Sponsored by Flourish Wellness + Birth Co.

What Does Metabolic Wellness Really Mean?

When people hear the words “metabolic wellness,” they often think first about weight loss. But your metabolism influences far more than the number on the scale. Energy, blood sugar regulation, appetite and cravings, body composition, hormone health, inflammation, sleep, stress, and the way your body uses fuel are all part of a much bigger picture.

At Flourish Wellness + Birth Co. in Sioux Falls, we believe metabolic health deserves more than a quick prescription or a one-size-fits-all plan. Our goal is to understand what may be contributing to the imbalance in the first place and then build an individualized plan that supports long-term health. For some patients, that plan may include a GLP-1 medication. For others, the focus may begin with nutrition, movement, hormone health, sleep, stress, laboratory findings, or other metabolic factors.

GLP-1 Medications Can Be a Tool – Not the Whole Plan

GLP-1 medications have changed the conversation around weight management and metabolic health. When medically appropriate, they can be a valuable tool for some patients. But simply receiving medication is not the same as receiving comprehensive metabolic care.

At Flourish, we want patients to understand why a treatment is being used, what we are watching for, and how it fits into their bigger health picture. We have seen many patients do very well with individualized, lower-dose or “microdosing” approaches when appropriate for their goals and clinical needs. The goal is not to chase the highest dose or the fastest weight loss. Instead, dosing is customized based on the individual, their response, side effects, health history, progress, and goals.

That individualized approach matters because sustainable metabolic wellness should support the whole person. Preserving muscle, eating enough protein and nutrient-dense food, staying well hydrated, supporting healthy digestion, building strength, sleeping well, and addressing hormone or nutrient concerns can all be important pieces of the plan.

A Metabolic Wellness Membership Built Around Ongoing Care

One of the greatest strengths of our Metabolic Wellness Membership is that patients are not handed medication and left to navigate the process alone. Ongoing support is built into the program.

Our team follows progress over time, trends metabolic labs when indicated, provides regular check-ins, and creates opportunities to meet with a provider as the plan evolves. Those touchpoints allow us to ask important questions: How is your energy? Are you eating enough? Are you maintaining strength and muscle? How are your sleep, digestion, cravings, and menstrual or hormone symptoms? Are we seeing the changes in your labs and overall health that we hoped to see?

The answers help us make thoughtful adjustments rather than relying on the scale alone. Sometimes success means weight loss. Sometimes it means improved habits, better energy, improved metabolic markers, greater strength, fewer cravings, or finally understanding a health pattern that has been difficult to piece together.

Looking Beyond Weight to Find the Root Cause

Difficulty losing weight can be frustrating, especially when someone feels like they are already “doing everything right.” Metabolic health can be influenced by many factors, including insulin resistance, thyroid function, sex hormones, nutrient deficiencies, sleep, stress, medications, dietary patterns, activity level, and changes that occur through pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.

This is why our approach to metabolic wellness at Flourish Wellness + Birth Co. goes beyond calories and the scale. When appropriate, laboratory testing and a detailed health history can help us identify patterns that deserve attention. Rather than assuming every person needs the same diet, supplement, medication, or dose, we work to create a plan around the individual sitting in front of us.

This root-cause approach is central to the way Flourish provides care. Medication can support the process, but it should not replace the work of understanding and caring for the body.

Metabolic Health for Real Life

A wellness plan only works if it can live in the middle of real life. Busy workdays, kids’ activities, travel, changing hormones, stress, illness, and different seasons of life all affect what is realistic. Our job is not to expect perfection. It is to help patients build a plan they can actually sustain.

That may mean finding practical ways to increase protein, adding strength training a few days each week, improving meal timing, addressing low vitamin or iron levels, working on sleep, or making small medication adjustments instead of dramatic changes. Monthly check-ins also give patients a place to ask questions before small concerns become reasons to abandon the plan altogether.

Why Choose Metabolic Wellness Care at Flourish?

Patients looking for GLP-1 support or a weight loss clinic in Sioux Falls have more options than ever. What makes Flourish different is the relationship surrounding the treatment.

Our Metabolic Wellness Membership is designed to provide individualized medical guidance, ongoing provider oversight, customized medication management when appropriate, progress tracking, and continued support toward long-term metabolic health goals. We work hard to keep care accessible and competitively priced while still protecting the part we believe matters most: intentional time and connection with a healthcare team that knows you and cares about your success.

