YC Magazine, Helena - Sept 2025

Specializing in New Adventures and

Every perfect moment. Every great story. Every memory we hold on to forever. It starts with health. That’s why Benefis provides care for each new chapter of childhood. But we know sometimes those chapters come with bumps and tears, so we offer comprehensive urgent care services including lab and X-ray seven days a week, along with the MyChart app so you can view your child's health information from anywhere at any time. All to make your best life possible.

Aiden is a highly motivated individual who consistently sets and achieves her goals by breaking them down into attainable steps. She is a talented artist, demonstrated through her unique nail and tattoo designs. Beyond her professional skills, Aiden is known for her kindness and generosity, and she is deeply involved in her family life. She is truly brilliant.

Aiden plans to enroll in the cosmetology program at Helena Community College next fall. In the interim, she is working full-time and adjusting to life after high school.

ON THE COVER ABOUT YOUTH CONNECTIONS

Youth Connections is a coalition of over 1100 community members representing parents, educators, churches, youthserving organizations, businesses, and more who want to make Helena a healthy and supportive place for kids and families. Youth Connections recognizes the need to reduce negative behaviors including substance use and violence while also working to increase positive opportunities and mental wellness for all our local kids.

So how do we do that? We know there is no silver bullet to making communities great, and so we do LOTS of things that we know make communities better. We support agencies and businesses who offer youth activities because we know kids who are involved in positive activities aren’t involved in negative ones. We support student mentoring relationships because research shows it helps kids stay in school and be successful. We also know that when kids know better, they do better, so we support classroom education in the areas of bullying prevention and substance use prevention. Youth Connections also understands we must support the adults in kids’ lives and therefore we provide training, education, networks, and collaborative opportunities for parents and professionals to connect with others who care about kids.

Youth Connections is well known for its quarterly publication, YC Magazine, a resource for parents and the entire community. These are just some of the projects we’re working on to serve our mission of engaging our community to create environments where youth thrive and succeed. For a comprehensive list of activities, services, and ways you can get involved, please visit our website at www.youthconnectionscoalition.org.

Director FROM THE

YC Magazine is headed into the 21st century! We’re trying something new to reach more parents and reduce costs. The magazine will be available online and you should have received a postcard with a QR code directing you to the online version. If you prefer to have something in your hands, there will be hard copies all around town – the library, YMCA, doctor offices, etc. Let us know if there is a place we should place them, and we’ll get some there.

Wow – it’s back to school time once again. As always, the magazine committee was committed to come up with content to help parents navigate this exciting and anxious time.

More and more research is showing that positive childhood experiences can be more powerful for a child and can reduce adverse effects. We’ve been assembling this magazine for 15 years and I’m glad to say we try to focus on the positive by highlighting youth in our Faces in the Crowd as well as showing the positive things happening in the 40 Developmental Assets section. One of the most important supports for a child is a relationship with a trusting adult. If you have some time, look into opportunities to help out at school or become a mentor. It really does make a difference! We’re happy to have an article from Dr. Goldes on addressing dermatological issues with youth. It can be a game changer for their self-esteem, which can affect their success in school.

A therapist from Intermountain was gracious enough to share her time and expertise to write an article on the importance of making connections with your child. She gives some easy but effective ways to do that, and they can be built into your day without having to add extra things to do.

Officer Gomez has some great advice in our Q&A section on technology and kids that we might not all know about. If you’re on Facebook, you can follow him and get lots of great information.

We hope you and your family have a fun, safe, and productive year!

CAN’T GET ENOUGH GREAT RESOURCES? FOLLOW US:

Facebook (for parents): Youth Connections

Facebook (for kids): Find Your Spot

Instagram: @Youthconx

X: @Youthconx

Jeffry Goldes, M.D. Jody Isbell, PA-C, Julie Flesch, FNP-BC, Leigha Shilhanek, DCNP, Ruby Greer, WHNP-BC

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CONFESSIONS FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE

More Than Skin Deep: How Dermatologic Conditions Impact Teens Inside and Out

by DR. JEFFRY GOLDES, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Associated Dermatology & Skin Cancer Clinic, Helena, Montana

With a new school year starting, parents are always looking for ways to help their child(ren) have a successful year. Outside of new school supplies to help them start off on the right foot, addressing issues that may be increasing their anxiety can help even more. Any of us who suffered from acne or other skin disorders, know exactly how embarrassing it can be. It’s not like they can wear a ski mask to school, so there’s not a way to hide anything that they’re self-conscious about. Unfortunately, teens put a lot of stock in how they look and what their peers think about them, so giving them the tools to help them feel better about themselves can go a long way towards a more positive experience at school.

