Parenting is hard, and it truly takes a village. If you have ever felt this way, the Survive and Thrive series is for you.
The Survive and Thrive in Parenthood Series — led by yours truly — is designed especially for parents and caregivers in the community to meet and make new, meaningful community connections with others they may recognize, but do not yet know.
At the sessions, participants will be able to share their journeys and seek help from others — because it’s what I do on the daily to survive! As a result, this series will help foster a deeper and more meaningful sense of community and offer a broader sense of social support for families.
No one has it all figured out. We’re all doing the best we can. And we are not alone. Everyone needs to be reminded of these three truths.
Participants are welcome to join any session; however, everyone is encouraged to attend the whole series as the sessions build upon one another. The objective of this series is to provide practical, inspirational and spiritual support to parents who feel the long days (but short years) of parenthood.
Led by myself and facilitated by local experts, sessions provide parents and caregivers a safe space to share their general life and parenting highs, lows, questions, frustrations and celebrations. Thoughtful information will be offered on a variety of pertinent topics, from relationship and friendship advice to tips on how to nurse a three-day-old newborn — and everything in-between. As a public health professional, certified lactation counselor, parenting blogger, and writer for Northeast Ohio Parent magazine, I’ve been lucky to have access to local experts to ask my burning questions — and now you can benefit, too! To learn about the series, including dates, topics and facilitators, click here.
Dates & Topics
October 17
Setting the expectations for parenthood — with Kristen Francis, Certified Executive Coach
What does it mean to be a good parent?
What did you think parenthood would be like and how does it compare to your experience?
October 24
Your Story – and letting go — with Juli Hicks, Life Coach
Self-reflection & Self-awareness
What expectations do you have for yourself, and as a parent?
November 7
Our Life Homework & The Tough Stuff
Lessons Learned – the gift of saying no
Resourcefulness – when things do not go as expected – adjusting to life as it happens
Talking to our kids about culturally taboo subjects
November 14
Your kids — with Eden Kozlowski, meditation teacher & founder of Just Be
Conscious Parenting – holding the mirror up to ourselves
November 21
Keeping it Real — with Beth Falb, MSW, LISW-S, a licensed pediatric mental health therapist
Evidence-based parenting advice and Q&A session
Sessions will run Thursdays, Oct. 17 & 24 and Nov. 7, 14 & 21 from 5:30-7 p.m., with complimentary babysitting provided (dinner will be served for kids, refreshments for adults). The cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple per session. Maximum 30 participants. Call 330-867-7850 or stop by the desk at Shaw JCC, 750 White Pond Drive in Akron, to register.