Whether your goal is weight management, improved metabolic health, better energy, support through hormone changes, or simply feeling more at home in your body again, we want to help you understand what is happening beneath the surface and create a thoughtful path forward.

Ready to Learn More About Metabolic Wellness?

You do not have to choose between medication and whole-person wellness care. At Flourish Wellness + Birth Co., our Metabolic Wellness Membership brings those pieces together. GLP-1 treatment may be part of the plan when appropriate, but the bigger goal is to help you build healthier metabolic function and sustainable habits with a team walking alongside you.

If you have been searching for metabolic wellness, GLP-1 support, personalized weight management, or a weight loss clinic in Sioux Falls, we would love to help you explore your options and determine what approach fits your health goals.

About the Author:

Tegan McManaman, FNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner at Flourish with over nine years of healthcare experience. She is passionate about personalized wellness, preventive care, hormones, and longevity, taking a thoughtful, root-cause approach to help patients thrive. Outside of Flourish, she enjoys family time, teaching fitness, reading, baking, and the outdoors.

The post Metabolic Wellness Is More Than a Number on the Scale appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

From private lessons and early childhood music classes to youth orchestras, choirs and homeschool programs, here are some local places to help your child find their musical thing.

Looking for even more local activities? Be sure to check out our Sioux Falls Area Youth Sports & Activities Guide, sponsored by SDSU Extension, for even more ways to keep kids active all year long!

This guide is split into three sections! Our first section is all about youth musical programs. Think choirs, orchestras, and groups that they could join! Our second section lists popular lesson locations/teachers. The third section is for those who are interested in Musical Theater. 

Youth Music Programs

Sioux Falls Children’s Choir

Does your child love to sing? The Sioux Falls Children’s Choir offers three choirs for young singers in K-6th grade: Coro Crescendo for K-1st grade, Coro Dulce for 2nd-3rd grade, and Coro Allegro for 4th-6th grade. Singers learn music, rhythm, music theory, and vocal skills while performing throughout the year. No audition or previous music experience is required.

The 2026-2027 season includes fall and spring sessions, with concerts and additional community performance opportunities throughout the year.

Good for: Kids who love singing and performing
Grades: K-6
Website: Sioux Falls Children’s Choir

South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra

The South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra gives young musicians the opportunity to develop their skills while performing as part of an ensemble. The program includes four student ensembles, ranging from Prelude Strings for beginning string players to the advanced Youth Orchestra, with opportunities for students ages 6-18. Students can participate in string, wind, brass, percussion, and harp ensembles depending on the group.

Good for: Kids interested in orchestra and string, wind, brass or percussion instruments
Ages: 6-18
Location: 301 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls

Kindermusik 

For the littlest music lovers, Kindermusik offers music-based classes designed for children from birth through age 7. Classes use singing, movement, instruments, and other activities to introduce young children to music while helping them develop foundational skills.

Kindermusik Midwest Littles holds classes at Spirit of Peace Church on South Cliff Avenue in Sioux Falls.

Good for: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers who aren’t quite ready for traditional lessons
Ages: Birth-7
Location: 6509 S. Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Homeschool Choir

The Sioux Falls Homeschool Choir gives homeschooled students an opportunity to learn and perform together in a choir setting. The program is directed by Elizabeth Feltes, who also teaches piano and voice.

Good for: Homeschool students who enjoy singing and performing

Harmony South Dakota

Harmony South Dakota is a free, after-school music program for children in the Sioux Falls area. Students participate in string orchestra, choir, percussion ensemble, musicianship classes and private instrumental lessons. Instruments can be provided to students who don’t already have one.

The program currently serves children starting around age 7 and operates Monday through Friday on days Sioux Falls public schools are in session. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is currently closed, but families can join the waiting list.

Good for: Families looking for an immersive music program at no cost
Ages: 7+
Location: St. Joseph Cathedral School, 601 W. 4th St., Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Homeschool Band

The Sioux Falls Homeschool Band gives homeschool students the chance to experience playing in a traditional band setting. The program was created by music educator Heather Brenner and provides homeschool families with an opportunity to participate in band together.

