Colorado Parent - April 2026

APRIL 2026

Degree, Trade, or Gap Year?

Parenting Through Chronic Illness

Family Autism Resources

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geauxgrow.com

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CONT ENT S April 2026

in each issue

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THE MAMA FILES

LOCAL

10 12 21

THINGS WE LOVE MOM NEXT DOOR THINGS TO DO

features

18 FIDGETS: NOT A FAD Fidgets, as sensory tools, gained popularity as toys because when they were used as intended, they worked! 17 COLLEGE PREP SERIES: IS COLLEGE THE RIGHT FIT? College isn’t a golden ticket to success, and it’s no longer the default option. The real challenge isn’t choosing college —it’s choosing the right fit. 16 COLLEGE PREP SERIES: LIFE SKILLS & INDEPENDENCE A time comes when parents unload boxes into dorm rooms or wave goodbye as their not-so-little kid heads toward a new stage of life. Just like that, independence begins. 14 PARENTING WHILE MANAGING AN INVISIBLE ILLNESS It’s easy to dismiss symptoms—until all of a sudden you’re trying to parent while managing your own invisible illness. 19 AUTISM RESOURCE LISTING A guide bringing together trusted resources to make life easier.

Photos by freepik.com

what’s on the web

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Meaningful and fun ways to celebrate and care for our planet. How to Start an Easy Family Garden This April Beginner gardening tips, vegetables and flowers to plant, and kid-involved ideas. Spring Cleaning With Kids Fun tasks, age-appropriate chores, rewards systems, and tips for success. Celebrate National Poetry Month Celebrate poetry with local events, contests, and readings.

CONNECT WITH US

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@coloradoparentmagazine

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THE Mama FILES

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS

Running the Invisible Marathon M y calendar has a standing monthly date with Ivy—my IV bag full of antibodies.

AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers

noon I’m usually heading home, grabbing a snack, setting an alarm, and taking a long nap. The first few treatments wiped me out, but now the routine is manageable. Most of the time the only evidence left behind is a bruise on my arm and a strong desire to stay under my blanket for the rest of the afternoon. What makes conditions like this tricky is that most of the time no one can see it. I can walk into the office looking completely fine— hair done, makeup on, coffee in hand. On the

days they’re surprisingly sweet—a little quieter and a little more helpful. We usually order dinner or go somewhere easy because cooking a big meal isn’t high on my priority list after treatment… especially when that meal involves feeding three teenagers, two of whom are growing boys who seem to be hungry every 15 minutes. Living with an invisible illness has taught our family patience and flexibility. We plan around treatments, pace ourselves when needed, and adjust when my body needs a break. Because once a month I’ll show up for my standing date with Ivy—then come home, take a nap, and jump right back into the real marathon of the day: keeping up with three teenagers who treat the kitchen like it’s open 24 hours a day and a husband whose brain doesn’t always know when it’s time to shut down for the night.

MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Creator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager MERCEDES MITCHELL SABRINA SMITH BREE WAY Client Success Representatives JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern ADVERTISING/MARKETING ASHLEY ZANDERS Sales Operations CRYSTAL BARRETT

It’s not the kind of appointment most people schedule, but it’s become part of life with primary immunodeficiency. For most of my life, being sick was just…normal. Sinus infections, allergies, and endless rounds of antibiotics were part of my routine. If I cleaned the house and ended up down for a few days afterward, I blamed my allergies. My doctor kept refills ready, we switched medications when one stopped working, and life kept moving. Eventually it became clear something bigger was going on. After years of infections that refused to stay gone, I was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency—which means my immune system doesn’t have the antibodies it needs to fight illness the way it should. Now I receive IVIG infusions once a month, and I try to schedule them on Fridays whenever possible. By

ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives

outside, nothing seems unusual.

ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator

But fatigue is constant. Not the kind that disappears after a good night’s sleep— the kind that settles into your bones and stays there.

And motherhood doesn’t slow down for any of it.

My kids have grown up watching me manage this, even if they don’t fully understand it yet. They know infusion Fridays means Mom might be on the couch with a book and a blanket when they get home from school. Those

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

2025

Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

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COLORADO PARENT MAGAZINE is published monthly by GEAUX PUBLISH INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in GEAUX PUBLISH INC. publications, including print and other digital formats. GEAUX PUBLISH INC does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. COLORADO PARENT MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

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local

more about their events, and connecting with them.

Making Life Easier for Parents Curated for Kiddos

“That’s one thing I’ll say for Boulder, there certainly is no lack of options of things to do. Parents don’t need more things to do, they just need someone to curate the good events,” she says. Rachel has been impressed and thrilled with the local businesses and their willingness to help. She recently co-hosted an event with a local business that was a summer camp showcase, where kids were able to rotate through each of the different activities and get an actual taste of what the camp would offer without having to commit prior to going to camp. “I think it’s been helpful, both from my perspective to be able to connect with local businesses, and also for them because they’re able to get the word out about their events to more parents in the community,” Rachel shares. Because she feels a pull to do more for her community, Rachel is looking for more ways to give back. One idea she is working on is reaching out to local businesses to see about providing discounts to Curated for Kiddos members and subscribers. Now, Rachel is learning how to balance entrepreneurship and motherhood. “When you’re starting a business, the amount of ideas that are constantly going through my head, I’ve had to really work on compartmentalizing, and that when my kids do get out of school, shifting and being able to focus on them and staying present,” she explains. The bulk of her curated events right now are in Boulder and surrounding areas such as Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont, and Golden. As she gets more systems in place, Rachel says she hopes to expand into other areas. “The more that I can take the logistical side of planning away from parents and families and allow them to spend that time making memories with their kids, the more I feel like I’ve done my job,” says Rachel. Families can subscribe to the free weekly newsletter, explore the membership calendar at curatedforkiddos.com, or follow social media @curatedforkiddos.