We reached out to a dermatologist for advice on supporting parents to help youth maneuver the potential embarrassment of skin issues by addressing the root cause.

When people think about teenagers and skin, acne is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While acne is extremely common and can certainly affect self-confidence, it’s far from the only dermatologic issue young people face. Conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) can be especially challenging—not just physically, but emotionally and socially, too.

As a dermatologist, I’ve seen firsthand how skin disorders can impact a student’s daily life, confidence, and even school performance. Here’s what parents and teens should know:

ACNE: MORE THAN A RITE OF PASSAGE

Acne can range from mild blackheads to severe, painful cysts. Beyond the physical discomfort, it often triggers anxiety, embarrassment, and social withdrawal, especially during the already-vulnerable middle and high school years. The good news is that effective treatments exist— from topical creams to prescription medications. Early intervention can prevent long-term scarring and help protect your child’s self-esteem.

What Parents Can Do: Encourage open conversations about how your child is feeling about their skin. Avoid minimizing their concerns, and seek professional guidance when over-the-counter products aren’t enough.

ALOPECIA AREATA: WHEN HAIR LOSS FEELS LIKE IDENTITY LOSS

Hair plays a big role in self-image. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune

condition that causes patchy hair loss, can be devastating for teens. It often appears suddenly, sometimes triggered by stress or illness, and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

Although it’s not contagious and doesn’t cause physical pain, the emotional toll can be heavy. Students may feel isolated or worry about being teased.

What Parents Can Do: If you notice unusual hair loss, don’t wait. A dermatologist can evaluate the cause and discuss treatment options, including topical medications, steroid injections, and newer therapies. Just as importantly, be a supportive listener and advocate for your teen at school if needed.

ECZEMA/ATOPIC DERMATITIS: MORE THAN DRY SKIN

Atopic dermatitis often begins in childhood, but many teens continue to struggle with it. It causes itchy, inflamed, sometimes painful skin, often on the arms, legs, or neck. It can disrupt sleep, focus, and confidence— especially if visible during gym class or school events.

What Parents Can Do: Help teens build a daily skincare routine, including moisturizers and prescribed treatments if needed. Avoiding triggers—like stress, fragrances, or certain fabrics—can also help. Don’t underestimate the frustration and exhaustion eczema can cause.

THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF SKIN CONDITIONS

Many teens feel like their skin condition sets them apart in the worst possible way. They may avoid pictures, skip events, or feel like they don’t fit in. Mental health and skin health are closely connected, and dermatology care should address both.

Encouraging teens to talk to a counselor, participate in support groups, or simply feel heard at home can be just as healing as medication.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dermatologic conditions during adolescence are common—but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. The physical discomfort, combined with the social and emotional stress, can affect every area of a teen’s life. The earlier we recognize this, the better we can support them.

If your teen is struggling with any skin or hair condition, don’t wait to seek help. Compassionate, expert care is available—and it can make a world of difference. ■

SUCCESS Setting the Year

SUCCESS Year for

by KATIE HARLOW, LCSW

ow that summer is officially over, many parents find themselves settling into the structure and dependability of the school year while also being unsure of how to help kids continue to transition smoothly back to the school year routine. Kids also experience a mix of emotions and can be caught in a state of uncertainty during this time, needing the comfort of structure yet struggling to adjust to the day-to-day routine. Children with academic or mental health struggles such as anxiety related to academic performance or peer relationships may even dread returning to the environment that increases their discomfort.

We know that structure and routine are important because they bring a sense of safety and dependability to our lives and solve a common fear: that of the unknown. Developmentally appropriate structure allows children to learn to constructively regulate and manage their emotions and behaviors. Which is to say that structure should grow and change as children grow and change to best support their development. A return to the school year also means a decrease in freedom that is often given during the summer and an increase in rules, expectations, and adult control over children’s lives. Teens especially tend to constantly be on the prowl for more freedom, and more opportunities to control their lives and environments. This time of life looks different child by child and family by family.

In an ideal world, changes such as these would happen seamlessly, but here in the real world we know it often doesn’t. As much as people crave the dependability of routine, we tend to also be resistant to change, which can make for some frustrating and stressful mornings trying to get kids out the door and to school on time. Feeling this stress might lead to yelling at our kids or constantly prompting them to “Hurry up!” This creates a negative start to the day as everyone leaves the house feeling hurried and frustrated, plus these kinds of mornings usually follow up with a nice side of parental guilt. Rather than starting mornings off this way, wouldn’t it be nice for both parents and children to start the day calm, organized and on time? Sound too good to be true? There is no magic wand to guarantee there will never be another rushed or frustrating morning, but we can help kids start their school year off successfully by identifying where they need help implementing structure and routine, and by preparing them for the changes.

