Course Type: Discussion with an Expert

Discussion with an Expert

Lunch & Learn: Teen Mental Health and Substance Use

February 05, 2025 12:00 pm EDT/EST
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Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Avatar photo Jonathan Beazley,LADC, LMFT

Challenges & Solutions

Join a candid Lunch and Learn conversation with founder Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW as she interviews Peace At Home experts on the issues that matter most to parents. Jump in, ask questions, make comments and connect with other parents who are seeking answers to the tough questions. 

Rapid growth, exploration and risk taking are all part of teen development. Taking risks give teens a chance to test their abilities and learn more about themselves. Some risks, however, can be harmful and have lasting effects on your child’s health and well-being. 

Two of parents’ biggest concerns about teens right now are mental health and substance use. And there’s a strong connection between these two issues. Peace At Home founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW will examine these issues with Jonathan Beazley, LADC, LMFT, retired Alcohol and Drug Interventionist at the University of Connecticut. Their conversation will include vaping, which has become one of the most popular forms of substance use among young people, despite the growing evidence of its health risks and harms. When talking about substance use and abuse with your kids, it’s helpful to know the facts and the myths. Parent knowledge, communication, and monitoring can make a big difference in keeping your child safe. Whether your child has not tried substances or has already begun to use or is using regularly, this conversation is for you. 

  • Click the button above to register for this 45-minute, virtual, interactive Q&A discussion.  We’ll email (1) a zoom link to add to your calendar and (2) reminders 1 day and 1 hour before the session. Join us to learn proven solutions that quickly produce positive results, giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • Check out Peace at Home’s Quick Video Solution Libraries. Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes.
  • Have a specific question or challenge? Email us, and we’ll send you tailored links to live workshops, and on-demand resources, or connect you with an expert for one-on-one support. Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com

Ages
Teens & Young Adults
Tags
communication mental health stress
Discussion with an Expert

Lunch & Learn: New Year Parenting Check-Up: Practical Steps to Start the Year Right

January 14, 2025 12:00 pm EDT/EST
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Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace at Home Parenting Expert Tanika Eaves Tanika Eaves,PhD, LCSW, IMH-E®

Challenges & Solutions

Join a candid Lunch and Learn conversation with Peace at Home founder Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW as she interviews Peace At Home experts on the issues that matter most to parents. Jump in and ask questions, make comments and connect with other parents who are seeking answers to the tough questions.  Join us this month:

Even the most positive parents lose their way from time to time. The most amazing and challenging part of being a parent is that as soon as you’ve got it figured out, your child goes and changes! 

Join Ruth and Fairfield University Professor Tanika Eaves, PhD, LCSW to reflect on the big picture and assess what you want to keep about your parenting approaches and where you want to make some specific, positive changes. This is a conversation between two seasoned parenting educators about what really matters for kids. Your questions, concerns and comments will be most welcomed or just come to listen. The start of a new year is a great time for a checkup – let’s do this together!

  • Click the button above to register for this 45-minute, virtual, interactive Q&A discussion.  We’ll email (1) a zoom link to add to your calendar and (2) reminders 1 day and 1 hour prior to the session. Join us to learn proven solutions that quickly produce positive results, giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • Check out Peace at Home’s Quick Video Solution Libraries. Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes.
  • Have a specific question or challenge? Email us, and we’ll send you tailored links to live workshops, and on-demand resources, or connect you with an expert for one-on-one support. Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com

Ages
All Ages
Tags
communication conflict emotions family mental health routines stress
Discussion with an Expert

Daily Family 15: Uninterrupted Connection

November 01, 2024 12:00 am EDT/EST

Expert

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW

Challenges & Solutions

Join us for our October Challenge follow-up. We’ll reflect on the connections built throughout October, discuss successes and challenges, and offer strategies for keeping the momentum going.

  • The October Challenge – Peace at Home challenged you to spend 15 minutes each day with your child – uninterrupted, no screens, no phones, to strengthen your bond, improve communication, reduce conflict and misbehavior, and boost your child’s self-esteem. For 15 minutes each day, we challenged you to say NO to technology, multitasking, agendas, criticism and nagging and say YES to play, laughter, hugs and smiles, eye contact, reflective listening with curiosity and empathy.

