January 2026 | Pregnancy & Baby

january 2026 | mtparent.com

Oh,

Baby Bab y Pregnancy and the

First Year and more...

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January 2026

POST - HOLIDAY

DECLUTTER TIPS & TRICKS! START SMALL

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Choose one area that feels manageable. Starting small helps build momentum and keeps the task from feeling overwhelming.

SORT SMART

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Use the classic “keep, donate, trash” method to make quick decisions. Set up three bins or bags for these categories and sort items efficiently. if you haven’t used it in the past year, it might be time to let it go.

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FOCUS ON HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS

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SET A TIMER

Decluttering spaces you use daily will have the biggest impact on your routine.

Decluttering doesn’t have to take all day. Set a timer for 30 minutes and see how much you can accomplish. This method keeps you focused and prevents burnout.

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ORGANIZE AS YOU GO Once you’ve decluttered, take a moment to reorganize the space.

FINISH STRONG

®

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Complete your decluttering session by immediately taking out the trash and dropping off donation items. Seeing the results of your work right away is incredibly satisfying and motivates you to tackle the next space.

Organized Living is Available at all Kenyon Noble locations :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

January 2026

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Oh, dem babies.

As my kids get older, my memories of them as babies and toddlers become more and more faint. Of course I remember all of the big things and the really funny moments we still tell stories about; it’s the little, in-between stuff I’m talking about.

Before we started using cell phones to document every waking (and sleeping) moment of our children’s lives, we used camcorders. For those unfamiliar: These amazing hand-held video cameras recorded our moments on small CDs, which could then be played on a DVD player. As DVD players go the way of VHS, 8-track and dinosaurs, I decided to have the more than seven years'-worth of my kids’ childhoods transferred to USB drives.

Once I got the drives, I watched hours and hours of my babies (and my parenting) so I could organize and title each file. When I tell you I was transported immediately back to those days, trust me – I was. I felt all the feelings, like I was inhabiting that space and those moments again. I laughed, I cried and I scolded myself, vacillating between complete adoration of my innocent girls to sheer disappointment in my parenting.

But for each adorable giggle, “Mom, watch this!” and unsolicited hug and kiss I watched, I saw myself exhausted and occasionally frustrated. I wished then that I could go back and be more patient, do things differently...better.

Funny how mom guilt from those early days came rushing right back. Rather than delighting in my babies, I found myself focusing on my behavior. And often I didn’t like what I was seeing.

Then, I hit reset and gave myself some grace. Because the truth is I was exhausted and frustrated…often following a tantrum, “toddler tude,” lipstick on brand-new doors, vomit on me, explosive diarrhea, “someone” painting the baby in Vaseline and so forth. I wasn’t JUST raising little humans, I was maintaining a household and working full-time from home, all while simultaneously trying to be the best mom I could. It was a lot, and I came to the conclusion that I was allowed to have those completely normal emotions from time to time.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL

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January 2026

Enjoy this time with your babies and don’t be too hard on yourself. Take lots and lots of videos. One day someone (me, now) will tell you to transfer that footage of your children to whatever the current technology is and rewatch everything. It’s very important that you do it. You’ll be glad you did.

Oh,

Baby

Pregnancy and the First Year The Best (and Worst) Advice I Ever Heard as a New Mom 10 When Baby Arrives… and Your Relationship Gets Weird 12 Color, Sensory Play and the Wonder of Early Learning 14 You’re Pregnant, That’s Just Normal 16 Promoting Language and Communication from Birth 17 Preparing a Sibling for a New Baby 18 2026: Welcome to the World, Little Horses 19 Support and Activities for New Parents and Babies 20 You Are Not Alone: Resources for Expecting Families 22 Beginning Again: Resetting in the New Year 23 What’s Up? Bozeman 25 What’s Up? Helena 28 Ask Flora 30

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January 2026

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for more information, resources and fun things to do with your kids this winter visit

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: BLAIR FJESETH RACHAEL MAHER, MS, LCPC, LMFT KATIE DOLEN ALI SCHWEITZER ALLEGRA BERESZNIEWICZ, M.S., CCC-SLP DR. MARNEE FIRESTONE & TAMAR OPPENHEIMER, LCSW ROOTS FAMILY COLLABORATIVE VICTORIA VAN GARDEREN FLORA MCCORMICK

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January 2026

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE!

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January 2026

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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January 2026

P E D I AT R I C S

Oh, PHOTO ADP STUDIO

Baby Bab y Pre reg gnanc nancy y

and an d the First Yea earr :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

January 2026

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The Best (and Worst)

Advice I Ever Heard as a New Mom WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH | PHOTO ADP STUDIO

I have been thinking a lot lately about those blurry pregnancy and newborn days.

I remember the mountains of advice that seemed to fall out of the sky the minute I started to show. Advice from my doctor.

Advice from strangers at the grocery store who acted like they had been waiting years for the privilege of speaking directly to someone with swollen ankles. Advice from social media. Advice from my mother, my aunt, my well-meaning neighbor who still insists gripe water cures everything from gas to a broken heart. BTW, what is gripe water even?

Some of it was great. Some of it was not so great, and that is the kindest way I can describe it. And now, when I see new moms out in the world who are sleepdeprived, glowing, panicked and brave, I feel this ache in my chest because I remember what it felt like to want so badly to do everything right. I also remember the overwhelming chorus of voices telling me exactly how.

So… I figured I would gather the actual best pieces of advice I have collected over the years and put them in one spot. Not the trendy stuff or the guilt-laden stuff or anything involving essential oils in places essential oils should never go. Just the real, human, grounded things I wish someone had whispered to me when I was in the thick of it.

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January 2026

1. Do not Take Advice.

Seriously.

I know. This is counter to the entire premise of this article. But here is the truth that no one tells you. At the end of the day, this is your baby, your family and your story. And tucked somewhere between your exhaustion and your fierce love is a brand-new superpower: your gut instinct. You will feel it the first time your baby’s cry shifts from hungry to tired. You will feel it the first time someone tells you confidently and incorrectly that you are holding your child wrong. You will feel it when you realize you do not need a panel of consultants to weigh in on nap schedules. Advice: Your gut is wiser than any parenting book or Instagram commenter. Trust it.

2. Always Seek Out Professionals.

Not TikTok Healers.

In my opinion, the internet has created a whole generation of athome “experts.” Every day I see lovingly filmed videos in which people stir pantry ingredients together like they are about to resurrect someone.

Someone’s kid has an earache. Here

is a concoction of garlic, coconut oil, rosemary, three wishes and the tears of a woodland fairy.

When in doubt, call your pediatrician. Text the nurse line.

Look at reputable medical sources.

There is no trophy for curing an ear infection with a mason jar of homemade potions. Advice: Professionals exist for a reason.

Use them. Lean on them. Let them be the adults in the room when your nerves are frayed.

3. A Second Opinion is Not Cheating.

Sometimes doctors get it wrong.

Sometimes physicians dismiss concerns that should not be dismissed. Sometimes they are having a day, and sometimes you are having a day and sometimes things simply do not click. Advice: If you ever feel like you are not getting the help, information or clarity you need, get another opinion. Advocating for your child is not confrontational. It is not disloyal. It is not dramatic. It is parenting.