Begin by thinking about each child and what is usually the hang up for getting them out the door smoothly each morning. Are they slow to wake up, so they end up running late each day, or do they run around the house trying to gather their belongings or practice gear so they are ready for the day? Identifying where they struggle to be prepared will help support their growth and development in becoming more independent and having more successful mornings.

continued on page 9

If a child struggles to wake up and get going in the morning, try setting multiple alarms so that he or she is able to gradually wake up with the final alarm giving a cushion of time to get ready and out the door on time. Include them in this plan so they are able to participate in identifying what will work for them and learn these skills to use as they grow older.

If they never seem to know where their clothes, shoes, homework, lunch, and other items are in the mornings then think about helping them learn organizational skills. This can be as simple as a younger child planning their clothing the night before, or more complex like teaching a teen to utilize technology in a beneficial manner, using the calendar features on their phone for example. These are all small tools to help children succeed. Teaching these skills in age-appropriate ways will help kids build independence and a mastery of new skills. This also builds feelings of competence in children and supports their growth and development towards increased independence as they grow older. Beginning to build in routines such as getting backpacks ready or making lunches the night before will help mornings to feel less harried and rushed by eliminating the inevitable search of the house for a lost shoe or homework folder. By gradually and consistently building in these tasks or increasing their complexity, they will become routine, which will greatly reduce the potential for power struggles within parentchild relationships as these become just normal things that the family does each day. Have a discussion with the child about their feelings about getting back to school. If left unaddressed, negative emotions about school may come out as frustration or resistance to attending school in the

We also need to consider our own emotions about the return to school. Do we have feelings of apprehension or worry for our child’s transition? If so remember that our children pick up on what we feel and how we manage our emotions and behaviors.

morning, and let’s be honest, that is the least likely time that we can stop what we are doing to help them process their emotions!

Having these conversations ahead of time might provide some valuable information about the child. Do they dislike their new teacher? Dread having to take a certain class or see a certain person each day? Scared to be away from mom or dad all day? This allows the opportunity to validate their feelings and potentially solve problems with them. This can also be a great time to normalize feelings of worry they may have; it is natural and healthy to have anxiety about new experiences. Creating connecting moments when emotions are not running high help to create a sense of safety for children, as well as reinforce that mom or dad is a positive support and can also be turned to when they are struggling. As the school year progresses, conversations can

naturally transition to talking about their day. Ask specific questions that can’t be answered with a blanket “fine” or “good” such as, “who did you eat lunch with today” or “what was the best and/or worst part of your day?”

We also need to consider our own emotions about the return to school. Do we have feelings of apprehension or worry for our child’s transition? If so remember that our children pick up on what we feel and how we manage our emotions and behaviors. Being able to acknowledge emotions such as anxiety or frustration and then regulate ourselves using healthy coping skills- such as deep breathing or taking a five-minute break shows kids that we can experience difficult emotions and be okay with them. These skills benefit both children and parents; it is vital that we are able to care for our own needs as well as teach these important skills to our children.

Finally, keep in mind that no matter how prepared things are, there will be days that don’t go as planned; days when the alarm doesn’t go off or someone is missing a shoe; days where patience is running thin and we yell or hurry the kids out the door, and everyone leaves the house looking like thunder clouds. No one is a perfect parent. View days like this as opportunities to teach children about repair. Sit down with them that evening and talk about what didn’t go well that morning and own up to our part in the breakdown. Teaching our children that we also make mistakes and we can take accountability for our mistakes is an extremely valuable lesson. Engaging them in problem solving and what can be done differently in the future by everyone in the house will create a sense of connection and reinforce that there is not an expectation for them to be perfect kids. ■

Check out who’s standing out in our community.

IS THERE SOMEONE YOU’D LIKE TO NOMINATE?

Please email coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org and tell us why this individual has stood out in your crowd.

Trenten Feist RADLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 3RD GRADE

Trenten is an active East Helena Vigilante who works hard to get good grades and perform his best in football, soccer, and hockey. He loves being a good teammate and helping his friends learn and perform better. Trenten tries his best to make good choices by following instructions, focusing on the tasks in front of him, and showing respect to his teachers and coaches. He wants his peers to think of him as helpful, kind, nice, a leader, and funny.

