RMParent Magazine | April | 2023

The

18 Self-harm and teens

Self-harm among teens is probably more common than you think. This coping mechanism is often used to cover emotional pain. One contributing factor could be social media and the unhealthy role it plays in teens’ lives. Learn signs and symptoms of self-harm and how to help teens regulate social media.

Browse the Youth Program and Activity Guide to find activities and enrichment for the whole family!

ABOUT THE COVER

Cover kid Dawn loves acro dance, unicorns, 4-H, and cub scouts. Photo shot by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design. www.skysopendesign.com

SCOTT TITTERINGTON Perspective

Our spectacular journeys—How we go not where we go matters most

I HAVE COME TO really like the stories that Katie Harris writes every month about a different family road trip. I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical when she first proposed the idea. I mean, how many family road trips could there be and wouldn’t it get redundant. Well, I was wrong. We live in this great place where we don’t have to fly or drive 20 hours to get to world-class places.

I’m not even sure though that where we go as much as how we go matters. Something about planning a trip together and then all piling in the car and heading out on the road is different than getting on plane or staying home. Maybe it’s the time together away from all our busy stuff. Maybe it’s exploring a new place. Maybe it’s those evening games that we could never pull off at home or an evening around a campfire making memories and telling stories.

Even if you never follow one of Katie’s road-trip plans, I like that they are still there for the inspiration to get out of town and explore. Katie’s ideas are only a finger pointing the way, just as a map of the Poudre Canyon is not the experience of the canyon with its rushing river and mountain peaks. You have to go yourself and have your own experience.

We had many family road trips over the years. My favorite was one repeated several times at spring break. We would pack the minivan (I loved that car!) the night before so that we could leave at 4am. Breakfast in Santa Fe and them on across New Mexico and into Arizona. We would find a cheap hotel in Tucson or Nogales. The next morning we would head across the border and down to San Carlos on the coast south of Hermosillo. It was always a grand adventure, and the children became adventurers themselves.

I have a print of a painting hanging above my desk—An American Coyote in Paris No. 58. In the center is stylized cartoon coyote dressed in in a suit and hat sitting in a rowboat. The Eiffel Tower is in the background. Words written across the top say: That many had ventured farther and done so in finer style bothered me not. My journey was my own and I found it to be quite spectacular.

So let’s take Katie’s work as both guidebook and inspiration and create our own journeys that I’m sure we will find to be quite spectacular.

Bon voyage, Scott

APRIL 2023 • Volume 26, Issue 11

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

Cheri Schonfeld

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Theresa Baer, Liz Davis, Lea Hanson

Katie Harris, Sarah Mowder-Wilkens

Lynn U. Nichols

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. ©2023 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:

Children and anxiety

YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE INCREASINGLY been experiencing high rates of clinical-level anxiety. Studies indicate that 11.6 percent of kids had anxiety in 2012, which was a more than two-fold increase from 2007. During the pandemic, those numbers nearly doubled as 20.5 percent of youth worldwide now struggle with anxiety symptoms.

The rise in anxiety symptoms and diagnosed anxiety disorders is not surprising for teens and children. Aside from the pressures of school, sports, peers, and interpersonal and physical identity growth, young people are increasingly faced with more stressors.

What’s anxiety?

ANXIETY IS A NORMAL FEELING that everyone experiences at one time or another. Anxiety can serve us by giving us a warning sign that something isn’t right, motivating us to get that task done that we’ve procrastinated on, or preparing us for a conflict. There are times when we have anxious butterflies because we are excited.

However, there is a difference between when your child or teen experiences feelings of worry, fear, or stress which are temporary versus chronic. Anxiety can generally be diagnosed as a disorder when:

• It is out of proportion or not age appropriate to the situation.

• It affects a person’s ability to function normally.

What to look for

Tools for helping kids cope

THIS LIST MAY SEEM INTIMIDATING, but fortunately, there are many effective ways to support anxiety or suspected anxiety, including the list of Dos and Don’ts below.

• Do identify triggers

Work with them to recognize what tasks, things, or situations cause them to feel that intense flood of anxiety.

• Don’t simply tell them to “calm down” or stop the anxiety

Saying this won’t work and will invalidate their experience.

• Do help them manage it

Work with them to identify the anxiety in a given moment as helpful anxiety or unhelpful anxiety.