BY AMELIA ROESSLER

W hen Rachel Godzin’s daughters were at the age to go to school full time, Rachel knew she wanted to do something, but a traditional nine-to-five didn’t feel right. Rachel and her husband moved to Boulder eight years ago, after living in New York and working in advertising for 12 years. When Rachel got pregnant, they knew that they did not want to raise their kids in the city and sought out nature. “The more we traveled, the more we wanted to be hiking and out in nature. So this is where we ended up,” she explains. According to Rachel, being a stay-at-home mom was always the dream, knowing that parents have finite time with their kids. She says she knows it’s not an option for everyone, and was grateful for the opportunity. With her kids at school, she initially thought to reconnect with her network and old coworkers. However, Rachel knew the traditional job wasn’t what she wanted. “I wanted to have summers with my kids. I wanted to, at the drop of a hat, be able to volunteer for their Valentine’s Day party, in their classrooms,” Rachel says. “So I started trying to think about what kind of value I could offer on my own time, which is how Curated for Kiddos came to play.” While working in advertising, Rachel says she used to plan client entertainment. Her friends coined her the “cruise director” because she was the one to come up with different ideas, coordinate dinner reservations, and plan social outings.

Now, she has new clients: her kids.

Rachel explains she often had friends talk to her about missed events, or upcoming sign ups. “As parents, we’re pulled in so many different directions. The mental load is just so huge. And on top of all of the priorities and things that we have to do, we’re also required to come up with different things to do with our kids, all while keeping it educational.” That’s when Curated for Kiddos was born. Starting with a free weekly newsletter in October 2025, Rachel now has a website, calendar, and social media focused on sharing local kids’ activities. Rachel says she found a lot of people don’t enjoy searching and finding different activities for their kids to do, especially with being thrown information all the time through social media or parent chats. “I thought it would be so helpful to have a central hub and one location where parents and caregivers can go directly to find out what’s going on,” she emphasized. The weekly newsletter includes highlights of activities and events going on, as well as sign-up reminders, and the subscription- based calendar is “mom-made” — unlike broad event listing, it is intentionally filtered through a local mom’s lens. It can be filtered by age, town, indoor, outdoor, and free events. Lately, Rachel has also been partnering with local businesses. In order to help parents keep their social media feeds clean and full of what they want, Rachel has taken on following many local businesses, learning

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Things We Love April is the sweet spot of family travel. Spring break adventures, blooming landscapes, milder weather, and fewer summer crowds make it the perfect time to pack up and explore together. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or an international getaway, knowing what to bring makes all the difference. Travel Essentials

Lusso Gear Car Seat Tray Transform any car into a toddler adventure zone with this fun car seat tray. Perfect for snacks and toys, this travel car seat table includes a dry-erase lap desk for kids travel activities, a snack and cup holder, and a tablet stand. $27.95, amazon.com

HOTOR Car Trash Can with Lid Your vehicle might attract trash fast, but with a car trash can, messes can be solved. Features an adjustable strap and quick-release buckle for secure attachment to headrests, consoles, or placement on the floor in sedans, SUVs, and trucks. $9.99, walmart.com

3 4 5

Kids Travel Pillow and Blanket Set This 3-in-1 set is designed especially for kids. It can be used as a backrest pillow, a blanket, and to warm hands on both sides. $23.99, amazon.com

TRTL Travel Pillow Unlike traditional travel pillows, Trtl provides complete head support without the bobbing, neck pain, or discomfort often experienced with other options. $43.99, trtltravel.com

Yoto Mini Screen-Free Audio Player This simple, easy-to-use audio device plays books, music, and podcasts for kids—all while being screen-free! Perfect for long flights, car rides, or downtime on any trip. $79.99, us.yotoplay.com

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mom next door

Meet Jenny Edwards

M eet Jenny Edwards, a Denver native, a Building Information Modeler working for Denver International Airport, an understanding mom, and a lover of music. Jenny and her nine-year-old daughter Luna are navigating the experiences of a split household. With Luna only with her half the time, Jenny has learned to cope ahead for the transition and give her daughter extra space and patience. In their free time, Jenny and Luna love to play acoustic guitar, make up silly songs, and sing around the house. Dance, gymnastics, engineering kits, and anime are also on their list of fun things to do. “The challenge has been working our way out of the kid phase and into the preteen phase,” Jenny explains. “With that comes a lot of complex emotions. We work through this by providing space for childhood to evolve, but we still carry around stuffed animals with us everywhere we go.” Despite the challenges, Jenny says it is a joy as a parent to watch her daughter be creative. She explains she has found that once she lets go of some control, she’ll catch Luna doing something pretty extraordinary. One day when Jenny was completing a task in another room, she peeked around the corner to find an elaborate tea party set up with stuffed animals, each with a name. “It was just so imaginative. That’s been my greatest joy, just witnessing her creativity when she thinks I’m not watching.” The best parenting advice Jenny says she’s received is to loosen up the rigidity of the day-to-day and take things one step at a time. She emphasises that a lot of parents tend to be on a super strict schedule and sign their kids up for many activities. “I find that when I just kind of look towards the silent moments, when I stop trying to control that narrative of what childhood is supposed to be about, it’s pretty magical,” Jenny says.

