Yesterday’s Yellowstone Academy graduation ceremony at the Ranch marked a powerful milestone—one that was years in the making for seven incredible students.
Some spent nearly their entire educational journeys as day school students at Yellowstone Academy, while others completed the final stretch of high school while in our care.
No matter their path, each student earned far more than a diploma. They walked away with a hard-won victory—a testament to perseverance, growth, and the power of care and connection.
Staff Reflections Highlight Growth, Resilience, and Strength
The 2025 Yellowstone Academy graduation ceremony opened with heartfelt remarks from John Boeder, Chaplain, and Cass Cole, Principal. Their words set the tone for a moving celebration grounded in hope and achievement.
We can’t heal what we don’t allow ourselves to feel. The emotions we bury don’t disappear; they build up, quietly impacting our health, relationships, and sense of peace. Left unaddressed, they can become a heavy weight that we pass down through our parenting—rippling through future generations.
Below are fifteen quotes on generational patterns, trauma, and the journey to emotional healing.
Quotes Exploring the Path to Emotional Healing
Quote 1: That which is left unresolved from our childhood will land on the lap of our romantic partnerships + our parenting. – Inspired by Dr. Erika Velez
What remains unsettled within us finds its way into our parenting and relationships. Through self-awareness and compassion, we can break free from the patterns that no longer serve us. By nurturing our emotional well-being, we pave the way for a brighter, more connected future.
Quote 2: When children have big feelings, and we use toys, treats, or activities to distract them from what’s upsetting, we show them how to escape uncomfortable feelings rather than how to cope and move through them. – @aparentingpath
When children experience big emotions, it can be tempting to resort to toys, treats, or activities as a quick fix to help them feel better. But when we choose this path, we unintentionally teach them to evade rather than confront their discomfort.
Instead, embrace the opportunity to teach kids how to sit with and process their emotions. By holding space, validating feelings, and gently guiding children through challenging moments, we equip them with the tools to cope, grow, and thrive.
Quote 3: Addiction begins with the hope that something “out there” can instantly fill the emptiness inside. – Jean Kilbourne
Addiction is often born from a pattern of seeking external comforts to escape internal discomfort. When we distract kids from their feelings, we unintentionally teach them to avoid or suppress their emotions rather than develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate through them.
Early patterns of seeking instant relief set the stage for addiction as we learn to seek external sources to fill our inner void. We must teach kids how to recognize, express, and process their emotions, providing them with the tools to cope, heal, and build resilience in facing life’s challenges.
Quote 4: If we never let children go through the full wave of emotions when the emotion hits, there won’t be the assurance that it will pass. That is scary. – Krysten Taprell
Emotions are like waves, rising and falling in intensity. We must allow kids to experience the entire spectrum of the waters.
If we shield them from the waves, they may not grasp the temporary nature of emotions—which, for a child, can be scary. But when we courageously guide them through the storm, we assure them that feelings pass, bringing strength and comfort.
Quote 5: Numbing is a very human defense mechanism. It is a disconnect to protect ourselves from what has been emotionally and relationally too vulnerable, overwhelming, hurtful, or unsafe. – Inspired by Lelia Schott
Numbing acts as a disconnect, offering temporary respite from the intensity of our emotions—but while momentarily comforting, it prevents healing.
We must allow ourselves to experience emotions, embracing our discomfort with courage and compassion. By facing our vulnerabilities head-on, we create space for healing and lay the path to resilience.
Quote 6: Research on emotional suppression shows that when emotions are pushed aside or ignored, they get stronger. Psychologists call this amplification. – Inspired by Susan David
We have to feel it to heal it. By embracing our emotions, we open the door to self-regulation—cultivating greater self-awareness, healthier responses to others, and a more balanced journey.
Quote 7: Yes, your emotions are valid, but that is not permission to react to those emotions in any way you feel like it. We are all connected, and words and actions are impactful, so use them responsibly. – Inspired by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Yes, our emotions are valid, and it’s important to honor and acknowledge them. But it’s equally essential to recognize that our emotions don’t permit us to react without considering the impact on others.
