Parenting Events

If your non-profit organization has a parenting education or family event coming up, we will post it here. Please keep descriptions as brief as possible and be sure to include your own contact information in addition to the item description. To post an event, please email the request to info@upstream.org. Thank you.

1/25/10 - 4/19/10
UpStream is sponsoring a free 12-week parenting series beginning on Monday, Jan. 25 and ending April 19, at Laconia High School, 345 Union Avenue.

Co-sponsored with Laconia Adult Education, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, and Lakes Region Community Services, the series will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays.

This series offers insight into what to expect as your child grows and changes, as well as practical discipline strategies that fit each stage of development. Topics will include child development, positive discipline strategies, parenting styles, managing stress, setting limits and nurturing and practical problem solving.

While attendance is recommended for the full 12 weeks, you may attend any or all of the four-week sessions. Sessions will focus on the following age groups; birth to five (Session 1), six to 12 (Session 2) and 13 to 18 (Session 3).

The series will be facilitated by Sue Cagle, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension, Belknap County, and Tammy Emery, Family Support Specialist, Step Ahead Program, Lakes Region Community Services; Additional guest presenters will offer expertise on a variety of parenting topics. Attendance certificates and light refreshments are included in this series.

To register, call Laconia Adult Education at 524-5712 or register in person on any school day at Laconia High School.

For more parenting information, visit www.upstream.org, or www.extension.unh.edu.

3/11/10
"Helping Your Students with Homework"
Presented at the Gilmanton Year Round Library. Emily Reese, director of student services at the Gilmanton School, will hold a Parent Workshop on this topic. She will give parents up to date tips and resources for helping with homework. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11. It is free of charge and open to all parents and caregivers looking to ensure that their children get the homework support they need. We will look forward to seeing you there.
The library is located at 1385 NH Route 140, Gilmanton Iron Works and is handicapped accessible. For further information call 364-2400. All programs are open to the public free of charge.

3/12/10
Wiggles and Giggles
At the Gilmanton Year Round Library. Wiggles and Giggles is a fun new Music and Movement program for both parent and toddler. This parent-participation program is designed for you to sing and dance alongside your toddler. You will have as much fun as your child while he/she learns about social skills as well as being introduced to language through music! Come and join us as we sing, dance and of course... Wiggle and Giggle! This program is free and begins at 10:15 a.m., Friday, March 12. We will look forward to Wiggling and Giggling with you!
The library is located at 1385 NH Route 140, Gilmanton Iron Works and is handicapped accessible. For further information call 364-2400. All programs are open to the public free of charge.

3/16/10
Keeping Your Family Strong in Tough Times
A Free 6 week series called KEEPING YOUR FAMILY STRONG IN TOUGH TIMES will be held at New Beginnings in Laconia, NH. Times and Dates: Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 Pm starting March 16th. Child Stipend is available for children under age 5. The format will be joined family fun activity (based on a weekly theme) for first 45 minutes. Then this will be followed by breakouts sessions of adults to a parent support group facilitated by Child and Family Services, youngsters ages 6-12 breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Child Advocate, and teen breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Educational Advocate. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 528-6511.

3/17/10
1-2-3 Magic - A series of 6 classes on "Effective Parenting & discipline for Children 2-12"
Wednesdays, beginning March 17, 2010, 5-7 p.m., Paul Smith School Multi-purpose Room. COST: $25.00
Presented by Robert Groleau, M.Ed., Special Education Teacher & Learning Disabilities Specialist, Paul Smith School. Designed for parents, educators or anyone looking for better ways to handle behavior & discipline issues.

The 1-2-3 Magic program, used by millions of parents and teachers, offers easy-to-follow steps for disciplining children without arguing, yelling or spanking and does not require a saint, a genius or professional psychotherapist to carry it out effectively. After completing the classes, one will find that troublesome behavior can be managed effectively and silence can speak louder than words.

