at a young age. The earlier they understand how it all works, the better.”

For information on Snowy Mountain Marketing, its workshops and master classes, visit alyrobins.com and follow her on Instagram @alyrobins1.

Rebecca Colnar is Director of Public Relations for Montana Farm Bureau and a freelance writer from Custer, Montana.

OCT 2022

How to enter:

Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook and Instagram page starting October 1.

1. Like the post and Tag one friend

2. Follow Montana Parent magazine on Facebook and Instagram (if you don't already!)

3. Follow Cora DeSantis Norwex Consultant on Facebook too!

Other info:

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