• Don’t

avoid things

Though you may think helping your child steer clear of their fears is helpful, it isn’t in the long run.

• Do validate their feelings

You may not understand or agree with your child’s anxieties, but that doesn’t make their feelings any less real.

• Don’t

empower their worries or fears

While it’s important that you validate your child’s feelings, it’s also important that you don’t encourage the anxiety.

UNLIKE OTHER AILMENTS, it can be tricky to judge if your or someone else’s experience is problematic, especially if they are masking their symptoms. Typically, there are some indicators that may mean it’s time to seek a professional evaluation.

• Difficulty concentrating

• Problems with sleep

• Being tense

• Frequent periods of crying

• School avoidance

• Panic attack/fainting

• Constantly seeking reassurance

• Constant worries about routine aspects of their lives

• Withdrawal from friends or social activities

• Irritability

• Difficulties in school

• Substance abuse

• Do try sensory calming techniques

When they are overwhelmed, have your child use their senses. Place an ice pack or cold object in their hands or have them describe their surroundings. Try out the belly breathing technique. https://www. health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/learningdiaphragmatic-breathing

Regardless of where your child attends school, for additional resources, visit Poudre School District’s Student Support Services, Student Wellness, and Mental Health Services webpages.

Celebrate Earth Day 2023

The celebration

EARTH DAY FORT COLLINS will take place on Saturday, April 22 from 11am until 5pm in Civic Center Park at 201 Laporte Avenue in Fort Collins. The The Sustainable Living Association’s 13th annual event

“continues the collaboration with the City of Fort Collins to provide interactive and educational opportunities for attendees to learn about the Climate Action Plan and how to participate.”

Experience demonstrations and displays of nearly 75 exhibitors, live music, food trucks, speakers, mini farmers and maker markets and kids’ activities including nature crafting and a scavenger hunt. Northern Colorado Clean Cities will offer an e-vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive and you can also visit the Poudre River Public Library’s District’s new electric bookmobile.

The event is free though planners encourage attendees to bring a nonperishable food item or donation for the Food Bank for Larimer County, as well as arrive by foot, bike, bus or e-vehicle to help reduce the carbon footprint.

Trees, Water & People

Grounding and inspiration through artistic expression

THIS YEAR’S EARTH DAY event offers activities such as yoga and dance that “ground” or reconnect us to the earth. Prior to the events on stage, Old Town Yoga will host a free all levels yoga session on the lawn that “will focus on our connection to nature and the elements, using our breath and movement to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude for the earth.” Bring your mat and water bottle water to participate from 10–11am on the lawn.

A live painting demonstration will take place on stage and the painting will be auctioned off at Earth Day.

Youth are encouraged to become involved in this year’s event with writing and art contests. Winners of the “My Future, My Voice” writing contest will be invited to share their original stories, essays, poems or songs on stage. Artwork will be displayed from the “Visions of our Future” youth art contest where all art mediums including up-cycled or reused materials will address climate change, potential solutions, etc. The Lyric will also exhibit climate change focused artworks from the ReGeneration Youth Art Project, created by K-12 students from Poudre and Thompson School Districts.

Visit www.earthdayfortcollins.com for details and deadlines for the youth contests as well as a “This is the Earth We Are On” reading list from Wolverine Farm.

TREES, WATER & PEOPLE (TWP), a Fort Collins-based environmental nonprofit, will celebrate their 25th anniversary at Fort Collins Earth Day with inspiring programs on the main stage that support their mission to “improve lives by helping communities to protect, conserve, and manage their natural resources” in addition to live acoustic music and global rhythms. They will auction off the painting created live on stage and attendees can also sponsor trees to be planted at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota or other areas around Central and South America.

Outdoor activities—Get out and enjoy spring!

Outdoor footwear

www.secondwind-foco.com

Kids grow fast. Even though we live in a place where outdoor activities are the common activity, that doesn’t mean we have to spend an arm and a leg on our children’s outdoor footwear. Second Wind Sports in Fort Collins offers huge amounts of consignment clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear for basically every activity. It is an excellent place to unload gear your kids have grown out of and also acquire new to you seasonal gear they are bound to grow out of in only a few months. Buying local, used gear keeps items in the community instead of the dump; all while helping you get outside more often or try new things without breaking the bank.