4. Take All the Photos I know — in those first weeks, you do not feel like being in front of a camera.

You do not feel like being in front of a mirror. Your shirt is stained. Your hair may or may not have a bird’s nest in it.

Your body feels like a stranger. But one day, maybe sooner than you think, you will look back at those photos and see something entirely different. You will see a woman who was brave. A woman who was learning. A woman who was loving a tiny human with her whole heart, even when she was not sure she was doing anything right.

Take the photos. Especially the candid ones. The ones where you are not posed or polished. The ones where you are simply there, in the story, in the moment, in the beginning of something beautiful.

5. Set Boundaries

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There is something about a new baby that makes the world forget all sense of personal space. People will reach for your newborn like they are selecting produce at the farmers’ market.

Invitations will pile up. Holidays will loom. Everyone will say they simply must see the baby. Here is the truth. If you do not want to take your newborn to a holiday gathering, do not. If you do not want everyone holding them, speak up. If you want to stay home in your pajamas for the fourth day in a row, do it proudly. Advice: You do not owe anyone access to your baby or your time.

Boundaries are not rude. Boundaries are not dramatic. Boundaries are a form of love and they protect the fragile, sacred bubble you and your baby are still building.

Final thought: Motherhood is loud with opinions, but the truth is simple. You already have everything you need. You will learn this baby. This baby will learn you. And together you will write a story that no one else can.

And if you want advice anyway, here it is: Breathe, trust yourself, ask for help when you need it and take the picture, because someday that photo will feel like finding a little piece of your heart you forgot to save.

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January 2026

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Couples have their own version. It’s the glance that says “Can you believe this person?” Knowing when your partner needs space versus a hug. Being on the same team.

When the baby shows up, that spotlight swivels. Hard. You’re both intensely focused on this small, loud creature, and your dance gets interrupted. You’re tag-teaming diaper changes and obsessing over wake windows and the little moments that kept you connected start disappearing.

You can depend on each other more than ever and still feel weirdly, achingly far apart—even wonder if the feeling of loving each other will return. That’s not a sign you picked the wrong person; it’s a sign you’re in the hardest part of the transition.

When Baby Arrives… and Your Relationship Gets Weird

WRITTEN BY RACHAEL MAHER, MS, LCPC, LMFT | PHOTO ADP STUDIO

The day we brought our first baby home, my partner and I had our first “new parent” fight at 5:17 p.m. over whether we needed to give the baby an actual bath or if we could just wipe the poop off his tiny, indignant bottom.

The Part Where I Tell You It Gets Better (And How) You don’t need couples therapy or a weekend away. What you need are micro-moments—tiny signals that say I still see you as a person.

A hand on your partner’s back as you pass in the kitchen. A text: “I appreciate you so much.” Thirty seconds of eye contact over coffee while the baby naps. These sound small, but they work. Your fried nervous systems start to register each other as safe again, as allies instead of adversaries.

Try to protect 10 minutes most days where you’re not talking logistics.

Couch time after baby bedtime. A stroller walk. Five minutes in the car.

No daycare talk. Just you two, touching base as humans.

Nobody yelled. Nobody threw anything. We just stood there in our little kitchen, both of us sagging with exhaustion, trading pointed questions about newborn hygiene while the baby screamed in my arms. Each sentence landed like a little grenade wrapped in politeness.

And here’s what might save your sanity: Ask one honest feeling question a day. New parents can talk for hours about wake windows, but almost nobody’s asking “What part of today was unexpected?” or “What do you miss most about us?”

On the surface, we were debating poop protocols. Underneath, we were both silently screaming: Do you see how hard this is? Is what I feel still important to you now that this tiny dictator has moved in?

You don’t have to fix anything. Just listen with a tiny bit of softness, and that’s enough to start shining the spotlight back on your relationship.

Here’s what I wish someone had told us that night: You’re going to be OK. Your relationship isn’t doomed. Your nervous systems are just completely fried, and you’re both operating on fumes while your brains literally rewire themselves.

Your Brain on Baby: The Stuff Nobody Warns You About Becoming a parent does wild things to your brain. Dr. Ruth Feldman shows that when parents start caring for a baby, whole systems light up that make them exquisitely tuned to every cry. Meanwhile, sleep deprivation jacks up stress hormones and torches the ability to stay calm.

Translation: Your brain is reorganizing itself to keep a helpless human alive on four hours of broken sleep and cold pizza. Put two people in that state, trying to decide if the wipes are too cold, and it’s a recipe for feeling like roommates who keep making terrible suggestions.

The Thing About Synchrony (Or: Why You Feel Like Ships Passing) Feldman talks about synchrony—that dance between caregiver and baby where you’re reading each other’s cues, matching rhythms, doing that back-and-forth that says I see you, I’m here, we’re connected.

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The Thing Nobody Says Out Loud Your couple bond isn’t just the backdrop for parenting. It’s its own biological system that needs tending. Sometimes that’s pizza on the floor after the baby’s asleep. Sometimes it’s admitting, “I felt really alone today.” Sometimes it’s remembering that you were two people who liked each other enough to make a whole human together.

Babies don’t just rearrange your schedule; they rearrange your nervous systems. Your relationship. If you feel more irritable, more distant, more fragile with each other right now—that’s not failure. That’s what happens when two exhausted people try to keep a tiny human alive while their brains are literally changing.

You’re allowed to be beginners at this. You’re allowed to stand in the kitchen at 2 a.m., arguing about baby hygiene while both of you are really just asking to be seen. One hand on a tired shoulder. One honest question. One small moment where you remember: Oh right. It’s us.

We’re still here.

Your baby is growing. And—slowly, imperfectly, stumbling through the dark—your partnership is growing too.

Rachael Maher, MS, LCPC, LMFT

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“Long before babies can speak, they are already studying the world.”

Color, Sensory Play and the Wonder of Early Learning ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY KATIE DOLEN, COFOUNDER OF STATE OF PLAY

Long before babies can speak, they are already studying the world. They are tiny scientists, quietly absorbing information through their senses as they touch, taste, wiggle, grasp and gaze their way through early childhood. For infants and toddlers, sensory and visual play aren’t just entertaining, they are powerful brain-building experiences that lay the foundation for language, fine motor development and creativity.

In State of Play’s Baby Artist class, participants lean into this magic. Each week, the studio transforms into a taste-safe, colorful landscape designed especially for little ones with edible paint trays, warm water bins and babyproof invitations to explore materials safely and freely. The goal is not to “teach art” in a formal sense, but to nurture curiosity, strengthen neural connections and support emerging communication as babies investigate the world with their whole bodies.

Why Sensory Play Matters

For the youngest learners, sensory play fuels early development. When a baby smears paint, squishes a gel bag or pats a bin of cool cooked noodles, multiple pathways in the brain activate at once. They are learning cause and effect, building hand strength, developing spatial awareness and beginning to understand the properties of materials. Visual play builds attention and early literacy skills as infants track colors, contrast and movement.

Color is particularly powerful. High-contrast visuals help newborns focus and engage. As they grow, babies become fascinated by bold hues — reds, yellows, blues — that support visual discrimination and attention span.

When babies explore colors through movement or messy play, they are not just creating, they are absorbing the building blocks of symbolic thinking and early problem-solving.

