YC Magazine, Helena - March 2024

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Inhalants: What Parents Need to Know

March 2024 | youthconnectionscoalition.org

» The Benefits and Dangers of Boredom » The Benefits of Fine Arts for Mental Health » The Harms of Self-Medicating

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INSIDE MARCH 2024

FEATURES

6 The Benefits and Dangers

of Boredom

14 The Benefits of Fine Arts

for Mental Health

16 The Harms of Self-Medicating 20 Helping Kids Find Healthy

Coping Skills

23 Inhalants: What Parents

Need to Know IN EVERY ISSUE

2 From the Director 5 Confessions from the

Kitchen Table 10 Faces in the Crowd 11 40 Developmental Assets 12 Assets in Action 18 Q&A / By the Numbers BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PARTNER AGENCY

PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH

TO ADVERTISE OR CONTRIBUTE Coleen Smith: (406) 324-1032 coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org COVER PHOTO BY Floating Leaf Studios

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

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ON THE COVER

Slade Olson, a Junior at East Helena High School, is a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. He enjoys competing and was named 2nd Team All-Conference wide receiver and defensive back following the 2023 football season. Slade was the recipient of the Do Right Player of the Year Award for the 2023 season. Slade, a two-sport captain for his varsity football and basketball teams, was inducted into the National Honors Society and maintains a 4.0 GPA. He is part of the Link Crew that mentors younger students. Slade enjoys cheering for the Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and BYU Cougars with his family. After high school, he plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before attending college.

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.

2 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

Director W FROM THE

e’re in the final stretch of the school year. The magazine committee felt it was important to give parents resources as they head into the summer because now is the time to get kids signed up for camps and make plans. Our feature article is a compilation of the pros/cons of boredom, but also some ideas for COLEEN tweens over the summer. That’s a hard SMITH age because they’re usually too old for camps, but not old enough to get a job. Lots of free and unsupervised time for youth can set them up for failure.

We also wanted to discuss the dangers of youth selfmedicating. Our society has a ‘take a pill and make it better’ mentality. Unfortunately, our kids see that and think the same thing. So, although it’s not a two-part article, the self-medicating piece dovetails with the one on helping kids find healthy coping skills. If they have the tools to help themselves deal with disappointment and adversity, they don’t need to turn to substances as a way to cope. Adults could learn a thing or two from this article as well. How often do we hear, “I’ve had a bad day, I need a drink”? Kids are paying attention. Next time perhaps we could say, “I’ve had a bad day, I need to get some activity outside.” Everyone would benefit from that change of mindset.

Tying into this same topic, our resident teacher shared her expertise in the benefits of fine arts for mental health.

We hear a lot about listening to music or doing something creative if we’re feeling down. It’s a free and healthy way to take care of our mental health. Kids and parents can both benefit from utilizing these techniques.

With summer coming, the committee felt it was important to address inhalants. They are often found in the home and unsupervised kids can experiment which can lead to devastating consequences. We felt all parents need to be reminded of these dangerous substances.

We hope we’ve provided some resources as families transition into summer, but that can also be used year round.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH GREAT RESOURCES? FOLLOW US: Facebook (for parents): Youth Connections Facebook (for kids): Find Your Spot Instagram: @Youthconx X: @Youthconx

COLEEN SMITH, YC DIRECTOR Phone: (406) 324-1032 coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org

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She gets her eyes from her mom She gets her nose from her dad She gets her drugs from the medicine cabinet at home Lock up all medications, including marijuana 4 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

CONFESSIONS FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE

Supporting a Trans Child She’s so lucky to have parents like you.

It’s baffling to hear that statement as a parent. As the mom of a transgender daughter, I know what well-intended friends are trying to say, but it’s an odd way to say it.

Is this statement applicable to everyone, or is it only meant for parents of children who deviate from societal norms? Would they say the same thing to parents of a child with neurological differences? A child who misbehaves? Struggles socially? Would they say it to the parent of a child fighting cancer? Would they say it to a child who is considered, for all intents and purposes, ‘normal’?”

More than anything, when people say, “She’s so lucky to have parents like you,” I want to turn my head to the side, show my confusion, and ask, “What’s the alternative?”

They mean, “She’s so lucky to have affirming parents.” I know this.

But what I hear is, “She’s so lucky to have parents who love her even though she is trans.”

Again, what’s the alternative? Is parental love somehow... conditional?

