Challenges & Solutions
We have the classes you need to help your family thrive through every season and holiday of the year!
We have the classes you need to help your family thrive through every season and holiday of the year!
Many parents of children with special needs report higher than average levels of stress and conflict. Often anxiety or depression can look like misbehavior. Children with special needs may not respond to the discipline techniques that work for other children. Diagnosis like Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD require behavioral support strategies that are specific to each child’s needs. Effective discipline is built on empathy and a balance between flexibility and consistency. It’s time to stop just surviving and get the tools you need to thrive and enjoy your relationship with your child as you support their growth and development.
Screen time and social media are hot topics among parents and children. Parents complain they can’t get screen time under control and kids can’t seem to get enough. Parents worry about their children’s safety online, but tweens and teens feel they need social media to maintain friendships. Learn how to manage screen time and keep your child safe online.
Our Solution Series Libraries are developed around a specific parenting challenge. Each Series includes a collection of hand-picked, easily digestible (15 min+/-) videos which unlock a key piece of the parenting puzzle. Read our summary of this Series below then click on each lesson to access the class description, video, handouts, and information about our Expert(s).
It’s often difficult to prioritize wellness for ourselves and our families, especially when life gets busy and stressful. This series will help you find ways to prioritize wellness, how to sneak movement into a hectic schedule, and how to treat yourself kindly when challenges arise. Health and wellness doesn’t have to be another added stress in your life. In fact, with the right strategies, fitness and nutrition can help you decrease stress and improve the quality of family time.
We will also focus on the meaning of mindfulness, why it is important and explore ways you can bring it into your life right this minute. What is most delightful and sometimes maddening about young children is that they are right here in this moment. They try to bring us into the present, but we often resist – cell phone in hand, shopping list in mind, eyes on the road to the future or worrying about the past. When we spend a lot of time on “auto-pilot,” life begins to feel empty and our relationship with our children can suffer. We’ll talk about ways to be present as a parent and a family to experience greater joy.
Once you have registered for this library, click on a title below to access the solution video and handouts.
Supporting your teen to be safe and confident while staying connected is no easy task. Add on hormones, attitude, personality, technology, and post pandemic challenges — welcome to the tween and teen years! This interactive digital workshop will include a conversation about parenting the independent, emerging adult while still nurturing the playful child within.
We will talk specifically about building relationships during this very unpredictable time. You will have the opportunity to explore making stronger connections through conversation and confrontation in the context of real-life situations. You’ll be able to recognize roadblocks to communication, apply approaches that strengthen your relationship and help teens become effective problem solvers as they go out into the world.
Finding your own nurturing style as a dad can be tricky. But learning how to meet your child’s emotional needs doesn’t have to be too complicated. We can help. We all carry our own ideas about what fatherhood means, and these ideas are often influenced by our own experiences. Becoming aware of those beliefs and behaviors helps us to decide what we want to pass on and what to leave behind. Join a Peace At Home expert and other dads in learning how to create rules, routines, rhythms and rituals within your family that support a peaceful home.
Whether your child identifies as LGBTQ+ or you just want to help your kids be more aware and accepting of the range of identities around them, this session is for you.
Clear communication, strong connection, acceptance, and love go a long way in all relationships. Join us for an honest, informative and safe space conversation on this complex topic facilitated by two Peace At Home specialists who are parents as well as professionals in the fields of mental health and family science.
Expert
Cora Megan,MAThe transition to kindergarten can be a challenging time. With new routines, a new school, and new teachers and classmates, it can feel overwhelming for you and your child. Join us to discover how to make this transition a more peaceful and easy time for both of you. In this virtual workshop, a Peace At Home expert will explore ways to identify your child’s specific strengths and challenges, as well as how to support them. We will discuss strategies and routines to practice at home that will help your child feel more confident and comfortable as they begin kindergarten. It’s a big change, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWMaybe you call it stress, maybe you call it anxiety. But we all know that many of us are worn out from just surviving and looking for ways to thrive.