Brooke Torske C.R. ANDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE

Brooke is an eighth grader at C.R. Anderson Middle School. Math and science are her favorite subjects. Brooke plays the flute and is doing what her band teacher calls the “trifecta” this year: 8th grade band, concert band, and jazz band. Outside of school, Brooke plays soccer, runs cross-country and track, and does Grandstreet Theater School. In her spare time, you can find Brooke hanging out with friends, ripping up ski hills, hiking trails in Glacier, reading, and listening to musicals and classic rock. Brooke’s go-to Big Dipper order is huckleberry dipped in chocolate in a sugar cone.

Michael Leyva HELENA HIGH SCHOOL, 12TH GRADE

Michael is a senior this year at Helena High School and has been involved in several clubs at HHS. Michael has been an integral member with the Mock Trial club (4 years) and the DECA club (3 years) where he serves as the current DECA president. Michael also prioritizes his educational opportunities and has earned a 3.95 GPA. Michael has served the HHS Green Group (environmental club) and is a current Secretary for the National Honor Society. Michael’s post high school plans include attending college and majoring in Political Science and Public Policy. We look forward to Michael’s senior year and his positivity and kindness, and the leadership he brings to his activities.

Krystal Ferguson JIM DARCY, COUNSELOR

Congratulations to Krystal, who was just named the 2025 School Counselor of the Year by the Montana School Counselor Association. She helps students feel confident, ready to learn and ready to make the most of each school day. Krystal fosters a safe, inclusive environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. She collaborates closely with staff and families, provides expertise during team meetings, and advocates for students through 504 plans, grief support, and conflict resolution. Krystal is committed to continuous growth and the advancement of the counseling profession. Her dedication, empathy, and leadership have made a lasting impact on her school community.

Intermountain

Intermountain is a local non-profit organization devoted to healing Montana’s children and families through behavioral, mental, and developmental health services. This month, they launched a short educational documentary airing nationally on public television via the series “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid”. The film “Navigating Behavioral and Mental Health: Stories of Hope & Healing”, showcases Intermountain’s innovative, powerful work and the story of one family they deeply transformed. Intermountain threw a fun and educational watch party August 12 at the Myrna Loy theater, debuting the film and educating the public about their mission. You can see the documentary on their website, www.intermountain.org/home/and YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@intermountain.org.

We are committed to meeting the financial needs of all Montanans. You can be assured, when you bank with us, your money stays in Montana to work for you, your family, and your community. Come over to Stockman today.

ASSETS

40 Developmental Assets are essential qualities of life that help young people thrive, do well in school, and avoid risky behavior.

Youth Connections utilizes the 40 Developmental Assets Framework to guide the work we do in promoting positive youth development. The 40 Assets model was developed by the Minneapolis-based Search Institute based on extensive research. Just as we are coached to diversify our financial assets so that all our eggs are not in one basket, the strength that the 40 Assets model can build in our youth comes through diversity. In a nutshell, the more of the 40 Assets youth possess, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors and attitudes (such as good health and school success) and the less likely they are to exhibit risky behaviors (such as drug use and promiscuity). It’s that simple: if we want to empower and protect our children, building the 40 Assets in our youth is a great way to start.

Look over the list of Assets on the following page and think about what Assets may be lacking in our community and what Assets you can help build in our young people. Do what you can do with the knowledge that even through helping build one asset in one child, you are increasing the chances that child will grow up safe and successful. Through our combined efforts, we will continue to be a place where Great Kids Make Great Communities.

assets in action 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS

SUPPORT

1. Family support: Family life provides high levels of love and support.

2. Positive family communication: Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and young person is willing to seek advice and counsel from parent(s).

3. Other adult relationships: Young person receives support from three or more nonparent adults.

4. Caring neighborhood: Young person experiences caring neighbors.

5. Caring school climate: School provides a caring, encouraging environment.

6. Parent involvement in school: Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.

EMPOWERMENT

7. Community values youth: Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.

8. Youth as resources: Young people are given useful roles in the community.

9. Service to others: Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.

10. Safety: Young person feels safe at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.

BOUNDARIES & EXPECTATIONS

11. Family boundaries: Family has clear rules and consequences and monitors the young person’s whereabouts.

12. School boundaries: School provides clear rules and consequences.

13. Neighborhood boundaries: Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior.

14. Adult role models: Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.

15. Positive peer influence: Young person’s best friends model responsible behavior.

16. High expectations: Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.

CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME

17. Creative activities: Young person spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts.

18. Youth programs: Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in the community.

19. Religious community: Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.

20. Time at home: Young person is out with friends “with nothing special to do” two or fewer nights per week.

If you or your child would like to submit a picture that represents one of the 40 Developmental Assets, please email coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org with a picture and the number of the asset the picture represents. Not