As parents of a transgender child, we acknowledge the significant growth we have experienced in both our learning and unlearning. Like all parents, we have made colossal mistakes, but as parents of a trans child, we feel we’ve made many more. For years, it felt like we asked our child to write with their non-dominant hand. Despite being much more informed than we were ten years ago, breaking free from societal norms of gender is not a simple task. Asking society to break free with us feels hopeless at times. Lonely, almost always.

We’re not experts, but after almost a decade of parenting our transgender daughter, I wish I could go back in time to offer myself some advice. Here are five things I would say.

LET THEM If your kid is exploring gender, let them. If they play with a truck instead of a Barbie, let them. If they want to be a princess instead of a superhero for Halloween, let them. Don’t let your insecurity rob your kid of joy. Trust me on this – it steals joy from you, too.

GET OVER IT Speaking of your insecurities, get over it. My child noticed something as subtle as raised eyebrows when she twirled through our living room in a princess dress. If I questioned something as innocent as that, how could I ever expect her to confide in me about something even more significant? The root cause of insecurity is fear. Process that fear out of sight from your child. It’s up to you to be brave so your child can be a kid.

BELIEVE THEM If your child tells you their gender is different from what they were assigned at birth, believe them. Ask questions. Be curious. You may not understand everything, but it is crucial to believe their experience. Parents often think their child is just “going through a phase.” Even if that is the case, love and affirm them through it until they tell you otherwise.

TRUST THE EXPERTS And I hate to say it, but it’s not you. Start conversations about your child’s gender expression with a trusted and affirming professional as soon as possible. Center trans voices in your learning. If you are unsure if an expert is affirming, ask.

LOOK AHEAD Brushing transness off as a phase means you lose valuable time to be proactive about their safety. Assume it’s not a phase and assess your child’s ability to be safe and affirmed in their school, doctor’s office, church, friend group, community, and state.

If I could wave a magic wand and remove gender as a barrier to my daughter’s existence, I would, but I would never change her.

Eventually, society will know what we, as parents, now know. Until then, we’ll become forged by the fire of misunderstanding and use all we’ve learned to become better versions of ourselves. This is the ultimate gift my daughter gave us just by being herself.

We’re so lucky to have a child like her. ■

YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR STORY AT: coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org For many of us the kitchen table represents the typical family experience. We have laughed while having family game night. We have cried over our children’s choices. We have blown out the candles on many cakes. We have argued our way out of doing the dishes. We have struggled through those “three more bites.” We have learned hard lessons and celebrated many deserved successes. One thing is for sure though—if our kitchen tables could talk, there would be plenty of stories! So often it is in relating to others’ stories that we realize there isn’t always one answer, or even a right answer. Parenting is hard work! If you have a story of lessons learned, we invite you to share it with our readers. Sometimes, knowing we aren’t the only ones struggling to find the answer is all the help we need.

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

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the benefits & da

BORED

T

his is the time of year where parents start to fret over what to do with their children over the summer. If they’re young enough, summer camps may be the answer. If they’re old enough, specialized camps and jobs are probably the ticket. The question then comes up, “What’s too much or not enough to commit them to?” And what if your child is a tween – too old for camps, but not old enough to go get a job? There are several things to consider.

While boredom is often perceived as a negative experience, it can actually have several benefits for children: CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION: Boredom can stimulate creativity as it encourages children to explore their surroundings and come up with new ways to entertain themselves.

When children are not provided with constant stimulation, they may tap into their imagination to create games, stories, or activities.

PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS: Boredom can prompt children to seek solutions to alleviate their boredom. This process of finding ways to engage themselves fosters problem-solving skills and encourages independent thinking.

SELF-DISCOVERY: When children are left to their own devices during moments of boredom, they have the opportunity to discover their interests and preferences. It allows them to reflect on what activities truly engage and fulfill them.

angers of

DOM

By STAFF

EMOTIONAL REGULATION: Boredom can help children learn to manage their emotions.

They may experience mild frustration or restlessness initially, but over time, they can develop coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills.

PATIENCE AND DELAYED GRATIFICATION: In a world filled with instant gratification, experiencing boredom teaches children patience and the ability to delay gratification. This can be a valuable skill in various aspects of life, including academic pursuits and relationships.