“

BY AMELIA ROESSLER

“I think childhood gets watered down quite a bit because we’re always trying to control the narrative. But if you just kind of let go and let them be themselves, you can witness very magical things.”

She especially finds magic in nature, watching Luna take off her shoes and squish the mud between her toes, observing roly- polies, and making up stories about dragon dens in the Rocky Mountains.

narrative. But if you just kind of let go and let them be themselves, you can witness very magical things. Exploring nature is always free and very rewarding for both of us,” explains Jenny.

“I think childhood gets watered down quite a bit because we’re always trying to control the

Jenny has also found benefit through the volunteering she and Luna participate in

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at nonprofits. They have volunteered at the Newborns in Need program at Denver Health, now called Hello, Little One, which helps set up each baby born at Denver Health with a welcome package including diapers and blankets. The pair are also volunteering at the Denver Animal Shelter, reading books to the dogs and cats and working on playing the guitar to the animals as well. Parenting advice Jenny hopes others can benefit from is that each child is different, and it takes a lot of trial and error to really understand what a child is interested in. “Those interests are going to change every few months or so, but also just pushing them a little bit to try something new is important,” she says. Jenny explains that Luna practiced dance for two-and-a-half years, but then Luna decided she wanted to move on to other activities. So Jenny followed her lead as she tried girls rugby for the first time. Luna is also learning gymnastics, which Jenny says has been a joy to watch how fast she learns new skills. “Just picking up on the small cues when they’re becoming uncomfortable or if they want to move on from something, and just wholeheartedly going hands in to support that,” she says. Jenny has also found that providing Luna an avenue other than talking has helped them both express emotions and feelings. Through journaling, watercoloring, painting pottery, or other avenues, Jenny says she has learned that her more introverted daughter appreciates the creative process of expression. “The main thing about being a parent for a child that lives in a split household is just knowing that it comes with a lot of transitions and big emotions. Learning to be flexible with our schedule is key, and having a “cope ahead plan” for emotion regulation is crucial for success.”

Quick Q’s

Favorite date night… shows or concerts

Words that best describe your family… silly, creative, hard working, adaptable Favorite genre of movie or television show… for me, rom-com. For Luna, it’s baking shows.

Favorite food… french toast.

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More Than Meets the Eye Parenting While Managing an Invisible Illness

BY JULIANNA STEEN

E ver been secretly suspicious of the healthy-looking person who snagged the handicapped spot while you hoofed it from half a mile back? Just because someone may look healthy on the outside doesn’t mean they are: CDC research reveals that more than one in four adults in the US deal with some type of disability every single day. That means over 61 million people struggle with debilitating hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living—and many of these are not visible disabilities. There’s a good chance they are grappling with what the Invisible Disabilities® Association calls an invisible disability, which they define as “a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” Of course, since you can’t see these symptoms, it’s easy to dismiss them—until all of a sudden you’re trying to parent while managing your own invisible illness. AMY’S STORY Family Resource Group’s Publisher Amy L. Foreman always knew something wasn’t quite right with her health. After all, it only took one day of cleaning the house to knock her out for a few days because of the dust. However, she just sucked it up and chalked it up to allergies. Eventually, though, in May

of 2016, Amy shares the moment when that changed: “The right side of my face went numb, and a trip to the ER showed my sinus cavities fully blocked requiring me to have sinus surgery to clear them out.” After years of almost endless sinus infections—and countless allergy shots, pneumonia vaccines, and refills of antibiotics and steroids—she was finally diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency. According to the Immunity Deficiency Foundation, primary immunodeficiencies (PIs), also called inborn errors of immunity (IEI), are “a group of more than 550 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.” While no PI functions the same, all disrupt the body’s immune system. Amy’s affected her body’s antibodies, the proteins needed to fight off illnesses, which led her to a constant state of sickness. The solution? In September of 2025, her doctor recommended she start regular Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. While the infusions drain her limited energy, she says the tradeoff is worth not getting sick all of the time. “For me, fatigue is constant,” Amy admits. “I am always tired, regardless of how much sleep I get or don’t get. It’s not the kind of tiredness that goes away with a good night’s rest—it’s a deep, ongoing exhaustion that becomes part of daily life.

And yet, I still show up. I still take care of my responsibilities. I still try to live fully.” She explains that she doesn’t want pity or for people to treat her differently; rather, she just needs a little extra grace, flexibility, and recognition that her sickness is real and challenging, even if it’s not visible.

