Interactive presentations include in-depth knowledge, lived experience and opportunities to work through situations, as well as a Q & A period.

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Pause, Listen & Connect: Navigating the Transition from Childhood to Adolescence

 

As children move towards their teen years, their need for autonomy and privacy often disrupts family routines, leaving many parents feeling stuck in knowing how to communicate and connect. Additionally, as their children's social world opens up, parents are often challenged and worried about seemingly risky behaviours. Many parents with children aged 11 through 18 (grade 6-12) wish they had started certain routines, had different conversations, or had learned a particular something prior to their child becoming a teenager. This workshop focuses on helping parents with elementary-aged children create family and lifestyle conditions now, that will assist them in navigating the transition from childhood into adolescence.

 

With the goal of deepening relationships to assist in the continued development of contented, thriving, motivated kids, parents will leave feeling confident about their children’s future because of what they are able to do in the present. Using current research, knowledge and anecdotal experience, Nicola will offer optimistic and practical strategies that can be taken home and adapted into any family structure.

 

Managing Productive Struggle: Building confidence and resilience in the face of challenge! 

 

This is a lively and informative presentation exploring how you can support your child when they are experiencing the frustration, stress and, anxiety that comes from tackling challenges. Whether it be social, emotional or academic concerns, parents will learn how to align and guide their children, thereby increasing their sense of agency and building confidence.  This presentation will explore the concept of power, brain development in children and what it means for parents as children pass through the various stages of growing up.

 

Avoiding the traps of becoming a helicopter or snowplow parent, parents can feel more in tune with their values and parenting style when they know they are engaging practical strategies that promote positive growth. There will be ample opportunities for questions throughout the presentation.

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Navigating the Digital World

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Keeping up with what's going on in the digital world is a challenge for most families. Navigating the various forms of technology can cause frustration, arguments and disconnection within relationships. There are many benefits that come with using technology, but how do we gain enough knowledge to make thoughtful decisions that support our children and youth's physical, mental and emotional health while maintaining close, connected relationships? Along with the many benefits of technological progress, there can also be an unmistakable cost. There is no one perfect plan for every family.

Learn how apps, games and messaging tools can be effectively managed. Learn about VPNs, hotspots, Discord, Tik Tok, Instagram and more. Discussion will focus on the common ways that students misuse their technology and guide parents in determining what is best for their family in terms of filters, controls and communication at home.

 

Friendship, Conflict & Building Resilience

 

Conflict is a natural part of growth. This presentation outlines the development stages of children's emotional and social behaviours and supports parents helping their children learn to make friends, uphold their own values and negotiate conflicts and peer relationships with confidence. 

 

This session allow parents to workshop their own situations and come up with strategies to support their own children to make confident and healthy decisions in their developing relationships.

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Self-Regulation: Building the Mind-Body Connection With Children

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Over the past two years, children have had to adapt to a myriad of uncertain and anxiety-provoking situations and have had reduced exposure to typical social interactions. Additionally, screen time usage has increased and parents are fatigued in balancing the demands of work and home. This session is designed to help parents recognize how their child(ren)'s behaviour is related to their experiences, and how that behaviour is a direct form of communication, even when it includes tantrums, withdrawal, physical interactions and verbal outbursts. 

You will leave this presentation with a deeper understanding of age appropriate behaviour and practical strategies to assist your child(ren) with stronger self-regulation and communication. Increased healthy self-regulation helps children achieve academic success, develop strong friendships/relationships and create  a positive pathway for the future.

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