COMMITMENT TO LEARNING

21. Achievement motivation: Young person is motivated to do well in school.

22. School engagement: Young person is actively engaged in learning.

23. Homework: Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day.

24. Bonding to school: Young person cares about her or his school.

25. Reading for pleasure: Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.

POSITIVE VALUES

26. Caring: Young person places high value on helping other people.

27. Equality and social justice: Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty.

28. Integrity: Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.

29. Honesty: Young person “tells the truth even when it is not easy.”

30. Responsibility: Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.

31. Restraint: Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.

SOCIAL COMPETENCIES

32. Planning and decision making: Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.

33. Interpersonal competence: Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.

34. Cultural competence: Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.

35. Resistance skills: Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.

36. Peaceful conflict resolution: Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.

POSITIVE IDENTITY

37. Personal power: Young person feels he or she has control over “things that happen to me.”

38. Self-esteem: Young person reports having a high self-esteem.

39. Sense of purpose: Young person reports that “my life has a purpose.”

40. Positive view of personal future: Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.

MEANINGFUL MOMENTS How to Create

By MIKAL MIHELISH, SWLC

As the back-to-school routines begin, we can often get lost in the chaos of it all. Getting back in the swing of things and adapting to the new school year routine can be hard on everyone in the family. Parents and caregivers often find that it is hard to find balance between the busy of back-to-school season and still finding ways to connect with their children.

As humans, we all thrive on connection. Meaningful relationships are what help sustain our day-to-day life. Strong connections can help us feel supported, loved, and safe. As the summer ends, we tend to focus on buying school supplies, packing lunches, or first day of school outfits. Those things may be important, but we often forget to create time and effort into making meaningful moments and connections with our children during this busy time.

So, how can we do this? Below are listed a few helpful ways that parents and caregivers can create meaningful small moments and connections with their children.

Prioritize 30 minutes of uninterrupted one-on-one time with your child. Encourage your child to choose the activity. Give them your undivided attention. Avoid screens, distractions and multitasking during this time.

Within the first month of school, eat a “back to school” meal as a family. Each person shares their goals and worries for the upcoming school year.

Put the phone down. Electronics are very present in our lives, but it is important to spend time with your loved ones without the presence of electronic devices. Screen time can have a negative effect on communication skills and mental health (BayCare Pediatric).

Start a new dinner time tradition, such as each family member sharing one high and one low of their day. This can be a bonding experience and help us feel closer to each other.

Just like children, adults can have hard days too. Take care of yourself and recognize when you may need support. Taking care of yourself will help you be able to best connect with your children.

Use specific praise to boost your child’s confidence. Examples include: “That was really awesome when you helped your sister tie her shoelaces, you are such a great brother.” or “I really appreciated how you cleaned up your toys when you were done playing, you are such a great helper!”

Utilize car rides for conversations! Ask specific, open-ended questions like “what made you smile today?” or “what was your favorite thing that happened today?” to help the conversation flow. Let your child take the lead where the conversation goes next.

Go on a short 15-minute walk after dinner with your child. Enjoy some nice weather, conversation, and exercise together.

Write your child a sticky note of encouragement in their backpack or lunch box. A few simple words like “I am so proud of you!” or “I love you, have a great

day!” on a note can help children feel seen, loved, and appreciated.

Create a morning goodbye ritual with your child, such as a special handshake or hug. This can help early mornings and back to school transitions not feel as nerve racking or lonely.

Play a song everyone enjoys during the car ride to school in the morning. This helps to start the day positively with some good tunes, while also creating a positive experience for children.

Read a short book or a chapter together before bedtime. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is beneficial for children and caregivers. Reading together is a wonderful way to create meaningful moments.

Have a game night. Games can be fun for everyone! Find a team game that everyone in the family can enjoy and play. Try to focus on the game, not who wins or loses.

Do a craft that can be tailored to your family’s interests. Doing crafts together can promote family bonding. Examples include painting rocks, a handprint family tree, or friendship bracelets.

Additionally, being a parent or caregiver can be challenging at times. Just like children, adults can have hard days too. Take care of yourself and recognize when you may need support. Taking care of yourself will help you be able to best connect with your children. Please remember, you matter too! As we enter this busy back-to-school season, make it a point to implement a few of the strategies listed above. Strong caregiver-child bonds are crucial to building positive childhood experiences. Healthy and positive relationships help create a sense of belonging and emotional stability for children. Small, meaningful moments are what helps make life so special. ■

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY for Your Child’s Success

By AMBER IRVIN, CPS

A

s parents, we want the best for our children—whether it’s academic success, strong friendships, or the ability to navigate everyday life confidently and independently. But for many children, developmental, emotional, or physical challenges can make everyday activities more difficult. This is where occupational therapy (OT) can make a profound difference.