One will learn:
* How to get children to STOP obnoxious behavior
* How to avoid the TABLE-PERSUADE-ARGUE-YELL Syndrome
* How to make confrontation constructive
* How to deal with the SIX KINDS OF TESTING and MANIPULATION
* How to manage misbehavior in public
* How to maintain control and be an effective disciplinarian at the same time
* the foundation for discipline and rule setting
* how to apply the "Four Pillars of Parenting to help build and strengthen family relationships
* why rules without a positive relationship equals rebellion
* how to create a home environment that allows for emotional expression and problem-solving

To register contact Robert Groleau, Paul Smith School at 934-4144

3/20/10
New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition Spring Workshop
Sat. March 20. Learn more about "how to homeschool" at the New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition Spring Workshop, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, Manchester. In the morning session, A Homeschooling Sampler and New Hampshire Homeschooling Law, a panel of parents will talk about their teaching methods and styles. In Homeschooling Through High School and Beyond parents and teens will explain how they have navigated the high school years, prepared college applications, and readied students for the workforce. Find more information at www.nhhomeschooling.org.

3/22/10
"How to Help Keep Kids Safe" - A FREE Internet, Cell Phone, and Body Safety Workshop.
A free workshop for parents, caregivers, and community members on protective factors and safety tips to help keep our children safe. This workshop will help you gain talking points on having conversations with your children about internet, cell phone, and body safety while also learning strategies to help keep them safe. Attendance certificates and light refreshments will be offered.

When: March 22, 2010 from 6:00-8:00pm. Cost: Free of charge. Where: Laconia High School, 345 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH in Room 216. Presenters: Detective Kevin Butler from the Laconia Police Department , Donna Swett, from the Greater Lakes Children's Advocacy Center, Sue Cagle, UNH Cooperative Extension Educator, and Tammy Emery, Lakes Region Community Services.

To Register: Contact Peg Selig, Laconia Adult Education. Phone: 603/524-5712 or Email: pselig@laconia.k12.nh.us
Sponsored by Lakes Region Community Services and Lakes Region United Way .

3/23/10
Keeping Your Family Strong in Tough Times
A Free 6 week series called KEEPING YOUR FAMILY STRONG IN TOUGH TIMES will be held at New Beginnings in Laconia, NH. Times and Dates: Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 Pm starting March 16th through April 28 (except April 6th). Child Stipend is available for children under age 5. The format will be joined family fun activity (based on a weekly theme) for first 45 minutes. Then this will be followed by breakouts sessions of adults to a parent support group facilitated by Child and Family Services, youngsters ages 6-12 breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Child Advocate, and teen breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Educational Advocate. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 528-6511.

3/25/10
4/1/10
4/8/10
Cooperative Co-Parenting: A FREE three-part series for non-married, separated, or divorced parents, and other interested caregivers, who are raising children together.
Discussion Includes:
• Coping through Separation and Transitions
• Skills Training for dealing with stress and anger
• Positive Communication Strategies
• Tools to reduce conflict in the life of your child, and yours
• Negotiating Agreements
• Mediation and Guardianship
When: Thursday evenings: March 25, April 1, and April 8, 2010 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Cost: Free of charge. Where: LRGHealthcare Cafeteria, 80 Highland Street, Laconia, NH

Presenters: Jay Apicelli, MS, Family Mediator and Human Services Educator, Janice L. McLaughlin, Attorney At Law and G. A. L., and Tammy Emery, Step Ahead Family Support Specialist, Lakes Region Community Services
Attendance certificates and light refreshments are included in this series.

To Register: Contact Tammy Emery, LR Community Services Step Ahead Program. Phone: 603/524-1741 Ext. 43 or Email: TammyE@LRCS.org. Co-sponsored by Lakes Region Community Services and Lakes Region United Way.