Kites

www.michaels.com

Kite flying is a common pastime during the spring and summer months when the skies are clear. While many people do it for the simple joy. Others realize the benefits flying kites brings. Watching the kite float in the sky is an easy way to relax the mind and let go of daily stressors causing problems.

Just as flying a kite can help to reduce levels of stress, it can also help with feelings of anxiousness. Spending time in any way in nature helps to ease the mind and promote better mental health.

Making kites at home is just as easy as buying them. Go to Michaels in Fort Collins, Greeley, or Loveland to get kitemaking materials.

Toys with wheels

www.learningexpress.com

Child developmental psychologists recommend choosing toys for kids that support the development of motor, social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

One of the best toys is a battery-operated ride-on (aka powered wheels). Beep-beeps provides a variety of ride-ons for kids 1-ten years old, all of which provide a range of benefits. They help develop motor skills by teaching kids how to handle or grasp the steering wheel or joystick to maneuver their cars over terrain. Ride-on toys also build confidence. Successfully navigating rough terrain, learning how to go in reverse, or even simply moving from point A to point B can give a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Learning Express in Fort Collins has several options to get your little kid on wheels!

The best of western Colorado

THIS MONTH, HEAD OUT west to Colorado ski country! No skis required for this trip though—this western Colorado weekend road trip highlights all the snow-sport-free fun to be had in this part of the state. Start making those reservations now because you won’t want to miss a single activity that this trip has to offer.

Day 2:

THE GLENWOOD CAVERNS

Day 1:

START YOUR TRIP at one of I-70s natural wonders— Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. The trail to the lake requires advance reservations, but the reward is worth the effort, as the picturesque hike leads to cascading waterfalls plunging into a crystal-clear emerald lake. The hike itself is 2.4 miles round trip, much of which is at a steep grade, and includes a series of narrow stair steps. Hikers should be aware that the trail may be icy in spring, and should use caution, especially when traveling with small children. For more information and to make a reservation visit www.visitglenwood.com/hanginglake.

After your hike, relax in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, a 405x100 foot mineral pool fed by the Yampah hot spring. The main pool is kept at 90 degrees while the therapy pool is at a constant 104. The pools are open from 9am to 9pm and do not require reservations. Lockers are available at no charge and small swim toys are allowed in the larger pool. For details visit www.hotspringspool.com.

Adventure Park is the perfect place to spend day two of your trip. Enjoy a gondola ride up to the mountain amusement park, where you’ll find caves to tour, an alpine rollercoaster and even a couple trolls to visit. After March 5, summertime activities will also be open, including a zip ride, rollercoaster, and a giant swing that shoots you way out over the cliffside, among others. Tickets can

be purchased online at www. glenwoodcaverns.com.

Then, enjoy an evening of family entertainment at the Glenwood Vaudeville Review. The spring show takes place on Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm, and features comedy, singing and dancing to delight audience members young and old. On-site food and drinks are available from local Glenwood Springs restaurants. Visit www.gvrshow.com for tickets.

Day 3:

BREAK UP THE DRIVE HOME with a stop in Frisco, where you’ll enjoy perusing the downtown area for ski country souvenirs, cozy outdoor attire, and kids’ items. We recommend a stop at independent bookstore, Next Page Books and Nosh for a wide selection of kid and adult literature, along with toys and gifts. For a directory of stores and restaurants visit www.townoffrisco.com.

Self-harm and teens

IF YOU HAVE A PRETEEN, especially with a cell phone, chances are they’ve learned about self-harm. Ten or 11 is the average age a child is first exposed to the concept of self-injury, according to current research from the University of Georgia. It’s an uncomfortable truth that some preteens and teens harm themselves.

You might be tempted to think it’s the rare teen who does so. Yet, research on selfharm shows that nearly one in six teens in the U.S. harm

themselves. Self-harm is defined as hurting yourself deliberately. Common methods of self-harm are burning or cutting skin. Sadly, there’s information on social media platforms and the internet that teach kids how to do it.

