Feeding your children nutritious foods that they will eat can sometimes be a challenge. Do you have a child that only eats white foods? One who’s sensitive to textures? Get creative and have kids help with food choices and menus. Find tricks and tips for keeping your kids fed and healthy.
WE ALL TEND TO HAVE opinions about something—broccoli, taxes, the color of our neighbor’s house, climate change, China, pit bulls. You name it and we probably already have or will certainly attain a point of view about it that we will then hold so closely that it might even become part of who we think we are.
We will seek out people who agree with us that pit bulls are the best, most loving dogs on the planet. We will even ignore information to the contrary that might suggest that they are vicious and dangerous. Or we might think that all pit bulls and their owners are menaces to society despite our own interaction with our neighbor’s pit bull who licks our face and looks after the neighborhood kids.
But what if we could not think of things, maybe everything, as good or bad, like, say, broccoli. Broccoli is just broccoli, hanging out being green and crunchy. Then someone might exclaim, “I just love broccoli!” Then someone counters, “Blech, I can’t stand it.” And now we have people in the room lining up. On one side are the broccoli lovers, on the other the broccoli haters. And now people are getting heated because I’m a broccoli lover and you’re a broccoli hater and how can we even talk anymore. Had I known…
I might even get a shirt that proclaims how much I love broccoli and a bumper sticker just to anger the broccoli haters. There might even be a broccoli road-rage event over it some day when someone is a mad at something else and sees the broccoli-lover sticker. “I’ll teach them to love broccoli! Love this! #$&%^&**”!
Maybe though we go a step further and we only want to hang out with broccoli lovers, people who agree with us. We might accidentally build a friendship with a broccoli hater and then one day, one day, they let it slip that they can’t really stand the green, stinky stuff. Now what? Sure they seemed all nice and everything, like they loved their children too and want the best for their family and neighborhood and friends, but, man, they’re broccoli haters and that’s just a bridge too far for me. What’s going to happen next? I’ll learn that they don’t like the color of Bill’s house?
Anywho, I guess where I’m going with this is that many of us seem to be trapped by our opinions, like we willfully imprison our minds in little cells that make us feel secure. It’s squishy out there in the land of no opinion, where broccoli is just broccoli. How do I know who I am if don’t have strong opinions? How do I land without reference points? I try to recognize when my opinion is just my opinion, which is almost always. Like in the Big Lebowski, “that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”
Righteous indignation is one of the best feelings and one of the most dangerous.
Here’s to finding our open minds in 2025!
Scott
FEBRUARY 2025 • Volume 28, Issue 9
PUBLISHER
Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210
scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
EDITOR
Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210
kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com
COVER PHOTO istock photo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740
Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com
Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2025 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
From the time that first baby tooth erupts, dental care becomes an integral part of the daily grind that is parenting. For tots boasting their first tooth, this can mean a circular swipe with a clean, damp washcloth or a bit of fluoride-free paste on a softbristle brush. It’s important to get in the routine of brushing twice daily before dental problems have a chance to occur.
Around age 3, children are ready to try their hand at brushing using a child-sized brush and a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste. At this age, the focus should be on teaching kids to spit out paste, and parents should always follow up by
brushing for them afterwards. Flossing, which removes plaque and bacteria between the teeth, should also be a part of their daily routine at this age.
Between ages 6 and 7 many kids develop the coordination to brush their teeth independently. During this stage, a parent’s role becomes that of supervisor, helping as needed. Remind kids to brush for two minutes, twice daily, working their way around all surfaces of the teeth.
By age 8, children can brush independently, with a parent checking in from time to time to make sure good habits aren’t slipping.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that most children visit the dentist every six months beginning within the first six months of their first tooth appearing.
During a check-up, a dental hygienist will examine your child’s teeth and gums to check for cavities or signs of early gum disease, called gingivitis. The hygienist will go over proper technique as they brush and floss your child’s teeth. They may also take x-rays to check for any hidden cavities or dental problems. The dentist will visit with your child next, to conduct their own exam and advise you on when to schedule your next visit. They may recommend a fluoride varnish application. This is a quick and painless procedure which helps strengthen teeth and reduces the chance of developing cavities.
Once molars erupt, your child’s dentist may recommend sealants. These are plastic coatings applied to the chewing surface of molars which prevent food from becoming trapped in the grooves of teeth.