3/30/10
Keeping Your Family Strong in Tough Times
A Free 6 week series called KEEPING YOUR FAMILY STRONG IN TOUGH TIMES will be held at New Beginnings in Laconia, NH. Times and Dates: Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 Pm starting March 16th through April 28 (except April 6th). Child Stipend is available for children under age 5. The format will be joined family fun activity (based on a weekly theme) for first 45 minutes. Then this will be followed by breakouts sessions of adults to a parent support group facilitated by Child and Family Services, youngsters ages 6-12 breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Child Advocate, and teen breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Educational Advocate. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 528-6511.

3/31/10
"Internet Safety: Understanding the Dangers of MySpace and Facebook and How to Help Keep You Child Safe"
On March 31, Gilmanton School Director of Student Services Emily Reese and Guidance Counselors Katie McEntee and Erin Prada with Officer Sullivan of Belmont will present a Parent Workshop at the Gilmanton Year Round Library. They will be discussing the dangers of MySpace and Facebook with parents and caregivers. It is important to keep children safe as they enter this cyber world. Come out and find out how! This workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 31.
The library is located at 1385 NH Route 140, Gilmanton Iron Works and is handicapped accessible. For further information call 364-2400. All programs are open to the public free of charge.

4/6/10
4/13/10
NH Connections is now offering The FREE Parent Leadership Series in Plymouth, at the Whole Village Family Resource Center, 9am-2pm. The training gives parents of children with disabilities skills to assume leadership positions on their children's school teams, on parent support groups, and to support their district goals. The two day training is offered at no cost. NH Connections is a project of the Parent Information Center funded by the Department of Education Bureau of Special Education.

If parents and school district personnel are satisfied with the current parent involvement in special education, envision what can happen when everyone learns the skills to assist with the work towards district goals.

Benefits to a School District: When parents develop as leaders:
- Parents will be equipped to help other parents understand and navigate the special education system.
- Parents will understand the district position of special education issues and topics.
- Parents will support the district at school board meetings.
- Parents can nurture collaboration among parents and educators.
- Parents will be adept at identifying the school needs and figuring out what needs to be done and who is able to enlist, advocate for, and represent other parents on behalf of the school's students.
- Parents can act as a bridge between educators and parents.
- Parents can work with school administrators and teachers.
- Parents can offer themselves as a resource to teachers and administrators.

Strategies offered by NH Connections are developed research based methods to give parents the skills necessary to make the most of each relationship with educators, school administrators, community members, and other parents.

Parents who wish to become leaders and connectors in their school want to know...
- How does the special education process work and what's my role?
- How can I develop a shared vision with other partners?
- How do we develop action plans to address the goals?
- How do I develop effective strategies to communicate and collaborate?
- How can I enhance my strategies to understand cultural differences?
- Do I have to be knowledgeable about the subjects my children are learning in school?
- How can I help the school and develop my skills to work with school personnel

Trained Parent Leaders can help in their schools and district by serving on School Improvement Teams, assisting with collaboration among parents and educators, supporting the school district at school board meetings, and being a resource to teachers and administrators.

Contact the Parent Information Center at 603.224.7005, 800.947.7005 or Fax: 603.224.4365.

4/6/10
RELATIVES AS PARENTS GROUP
Are you taking care of your grandchild or other relative's child? Then this group is for you! The Relatives as Parents (RAP) Group is a support group for relative caregivers that also offers structured activities for the children. The group will meet at the Paul Smith Elementary School. Free dinner is provided with an RSVP. Please RSVP to Lisa Tanguay 934.6306 ltanguay@caseyfamilyservices.org

Join us the first Tuesday of Every Month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
WEEKLY TOPICS: (Come to any or all sessions)
April 6: Adults: Discipline is not a dirty word
Children: How I can help at home
May 4: Adults: Fun food that¡¦s healthy too
Children: Microwave Snacks
June 1: Adults and Children together: Closing celebration with crafts  

4/14/10
Keeping Your Family Strong in Tough Times
A Free 6 week series called KEEPING YOUR FAMILY STRONG IN TOUGH TIMES will be held at New Beginnings in Laconia, NH. Times and Dates: Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 Pm starting March 16th through April 28 (except April 6th). Child Stipend is available for children under age 5. The format will be joined family fun activity (based on a weekly theme) for first 45 minutes. Then this will be followed by breakouts sessions of adults to a parent support group facilitated by Child and Family Services, youngsters ages 6-12 breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Child Advocate, and teen breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Educational Advocate. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 528-6511.