“Self-harm is a maladaptive coping mechanism, similar to drinking or using drugs. Adolescents might not like how they are feeling, so they self-harm to feel differently. Often, physical pain is more manageable than emotional pain,” says Bree Emery, MSW,

LCSW with Emery Counseling in Fort Collins who specializes in treating body image, eating disorders, trauma, molestation, sexual assault, accidents, abuse, self-mutilation, depression and anxiety. The more kids are on social media, the more they are exposed to all types of content, including content on self-harm. The University of Georgia study analyzed Instagram hashtags to see how prevalent information on self-injury is – and the results are shocking. They found over

It’s more common than you think

Lynn U

. Nichols

Helping your teen regulate their social media use

It’s a good idea to have an open discussion with your teen about social media. Ask them how they feel after being online. More positive about themselves or less? Better or worse? Happy or grumpy? Ask if they ever see things that make them feel uncomfortable and offer to talk about them. Even if your child isn’t visiting negative sites, like those instructing on self-harm, social media might be causing them to self-judge or compare – or be a source of bullying. If they recognize that social media isn’t always healthy for them, talk about ways to handle it or limit it.

Explore the idea of phone-free spaces, like keeping their room free of phones, tablets, or gaming, especially at bedtime. Decide time limits on social media together – an hour a day on weeknights and two on the weekends? Your child might be willing to set alarms on their apps to help them stay on track to stick to these times. If they help decide how to cut back, they will be more likely to stick with the plan.

media is hard, especially in middle school, which is such a time of natural selfconsciousness.”

As a parent of a child who cuts or burns, you might be tempted to grab your preteen’s phone and smash it. While it’s not a bad idea to limit social media and regulate your child’s time online, it’s more important to help your child identify why they self-harm in the first place, and help them heal the pain that’s driving their desire to do so.

“Self-harm is a symptom of emotional pain,” Emery says. “In therapy, I help identify the pain that’s driving it, whether it’s school stress, identity issues, trauma, or a mental health issue. Then we work to heal their pain.”

Emery says that not all preteens and teens who self-harm need therapy. In middle school, kids can learn about it and decide to copycat it. Once they try it, more often than not they quickly decide they never want to do it again. But sometimes, they discover it helps them feel better.

are finding bloody tissues in the trash or noticing blood spots in the shower, it may be time to explore if your teen is cutting. Also, if they are only wearing long sleeves or long pants even in the summer, it might be a sign of cutting. Another sign is skipping gym class and chances to get in a pool. Emery points out that access to sharp objects is often easier than access to other unhealthy coping mechanisms, like drugs and alcohol, especially for younger teens.

When discovering the self-harm behavior, Emery advises parents to do their best to resist acting shocked or reacting strongly. It’s fine to say that you are scared, but then ask open-ended questions and share honest concern. Don’t worry about being wrong. Bringing it up will not make them start if they haven’t already.

1.2 million posts with such hashtags as #hatemyself and #cutting.

“The studies on social media and self-harm are inconsistent, so it’s hard to say there’s an obvious

connection. Yet, the affect that social media has on increased mood disorders, depression, and anxiety is pretty clear,” Emery says.

“And the timing for a teen’s heightened interest in social

“With cutting and other forms of self-mutilation, parents assume their teen is suicidal and go into crisis mode. But cutting is different than wanting to die. It’s really a way of trying to cope,” she adds. “We don’t want them to stop coping. We just want to replace it with a method that’s not harmful.”

If you’ve noticed cuts on your teen or pre-teen’s arms,

“Approach the conversation with concern, love, and curiosity. It’s okay to say, ‘I’m scared, but I want to understand. Can you share why you do this?’ Let them know you are here to help and reassure them that they are not in trouble,” Emery says.

Be gentle with yourself and go slow. After all, this is stressful, not straight-ahead parenting. If you focus on your concern for your child and set aside your anger, sadness, or shock and stay open, you will be able to navigate this with your teen.

Program & Activity Guide

NOCO KIDS SUMMER CAMP

Formerly Choice City Christian Camp

For Grades 1-6 • Camp runs concurrently through school summer break.

Activities Include:

MUSEUMS • FORT FUN • PUTT PUTT • TOURS • ARTS AND CRAFTS

MOVIES • BUMPER BOWLINGS • ROLLER SKATING • SWIMMING

A nondenominational Bible study begins each day

All tickets and admission fees are paid by the camp. The only items your child needs to bring every day are a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen and appropriate clothing or extras (such as swimsuits or towels).

Fully-licensed day camp for grades 1-6

Call Cat Colonna at: 970-786-9809 nocokidsacademy.com/summercamp cat@nocokidsacademy.com

Success foundation breakfast draws 400 to Greeley

contact that school directly for more information.