Our words and actions hold power. Even in the face of intense emotions, we have the capacity to respond thoughtfully. We can choose words that heal rather than harm—actions that uplift rather than tear down.
Quote 8: A lot of our explosive emotional reactions aren’t actually a response to the present moment. They’re a build-up of all the times we were in a similar dynamic and did not stand up for ourselves, use our voices, or express our emotions. – @haileypaigemagee
Our emotional reactions often trace back to unresolved echoes of our past, reverberating through our present experiences. By acknowledging our feelings, we grant ourselves the space to understand their origins—unraveling the threads of past experiences that continue to weave into our present reactions.
As we cultivate a deeper understanding, we unlock the power of healthier responses to others, fostering empathy and compassion in our connections.
Quote 9: Never let your emotions overpower your intelligence. – Drake Taylor
Have you heard of the term “emotional hijacking?” It refers to a sudden and intense emotional response that bypasses our ability to process situations logically.
Our amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and triggering the fight-or-flight response, takes over the rational thinking processes of the prefrontal cortex, resulting in impulsive behaviors, exaggerated emotional reactions, and difficulty in making sound decisions.
It can occur in response to perceived threats, stressful events, or triggers of traumatic experiences, leading to outbursts of anger, fear, or sadness that may be disproportionate to a situation.
Recognizing when emotional hijacking is taking place is essential to responding effectively. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and taking a step back to assess can help us regain control over our emotions and allow for more thoughtful responses.
Quote 10: It’s not about managing your emotions. It’s about managing your reaction to your emotions. – Inspired by Yung Pueblo
Emotional intelligence is not just about controlling our emotions but leveraging them as a source of strength. More than managing our feelings, it’s empowering ourselves to manage our reactions to them effectively.
Quote 11: Identifying the pattern is awareness; choosing not to repeat the cycle is growth. – Billy Chapata
Growth starts when we consciously decide not to perpetuate old cycles—a journey that begins with self-awareness. By identifying patterns woven into our interactions and tuning into our emotions, we can understand ourselves and others more profoundly.
Once we start this trek, we’re better able to respond intentionally to those in our lives rather than simply reacting—a transformative step towards greater well-being and more harmonious relationships.
Quote 12: We cannot be more connected to others than we are to ourselves. – Brene Brown
True connection to others begins with cultivating a deep connection to ourselves. Through self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-compassion, we create the foundation for meaningful and authentic relationships.
When we prioritize nurturing our own well-being, we unlock the capacity to understand and empathize with others on a more profound level. By tending to our own emotional landscape, we gain the tools to navigate the intricate terrain of human connection.
Quote 13: Our ability to tolerate anger, frustration, and behavior we don’t like is a skill we can strengthen by investigating the source of our discomfort. – Lori Petro
We can’t meet others more deeply than we’ve met ourselves.
By delving into the root causes of our discomfort, we open the door to strengthening our emotional resilience. As we gain insight into our triggers and patterns, we empower ourselves to respond with empathy and understanding to others.
Remember, our capacity to navigate anger, frustration, and behaviors that challenge us is a skill we can hone. Through self-reflection and curiosity, we expand our ability to tolerate + hold space for others, fostering healthier relationships.
Quote 14: Practicing how to turn toward ourselves with curious compassion when we are having a hard time is a big step towards softening our reactions. – Lelia Schott
In challenging moments when emotions are high and patience is low, we can respond instead of react.
By cultivating the ability to pause and tune into our emotions, we create space for understanding and acceptance. When we extend compassion to ourselves, we open the door to softer, more empathetic responses to others.
Quote 15: Look at yourself through the lens of compassion and understanding. Only then growth is possible. – Anna Aslanian, LMFT
Self-awareness is a powerful tool that allows us to evolve and thrive—both personally and professionally. By looking at ourselves through a lens of compassion, we open the door to endless opportunities for growth.
May is MMIP Awareness Month, a time to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and raise visibility around the violence impacting Native communities. At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, youth and staff gathered for a powerful vigil on Wednesday, May 14th, that brought this national crisis close to home.