Whether you completed the challenge or are just getting started, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips for continuing meaningful, distraction-free time with your child(ren). You’ll also have the chance to share your experiences, ask questions, and learn how to make these 15-minute moments a lasting part of your family’s routine.

  • Click the button above to watch the recording of this workshop previously hosted. Come learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • If you are looking for more support email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
    If you do not have a Peace at Home account, please use the New to Peace at Home button above to register.
Ages
All Ages All, Mental Health Essentials School Age Teens & Young Adults Toddlers & Preschoolers
Tags
communication cooperation emotions independence
Discussion with an Expert

Helicopter Parenting or Mindful Underparenting: What’s Good Enough?

October 15, 2024 12:00 pm EDT/EST

Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace at Home Parenting Expert Aaron Weintraub Aaron Weintraub,MS, Curriculum Advisor

Challenges & Solutions

The US Surgeon General has declared that the stress and mental health challenges faced by parents constitute a serious public health concern for our country. Almost half of parents say, most days their stress is completely overwhelming.

Join Peace At Home founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW and teacher Aaron Weintraub, MS for an illuminating conversation about focusing on what really helps kids thrive. 

Take some time to reflect on approaches from “Helicopter Parenting” to “Mindful Underparenting.” 

Consider simple, good enough parenting strategies that bring out the best in your kids while lowering stress in both your mind and your family.

Intensive vs Balanced Parenting – 

“Intensive” or “Helicopter Parenting” is a popular trend that may be part of the problem. Characterized by a relentless focus on children’s achievement and a high level of involvement in their activities, this approach is rooted in the belief that investing enormous amounts of time and energy into a child’s development will yield the best outcomes. However, this approach can come with significant drawbacks, not the least of which is stress on the whole family. 

An alternative approach might be what one observer called “mindful underparenting” – getting more comfortable with kids feeling bored, leaving screens at home while kids get fussy about routine activities like food shopping, etc.  Many parents feel they need permission to take a step back from parenting behaviors that seem rooted in fear and doubt about our children’s capacities to find their way in the world. Can we define “Good Enough Parenting” that is about creating clear limits and boundaries, yet allowing for enough freedom within those limits for true learning to occur. Can we let our kids feel some discomfort, let them struggle, and just support them work it through?

  • Click the button above to watch the recording of this previously hosted discussion.  Learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • If you are looking for more support email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
  • New To Peace at Home? Register for free using the “New to Peace at Home” button above and watch this Workshop for free too.
  • For additional support, check out the Quick Video Solutions Library, Parenting Principles for Progress not Perfection Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes including  The kids are Not Alright: 7 Steps to Make Your Home Their Safe Place, Be Your Child’s Calm Center: Techniques to Calm the Brain.
Ages
All, Mental Health Essentials All, Parent, Self Care and Awareness School Age Teens & Young Adults Toddlers & Preschoolers
Tags
communication cooperation emotions mental health
Discussion with an Expert

The Special Education Journey – How Can Parents Help?

March 31, 2023 12:00 pm EDT/EST

Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace At Home Parenting Expert Andrea Brinnel Andrea Brinnel,Ed.D.

Challenges & Solutions

Peace At Home founder Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW chats with Andrea Brinnel, Ed.D. who was a Special Education Coordinator both at the school district and state levels in Connecticut. Andrea will help us understand the nature of the Special Education process and how parents can be effective partners in that process. And it can be complicated, so don’t go it alone.

  • Click the button above to watch the recording of this previously hosted discussion.  Learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • If you are looking for more support email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
  • New To Peace at Home? Register for free using the “New to Peace at Home” button above and watch this discussion for free too.
  • For additional support, check out the Quick Video Solutions Library, Parenting Principles for Progress not Perfection. Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes including Be Your Child’s Calm Center: How Your Emotions Affect Your Child’s Behavior, How Your Childhood May Affect Your Parenting Behavior and Family Rules and Routines for Better Behavior
Ages
School Age Teens & Young Adults
Tags
communication
Discussion with an Expert

Family Gatherings and Everyday Conversations: Let’s Talk About Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

November 06, 2023 12:00 pm EDT/EST

Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace at Home Parenting Expert Cornelius Holmes Cornelius Holmes,LPC, NCC

Challenges & Solutions

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. Listen in on Peace At Home experts for a conversation that will prepare you for an open, ongoing dialogue with your child or teen that is candid, authentic and supportive.