First, a quick biology lesson. When stress overwhelms your coping capacity, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Your body’s response (feeling activated) is intended to feel unpleasant (anxiety) enough to drive you to take action to resolve the situation in as short a time as possible.
However, work and family situations can seem like they cannot be resolved and we may be chronically “fired up.” This leads to our bodies stimulating even more of a physiological response to regain control and we become “hyperactivated” (or angry) at ourselves or others or both. Sound familiar? This workshop will help you evaluate your personal and family practices in order to make some much-needed changes to how you respond to stress.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWSummer seems like the season of easy living, but for many families, the end of school can mean the end of structures that support wellbeing. Let’s talk.
Got questions on this topic or any others? Bring them on!
Applying new parenting approaches often requires support. You may be changing parenting practices that have been handed down from generation to generation and we’ve got your back as doubts and frustrations may arise. Or you may be finding that approaches you’ve used in the past just don’t work anymore. Or perhaps you’re concerned about something you are observing in your child right now. Bring your questions, your worries and any other issues that are getting in the way. We promise, other parents will benefit when you have the courage to share your questions and concerns!
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWAdjusting to a new school, new friends, new childcare, new family structure through divorce or other family changes can be both positive and daunting at the same time. Guiding children through these experiences while we are having feelings at the same time can be a challenge. It helps to keep in mind that processing change actually strengthens resilience. Trying to always protect your child from having to make changes really isn’t helpful.
So what does help? Kids who are new to change need a little extra support to recognize and address emotions as well as strategies to solve problems and feel at ease. Let’s talk together to gain an overview of the common stresses associated with major points of transition in family life like entering kindergarten, graduating from high school, even “boomerang” adult children returning home, and more. You’ll have a chance to understand your own reactions to change as well as those of your child so that you can gracefully and lovingly offer support during these exciting and sometimes challenging times.
The parent-child relationship is the most powerful mental health intervention known to humankind. – Bessel van der Kolk, MD
Learning loss, undeveloped social-emotional skills, soaring anxiety, depression and self-harm are among the many issues our children are facing. Post-pandemic parenting is not for the faint of heart. While you are struggling to maintain your own wellbeing, meet work demands and care for your family, your kids are dealing with challenges that are more intense than we have ever imagined. Where do you start and what really matters?
The good and bad news is that your everyday interactions with your child have a powerful influence on their emotional wellbeing. But what kinds of interactions really make a difference? And why do they matter?
This workshop will highlight the nature of stress as it relates to your children, the impact of family conflict, and the power of everyday connection and joy. Without recognizing that certain behaviors tell a story about your child’s unmet needs or the mismatch between our expectations and our kids’ capacities, it’s easy to miss important signs and symptoms. Sometimes we even make things worse in our efforts to remedy the problems. Let’s do this together.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWWe’ve moved beyond the screen time power struggle. Meet Generation Alpha, the first group of kids who entered the world surrounded by technology.
Alphas are the children of millennials born from 2010 onwards and are the most tech-savvy generation the world has ever seen. While millennial parents have been learning how to use the latest phones and tablets since their teen years, the oldest Alphas started using these devices before they could talk.
Alphas will communicate faster than their parents in a global, tech-driven environment. Alphas will grow up to do jobs that don’t yet exist. While digital skills will be important, they will need emotional intelligence and social confidence as well as other skills to succeed in both work and personal relationships.
At the same time, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Report indicates that nearly all teens use social media and we cannot conclude it is safe with regard to their mental health. And over half of parents say their kids are “addicted” and, even among young children, craving for screen time is rapidly accelerating.
Workshop participants will gain practical strategies that both parents and children can use to truly embrace this digital frontier without fear and within reason. Parents can’t learn faster or better than Gen Alpha when it comes to technology – but we can learn with them. Join Peace At Home experts and other parents to consider the issues and define strategies that tackle this challenge with calm, clarity and even optimism. Let’s do this together.
Expert
Amy Alamar,EdDWe’ve moved beyond the screen time power struggle. Meet Generation Alpha, the first group of kids who entered the world surrounded by technology.