APPRECIATION FOR FREE TIME: Constant stimulation can lead to a lack of appreciation for free time. Boredom allows children to recognize and value unstructured time, which is essential for relaxation, reflection, and personal growth.

INDEPENDENCE: Boredom encourages children to be more independent in finding ways to entertain themselves. This independence is an important aspect of personal development and can contribute to self-reliance later in life.

REDUCED STRESS AND ANXIETY: Having scheduled and structured activities all the time continued on page 9

YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

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continued from page 7

can contribute to stress and anxiety in children.

Boredom provides a break from the hustle and bustle, allowing them to relax and recharge.

IMPROVED ATTENTION SPAN: Constant exposure to stimuli, such as screens and structured activities, can contribute to a shortened attention span. Boredom provides an opportunity for children to practice sustained attention and focus.

While these benefits highlight the positive aspects of boredom, it’s important to note that excessive boredom or chronic lack of stimulation can have negative effects.

Striking a balance between structured activities and unstructured downtime is key to fostering a healthy and well-rounded development in children.

Here are some potential dangers associated with prolonged boredom in kids: NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR: Boredom can lead to negative behaviors as children may seek excitement or stimulation in inappropriate ways. This could include engaging in risky activities, breaking rules, or seeking attention through disruptive behavior.

INCREASED SCREEN TIME: When left unattended, bored children might turn to screens (TV, video games, etc.) as a quick and easy source of entertainment. Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance.

LACK OF MOTIVATION: Prolonged boredom may lead to a lack of motivation, hindering a child’s willingness to engage in learning or other constructive activities.

This can impact academic performance and personal development.

SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL: Boredom may contribute to social withdrawal, as children may find it easier to isolate themselves rather than seek out social interactions. This can impact their social skills and emotional development.

RISK OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: Persistent boredom can contribute to feelings of sadness, frustration, and anxiety in children.

Lack of stimulation and engagement may lead to a sense of purposelessness, which can affect mental health.

UNHEALTHY HABITS: Boredom can be a contributing factor to the development of unhealthy habits, such as overeating or engaging in substance abuse, as children may turn to these activities to fill the void of boredom.

Encouraging a variety of activities, maintaining a routine that includes both structured and unstructured time, and fostering open communication with children can help mitigate the dangers associated with excessive boredom.

STUNTED DEVELOPMENT: Chronic boredom may hinder a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Lack of stimulation and varied experiences during critical developmental stages can have longterm consequences.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs of chronic boredom in children and to actively engage in providing a balanced and stimulating environment.

Encouraging a variety of activities, maintaining a routine that includes both structured and unstructured time, and fostering open communication with children can help mitigate the dangers associated with excessive boredom. It’s all about finding a healthy balance between structured activities and allowing for unstructured, creative, and imaginative play With summer around the corner, it’s important for parents to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some ideas to try to help keep teens, who are too old for camps but not old enough for a job, busy and productive over the summer.

PLAN A MEAL: Have each child (if there’s more than one in the family) decide on a dinner and then prepare it for the family once a week. This will take some planning as it will probably require a trip to the store. If they haven’t cooked before, it will be a good learning experience and life skill to have as well.

PLAN A FAMILY ACTIVITY: Have each child plan a family activity. This can

be a family outing or just an activity to do at home. This will help them use their creativity but also possibly share their passion for an activity that maybe the rest of the family doesn’t know about or doesn’t share their passion.

PLAN A CULTURAL ACTIVITY: Take the making a meal or planning a family activity one step further and have one or all children research about a location they’d love to travel to or a culture they’re interested in, come up with a meal from there and include an activity that families or children do as well.

VOLUNTEER: Youth can volunteer as junior counselors or helpers at camps that cater to younger children. If they’re an athlete, they can help out at soccer, football, cheer, basketball, etc. camps. If they enjoy the arts, they can help at music or art camps.

This gives them additional life skills such as responsibility, conflict resolution, and being a role model.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES: Check with local churches or the library for summer activities they have planned. There may be volunteer opportunities there as well.

OUTSCHOOL: Check out Outschool.com.

It’s a website with a ton of classes covering a variety of topics. It could provide some additional learning over the summer to get a head start on next year, or topics that are just of interest. There is a cost, but it’s fairly reasonable, and transportation isn’t an issue.

It could be rewards for making good choices over the summer. There are also online clubs in a safe space for kids to collaborate on Minecraft, art, activities, etc.