If the dentist finds a cavity, they’ll schedule a follow up appointment to fill the cavity and discuss options for pain management with you and your child.
If your child’s dentist recommends visiting an orthodontist, or if you feel that your child may need to be seen by one, you can set up a consultation. During this initial visit your child’s teeth and jaw will be x-rayed and examined, and the orthodontist will work with you to make a plan going forward. This may include simply monitoring progress while awaiting the development of permanent teeth, utilizing orthodontic equipment to make space in the mouth,
or installing braces.
Signs that a child may need to visit an orthodontist include overly crowded or overlapping teeth, trouble chewing, mouth breathing, and visibly crooked or out-of-place teeth.
Orthodontics generally aren’t needed before age 7 and may occur in two stages—the first to correct the bite and the second to create an aesthetically pleasing smile and move final permanent molars into place.
MOMENTS build a foundation of trust, joy, and resilience that supports families through life’s challenges and triumphs.
Learning and having adventures together fosters strong bonds, creating shared memories that last a lifetime. It encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual understanding, helping family members grow closer. Adventures introduce new experiences, broadening perspectives and teaching valuable life skills like problem-solving and adaptability. Learning together nurtures curiosity, strengthens connections, and demonstrates the importance of lifelong growth. These activities also provide opportunities to disconnect from daily routines and distractions, promoting quality time and emotional well-being.
The following Larimer County adventures provide a mix of outdoor exploration, wildlife education, and hands-on learning, perfect for families looking to enrich their winter experience.
Rocky Mountain National Park www.rockymountainnationalpark.com
February is a prime time to explore the winter landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. Families can embark on guided snowshoe tours led by park rangers, offering educational insights into the park’s ecology, wildlife, and winter survival strategies. These tours are suitable for children and provide an active way to learn about nature. Additionally, the park’s visitor centers often host educational exhibits and programs tailored for young explorers. It’s essential to dress warmly and check the park’s schedule for tour availability and any required reservations. This adventure combines physical activity with environmental education, making it both fun and informative for the whole family.
Collins Museum of Discovery
www.fcmod.org
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a hands-on, interactive museum that combines science, history, and culture, making it an ideal destination for family learning. In February 2025, the museum will host special exhibits and workshops tailored for children and families. Families can explore the Music & Sound Lab, engage with the Natural Areas exhibit, and participate in educational programs designed to inspire curiosity and discovery. The museum’s immersive experiences encourage learning through play, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. Check the museum’s event calendar for specific dates and times of February programs and to purchase tickets in advance. Family Fun
www.rmrp.org
Based in Fort Collins, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is a unique educational facility dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds of prey. Families can schedule a tour in February 2025 to learn about these incredible creatures and the conservation efforts that support them. Children can see owls, hawks, eagles, and other raptors up close, gaining insights into their habitats, behaviors, and the challenges they face in the wild. The program also offers hands-on activities for young visitors, such as crafting birdhouses or learning how to identify raptors in the wild. Tours are by appointment, so booking in advance is essential.
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater
Stain Treater
Fort Collins Food Co-Op
Mountain Avenue Market, 250 E.
Mountain Ave., FC
Cost: $23
Kids make messes. This gentle stain treater is safe for newborns and pets and still works. To clean up spills that stain, quickly spritz onto food spills, grease, and most everything in between. For clothing, bedding, towels, and the like, just apply before a regular washing. For rugs and carpet, it works for making muddy footprints disappear. Safe for furniture and won’t alter colors. It even works for underpants and cloth diapers!
Hinged picture frame
Jerry’s Artarama, 3524
S Mason St., FC
Cost: under $20
Any parent knows that kids create an enormous amount of art. We also know our child artists value their art being displayed almost as much as they enjoy creating it. It seems like there is never enough room on any fridge or wall. But, with a hinged frame, you can not only rotate the art, you can also store the pieces you plan to keep forever. This option measures 9x11”, the perfect size for any standard-sized work of art your little one creates. The hinged door stays closed using a strong magnet or latch and holds up to 20 pieces.