Alphas are the children of millennials born from 2010 onwards and are the most tech-savvy generation the world has ever seen. While millennial parents have been learning how to use the latest phones and tablets since their teen years, the oldest Alphas started using these devices before they could talk.
Alphas will communicate faster than their parents in a global, tech-driven environment. Alphas will grow up to do jobs that don’t yet exist. While digital skills will be important, they will need emotional intelligence and social confidence as well as other skills to succeed in both work and personal relationships.
At the same time, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Report indicates that nearly all teens use social media and we cannot conclude it is safe with regard to their mental health. And over half of parents say their kids are “addicted” and, even among young children, craving for screen time is rapidly accelerating.
Workshop participants will gain practical strategies that both parents and children can use to truly embrace this digital frontier without fear and within reason. Parents can’t learn faster or better than Gen Alpha when it comes to technology – but we can learn with them. Join Peace At Home experts and other parents to consider the issues and define strategies that tackle this challenge with calm, clarity and even optimism. Let’s do this together.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWWhen you recognize who “owns” a problem, you can determine who is responsible for solving it. Once you know which problems are yours to solve and which problems are your child’s responsibility to solve, life gets a lot easier.
We often fall into conflicts when we try to solve our kids’ problems. And most importantly, when teens perceive that they are problem solvers, they are less likely to use substances, less likely to harm themselves or others and they are all around more competent. When you teach your child problem solving skills, you are strengthening their emotional intelligence. This asset will help them succeed in relationships, at work and in most endeavors now and in the future.
Expert
Sarah Kopencey,Psy.D.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
Ruth Freeman,LCSWWhen those around us have intense emotions, our brains automatically reflect those feelings. Kids benefit when parents notice their own intense emotions and have ways to manage them. Let’s talk.
Got questions on this topic or any others? Bring them on!
Applying new parenting approaches often requires support. You may be changing parenting practices that have been handed down from generation to generation and we’ve got your back as doubts and frustrations may arise. Or you may be finding that approaches you’ve used in the past just don’t work anymore. Or perhaps you’re concerned about something you are observing in your child right now. Bring your questions, your worries and any other issues that are getting in the way. We promise, other parents will benefit when you have the courage to share your questions and concerns!
Expert
Denise Parent,LMFTStarting at 12 years old, your teen’s brain is in a process of intense physical, cognitive and social development. They are becoming more aware of themselves and forming identity – recognizing and deciding who they really are. As their brain changes and struggles to adapt to their social environment, they may sometimes be moody, anxious or irritable. If you notice your teen becoming withdrawn, lacking energy, changing eating or sleeping habits, not enjoying things they used to, even fighting or getting into trouble with peers and adults, they might be experiencing depression or anxiety.
Learning about the signs and symptoms of mood problems can help you to support healthy coping and growth. This session will give you some ideas about what support really looks like and how to avoid unhelpful approaches that are easy to fall into when you are worried about your child.
Expert
Denise Parent,LMFTStarting at 12 years old, your teen’s brain is in a process of intense physical, cognitive and social development. They are becoming more aware of themselves and forming identity – recognizing and deciding who they really are. As their brain changes and struggles to adapt to their social environment, they may sometimes be moody, anxious and irritable. If you notice them becoming withdrawn, lacking energy, changing eating or sleeping habits, not enjoying things they used to, even fighting or getting into trouble with peers and adults, they might be experiencing depression.
Learning about the signs and symptoms of depression can help you to support healthy coping and growth. This session will give you some ideas about what support really looks like and how to avoid unhelpful approaches that are easy to fall into when you are worried about your child.
Parenting a child with ADHD can be difficult at times, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Join us to discuss strategies to increase cooperation and decrease conflict with your child. In this virtual workshop, we will discuss the characteristics that define ADHD and how it can lead to behavioral issues. Join Peace At Home expert, Aaron Weintraub, MS, to explore environments and situations which may escalate these behaviors. We’ll identify practical strategies that you can use to improve cooperation and your connection with your child.
Expert
JoAnn Robinson,PhDOverwhelmed with your child’s challenging behaviors?
Hoping for more patience and struggling to stay calm?