Youth-Led Vigil Brings Focus to MMIP Awareness
Led by Mustang Nation—a youth-led cultural club through our Native American Services program—the event was held in the Chapel on campus. Youth and staff came together to reflect, learn, and take action.
The vigil raised awareness about MMIP, the risks of human trafficking, and the growing dangers of illicit fentanyl in Indigenous communities. To close the gathering, participants joined in a Red Sand activation—filling sidewalk cracks with red sand to symbolize those who have fallen through the cracks of systems meant to protect them.
Standing in Solidarity, Amplifying Awareness
Among those present were Mike Chavers, CEO; Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator; Charlie Sleeper, Mental Health Worker; Eric Thorson, Licensed Addiction Counselor; and MMIP advocates Yolanda Fraser and Justin Ras. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to standing with Indigenous communities and amplifying youth voices.
As we observe MMIP Awareness Month, we recommit to listening, learning, and taking action. Events like this remind us that awareness is only the beginning—what follows must be ongoing support, advocacy, and change.
Shirts Now Available to Support MMIP Efforts
Youth at the Ranch designed a T-shirt to raise awareness and funds in support of MMIP efforts. Proceeds from shirt purchases go directly toward advocacy and outreach.
This spring, we’re celebrating teammates who put in the work—earning everything from professional certificates to master’s degrees, including our MSW crew at Carroll College.
Each of these professionals balanced full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and challenging academic coursework—all while continuing to serve youth and families with heart and perseverance.
Their achievement is a testament to what’s possible when education is supported and aligned with purpose. At YBGR, we believe in investing in the people delivering critical youth mental health services across Montana. By creating opportunities for professional development, we expand access to care in our rural communities and strengthen our workforce from within.
Our “Grow Your Own” Program: Advancing MSW Careers & More
YBGR and Yellowstone Academy offer several pathways to pursue an MSW or other academic goals through our “Grow Your Own” initiative:
Student loan repayment grants support therapists currently practicing at YBGR or the Academy.
These supports help our team grow while expanding the care we provide to kids across Montana.
Grow Your Career While Giving Back
Looking for a meaningful career where you can grow professionally and make an impact? Join our team of caring people, preparing youth for life! Navigate to our Careers tab to explore our open positions.
When emotions run high, your ability to regulate—to effectively manage your emotions, energy levels, and behaviors—makes all the difference. It’s an essential skill, not just for your own well-being, but for navigating relationships with others in a way that builds trust and connection.
We all have moments when our feelings take over—when frustration builds or someone hits a nerve. In those moments, it’s easy to react. But when we pause, reflect, and respond with intention, we strengthen our relationships and model emotional balance for those around us.
How to Regulate Emotions & Respond to Others
Here are five simple, powerful tips to help you regulate in the moment and respond with clarity—not overwhelm.
Identify Your Triggers
Start by paying attention to the patterns—those moments that consistently spark strong emotional responses. Do certain situations, tones, or topics light a fuse? Recognizing your triggers isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness. When you understand what’s setting you off, you’re better equipped to respond instead of react.
Pause and Breathe
When you notice your body or mind getting activated, give yourself a beat. Pause. Breathe. That tiny gap between stimulus and response? It matters. It’s where self-control lives. The goal isn’t to ignore what you’re feeling—it’s to create just enough space to choose how you want to respond.
Notice What You Feel
Emotions often show up in the body before the brain fully catches on. A tight chest. Clenched jaw. Restless legs. Be curious about those signals—they’re information. Tuning in to what you feel physically can offer insight into what’s happening emotionally.
Accept Your Emotions
There’s no “bad” emotion. Anger, sadness, fear—these are all natural parts of being human. Accepting your emotions doesn’t mean letting them run the show. It means acknowledging what’s present without judgment. Practicing self-compassion in tough moments helps us show up better for others and for ourselves.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s simply about noticing what’s happening—inside you and around you. Use your senses. What do you hear? Feel? See? Returning to the present helps you stay grounded when emotions feel big.
The Bottom Line
Regulating emotions isn’t about stuffing them down or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about building awareness, creating space, and responding with intention. Whether you’re parenting a child with big feelings or navigating the complexities of professional life, these small shifts can have a big impact.