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The State of Play Approach

State of Play’s Baby Artist class is rooted in an approach that prioritizes sensory joy, caregiver connection and developmentally supportive exploration. Materials are chosen intentionally: edible paints for safe mouthing, silicone tools that are easy to grip, simple loose parts that encourage curiosity. Process is emphasized over product. The masterpiece isn’t the artwork—it’s the learning happening in a little one’s eyes, hands and body.

Caregivers often mention that these classes help them slow down and really see their baby’s thinking as we all witness the earliest forms of experimentation and artistic expression.

Taste-Safe Sensory Recipes for Home

(Suitable for ages 6 months and up, with supervision)

Chia Seed Slime

Ç ¼ cup chia seeds Ç 1½ cups water Ç 1–2 drops natural food coloring Mix and refrigerate overnight until gelled. This creates a cool, bouncy, totally edible slime perfect for scooping, patting and smearing.

Edible Baby Paint

Ç Plain yogurt or baby cereal Ç Natural food coloring or pureed berries Mix to desired thickness. Brush onto paper, highchair trays or even the bathtub wall for easy cleanup.

We invite you to connect with us through our: + Peer support groups + Seasonal workshops & classes + Our signature storytelling event, Moms Like Me + Perinatal Resource Guide

The journey from preconception to parenthood is one of the most significant transitions in a person’s life. Every parent deserves strong care and support during this transformational time.

Taste-Safe Dyed spaghetti

Ç Cooked spaghetti Ç A small splash of oil Ç A drop or two of natural food coloring Shake in a bag until coated. Babies love the slippery, stretchy texture and older toddlers enjoy cutting it with safety scissors.

Roots is a Bozeman-based nonprofit connecting families to the support they need from preconception through parenthood. Roots exists to connect families to families, families to professionals, and professionals to one another during this unique and often challenging developmental stage. We do this through effective programming and the support of the resource network featured in our Perinatal Resource Guide. To learn more, visit our website using the QR code.

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PER INA TAL

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Resources for Growing Yo ur Family

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And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out— our team is here to help.

These simple materials allow families to bring sensory exploration home—no fancy supplies needed, just curiosity and a few ingredients from the kitchen.

hello@rootsfamilycollaborative.com

A Studio Full of Wonder

At State of Play, they believe babies are already artists. Babies are thinkers, explorers and meaning-makers. When they are given a safe place to experiment with color, texture and movement, staff can show them that their ideas matter long before they have the words to express them. Through sensory-rich, playbased experiences, infants begin building the confidence, creativity and cognitive foundation that will support them for years to come.

If you would like to join, the Baby Artist class welcomes infants 6–18 months and their caregivers into a warm, joyful studio space designed to celebrate early exploration. Come squish, splash, swirl and discover. To explore more opportunities for creative family play, visit www.stateofplay.co and join one of their open play sessions, classes or special events.

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January 2026

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You’re Pregnant, That’s Just Normal

(But it Doesn’t Have to Be!) WRITTEN BY ALI SCHWEITZER

Pregnancy… there’s a lot to it — and sometimes all the advice you get can be a little overwhelming: what baby stuff to buy, what supplements to take for this and that, who should be on your birth team and many other things.

Some of the advice is great and you really appreciate it and other times, well, it can be a little annoying.

For me, as a mom and a prenatal chiropractor, the advice that did and still does annoy me is, “Well you're pregnant, that’s just normal.” Whether you are complaining about pelvic pain, swollen ankles, sleepless nights or just not being able to keep up with your toddlers while growing another little one, the truth is you don’t have to suffer through pregnancy-related discomforts just because they are common. There are so many ways to help your body adapt to the changes of pregnancy and still feel empowered and ready to take on the journey. When you hear “It takes a village to raise a family,” sometimes that village starts during pregnancy, before your baby is even here. A village of providers can help with discomforts, answer questions about your changing body and shed fresh light on something you felt you didn’t get a good enough answer to. I’m not here to give you a list of all the people who can help you through this journey and tell you to see them all, but I will give you some suggestions and let you find your own village.

Providers I found very supportive and helpful during my pregnancies were a Webster-Certified chiropractor, a prenatal massage therapist and an acupuncturist. I also refer many patients to pelvic floor physical therapists, doulas, prenatal exercise specialists and birth educators. I realize that this seems like a lot…a lot of appointments, and maybe even a lot on the pocket book. The last thing I want is to stress you out about seeing all these providers to have an amazing pregnancy, but seeing a few that resonate with you could be the difference between feeling just OK or thriving and feeling empowered. My intention is to inform you of the resources out there and remind you that you are not alone. Our community is full of providers who won’t just think your symptoms are normal because you’re pregnant.

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And since we’re talking about support… let’s talk about chiropractic for a minute, since that’s what I do. As a mom and WebsterCertified chiropractor, I know first-hand that in pregnancy, nothing in your body stays the same for long — your posture shifts, your center of gravity changes, the hormones meant to help you grow and deliver a baby also make everything a little looser and less predictable. It’s a lot for one body to manage, and sometimes those changes show up as discomfort that gets labeled as “normal.”

With techniques specifically designed for pregnancy, we focus on balancing the pelvis, reducing tension and supporting the nervous system so you can move, rest and function more comfortably.

When the body feels more balanced, moms often notice they’re sleeping better, moving easier, keeping up with their families again and just feeling more themselves through the process.

And here’s the thing: None of this is about chasing perfection.

Pregnancy is messy and magical all at once. But you deserve to feel supported, informed and cared for — not brushed off with “that’s just normal.”

That’s why having a team, even if it’s just one or two people you trust, can change the whole experience. Chiropractors, pelvic-floor PTs, massage therapists, acupuncturists, doulas… we’re all here because we genuinely love supporting moms through this season.

You don’t have to check every box or see every provider. Just start with what feels right to you.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this article, it’s this: You don’t have to just deal with it. Your body is doing something amazing…and you deserve care that honors that. In Bozeman, we’re lucky to have an incredible community of prenatal providers who see you, hear you and believe in you. Whether you choose chiropractic, massage, PT, acupuncture or a combo of support, you have options. You have a village, and you deserve to feel empowered every step of the way.

Dr. Ali Schweitzer is a mom, chiropractor and owner of Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness. She specializes in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care, and loves supporting families in all stages of life.

Promoting Language and Communication from Birth How Everyday Moments Help Your Baby Learn to Talk

Below are simple, research-supported ideas you can start using on day one.

Talk to Your Baby… A Lot Your baby learns language by hearing it. One of the most powerful things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to simply talk to them, more than you think. Some days it might feel never-ending, but that is a sign you are doing exactly what they need.

Try this:

Ç Narrate what you are doing:

“We’re going upstairs to change your diaper.”

Ç Comment on what they see or hear: “Look at all the cars driving. Do you hear the sirens?”

Ç Use a warm, calm tone. Babies tune into the rhythm and melody of your voice.

Respond to Their Sounds and Signals Newborn cries, wiggles and coos are all early forms of communication. When you respond, your baby learns that their signals matter.

For example:

Ç When your baby coos and you smile or

coo back, you are having your very first “conversation.” Try imitating all of the sounds they are making and build upon their vocalizations.

Ç When they turn toward a sound and you label it (“You hear the dog barking!”), you help them link sounds to meaning.

ED TO A

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Read Early and Often It is never too early to start reading. Babies benefit from hearing the rhythm of language and spending cozy, focused time with you.

