Challenges & Solutions
Gain the information and techniques you need to help your teen confidently apply for college, look towards graduation, and transition into freshman year.
Gain the information and techniques you need to help your teen confidently apply for college, look towards graduation, and transition into freshman year.
These live workshops offer inspiration and strategies you can use to help your child or teen enter the classroom with confidence, character, and the tools they need to succeed. Help your child regulate their emotions and communicate effectively so that they can engage and learn. Parents, students, and teachers have all endured a challenging few years that has led to academic and social loss for many. These topics cover clear, actionable ways to inspire meaningful conversations and develop routines at home that support social-emotional health, reduce conflict, and foster a sense of gratitude and safety. We’re here to help you support your child’s learning from preschool through college.
Expert
Marc Lehman,LMFTYour student has gone through a lot of changes even in these first months of life away at school. There will be a lot to unpack and it won’t be all laundry. Expect that both you and they may have complicated emotions and even some confusion as you find your new rhythm together.
Both parents and young adults face unique challenges and adjustments as you all seek to create a harmonious holiday experience together. Join us for a deeper understanding of your college student’s experience. You’ll gain practical tips and important insights on what to expect so you can welcome them home with care and understanding and create a sweet holiday season for the whole family.
When your child approaches you to share or process their thoughts and feelings about gender identity or sexual orientation they are trusting you with their deepest sense of self. These conversations can spark fears for their wellbeing and it can be a struggle in that moment to know how to respond without rejecting or discounting their experience. These issues may challenge your values or beliefs. It might seem that being “straight” isn’t cool and your child wants to explore other options to be more like their friends.
As the holidays approach, you can anticipate that these issues may come up at the dinner table with your extended family. And that might be yet another trigger for you. Peace At Home teachers joins for a conversation that will prepare you for an open, ongoing dialogue with your child or teen that is candid, authentic and supportive. Bring your questions and concerns about this important, sensitive topic and get answers on the spot.
When you just need time to get things done, extending kids’ screen time seems like an easy fix. Maybe you just agree to another treat so your child will give you some peace. These small habits may result in less cooperation, calm, and even happiness in your family. These small habits, however, can become patterns that lead to more problems. Let’s talk about some other approaches that work.
Daily schedules are busy and parents are coping with more and more demands. A recent report tells us that 66% of working parents are experiencing “parental burnout.” Sadly this is happening at the same time as a mental health crisis among our children and teens. Shortcuts like more screen time and sugar might be considered “parenting hacks.” And they work in the moment. However, in the long run, they often result in less cooperation, calm, and even happiness in your family. Sugar and screens are associated with pleasure. We adults use these solutions to get through the day as well. What’s the problem? We are learning that the biology of pleasure is actually in contrast to the biology of happiness. We do a lot of things that make us feel good in the moment but don’t lead to happiness or a sense of well-being. Kids look to us to help them know how to feel about the world. Are we passing on quick hits of pleasure habits that lead to happiness?
Are you concerned that your teen may be at risk for an eating disorder? Does any of this sound like your child?
Your teen may be struggling with an eating disorder. And you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to help them. You and your teen are not alone. 13% of adolescents will develop an eating disorder by the age of 20.
Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, surpassed only by opioid addiction. Early intervention is a key part of eating disorder prevention and helps reduce serious psychological and health consequences. There are proven strategies you can use to help. If you are wondering how to support and reconnect with your struggling teen, this workshop is for you.
Expert
Amy Alamar,EdDBullying has emerged as a significant concern affecting children’s emotional well-being and development as it can contribute to children feeling anxious and depressed. Social networking technology has expanded the ways that bullying touches children’s lives. As a parent, it’s natural to feel a mixture of worry, confusion, and helplessness when your child faces bullying. However, there are proactive steps you can take to equip your child with the tools they need to navigate these difficult situations confidently.
Ideally, we can prepare children to recognize and deal with bullying in advance, even if they have never experienced it. Kids who have had conversations with their parents about bullying are more likely to come to their parents for support when they need it. This workshop will support you to empower your children with knowledge and tools to understand, identify, and effectively address bullying behavior.
Let’s work together to foster a generation of confident, resilient, and empowered individuals. We’ll discuss approaches to arming our children with the skills they need to face the challenges of life with courage and grace.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWLearning to have romantic relationships and deal with sexually maturing bodies are essential tasks of healthy teen development.
You may feel as unprepared as your kids navigate this ever-changing stage. While adolescents sometimes act like they know it all, they often feel vulnerable and unprepared for the social and sexual realities of romantic relationships.
And the same may be true for you – maybe you’re wondering how do I support exploration and independence while keeping my child safe, especially during these challenging times. Get answers to this important challenge.
Relationships with grandchildren are among the most cherished that adults experience. And yet, that relationship comes with rules and challenges. Almost half of parents report having conflicts with their children’s grandparents about discipline, food, screen time and bedtime among other issues. Some parents feel frustrated but don’t want to rock the boat or hurt their parents’ feelings. Grandparents may hate being told what to do by their own kids or truly believe they know better. Some grandparents are accustomed to offering unsolicited advice which they may have done throughout their child’s lives, even though it isn’t really helpful. And finally some grandparents just hate stepping down from the position of being the wise one.
In some cases, parents are intentionally doing things differently from their parents. Neuroscience has taught us a lot more about child development and the impact of the parent-child relationship but grandparents are not always open to learning about these ideas. As we age change can be hard, especially about deeply held cultural beliefs and values.
Listen to this conversation between two seasoned Peace At Home teachers, one of whom is a grandparent and the other is a parent dealing daily with her children’s grandparents. Bring your questions, comments, success stories and worries. Let’s untangle this age old challenge together on behalf of the kids!
Parents are less stressed when their kids cooperate. Children are more cooperative when they feel positively connected with their parents. This interactive class will help you recognize myths and misunderstandings that get in the way of creating a calm, joyful family life. You will have a chance to ask questions and get answers on the spot. You will also receive helpful handouts to look back on when you are trying out new approaches.