What is the difference between rules and expectations? And how do I enforce them? Adolescence is a time of self-exploration. It’s the time when kids are beginning to individuate and separate from their parents and decide what values are their own. The goal of adolescence is to answer the question: “Who am I?” This time can be difficult for parents, and yet parents provide a key role in a kid’s adolescence: create and maintain a framework — we call it a “Family Frame” — that gives kids limits and boundaries so that they can safely explore their development.
Raising healthy children with an ability to sustain meaningful relationships is a challenge even in the most ideal situations. Add on hormones, attitude, personality and technology – welcome to the tween and teen years. This presentation by Amy Alamar, EdD is based on her new book, The Parenting Project. Register here for this free event.
Do you ever wonder why your child acts a certain way? Learn how to understand and celebrate your child as the unique individual he/she is! Discover ways to appreciate and nurture your child even if they are very different from yourself or siblings in this presentation by Alexandra “Bunny” Potts. This joint meeting of Parent Teacher Councils in New Canaan is free, but register here.
Have a teen? Come talk about distracted driving, vaping, prescription medication abuse and risk taking – hear from our students on the most effective ways of communicating with your teen on these tough topics. This free presentation by Mike Topazio and high school leadership students takes place in the Wagner Room of New Canaan YMCA.
This workshop will help you prepare for the holidays. We will explore tips for common holiday challenges: handle tantrums, prioritize important family activities, whittle down gift lists and more. Learn how to re-focus on the giving aspect of the season. This free presentation by Barbara McLaughlin takes place in the Lamb Room of New Canaan Library. Register here.
What is “typical” behavior for the adolescent and what is cause for concern? How do you keep a conversation going with your tween/teen when the door seems to be shutting? Learn from this free presentation by Tracey Masella, LCSW what to expect during the middle school years and learn parenting tips to help your child manage their social emotional landscape. Presented by New Canaan Cares at Saxe Middle School Auditorium. Register from this Web page.
Just like adults, some kids have a hard time managing anxiety caused by stress. Understand what causes anxiety and explore simple strategies to better manage stress and anxiety for both kids and parents. Learn helpful tips from Tracey Masella for more effective communication with your kids to help navigate the tricky terrain of childhood. The event at East Elementary School, 54 Little Brook Road, New Canaan, is free, but register here.
