Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

Children are naturally drawn to various forms of Power Play, such as Rough and Tumble and Superhero play. While these activities come instinctively to children, they often raise concerns for parents. How can we ensure safety without stifling their exploration? In this workshop, we will first reflect on our own experiences and biases regarding this type of play. Then, we’ll explore the learning opportunities children engage in through these games. Finally, we will discuss strategies to support our children in staying safe, having fun, and learning to play collaboratively.

Register Here

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

BONUS BOOK GIVEAWAY! FAN is giving away copies of The Way of Play to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details on the webinar registration page. Register Here

Most parents understand that free, unstructured playtime is great for children’s development. What they may not know is that playful interaction with parents is also a powerful way for kids to cultivate healthy emotional development and resilience. Kids often want their parents to play with them, but many parents don’t know how to play or see it only as an (often boring) way to kill time.

Playing with your kids doesn’t have to mean enrolling in countless parent-and-me classes or getting on all fours and making toy car sounds; the little daily moments together can make the most impact. In The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids, world-renowned pediatric therapists and play experts Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. and Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT offer simple, playful techniques that harness this caregiving magic in only a few minutes each day.

Full of science-backed research, real-life stories, and charming line illustrations to bring this novel advice to life, The Way of Play will help you nurture your kids and encourage them to become calm listeners, cooperative problem solvers, and respectful communicators. Just as important, it will help your whole family have more fun together and build stronger relationships.

Bryson is the founder and CEO of The Center for Connection, a multidisciplinary clinical practice in Southern California. She is the co-author (with Dan Siegel, MD, FAN ‘13) of four books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline. Wisen-Vincent is a nationally recognized play therapy expert and co-founder (with Bryson) and head of faculty for The Play Strong Institute, a continuing education and training organization for professionals and parents.

Bryson and Wisen-Vincent will be in conversation with Carly Andrews, executive director of The Alliance for Early Childhood, a nonprofit organization devoted to nurturing the healthy development of young children by equipping early childhood educators, parents, and families with resources, education, and support.

This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.

As a parent, noticing that your child may have higher-level needs or needs that seem outside the scope of the current school context can be both challenging and overwhelming. This workshop is designed to guide parents through the initial stages of recognizing and addressing these unique needs. Participants will learn to identify key signs that their child may require additional support and discover how to effectively partner with their child's school to ensure the best possible outcomes. The workshop will also cover valuable resources and strategies for advocating for your child's needs within the educational system. Join us to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support your child's journey.

Register Here

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

Mindful Beginnings is an outdoor meet-up for new and expecting parents that will launch Fall 2024. We'll meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am at different trails to walk together and connect with nature. Bring your baby (carriers encouraged) and join us for a walk led by Kassie Leachman, a certified doula and childbirth educator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and share your experiences. Our first meet-up will be on Wednesday, October 16, 10 - 11:30am at Erickson Woods. Sign up for meet-up emails here.

From pushing over a baby brother to pulling a friend out of their favorite chair, children often act without thinking (and before you can get there to stop them!) You’ve told them no and tried appealing to their empathy, but nothing helps. You’re up at night, worrying that your kid has a mean streak or that someone will really get hurt next time.

Where does this behavior come from and how do you teach them it’s not okay? Rather than seeing it as a character defect or your child being “mean on purpose,” remember: young children act on big feelings with little impulse control. Feelings like jealousy, anxiety, and disconnectedness can overwhelm a young child. They need an adult to help organize their feelings and “see” them in their overwhelm, while being in charge in a kind way. We can provide boundaries while maintaining empathy for their developing brains and bodies. 

Come learn how to respond from a place of confidence rather than fear or embarrassment, and to let your children’s behavior guide you in meeting their needs. Register Here

Presenter: Molly Pope, EdS, I/ECMH-C, is an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant specializing in supporting children, families, and classrooms. She has worked with young children and families as a school psychologist for 17 years. She strongly believes that for children to learn and thrive, they first need to feel safe, seen, and secure. Knowing that nobody’s perfect and it’s never too late to start, she works with adults to help children successfully manage emotions and build their self esteem. Molly lives in Evanston with her husband, 2 sons, 3 cats and 1 lizard. Find her at mollypopeparentcoach.com.

Join The Alliance for Early Childhood’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Molly Pope, EdS/I/ECMH-C,  in conversation with Dr. Mike Rucker about his book, The Fun Habit. Grounded in current research, accessible science, and practical recommendations, The Fun Habit explores how you can build having fun into an actionable and effortless habit and why doing so will help you become a healthier, more joyful, more productive person. Join this lively conversation, as we explore the importance of habits of fun in the lives of parents and families. Register Here

Presenter: Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit, which is out now.