Good for: Homeschool students interested in band

Curious Music Collective

Formerly known as the Sioux Falls Chamber Music Collective, Curious Music Collective is a local nonprofit bringing together music, dance, poetry and food through collaborative performances and community projects. While it isn’t a traditional weekly music-lesson program, it is a great resource for families looking for unique opportunities to experience live music and explore different musical traditions.

The organization also offers youth-focused programming, including its Youth Chamber Music Intensive, and does outreach with local youth organizations.

Good for: Kids and families interested in chamber music, live performances, and unique music experiences
Type: Performances, youth programming, and community outreach

Groove, Inc.

If your child loves drums, Groove, Inc. is a Sioux Falls organization dedicated entirely to percussion. Its programs range from beginner groups for young children to advanced competitive percussion ensembles, giving kids the opportunity to learn everything from drum set and snare to marching percussion and mallet instruments.

The 2026-2027 Winterline season includes groups beginning with Genesis for approximately ages 5-7, followed by programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Groove also offers private percussion lessons and percussion academy classes covering drum set, snare, keyboard percussion, and more.

Good for: Kids who love drumming, percussion, and performing
Ages: Approximately 5 through high school, depending on program

Local Music Teachers & Lesson Studios

Looking for something a little more one-on-one? These local teachers and independent lesson studios offer private instruction for kids who want to learn an instrument, improve their skills, or simply have fun making music. We know that there are plenty of private music teachers in the Sioux Falls Area, many of whom you would only learn about from word-of-mouth! We list here the larger places for lessons, followed by some well-known private studios.

Tilghman’s Academy of Music

Located in Harrisburg, Tilghman’s Academy of Music offers private music lessons, group classes and seasonal camps. Lessons are available for voice and most instruments, with teachers specializing in areas including piano, voice, percussion, brass, woodwinds, and fretted strings.

The academy also has a strong homeschool focus, offering classes and performance opportunities that can be worked into a homeschool schedule.

Good for: Private lessons, group music classes, and homeschool families
Ages: 3+ for private lessons

Popplers Music

Popplers Music is more than a place to buy an instrument. Its Sioux Falls location also has a lesson studio with private instruction in a wide variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, violin, viola, cello, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, low brass, voice, and more.

The lesson studio includes instructors with a variety of musical backgrounds and offers both beginning and more advanced instruction.

Good for: Kids looking for private lessons in a variety of instruments
Location: 1119 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls

Schmitt Music

Schmitt Music offers private, one-on-one music lessons for all ages and experience levels. Students can choose from a variety of instructors and instruments, with lessons generally lasting 30 minutes. The Sioux Falls location has dedicated lesson rooms and instructors for a variety of instruments.

It’s also a convenient option for families who need instruments, supplies or other music-related equipment in addition to lessons.

Good for: Private lessons for beginners through advanced musicians
Location: 1209 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls

Up Tempo Music Lessons

Up Tempo offers kid-focused piano, guitar and drum lessons, with bass guitar also available. The studio is designed specifically with young musicians in mind and offers a free first lesson. Lessons are held at 2101 W. 41st St., Suite 8, in Sioux Falls.

Instruments: Piano, guitar, drums and bass

Spotlight Voice Academy

For kids who would rather sing than play an instrument, Spotlight Voice Academy, formerly Effervescent Voice Academy, offers private voice lessons focused on vocal technique and building confidence.

Sioux Falls Strings Studio

Sioux Falls Strings Studio provides private music instruction for students interested in string instruments. The studio works with students at a variety of ages and experience levels and emphasizes finding an approach that fits each student’s interests and goals.

Darren Matthes Guitar & Drum Lessons

Darren Matthes offers private lessons in guitar, drums, and bass for students of a variety of ages and experience levels. Lessons are held at his Sioux Falls studio.

Billy’s House of Drums

A private drum studio offering one-on-one drum lessons for beginners through experienced players. Lessons are tailored to the student’s goals and interests.

Torbert Music

Torbert Music offers private instruction in piano, guitar, and bass guitar. The studio is run by music educators Bart and Laurie Torbert and is located in southeast Sioux Falls. 

Big Red Studios

Big Red Studios offers guitar lessons along with guitar repair and setup services. It’s a local option for students looking for individual guitar instruction.