4/16/10
5/8/10
The Inner Wealth Initiative
For educators, school administrators, mental health counselors and providers, parents, child care providers, court liaisons, and others who want to know how to energize positive behaviors in children/students.

Children need to feel stronger on the inside to be successful and productive in today's world. Traditional approaches often fall short of promoting the higher level of inner strength. We feel it is time and essential for children to successfully handle the growing levels of stress and pressure they frequently face. When children are led to feeling successful and great on the inside they begin to think from a focal point of success and begin to act-out GREATNESS.

The Inner Wealth Initiative, created by Tom Grove and Howard Glasser brings forth a detailed view of how the Nurtured Heart Approach has turned the corner in bringing educators not only a method that works but that brings forth the greatness in every child, even the most challenging children in the classroom.

Nurtured Heart Approach for educators, school administrators, child care providers, mental health providers
Date: Friday, April 16, 2010, 8:45am to 3pm

Nurtured Heart Approach for parents, grandparents, family members, caregivers
Date: May 8, 2010, 8:45am to 3pm

Presenter: Dorothy Derapelian, LCMHC. Location: Pheasant Ridge Country Club, Gilford, NH. Cost: $129 includes continental breakfast, lunch, the book, and materials.

Certificate of attendance will be issued to each participant. CEU's from NASW will be issued.
Brought to you in partnership with Advanced Community Education, Gilford, NH. Visit www.advancedcommunityed.comfor more information.
Our children are worthy of our investment of our time and energy to learn strategies to effectively raise our children.

4/21/10
4/28/10
Keeping Your Family Strong in Tough Times
A Free 6 week series called KEEPING YOUR FAMILY STRONG IN TOUGH TIMES will be held at New Beginnings in Laconia, NH. Times and Dates: Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 Pm starting March 16th through April 28 (except April 6th). Child Stipend is available for children under age 5. The format will be joined family fun activity (based on a weekly theme) for first 45 minutes. Then this will be followed by breakouts sessions of adults to a parent support group facilitated by Child and Family Services, youngsters ages 6-12 breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Child Advocate, and teen breakout facilitated by New Beginnings Educational Advocate. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 528-6511.

4/27/10
IEP Clinic, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
It is helpful for participants to first attend a special education process workshop before attending IEP Clinic. This workshop provides participants with a more in-depth understanding of the IEP so they can be better prepared and more comfortable participating as a member of the IEP Team. Participants may wish to bring their child's IEP to the workshop. Individual IEPs will not be written at this workshop. No cost Campton Elementary School Campton NH Pre-Registration is required. To register or for more information, please contact the Parent Information Center at: 1-800-947-7005 or (603) 224-7005 or by email at: admin@parentinformationcenter.org. If you require special accommodations please specify when registering.

5/21/10
Better Together-Making Our Community the Best Place for Children and Families
On May 21, 2010, Lewis M. Feldstein, President of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and co-author of Better Together will join The Lakes Region Children and Family Coalition for a day long, community-wide conversation on how we can all work to make the Lakes Region the best place for children and families.  Anyone and Everyone is invited!  Location is tentatively Scheduled for Gilford Community Church Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249

A more detailed explanation of the days activities and events will follow shortly.  If you would like to receive future updates on this event or have any questions, please contact Shannon Robinson-Beland at shannonr@lrcs.orgor 524-1741 x 15.  For more information on Lewis M. Feldstein, please visit http://www.bettertogether.org/feldstein.htm