Family member cubbies
ReStore – Habitat for Humanity
5250 N Garfield Ave., LV, Cost: under $100
For households with two or more kids, especially those with school goers, keeping the daily stash of backpacks, jackets, lunchboxes, shoes, and other items can feel overwhelming at most, and messy at least. While there are many options for locker-type builtins, not every space has enough room for such a large piece. Crates, baskets, stackable store-bought shelving and hooks can do the job just fine and the area can be easily spruced up with decorative lettering, vinyl stickers, and color coding.
Steam Mop
Downtown Ace Hardware
215 S. College Ave., FC
Cost: $130
A steam mop is a nonnegotiable in any house with kids. The fastest option for sticky spills and even everyday light cleaning sessions. The option shown, made by Shark, is one of the more affordable and reliable options. Steam mop cleans and sanitizes with just water. On-demand steam ready within 30 seconds. It removes grease and grime. The mop includes an easily fill and refill XL removable water tank and is easy to use and store. In addition to mop itself, the purchase includes two dirt grip pads, a removable water tank, and an 22foot power cord.
THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, we Coloradans are blessed with some of the most beautiful spots in the country to spend a weekend, right here in our home state. But when we get the urge to venture a little further, our neighbor to the west is ready and waiting to be explored. This month, head to Utah’s Park City for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Yes, there’s skiing. We mountain dwellers might not think it worth visiting anywhere else for a day on the slopes, but just seven hours west of Northern Colorado awaits one of the host cities of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, slated to host once again in 2034. Boasting nearly 10,000 skiable acres across two mountains, Park City is the place for world-class skiing and snowboarding the whole family can get in on. Lessons are available for kids as young as 3, while more experienced kiddos ages 7 and up can challenge themselves in the AllTerrain Program (https://www.visitparkcity.com/outdoors/skiing-snowboarding/).
In the evening, stroll Historic Main Street where you’ll be tempted by the impressive assortment of shopping and dining options (historicparkcityutah. com). Perhaps even take in a show at the Historic Egyptian Theater, featuring live music and theatrical performances, including The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, showing Feb. 7-9 (parkcityshows.com).
If you have older kids, you can’t miss the chance to ride down the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Sliding Track in a bobsled! Experience the feel of five times the force of gravity in this extreme adventure. Participants must be 13 or older (utaholympiclegacy.org/activity/winter-bobsled-experience).
Families with younger kids can experience a thrill of their own on a dog sledding tour! Suitable for ages 3 and up, these tours last 30 to 60 minutes and weave through the mountains and along rivers. Warm clothing and face protection are highly recommended (northfortyescapes.com/winteractivities/dog-sledding-tours).
Later, tour Park City’s nonprofit art museum, the Kimball Art Center. Peruse the exhibits including “Moving Pictures”—a tribute to 100 years of Utah film—on display through Feb. 23rd. The museum is free of charge to visit but accepts donations. (kimballartcenter.org)
Spend your final day in Utah at Woodward Park City, the city’s newest hotspot. Here, skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities can continue honing their skills in the learning and freestyle zones, designed specifically to build confidence in a low pressure environment. While you’re there, take a ride down Utah’s longest snow tubing lane before warming up at the Indoor Hub. Featuring skateparks, pump tracks and ramps, this is the place for scooter, bike, parkour, and skateboard enthusiasts to get in some winter practice. The Hub is also equipped with trampolines, a foam pit, and a climbing wall for younger visitors (www. woodwardparkcity.com). Spend an hour or spend the day before hitting the road for home.
FUELING A GROWING CHILD ISN’T EASY, especially when even our best efforts to provide healthy food are often met with scrunched noses. Whether you’re in the throes of raising a picky toddler or a stubborn teen, convincing kids to make nutritious choices can feel downright impossible at times.
Kristy Hall, president of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals and doctor of clinical nutrition at Living Well Nutrition in Loveland is well-versed in the difficulties facing parents when it comes to feeding kids. In both her professional life, and in her personal life as a mother of five, she’s
faced many of these challenges head on and says the key to encouraging healthy eating is to start early.
Beginning at the newborn stage, the nutritional choices parents make for their kids are incredibly important. At this early age, Hall says the most important thing is to ensure babies are getting enough DHA fat, which is crucial to brain development and can be found in breastmilk, formula, and certain milks.
By the time those babies grow into children and then teenagers, they have a whole different set of
needs, including an increased calorie requirement to balance out their high metabolisms. A lack of nutrient-dense calories during these stages of rapid growth can lead to problems later on.