You won’t get it perfect every time—and that’s okay. But with practice, you’ll start to notice moments of calm where there once was chaos. And those moments matter.
Trauma triggers can be easy to miss—especially in children. But recognizing them is key to understanding behavior, offering meaningful support, and helping kids feel safe.
What’s a trauma trigger? A trigger is a reminder of past trauma. It can set off an emotional alarm system, causing feelings of overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or panic.
A good indicator that trauma has been triggered is when response intensity doesn’t match the intensity of stressors or when behaviors seem confusing or inexplicable.
Look for Emotions Driving Behaviors
When navigating triggers, get curious. Look for the emotions driving behaviors and use mirroring as a tool for supportive conversations.
When we acknowledge we’re aware of children’s feelings & experiences, it’s normalizing. We don’t need to talk them out of their feelings—this kind of recognition is healing.
In April, we had the privilege of welcoming tribal chairmen and council members from across Montana to the Ranch for a closer look at our Native American Services programming—a vital piece of how we deliver on our mission: Caring people, preparing youth for life.
Native American Services — Cultural Connection in Practice
Our Native American Services program weaves cultural connection into treatment at the Ranch—supporting healing, strengthening identity, and fostering belonging. From weekly smudging and cultural activities to classroom integration, Native heritage is part of everyday life for youth who choose to participate.
We welcomed guests with a smudge prepared for the occasion using a custom blend from Lunar Brambles, a small herbal business that provides ongoing support, free of charge, to Mustang Nation—a key part of our programming.
Shared Conversation and Commitment
The visit was led by Josie Brady, our Native American Services Coordinator, whose work anchors the program and creates meaningful opportunities for cultural connection at the Ranch. Under her guidance, the day included space for honest conversation, shared insight, and reflections on how we can continue to strengthen our work moving forward.
We’re grateful for the time spent together—and for the opportunity to walk alongside youth in ways that honor their culture and identity.
Do you have a child who struggles with anxiety? If so, you know that anxious feelings can shine through in several less-than-straightforward ways—making them, at times, tricky to navigate.
Common Missed Signs of Anxiety
Quotes Illustrating How to Help Kids Navigate Anxiety
Below are seventeen quotes illustrating childhood anxiety, its trajectory, and how to support kids.
Quote 1: Anxiety doesn’t always look like a nervous child. Sometimes it looks like a quiet, angry, or difficult child. – Unknown
Anxiety in kids can be easy to miss if we’re only looking for signs of nervousness. More often than not, it hides behind behaviors we misread—like refusal, irritability, or silence.
What looks like “bad behavior” is often the language of distress. Kids who feel out of control inside will try to find control in the only ways they can.
Anxiety is the brain’s alarm system working overtime—scanning for danger and often misfiring.
Quote 2: Anxiety is often masked by aggression. – @raisinghumankind
Aggression can be anxiety’s armor. When a child feels emotionally cornered, they may fight their way out by yelling, hitting, or pushing limits.
This isn’t defiance—it’s protection. Many children don’t yet have the language to express what they’re feeling, so their body speaks for them.
Quote 3: Consistent anger from a child is often a sign of overwhelm and anxiety. – Sarah Boyd
When a child seems angry all the time, it’s easy to assume they’re just being difficult. But anger, especially when it becomes a pattern, is usually a sign that something deeper is going on.
Here’s what’s actually happening: Their nervous system is overwhelmed.
Instead of moving through stress and returning to calm, their body stays on high alert—stuck in a state that feels unsafe, even if there’s no obvious danger. That constant tension builds, and it often spills out as anger. It’s not about bad behavior. It’s about a body and brain that can’t reset.
What kids need isn’t harsher consequences—it’s support. Tools that help them feel safe, calm, and connected.
Without intervention, that stress response pattern can hardwire itself, following kids into adulthood and shaping how they respond to the world. Understanding this doesn’t mean we excuse the behavior—but it does change how we respond to it.