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It is important to remember that all communication begins with connection. Even newborns are wired to interact, and the way we respond helps shape future language, literacy and social skills.

Use Parentese (But Skip the Baby Talk) Babies naturally prefer “parentese,” which is the sing-song voice adults often use with infants. It includes slower speech, exaggerated pitch and clear pronunciation.

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I gave birth to my first child in April of last year, and it has been so much fun to watch — up close — how all the skills and strategies I have taught parents in the past really do come to life. Long before a baby says that first word, they are laying the groundwork for communication through every single interaction. I wanted to share some easy ways you can build language into your daily routines with your newborn and support communication right from the start.

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WRITTEN BY ALLEGRA BERESZNIEWICZ, M.S., CCC-SLP | OWNER, GRO SPEECH

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ç Use everyday routines as language opportunities

Ç Daily routines are repetitive, which is

WHERE INNOVATIVE THINKERS THRIVE

exactly what babies need when learning language.

Ç Follow your baby’s lead Your baby will naturally show you what captures their interest. When you talk about what they are focused on, learning increases quickly.

Now Enrolling 6th, 7th & 8th graders for the ‘2025-’2026 School Year

Limit Background Noise and Screens Babies learn best in calm, quiet environments, without extra noise or screen exposure.

Know When to Reach Out for Support Every baby develops at their own pace, but early support can make a big difference. Talk to your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist if your baby rarely makes sounds, does not respond to voices, is not smiling by 3 months or is not babbling by 6 to 7 months.

Here in Bozeman, Gro Speech offers familycentered evaluations and therapy for infants and young children. Their team focuses on early communication, feeding and overall language development, and provides practical strategies you can use at home.

Trust your instincts. You know your child best!

Helping your baby build strong communication skills happens naturally through warm, responsive interactions. Every moment is an opportunity to nurture language and support your baby’s growing communication.

Montessori Secondary Education on a beautiful 9 acre campus

Visit www.grospeech.com or call 406-556-9853 to learn more.

Gro Speech offers pediatric speech, language, feeding/swallowing, myofunctional, occupational and lactation consulting therapy services from birth to adolescence. We have been serving Gallatin County and beyond for 20+ years with in person clinic sessions and remote, telehealth therapy options when appropriate for families.

For more parenting strategies and ideas in relation to speech and sensory development listen to Gab and Gro: Conversations in Pediatric Therapy anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Call for a tour! 406-587-3817 1572 Cobb Hill Rd. Bozeman, Montana

www.middlecreekmontessori.org

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

January 2026

17

Preparing a Sibling for a New Baby

Three Dos and Three Don’ts WRITTEN BY DR. MARNEE FIRESTONE & TAMAR OPPENHEIMER, LCSW

As moms ourselves, we know that bringing home a new baby is one of those life transitions that is both beautiful and… let’s be honest, the entire thing is wildly unpredictable, making it potentially anxiety provoking. Now, adding the need to prepare an older sibling makes the emotional landscape even more complex. Some kids greet the idea of a new baby with excitement.

Others respond with deep suspicion. And many feel both—sometimes in the same hour.

The good news?

With a little intention and a lot of compassion (for them and you), you can help your child feel secure, included and ready for their new role. Here are a few dos and don’ts to guide you through this big moment.

DO #1: Talk About the Baby in Simple, Positive, Realistic Ways

Children thrive on clarity. Let them know a new baby is coming, talk about what babies do (sleep, cry, eat… repeat) and explain how life will shift—not in a scary way, but in a “we’re a team, and we’ll figure this out together” way.

This clarity will help your child feel prepared rather than startled by change.

DO #2: Give Them a Job That Makes Them Feel Important

Kids love purpose. Even a tiny, simple “helper role” — like choosing baby pajamas or bringing you a diaper—can make them feel proud, capable and connected to the process.

Their “job” shouldn’t be heavy or stressful. It should simply communicate: You belong. You matter. We need you.

The “job” may seem like something very small to you, but being involved will not only ease their anxiety, it will build their confidence.

DO #3: Keep a Little One-on-One Time Sacred

One-on-one time doesn’t have to be hours every day. Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted “just us” time helps your child feel anchored and reassured. It communicates to them, “My place in the family is still secure,” which is the number-one emotional need during transitions like this.

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January 2026

DON’T #1: Overpromise What the Baby Will Be Like Many parents accidentally paint a picture of a magical best friend who arrives ready to play.

But newborns… well… don’t do much.

It’s helpful to explain that the baby won’t be able to play right away, and that big siblings actually get to teach them everything.

Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment—and resentment—from creeping in.

DON’T #2: Dismiss Their Feelings or Tell Them They “Should Be Happy” Your older child may feel excited and jealous and confused all at once. That’s normal.

Avoid phrases like “You’re fine” or “You should be happy you’re getting a sibling.”

Instead, try:

“I get why you feel that way. It’s a big change.

I’m right here with you.”

Validation helps their nervous system settle— and makes them more open to bonding.

DON’T #3: Expect Instant Love or Perfect Behavior

Kids warm up in their own time. Some bond quickly; others need weeks or months to adjust.

And yes, you may see some regression— clinginess, potty setbacks or big emotions. This isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s simply your child communicating, “I need a little extra support right now.”

Our Final Thought

Preparing a sibling for a new baby isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about offering steady reassurance, validating big feelings and creating a sense of inclusion. When parents approach the transition with warmth, flexibility and curiosity, children learn something powerful: Change can be surprising, but it can also be safe— and even wonderful— when we navigate it together.

XO, Dr. Marnee & Tamar Dr. Marnee Firestone & Tamar Oppenheimer, LCSW are the cofounders at Break The Anxiety Cycle. To learn more, www.

BreakAnxietyCycle.com—where we help families build calm, confidence, and stronger connections every day.

2026: Welcome to the World,

Little Horses WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

For a decade now, I have written this column about the new babies being born each year. Every February, I look to the Chinese zodiac (whose calendar begins on February 17, 2026), not because it predicts the future, but because it gives us a poetic way to think about the babies arriving in our communities. And the little Montanans born in 2026 get a wonderful beginning: they are Horse-year babies, entering the world with a sign full of spirit, warmth and possibility.

The Horse is known for its boundless energy, bright curiosity and a heart that runs wide open. Babies born this year are said to carry a spark that makes people feel instantly drawn to them. As they grow, they often become the kids who tumble into life with enthusiasm, who learn fast, who dream big and who seem to have a natural sense for finding their own way. There’s a lightness to Horse-year children, a little extra wind at their backs and a knack for bringing joy into any room they enter.

Not convinced yet? Some of the world’s most magnetic people share this sign.

Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Emma Watson and Rembrandt were all Horse-year babies. They tend to move through life with a bold internal compass that others can’t help but notice. If you are expecting a little one this year, giddy-up because it’s going to be a wonderful ride.

Horse-year babies are traditionally surrounded by colors that represent the best of who they’ll become. Green for growth. Yellow for clarity and optimism. Pink for joy and loving relationships. Purple for imagination and intuition. Even their lucky numbers 2, 3 and 7 seem to echo the natural rhythm and openness they bring into the world.

But beyond the symbolism, there’s something beautifully fitting about Horse-year babies being born under Montana’s big sky. This is a place where freedom matters, where independence is encouraged and where wide-open spaces mirror the wideopen futures these little ones will one day explore.