CHORES: Summer is a great time to increase chores for kids since they most likely don’t have homework. If both parents work, leaving a list for them to choose from works well.

These can include cleaning, yard work, laundry, taking the garbage out, walking the dog, etc.

JOB: While those under 15-16 usually can’t get a paid job, they can use their entrepreneurial spirit and provide services (to families they already know) such as babysitting or entertaining younger children while their parents work at home; yard work; dog poop clean up; or even volunteering to help out elderly neighbors or single moms.

For additional information on routines, which are important in the summer, visit ParentingMontana.org. It has resources based on the child’s age for not only addressing routines, but chores, responsibility, and many other behaviors. ■

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

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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.

Kintla de Yong KESSLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 4TH GRADE

Kintla is a funny, kind, respectful leader. She enjoys barrel racing, playing soccer, eating food, and playing with her friends. Her teachers say that she is a PAX Leader who cares about her school, friends, and classwork. She always goes the extra mile to achieve the maximum possible at everything she does. Kintla always leads with her heart and is kind to all people and animals and is brave enough to speak up when someone is being treated poorly by another. She is a fierce competitor on the field and in the arena, and a friend to all, win or lose. Respect, kindness, and a love for all are what makes her one incredible leader! We are so lucky to have a leader like Kintla.

Rosie Kemper CR ANDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL, 7TH GRADE

Rosie is a strong, dedicated, and determined seventh grader at C.R. Anderson Middle School in Helena. Rosie challenges and pushes herself every day to do her best in her academics and learning. She is kind and thoughtful and is always helping others. Rosie enjoys her time as a unified athlete for Special Olympics, where she participates in many sports including basketball and bowling. She also helps with track and field. Rosie runs her own non-profit company “Royalty Wristbands by Rosie,” where she creates beautiful and meaningful bracelets for children in foster care. Her perseverance and resilience make her family proud every day.

Kylee Gardipee HELENA HIGH SCHOOL, 12TH GRADE

Kylee is a dedicated student athlete known for her hard work and excellence in both basketball and softball. Her grit, kindness, and commitment to both sports and academics make her a standout in her community. Kylee’s passion for bringing out the best in others is evident in her interactions both on and off the field. Whenever there is an opportunity for Kylee to participate in connecting with youth at the elementary or middle school levels, she is always one of the first to volunteer. Kylee understands the importance of giving back to a community that has given her so much opportunity and genuinely enjoys time with youth. Kylee leads by example and creates a positive and cohesive team environment.

Kylee makes HHS a better place!

Amy Friez HELENA MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

Amy’s library provides an exceptional learning center for HMS. Beyond all the expected functions that are outstanding in their delivery, such as an up-to-date and engaging book selection, guidance for readers’ choice, exploring genres, and researching authors, our library provides unparalleled extension opportunities. From cultural exploration events and maker space to robotics and aviation clubs, all students can find a way to engage with our library. The creation of the Student Library Advisory Council provides a sense of ownership to the student body. Amy’s effort to create a technology expo for our families signifies her dedication to making the HMS Library an exemplar for our district. She is pictured with librarian Emily Linder on left and para Elizabeth Grev on the right.

The Salvation Army

In addition to offering services to prevent homelessness such as rental and utility assistance, and life skills classes, the Salvation Army offers girls’ volleyball and boys’ and girls’ basketball leagues for high school aged students. It is a Christian based team that focuses on fun, fellowship, encouragement, positive sportsmanship, and uplifting self-esteem. Every summer the Salvation Army also takes children to their beautiful Salvation Army Camp Gifford. Children participate in crafts, sports, hiking, boating, Christian education, and a whole lot of fun! It is for children ages 7-17. Scholarships are available. For more information visit campgifford.org.

Thanks to the Salvation Army for providing a safe and encouraging place for area youth.

10 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

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40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS

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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.

Turn the page to learn more!

The 40 Developmental Assets® may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only. Copyright © 1997 Search Institute®, 615 First Avenue NE, Suite 125, Minneapolis, MN 55413; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. All rights reserved.

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

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assets in action

40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS

3 SUPPORT

Boy Scout leaders cooking for the troop

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

9

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.

15

HAC gymnasts posing after a meet Boy Scouts participate in Wreaths Across America to honor fallen veterans

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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

Salvation Army Fire basketball players competing

12 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

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 all pictures are guaranteed publication.

27 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.