Occupational therapy isn’t just for adults recovering from injury. For children and teens, OT focuses on helping them build the essential skills they need to thrive at home, in school, and in the community.

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS?

In simple terms, occupational therapy helps people develop the skills they need to do the things that are important in their daily lives—or “occupations.” For children and youth, this means activities like playing, learning, getting dressed, using utensils, managing emotions, making friends, and becoming more independent.

Pediatric occupational therapists are trained to work with children from infancy through adolescence. They assess a child’s strengths and challenges, then use playbased and goal-oriented interventions to build important life skills.

COMMON REASONS CHILDREN MIGHT NEED OT

Children may benefit from OT for a variety of reasons, including:

• Developmental delays

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Sensory processing challenges

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Learning disabilities

• Fine or gross motor skill delays

• Physical disabilities or chronic health conditions

• Emotional or behavioral difficulties

If your child struggles with basic daily activities, coordination, focus, or social interactions, occupational therapy could be a valuable resource.

KEY BENEFITS

1. Improved Motor Skills for Everyday Tasks: Many children in OT work on improving their fine motor skills (like holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt) or gross motor skills (like balancing, running, or

climbing stairs). These are foundational for both school and self-care activities.

A child who struggles with handwriting, tying shoes, or using scissors may quickly fall behind or feel frustrated. Occupational therapists use fun, engaging exercises to strengthen coordination and build confidence. As skills improve, so does independence.

2. Support for Sensory Processing Challenges: Does your child seem overly sensitive to sounds, textures, or bright lights? Or perhaps they’re constantly seeking movement and stimulation? These could be signs of sensory processing difficulties, which are common in children with ASD or ADHD.

Occupational therapists use sensory integration therapy to help children better respond to sensory input. With the right support, children can learn to regulate their reactions, leading to fewer meltdowns and greater participation in daily life.

3. Improved Emotional Regulation and Behavior: Emotional regulation—knowing how to manage big feelings like anger, frustration, or anxiety—is critical for a child’s well-being. Many children who struggle in this area experience outbursts or shutdowns at home or school.

OT can teach children coping strategies, self-calming techniques, and problemsolving skills through structured play and routines. Over time, children learn how to better express their emotions and interact more positively with others.

4. Enhanced Focus and Organizational Skills: Children with ADHD or executive functioning challenges often have trouble starting tasks, staying on track, or managing time. These difficulties can affect academic performance and self-esteem.

Occupational therapists work with children to develop routines, visual schedules, and organization strategies that support learning and focus. These tools can be game-changers, helping children gain control over their daily responsibilities.

5. Greater Independence in Self-Care and Life Skills: From brushing teeth to packing a backpack, OT helps kids build the skills they need to be more independent at home and in the community. As they grow older, therapy may focus on preparing teens for adulthood with life skills like cooking, budgeting, or using public transportation. Independence isn’t just about convenience—

it’s about building a child’s confidence and sense of competence in the world.

6. Social Skills Development: Many children struggle with social interactions, whether it’s taking turns, understanding body language, or making and keeping friends. Occupational therapists use roleplaying, group activities, and structured games to help children practice appropriate social behavior in a safe environment. Improved social skills often lead to better peer relationships, increased self-confidence, and a more positive school experience.

7. Parental Support and Involvement:

One of the most valuable aspects of occupational therapy is that it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Therapists work closely with parents and caregivers, offering guidance, education, and strategies that can be used at home.

You’ll learn how to support your child’s development in daily routines, how to handle specific challenges, and how to celebrate progress—even the small wins.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD MIGHT BENEFIT FROM OT

As a parent, trust your instincts. If you’ve noticed that your child:

• Struggles with basic self-care tasks

• Is falling behind developmentally

• Has difficulty focusing or following instructions

• Avoids certain textures, foods, or environments

• Displays frequent frustration or emotional outbursts

• Has trouble with coordination or balance

• Is not reaching expected milestones for their age

…it may be time to speak with your pediatrician or request an occupational therapy evaluation.

Occupational therapy is more than just a clinical service—it’s a powerful tool for empowering children and supporting families. Whether your child needs help with motor skills, emotional regulation, sensory integration, or daily living activities, OT can provide personalized, meaningful support that helps your child thrive.

Understanding the benefits of occupational therapy can open doors to the support and resources your child needs to grow into a capable, confident, and independent individual. ■

What are some good back-to-school tips?

Parents: Please pay attention to these very real challenges facing your child right now—not next year, not someday. These threats are already in your house, in your teens’ hands, and in their head.

