Child is registrant, not parent.

Babies: children born 11/1/22 - 8/7/23

Wednesdays, 11:30-1:30 pm

Instructor: Nanette Brown

Parents and children participate in circle and playtime together. Parents glean relevant parenting information through discussion and handouts, while also gaining peer support and special friendships. Discussion topics include: sleep issues, nutrition, baby-proofing, car seat safety, separation issues, discipline, building self-esteem, family traditions, and co-parenting. Children remain in the same room as their parents at all times.

 

Spring Infants: children born 8/8/23 - 12/31/23 *2nd semester only*

Wednesdays, 11:30-1:30 pm

Instructor: Nanette Brown

This class is led by an experienced teacher and mom of 7, specially trained in child development. It is a place for parents to ask questions, share experiences, and build friendships. Some of the discussion topics include: sleep issues, nutrition, baby proofing, car seat safety, separation issues, family traditions and co-parenting. Children remain with parents at all times.

 

Non-Separating Toddlers: children born 12/2/21 - 10/15/22

Wednesdays or Thursdays, 9-11 am 

Instructor: Nanette Brown

This class is led by a caring teacher, specially trained in child development. It is a place for parents to ask questions, share experiences, and build friendships. Some of the discussion topics include: toddler development, toddlers and sleep, nurturing your relationships, reading to toddlers, the hurried child, and balancing discipline with the toddler’s growing independence/autonomy. For children, this is a time each week for undivided attention from mom or dad, as well as an opportunity to explore a rich and varied environment with other toddlers. Teacher Assistants engage in free play, seasonal crafts, and outdoor playtime with the children, facilitating confidence and comfort during class and discussion times. Children remain in the same room as their parents.

 

Two Year Olds: children born 12/2/20 - 12/1/21

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 am 

Instructor: Katy Riddell

A caring teacher, specially trained in child development, leads discussions on parenting issues commonly encountered with two-year-olds. It is a place to ask questions, share experiences, and join a supportive community of other parents. Discussion topics include: autonomy, communicating with two's, parenting styles, two’s and food, discipline, and preschool selection. For parents, it is also an excellent chance to observe their children in a group setting. For children, this is a time each week for undivided attention from mom or dad, as well as an opportunity to explore a rich and varied environment with other two-year-olds. Teacher Assistants engage in free play, seasonal crafts, and outdoor playtime with the children, facilitating confidence and comfort during class and discussion times.

 

Preschoolers: children born 6/1/18 - 12/1/20  

Thursdays, 9:15-11:15 am

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

In this class for 3-5 year olds and their parents, participants will enjoy creative craft projects, song and story time, opportunities for indoor and outdoor imaginative play, and creating new friendships. An experienced teacher will lead the parents in discussions about raising a preschooler using a variety of practical, mindful, and effective parenting strategies. Topics include: understanding development, Whole Brain Parenting, preparing for Kindergarten, play and friendships, raising happy children who thrive, and more. Teacher Assistants work closely with the children to facilitate confidence and comfort. Parents separate for discussion time.

 

Family Class: children born 12/1/18 - 8/8/23  

Fridays, 9:30-11:30 am

Instructor: Katy Riddell

This energetic, fun-filled class provides experiential art activities, creative sensory play, and outdoor play and activities for children 0-5 years old. Created with the whole family in mind and combining the latest research, discussion topics include: sibling rivalry and bonding, parenting relationships, creating peaceful, faith-filled homes, and embracing our imperfections. Register all children that will attend class. Sibling discount applied automatically at checkout. Non-ambulating babies are welcome in discussion room and must be worn. (No strollers.)

 

Parents can attend one-hour "Discussion Only" without their child at a reduced rate. Register parent, not child. (Available for Two Year Olds, Preschoolers, and Family Class.)

 

Parents of Elementary Kids: for parents K-4th graders

Thursdays, 9:30-11am 

Instructor: Sarah Montes

This weekly class is designed to provide support and discussion for families of elementary children, with an emphasis on their development, learning, behavior, and relationships. We will discuss different strategies and approaches for managing behavior, social and emotional development, sibling interactions, peer relationships, and family dynamics. We will also cover topics such as early literacy, learning, homework, extracurricular activities, and finding balance.

 

Parents of Tweens: for parents 5th-8th graders

Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 9:15-11:15 am

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

This class will provide a weekly forum for support and information for families raising a tween in today's world. In this spiritually-rich and encouraging environment, we will cover the developmental stages and tasks of middle schoolers, puberty, the pruning brain, managing technology, belonging and friendships, growing independence, and more. Parents will also gain ideas for creating a strong family culture and identity, grow in understanding their own personality and that of their child, as well as explore the challenges and joys of parenting in this day and age. 

 

Parents of High Schoolers: for parents of 9th-12th graders

Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am

Instructor: Tracy Tobias

This lively class creates an opportunity for community and sharing concerns with our whole teenager in view - spirit, mind, and body. Discussion topics include: collaborative-proactive solutions to common high-school conflicts, understanding the teen brain, mental health (stress, anxiety, self-control), peer influences, communication, managing technology and media, post-high school options and college prep, spiritual growth, and navigating tough topics around sexual experiences and pornography. Attention will be given to raising resilient, independent teenagers who are ready for their next step in life, while enjoying who each person is in the present.