Quote 4: Frustration, anger, and fear shut down the thinking parts of our brain. When your child is dysregulated, they cannot access the smartest part of the brain until their emotions are calmed. – Institute of Child Psychology
Ever tried reasoning with a child mid-meltdown? It’s like trying to explain taxes to someone whose house is on fire. The brain literally can’t take in logic when it’s in panic mode.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman called this an “amygdala hijack”—when the emotional center of the brain (the amygdala) senses threat and takes over, sending the body into fight, flight, or freeze.
When this happens, the thinking part of the brain—responsible for decision-making and problem-solving—goes offline. At that moment, our job isn’t to fix the behavior with words. It’s to help their body feel safe again.
Fewer words. Slower breath. Calm presence.
You’re not teaching—they’re not ready to learn. You’re just helping the storm pass.
Quote 5: Young kids can feel big emotions or think with logic and reason. But they can’t do both at the same time. Connect first. Then reason. – @loveandletgrow
Picture the brain like a ladder. At the bottom are survival instincts—big emotions, impulsive reactions, fight or flight responses. At the top is logical thinking. When a child is upset, they’re down on the bottom rungs.
We can’t ask kids to think clearly if their body still feels under threat. Connection—eye contact, empathy, calm presence—is how we help them climb back up the ladder.
Quote 6: Remember, nobody (child or adult) thinks clearly when emotions are high. Wait for the wave to pass before working through the issue. – Inspired by Krysten Taprell
There’s a time to teach, and it’s not mid-meltdown. Kids need the emotional wave to pass before they can reflect, reset, and try again.
Be patient.
Patience doesn’t mean ignoring the behavior—it means picking the right moment to address it. When a child is dysregulated, their thinking brain goes offline. Giving them a chance to settle first helps bring that part of the brain back online—so they can hear you.
Quote 7: Few adults are comfortable in the presence of a child’s anger. We see it as disrespectful, embarrassing, or threatening. That’s a problem because these outbursts are often nested in worry, confusion, loneliness, anxiety, jealousy, or insecurity. What would happen if we trained ourselves to see children’s anger as an invitation to get curious? What if we practiced stepping toward our kids rather than sending them away until they’ve pulled themselves together? – Deborah Farmer Kris
Big feelings in kids tend to stir up big reactions in adults. But attachment research tells us that when children are dysregulated, they don’t need space from us—they need space with us. Step in, not back.
Your calm presence shows them that emotions aren’t something to be ashamed of—and that they don’t have to face them alone.
Quote 8: When we try to talk kids out of their emotions, they feel like we don’t understand. So their anxiety will then “fight” to be heard. – Unknown
Telling kids to “calm down” or “don’t worry” can feel invalidating—even if we mean well. What they hear is, “You’re overreacting.” When kids don’t feel heard, their anxiety gets louder.
A simple “That sounds really hard” can go a long way in helping them settle. Emotional validation helps the brain feel safe, which is a prerequisite for problem-solving.
Quote 9: If you punish a child for what was actually a stress-induced behavior, all you’ll do is add to the child’s stress load and your own. – Dr. Stuart Shanker
If a child could do better in a challenging moment, they would. Behaviors driven by stress or fear aren’t calculated—they’re reactive. Responding with punishment often makes it worse. What helps is recognizing the signal and responding with regulation. This approach doesn’t remove accountability—it creates a pathway to it.
Quote 10: Children never choose the meltdown or any anxiety-related behavior in the same way that you never choose to have a meltdown in front of your family, colleagues, or friends. A meltdown is not a choice; it’s a byproduct of a brain that isn’t coping with something. And that brain needs to be showered in love, compassion, and safety. Not punishment, fear, or shame. – Allison Davies
No one wants to lose control—not kids, not adults. When a child is melting down, their system is overwhelmed. What they need is an anchor. Someone calm. Someone steady. Someone who reminds them that they’re still safe. The goal is to co-regulate first—only then can reflection and repair happen.
Quote 11: Rhythm and ritual decrease the unknown in a child’s day, which soothes the nervous system and results in fewer meltdowns and less hard-to-navigate behaviors. – Inspired by @raisinghumankind
Kids thrive on knowing what’s next. Ever notice how a breakdown is more likely when plans change at the last minute or routines get skipped?