1. TEXTING AND DRIVING Teens text and drive because they see adults text and drive. A lot of parents know their kids are doing it—but they gamble with the odds instead of stepping in. The truth is, while your teen is texting and driving, someone else’s teen might be texting right into you. Set the standard. Put down the phone.

2. SNAPCHAT & TIKTOK & INSTAGRAM These apps are not harmless fun. They are unfiltered, unmonitored, and specifically designed to reprogram your child’s values. Parents can’t see what’s happening—but I can. Teens are spending up to 15 hours a day absorbing content that promotes:

• Pornography

• Violence & bullying

• Drug culture

• Suicide normalization

This is NOT what you raised them for. And they’re getting far more Snapchat/TikTok/Instagram influence than they are from you. Just say NO to these harmful apps.

3. VAPING ADDICTION Vaping is the new epidemic, and yes—it’s an addiction, not a bad habit. An estimated 40% of high school students are vaping. Many kids are so addicted they can’t make it through a class without a hit. Parents, this will not be easy to fix. Vaping IS a gateway drug. Make this battle a priority before the addiction becomes permanent.

4. LACK OF RESPECT & ACCOUNTABILITY This one might hurt later—when your 18-year-old treats you like garbage. Disrespect isn’t strength. It’s a warning sign. If you’re teaching kids to argue with teachers, talk back to adults, and defy every rule— you’ll soon reap what you’ve sown. Respect and accountability = lifelong success. Teach them early. Enforce them often.

5. TECH AND SOCIAL MEDIA OVERLOAD Screens are robbing your kids of their drive, joy, and human connection. When they spend 10 hours a day online, what memories are they actually making? Not just kids—parents are addicted, too. Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent—they need a present one. Put down the phone. Make dinner together. Go outside. Tell stories. Screens don’t raise strong kids. You do.

These issues aren’t trending. They’re tragic. Don’t wait for the crisis to reach your doorstep. Step in, step up, and fight for your child’s future.

Happy Parenting, Officer Gomez

The number of brains an octopus has

The number of years a volcano has been erupting (Mt. Stromboli in Italy)

30

The minutes of sleep a giraffe needs per night

30,000

The number of teeth a shark grows and loses in its lifetime

142.18

The number of licks to get to the middle of a Tootsie Pop

When safety is a concern, a trip to the emergency room might be required

If you call 911, tell the operator it is a mental health emergency and ask for responders with Crisis Intervention Team Training. Emergency Room

At Top Gun Auto Body, we pride ourselves on providing friendly and fast service to our clients, with years of expertise and multiple certifications to back up all of our work. We know how stressful this process can sometimes be, so let us take some weight o your shoulders by helping you through every step - making the entire process as pain-free and streamlined as possible!

You Got Your Kid a Smart Phone/iPad, NOW WHAT?

By EMILY CHERKIN, M.ED.

Iget it. One day your kids are little, they go to bed at a reasonable time, and you feel like you can manage and monitor their screen use.

Then, suddenly, they are fifth graders, being invited to join group chats that are not only unwieldy but 99% asking “whose number is this?”, staying up until way later than you’d like, and using words like “skibidi toilet” and laughing hysterically while you blink in confusion.

Welcome to a club you may never have wanted or intended to join– the Club of Parents Who Thought They’d Say No to Screens Forever, But Suddenly, Here We Are. I often joke that parenting is the judgiest sport I’ve ever played. It’s rough out there. We can be really mean to each other. But judgment doesn’t move us forward, and as cheesy as it sounds, we’re going to need each other a lot over the coming years.

When it comes to parenting, kids, and screens, I take a tech-intentional™ approach. In short:

• Less is more

• Later is better

• Relationships and skills before screens

You may note that being tech-intentional doesn’t mean saying “no screentime ever” or “your kids should never touch an iPad” or “all screens are evil.”

On the contrary– being tech-intentional means being discerning about the how/ what/when of screens, in the context of bigger real-life activities and relationships. Questions I’d much rather you think about are, “Does my child engage in after-school activities, like sports or arts or even just playing outside with friends?” and “Does my child find entertainment in non-screen ways too?” and “Do my child and I have a strong connected relationship?”

Because at some point, whether it’s in your house, on the school bus, in the classroom, or at a friend’s house, your child will encounter screens. Whether we like it or not, it’s pretty much impossible today to avoid QR code menus and pay-by-phone parking systems, flight check-in kiosks and grocery store self-pay stations. Screens are ubiquitous in our world.

I

often joke that parenting is the judgiest sport I’ve ever played. It’s rough out there. We can be really mean to each other. But judgment doesn’t move us forward, and as cheesy as it sounds, we’re going to need each other a lot over the coming years.