 

Parenting through Learning Differences: for parents of K-12th graders

2nd Sem Only

Instructor: Vicki Rekedal

This online class, for parents of K-12 graders with ADHD, ASD, attention/comprehension challenges, Dyslexia, weak processing/memory skills, or other neuro-divergent profiles, will cover evidence-based research on the whole-brain and body experience of a neuro-divergent child, as well as practical suggestions on how to help them on their unique journeys. We will explore human development, learning behavior, relationship considerations, harnessing technology, and building emotional intelligence for children with learning differences. Whether your child has an official diagnosis, or you have an idea that they are differently wired, this class will support and encourage you as you parent, which will also bless your child. The class will include breakouts for parents with children of different ages and stages. Includes 10:30-11:00 optional discussion. This class is online only and requires each participant to sign a Connection Contract, stating your commitment to attend weekly with your camera on, be engaged, and participate in the conversation.

 

The Art of Growing Myself (Emotionally & Spiritually): for women 18+ years old

Thursdays, 12-1:30 pm ONLINE ONLY

Instructor: Jenn Kliewer

This online class is an invitation to look introspectively, take practical steps to live in the truth of who you are, and free yourself of destructive behaviors that negatively affect relationships and your personal peace. You will be equipped with tangible and practical tools to apply to the little and big moments of life.  Discussion topics include:

• Family of origin patterns
• The process of healing through forgiveness and repair
• Confronting negative messages about your identity and security
• Establishing healthier truth-based responses to situations that trigger painful emotional reactions
• Living passionately, setting goals, and pursuing dreams

 

Parents of College Freshman

CANCELED

Instructor: Sloan Walsh

Sending your child off to college is a huge transition for both parent and child. This class will provide support for the process of launching your student into this significant new stage of their life, while learning to let go, move from managing to mentoring, and grow yourself in this new phase of parenting. In a supportive and spiritually-rich environment, parents will be guided in parenting from a distance, coaching their child through the emotional highs and lows of college life, while encouraging their student toward independence. Discussion topics include:  supporting your child in surviving away from home, making new friends, adjusting to the academic demands of collegiate life, living with a roommate, managing a budget, learning life skills necessary for living on one’s own, and more. We will be preparing three care packages to students throughout the year. 

 

Parents of Young Adults (including college, beyond Freshman year)

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 am

Instructor: Tracy Tobias

This class will provide a community for parents committed to nurturing their child's independence and autonomy whether in college (sophomore-senior), grad school, or other post high school endeavors. Helping our young adults (18-25 years old) grow into thriving, successful adults, capable of managing their own lives, finances, relationships, and emotional well-being requires parents to fully embrace their role as mentor and encourager, as opposed to manager and fixer.  We will address many topics related to the joys and challenges of "adulting" both in and out of college: physical and mental health, friendships, roommates, jobs, internships, housing, romantic relationships, partying, general adulting skills, moving back home, as well as staying connected. It is a season of letting go, but also a time of building a new adult relationship with your child that can be extremely rewarding. Plus, there will be plenty of discussion on embracing your empty nest and how to maximize your next chapter.

 

GRAND-Parenting: for grandparents of all ages

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:15 am

Instructor: Jan Roberts

This class provides a rich source of information to give insight into effective grand parenting, as well as offer support for the grand parenting journey. Participants may have any age grandchild(ren), living locally or away.  Topics include updates on current issues that affect today's parenting and grand parenting styles, and grand parenting techniques that can complement and enhance the familial system.  Fun, creative ideas and holiday celebrations for bonding with grandchildren, with a notebook full of resources, are provided.  It's never too late to learn up-to-date and effective ways to love and nurture children, and in the process, leave a Grand legacy for your grandchildren.

Parents of Teens

Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm

Sept. 20- Oct. 25, 2023

Facilitator: Tracy Tobias

In an effort to enhance the mental well-being of our youth, this fall's Parent Ed Book Dive will provide an opportunity for Parents to discuss Jennifer Wallace's book,  Never Enough:  When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It.  Our kids are growing up with an increasing pressure to excel in all areas of their lives and often feeling as if they only matter when they are achieving. How can we teach our kids to strive for excellence without crushing them?  How can we help our children know they are loved and cherished for who they are and not what they achieved?  How can we nurture a sense of mattering so they have the resilience, self-confidence and psychological security to thrive?  This book shares a great toolbox of ideas for taking the "toxic" part out of achievement and managing our own "parent pressure." Let's discuss this challenge in a nurturing and non-judgmental community.

Reading the book is recommended but not required.

 

The Art of Marriage

Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm

Oct. 4- Nov. 8, 2023

Facilitators: Ron & Teresa Chiu

In this 6-week Parent Express class we will read and discuss the book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman. PhD.  Gottman "has revolutionized the way we understand, repair, and strengthen marriages... [This book] is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential."

The sessions will be led by Teresa Chiu with her husband of 22 years, Ron Chiu, speaking at some sessions. Along with the reading and exercises, she will draw from their 22-year personal journey of challenges and lessons learned. Come have fun, learn, and connect with other couples in a supportive and encouraging community, as we walk together on one of life's most challenging and rewarding paths, marriage.

The book is included with registration and can be picked up at the Parent Ed office. Couples encouraged to register and attend together (one registration per couple). Learn more about MERGE youth program for kids 4th-12th grades on Wednesday nights here.

 

The Art of Fatherhood: Spring 2024

Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm (optional dinner at 6:30 pm) 

TBD

Facilitator: Ron Chiu

This class is designed for fathers of all ages. Facilitated by father of two, Ron Chiu, this class focuses on learning effective ways to bond and connect with their children, while developing a stronger relationship with spouse and/or co-parent.