For kindergarten registration, parents and guardians must be prepared to provide:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Child’s immunization records

• Proof of address (such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, closing papers from the purchase of a home, etc.)

developmental disabilities,” says Tommy, who is Chapter President of Best Buddies this year. “It’s a really great club where anyone who doesn’t have a disability and who does can come together and create bonds and friendships.”

The Success Foundation Serving Greeley-Evans Schools hosted its annual fundraising breakfast at Greeley West High School, featuring students from every level who have been impacted by the organization’s efforts to support schools.

From helping to fund SmartLabs in every traditional District 6 elementary, K-8 and middle school to providing grants to students so they have more learning opportunities, the Success Foundation has raised millions of dollars over the last 10 years for students and staff in Greeley and Evans.

Success Foundation’s next big initiative is raising funds to help equip the new Career and Technical Education Center, currently under construction along with Jefferson High School at the corner of 14th Avenue and 2nd Street in Greeley.

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP BEGINS

Kindergarten registration

is open for all non-charter Greeley-Evans School District 6 schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Children must turn 5 years old by October 1, 2023, in order to register for kindergarten next year.

To register online, to view the schedule of open houses at elementary and K-8 schools, and to watch a video outlining registration instructions, visit www.greeleyschools.org/ kindergarten. For assistance with the registration process, please contact the District 6 Admissions office at (970) 348-6062 or email admissions@greeleyschools.org.

Students will be enrolled in their neighborhood schools based on parent/ guardian primary address or an approved and accepted Open Enrollment application. Please note that charter schools may have different age requirements, enrollment processes, policies and timelines. If your child is attending a charter school next year, please

To find your child’s school of attendance, visit www.greeleyschools.org/ BoundarySearch

BECOMING BEST BUDDIES

Greeley Central students find friendship through club.

All anyone really needs is that one true friend that they can trust, that go-to person when times are good, and when times are rough.

Tommy Medina and Xavier Reichel are best friends. They play basketball together and go bowling. They eat pizza. They watch movies. They laugh a lot. They call each other by their respective nicknames: Taco Man and X-Man, which Xavier quickly illustrates by folding his arms over his chest to create the letter “X.”

Tommy and Xavier were introduced through an organization called Best Buddies at Greeley Central High School.

“Best Buddies is actually an international nonprofit organization that focuses on inclusion of anybody with intellectual and

“We learn about getting friends together,” Xavier says. “We include everyone who comes to the meeting.”

Xavier and Tommy said the club members eat lunch together on Fridays, do activities together, play sports and just hang out. This year, the club also hosted a film festival with the Arc of Weld County, highlighting videos that feature those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sometimes, the buddies even go on field trips.

For more information on any of these stories go to greeleyschools.org.

Read Across America Day: literacy fun for all ages in PSD

From guest readers in classes to readathons and book exchanges, Read Across America Day in Poudre School District was a nonstop celebration of all things literacy.

Read Across America Day, observed on March 2 every year, is an opportunity to promote a love for reading while recognizing literacy as an important building block for lifelong learning. Many schools throughout PSD celebrated reading not only on this special day but all week long!

Although it’s more common to recognize Read Across America Day at the elementary level, high school students and volunteers demonstrated the importance of literacy for all ages at Beattie Elementary School.

A group of Rocky

Mountain High School students volunteered their morning to read to pre-K and second-grade classes. Whether they planned to share their favorite childhood books or found a new story for this occasion, it was a valuable experience for everyone involved.

Madison Maldonado said she was amazed to hear all the thoughts students shared while reading. As a former Beattie preschool student, she could see herself in the students and found it interesting to reflect on how much she has changed since she was in preschool.

“It made me want to be little again,” said Maldonado. “It was nice. Now that I’m older, coming back and saying well, I once was like these students, reminds me that I’m still a

kid in some ways.”

Stefan Volk, another RMHS student volunteer, kept students invested in reading by asking questions to his group of students. He shared the book “Dragons Love Tacos.”

“I picked a book I haven’t read before so I would have the same experience that they were having if they haven’t read it too,” said Volk.

The festivities continued throughout the day, and students had their weekly Thursday visit from Paws for Tales, which happened to line up perfectly on Read Across America Day. This nonprofit is a group of volunteers who bring therapy dogs to schools and help young readers gain confidence.

“I think this helps us get better at reading,” said

Leo Snelling, a secondgrade student, after he read to the Paws for Tales dog Paddington. “My favorite part is reading fun books to the dogs. I think my favorite book to read is ‘If You Give a Mouse a Brownie’ because Paddington really liked that book.”