Amari Studios

Amari Studios offers both private and small-group guitar lessons, with instruction tailored to each student’s interests and goals.

Luna Piano Studio

Luna Piano Studio offers private piano lessons with instruction tailored to a student’s age, experience and goals. Lessons incorporate skills such as technique, theory, ear training and performance.

Looking for Musical Theater?

If your child loves singing, dancing, acting — or maybe all three — musical theater can be a great way to bring those interests together. Sioux Falls has several opportunities for young performers, from full youth productions and theater camps to classes that help kids build their performance skills.

Spotlight Theatre Company

Spotlight, through the Washington Pavilion, provides performance opportunities for young artists ages 6-18, including productions, camps and special programs throughout the year. Students can audition for productions and gain experience both onstage and behind the scenes. The 2026-27 season includes youth productions and opportunities for different age groups.

Good for: Kids interested in acting, singing, dancing, and full theatrical productions
Ages: 6-18

The Premiere Playhouse

The Premiere Playhouse offers youth theater camps, intensives and productions throughout the year. Its youth summer theater camps are designed for ages 8-18 and combine acting, singing, movement, choreography, staging, and other elements of putting together a musical. The program is open to students with a variety of experience levels.

Good for: Kids who want an immersive theater experience
Ages: 8-18 for the youth summer theater camp

BritZa Performing Arts Studio

Britza Performing Arts Studio combines dance and performing arts, with musical theater and acting opportunities for young performers. It’s a good option for kids who want to build the dance, movement and performance skills that go along with musical theater.

Good for: Kids interested in musical theater, dance, and acting
Location: 1500 E. 77th St., Sioux Falls

Lights Up Productions

Lights Up Productions is a Christian musical-theater production company that includes children and teens in its productions. 

Find Your Child’s Musical Fit

Whether your child is a future orchestra member, wants to learn their first song on guitar, or simply loves singing along in the car, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved with music around Sioux Falls. And if your child isn’t sure what instrument they want to play yet, several local programs offer introductory classes and opportunities to try different instruments before committing.

Looking for More Great Youth Sports and Activities?

The post Youth Music Programs: A Sioux Falls Area Guide appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the May/June 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

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The days are getting shorter, school is back in session, and before we know it, winter activities will be here. Now is a good time to start looking ahead for registration deadlines!  

Here are a few Sioux Falls Area programs to have on your radar. 

Hockey: The Sioux Falls Flyers Youth Hockey Association offers several City League options for the 2026-27 season. Registration deadlines begin September 21st for these leagues. 

Soccer: Soccer Sprouts serves children ages 3-10 and focuses on soccer skills, confidence, and teamwork. They play indoors during the winter; pay attention to their website for when registration opens for their winter sessions.   

Basketball: The YMCA’s Y-Force Youth Basketball program is open to kids ages 4 through high school, with opportunities for players of different ages and skill levels. Registration closes on September 16th. 

Football: Looking ahead to winter, Sanford Sports Academy’s 7-on-7 football teams offer opportunities for boys ages 10-18 and girls (flag football) ages 10-14. Tryouts for boys are scheduled for November 22nd and for girls on December 13th. 

Outdoor Adventures: The Outdoor Campus offers free, hands-on programs focused on outdoor skills, conservation, hunting, and fishing. Winter registration opens on November 18th. 

All this is just the beginning! From hockey, basketball, gymnastics, music, outdoor adventures, and more, the Sioux Falls Area offers an incredible variety of ways for kids to stay active and discover something they love. 

Looking for more? 

The ‘hood’s Sioux Falls Sports & Activities Guide, sponsored by SDSU Extension, brings local youth sports, classes, clubs, and activities together in one place. It’s organized by category so you can find the right fit for your family without endless searching. 

Visit thehoodmagazine.com/siouxfallssportsandactivitesguide and start exploring what’s next! 

The post Winter Sports Registration Round-Up: Find Your Child’s Next Activity  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

Learn about The Cubhouse, where they create a place where children feel safe, confident, supported, and excited to learn each day.

The post Learn, Play, and Belong appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

Pediatric therapy can help children build the skills they need to move, communicate, regulate emotions, and participate more confidently in everyday life—all through playful, child-led, and highly skilled care. 