Capital Skills USA volunteering at God’s Love

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33

New Year’s reading resolutions

by Smith students Students wrapped up books to hide throughout the school

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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.

CHS welders who made projects for non-profit organizations

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14 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

the benefits of

FINE ARTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

By EMILY TURNER HANKINS

S

tress levels are rising. It is difficult to find ways to deal with it all. For our children, this can manifest as tantrums, fights, and misbehavior.

For teens and adults, pent up stress can lead to destructive behaviors or harmful choices like substance use. What can we do to help our children and ourselves manage emotions and find a positive outlet? The answer lies in The Arts.

The American Psychiatric Association explains that art holds the power to “reduce conflicts and distress, improve cognitive functions, foster self-esteem, and build emotional resilience and social skills. It engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal communication.” It often feels scary or taboo to talk about conflicts, issues, or feelings.

However, being able to scribble when angry, create a puppet show, or identify with a dance performance can be a safer outlet.

The therapeutic benefits of art do not necessarily have to come from a licensed art therapist or be in a formal setting. You do not need to attend a fancy gallery opening or be able to paint like Rembrandt or Van Gogh. The arts should not be for the select few, but for everyone. Young and old, rich and poor, experienced and unexperienced. By participating to the best of your ability, you and your children can benefit from Art. So many of us (myself included) tend to limit our thinking to only including the visual arts. We go straight to thinking of pastel waterlilies hanging in gilded gold frames.

However, “The Arts” includes so much more.

The National Content Standards for the Arts used by schools nationwide, group the arts into five main categories: Visual Arts, Media Arts, Theater Arts, Music, and Dance.

Within these five categories there really is something for everyone. If going to a gallery and seeing the oil paintings of the great masters is your thing, go ahead and enjoy the Visual Arts. Media Arts can include anything from film making to collaging, so pick your own art adventure. Perhaps you love nothing more than singing along to Hamilton. If so, then the Theater Arts might be for you. If

The American Psychiatric Association explains that art holds the power to “reduce conflicts and distress, improve cognitive functions, foster self-esteem, and build emotional resilience and social skills. It engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal communication.”

music is your jam, the more power to you.

And if Dance sets your soul on fire, then dance, baby, dance. Maybe you enjoy a combination, and that is great too. The Arts play well together.

Once you know what kind of Art (or Arts) holds the most meaning to you or your child, you can work to set up experiences that are meaningful. The National Content Standards for the Arts provides four main ways to experience art: Creating, Performing/ Presenting, Responding, and Connecting.

Creating is the default when we think of engaging in art. We often believe we must pick up a pencil and draw or choreograph a dance with scarves. While Creating holds value and benefits mental health, others do too. You can gain therapeutic benefits of Art

by Presenting or sharing a creative work with others - it doesn’t even have to be your own. Responding and Connecting give us the chance to reflect on a work and examine our feelings about it. Pay attention to which of these feels the most meaningful to you or to your child.

When you are new to exploring the

therapeutic benefits of The Arts, it is important to cast your net wide and try a variety of Art practices and ways to experience them. Advocate for all kinds of art to be accessible in schools. Reach out to your community theatre and ask about show times, acting, set design, music, or costumes.

Your nearest art museum will usually have classes in a wide variety of Art mediums for you or your child to explore. Volunteering as a tour guide or museum docent is a fabulous way to practice Presenting, Responding, and Connecting. Check with music stores in your area to see what classes or lessons they offer or what recitals are coming up. Public libraries also offer rich opportunities that often span a wide range of Art practices.

Once you get started, do NOT fall into the trap of judgement. Nothing shuts down creativity and it’s healing effects quicker than believing your Art is ‘not good enough’.

The best artists know that it is about the process and how your Art makes you feel, not about how it looks.

And remember, with Art practices being so wide-ranging, Art can be found almost everywhere. Don’t overlook the opportunity to engage with Art in unexpected places.

When channel surfing you might happen across ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Take a moment to Respond and Connect as a family. What do you notice about the music, the costumes, and the dancers’ form? How does the combination of these things make you feel?

If you are looking for something even deeper, keep your eye out for more targeted options. Art programs that use words like ‘discover’, ‘connect’, or phrases like ‘selfcare’ usually strive to offer a healing element to their Art. Resources like the Expressive Art Institute, Adventures in Cardboard, or SoulCollage offer workshops and programs aimed specifically at healing through Art. Ask your current mental health provider(s) about incorporating Art into sessions or ask around about art therapists in your area.