PARENTING WHILE MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESS

Sometimes just doing basic tasks like walking into the office, riding the elevator, and sitting down at her desk requires Amy’s body to work overtime. “Just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they feel okay,” she states. “Invisible doesn’t mean insignificant—it just means you can’t see the battle they may be fighting.” Throw in motherhood, and you’re looking at a tough balancing act. So how do you do it? “Most of us who have dealt with this for a long time have made adjustments in our lives that work for our families and our lifestyles,” Amy explains. “We learn our limits. We plan carefully. We pace ourselves. We build routines around treatments, doctor visits, and recovery time. It may look ‘normal’ from the outside, but it takes intention and resilience behind the scenes.” THE EVERYDAY CHANGES Practically, you’re going to have to set some new boundaries to protect your health. This may look like letting the kids help out around the house—even if you feel guilty for letting

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them, as Amy’s husband Brandon likes to say, “pull their weight.” It might mean avoiding certain chores completely: For instance, Amy is no longer allowed to dust or vacuum the house. On treatment days, the Foremans tend to go out to dinner or order takeout so Amy doesn’t have to cook. It also requires going with the flow, and being okay setting the kids up with a quick snack and a movie so you can rest for an hour. Most importantly, in order to “pull off” parenting while battling an invisible illness, you have to be willing to ask for help when you need it. Your family and friends are likely on the outskirts, just waiting and willing to step in and help the moment you ask. Let them, even if it feels embarrassing to admit you can’t do it all. HOW TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic or invisible condition, Amy suggests that you get your facts together first before talking with your children. “Once you fully understand your illness and what your options for wellness are, you can explain to your children the game plan,” she says. “I know my kids do better if I give them the problem but have the solution ready to follow so they don’t spiral or go to Google or ask Alexa a million questions. It’s not the end of the world. Yes, your lifestyle will change, but at least you have answers now and can start getting the proper healthcare that you need.” They may not fully understand, and that’s okay. Amy’s kids are still confused why she was always sick growing up and why she has to get monthly IVIG treatments. But keeping them informed (age-appropriately) and in the loop is important. And who knows? Perhaps they’ll learn a few things along the way, like patience—or how to clean! KEEP FIGHTING Parenthood on its own is hard enough. Adding a chronic illness into the mix can make it feel nigh unto impossible some— or rather, most—days. Nevertheless, Amy describes it well: “Parenting while managing an invisible illness feels like running a marathon every single day—showing up fully for your very active kids even when your body is exhausted and no one else can see how hard you’re pushing just to keep going.” But don’t lose heart! You don’t need to be the “perfect” parent—after all, there’s no such thing. Do your best, ask for help when you need it, take naps when you can, prioritize what you need to do vs. what you can delegate, and keep loving those kiddos. Wondering if your never-ending infections and health problems are something more? Take IDF’s free primary immunodeficiency (PI) self-assessement.

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College Prep Series:

& Life Skills Independence BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

A time comes when parents unload boxes into dorm rooms or wave goodbye as their not-so-little kid pulls out of the driveway of their childhood home, car packed to the brim, heading towards a new stage of life. The dorm room door shuts. The rearview mirror no longer reflects home. And just like that, in these moments, independence begins. I know that moment well—I’ve lived it myself. And as a first-year college student, I quickly learned that the biggest challenges weren’t just lectures and exams, but the life skills and responsibilities that suddenly became my own. From managing money and time to maintaining communication and well- being, independence requires intentional preparation before a student’s move-in day. While parents may only be a phone call away, learning how to navigate these responsibilities helps set the foundation for a capable adulthood. SMART MONEY HABITS There’s a difference between purchasing things they want versus what they truly need. Establishing a form of income, like a part-time job or monthly allowance for expenses like groceries, social life, and personal needs, and creating—and sticking to—a budget is necessary. It’s equally important to send them off with an understanding of how to withdraw money from an ATM or deposit a check at the bank. TIME ACCOUNTABILITY The world of relying on a parent’s wake-up call is no longer. The first step to success is timeliness: Setting the alarm, waking up, and getting to class—on time. Whether using a digital calendar with alerts or a weekly planner to track important due dates, staying on track eliminates long-term stress and feeling behind.

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION

Has your child ever scheduled

their own doctor’s appointment? It’s understandable if they haven’t, but it’s essential they learn how. At their next appointment, encourage them to

information like insurance details all contribute to emergency preparedness.

check in, complete paperwork, speak directly with their pediatrician, and answer questions on their own, while you quietly offer support besides them. Do they know how to speak to professionals? Observe their phone call tone and email etiquette—do they speak with confidence and respect? Small steps make a difference. Whether it’s ordering food at a restaurant, asking for assistance in a store, checking out at a register, cashing a check at the bank, or picking up a prescription from the pharmacy, everyday interactions build confidence. Without these steps, children miss important chances to develop communication skills, which may lead to social anxieties that become more difficult to outgrow. BUILDING EMOTIONAL STRENGTH Your child will immediately face countless decisions when starting college. It won’t be easy, but learning their limits (when to rest versus pushing hard in academics, friendships, and activities) is crucial. Equally important is utilizing on-campus support, asking for help when needed, and setting healthy boundaries. After all, independence doesn’t mean handling everything alone. PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED Many teenagers don’t know how to change a flat tire or schedule an oil change. Knowing campus police numbers, the nearest urgent care facility, and personal

EVERYDAY HABITS For your child’s sake, they should know how to leave laundry day without shrunken, pink- stained shirts. An understanding of how to cook easy, balanced meals goes a long way versus living off of fast food. Changing a lightbulb, unclogging a drain, sweeping the floor, and washing their sheets often are also habits worth having. GUIDING WITHOUT TAKING OVER Before your child leaves for college, start shifting your guidance. Look for workshops, online tutorials, or books that address specific skill gaps and provide practical tools. Preparation starts with allowing them to make more of their own decisions and to experience both outcomes and consequences. Offer advice when needed, but hold back on fixing problems for them. Gently remind them of their responsibilities while continuing to encourage independence. Consistency in these habits should be built before move-in day, because soon, the choices will be entirely theirs to make. Every student’s journey is different, but with support and real-world practice, they can enter college and adulthood feeling prepared with essential life skills.