  • Click the play button below to watch or listen to the recording of this previously hosted discussion.  Learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • If you are looking for more support email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
  • For additional support, check out the Quick Video Solutions Libraries , Support, Inspire, and Connect and LGBTQ+ and Gender Essentials. Explore all the the Video Solutions and Handouts.
Ages
School Age Teens & Young Adults
Tags
communication emotions independence LGBTQ+
Discussion with an Expert

What Does it Mean to Affirm My Child’s Gender? And Why is That Important?

June 07, 2023 1:00 pm EDT/EST

Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace at Home Expert Lisa Day Lewis Lisa Day-Lewis (she/her/hers),LPC-A, MEd Peace at Home Parenting Expert Hanna Brinkhaus Hanna Brinkhaus,MA, LCSW

Challenges & Solutions

Whether your child identifies as LGBTQIA+ or you just want to help your kids be more aware and accepting of the range of identities around them, this session will help. You will gain more awareness about gender identity for yourself and learn action steps you can take to support your kids with regard to this issue as well. 

Peace At Home founder, Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW, PFLAG leader Lisa Day-Lewis, MEd and Peace At Home teacher, Hanna Brinkhaus, LCSW explores this complex and important issue related to children and adolescents’ development and mental health. Bring your questions for answers on the spot and share your perspectives with folks who really care.

  • Click the play button below to watch the recording of this previously hosted discussion.  Learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • If you are looking for more support email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
  • For additional support, check out the Quick Video Solutions Library, LGBTQ+ and Gender Essentials   Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes including Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, LGBTQ+ What Do All Those Letters Mean?
Ages
School Age Teens & Young Adults
Tags
communication identity LGBTQ+
Discussion with an Expert

Cultivate Gratitude and Spirituality with Kids of All Ages

December 11, 2024 11:30 am EDT/EST

Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace at Home Parenting Expert Aaron Weintraub Aaron Weintraub,MS, Curriculum Advisor

Challenges & Solutions

Join a candid Lunch and Learn conversation with founder Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW as she interviews Peace At Home experts on the issues that matter most to parents. Jump in and ask questions, make comments and connect with other parents who are seeking answers to the tough questions. 

Ruth explores the challenging topic of gratitude and spirituality with much loved Peace At Home teacher Aaron Weintraub, MS, the Director of Kids Cooperate in Tolland, CT, and Family Specialist at CLICC supporting incarcerated parents. Listen to this heartwarming session on nurturing gratitude and spirituality in ourselves and our kids. Discover practical techniques to instill a sense of thankfulness and spiritual awareness for your children, fostering a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. Enhance your parenting toolkit with strategies to support your child’s emotional and spiritual growth.

  • Click the button above to watch the recording of this previously hosted discussion. Come learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • For additional support, check out the Quick Video Solutions Library, Parenting Principles for Progress not Perfection. Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes.
  • If you are looking for more support, email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
Ages
All Ages
Tags
communication conflict emotions family mental health routines stress
Discussion with an Expert

Create a Healthy and Joyful Holiday Mindset

November 19, 2024 12:30 pm EDT/EST

Experts

Peace at Home Parenting Founder and Expert Ruth Freeman Ruth Freeman,LCSW Peace at Home Parenting Expert Tanika Eaves Tanika Eaves,PhD, LCSW, IMH-E®

Challenges & Solutions

Join a candid Lunch and Learn conversation with founder Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW as she interviews Peace At Home experts on the issues that matter most to parents. Jump in to ask questions, make comments and connect with other parents who are seeking answers to the tough questions. 

Get ready for a fun and inspiring session as Ruth chats with Tanika Eaves, PhD, LCSW about what kind of mindset helps over the holidays. Tanika is a Professor of Social Work at Fairfield University and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years. Discover practical tips for managing stress, embracing gratitude, and fostering positivity to make your holidays more enjoyable and fulfilling. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your holiday experience with a refreshed and joyful outlook.

  • Click the button above to watch the recording of this workshop previously hosted. Come learn proven, effective solutions that quickly produce positive results giving you more clarity and confidence. 
  • For additional support, check out the Quick Video Solutions Library, Parenting Principles for Progress not Perfection. Explore the Video Solutions and Handouts for all the classes.
  • If you are looking for more support email our Parent Guides at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com.
Ages
All Ages
Tags
communication conflict emotions family mental health routines stress
Peace at Home