October 2013
Little Kids, Big Questions: What Every Parent of Toddlers and Preschoolers Wants to Know
How do I know when my toddler is ready to potty train? Why did he become so aggressive and should I be worried? Why does she refuse nearly everything I try to get her to do? How do I get him to try new foods? Why doesn’t time out work for me? Hear answers to these toddler and preschool questions and bring some of your own.
Wednesday, October 2 6:15-7:15 pm $15 per person
Instructor: Michelle Johnston
Location: First Baptist Church 2709 Monument Avenue Richmond 23220
The Role of Birth Order in Child Development (Parents of Children 0-10 yrs.)
Where a child falls in birth order can drive behavior in all kinds of interesting ways. This class will look at the particular characteristics that tend to ring true in most families. We will discuss the only child, the oldest child, the baby and of course, the middle child. See family dynamics through your child’s eyes.
Wednesday: October 9 6:15-7:15 pm $15 per person Instructor: Susan Brown
Location: First Baptist Church 2709 Monument Avenue Richmond 23220
From Lies and Fibs to Truth and Trust (Parents of Children 10-15 yrs.)
Does your child leave out important information when you talk? Are they more protective of their privacy? Are their little white lies growing bigger? Lying and cheating are among the most frustrating teen behaviors. Discuss why they do it, how you can respond and how to rebuild trust in your relationship.
Thursday: October 10 6:00-8:00 pm $30 per person Instructor: Michelle Johnston
Location: The Children’s Museum of Richmond, Central 2626 W. Broad Street Richmond 23220
Dadchat : (Men who Parent Children of Any Age)
Moms talk about being a mother every chance they get. Talking about being a dad is something that men don’t typically do. Dadchat is a wonderful opportunity for those conversations. Dads get together in a casual environment and talk about the ups and downs of fatherhood. This free program (except for any food or drink you wish to purchase) is held at local restaurants around the Richmond area. Discussion is moderated by a professional Family Educator and an experienced dad.
Tuesday: October 15 6:30-8:30pm FREE Facilitator: John Richardson-Lauve
Location: Northside Grille 1217 Bellevue Avenue Richmond 23227
Bullying: Decoded (Parents of Children 5-11 yrs.)
October is National Bullying Intervention Month! As reflected in the media, bullying and its harmful effects are becoming a growing concern throughout our country. Bullying occurs at the playground, at school and includes the computer and cell phone. In this workshop, parents will be presented with the latest in bullying trends and statistics, find out about print and web resources available on the topic and learn strategies to help their student prevent and deal with bullying in a healthy way.
Tuesday: October 15 6:00-8:00 pm $30 per person
Instructor: Jentae Mayo
Location: The Children’s Museum-Short Pump
2200 Old Brick Rd Glen Allen 23060
Creating Balance in a Competitive World (Parents of Children 0- 10 yrs.)
Parental stress skyrockets when what we think of as our role as a parent collides with the expectations of a competitive world. Children’s involvement in school, homework, sports, friends, volunteering, etc. can really tip the scales when considering what is truly in the best interest of our families. Discuss strategies that assist toward regaining “balance” in your family as well as moving toward a more parent-centered lifestyle.
Wednesday: October 16 6:15-7:15 pm $15 per person Instructor: Susan Brown
Location: First Baptist Church 2709 Monument Avenue Richmond 23220
You Can’t Make Me! Parenting the Defiant Child (Parents of Children 2-6 yrs.)
Does the phrase, “you can’t make me!” sound all too familiar when describing your child’s behavior? Is “no” your child’s favorite word? Do you sometimes feel that everyone else’s child is so much more compliant than your child? Defiance can be one of the most frustrating parental challenges. In this class, learn more about defiance as a developmental stage, and how to know when it’s more than “just a phase.” If you are running out of ideas to manage your child’s defiance, this is the class for you.
Monday, October 21 6:30-8:30 pm $30 per person
Instructor: Susan Brown
Location: Canterbury Community Preschool
601 N. Parham Rd Richmond 23229
Raising the Resilient Child (Parents of Children 0-5 yrs.)
Helping children to build life skills has become more important than ever. Have you thought about how your child will handle responsibilities as he/she grows? Would you like to see your child develop greater self-confidence? Find out how to encourage children to solve their own problems, learn from the consequences of their choices and think for themselves. Allowing our children to have both success and failures in a safe, nurturing environment builds self-confidence and motivation to make positive choices.
Tuesday, October 22 6:30-8:30 pm $30 per person Instructor: Susan Brown
Location: Promises Preschool @Three Chopt Presbyterian Church 9315 Three Chopt Road Richmond 23229
ADHD Students: Paths to Success (For Parents of School-aged Children)
Gain an understanding of how parents can help their child to experience school success. Learn some strategies for working with the child on the symptoms which effect education such as disorganization, procrastination, distraction and fidgeting. Get tips for positive communication between school and home and how to advocate for support in schools, childcare and the community.
Wednesday: October 23 6:00-8:00 pm $30 per person Instructor: Michelle Johnston
Location: The Children’s Museum of Richmond, Central
2626 W. Broad Street Richmond 23220
Positive Ways to Get Your Children to “Listen” to You (Parents of Children 5-11 yrs.)
One of the top frustrations of parenting is when a parent feels their child just doesn’t “listen” to them. Often this results in an emotional escalation between parent and child, and nobody wins. There is a difference between talking to a child and actually communicating with them. This class helps parent understand what they are doing that makes children “tune out” and offers strategies for making simple changes that will inspire cooperation in their children.
Thursday: October 24 6:00-8:00 pm $30 per person Instructor: Michelle Sharma Children’s Museum -Chesterfield
6629 Lake Harbour Dr. Midlothian 23112
Winterpock Crossing Shopping Center
How to Manage Feelings (Parents of Children 2-5 yrs.)
Successful emotional development, such as how a child identifies and reacts to feelings both in himself and others is a crucial predictor of academic and social success. Cultivating emotional and social skills begins early in childhood.
Understand how children develop emotionally.
Learn strategies to help children manage their own difficult feelings of sadness and anger.
Get tips for helping children control impulses.
Help children understand how to manage their relationships, make friends and resolve conflicts.
Discuss ways to teach children empathy and how to feel something from another person’s point of view.
Thursday: October 24 6:00-8:00 pm $30 per person Instructor: Michelle Sharma Children’s Museum-Chesterfield
6629 Lake Harbour Dr. Midlothian 23112
Winterpock Crossing Shopping Center
Pre-Registration Required
Call 545-1272 or register online
www.commonwealthparenting.org