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Rinehart emphasizes that families should not expect college to be a golden ticket to success — a student is not going to be automatically transformed, graduate with a job, guaranteed a certain salary, and have a successful life and career until they retire. “Life is a journey, it’s not as simple,” he explains. “You should come into college eyes wide open to know that you will transform personally and academically, but you still have another 60 years of your life and your career that will also be influenced by a lot of other things besides that you went to college.” CAREER ALTERNATIVES You spend 18 years preparing your child for the world after high school, so what do you do when your child comes home and says, “I don’t want to go to college”? First, make sure it isn’t just nerves — have them meet with a college counselor or their high school counselor to help alleviate some misguided expectations and ease the nerves. If it truly is that the traditional four-year college route is not for your child, but they still want to continue their education, there are other options. Many accredited online and community colleges also offer associate or bachelor’s degrees. Vocational fields and jobs in construction, manufacturing, welding, electricians, mechanics, and plumbers are facing personnel shortages due to an aging workforce, according to Stephen Tave, president and CEO of American Higher Education Development Corporation. These hands-on jobs also come with a built-in advantage — they’re essentially AI-proof. Not to mention that vocational colleges are significantly more affordable than other universities, require less time to earn a degree, and graduates enter the workplace sooner. But no matter what decision is made, Rinehart says to just enjoy the process and try not to stress over it. “I think people get discouraged and stressed out of the gate, and really, they should just enjoy it. There’s nothing more fun than being on a college campus and just visiting different schools,” he explains. The goal to help your child succeed isn’t necessarily to chase prestige or follow tradition, it’s to help your teen choose a path that fits who they are and who they’re still becoming.

College Prep Series:

IS COLLEGE THE RIGHT FIT? BY AMELIA ROESSLER

C ollege isn’t a golden ticket to success, and it’s no longer the default option. For today’s teens, life after high school could mean a university campus, a welding apprenticeship, a military contract, or launching a small business. The real challenge isn’t choosing college —it’s choosing the right fit. A recent survey found that 90% of Gen Z students say they trust their parents to advise them on next steps after high school. The bad news? Parents say they don’t know enough about the vast majority of valuable education and training options their child could pursue and are especially in the dark about anything that isn’t either pursuing a career directly or getting a bachelor’s degree. After all, there are a finite number of traditional colleges, but a seemingly infinite number of pathways beyond college. And it’s not a glass slipper moment — several options could fit just as well. THE BIG DECISION Thinking about college seriously starts in high school. Todd Rinehart, the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment at the University of Denver (DU), says even though many higher education schools visit high schools, there is a lot of information out there about applications, financial aid, and what a school is like right on a school’s website. Rinehart says national enrollment in colleges has been trending down recently. He cites a decline in the number of high school seniors and smaller graduating classes as a reason, coming from the birth rates that have not returned since the 2007 recession. “I think what’s concerning in recent years, even before we started to see the decline in seniors in high school, you started to see a smaller percentage of graduating seniors going to college. So in recent years, maybe 70% of high school graduates would go directly to college, and in the last couple of years, that’s been closer to 60%,” he says. But maybe your student doubts if they could succeed at college. Rinehart thinks otherwise. He says students should try to

avoid impostery syndrome and questioning whether they are good enough to go to college. He believes they are. “I’m not saying that college is the right match for every person. It certainly isn’t, but I think for most students who really want a pathway to college, there’s a way to get there, and they can definitely do it,” explains Rinehart The Denver Public Schools have a Career & College Success page where students starting in 8th grade can turn to find ways to prepare for their futures. They offer a Career Success Guideline aimed at helping students become prepared academically, socially, and emotionally through different classes and programs. QUESTIONS TO ASK As a parent, all you want is to see your child succeed. You can help by starting conversations on self-reflections of their goals, researching options, and discussing finances openly. Encourage them to explore career interests, think about what they are good at doing and what they find joy and passion in, visit different types of campuses, and consider alternatives like trade schools or a gap year. Act like a sounding board and guide them toward a school or path that fits best for them, rather than one with prestige. “I think families need to be evaluating colleges on three levels,” says Rinehart. “Is this particular school a personal match for me, is it an academic match, and is it a financial match?” And if a school, or even college in general, is not a fit — it’s ok! If your child is unsure, a gap year is perfect to work and explore interests, helping them mature and define their goals. IF COLLEGE IS RIGHT In Colorado, Rinehart says there are numerous great colleges and universities that families should go explore. He encourages families to hop in the car and visit all different types of schools — public, private, small, medium, large. “You can start to get a feel for what resonates with you and what excites you,” he says.

