Karen's Keynotes
by Karen Armstrong, Human Development Extension Agent
Rolette County

Women Contribute to Farm/Ranch

Women are often the silent or hidden partner in a farm/ ranch operation. But don’t let that fool you. They make many contributions to the farm operation. Their tasks may range from caring for children and animals, to record keeper/ accountant, secretary, parts delivery person, chauffeur (to and from field operations), grain hauler, cattle driver, ranch hand, animal nurse, tractor of combine operator, to other innumerable task pertinent to farming and ranching. Women’s contributions may not be credited with a wage or price tag yet women provide valuable service to the farm/ranch operation.

The Agri-Women’s organization annually recognizes women who contribute to agriculture and their communities. Think about your own effort or those of women you know. Is there someone you feel should be recognized for their contributions?

Nominations are being sought for Farm Women of the Year recognition. Nominees may be currently active or retired from farming. If several application from the county are received a county winner will be selected. All county winners will then be considered for the title of “Durum Triangle Farm Woman of the Year”. The application is not burdensome, a short 1 ½ page in length. Application forms are available through our office. Applications can be submitted through May 30, 2002. Consider yourself of someone in your area for this honor.

Children Grow Up Fast.

Most adults, who no longer have children in diapers, will agree that children grow up to fast. Last night I attended the Rolette County 4-H Communication Arts Contest. It is truly amazing to see how fast youth change from children to young adults.

It is exciting to see 4-Hers develop their public speaking skills. They improve so much from one year to the next. They come with creative ideas, enthusiasm and the heart to try new challenges, build on their best effort, to carry out the 4-H motto- “To Make the Best Better”. Our youth are phenomenal. I want to congratulate all the youth participating in the Rolette County 4-H Communication Arts event. You are all achievers.

I also see adults in their parenting role learning from year to year how to be the best parent they can be. They too are continually growing and expanding their skills. They are there supporting their child, cheering them on and comforting them if need be. They are a friend and confidant. Being a parent is not always easy. We too have a need to prep and practice just as our children do before an event.

Sometimes as parents we stumble as we strive to “Make the the Best Better”. That is alright. We can learn from our stumbles. Being a parent means being their for our children yet giving them space to grow. It is hard to know what to do when. It helps to remember we are not alone in this, we are all building life together. We can help and learn from one another. The 4-H family is a great family of support. Thank you for being the great people  you  are.

I want to thank all the parents, grandparents, and friends that attended last night. What a precious gift you give your children by your presence. I want to thank individuals who helped with the event- Judges: Ruby Lawler, Teresa Hendrickson, Julie Starr, Margaret Kroll, Bonnie Muehlberg and Paula Reirson, Room Hosts: Joshua Foss, Denise Foss, Activities coordinator: Pauline Roach, Staff members: Shelley Armstrong and Jill Brandt, County 4-H Ambassadors Pierre Lemieux and Crystal Starr. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Challenging Behavior

All children display challenging behavior at one time or another. Parents often feel guilty and responsible when their challenging children act in ways that seem inappropriate. This is understandable, because parents usually believe their children’s behavior is a reflection of how well they parent. However, in some cases these intense, sensitive, challenging children are acting the way they do because of medical or genetic conditions that can’t be changed by a change in parenting style. Even in these extreme cases, though, children may be helped considerably if parents change their point of view, make sure their expectations and commands are clear and understood, and use some parenting techniques geared specifically to spirited children.

The program “Dealing with Challenging Behavior” will suggest strategies parents can use to help their challenging children learn more about boundaries, self-discipline, and appropriate ways to express their feelings and stress. “Dealing with Challenging Behavior” will be held at the Fayes Albert Building , Belcourt, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23rd. Please call the Extension Office, 477-5671 to register. This will ensure adequate materials will be on hand. This program is open to all at no cost.

CALENDER

23 Dealing with Challenging Behavior, 5:30 p.m. Fayes Albert Building, Eagle View Housing Belcourt.

24 “Saving Time and Money”, 11:30 a.m., Rolette Senior Citizens Center.

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Updated April 26, 2002 Shelley Armstrong Webmaster