Facilitator: Molly Pope, EdS, I/ECMH-C, is an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant specializing in supporting children, families, and classrooms. She has worked with young children and families as a school psychologist for 17 years. She strongly believes that for children to learn and thrive, they first need to feel safe, seen, and secure. Knowing that nobody’s perfect and it’s never too late to start, she works with adults to help children successfully manage emotions and build their self esteem. Molly lives in Evanston with her husband, 2 sons, 3 cats and 1 lizard. Find her at mollypopeparentcoach.com.

Hosted by The Volunteer Center and the Community House in Winnetka, families and friends of all ages and abilities from N.E. Metro Chicago are invited to join fellow volunteers to complete service projects that will be of use to seniors, veterans, the homeless, hospitalized youth, orphaned animals and more, to be held at The Community House in Winnetka, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka.

Honor the legacy of Dr. King by joining together in unity of service. Time TBD. Check the VC website, VolunteerCenterHelps.org, in November for timing. Email info@volunteercenterhelps.org No fees or reservations to attend.

From preschoolers we share on our own social media, to kids starting their own YouTube Channel, Kids are growing up in a hyper-connected world. How can we help our kids navigate coming of age in a world where nearly every moment of their lives can be shared and compared? How can we help them navigate all the firsts? First Roblox playdate? First social account? First Phone? We can track our kids’ every move with apps, see their grades within minutes of them being posted, and fixate on their digital footprint, anxious that a misstep could cause them to be ostracized or even jeopardize their admission to college. How can they figure out who they really are with zero privacy and constant judgment? Devorah shows us that mentoring and not just monitoring kids will help us understand and support our kids, building our relationships with them AND helping them be successful in digital spaces. Register Here

Presenter: Dr. Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in their Digital World, a guide to mentoring digital kids. Growing Up In Public draws on Heitner’s extensive work with parents and schools as well as hundreds of interviews with kids, parents, educators, clinicians, and scholars. With relatable stories and research-backed advice, Growing Up in Public empowers parents to cut through the overwhelm to connect with their kids, recognize how to support them, and help them figure out who they are when everyone is watching. Dr Heitner’s insights have appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, Fast Company, CNN Opinion and Real Simple, etc. Dr. Heitner has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology and Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul University and Northwestern University. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager, too.

Your local retailers offered specials, with discounts, gift wrapping, and festive fun.

Shoppers strolled through downtown Winnetka, Hubbard Woods, Northfield and Glencoe, shopping for gifts for him, her and the home, toys, books, clothing and more, all in their own zip code. 

Books can be gateways to meaningful conversation and opportunities to build empathy and expand vocabulary around challenging topics. In this interactive workshop, children’s librarians will demonstrate how picture books can be paired with prompts and activities to begin a practice of open and direct conversation about why race matters in our society. By developing a strong sense of self and group identity, and building on young children's natural sense of fairness, we can help children develop accurate and open-minded beliefs and critical thinking skills. Register Here

Presenter: Sarah Jo Zaharako, MLIS,  is a youth services librarian at Wilmette Public Library. She came to public librarianship after working as a professional violinist, a music teacher, a school librarian, and a bookseller. As a librarian, she works to create meaningful programming and partnerships that promote equity and social justice. She runs an initiative at Wilmette Public Library called Let's Learn Together, which provides a framework for families to engage in challenging topics. Sarah Jo is currently co-chair of the Public Awareness and Advocacy committee for the Association of Library Services for Children. She lives in Evanston with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a cat.

Chicago’s North Shore residents are once again invited to “upcycle” their new or gently used goods at the Volunteer Center's 21st Make A Difference Day. Nonprofits will gratefully receive your donations at the Indian Hill Metra Train Station Parking Lot in Winnetka (111 Green Bay Road, Winnetka). This annual Volunteer Center (VC) donation drop-off collects nearly 30,000 items each year! 

See the detailed list on the VC website of the 16 nonprofits and the goods they have requested and start sorting, tagging and bagging them for drop off!

Using the work of Dr. Daniel Siegel and other experts in child development, this workshop will provide an overview of the ways that children learn about their internal world of emotions and the way this internal framework impacts their growth and development . We will explore how we as parents can encourage our children's emotional awareness and growth, not only by what we say, but, most importantly, by how we relate to our own emotions. Register Here

Presenter: Kim Hassenfeld, LCSW, has worked as a therapist for the past 17 years. She has worked in community mental health settings, private practice and has served as the Clinical Director of the Counseling Center of the North Shore for the past 4 years. Kim treats couples, families and individuals with a range of clinical issues and has a special interest in treating those who have experienced early childhood and relational trauma.