By engaging in the Arts you can improve the mental well-being of yourself and your family. ■

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

15

THE HARMS OF

self-medicating

By NATURAL HIGH STAFF

S

elf-medication isn’t a new concept, but it’s getting a lot of attention lately. Recently released reports show a frightful number of adolescents have turned to self-medicating in an attempt to avoid depressive symptoms, numb their own pain, and escape feelings of hopelessness. With the accessibility of substances through social media, self-medication is on the radar of everyone concerned with adolescent health and wellbeing.

On some level, everyone self-medicates.

Whether it’s turning to social media when feeling lonely, grabbing a box of cookies when feeling sad, or staying an extra hour to study or work when feeling anxious about your lack of achievement, we avoid our real feelings and their source and attempt to numb ourselves. Those solutions aren’t inherently harmful, perhaps they’re benign or even positive. The danger is when someone turns to substances like alcohol, marijuana, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, or worse to numb their big feelings.

Imagine a kid who’s feeling overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and turns to take over-the-counter painkillers to take away a bit of their pain. Or think about a student who struggles with ADHD and discovers that drinking alcohol helps them slow down and turn down the noise in their heads.

Did you know, one out of every six teenagers has used a prescription drug to get high or to change their mood? In the past year, two out of three teens who misused painkillers got them from a friend or family member. They weren’t out on street corners or searching on social media, they were within arm’s reach. That’s why parents need to be exceptionally vigilant around their home. Lock medications up and dispose of unused medications appropriately. Many communities have drop boxes to safely discard medications anonymously. Ask at the pharmacy.

One of the most dangerous realities of teen self-medication is the relatively recent risk of substances containing highly addictive and shockingly deadly fentanyl.

Did you know, one out of every six teenagers has used a prescription drug to get high or to change their mood? In the past year, two out of three teens who misused painkillers got them from a friend or family member.

Accidental fentanyl poisoning is killing kids in every community across the country.

It’s “accidental fentanyl poisoning” because most are unaware fentanyl has been added to the substance they’re taking. It’s tasteless, odorless, and even consuming a tiny amount can be deadly. Shockingly, six out of 10 pills are laced with lethal amounts of fentanyl. And, unfortunately, 73% of teens have never heard of fake prescription pills being made with fentanyl, which is a problem that must be solved through education and awareness. We need to educate our kids right now.

Preparation is key to having a successful conversation with your kids.

Natural High has assembled a resource for parents titled Natural High’s Fentanyl Toolkit. It can be accessed at https://www.naturalhigh.org/fentanyl/.

It contains a short documentary on the dangers of fentanyl.

Watching the film is an important Public Service Announcement (PSA) on its own, and research has shown that kids who also have opportunities to discuss the harms

16 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

of drug use with caring adults fare much better.

It’s recommended to watch the film and have a discussion. There are three easy steps: 1. Watch a six-minute life-saving PSA for youth on fentanyl.

2. Discuss the film using the discussion guide.

3. Share the film with everyone you know.

Self-medication is a short-term solution that unfortunately creates long-term and more serious problems.

We need to give our kids broader and more relevant support by modeling emotional health when we’re feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, making conscious, good choices to address your feelings, and working through them in productive ways. It includes you having intentional, ongoing conversations with your kids about their own mental health, inquiring about their internal state, and reminding them of their options to work through whatever might be ailing them.

Kids need more than just warnings and education. They need caring adults engaging with them, opening up their personal lives, and sharing their struggles.

They need access to resources that will help them navigate the complexities of teenage life and tangible support as they go through the adolescent years. They need to be taught the core foundations of emotional intelligence, become more self-aware and effective at managing their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop a variety of coping strategies for their big feelings.

We’re in it for the long-haul as a parent, so we need to start with giving our child(ren) the facts about the risks of fentanyl poisoning.

See another article in the magazine about helping kids find healthy coping strategies that will guide them to healthy options to get them through emotional and physical challenges. A quick fix of using substances to deal with life’s ups and downs is not a long-term solution – for kids or adults. ■

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

17

How do I set an appropriate curfew?

NUMBERS

As kids move into their teenage years it’s important to give them enough freedom to learn how to make their own choices which helps them lead independent lives. Setting reasonable boundaries on their activities and time out with friends can help them make responsible decisions and develop healthy habits; curfews are part of striking that balance.