This is why rituals and routines—like a morning goodbye hug or a nightly story—aren’t just nice traditions. They help calm the body and create the sense of safety anxious kids need to function well.
Quote 12: During high-stress moments or those of transition, provide kids with as much certainty and control as possible to reduce anxiety and increase their ability to cope emotionally. – Unknown
Transitions are fertile ground for anxiety. Offering small choices—what to wear, what book to bring—restores a child’s sense of control. When kids feel like they have a say, their stress load drops. And when they feel prepared, they feel safer.
Quote 13: Feeling out of control as a child creates a need to control as an adult. – @breakthecycle_coaching
When a child grows up in chaos—never sure what mood the adults will be in, or whether they’ll be praised or punished for the same behavior—they learn to brace themselves. Their nervous system stays on high alert, always scanning for what might go wrong. Over time, that constant tension can show up as anxiety, hypervigilance, and a deep need to control the world around them—because control feels like safety.
But here’s the powerful part: when we give kids voice and choice—when we let them feel heard and offer safe, predictable care—we help their nervous systems learn that not everything has to be a threat. We teach them that the world can be safe, and they do get a say.
Quote 14: People prefer the certainty of misery to the misery of uncertainty. – Virginia Satir
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches us something important about anxiety: it feeds on unpredictability. When things feel uncertain or out of control, anxiety ramps up. That’s why kids often cling to what’s familiar—even if it isn’t working. The known feels safer than the unknown.
Virginia Satir’s words above couldn’t be more true for anxious kids. That’s why they may resist change, avoid new situations, or freeze when things feel uncertain. It’s not about defiance—it’s about survival.
The work isn’t to force them out of their comfort zone. It’s to stretch it gently. When we help kids tolerate discomfort—rather than avoid it—we expand their window of tolerance and help them build confidence.
Over time, they learn they can do hard things. And that’s when anxiety starts to loosen its grip.
Quote 15: If we allow kids to avoid the things they fear, they’ll enjoy the short-term relief of staying close to home and the long-term problem of continuing to feel fearful. – Dr. Lisa Damour
Avoidance brings relief—but only for a moment. Long-term, it feeds the fear. Supporting kids in facing fear in small steps helps them realize they’re more capable than they think.
Bravery isn’t fearlessness—it’s fear walked through. And every step builds the belief: “I can do hard things.”
Quote 16: If we want to help our children manage anxiety, we need to celebrate their bravery, not just their success. -Krysten Taprell
A child might not finish the race—but for some, showing up at the starting line takes everything. When we celebrate courage, not just outcomes, we reinforce what matters most: effort, resilience, and the belief that trying again is always worth it.
Highlight the process, not just the performance.
Quote 17: Feeling capable is a natural antidote to anxiety and depression in children and teens. – @drnicolebeurkens
Research on self-efficacy tells us that confidence is built through doing. Kids don’t need to be rescued from struggle—they need support while they move through it. The more capable they feel, the quieter their anxiety becomes.
In April, our YBGR Butte team came together to mark a pivotal moment—celebrating the rebranding of their Community Office and two legacies now serving under one roof.
In a simple ceremony, we laid the old Youth Dynamics signage to rest—paying respect to the decades of care, connection, and hard work that built the foundation we stand on today at 775 W Gold Street.
YBGR Butte Honors Decades of Service
For years, 775 W Gold Street has been a steady presence for kids and families. Generations have walked through these doors—seeking support, finding connection, and building hope.
What we celebrated was not the beginning but the continuation of that work—stronger, together, and reaching more youth and families than ever before.
The work started here is part of a much larger story—one still being written through every youth we serve and every family we support.
Expanding Our Reach Across Silver Bow County and Beyond
Today, our reach is more expansive, and our roots are deeper. From the Ranch to group homes to community-based services, our teams stand with kids at every step—building resilience, delivering hope, and creating strong foundations for the future.
We’re grateful to every team member who makes this work possible. Together, we’re making an impact that will ripple through future generations of children and families.