Think sometimes there must be a better way?
You are not alone.
We are built to reflect each other’s emotions. When children display intense feelings and behaviors, our brains naturally reflect those. We start to feel stressed, angry or overwhelmed just like our kids. Join us and learn practical tools to help you be a calm center for your family.
Young children thrive in calm and playful families. Play is the best way to help your child learn and grow. It strengthens the parent-child connection, your child’s love of learning, and enthusiasm for life. Play builds social skills and improves cooperation.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWSome basic daily practices can make a big difference for your child and the whole family. Let’s talk.
Got questions on this topic or any others? Bring them on!
Applying new parenting approaches often requires support. You may be changing parenting practices that have been handed down from generation to generation and we’ve got your back as doubts and frustrations may arise. Or you may be finding that approaches you’ve used in the past just don’t work anymore. Or perhaps you’re concerned about something you are observing in your child right now. Bring your questions, your worries and any other issues that are getting in the way. We promise, other parents will benefit when you have the courage to share your questions and concerns!
Are you wondering why your child with ADHD or Autism displays certain troubling behaviors? Are you feeling lost on how to parent in these moments? You are not alone. Join us to discuss why your child behaves this way and how to manage challenging situations. Many parents try punishment or persuasion to help misbehaving or withdrawn children to improve their behavior. You have likely discovered that these methods are not especially effective, particularly with children who display special needs. This virtual workshop will provide practical tools and strategies to help you achieve the stronger connections and positive behaviors you are seeking.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWParents 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.
Expert
Lisa J Meltzer,Ph.D., CBSMSleep problems are common in toddlers and preschoolers, including bedtime battles and night wakings. Join this live, interactive workshop to learn about typical sleep in toddlers and preschoolers, factors that make it difficult for young children to fall asleep and stay asleep, and practical solutions for helping your child sleep better.
Expert
Cora Megan,MAThe transition to kindergarten can be a challenging time. With new routines, a new school, and new teachers and classmates, it can feel overwhelming for you and your child. Join us to discover how to make this transition a more peaceful and easy time for both of you. In this virtual workshop, a Peace At Home expert will explore ways to identify your child’s specific strengths and challenges, as well as how to support them. We will discuss strategies and routines to practice at home that will help your child feel more confident and comfortable as they begin kindergarten. It’s a big change, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one.
Peace At Home experts are seasoned professionals who integrate evidence-based strategies, child development principles, and standards that guide high quality services with practice wisdom and meaningful compassion for children, parents and the professionals who serve them. Our topics range from early childhood education to elementary and high school SEL support and parent partnerships to pediatric mental health treatment that effectively engages parents in the process. Peace At Home workshops will expand your knowledge, strengthen your skills and help you focus your energy skillfully. You will delve into real-life scenarios and practical examples that illustrate approaches that have the most positive impact and support your own wellbeing. You’ll engage in interactive discussions and activities designed to deepen your understanding and enhance the skills that really matter.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWKids who feel they can talk with their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, but it’s easy to have breakdowns when talking with tweens and teens, especially about their struggles. Many of us want to help our kids feel better and even fix their problems which actually doesn’t meet their needs. In this workshop, you’ll have a chance to recognize barriers to connecting and discover strategies that will improve your communication during these confusing teen years.
Peace At Home offers inspiration and strategies that educators can use to help students enter the classroom with confidence, character, and the tools they need to succeed. Peace At Home workshops for educators addresses the relationship between executive functions and emotional regulation, and how that affects academics in addition to stress and well-being. We are pleased to support educators with this free sample of some of our Quick Video Solutions. Email us at Clients@Peaceathomeparenting.com for more information on our resources for parents and educators to collaborate and strengthen the home and school connection.
Most agree that finding ways to fairly share responsibilities at home is very important to feeling satisfied for couples who are married or living together. However, in 2020, 55% of men said they are very satisfied with this aspect of their relationship, while only 38% of women see it the same way. And ongoing conflicts between parents isn’t great for kids. So let’s dig into these differing views and discover what really works for both partners. Everybody loses out when we don’t have equity and everybody needs to participate in recalibrating how we do things to reach equality. Join us for an enlightening conversation and discover a new, highly effective approach to solving the persistent challenge of gender equity in household tasks among heterosexual couples.
