Workshops

Before handling aggressive or mean impulses, teachers must become fluent in the language of children and be capable of translating their behavior. This workshop will introduce a hands on translation technique, as well as focusing  on the relationship between gender and behavior.

The process of helping a child learn to use the toilet can be a rewarding experience that enriches the parent-child relationship. Armed with a few basic facts and simple step-by-step instructions, parents learn to lovingly guide their children through this natural process. The workshop also addresses how to handle children who are delayed in toilet learning, who withhold bowel movements, who prefer to stand or squat when having a bowel movement or who are afraid to use the toilet. PRACTICAL techniques for all of these challenges will be presented.

Respectful communication is the key to successful relationships. Yet many times respect is lost when conflict arises, or when others make decisions with which we don't agree. And when respect is not maintained, relationships deteriorate. In this broad-based workshop participants will learn the value of respect and the skills involved in maintaining a respectful attitude even in the face of anger or belligerance.

Single parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by the intensity of their own as well as their children's feelings. At times they may feel guilt about their single parent status, or insecure about whether they're doing a good job. With these feelings near the surface, it's sometimes painful for parents to see that their children also have feelings of insecurity, anger, guilt or sadness. Learn how to give the children in your single-parent household a sense of family and how to explore uncomfortable feelings without guilt or anxiety. Julie A.

When parents are asked to list what qualities they would most like to see in their children, honesty ranks high on the list. Yet every child at some point will experiment with lying, cheating or stealing. These forays into dishonesty need not cause parents to despair -- they can actually be an opportunity for parents to help their children internalize good values, and to further develop the parent-child relationship.

It's difficult for parents to see their children feeling hurt, angry, upset, sad. Learn why it's important that our children be allowed to feel their feelings, and how to resist "fixing it". These tools help parents be supportive and understanding, so hurt, angry, upset, sad feelings diminish more quickly for the child. Children end up feeling understood and become more resourceful problem solvers. The parent-child relationship is enriched in the process.

Most parents want to hear how things are going at school, what their children's friends are up to, how they like their teachers at school, but what happens when your child clams up? Or seems angry with you and won't communicate? Or is talking nonsense? Children sometimes answer questions about "how was your day" with a monosyllabic "fine" and parents are left wondering what there is to listen to! Other children, when trying to communicate problems, will scream and yell and parents aren't sure they even want to listen anymore!

"Teenagers! Dey tink dey know everyting!" proclaims Sebastian, the "guardian" crab of 'Ariel', the Little Mermaid in Disney's film of the same title. "And isn't that the truth!" most parents of a teenager respond with despair. .For many parents and their teens, adolescence is a period of upheaval and conflict. A child who was once cooperative and communicative suddenly becomes opinionated, withdrawn, and rebellious. Parents often wake up one morning to find themselves totally bewildered about how to handle this "stranger" who used to be their child.

Are you embarrassed when your child throws a terrible tantrum in public? Do you find yourself placating or giving in to your child because you're worried that he'll pitch a fit in a store? Do you feel helpless, frustrated and even angry when tantrums occur? Has your child ever thrown a tantrum that made you want to have one too? Well, tantrum no more! This workshop focuses on tantrums and the most effective methods of diminishing their frequency. You'll leave with plenty of tools that work!

When you added one more to your family, you probably never expected you'd be adding quadruple the challenges. If the dynamics between your children are starting to make you think about moving to a different country (alone), come to this seminar before you move out. We'll talk about issues directly related to parents who have more than one child (or who are expecting a new addition). We'll examine how parents can encourage a healthy, loving relationship between their sibs.

This unique workshop will give you an invaluable "problem solving model" which enables you to discern how to handle any problem that might arise in your classroom. Specific techniques with clear examples will be given which will help you effectively enhance cooperation while maintaining order (and your sanity). These techniques are not only effective, they also build children's self-esteem. Designed for children of any age, this invaluable model will give you the specifics of what to say when, and how to say it.

Do schools give too much homework? Are kids just procrastinating more? The questions that arise around the issue of homework are many. This workshop offers practical solutions to the dilemma of achieving a state of equilibrium between the school, the parent and the child. When all three work together as a team, the child benefits tremendously. Homework, in the end, will be seen as an opportunity to teach children about life, and to help them develop the traits and qualities that will allow them to thrive as adults.