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes they benefit from extra support along the way. Pediatric therapy provides individualized strategies and interventions to help children overcome challenges, build confidence, and continue progressing toward meaningful milestones. 

At Move U Pediatric Therapy in Sioux Falls, our approach is different. Therapy sessions are intentionally designed to be child-led, playful, and joyful while still delivering highly skilled, evidence-informed care. We believe children learn best through connection, movement, and play. 

Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) 

Occupational Therapy helps children participate more successfully in daily activities at home, school, and in the community. 

OT can help children: 

• Improve emotional regulation and sensory processing  

• Develop fine motor skills for dressing, handwriting, feeding, and play  

• Increase attention, independence, and participation in routines  

Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) 

Physical Therapy supports strength, coordination, balance, and movement development. 

PT can help children: 

• Achieve milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping  

• Improve balance, coordination, and posture  

• Support for successful and independent bowel/bladder movements 

• Build confidence with movement, sports, and playground activities  

Benefits of Pediatric Speech Therapy 

Speech Therapy supports communication, feeding, and oral motor development. 

Speech Therapy can help children: 

• Improve speech clarity and language development  

• Build confidence in communicating wants, needs, and emotions  

• Support feeding challenges, picky eating, and oral motor coordination  

Why Families Choose Move U 

At Move U, therapy is more than exercises, doing the same activities while seated at a table, or repetition. Our sensory-rich environment encourages children to explore, move, and engage naturally while building important developmental skills. Families appreciate our collaborative approach, individualized care plans, and focus on helping children feel successful and confident. 

We proudly offer flexible cash-pay options and are in-network with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

If you have concerns about your child’s development or simply want guidance on the next steps, our team is here to help. 

The post Helping Children Grow Through Pediatric Therapy: How Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Support Confidence, Development & Everyday Success  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

When our family’s dyslexia journey was first featured in Hood Magazine in 2024, my message was simple: early intervention matters. 

Today, after several more years of learning, advocating, and connecting with other families, I believe that message more than ever. 

1 in 5 

Dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 5 individuals, yet many families spend years searching for answers while watching their child struggle academically, emotionally, and socially. Too often, children begin to believe they aren’t smart or capable when, in reality, they simply haven’t been taught in the way their brain learns best. 

As both a parent and a former educator, one of the most eye-opening lessons I learned was that many teachers, including myself early in my career, were never adequately trained to identify dyslexia or understand how the brain learns to read. For years, I believed that if children were exposed to enough books, reading would eventually click. What I later learned is that reading is not a natural process. The brain must build specific pathways and connections, and those pathways are strengthened through direct, explicit, systematic, and multisensory instruction. 

Finding the Right Intervention 

The good news is that when children receive the right intervention, everything can change. 

For our family, early identification helped put our son on a different path. But much of that support came through evaluations, tutoring, training, and resources that required significant time, research, and financial investment outside of school. We were fortunate to find answers, but many families still don’t know where to begin. 

What started as our personal journey has grown into a passion for advocacy and community change. Through parent support groups, educational events, and conversations with other families, we’ve discovered we are far from alone. 

Fifth Reader Foundation 

That shared experience inspired the creation of Fifth Reader Foundation, a nonprofit we are excited to launch in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide education, resources, support, and hope to families navigating dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. 

Because when we know better, we can do better. And every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. 

The post From Dyslexia to Self-Advocacy: A Family’s Journey of Growth, Understanding, and Hope  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

By Charmaine Gullikson, First PREMIER Personal Banking Officer

Before your child reaches second grade, they have likely already developed basic financial habits that can last into adulthood. A 2025 study by the American Bankers Association Foundation found that 72% of consumers believe they would be better off financially today if they had learned basic money management skills at a younger age. That’s why introducing money lessons early is more important than many parents realize.

Set the Example Early

Young children learn by watching you, so the habits you model every day can shape how they think about money for years to come. Kids under the age of five can already begin to understand the simple difference between needs and wants. For example, when you go to the grocery store, take a moment to explain why you’re buying milk because it’s something the family needs, but skipping the package of cookies because it’s a want. These small, real-life moments help make money concepts easier to grasp.