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER LEARNING

Whether you want to catch up on credits, learn something new, or explore a potential future career field, there are plenty of options this summer in Poudre School District. Registration is now open for summer school, summer camps, and programs. Visit the Summer Learning Opportunities webpage on the PSD website at https://www.psdschools. org/academics/summerlearning-opportunities.

Zoe Rollins, TVHS senior

When Zoe Rollins and her sister Emily got in a car accident two years ago that would change their lives forever, the last thing on Zoe’s mind was being an inspiration to others.

“One day I was preparing for (volleyball) regionals, and the next day I couldn’t even sit up in bed,” she said.

Now, nearly two years after that fateful crash, Zoe is being honored by Sportswomen of Colorado with the 2022 Inspiration Award.

“To be able to win an award for inspiring other people is amazing,” Zoe says. “I am really happy that throughout my journey, I was able to help other people, because it is very encouraging to me to keep going knowing that other people are inspired by me.”

So much has happened to this Thompson Valley High School senior in the past two years, as she battled her way back from the snowy-weather accident that shattered her L1 vertebrae and paralyzed her from the waist down. Zoe’s family lives in the foothills, and she and Emily were driving home from volleyball practice the day before Regionals when the car slid and went over the edge. The car rolled multiple times and both girls were ejected.

“When I was there, I wasn’t really thinking about the outcome,” said

Zoe. “Obviously I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t see my sister. I didn’t even know if she was alive.”

Emily had a broken pelvis and collapsed lungs, among other injuries. After spending a week in the hospital, she was able to go home and to play volleyball again her senior year.

But Zoe’s injuries were more severe. She spent more than a week in the ICU, and then went to Craig Hospital to work on rehabilitating after her spinal cord injury.

Two years after the accident, Zoe still goes to therapy 2-3 times a week, and is still paralyzed below her knees. Yet the progress she has made is phenomenal, including driving herself around using hand controls, walking with crutches for short amounts of time, and even serving occasionally for her beloved TVHS state-champion volleyball team.

“Surprisingly, now I’ve gotten more independent,” Zoe says. “I drive myself to school every day, do a lot for myself. If no one is home in the house, I can still do things.”

As for how the accident changed her mentally, Zoe says she still has hard days, but the challenges she has faced have also made her grateful.

Zoe has made it her goal to do all of the things she loves – even if she has to do them in a different way.

Zoe says that the support of her parents, sister, volleyball teammates, friends, and health care workers has been immeasurable.

“The biggest thing is I can’t really go anywhere by myself,” she says. “But my friends will always help me. My parents are super supportive. Nothing I’m

doing am I doing by myself.”

As she enjoys her senior year of high school, Zoe is planning for her future as well. She is considering pursuing a career as a psychologist at a spinal cord injury hospital.

“Where would I be now if nothing had ever happened? I’ve made so many new friends,” Zoe says. “Obviously I didn’t want it to happen, but I have gained a lot.”

Youth writing, mental health, and college application resources

Thursday, April 27 from 9:30 to 11:30am and May 4 from 6 to 8pm. Summer dates are yet to be announced. Visit https://webtrac. fcgov.com and search “College Admissions” to get registered online.

Help Greeley decide how to spend $18.8 million

Youth writing contest for Earth Day

Northern Colorado students are invited to share their “voice and vision to inspire and raise awareness for climate action” in a “My Future, My Voice” Earth Day writing contest. Students aged 8–18 can express their visions and desires for the future through writing stories, personal essays, poems or even songs. All submissions are due by noon on Thursday, April 6 and will be read by a panel of judges composed of Earth Day volunteers, staff, sponsors and community members. Winners and runners-up will be invited to read their work at Earth Day and share on the Sustainable Living Association website in addition to earning gear from local businesses. Learn more at https://sustain

able livingassociation.org/ earth-day-fort-collins-2.

PSD

Mental Health Matters

K-12 event

Poudre School District will host their Mental Health Matters K-12 Event, in person this year, beginning at 5:30pm on Monday, April 17 at Rocky Mountain High School, 1300 West Swallow Road in Fort Collins. Participants will hear from mental health and wellness speakers on a variety of topics affecting all grade levels, connection-building and relevant resources.