There’s no one right answer for setting a time, but there are strategies for setting realistic curfews.

HOW MUCH STRUCTURE DOES YOUR CHILD NEED? If they struggle to make responsible choices without firm boundaries in place, a consistent time might work the best for them.

WHAT’S THEIR SLEEP SCHEDULE? If they have an early morning, an earlier curfew may benefit their health and productivity. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers need about eight to 10 hours of sleep per day. Getting enough sleep is important for their mental and physical health, as well as helping them excel in school and other activities.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS? If they want to attend a special event that goes past their usual curfew, it may be reasonable to adjust their curfew.

Try getting their input on what they feel is a reasonable curfew based on the circumstances. If they feel they had a say they may be more willing to follow the curfew. If their proposed time seems unreasonable, let them know why and clearly state when they are expected home.

Whatever curfew is set it’s important to communicate clearly what the expectation is, what to do if they’re running late, and then hold them accountable. An example of a consequence may be cutting their usual curfew back by 30 minutes which they can earn back after proving they can stick to the new time.

If they do break curfew, it’s important to let them know that you’re happy that they arrived home safely, but that you were worried. As sometimes happens, worry comes across as mad. At that point it’s best to tell them you’ll talk about the consequences in the morning when you’re feeling calmer.

Just as in adulthood, circumstances happen that are beyond their control and they may have to break curfew, for example poor weather conditions that make it dangerous for them to drive.

Setting the expectation to call before missing curfew rather than making excuses afterward prevents worry and confusion.

HAVE A QUESTION?

coleen@youthconnectionscoalition.org We cannot guarantee all questions will be published; however, we will do our best to respond to all questions submitted.

3

The number of years a person spends on the toilet

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The length in inches of a giraffe’s tongue (so it can lick its ears)

18

The acres of pizza average Americans eat every day

800,000 The number of fan letters Mickey Mouse received in 1933

1460

The number of dreams an average person has each year

20 million

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18 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

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20 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

HELPING KIDS FIND

healthy coping skills

By NATURAL HIGH STAFF

S

tress happens. It’s a part of life. A healthy one, in fact. Psychologists are quick to remind us that stress is neutral, if not a positive experience.

Stressful situations cause us to be stretched and grow.

Kids experience stress — a lot. Try to remember or imagine what a typical teenager goes through on any given day.

Pressure from friends, parents, teachers, and coaches. The constant threat of peer rejection. The feeling like they’re always behind. Those scenarios trigger big feelings which can be overwhelming to a kid who’s still figuring out life.

Stress is actually a response we have to things called stressors. Stressors are situations, interactions, or events that trigger a threat response in us. Stressors can be external events happening towards us or around us, or they can be internal feelings. They can also be non-events (think about when your paycheck doesn’t get deposited — that non-event has become a stressful situation!). We all respond differently to stressors. For one person they feel threatened when they feel like someone doesn’t like them. Another person might not give it a second thought.

There are two dynamics that everyone can learn to manage stress effectively:

pumped into our brain, so our heart rate and blood pressure increases, muscles tense, and we start breathing quickly. Our entire biological system gets primed to GO — go fight, go run, or freeze. Key systems inside our bodies turn off, like critical thinking and reasoning, learning, creativity, and empathy.

When we’re in a stress response we can’t:

1. Diagnosis: the ability to understand how you’ve been triggered, recognize what’s happening to you on the inside, and be able to identify the source of the stress.

1. Physical activity (30 min a day of exercise would be excellent, but even clenching every muscle in your body for a count of 10 will do wonders)

2. Prescription: the ability to respond positively and productively to your own stress response. In other words, we’re talking about self-awareness and selfmanagement.

2. Deep, concentrated breathing for a couple of minutes

These are the critical skills one needs to be able to handle the complexities of life, especially when things are difficult.

This is where coping skills come into play. We can intentionally teach our kids effective coping skills so they can handle difficult situations or difficult feelings.

There has been great research to help us understand what happens internally when we feel triggered by a stress response: in a split second the chemical epinephrine gets

+ Think clearly + Handle complexity + Connect differing ideas or viewpoints + Recall our personal values or ambitions + Connect with others + Learn new concepts Read through that list again, and consider what we go through, and what our kids go through, when experiencing stress. They can’t learn or make wise choices until they work through their stress cycle.