Kindergarten Savings

When a child enters kindergarten, they should have their first savings account. As they grow, help them deposit money from chores or gifts into the account and watch it build year after year. Be sure to guide decisions about how much to save and how much to spend, and explain the consequences along the way. For example, if they spend all the money Grandma sent, they won’t have anything left to add to their savings for the bike they want.

Elementary and Pre-Teen

Elementary-aged children have lots of dreams. Ask them what they want to be when they grow up, what they want to buy, and what they want now versus in the future. Then, start showing them how much they need to save to purchase those goals. As they reach their “right now” goals, you’ll find they begin setting even bigger future goals, like saving for a car or college.

Teenagers and First Paychecks

As a teen, teach your child the importance of having money before spending. Talk with them about balancing their accounts and keeping track of their spending and withdrawals. Also, help them understand what happens if they don’t maintain a positive balance. Don’t be too quick to bail them out. It’s much easier to help them fix issues now before they turn into bad habits in the future.

Family Financial Conversation Starters

Help your kids build strong money habits by focusing on these essential financial pillars:

· Earning: Show your kids how they can make money by helping with chores and taking on small jobs around the house.

· Borrowing: If your child wants something but doesn’t have enough money, talk about how they can borrow it from you. Be sure to explain how they will pay it back so they begin to understand credit early on.

· Spending and Saving: Work on a family budget together and track monthly expenses. Focus on needs (home, utilities, food, gas, etc.) and wants (streaming services, dining out, etc.). Choose something to save for as a family, like a vacation or a new camper. Give kids the chance to decide what they want, and they may choose to forego adding more money to family savings.

· Financial Decision Making: Do you need to make a financial decision, like paying for car repairs or purchasing a new refrigerator? Let the family help decide how to make the monthly budget work with these unexpected expenses.

Don’t be afraid to lean on your local banker. We love helping families, especially young people, get on the path to sound financial wellness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charmaine Gullikson is a Personal Banking Officer at First PREMIER Bank in Wakonda, South Dakota. She has been with First PREMIER for 30 years and especially enjoys helping young people establish good money management. Learn more at firstpremier.com. Member FDIC.

This article is a paid advertisement for First PREMIER Bank. The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended to provide specific financial advice or recommendations.

The post Building Smart Money Habits Starts Earlier Than You Think appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Sponsored by Avera Behavioral Health

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

For Dr. Jennifer Keating, supporting children’s mental health isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling. 

As a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Avera Behavioral Health, Dr. Keating works with children, teens, and families facing a wide range of mental health challenges. She’s also the mother of two young daughters, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges today’s families face. 

At Avera Behavioral Health, Dr. Keating is part of a team providing care across the full spectrum of mental health services. 

When Should Parents Seek Help? 

One of the most difficult questions for parents is knowing when a child may need additional support. 

According to Dr. Keating, parents should pay attention to noticeable changes in their child’s behavior, routines, or personality. A child who suddenly withdraws from friends, experiences changes in sleep or eating habits, or becomes unusually irritable may be signaling that something deeper is going on. 

“In adults, we think of low mood and sadness,” Dr. Keating says. “But for kids, oftentimes depression can present as irritability.” 

She stressed that parents know their children best. If you feel like something is off, trust your instinct. Start by having conversations with your child. Sometimes the best discussions happen while driving, taking a walk, or doing another activity side-by-side rather than sitting face-to-face. 

If concerns continue, reach out to their primary care provider. 

Primary care providers can help determine whether a physical cause may be contributing to behavioral changes and can connect families with therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other specialists when needed. 

Two Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health 

As both a psychiatrist and a mom who practices these tips with her own family, Dr. Keating believes there are practical things families can do every day to support their children’s emotional well-being. 

1. Put the Phone Down 

Dr.Keating believes one of the most important things parents can do in today’s modern world is be intentional about putting their phones down. 

“When parents are on their phone, for kids, it’s like removing their presence from their lives,” she says. 

Children recognize when parents are distracted, even at a young age. Being fully engaged, whether during dinner, playtime, or a simple conversation, helps build the connection children need to feel supported. 

2. Listen More Than You Talk 

When children come to parents with problems, the natural instinct is often to fix them. 

“One of the main things I hear kids, adolescents in particular, say when they come into the hospital is, ‘I just want mom and dad to listen.'” 