“The food you feed your children now is providing the foundation for their health when they’re in their 30s, 40s, and 50s,” says Hall. “That’s really the underlying principal for all parents to remember. The choices they make early on are so important.”
Get creative, get colorful
The question is, how do parents convince kids to eat the right foods, and the right amount of food, to meet
their nutritional needs?
“The key is to expose kids to a lot of new foods, and expose them often,” says Hall. She explains that it takes about a dozen exposures to a new food for kids to really give it a chance.
One of Hall’s go-tos when her own children were growing up, was to set out a muffin tin with a different healthy food in each compartment. Selecting a colorful variety and cutting them into bite-sized pieces made them both appealing and easy to reach for.
“Kids love to graze,” she explains. “When you lock away the chips, crackers, and candy and we have these healthy, colorful snacks right there, the healthy choice becomes the easy choice.”
When it comes to selecting the right foods to offer, Hall suggests letting the colors of the rainbow guide you.
“Take the kids to the store with you and make them responsible for finding certain colors in the produce department,” she says. “The less processed, the better. Opt for things like berries, apple slices, cucumbers, carrots, and maybe a healthy dip. When kids are involved in choosing their own food they’re most likely to want to try it.”
Give it time
According to Hall, one of the most important things parents can do is exercise patience, working with their kids instead of against them.
“As parents,” Hall explains, “we sometimes fall into this trap of piling food onto our children’s plates and then getting mad at them for not eating. Our job is to get them to listen to their bodies.”
She recommends avoiding the battle by only dishing up two to three bites of each food at a time, and letting children dictate whether or not they want more.
At the same time, look for creative ways to encourage adventurous eating. Hall recommends planting a family garden, inviting kids to help in
the kitchen, or throwing theme night dinner parties to make food fun.
So what foods matter most?
Even if they refuse to eat them at first, Hall says it’s important to offer vegetables at every meal. Fruit, a popular food group with many kids, is a great energy source and should be available throughout the day as well. Hall warns that kids who don’t like fruit may be getting too much sugar in the form of soda, candy, or other unhealthy foods.
In addition, kids should eat a variety of proteins, dairy products, and whole grains throughout the day. Yogurt and cheese are kid-friendly options that can help meet daily protein and dairy requirements. Consider whipping up a batch of whole-grain oatmeal, brown rice, or quinoa salad to mix it up in the grain department.
How do parents know if they’re succeeding?
If your teen walked to a fast food restaurant every day last week for lunch, you might be feeling like a bit of a failure right about now. Chances are though, you’re doing better than you think.
“The moment teenagers get out of your sight, they’re going to eat all the things you frown upon,” acknowledges Hall. “There’s not a lot you can do but accept it. The good news is, they’re resilient, they’ll survive, and some day, they’re going to come back to the way they were fed when they were younger.”
The same is true for younger kids. While a toddler refusing to touch a green vegetable for a month can be exasperating, parents can rest assured that this, too, is just a phase.
Since an energetic, happy kid is usually a healthy kid, the best way to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need is to pay attention to their behavior, as well as their growth. A drop in a child’s height or weight percentile can be a red flag, as can behavioral changes such as lethargy, irritability, or general disinterest in food. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to reach out to your pediatrician or a dietician.
“We all have different dietary needs at different seasons in our life,” says Hall. “As long as parents do their best to offer a healthy variety now, they’ll be setting their kids up for success down the road.”
Psychological
Care
Read 12 books in a year with Adults Read On and earn prizes! Ages (16+) can participate by picking up a paper log at any branch, by downloading the Beanstack Tracker App and following the instructions, or by visiting highplains.beanstack.org/reader365 . For more details, check out www.MyLibrary.us/aro.
Amid the bustling stores at Foothills Mall in Fort Collins, visitors were greeted by tables filled with projects and eager students ready to share their work at the Poudre School District Career Tech Center Exhibition of Learning.
The Career Tech Center (formerly the Futures Lab) is a PSD program for high school students to explore careers, develop in-demand skills, and earn industry-recognized credentials and college credit.
This annual showcase brings together the hard work, talent, and passion of students from across ten career preparation programs offered at the CTC, giving the community a glimpse into the future of skilled professionals.