Whether you caved and got your child a smartphone for Christmas, your elementary school student is the proud owner of a new iPad, or your 9th grader finally got the gaming console he always wanted– it’s done. Now what?

Let’s start by replacing judgment with curiosity. You’ve made a big decision, your child is probably beyond ecstatic, and you may have a lot of concern about What’s Comes Next. I have a few tips and recommendations for you to consider in how to best prepare yourself for what’s coming.

Here are five steps to get you started:

Establish right away that no devices sleep in the bedrooms. And yes, this does mean parental devices too. This is a highimpact, easy to implement rule that has net positive impacts on everyone in the family.

Focus on strengthening the relationship you have with your child, not a total number of minutes/hours per day. Honestly, the biggest fights families have around screen use is when kids can’t/won’t/ don’t stop using a screen when a parent asks them to. But that’s going to happen because the products are engineered to hook and hold their attention. It’s not a fair fight, and the only thing to get you through it will be a strong, trusting relationship with your child.

Do not rely on parental controls to monitor or manage screentime. That’s your job, even if that’s not fair or right. And yes, it’s exhausting, frustrating, and very difficult. The deck is stacked against you. I’ve written extensively about parental controls.

Set expectations for device use ahead of time. Going to a restaurant? Traveling? Visiting relatives? Riding the bus? Children need to be taught when it is okay and not okay to look at devices. Parents may need some revisiting of this themselves.

Understand child brain development. You don’t need to become neuroscientists, but you should know that a child’s brain is not an adult brain. They will not be able to self-manage screen use and screens will not regulate their nervous systems, in spite of what you read on social media. Teach them about their brains too and how design features make it hard to stop scrolling or playing.

Having a smart device is a big responsibility. It also comes with a significant amount of potential risks. Parenting in the digital age involves a lot of continuous learning, lots of conversations and teaching, and plenty of patience. You’re not just a parent, you’re a teacher. Whenever possible, find other parents to partner with on this. It makes your job so much easier when other parents delay smartphone access or limit social media or ensure their kids are participating in non-screen stuff too. It is hard to know what, exactly, makes a parent “successful” in navigating this digital age. Complete absolution from screens isn’t realistic, and unlimited scrolling isn’t good for anyone. I believe that those who will emerge most unscathed from these years will be the families where conversations about technology are abundant, where mistake-making is part of the learning experience, where understanding and support are the primary messages from parents, and where adults are comfortable asking annoying questions, paying attention to what their children are doing, and being Those Parents. (Because let’s be honest– our teens were never going to think we were cool anyway, so we might as well embrace it.) ■

“As The Screentime Consultant, Emily is at the vanguard of the fight for our children against the digitization, commodification, and gamification of childhood. Emily brings her expertise as a speaker and her experience as the lead plaintiff in her lawsuit against EdTech’s exploitation of children’s privacy. You can find more information about her advocacy and best selling book, The Screentime Solution at thescreentimeconsultant.com”

FEEL FREE The Dangers of

By STAFF

There is a product available at many gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, and online. It is called Feel Free. It is touted as an alternative to alcohol, but it has kava and/or kratom in it which has been found to be addictive. Kratom is a plant that carries opioid-like effects and is largely unregulated. Kava is also a plant-based depressant, not an opioid, but sometimes travels with drugs like opioids or alcohol. Kava is a depressant, while Kratom is a stimulant — which means they have opposite effects on the body. Health experts are raising concerns about its use. Users have shared experiences that include skin infections, seizures, and stints in rehab.

Pyramid Healthcare reports that although it’s labeled as a “natural” or

“wellness” product, kratom in particular is chemically addictive. It binds to the same brain receptors as opioids, and repeated use can lead to:

• Tolerance (needing more to feel the same effects)

• Physical dependence

• Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, nausea and insomnia

Kava is not considered physically addictive, but long-term use has been linked to liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.

Many users of Feel Free report needing multiple bottles per day to avoid feeling tired or irritable. This cycle of increasing use and dependency copies the patterns

seen in more traditional substance use disorders.

It has been reported that kids are so addicted that when they can’t get their “fix” they have resorted to crime to obtain it. Adults have reported being approached by kids outside convenience stores asking them to buy it because it’s age-restricted. That doesn’t seem to keep them from getting it, like any other substance.

Another concern is that it comes in a 2 oz bottle, but the serving size is half that. The label says that people should not drink more than 2 ounces within 24 hours, but those addicted are drinking multiple bottles a day.

Have a conversation with youth about the dangers of this product. ■

If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol, drug or other substance abuse problem, call the free and confidential helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357), or visit findtreatment.gov.

If you struggling alcohol, other abuse call