5/21/10
The P.L.A.Y. Project Workshop - Play and Language for Youngsters with Autism: An Introduction to the DIR/Floortime Model

SERESC Conference Center, Bedford, New Hamphsire, Friday, May 21st, 2010 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
A workshop for professionals and family members of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This one-day workshop focuses on the PLAY Project, a unique, community-based autism training and early intervention program. The model is based on the developmental theories of Stanley Greenspan, MD, known as the Developmental, Individualized, and Relationship (DIR) oriented Model – also referred to as "Floortime." Key strategies in Floortime are to follow the child's lead and build on their natural interests to engage them in socially interactive play.

DIR theory and research will be presented along with videotape case examples to help participants learn Floortime strategies, methods, and techniques. This workshop will help parents and professionals learn effective, low cost, efficient, and playful methods to provide intensive programming for young children (18 months through 8 years) with autism spectrum disorders, ultimately helping them gain language and social skills.

For more information: Download the brochure http://www.greenhouseplay.org/?q=May-21st-Workshop
Contact Lara Kroodsma, PsyD Phone: 603-668-3959 extension *22 Email: lara@greenhouseplay.org

5/27/10
Envisioning Your Child's Future 
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Through a fun, hands-on activity, workshop participants are encouraged to think about and prepare for their child's future. Participants have the opportunity to share ideas, resources and strategize with each other. No Cost Leach Library Londonderry, NH Pre-Registration is required. To register or for more information, please contact the Parent Information Center at: 1-800-947-7005 or (603) 224-7005 or by email at: admin@parentinformationcenter.org. If you require special accommodations please specify when registering.

On-Going:

COOPERATIVE PARENTING & DIVORCE SERIES

Child and Family Services is offering a series of groups for divorced, divorcing and non-married parents. Beginning September 15, CFS will offer Cooperative Parenting & Divorce – a program that will teach parents how to shield their children from parental conflict and establish a positive, long-term relationship as "co-parents."

Cooperative Parenting and Divorce is an eight-week series that combines video, activities, and group discussion to help parents refocus their attention on their children, rather than on each other. Both parents are encouraged to attend. The class meets weekly on Tuesdays, and is $220.00 per parent, which is $25.00 per group plus the cost of the parent handbook. There will be a sliding fee scale available for those who can not afford the full cost. Light refreshments will be served. A certificate of completion is also available for parents who complete at least seven of the eight group sessions.

Linda Lett, LICSW, therapist with Child and Family Services, will lead the Cooperative Parenting and Divorce program at Child and Family Services' 95 Water Street office in Laconia.

Program authors Susan Boyan and Ann Marie Termini are family therapists who were inspired to create the ground-breaking video-and-discussion program after observing the harmful effects of divorce on their child clients. Rather than attempt to "fix" the children, Boyan and Termini decided to go to the source of the problem: quarreling parents.

"When people are in love, they see only the positive traits of the other person," says Boyan. "Then, when they are no longer in love, the opposite often happens, and they can no longer see any good in the other person. It becomes all or nothing." Unfortunately for the children—who still love both parents—a great deal of psychological damage can occur during this time if the parents behave badly in front of them.

Using video, activities, and group discussion, Linda Lett will guide parents through eight steps:

• Step 1
Making the Commitment to Caring
Parents learn to recognize parental hostility and discover how conflict affects their child's development.
• Step 2
Allowing My Child to Love Both Parents
Parents learn to create two homes, minimize stress at transitions, and make it a positive experience for their child.
• Step 3
Changing My Long-Term Role
Parents discover how their anger and bitterness keeps them emotionally attached to one another, and learn ways to let go. .• • • Step 4
Choosing My Personal Path
Parents clarify their personal choices and identify a personal path. The term "realignment" is introduced to assist parents in creating a new role as co-parents.
• Step 5
Managing My Own Anger
Parents determine what anger is, its signals and triggers, constructive versus destructive anger and the consequences of harboring anger.
• Step 6
Taking Control of Conflict
Parents examine the cycle of conflict and practice defusing or resolving conflict.
• Step 7
Negotiating Agreement
Problem-solving techniques and business relationship skills are examined from a divorced parent's position.
• Step 8
Co-Parenting Is Forever
Parents review their commitment to care, to be child-focused, to practice good communication and negotiation skills.