Returning for its eighth year, the event continues as a result of students advocating for themselves and peers, “asking for more training, more spaces of belonging, increased awareness of mental health resources, and a community effort to decrease the

stigma around mental health and seeking help.” Details were limited at press time. Visit www.psdschools.org to learn more.

Learn about the college application process

The City of Fort Collins Recreation department is offering informative college admission sessions from a professional with 17 years of experience working in high school counseling and university admission. Topics covered will include terminology, parts of the application, timeline and deadlines, how to research and create a list of best-fit colleges, essay basics, and how an application is evaluated by a university. Two sessions are available this spring for $25 per person at the Fort Collins Senior Center. Choose between

You can have a voice in how the City of Greeley spends the available $18.8 million from the American Rescue and Recovery Act (ARPA) funds awarded by the federal government for recovery efforts related to the pandemic. The city has identified four categories of eligible expenses including: Building Community Resilience; Enhancing Mobility; Creating Community, Quality of Life, and Destinations; and Activating Economic Corridors. These categories are defined and examples are provided on the community survey you can complete. Learn more and complete the survey by April 28 at https:// speakupgreeley.com/arpa.

Community Calendar

April events

FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 14 & 15

Estes Park Bigfoot Days

BBQ dinner and outdoor festival celebrating all things Squatchy with themed activities for families. Ridgeline Hotel & Conference Center, EP. www.visitestespark.com/ events-calendar/winterevents/bigfoot-days

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Earth Day Fort Collins 13th annual event with activities/events for entire family. Civic Center Park, FC. https:// sustainablelivingassociation. org/earth-day-fort-collins-2

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

Fort Collins Parks & Recreation Hiring Fair

Opportunities in lifeguarding, childcare, park maintenance, etc. Foothills Activity Center, FC. www.fcgov.com/ recreation/join-parks-and-rec

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Spring Artisan Market Senior Center, FC. www.fcgov.com/recreation

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

BELONG: Open House Fundraiser for The Family Center/La Familia Family fun with food, drinks and facility tours. The Family Center/La Familia, FC. https://bit.ly/3JVfq5I

ENTERTAINMENT

THROUGH APRIL 2

Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate Budweiser Event Center, LV. www.treventscomplex.com

THROUGH APRIL 16

Thompson School District Student Art Show Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum. org/exhibits

THROUGH JUNE 25

Contained: History of Water Containters

Through the ages with discussion of environmental impact. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum. org/contained

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Kids on Broadway Centennial Children’s Chorus. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

THURSDAY APRIL 6

National Geographic Live: Greenwood, A Century of Resilience

See the impact of racism and racial violence in America through a community. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, APRIL 6 & 7

Be More Chill

Pop/rock musical and first teen production. Rated R for strong language. Rialto Theater, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org

APRIL 7 & 8

Toughest Monster Truck Tour

Budweiser Event Center, LV. www.treventscomplex.com

APRIL 7 THROUGH JULY 22

Deutschland Through Students’ Eyes Exhibit

Free admission April 15. Curated by German language students at Fort Collins High School. Global Village Museum, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Timber Dan Vintage, Collectible, and Antique Toy Show and Sale

Budweiser Event Center, LV. www.treventscomplex.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Madagascar the Musical National premier of this brand new family musical from Dreamworks. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com

APRIL 14 THROUGH 16

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Canyon Concert Ballet presents. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Wendy Woo & Dotsero Band

The Full Circle Reunion Tour brings two top homegrown artists together for one night. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 15 & 16

NoCo Theatrix Presents School House Rock Live! JR Union Colony Civic Center, Hensel Phelps Theatre, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

A Dance Place Presents Moana Jr. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

THERESA BAER

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

How to Survive Middle School Kids talk to kids in a compelling, funny and educational show with comedian Robert Post. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

APRIL 20 THROUGH 22

Anastasia

Romantic and adventurefilled new musical. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience Audience participates by choosing the songs. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

APRIL 21 THROUGH 22

Lost Marbles Theatrics: The Mouse on the Moon Sequel to The Mouse That Roared. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

Skygazing

Gain knowledge of stars, planets, galaxies, etc. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

APRIL 28 THROUGH 30

LCS: Smile...it’s the ‘70s! Loveland Choral Society presents. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

APRIL 28 THROUGH MAY 13

Debut Theatre presents Henry and Ramona!

Beverly Cleary’s book brought to life. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, FC. www.lctix.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Ajijaak on Turtle Island Communities come together through puppetry, music, traditional dances. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com.