The Horse reminds us that the world is meant to be discovered with curiosity and confidence, two qualities Montana has a way of nurturing in its children.

So, as we welcome the babies born in 2026, we celebrate the bright and spirited beginnings they carry with them. They arrive in a year made for movement, imagination and optimism. Here’s to the Year of the Horse, and here’s to the new Montanans who will make it unforgettable.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

January 2026

19

Support and Activities for New Parents and Babies

Blossom Mom

A welcoming and nurturing group for moms with babies in the first year who wish to connect about the joys and challenges of new parenthood while gaining wisdom from other mothers on the journey. Held weekly on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at Roots Family Collaborative; Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Zoom; and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. at Roots Family Collaborative. To register visit www. rootsfamilycollaborative.com/blossommom.

Bozeman Public Library

Ç BABY STORYTIME

Features 15 minutes of songs and movement, one short board book and 45 minutes of sensory play, process art and gross motor exploration. Especially for kids from birth to 35 months and their caregivers. Held every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. in the Community Room.

Ç FAMILY STORYTIME

Features 20 minutes of songs, stories and movement and 40 minutes of playtime. Library staff varies this program week to week to meet the developmental needs of the attending little ones. Especially for kids from birth through 5 years old and their caregivers. Every Saturday at 10:15 a.m.; check out the Bozeman Public Library events calendar for current location.

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January 2026

Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Group

Family Outreach

This welcoming and nurturing weekly group provides an opportunity for mothers to connect, ask questions and learn about local resources in a peer-to-peer support group. Facilitated by a lactation consultant and volunteer facilitator.

Breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, formula feeding — you name it, this group is for you.

Held on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Roots Family Collaborative. To register visit www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/infantfeeding-group.

Family Outreach provides free developmental screenings and personalized early intervention home-visiting services to eligible children under age 3. If necessary to support the child’s development, financial assistance is available to cover costs of pediatric therapies, vision, audiology and other vital services and developmental equipment. Family Outreach will help cover the costs of copays, deductibles and services costs for uninsured eligible children. For more information visit www. familyoutreach.org.

Car Seat Installers

Family Promise

Whether you’ve just installed a car seat or need help installing or using one, certified technicians at the Bozeman Fire Department or Gallatin County City Health Department (GCCHD) will inspect your car seat free of charge and show you how to correctly install and use it.

Book online at healthygallatin.org/familyhealth/car-seat-safety/ or email CarSeats@ gallatin.mt.gov.

Child Care Resources

Get help finding and covering the costs of child care, including the Best Beginnings Scholarship. For more information visit www. childcareresources.org or call 406-728-6446.

Dads Group

Becoming a father is a major life transition.

Dads Group is a safe place to take a breath, be real and deal with things head on. Facilitated by a fellow dad. Held the second Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m. To register visit www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/dads-group.

The mission of Family Promise is to empower families experiencing housing insecurity to secure a safe, affordable home, a livelihood and the chance to build a better future for their children. Within their shelter, prevention and stabilization programs, Family Promise offers their services to anyone over the age of 18 who has at least one child in their primary custody. For more information visit www. familypromisegv.org or call 406-582-7388.

For Dads

Patrick Duganz helps men with the unique experiences of fatherhood. Sometimes it means being an “extra set of hands” during those early days of parenting. Other times it means helping to find resources and navigating systems to foster healthy, happy families. Patrick can help dads understand their child’s development and provide information on a wide variety of parenting and fatherhood issues. He is trained in Circle of Security Parenting and postpartum mood disorders. For more information visit hwww.healthygallatin.org/family-health/fordads.

Helena

WE’VE BUILT MORE

FOR EXPLORATION

Fresh Air Families

At Roots Family Collaborative they believe getting outside is vital to a new parent’s health and well-being. All families are welcome. The schedule varies with the season.

For more information visit https://www. rootsfamilycollaborative.com/fresh-airfamilies-hiking-group.

Greater Gallatin United Way

Greater Gallatin United Way offers free monthly books for kids from birth to age 5 through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and enriching kidsLINK programs, including after-school care, spring break and summer camps. Scholarships for care are offered based on a sliding scale. For more information visit www.greatergallatinunitedway.org, call 406-587-2194 or email admin@ greatergallatinunitedway.org.

Healthy Gallatin Home Visiting

All Healthy Gallatin Home Visiting services are free and can be tailored to specific family needs.

Services include developmental milestone information and screenings, breastfeeding education and support, education on infant care and nutrition, as well as assistance in accessing community resources. Through one-on-one visits with a nurse or family support worker, you can build a trusted relationship, get prenatal and parenting support and have your questions answered to better prepare yourself for successful parenthood. For more information visit www.healthygallatin.org/family-health/ home-visiting.

HRDC

HRDC is a private nonprofit focused on building a better community by combating poverty and offsetting the high cost of living for our hardworking neighbors across southwest Montana. They alleviate hunger, empower seniors and emerging adults, educate young children, provide energy assistance, improve community transportation and ensure that everyone has a safe, warm place to sleep at night. For more information visit www.thehrdc. org or call 406-587-4486.

Mindful Mamas

This powerful and dynamic workshop is open to all new and expecting mothers, and combines movement and mindfulness. Visit www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/mindfulmamas for more detailed information.

THE DISCOVERY LAB

Space for Pre-K programs, camps, after-school classes, workshops, and more!

Park and Play

The Story Mill Community Center gym will be open on Friday mornings from 10-11 a.m. and full of fun activities for preschoolers to explore at their leisure. No preregistration is required. Parents or guardians are required to stay with their children. Held Fridays, through February 27 (excluding January 2). Cost is $3 for city of Bozeman residents and $4 for nonresidents.

THE ANYWHERE ROOM

Journey across the globe and beyond with cutting-edge Igloo Vision technology.

995 Carousel Way | Helena, MT 59601 (406) 457-1800 | explorationworks.org

Thrive

Thrive’s programs have been developed to meet the needs of the families who call our valley home.

Ç PARTNERSHIP PROJECT

A home-visiting program that provides a support network to young families with young children ages 0-5. Thrive provides assistance in finding high-quality child care, improving housing, enhancing education, accessing community resources and mental health services.

Ç PARENT PLACE

Provides programming, information, support and resources to all parents to ensure healthy child growth and development in order to help families thrive.

Ç THRIVING DADS

Thriving Dads is a monthly opportunity for dads, uncles, grandparents or any male role model to spend quality time with the child they adore. Each event is free, and dinner is provided.

WHOLE FARM CSA ENJOY FRESH, LOCAL FOOD ALL YEAR. Our Whole Farm CSA runs year-round and is designed to support every part of our local, organic farm. Members receive weekly vegetables, a selection of meats including lamb, pork, and chicken, eggs, flower bouquets, and much more.

The program begins February 1.

SIGN UP NOW AT www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com.

For more information and to view all Thrive programs visit www.allthrive.org.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

January 2026

21

You Are Not Alone:

Resources for New, Wishful and Expecting Families WRITTEN BY ROOTS FAMILY COLLABORATIVE

When you dream of growing your family, you might imagine a village of support, quiet anticipation, joyful milestones or moments of awe. And yet, the reality often comes with unexpected twists: sleepless nights, anxiety or depression, intrusive thoughts, isolation, unanswered questions or the sudden realization that you don’t know where to turn. Many parents describe this season as a paradox—slow and overwhelming, isolating yet never truly solitary, joyful and challenging, beautiful and chaotic, happy and sad all at once.