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Fidgets: NOT A FAD I n 2017, American teachers had a new classroom enemy: the fidget spinner. Almost every homeroom had an BY AMANDA CIANI

A FIDGET FOR EVERYONE Believe it or not, reader, you have probably fidgeted in your lifetime. Whether twirling your hair, clicking a pen, or bouncing a knee, fidgeting helps humans manage stressful moments and can even increase focus. There are SO many types of fidget tools on the market, and available to 3D print, in 2026. Deep Pressure Fidgets: weighted blankets, stuffed animals, and shoulder vests, compression clothing, and more. Gross Motor Fidgets: balance boards, trampolines, swings, rocking stools, exercise balls, and more.

body to find a rhythm allows a release of nervous energy.

abundance of students with pockets full of fidget spinners galore. Kids clacked them on their desks, flung them at their peers, traded them at lunch, and cried when they lost their favorite fidget. Some schools even went on to place bans on the popular sensory toy. But eventually, the cool factor of the fidget spinner faded, and the youth moved onto the next big craze. Did fidget spinners get an unfair, bad rap? Probably so. But consider this: These sensory tools gained popularity as toys because when they were used as intended, they worked! Merriam-Webster defines the noun of fidget as, “something (such as a toy) that is designed to be held and manipulated (as to decrease stress and anxiety).” It may be suggested, however, that fidgets are so much more than just a toy, and they are truly so much more than just a fad. Let’s dig into the world of fidgets, how they work, who they benefit, and also consider reintroducing them to the classroom (and boardroom, and beyond).

Third, fidgets can help build sustained attention. Through releasing a bit of energy, fidgeting can improve focus. Allowing the body to move in a concentrated and rhythmic way can give the brain the focus needed to attend a task in a more meaningful way. Regulated. Calm. Focused. The abundant and deep benefits of fidgets definitely should urge society to reclassify them from mere toys to true tools. WHO BENEFITS FROM FIDGETS An individual does not require a diagnosis of any sort to enjoy a fidget’s benefits. Anyone looking to hone their focus or enjoy an exhale of relief from the world’s stressors can pick up a fidget and give it a whirl. Feel itchy with stress? Take a moment and try bouncing a leg, flexing fingers to a beat, chewing some sour-flavored gum, or squishing a stress ball. With all of that said, individuals with anxiety and neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders may benefit from adding fidgets to their arsenal of everyday tools used to navigate life. The benefits are the same. The main difference between neurotypical vs. neurodivergent use of fidgets would be that the level of need would affect the frequency of use. RE-INTRODUCING FIDGETS TO THE CLASSROOM ( and boardroom , and beyond !) Kids will be kids! And children playing with fidgets in an unintentional, unruly way may have teachers considering rules regarding fidgeting. However, when used intentionally and with clear expectations, they can be a helpful tool rather than a distraction. A classroom with students that are regulated, calm and focused is also a classroom that is set up for success and lots of learning! So whether a child is using a fidget at home or at school or whether an adult is embarking on a fidget finding journey of their own, it is clear: Fidgets are so much more than just a fad!

Oral Fidgets: chewerly (chewable jewelry), gum, sour candy, z-vibes, and more.

Repetitive Motion Fidgets: chain fidgets, click rollers, fidget spinners, fidget cubes, spinner ringers, and more.

Resistance Fidgets: firm putties, hand grips strengtheners, resistance bands, and more.

Tactile Fidgets: stress balls, putties and doughs, tangles, pop-its, velcro strips, sensory rings, worry stones, and more. Visual Fidgets: bubblers, glitter jars, sand jars, lava lamps, and more. HOW FIDGETS WORK While it may appear that fidgets just keep the user occupied, there is much more than meets the eye in terms of the purpose and the benefits of these sensory tools. Fidgets actually work in multiple ways, with a variety of benefits. First, fidgets can help with sensory processing. Many life experiences can be overwhelming with unpredictable or abundant sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes, too. By providing predictable sensory stimulation and input through touch, pressure and movement, fidget users can regulate and balance their nervous system. Second, they can support self-regulation. Small, repetitive movements can provide an individual with a sense of calm and possibly reduce their stress and anxiety. Allowing the

18 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2026

Little Champs ABA Multiple Locations (385) 406-2590 littlechampsaba.com New Dawn ABA Multiple Locations (720) 619-2719 newdawnaba.com

Autism Resource Listing

Positive Momentum ABA 4375 S. Elati St., Englewood (720) 737-5401 positivemomentumaba.com Rising Star Behavior Services 14139 W. 89th Loop, Arvada (720) 375-4680 risingstarbehaviorservices.com Skill Builder ABA In Home Services (720) 440-8036 skillbuildersaba.com/colorado Soaring High ABA Therapy Multiple Locations (720) 806-6786 soaringhighaba.com Step Forward ABA 100 Technology Dr., Building C Suite 315, Broomfield (720) 407-8822 stepforwardaba.com

K nowing where to begin when finding the right support for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating diagnoses, therapy options, and educational resources at the same time. This guide brings those trusted Colorado resources together in one place, making it easier to find the right fit for your child and easing some of the pressure on a parent’s shoulders.

ABA - APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS ABA Services of Colorado

Colorado Springs (855) 444-5664 cultivatebhe.com

10700 E Geddes Ave., Suite 125, Englewood 1317 Grand Ave., #101, Glenwood Springs (720) 670-9046 abacolorado.com

Emerge 9200 E. Mineral Ave., Suite 100, Centennial (303) 322-9000 emergeprofessionals.com Evoke Behavioral Health 7750 Harlan St., Arvada (720) 355-1081 evokebehavioralhealth.com

Action Behavior Centers Multiple Locations (720) 407-8556 actionbehavior.com Achieving Stars Multiple Locations (833) 666-3115 achievingstarstherapy.com Aces ABA 8008 E Arapahoe Ct., Suite 110, Centennial (720) 274-1566 1330 Quail Lake Loop (719) 301-4088 acesaba.com Behavior Frontiers Autism Center 7200 S Alton Way, Suite A-100, Centennial (303) 945-7063 behaviorfrontiers.com