One student in her last year at Rocky Mountain High School, Naomi Witty, shared her portfolio with other students and visitors who stopped by the table for the Early Childhood
Education Pathway.
Witty says this experience helped her step into a professional role by building upon her social skills and giving her a head start after graduation.
“Not only is this giving me college credits, but I get a certificate at the end of this for early childhood,” says Witty. “Basically, it’ll allow me to go into most jobs that require some level of understanding of childhood development.”
Whether students explore the world of early childhood education, learn about how the brain works in behavioral health, or participate in any other pathway, these projects represent months of growth and demonstrate a mastery of skills and knowledge, proving that handson learning can create endless possibilities for students.
Visitors to this exhibition also had the chance to learn, ask questions, and see firsthand how PSD students
are already making a difference in the world. Each pathway had a list of prompts, including asking students what they enjoyed in these classes, what they would like to learn more about, and how they have grown in their pathways.
Cedar Jones, a junior at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, showed examples of wood products and tools used in forestry while explaining how the Natural Resources Pathway opened a world of new possibilities.
“I was actually planning to go into the medical field and become a diagnostic radiologist, but I always had this passion and love for trees and I’m really happy that I got to explore one of my passions,” says Jones. “I feel like the field work aspect of it was super important because you don’t get a lot of opportunities to actually practice a career that you might be looking into.”
For Margo Dominguez, being a translator/interpreter for Thompson School District is more than just being able to speak two languages fluently.
“Being bicultural is sometimes more important than being bilingual,” she says. “It’s called cultural fluency.”
The ability to bridge two different cultures is critical to helping students succeed when they come from culturally diverse backgrounds.
“I had a good start coming to the U.S. I knew all the basic English,” Margo recalls. “But being in an all-English school was completely different. It took two to three years to feel fluent and be able to speak it.”
As challenging as it was for Margo to move to a new country, she believes she was lucky and that some families have a much harder time with the transition.
Margo takes pride in the fact that, in
many cases, the work of the TSD translation team removes barriers students might face to getting an education.
“We are helping the people that otherwise would not know what was happening with their children,” she explains.
When Margo first came to the United States, she also felt somewhat lost. Around this time, Margo discovered two things that would become her foundation in life: her faith and the man she eventually married, her husband, Lorenzo.
“He was the sweetest, and he still is.” Margo says. “We built a life together.”
That life included Margo and Lorenzo going to college in New Mexico, later moving to northern Colorado, and having three children. Margo sought part-time work with the school district, allowing her to be home before and after school for her kids. In those days,
17 years ago, the translation team was relatively small.
“Today, there are 43 spoken languages in our district—at least twice as many as when I started,” Margo says, recalling that back then, the translation team consisted of only a couple of part-time employees. Today, TSD has one part-time and three fulltime translators/interpreters for Spanish, in addition to several contractors.
Margo’s caring for the families she works with is second nature, and her firsthand knowledge of their challenges makes it easier for her to help them.
“The important part is knowing that everyone has a story,” she says. “To have gotten here, they’ve left their country behind, they’ve left family. They’ve left everything they knew. They’ve already been through a lot by the time I get to help them.”
SIDNEY CERISE, A MATH EDUCATOR at Early College Academy in GreeleyEvans School District 6, has won the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher. She is one of 336 teachers nationwide to receive this honor.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it serves as a reminder of the
hard work, dedication, and passion that drives me every day in the classroom,” Cerise says. “What motivates me is the opportunity to make a positive impact on my students’ lives by helping them build confidence, critical thinking skills and a love for math that will serve them for years to come. This recognition is truly a reflection of the collective effort
of my students, colleagues and the entire district community.”
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
“Sidney exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, caring and excellent educator who helps motivate her students to truly learn and understand the content. She makes learning relevant and fun for her students,” says District 6 Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “We are so proud of Sidney, and she is very deserving of this recognition.”
Cerise was hired in 2013 as a math teacher at Franklin Middle School, where she worked until 2018. That year, she moved to Early College Academy, where she has since worked as a math instructor. During her tenure in District 6, Cerise has also been involved with curriculum development, vertical teaming, professional development and has served as the Department Chair and Student Council Sponsor at ECA in recent years.
Cerise and all the winners will receive $10,000, a paid trip to Washington D.C. and a certificate signed by U.S. President Joe Biden.