Along the journey from preconception to pregnancy to the first months with a new baby, some feelings are remarkably common: “I didn’t know where to start.” “I didn’t realize help existed.” “I feel like I’m the only one going through this.”

Trusted resources and community can make a real difference. The Roots Family Collaborative Perinatal Resource Guide brings local support into one easy-to-navigate place, connecting families with a network of providers dedicated to this stage of life. From mental health providers and doulas to lactation specialists and physical therapists, and from peer support groups to services for loss and healing, the guide shows families where to turn. It also includes practical assistance—child care through Greater Gallatin United Way’s Child Connect program, housing, food and financial support—so no one faces the challenges of family-building alone.

Equally important is connection with others walking a similar path. Roots’ peer support groups provide safe, judgment-free spaces to share, listen and be heard. Conversations often touch on sleep challenges, feeling overwhelmed, shifts in identity, partner relationships, feeding, work-life balance and knowing when and how to ask for help. These moments of honesty and understanding remind parents that what they’re experiencing is normal—and that they are not alone.

Every family’s journey is unique, but one truth holds steady: support, information and community are available. Whether you explore the guide, attend a group or simply connect with someone who understands, you deserve to feel seen, supported and grounded during this transformational time.

Roots Family Collaborative

Weekly & Monthly Peer-to-Peer Support Groups

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January 2026

Beginning Again

A Montessori Approach to Resetting in the New Year WRITTEN BY VICTORIA VAN GARDEREN

January always feels a bit like a deep breath of fresh air.

The holiday whirlwind winds down, evenings resettle and suddenly there’s room again—room to think, to notice, to reset. The sparkling white snow outside reminds us of clean slates, blank pages to be written on and new stories to tell. The new year brings us an opportunity to come home to the comforts of rhythm and routine.

Montessori classrooms reset every day. A guide quietly surveys the room each morning: What needs refreshing? What will help this environment feel homey, peaceful and ready for children? Parents can take inspiration from this practice as we move into the new year—not with pressure to overhaul everything, but with gentle curiosity about what might support our best right now. Here are some ideas:

1. Start with the environment

One of the most empowering Montessori principles is that our surroundings shape how we feel and behave. In January, many families start with a house that feels a little… well, full. The holidays tend to bring extra toys, extra treats, extra everything.

A Montessori reset doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Instead, try a quiet walk through your home. Notice what’s working well or what feels overwhelming. Sometimes the most simple changes—clearing a single shelf, rotating a few toys or creating a small cozy corner for reading—bring a sense of calm that kids respond to immediately. The new year doesn’t need a spotless house; it just needs an intentional one.

2. It all comes back to the schedule

Children thrive on routine, and in January the entire family can take a collective breath and get back to a schedule designed to meet needs. Earlier bedtimes provide the rest our bodies depend on. Peaceful mornings include

enough time for our kids to tuck into that bowl of oatmeal before heading off into their day. Slowly recalibrating toward more consistency brings big rewards.

3. Slow rhythms make space for connection

After months of packed schedules, travel and holiday events, January invites us back to a slower pace. Montessori environments are designed for children to linger: waiting for the “last drop” when squeezing water from a sponge; washing a table with careful, sudsy circles, honoring the pause between movements. When we slow down with them—even for a few minutes—we show them that there is time to find the magic in simple things.

Families often feel a natural desire to “get organized” or “get back on track,” but I’ve found that the best January shifts are not really about a checklist. Instead, consider small rituals: a morning snuggle, a shared tea after school or a lit candle to signal the start of the evening meal. These moments build the sense of coziness and connection children crave.

4. Let children participate

Kids love make-believe, but they also love real, purposeful activity—especially when it’s framed as something we do together.

Watering the plants or helping scrub the mudroom floor after all the winter boots (or muddy paws) can feel surprisingly joyful for them.

But practical life isn’t just chores; it’s contributing. It’s what Montessorians call the dignity of work. Most of all—it’s feeling needed. So, when we invite children into these activities, we’re not just checking off tasks—we’re building connection and confidence.

5. Practice as an art

Resolutions tend to land on a lot of “shoulds” and can often be short-lived.

Montessori offers something gentler: the idea of practice. Rather than “I’ll be more patient,” try “I’ll practice pausing before responding.” Instead of “We’ll be more organized,” try “We’ll put one small thing back in its place each day.”

Regular practice adds up, in results as well as framing a lasting mindset: Growth is a process, built from consistency.

6. Beginnings can be quiet

Nature gives us a clue here. January in Montana brings deep stillness. Silence under starlit skies and snow-blanketed calm. The slow drip of icicles… living things moving slowly beneath the frozen surface.

New beginnings don’t always look like fireworks—they often look like rest.

So, if your January reset feels a little sleepy, a little gentle, a little slow, that’s OK! Dr. Montessori might say it’s exactly right.

As a Montessori teacher, parent and now grandparent, I’ve come to relish these fresh starts. They don’t require perfection, only presence and that invitation to practice again.

Children notice the smallest shifts toward peace, order and connection.

This month, may your load feel lighter, your rhythms calmer and your family even more connected. And as your kids head back to school, may you, too, feel that space to begin again.

Victoria van Garderen is a Montessori-trained teacher, teacher trainer and lifelong Montessorian. She is a proud parent and grandparent and co-owns Bozeman Montessori, where she gets to see Montessori principles in action every day.

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January 2026

23

EVENTS IN JANUARY

IT’S SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION TIME! For MOR Members: Wednesday, January 28 at 10 a.m.

Kids’ Night at the Museum: Exploring Like Jane Friday, January 16 5 - 8:30 p.m. | Redstart Classroom $45/member, $55/non-member Registration is required Drop your kids off with us for the evening so they can tour the exhibition halls by flashlight and learn more about the life of Dr. Jane Goodall and Gombe National Park

Stories of Coyote, the Trickster by Theatrical Storyteller Kellen Trenal Friday, January 23 4 - 4:30 pm. | Redstart Classroom Free and open to the public

For Non-Members: Wednesday, February 4 at 10 a.m.

Beading Our Stories: Beading Earrings Workshop Tuesday, January 30 6 - 8 p.m. | Redstart Classroom $30/member, $35/non-member Registration is required Dive into an immersive beadwork experience to connect with deep cultural heritage, and leave with a stunning, handcrafted pair of beaded earrings.

For all events, Scan the QR Code to learn more and sign up!

Niimiipuu (Nez Perce) storyteller/ performer Kellen Trenal, will share the importance of Coyote stories with schoolchildren. museumoftherockies.org | 406.994.2251 | 600 W. Kagy Blvd.

Another World of Children’s Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry • Braces

flat screen televisions on the ceiling • movie theater • digital xrays • mercury free Improving & Maintaining The Oral Health of Infants, Children, Adolescents & Young Adults

www.mydrtodd.com 24

January 2026

Doctor Todd Steinmetz 3502 Laramie Drive, Suite 1

CHILDREN’S DENTAL

Bozeman, Montana 59718

406.586.8112

HOCKEY SCHEDULES

Gallatin Ice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, accessible and attainable ice sports to the Gallatin Valley.