What if we learned to be more vigilant about our stress and learned how to respond with simple, quick actions? What if we modeled and taught these things to kids?

From the book Burnout: The Secret to Solving the Stress Cycle, authors Emily and Amelia Nagoski share seven simple coping strategies anyone can try when feeling stressed or overwhelmed:

3. Have a positive social interaction with someone you enjoy 4. Laughter 5. Hug (for at least 20 seconds) 6. A good cry 7. Create something Imagine if more teachers were equipped with this simple understanding as they designed their curriculum and lesson plans. Think about parents who learned to implement these simple tactics with their kids at home.

Dream with us about kids learning this about themselves and being guided consistently over time to pay attention to their stress response, taught simple strategies to manage it better, and praised when they took the initiative.

So, this week: + Carve out ten minutes to walk through coping strategies with your kid(s) + Show them the list above + Talk about what healthy, productive coping strategies work for you when you’re feeling stressed or struggling with big feelings If you catch them practicing any of the strategies, give them specific praise and encouragement, and ask them how they felt before and after.

Coping skills help kids work through challenging emotions, feelings, or situations. “Natural High” is another word for coping skills, so if your kid already has one, great, and if they’re not sure, help them find one. A natural high is any activity they love to do that makes them feel good and does not involve drugs or alcohol. They don’t have to be an Olympic champion or a professional musician to engage in an activity meaningfully. Finding their natural high can be as simple as thinking about what they enjoy and making an effort to spend some time doing it.

Take these steps with your child. Have them: 1. List three activities they enjoy.

2. List three activities they would like to try for the first time.

3. Of the activities listed in 1 and 2, what is one that they can commit more time and energy toward?

4. Decide on a day and time to take their first step toward commitment. What is that day and time and what is the action item to get more involved?

Having a passion that makes them come alive is an incredibly effective coping strategy that pulls the rest of their life along towards flourishing. ■

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

21

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build-montana.org 22 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

INHALANTS:

what parents need to know

By BARBARA BESSETTE, Certified Prevention Specialist

I

nhalants, also known as volatile substances, are chemicals that produce mind-altering effects when inhaled. These substances typically include household products or industrial solvents, such as glues, paint thinners, aerosol sprays, gasoline, and cleaning fluids. Common terms for inhalants include whippets, poppers, huffing, sniffing, or bagging.

When inhalants are inhaled, the chemicals are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and quickly reach the brain, resulting in an immediate, short-lived high. Inhalants act as depressants, slowing down brain activity and producing a range of effects depending on the substance and dose. These effects can include euphoria, dizziness, hallucinations, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.

Inhalant abuse is a form of substance abuse that predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Inhalants are relatively inexpensive and easy to access. According to Monitoring the Future, a nationwide survey done of 8th, 10th and 12th graders, 8th graders have reported the highest use of the three grades dating back to 1990. In fact, the percentage of use has consistently been double that of students in the 10th or 12th grades.

Inhalant abuse carries serious risks and can lead to numerous physical and psychological problems. Short-term effects of inhalant abuse may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, disorientation, and impaired judgment. In some cases, the toxic chemicals in inhalants can cause serious health consequences, such as damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, or bone marrow.

Inhalant use can also result in sudden death due to cardiac arrest, asphyxiation, or accidents caused by impaired judgment and coordination.

Long-term inhalant abuse can lead to substance use disorder.

Chronic inhalant use can also cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. Additionally, inhalants can have harmful effects on various bodily systems, including the respiratory system, as repeated inhalation can damage the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory issues.

Inhalant abuse is a dangerous practice and can have severe consequences on physical and mental health. It is important to recognize the signs of inhalant abuse, such as a strong chemical smell on breath or clothing, chemical-soaked rags or clothing, slurred speech, confusion, or changes in behavior. ■

youthconnectionscoalition.org | YC MAGAZINE | March 2024

23

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Join Scouts BSA today at beascout.org 24 March 2024 | YC MAGAZINE | youthconnectionscoalition.org

How to Keep Our Kids Safe HMS

Auditorium

April 18 6:00pm

Ben Cort, author of Weed, Inc. and national speaker will discuss with parents, teachers, administrators, and policy makers steps to take to keep communities safe

This is a must-see presentation!

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Youth Connections 1025 N Rodney Helena, MT 59601