You’ll gain tools to create a more balanced and harmonious partnership with less tension over daily life and more room for fun and fulfillment.
Please note: This workshop is open to all participants, regardless of your relationship status or gender identity. The content will focus primarily on addressing gender inequity with heterosexual partnerships.
The content will also acknowledge and respect the diversity of relationships and family structures.
Expert
JoAnn Robinson,PhDAs parents, we want to raise children to be independent. But how do we get there and where do we start? Join us to discover appropriate ways to promote independence in your young child based on their stage of development. In this Live interactive workshop, Peace At Home expert JoAnn Robinson, PhD will guide you through strategies to balance support and connection with exploration. Discover how to keep your child safe while also allowing their independence to grow in healthy ways.
Nuestras bibliotecas de la serie de soluciones se desarrollan en torno a un desafío de crianza específico. Cada serie incluye una colección de videos fáciles de seleccionar y entender (15 min +/-) que desbloquean una pieza clave del rompecabezas de la crianza de los hijos. Lea nuestro resumen de esta serie a continuación y luego haga clic en cada lección para acceder a la descripción de la clase, el video, los folletos y la información sobre nuestros expertos.
Usted puede ser como muchos padres que quieren ser más pacientes. Tal vez quiere dejar de gritar, amenazar y castigar. Sin embargo, no puede imaginar cómo inspirar la cooperación sin esos viejos métodos de reserva. Probablemente no se sorprenda al saber que a través del castigo puede asustar a un niño para que siga instrucciones a corto plazo, pero no obtiene cambios de comportamiento a largo plazo. Muchas investigaciones sociales han demostrado sin duda que los niños buscan conexión con sus padres y aquellos padres que enfocan esa conexión en un comportamiento positivo, ganan más cooperación.
Nuestras bibliotecas de la serie de soluciones se desarrollan en torno a un desafío de crianza específico. Cada serie incluye una colección de videos fáciles de seleccionar y entender (15 min +/-) que desbloquean una pieza clave del rompecabezas de la crianza de los hijos. Lea nuestro resumen de esta serie a continuación y luego haga clic en cada lección para acceder a la descripción de la clase, el video, los folletos y la información sobre nuestros expertos.
Los años de la adolescencia pueden ser tiempos emocionantes de crecimiento, pero pueden ser una tensión en su relación. A medida que su hijo entra en la preadolescencia y la adolescencia, su cerebro cambia de manera que hace que encuentre a su “tribu” de compañeros. Esto puede significar que es menos probable que busquen el consejo y la validación de los adultos, pero no significa que no necesiten su guía tranquila y constante.
Nuestras bibliotecas de la serie de soluciones se desarrollan en torno a un desafío de crianza específico. Cada serie incluye una colección de videos fáciles de seleccionar y entender (15 min +/-) que desbloquean una pieza clave del rompecabezas de la crianza de los hijos. Lea nuestro resumen de esta serie a continuación y luego haga clic en cada lección para acceder a la descripción de la clase, el video, los folletos y la información sobre nuestros expertos.
Los niños que reconocen y pueden manejar sus emociones, así como reconocer e influir en las emociones de los demás, tienden a ser más exitosos. Usted juega un papel importante en enseñarle a su hijo esas habilidades.
Esas habilidades se enseñan a través de modelos y otros enfoques de crianza que quizás no reconozca como importantes para el desarrollo de su hijo.Usted puede ser como muchos padres que quieren ser más pacientes. Tal vez quiere dejar de gritar, amenazar y castigar. Sin embargo, no puede imaginar cómo inspirar la cooperación sin esos viejos métodos de crianza que aún conserva.
A través del castigo puede asustar a un niño para que siga instrucciones a corto plazo, pero no obtiene cambios de comportamiento a largo plazo.
