This series will be hosted on ZOOM at the designated times. Upon registration, you will receive a link to the ZOOM event via email before the start of the event. You may register to attend individual trainings or the complete 5-training series. Registration closes 7 days before the start of the event.
Series Overview: Learning how to address the uncomfortable and unspeakable is a necessary part of our parenting and teaching. Children struggle when the people close to them get sick, are hospitalized or die. Others struggle with issues associated with domestic violence, substance abuse or mental illness in their family. The desire to shelter children from some of life’s harsher realities must be balanced with teaching them skills so they grow into compassionate and healthy individuals. This series covers valuable tools to address the unfortunate and sometimes, unexpected life experiences
January 11: 7-8:30 PM
Description: Trauma reactive children walk through our doors every day and their life experiences have influenced the developmental pathway each child follows. Often, there are symptoms that professionals label as challenging or pathological, yet a child embraces as the best attempt at survival. This session examines the impact of trauma on the developing brain with particular focus on regulation.
January 25: 7-8:30 PM
Description: Children can rise above their history, even when the history has presented a traumatic event. The key is to recognize his or her developmental assets and adjust the conditions of the environment in ways that honor them. This session explores the 41 developmental assets and proven approaches that empower children to move beyond their survival.
February 8: 7-8:30 PM
Description: Other than the death of a parent, separation and divorce may be the most devastating event for children. So many things change. These changes can leave children feeling powerless. This session examines the influence of separation and divorce on development and how to reach the best possible outcomes.
February 22: 7-8:30 PM
Description: When someone in the family has a serious illness, it is a time of great stress. There may be emotional and economic hardships. The family may become socially isolated. All of this may have a profound effect on the children. And, as much as professionals would like to shelter children from the concept of grief and death, we cannot. They are a natural fact of life, whether encountering a dead animal, the loss of a friend, a family member or a parent. While people have different beliefs about death, this session will explore ways of dealing with a child’s questions, confusions and fears.
March 8: 7-8:30 PM
Description: The problem of alcohol and drug abuse in our society is pervasive, leaving many children living in chaotic home environments. When there is substance abuse in a home, there are often other issues, such as all forms of child abuse or domestic violence. Professionals are all too aware of the subversive damage that negatively impact children’s lives – their thoughts, emotions and actions. This session looks at this topic through the lens of child development and evidenced-based responses.
March 22: 7-8:30 PM
Description: “When mom got sick and we were alone with her, we didn’t know what to do. We were afraid most of the time.” Children exposed to parental mental health challenges; particularly maternal anxiety and depression are more likely to experience anxiety-inducing and guilt producing techniques. The parent tends to convey that the world is a pervasively dangerous place compromising the child’s sense of safety, security and trust. This session the answers and adjustments required to help children thrive despite the realities of their home life.