Children often want to feel heard before they receive advice. Listen and resist the urge to immediately solve the problem; by doing so, you can help create a space where kids feel comfortable sharing. 

Connection-Seeking Behaviors 

When a child is trying to get a parent’s or another adult’s attention, they can have what many would consider to be negative attention-seeking behaviors. 

Rather than viewing those moments negatively, Dr. Keating encourages adults to see them differently. 

“Look at that as connection-seeking behaviors. When you think of it that way, it’s a kid who just needs a connection with an adult in their life,” she says. 

Caring for Families Across South Dakota 

Mental health challenges among children and teens are more common than many people realize. Yet stigma can still make it difficult for families to seek support. 

Dr. Keating hopes parents understand they are not alone. 

At Avera Behavioral Health, that reality is reflected in the wide range of services available throughout the region. The organization continues to invest in programs that meet families where they are. 

As the state’s primary behavioral health center, Avera serves families from Sioux Falls and communities across South Dakota and the surrounding region. 

For Dr. Keating, the work aligns closely with Avera’s mission of caring for people when they need it most. 

“We’re gonna help those who can’t help themselves by giving them some tools to interact with their environments in a more successful way,” she says. 

Whether a family is navigating everyday challenges, seeking therapy for the first time, or facing a mental health crisis, Dr. Keating wants parents to know support is available and that asking for help can be one of the most important steps toward helping a child thrive. 

Services Offered at Avera Behavioral Health 

“Every day we have an opportunity to step into a family’s life at one of the toughest parts of their life and make an impact. We have the opportunity to change a life every single day.” 

Thomas Otten, Vice President of Avera Behavioral Health 

The post Helping Kids Thrive: Avera Behavioral Health’s Commitment to Families  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue.

In South Dakota, agriculture is more than an industry. It is a way of life woven into the identity of families, communities, and generations. But, behind the long days in the field and the resilience farm families are known for, mental health challenges have increasingly come into focus. Farmers and ranchers face significant stress from unpredictable weather, rising costs, labor shortages, financial pressures, and the responsibility of sustaining operations that have often been in families for generations.

These challenges affect not only producers, but entire families including spouses balancing multiple roles, children growing up in high-stress environments, and loved ones carrying the emotional weight that often comes with agricultural life. Conversations around mental health in rural communities are becoming more common, helping reduce stigma and encouraging families to seek support when needed.

Recognizing the growing need to increase access to mental health care and improve the affordability of counseling services, South Dakota State University Extension launched the Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher Program for agricultural producers and their families. Through a partnership with Rising Hope Counseling, the program offers up to five free counseling sessions for farmers, ranchers, spouses, children, and agribusiness professionals.

With 28 locations across South Dakota and telehealth options available, families can access counseling services from a nearby office or the comfort of home. In addition to improving depressive and anxiety symptoms, counseling can be helpful for relationship issues, improving family communication, discussing generational transitions in farming, decreasing stress, learning effective coping skills and managing grief or loss. An interest form can be completed on the SDSU Extension or Rising Hope webpages.

If you are experiencing farm stress or want to help others who are experiencing farm stress, organizations have expanded efforts across South Dakota. The following resources include other options for seeking assistance:   

Resources

• Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline
  The Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline is staffed with mental health professionals who can discuss symptoms and provide referral information. The hotline is staffed 24/7, and the call is confidential. The phone number is 1-800-691-4336.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 with trained operators who respond to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. 

• 741741 Crisis Text Line

Trained operators respond to texts, chats, or WhatsApp messages 24/7. Text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live crisis counselor. 

• 1-800-447-1985 Concern Hotline

The Concern Hotline is operated by Iowa State University Extension and is available 24/7. Trained operators answer calls, chats, and emails on specific topic areas including financial issues, crisis/disaster response, stress, and suicidal ideations. Those residing in South Dakota can also call this hotline number to receive assistance. 

• 1-800-327-6243 Farm Aid

When you contact Farm Aid, the goal is to connect farmers with helpful services, resources and opportunities specific to individual needs. The Farmer Resource Network offers many ways to connect and assists all farmers regardless of scale or production.

• The North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center
  The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides information on training and professional services, a resource clearinghouse, and telephone helplines. 

About the Author

Andrea Bjornestad

Professor & SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist

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