It’s not too early to start planning your Valentine’s evening! This year, ChildSafe makes it easy with For the Love of Beer, their Valentine’s Day craft beer fest. Each ticket includes exclusive craft beer pours from more than 10 of your favorite local breweries (facetime with the actual brewers themselves in some cases), delicious food and desserts, a souvenir glass, and more. Friday, Feb. 14, 6-9pm. $75. This 21+ event will be held in the newly renovated Center for Creativity in Fort Collins Library Park and will feature an art exhibit curated by the Museum Of Art Fort Collins. For tickets, go to: www.childsafecolorado.org/for-thelove-of-beer/.
The Sweetheart city’s Sweetheart Celebrations include live ice sculpting, fire and art demonstrations, musical
and dance performances and more. Chapungu Sculpture Park has a free beautiful love-themed light display set to love-songs with a backdrop set against illuminated African stone sculptures. For times, location and events visit, visitloveland.com/ sweetheartfestival/.
Every year the Colorado Sons of Norway lodges host the Barnelopet, a free cross country ski event for children ages 0-16. This year it will occur Saturday, February 22, 2025, at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, CO. There are three races of 1 km, 2.5 km, and 5 km, after an introductory class for those with no experience. After the race, refreshments and lunch are provided. The Sons of Norway covers the cost of the equipment and food.
For additional information and to register, go to www.barnelopet.com.
The ALICE Report is a statewide initiative by the United Way Network. They compile data on hardworking families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE)—earning above the federal poverty line yet finding that the cost of living outpaces their wages. ALICE families are essential workers— educators, healthcare providers and small business employees— whose contributions are vital to our community. The data is used to power programs such as WomenRise, a cash assistance program for single moms. They design programs that reflect real-life living costs, direct resources to where they are needed most and collaborate on solutions for financial security.
For more information on the program go to: www.unitedforalice. org/state-overview/Colorado.
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
FEBRUARY 3 THROUGH 17
Fort Collins BookFest
Presented by Poudre Libraries, this annual event features literary activities for all ages. Youth-specific events Feb. 16 and 17. www.focobookfest.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Freezy Daze
Winter shoppingland with BOGO deals, live ice/wood carving, petting zoo, kids activities, artisan booths, etc. Downtown GR. www.greeleydowntown. com/special-events/freezy-daze
Estes Park Wine & Chocolate Festival
Sample sweets from the region’s finest chocolatiers, taste pours from a variety of wineries, and enjoy live music. Ages 21+. Estes Park Event Center. www.estesparkeventscomplex.com/ wineandchocolate
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding/ Vow Renewal
Say “I Do” for the first time or again and again. Sweet Heart Winery, LV. www.valentinesdayinloveland.com
FEBRUARY 14 AND 15
Sweetheart Festival
Live music, ice carving and fire dancers/demonstrations, artisan goods, food, Little Miss Valentine & Mr. Cupid Contest, and more. Downtown LV. visitloveland.com/sweetheartfestival
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Love Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ages 6+ can ride in the famous “love balloon.” The Ranch, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/events
THROUGH FEBRUARY 8
Exhibit: In Nature’s Studio
Features the bounty and beauty of American landscape painting from the early nineteenth century through the early twenty-first century. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum.org
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Eagle Watch
Bald eagles from the north make Fort Collins their winter home in communal roosts near the reservoir. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
THROUGH MARCH 30
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Collision of Rhythm
Drumming, tap dancing, rhythmic juggling plus marimba, piano, saxophone and more. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Clint Black
Award-winning country music legend. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
FEBRUARY 7 AND 8
Ice Carving
See ice sculpting by Struckman Sculpture Ice. Sculptures will be on display until they melt,. Old Town Square, FC. www.downtownfortcollins. com/do/ice-carving-1
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Valentine’s Teen Night Out Ages 10–15 in grades 5–8 enjoy crafts, food and music. Rodarte Community Center, GR. www.greeleyrec.com/events
FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH MAY 24
Exhibit: It’s About TIME
Exhibit explores how time affects everything from daily life to the study of disciplines like science and philosophy. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Cirque Kalabanté Afrique
This performance shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars. showare.com
Skygazing
Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Fossil Creek Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Damn Tall Buildings