Since 1983, Gallatin Ice has fostered the growth of the region’s ice-based sports and recreation community by building quality facilities one phase at a time. Today, the Gallatin Ice Arena at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds is the exclusive indoor venue for hockey, figure skating and curling competitions in southwest Montana, with nearly 3,500 local families engaged in programs throughout the year. The arena welcomes an estimated 200,000 annual visitors—a number that continues to grow. To meet demand, Gallatin Ice depends on the support of individuals, corporations and grantmakers. For more information, visit gallatinice.org.

JANUARY

PUCK DROP TEAM

OPPONENT

2nd

Friday

7:30 PM

Bozeman Icedogs

vs.

Sheridan Hawks

3rd

Saturday

7:30 PM

Bozeman Icedogs

vs.

Sheridan Hawks

9th

Friday

7:30 PM

Bozeman Stingers

vs.

McCall

10th

Saturday

7:30 PM

Bozeman Stingers

vs.

McCall

15th

Thursday

8:45 PM

MSU Men

vs.

Montana Tech

16th * LADIES NIGHT

Friday

7:30 PM

Bozeman Stingers

vs.

Jackson

8:30 PM

MSU Women

vs.

University of Utah

7:30 PM

Bozeman Stingers

vs.

Jackson

8:15 PM

MSU Men

vs.

University of Providence

10:30 PM

MSU Women

vs.

University of Utah

7:30 PM

MSU Men

vs.

Sault College

8:30 PM

MSU Women

vs.

Colorado State University

7:30 PM

MSU Men

vs.

Sault College

8:15 PM

MSU Women

vs.

Colorado State University

17th * LADIES NIGHT

23rd 24th

Saturday

Friday Saturday

25th

Sunday

5:45 PM

MSU Men

vs.

Sault College

30th

Friday

7:30 PM

MSU Men

vs.

University of Montana

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

January 2026

25

NEW ANTI-INFLAMMATORY COOKBOOK FROM LOCAL NONPROFIT

Whole Food Recipes from the Heroes and Horses Program PHOTOS HEROES AND HORSES & GREEN DOOR PHOTOGRAPHY

A new anti-inflammatory cookbook is now available from Mackenzie Fink,

cofounder and wellness director of Heroes and Horses—a Montana-based nonprofit where combat veterans embark on 41-day wilderness journeys and discover the healing power of whole foods.

The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy: Traditional Wisdom Guided by Science features 55 nourishing recipes that celebrate food as medicine through four pillars: whole foods, balanced nutrition, simplicity and intuitive eating.

Unlike traditional cookbooks focused solely on recipes, The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy weaves together a personal story of love and healing, tested recipes from the Heroes and Horses program and practical wisdom for developing an intuitive relationship with food that goes far beyond meal planning.

“Each of our bodies is a temple deserving of reverence, one meal at a time,” explains Fink. “The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy includes ancient wisdom for our modern lives and invites readers to rediscover the joy, medicine and simplicity of whole foods.”

The cookbook features recipes that work everywhere, from spirulina smoothies for busy mornings to Korean beef bowls cooked over backcountry campfires. It also includes practices for developing an intuitive relationship with nourishment and ideas on how to reconnect with food sources.

Inspired by her own health journey and her work with combat veterans, Fink’s compelling story is captured in the cookbook. A mother of five, she has spent more than 20 years cultivating a self-sustaining lifestyle—homeschooling 26

January 2026

her children, raising and growing her family’s food on their Montana homestead and deepening her connection with the natural world.

“Our definition of ‘farmacy’ is a place where one can find medicinal, nutrient-dense whole foods that are a product of Mother Earth,” Fink says. “One of the most powerful tools to reduce inflammation comes from the farm. Restoring the connection to our food source and understanding the vitality of this sacred bond as part of our genetic fabric is foundational to healing.”

At Heroes and Horses, Fink works with participants to help them remember who they are outside the narrative of being “broken,” guiding them back into their bodies, their lives and their own agency.

She also created and runs the nonprofit’s Resilient Heart spouse program, drawing on her experience as the wife of a former Navy SEAL and paramilitary contractor with 13 combat deployments to help bring balance, resilience and understanding into the home. Profits from The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy: Traditional Wisdom Guided by Science will support Heroes and Horses and its programs for combat veterans and their families.

About Heroes and Horses

Heroes and Horses is a 501(c)(3) organization providing transformative human development experiences for combat veterans through 41-day immersive programs which redefine the relationship between challenge and purpose. Based in Montana, Heroes and Horses is dedicated to teaching through experience and healing through tradition, offering a holistic program where combat veterans and their spouses can rediscover purpose and strength, realizing that the actual battle is within. Learn more at heroesandhorses.org.

Greater Gallatin United Way Announces 2025–2026

Community Impact Grant Investments, Awarding $230,000 to Local Nonprofits

Bozeman Public Library Toddler & Preschool Storytime

Features 20 minutes of songs and movement, one or two full-length picture books and 40 minutes of sensory play, process art and fine motor exploration. Kids may be invited to use tools like scissors, glue or tweezers during this program and may handle materials that are choking hazards for babies. Especially for kids ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Held every Wednesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m. in the Community Room.

Symphony Storytime

The Bozeman Symphony invites families with young children— especially those ages 3 to 5—to experience Symphony Storytime, a free and engaging program presented in partnership with the Bozeman Public Library in its Community Room at 626 E. Main St. Symphony Storytime is designed to inspire a love of music, reading and creative discovery in young children. Each session coincides with the library’s regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime at 10:15 a.m.

There is a special guest reader and a live performance by a Bozeman Symphony musician bringing a beloved storybook to life in an engaging, multi-sensory experience.

The 2026 season Symphony Storytime dates:

Ç WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 Ç WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Ç SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Ç WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Ç WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 Ç WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Follow the Bozeman Symphony on Facebook and Instagram for updates on featured instruments, musicians and readers.

For more information, visit www. bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.

Greater Gallatin United Way announces its 2025–2026 Community Impact Grant investments, awarding $230,000 to nonprofits serving Gallatin, Madison, Meagher and Park counties. These investments strengthen programs supporting basic needs, mental health and well-being, youth success and early learning, advancing long-term, collaborative solutions that help families and communities thrive. Since 2009, Greater Gallatin United Way has invested more than $5.5 million through Community Impact Grants to drive systemic, lasting change across the region.

This year’s funding reflects the scale and urgency of local needs. To support stability and essential services, $51,500 is allocated to basic needs programs. With mental and emotional health concerns continuing to rise, $87,500 will expand access to counseling, crisis response and community resilience. An additional $61,000 strengthens youth success programs that provide safe, enriching environments for young people, while $30,000 supports early learning initiatives that build strong foundations for school and life.

These investments represent more than funding. They reflect deep partnership and shared commitment. Beth from Haven shared, “We’re grateful for this long-term partnership with Greater Gallatin United Way, which has consistently invested in essential parts of Haven’s operations that directly support survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and sex trafficking. Thank you for your stalwart support at a time of real uncertainty for Haven and for many groups in Gallatin Valley.”

This impact is also felt in programs supporting youth. Judy Schofield, Member Experience Manager for Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, said, “Seeing the joy on the girls’ faces when I walk into the room to do Girl Scouts again is such a special feeling. Talking to them about all the things they can do as a Girl Scout is very rewarding. We are so grateful for our partnership with GGUW and the kidsLINK program.”