It is in our nature to eat together. It turns out that it is also in our best interests for a whole host of reasons that science has only lately uncovered. Unfortunately, as food became an industry, and eating an independent activity, the natural relational context that converts food into true nurturance – for both the body and the self – has been lost. From questions about picky eating to behavior at the table, we can only make sense of these things by understanding relationship, development, and human emotion.  Join us for a lively conversation between Deborah MacNamara and Kelly Tess, as we explore the connection between food and family care. Deborah will inspire us to take back this territory in order to recover the natural power of food in both our own lives, and the lives of our loved ones. Register Here

Presenter: Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a clinical counselor and educator, the author of Rest, Play, Grow, The Sorry Plane, and her new book, Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love), and a mother.  Deborah speaks regularly to parents, educators, social workers, child care and health care professionals, sharing her insight and passion for making sense of kids. She is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute and is a dynamic presenter who makes developmental science come to life in the everyday context of how and classrooms. 

Facilitator: Dr. Kelly Tess is the Superintendent of Winnetka Schools, District 36. In her career as an educator, Dr. Tess has prior experience as a classroom teacher, elementary and middle school assistant principal, middle school principal and assistant superintendent. Her diverse experiences in the early years as an elementary teacher in southern California, within a Department of Defense school system in Alabama and on the North Shore of Chicago continue to shape her commitment to the development of emerging leaders, creative problem solving and compassionate leadership. Dr. Tess received her Bachelor of Science in Media Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Elementary Education from DePaul University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. She has served as a mentor to new leadership in a Central Office role through the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators, and served as an adjunct professor for Concordia University to those in the Educational Leadership cohort.

From the moment children are born they seek a secure attachment with caregivers, and this attachment becomes the secure base for their future development. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk writes that “children whose parents are reliable sources of comfort and strength have a lifetime advantage - a kind of buffer against the worst that fate can hand them.” 

Join Kate Blaker and Sarah Eastburg in conversation with Carly Andrews as they discuss the role of attachment between parent and child and explore what being "securely attached" means, how parents can support secure attachments with their children, and the effects of secure attachment on the family’s mental wellness. Register Here.

Kate Blaker, M.A.T, NBCC, LPC, is a seasoned educator within the Winnetka Public Schools and Baker Demonstration School. Kate is currently a full-time therapist at Josselyn after receiving her master’s in Clinical Mental Health degree from National Louis University.  Sarah Eastburg, LSW, received her master’s in social work degree from the Erikson Institute where her area of concentration was Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Sarah serves as a NICU Social Worker at The University of Chicago Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Together they bring these strengths to their therapeutic work with children and families they serve. [Josselyn is an Alliance for Early Childhood community partner. Josselyn meets the mental health needs of more than 4,400 people in more than 100 Chicagoland communities. Learn more at josselyn.org.]

Dealing with a child’s challenging behavior is one of the toughest parts of parenting. Traditional discipline techniques revolve around the use of punishments and rewards, which may be effective in the short term, but are often ineffective in the long run. Join Cari as she explores the power of using a relationship-based discipline approach based on connection, compassion, and co- regulation to support young children during times of distress. Facilitated by Pediatric Speech Pathologist, Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP.  

Parents Register Here 

The youngest among us are no strangers to digital technology. Yet families get conflicting advice about the impact of these technologies on their children’s health and development – on one hand companies promise that media can boost their children’s intelligence while on the other America’s pediatricians urge parents to limit screen time in the early years. In this workshop, Erin Walsh explores the latest research on the power and impact of screen time in early childhood and shares the ingredients that young children need to thrive in a world dominated by screens. Using stories and warm humor, she helps parents and caregivers identify ways to use technology and media to support children’s learning and development. Facilitated by Erin Walsh, M.A., parent, speaker, educator, writer, and co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute.

Parents Register Here

Our busy family schedules become more stressful when our kids are having a hard time. From fighting with siblings to fighting bedtimes, parents are often left depleted and exhausted. We know our children need our time and attention, but fitting that in can sometimes feel like one more thing. Join Molly Pope as she shares how simple rituals and every day routines help parents who are short on time and energy to connect with their children AND help children feel seen and loved. Facilitated by Molly Pope, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Parent Coach and Speaker & Trainer.

Parents Register Here

Part of The Alliance for Early Childhood's 21-22 Virtual Parent Series, Making Sense of Kids: What Kids Need Most from Adults

Play - at least the kind that builds brains and forwards development - is becoming an endangered activity among those who need to engage in it most. Part of the problem is the premature pressure on children to learn and to become socialized, as well as screen time. This presentation will reveal the power of play based in science, by examining how play serves development, how play builds attachment, and how play preserves emotional well-being. Our most significant failing is our lack of collective understanding concerning the pivotal role of play in growing our children up. The good news is we have never known more about the value of play and at the same time, we have never been so in need of this knowledge.  Facilitated by Deborah MacNamara, PhD. Dr. Deborah MacNamara is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute, author of the best-selling book Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and the Director of Kid’s Best Bet Counselling and Family Resource Centre. 