Muchas investigaciones sociales han demostrado sin duda que los niños buscan conexión con sus padres y aquellos padres que enfocan esa conexión en un comportamiento positivo, ganan más cooperación.
Una vez que se haya registrado en esta biblioteca, haga clic en un título a continuación para acceder al video y los folletos de la solución.
Expert
Joyleen Albarracin,MANuestras bibliotecas de la serie de soluciones se desarrollan en torno a un desafío de crianza específico. Cada serie incluye una colección de videos fáciles de seleccionar y entender (15 min +/-) que desbloquean una pieza clave del rompecabezas de la crianza de los hijos. Lea nuestro resumen de esta serie a continuación y luego haga clic en cada lección para acceder a la descripción de la clase, el video, los folletos y la información sobre nuestros expertos.
Los niños pequeños reaccionan fuertemente y tienden a tener “rabietas”; a veces es predecible, pero otras veces, ¡simplemente no lo es! Las rutinas ayudan a los pequeños a predecir lo que viene a continuación y a sentirse más seguros. Esta serie lo ayudará a comprender por qué su hijo muestra con tanta frecuencia emociones intensas y los comportamientos que las acompañan. Hay muchas opciones sobre cómo responder de manera útil durante estos momentos difíciles con su hijo pequeño.
Our Solution Series Libraries are developed around a specific parenting challenge. Each Series includes a collection of hand-picked, easily digestible (15 min+/-) videos which unlock a key piece of the parenting puzzle. Read our summary of this Series below then click on each lesson to access the class description, video, handouts, and information about our Expert(s).
Toddlers’ and Preschoolers’ development is exciting to experience and often exhausting. In this library, we’ve shared some ways to help manage emotions (theirs and yours!), create routines (a powerful tool) and discuss ways of inspiring your little ones.
Our Solution Series Libraries are developed around a specific parenting challenge. Each Series includes a collection of hand-picked, easily digestible (15 min+/-) videos which unlock a key piece of the parenting puzzle. Read our summary of this Series below then click on each lesson to access the class description, video, handouts, and information about our Expert(s).
Potty learning is a wonderful time for toddlers to learn to care of their bodies in culturally approved ways. Your family will benefit from some reflection about your values, some planning about how to get started, some guidance from resources about persisting when your child seems confused or hesitates, and creation of routines to address the typical challenges. Our ABC’s of Potty Learning library has much to offer and will provide you with the guidance you want every step of the way. Once you have registered for this library, click on a title below to access the solution video and handouts.
Our Solution Series Libraries are developed around a specific parenting challenge. Each Series includes a collection of hand-picked, easily digestible (15 min+/-) videos which unlock a key piece of the parenting puzzle. Read our summary of this Series below then click on each lesson to access the class description, video, handouts, and information about our Expert(s).
This Solution Library covers the parenting basics from pregnancy through baby’s first year. Parents who take time to learn about pregnancy and birth tend to have increased confidence during labor and delivery, improved birth outcomes and a higher likelihood of breastfeeding. Learning about caring for your baby and your body before birth will strengthen family well-being.
The early weeks after birth can be confusing and exhausting while you and your baby learn how to manage feeding and sleeping. Learn about your baby’s early needs and development so you are ready to adapt to life with your newborn. Strategies that balance their needs with yours really make a difference. Infants thrive when parents recognize temperament, how the baby learns, and how your early weeks together can be enhanced when you create rhythms and routines to care for the baby and yourself.
This Peace At Home Parenting Solutions Library provides needed guidance to pregnant and postpartum parents of infants up to one year of age. Once you have registered for this library click on a title to access the solution video and handouts.
Expert
Ruth Freeman,LCSWDo morning routines drive you a little crazy? Does trash only get taken out after a zillion reminders? Stop the nagging, complaining, and punishing. Consider positive discipline and the practical strategies that support children to be more responsible. Parents who focus on the negative tend to have less time to meaningfully connect with their children. There are many positive discipline parenting tools that will help to create smoother family routines. These same tools will also help your children to be more responsible. Join other parents to learn how rules, routines and positive discipline instead of punishment will lead to a better connection with your children.