Cooperative Parenting and Divorce
Group begins September 15, 2009
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Child and Family Services
95 Water Street, Laconia, NH
Register by phone: 603-518-4188

Child and Family Services of NH is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to advancing the well-being of children and families for over 159 years. Programs include foster care, adoption, child abuse prevention, teen services, adolescent substance abuse treatment, family strengthening and support, child advocacy and more. For further information on the organization, visit www.cfsnh.org or call 1-800-640-6486.

Healthy Kids 101

Children's Health Impacts Everyone... We'll Tell You Why. Schedule a Healthy Kids 101 Presentation Today.

Did you know that uninsured children are five times less likely than insured kids to have visited a doctor or dentist in the last two years? Or that 7 out of 10 of NH's uninsured children may be eligible for one of the Healthy Kids programs?

NH Healthy Kids, a non-profit organization, provides uninsured NH children with access to low-cost and free health coverage. Our Healthy Kids 101 presentation can help familiarize your organization with children's health insurance options in NH including how the Healthy Kids programs work and how you can help a family apply.

For more information, or to schedule a presentation, please visit our website at http://www.nhhealthykids.com/.

NH Healthy Kids
1 Pillsbury Street
Concord, NH 03301-3556
1-877-464-2447
aellrod@nhhealthykids.com
http://www.nhhealthykids.com/

An Interesting Read:

Bullying Resources

Cybersafety Booklet for Parents and Kids

A new booklet released today by the Federal Trade Commission and other government agencies helps parents and teachers steer kids safely through the online and mobile phone worlds.

http://www.onguardonline.gov/pdf/tec04.pdf

*Tip Sheets* - Whether you are a parent, health and safety professional, teacher or school official, or someone else who interacts with young people everyday, the following materials will help you to learn more about bullying and ways to deal with, reduce, and prevent it. We are confident you will find these Tip Sheets informative and we encourage you to reproduce and
distribute them widely among your friends and colleagues. The more we all know about this issue, the more we're all able to help.

Samples

• Working with Young People Who are Bullied: Tips for Mental Health Professionals
• Working with Young People Who Bully: Tips for Mental Health Professionals
• Bullying Among Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs
• Bullying Among Children and Youth Based on Perceptions and Differences in Sexual Orientation

• What Do We Know About Bullying?
• What Can School Administrators Do?
• What Can Teachers Do?
• What Can ANY Adult at School Do To Help?

"Steps in the NH Special Education Process" Guide Available

Now you can share this Handy Guide from Parent Information Center with staff and families! I personaly like to keep a copy of this nearby and regularly share this with others, now you can too!

The Parent Information Center has published their Steps in the NH Special Education Process
in a handy downloadable PDF file at http://www.picnh.org/, click on "special education" from the menu on the left, then on the "Steps in the NH Special Education Process." or download the PDF attachment from this email.

As always, please share this with others!
--
Audrey Burke

NH Connections Concord-Lakes Region Facilitator (603) 860-7015 audreynhc@gmail.com

NH Connections is strengthening family-school-community partnerships, increasing awareness of the special education process, and connecting people to resources to help children and youth succeed.

Challenging Change: How Schools and Districts are Improving the Performance Of Special Education Students
http://www.ncld.org/images/stories/downloads/advocacy/challengingchange.pdf National Center for Learning Disabilities

Recommended Transition Practices for Young Children (PDF, 15 pages) is a new report from the National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC) that reviews and offers recommendations on early childhood transitioning practices.

http://www.ihdi.uky.edu/nectc/Documents/technicalreport/Validation_Survey_Final.pdf