“United is how we tackle on our community’s toughest challenges,” said Kim Hall, President and CEO of Greater Gallatin United Way. “This work isn’t done alone. These grants represent what’s possible when nonprofits, partners and community members come together to create real, measurable change for families across our region.”

A full list of the 2025–2026 Community Impact Grant Partners is available at greatergallatinunitedway.org/20252026-community-impact-partners/.

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January 2026

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A New Era of Discovery

ExplorationWorks

to Unveil Cutting-Edge Classroom and Immersive Exhibit Space JANUARY 10, 2026

Big things are happening at ExplorationWorks, and for families, educators and curious minds in the Helena area, the excitement is only just beginning. On January 10, 2026, the science center will open the doors to its long-awaited expansion: A brandnew enclosed classroom and exhibit space that includes the Discovery Lab and the one-of-a-kind Anywhere Room.

The project has been years in the making, transforming what was once an unused outdoor balcony into a hub of innovation designed to spark learning, imagination and community connection. And although fundraising efforts are ongoing, ExplorationWorks is committed to opening the new space on schedule, ensuring that the community does not have to wait to benefit from its impact.

A First-of-Its-Kind Immersive Experience: The Anywhere Room At the heart of the expansion is the Anywhere Room, an exhibit unlike anything else in the region. This groundbreaking space uses immersive projection technology that mirrors the sensation of stepping inside a virtual reality headset, without requiring visitors to wear any equipment.

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Floor-to-ceiling visuals carry guests from Montana’s towering mountains to the ocean’s depths, through ancient civilizations and all the way across the solar system. The experience is fully shared, so families, classrooms and groups can explore together, creating an experience that is truly awe-inspiring.

The impact for educators will be significant.

Lessons can come alive in ways once limited to imagination. Students won’t just read about a rainforest; they will stand inside one. They won’t just hear about Saturn; they will drift through its rings.

This immersive learning technology positions ExplorationWorks as a leader in experiential STEM education, expanding the boundaries of what a museum visit can be.

More Room to Learn: Introducing the Discovery Lab

Alongside the Anywhere Room comes another major step forward: The Discovery Lab, a fully enclosed classroom built to support ExplorationWorks’ rapidly growing slate of hands-on educational programs.

For years, the organization has seen demand for camps, workshops and field trips climb far beyond what its existing spaces could support.

The Discovery Lab will help change that. The new classroom will host:

Ç Summer camps Ç After-school activities Ç Field trips Ç School-day workshops

Ç Family programs Ç Community STEM events The expansion ensures that more children and families will have access to high-quality, interactive learning throughout the year.

Launching January 2026: Atom Academy for Preschoolers

A highlight of the Discovery Lab is Atom Academy, a new pre-K program that supports kindergarten readiness through engaging, handson learning.

Designed for preschool-aged children, Atom Academy focuses on four primary learning themes:

Ç Nature – observing the world around us and understanding basic life sciences

Ç Outer Space – exploring planets, stars, and early astronomy concepts

Ç Language Arts – nurturing early

communication, reading and storytelling skills

Ç Classroom Skills – practicing routines and social behaviors that set children up for success in elementary school

Blending guided experiments, creative play and structured lessons, Atom Academy will provide young learners an early start in scientific thinking while nurturing confidence and curiosity. The program deepens ExplorationWorks’ commitment to supporting families during the pivotal preschool years.

Registration for this program is now open.

Why This Expansion Matters

Montana faces a significant challenge in STEM education, with only about a quarter of students scoring “proficient” in science by fifth grade. ExplorationWorks sees this expansion as part of the solution.

By supporting early learning and giving children access to the tools, mentorship and wonder that inspire curiosity, the new spaces aim to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers.

“Adding this new exhibit and classroom space will allow us to welcome more families and children into hands-on learning,” says Executive Director Heather O’Neill. “It’s an exciting step forward for science education in Montana.”

How the Community Can Be Part of the Vision

Although the new spaces will officially open on January 10, 2026, ExplorationWorks is still actively seeking support to finish outfitting the Discovery Lab and the Anywhere Room with the tools, furnishings and technology needed to maximize their impact.

Community contributions help ensure:

Ç The spaces are fully equipped for

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Ç Programs remain accessible and affordable

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serve families for years to come Donations of any size are welcome, and naming opportunities are available for major gifts from individuals, businesses or organizations who want to leave a lasting mark on STEM education in Montana.

Looking Ahead

With its upcoming expansion, ExplorationWorks is doing more than adding square footage; it’s opening up new opportunities for learning and discovery.

The Discovery Lab and the Anywhere Room represent a future where science education is immersive, inclusive and engaging.

To learn more or contribute to the project, visit ExplorationWorks.org

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January 2026

29

Ask Flora WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK

In this column, you can ask your questions about parenting kids from ages 2 to 10 to Flora McCormick, Licensed Counselor & Parenting Coach.

Q. Why is my 8-year-old daughter often so crabby and defiant? I end up yelling at her because no amount of explaining seems to work. I feel like I wouldn’t yell as much if she weren’t so disrespectful. Why can’t she realize I’ve got a lot going on and need her to be more helpful?

A. Every parent knows that moment.

You ask your child — again — to put on their shoes, turn off the iPad or come to the table. And instead of cooperation, you get a hard “NO,” a dramatic collapse onto the floor or the quiet walk-away (blatantly ignoring you) that somehow feels even louder. Let me tell you, your frustration makes sense. When you’re trying to guide your child with care, constant pushback can feel personal, even hurtful.

Here is a simple shift that can help you respond without yelling while still holding firm boundaries.

Reframe from “Why” to “What.”

In my office, I hear questions like:

» “Why is she being so difficult?” » “Why does he always push back with me?” » “Why won’t they just listen?”

Those questions come from exhaustion and concern. The tricky part is that “why” tends to trap us in frustration. Most kids truly do not know why they’re acting the way they are. Their brains are still under construction—especially the parts that manage impulse control, flexibility and emotional regulation.

One mom I worked with had a 6-year-old who refused to get dressed for school every morning. She kept asking, “Why are you doing this?

You like school!”

Nothing changed—except her stress level.

When we reframed the question, big results followed. The shift we made was to have the mom ask herself, “What is my daughter having

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a hard time with?” The answer wasn’t defiance; it was transitions.

Mornings felt rushed and overwhelming. This reframe, borrowed from psychologist Ross Greene, moves us out of blame and into curiosity.

Instead of asking why your child is being a problem, you begin noticing that your child is acting this way because they are having a problem.

That lens alone reduces tension and is more likely to set you down a path of solving that problem effectively.

Next steps to solve the problem your child is having could sound something like:

» “What can we do to make this better?” » “What’s your plan for taking care of the clothes in your room?” » “How can we solve this?”

Responding without yelling doesn’t mean allowing everything. It means leading with steadiness instead of intensity.

If your child pushes back, ignores you or melts down, it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It usually means your child is still learning, still developing and leaning on you—even when it doesn’t look like it.

Shifting from “Why is this happening?” to “What is my child having a hard time with?” creates space for empathy and leadership. When you pair that understanding with clear, loving boundaries, you create an environment where yelling isn’t necessary—and cooperation grows naturally.

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

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January 2026

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