The Treetop ABA In Home Services (912) 461-7091

Family Support Center Multiple Locations

thetreetop.com/locations/ aba-therapy-in-colorado

(719) 540-2160 fscautism.com

Trumpet Behavioral Health Multiple Locations (720) 414-1456 bluesprigautism.com

Horizons ABA Multiple Locations (720) 770-3351 horizonsaba.com

Willow ABA Services 8000 S. Lincoln St., Suite 10, Littleton

Innovations Developmental Solutions 11550 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 200, Westminster (720) 352-7458 innovationsbehavior.com

(720) 319-7614 willowaba.com

DIAGNOSIS Autism West Behavioral Partners Multiple Locations (720) 634-9500 autismwestbehavioral partners.com Center for Autism & Related Disorders Multiple Locations (469) 694-1754 centerforautism.com

Jumpstart Autism Center 369 Inverness Pkwy. #375, Englewood (303) 284-7328 jumpstartaba.com

Behavior Span Multiple Locations (720) 206-0644 behaviorspan.com

Ladder of Success ABA 2953 S Peoria St., Suite 101, Aurora (720) 675-9203 ladderofsuccessaba.com

Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education 2270 La Montana Way, Suite 100,

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Prospect Academy 5592 Independence St., Arvada (720) 605-6707 prospectacademyco.org

Continuum Behavioral Health 7220 W. Jefferson Ave., Suite 100, Lakewood (720) 937-7895 autismspectrumalliance.com

(800) 369-7433 pathintl.org

REVEL 3501 Blake St. #250, Denver

Firefly Autism 2001 Hoyt St., Lakewood

(720) 502-4927 revelinlife.org

Spectra Centers 7205 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield (303) 665-6800 spectracenters.org

(303) 759-1192 fireflyautism.org

Teaching the Autism Community Trades 2960 S. Umatilla St., Englewood (303) 295-0163 buildwithtact.org

Insights Colorado Assessment and Therapy 1658 York St., Denver (303) 935-5307 insightsdenver.com

SketchUp Project Spectrum 10368 Westmoor Drive, Westminster (720) 887-6100 trimble.com Temple Grandin School 3131 Indian Rd., Boulder (303) 554-7363 templegrandinschool.org The Rise School of Denver 4901 E. Eastman Ave., Denver

SERVICES Autism Community Store 14095 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora (303) 309-3647 autismcommunitystore.com

Mountain Vista Psychology, PLLC Multiple Locations (720) 583-9332 mountainvistapsychology.com Solutions, Psychological Assessment and Therapy 8795 Ralston Rd., #108, Arvada (720) 460-0246 solutionspsychological.com EDUCATION Denver Academy 4400 E. Iliff Ave., Denver (303) 777-5161 denveracademy.org Havern School 4000 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton (303) 986-4587 havernschool.org Humanex Academy 2700 S. Zuni St., Englewood (303) 783-0137 humanexacademy.org Kishami Academy 2328 E. Platte Ave., Colorado Springs kish.w@kishamiacademy.org kishamiacademy.org Learning Differences World 1090 Wadsworth Blvd Unit C, Box 132, Lakewood (303) 587-7185 learningdifferencesworld.com

Autism Services and Programs 5275 Marshall St., Suite 104 & 204, Arvada

(928) 587-9198 asapsperry.com

(303) 756-7473 risedenver.org

Littleton ADHD, Autism, & Dyslexia Center 609 W. Littleton Blvd., Suite 307, Littleton (303) 808-4140 denver-eval.com Mosaic Multiple Locations 970-908-3447 mosaicinfo.org/mosaic-in-colorado/ THERAPIES Altitude Behavioral Health 5460 Ward Rd., Suite 140, Arvada (720) 380-5203 altitudebehavioralhealth.com Children’s Therapy Services of Colorado 10701 Melody Dr., Suite 100, Northglenn (720) 872-6472 childrenstherapyco.com

NONPROFITS Adam’s Camp 56 Inverness Dr. E., Suite 250, Englewood 1101 County Rd. 53, Granby

(303) 563-8290 adamscamp.org

The Arc of Colorado 1580 Logan St., Suite 930, Denver

(303) 864-9334 thearcofco.org

Autism Society of Colorado Multiple Locations (720) 214-0794 autismcolorado.org Autism Vision of Colorado Multiple Locations (719) 210-5895 autismvisionco.org Garden, Inc. 4750 S. Santa Fe Cir., Unit 5, Englewood (720) 419-1913 gardenautism.org Inclusive Higher Education 7931 S. Broadway, #193, Littleton (720) 629-0196 inclusivehighered.org

Gather and Grow Therapy Services 1022 Depot Hill Rd., Broomfield (720) 515-4487 gatherandgrowtherapy.com

Soar Autism Center Multiple Locations (720) 706-3396 soarautismcenter.com

The Joshua School Multiple Locations (303) 758-7171 joshuaschool.org

Thrive Autism Collaborative 3501 Blake St., Denver 109 Aspen Airport Business Center, Aspen (303) 304-6819 seeksowshare.com

Monarch Academy 12201 S. Parker Rd., Parker (303) 805-9110 monarch-hq.com

Path International Multiple Locations

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things to do

Our Picks APRIL

1 Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival Spring has arrived when the beautiful, colorful Tulip Fairy, along with pint-sized fairies and elves, parade around the Pearl Street Mall on April 26. Featuring live per- formances, special activities for children, and more than 15,000 tulips that adorn the mall. 1300 Block Pearl St., Boulder. boulderdowntown.com