ACTIVE-ITIES

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Exploring Tracks—An Animal’s Signature

Learn track identification of mammals, birds and reptiles. Pineridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

Horsetooth Half Marathon Journey from the location of former Hughes Stadium, along Horsetooth Reservoir to New Belgium Brewery, FC. https://horsetooth-half.com

Easter Events

THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Fort Collins Marketplace Easter Event

Self-guided scavenger hunt. Fort Collins Marketplace, FC. www.facebook.com/ events/568070895253972

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Greeley Free Community Easter Egg Hunts

Ages 6 months–17 years. Rodarte Community Center and Family FunPlex, GR. https://greeleyrec.com/events

Wellington Easter Egg Hunt

Bring your baskets! Easter Bunny, prizes, coffee truck. Wellington Community Park, Wellington. www.wellingtoncolorado.gov

Egg-Stra Special GPS Hunt

Egg hunt adventure using GPS units to solve clues/find eggs. North Lake Park, LV. www.LovGov.org/PRevents

APRIL 1, 2, 8, 9

Easter Bunny Photos

Bring your own camera. Barnes & Noble, LV. www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra. com/events.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Easter Eggstravaganza

Egg splash in pool or traditional hunt and open gym activities. Windsor Community Rec Center, WS. recreationliveshere.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Morning Fresh Dairy Egg-Stravaganza Tours Tours, scavenger hunt, yard games, goodie samples, prizes. Morning Fresh Dairy, Bellvue. https://bit.ly/3LK7UMF

Laporte Easter Egg Hunt

Laporte Presbyterian Church, Laporte. nextdoor.com/local_events/ sWMyHFKPhTnn

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Loveland Classic/Earth Day 5K, 10K, Kids 1-mile

Walk/run to raise funds for Thompson Education Foundation. Loveland. lovelandclassic.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Flying Pig Charity 5K

14th Annual Fundraiser for Foothills Gateway Family Support Services. Spring Canyon Park, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

Kids in the Park

Learn about recreation activities, play, dance to live music and fly kites. Twin Silo Park, FC. www.fcgov.com/ recreation/kidsinthepark

Generational differences in parenting

I AM A MEMBER OF GENERATION X. Also known as the latchkey kids. Essentially, we are known for being left alone and fending for ourselves. The idea of leaving a kid in first grade at home alone after school without a findmy-friend’s tracker makes most parents today lose their minds. But that’s how most of us were raised. As a result, we have tended as a generation to swing the pendulum on the way opposite side and become helicopter parents.

One thing I’m learning about having a tween, is that nobody knows how to parent until they parent. We’re all winging it with the exception of raising our second, third, and fourth child. If you have them, that is. Many of us, because we were left alone for so much of our youth, are overcompensating for that by spending an enormous amount of time with our

children. At least compared to the amount of time our parents spent with us. And giving our kids an enormous amount of attention for the most part.

Now that my child is getting older and basically becoming a mini adult, I am harshly faced with the reality and constant receiving of unsolicited feedback about how I have parented so far.

I am learning I was way too easy on my kid. I did spend a lot of time giving her skills so she would know how to do household chores and management. But she generally doesn’t have to do them on a regular basis at home. I was recently talking with another parent/ friend and they were giving me feedback about the fact that my child doesn’t

do chores. I was trying to explain my approach in that I view chores as having two purposes: first, they are a skill-building activity. Kids need to learn how to do the things that keep the home afloat. They need to know how to do laundry, how to do dishes, how often they need to clean certain things, and etc. Second, I believe kids need to understand chores because they’re learning what it’s like to be a helpful and contributing person in their home. Whether they are in college with roommates or later in life with a partner and a family, it is essential people generally learn the idea of contributing and helping and being a part of a team at home. I would never want my child to think

her roommate, her partner, or another person with whom she lives is her maid. I would be horrified. Yes, I grapple with the idea that I don’t require my child to do regular chores on a regular schedule. Yes, of course, when things need to be done, I ask her to do them, and she does. But we don’t have a chore chart.

I know for sure if I were to be hit by a bus tomorrow, my child could live unassisted for an indefinite amount of time. Of course this situation would never happen in real life, but the idea of her being able to do it comforts me for some reason. Does that make up for the fact that I don’t give her work at home on a regular basis? I honestly don’t know.