Parents Register Here  Virtual Program via Zoom- a link will be shared once registration is confirmed.  

In this presentation, Dr. Dana Suskind will draw on her forthcoming book, Parent Nation, to make the case that America has abdicated its responsibility to families, adopting policies and norms that directly conflict with the science of early childhood development and make it incredibly challenging for any parent to fulfill their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. The consequences of this abdication are profound and tragic, leading many families to struggle—in ways small and large—and robbing many children of the opportunity to reach their full potential. Never one to stop at identifying a problem, Dr. Suskind also offers a roadmap for mitigating this injustice and building a society that enables parents and caregivers to meet the needs of young children. 

 Dana Suskind, MD, is Founder and Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. Her new book, Parent Nation (Penguin/Dutton, April 2022), offers a compelling look at the neuroscience of early childhood development—and how it can guide us toward a more equitable future. 

 Register Here. This event is free and open to the public.  Registration is required.  A Zoom link will be shared once registration is confirmed. 

Want to read the book? Pre-order Parent Nation locally from The Book Stall in Winnetka here.  

Part of The Alliance for Early Childhood's 21-22 Virtual Parent Series, Making Sense of Kids: What Kids Need Most from Adults

While it is within every human's capacity to be resilient and resourceful, this potential is not always realized for everyone. Raising children who can face adversity with confidence and find creative solutions to challenges has never been more important. Adults play a key role in cultivating the roots of resilience that will have lasting effects on their capacity to endure and find a way through difficult experiences.  Facilitated by Deborah MacNamara, PhD. Dr. Deborah MacNamara is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute, author of the best-selling book Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and the Director of Kid’s Best Bet Counselling and Family Resource Centre. 

Parents Register Here  Virtual Program via Zoom- a link will be shared once registration is confirmed.  

Part of The Alliance for Early Childhood's 21-22 Virtual Parent Series, Making Sense of Kids: What Kids Need Most from Adults

Young children are some of the most misunderstood people around. Their unique personality can baffle adults with tantrums that come out of nowhere to resistance that locks in and leaves you at a standstill. While preschoolers possess both beauty and beast-like behavior, they really wish you wouldn’t take it so personal nor view them as a problem to be fixed. What are the developmental milestones we should look for in considering if they are on track? This presentation will focus on what young kids would like you to know about them and to assure you that nature has a plan for their development. Facilitated by Deborah MacNamara, PhD. Dr. Deborah MacNamara is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute, author of the best-selling book Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), and the Director of Kid’s Best Bet Counseling and Family Resource Centre. 

Parents Register Here  Virtual Program via Zoom- a link will be shared once registration is confirmed.  

Kindergarten is around the corner and some may have more than the usual butterflies in their stomach! COVID has made so many aspects of school and community-building difficult. For some, it’s also brought about more separation anxiety and challenging behavior in our young children. In addition to school supplies and materials, how can we prepare our children to feel ready for this transition? How do we not let our own worries and anxieties interfere with the process?  You will learn simple yet effective strategies for successful transitions, to support your child for the first few weeks of Kindergarten as well as any new activity or event. Join us so your little one can enter those new school doors with confidence and curiosity!

Virtual program facilitated by Molly Pope, I/ECMHC, Parent Coach, and Speaker and Trainer.

Registration is required. Please register here- Can't attend live? That's okay! Registered attendees will receive a link of the recorded program

Program Flyer

HOSTED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

• Glencoe District 35

• Joseph Sears School

• Middlefork Elementary

• True North Educational Cooperative 804

• Winnetka Public Schools District 36

Sibling squabbles, temper tantrums, refusal and resistance wear away your precious last nerve. You snap, you yell, and then you feel terrible. The pandemic has amplified this experience for so many parents. No parent wants to yell at their child and yet, no human has endless patience. So how do you live with your children without yelling or giving up completely? How do you find the balance while getting your children to cooperate? Come learn how to set boundaries without yelling and keep the peace without losing your peace. Rediscover the loving parent you are through new self-awareness and tools to support your family. Program facilitated by Molly Pope, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Parent Coach, and Speaker and Trainer. Event Flyer

Programming facilitated by Molly Pope, I/ECMHC, Parent Coach, and Speaker and Trainer. 

Registration Required for all events. A Zoom link will be provided when registration is confirmed. Register Here