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Glowing Wild Experience the glimmer of 60 illuminated scenes and 175 new larger-than-life lanterns that bring animals and their stories to light. Ex- perience the world in a single evening through May 10. Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org

Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival This long-running music festival features a parade, rodeo, and carnival. High school, middle school, and junior high school bands from across the country compete in concert band, jazz band, parade, and orchestra categories. From April 29 through May 3 in Cañon City. ccblossomfestival.com

Colorado Rockies Home Opener Kick off the 2026 Rockies baseball season. Tickets start at $66 on April 3. Coors Field, Denver. mlb.com

Colorado Tartan Day Join for a weekend of Scottish heritage, history, and community. From the skirl of the pipes to the clash of the broadswords, there is some- thing for everyone. Free to the public from April 11 to April 12. Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont. coloradotartanday.com

Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!

22 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2026

US Women’s National Team vs Japan

The US Women’s National Team closes out its April series against Japan Women’s National Team with one of the most iconic rivalries in women’s soccer history on April 17. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce Park. ussoccer.com

Durango Bluegrass Meltdown

Three days of concerts will show- case bluegrass bands from around the country. Special events in- clude a Durango-style barn dance, Saturday night “Celtdown,” and music in local restaurants and bars from April 10-12. Durango. durangomeltdown.com

Boulder International Film Festival Film fanatics won’t want to miss the 22nd annual film festival, featuring film screenings, panels, workshops, and themed afterparties from April 9-12. 1426 Pearl St., Suite 20, Boulder. biff1.com

Día del Niño

Taste of Vail The 34th annual Taste of Vail is the largest food and wine festival in Eagle County. From April 1-4, enjoy wine and food vendors against a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Vail. tasteofvail.com

Celebrate the 24th annual Día del Niño, a day of festivities to celebrate children across the globe. There will be a wide variety of live music, dance performances, interactive art- making, and more on April 26. Free admission, registration required. Denver Art Museum, Denver. denverartmuseum.org

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4pm There’s nothing more exciting than watching someone’s dreams come true. Join for a show stopper event as three new queens are crowned — Miss Colorado for American Strong, Mrs. Colorado, and Mrs. Colorado American (1st Runner-Up). Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver. artscomplex.com Myth, Music, Magic Friends & Family Concert 11am The Friends and Family concert features a family-friendly selection of pagan songs that will appeal to all ages. Washington Park United Methodist Church, Denver. orpheuspcc.org

Splashdown Pond Skim April 12

5 Sunday Easter Sunday Brunch 10am

1 Wednesday Colorado Avalanche vs. Vancouver Canucks 6:30pm Watch professional hockey. Ball Arena, Denver.nhl.com

The Easter Bunny is back, bringing Bunny Magic and joyful memories. FlatIron Crossing, Broomfield. flatironcrossing.com

artists’ studios, and creative businesses. 858 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. denversartdistrict.org

Celebrate Easter with an egg hunt, photos with the Easter bunny, and a buffet with over 40 items. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com

Next to Normal Through May 3

Taste of Vail Through April 4

Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal deploys wry humor and brutal honesty to explore how a family navigates their darkest hours — and finds the path to new beginnings. Wolf

The 34th annual Taste of Vail is the largest food and wine festival in Eagle County. Enjoy wine and food vendors against a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky

Come From Away Through May 10 Based on the extraordinary true story, this musical chronicles how the isolated town in Newfoundland played host to the world. Arvada Center, Arvada. arvadacenter.org Monthly Mental Health Meetup 11am This group meets every second Wednesday to combat the prevalence of mental illness in our communities. Open to the public and those who want to share, connect, and grow. Queen City Collaborative, Denver. go.axismh.com

Easter Sunrise Service 6am

The 79th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks is back! Doors open at 4:45am, pre-service worship music begins at 5:30am, and service begins at 6am. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver. redrocksonline.com 6 Monday Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers 7pm Watch professional basketball. Ball Arena, Denver. nba.com

Mountains. Vail. tasteofvail.com

Theatre, Denver. denvercenter.org

2 Thursday Glowing Wild Through May 10 Experience the glimmer of 60 illuminated scenes and 175 new larger-than-life lanterns that bring animals and their stories to light. Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org 3 Friday Colorado Rockies Home Opener 2:10pm Watch the Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies play professional baseball. Coors Field, Denver. mlb.com

4 Saturday Breakfast with Easter Bunny 8, 9:15, and 10:30am

Dine on more than just carrots with Peter Cottontail! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and take pictures with him. Reservations required. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com Family Egg Hunt 8:30am, 1:30pm Celebrate spring with age-specific hunts, tractor rides, the Easter Bunny, DIY Easter bonnets, and more. Registration required. Four Mile Historic Park, Denver. fourmilepark.org

Photos with the Easter Bunny Through April 4

7 Tuesday Colorado Restaurant & Bar Show 10am-4pm

The Colorado Restaurant & Bar Show delivers the tools, resources, and ideas that you need to maintain your competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. Colorado Convention Center, Denver. corestaurant.org

First Friday Art Walk 5:30pm

24 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2026 VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Join for late-night viewing of artwork at 100+ art galleries,

Mrs. Colorado Pageant & Miss CO for America Pageant

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