Bluegrass fiddle tunes about the beauty and glory in the mundane struggle of everyday life, laughing, and dreaming. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Combined Leagues Honor Bands
Having worked with leading regional conductors, students from schools north of I-70 and east of the Continental Divide perform. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
FEBRUARY 21 THROUGH 23
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
Smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Michael W. Smith Presented by Dayspring Christian Academy Award-winning songwriter and performer. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
Stone Beat Invasion
Ten-piece tribute band delivers an epic rock’n’roll experience of the Stones and Beatles. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Midnight Hour Band NoCo
Performs a unique mix of Motown, Soul, Disco, Classic Rock and Country appealing to all ages/audiences. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
FEBRUARY 24, 25, 26
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Formed in 1956 and considered one of the greatest bands of all time with its unique jazz sound. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Red Rocks Vixens: A Tribute to Glam Rock Icons Seven-piece musical force led by three powerful female vocalists. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
FEBRUARY 1 THROUGH 28
Healthy Kids 5210+ Challenge
Annual program where students, school staff and parents keep track of activity minutes and other healthy habits. www.healthykidsclub.org
FEBRUARY 13 AND 15
Winter Walk: Prairie Dog February Frenzy
Observe and discuss prairie dog behavior. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day
Free breakfast/afternoon and mechanic stations for safety checks and minor adjustments. Around FC. www.fcgov. com/bicycling/bike-to-work-day
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Sweetheart Classic 4-Miler
All ages. Downtown LV. www. sweetheartcityracing.com/events
Winter Tracks & Animal Adaptations
Hike with volunteer naturalists and learn about animal adaptations to winter conditions. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Windsor’s Magical Forest
Families play in nature, transforming Christmas trees into forts, kingdoms, castles and more. Tools and trees provided. www.recreationliveshere. com/218/Magical-Forest
OUR HOUSEHOLD HAS ENTERED the chauffeur years. And, while I knew they were coming—and in hindsight they were accurately described—I still feel surprised. In this “secret” club, the initiation begins when your sweet middle schooler morphs into a teenager who suddenly has a packed social calendar, a sports schedule that rivals that of professional athletes, and a desperate need to be anywhere that isn’t home. Congratulations—you’re now the chauffeur.
Driving teens is a curious mix of frustration, absurdity, and unexpected heartwarming moments. One minute, you’re sitting in the school pick-up line wondering if the teachers are actually holding the kids hostage (how does it take this long to walk out of a building?), and the next, you’re a DJ trying to balance your kid’s obscure playlist with your desire to sneak in your favorite 90s classic. Spoiler alert: all the good songs have been remixed by Dua Lipa and your child thinks she wrote them all.
The sheer amount of time spent behind the wheel for your teenager is mind-boggling. You’ll find yourself charting the fastest route from sports practice to band rehearsal with the precision of a NASA engineer. Weekend mornings once reserved for sleeping in
are now spent ferrying them to earlymorning tournaments, complete with a thermos of lukewarm coffee and existential dread about how you became someone who says things like, “Is this gym even on Google Maps?”
What’s wild is how much of your teen’s life unfolds in your car. You’ll overhear snippets of conversations about crushes, friend drama, or some TikTok trend that illuminates the depth of what they actually know about the world. Occasionally, you’ll get lucky, and they’ll open up about something real, something important. It’s these moments—squeezed between trips to Target and the orthodontist—that remind you why you do it.
And then there’s the hilarious
duality of teen behavior. Around their friends, they’re confident and cool, but when you’re driving solo together? It’s a mix of grunts, eye-rolls, and the occasional existential question like, “Do you think squirrels have feelings?” Sure, the deep conversations are rare, but they hit differently when your kid is staring out the window and trusting you with their random thoughts.
Of course, the driving phase doesn’t last forever. One day, they’ll pass their driver’s test, and you’ll trade the constant shuttle service for the heart-stopping terror of watching them take off on their own. Your car will feel strangely quiet, and you might even— dare I say—miss the chaos.
Parenting teenagers, much like driving them around, is an exercise in patience, adaptability, and caffeine consumption. It’s not always glamorous, and it rarely goes according to plan, but it’s in those countless hours on the road that you build memories, even if they’re mostly about arguing over who gets control of the aux cord.
Buckle up, parents. The ride is wild, but it’s worth it.
