November Classes and Programs at Parents Place Marin

Parents Place in San Rafael has been a valuable resource for countless Marin County parents and families. This fall, they offer a wide variety of programs, from childbirth education to classes for parents and children. Here are a few of the programs they offer this November:

Positive Sibling Relationships (2–10 years)

Managing sibling relationships can be the biggest parenting challenge. We will explore this important relationship and discuss conflict, fairness, and sharing. Help your children become more cooperative, caring, and compassionate. With Bonnie Romanow, BA, childhood development specialist. Monday, November 4, 6:30–8:30 pm. $35.

JAMaROO Music Time, plus bonus free play! (9 months–4 years)

A fun-packed, 40-minute class that combines music, creative movement, and storytelling. Children will sing, play simple instruments, listen to stories, balance bean bags, and dance with streamers to a variety of music from around the world. Class themes relate to nature and the outside world. Parental supervision is required. (As a bonus, the playroom will be available for free play from 10:40 am until noon after each session.) Tuesdays, November 5–19, 10–10:45 am. $39 per child, $22.50 for each additional sibling, for three-week series.

Positive and Effective Discipline: A Crash Course (3–5 years)

Starting with a basic understanding of developmental norms for 3- to 5-year-olds, we will break down the components of discipline-communication, listening, modeling, consequences, and more-to learn about improving limit-setting, encouraging responsibility, and fostering communication. With Susan Byrd, LCSW. Wednesday, November 6, 6:30–9 pm. $40.

Infant Massage (pre-crawling babies 6 weeks and older)

Learn a fun, easy technique to improve connection with your baby while providing a healthful, stimulating, and calming experience. Massage helps babies relax, leading to better sleep and resolution of common infant digestive issues. Working parents find this a great way to "reconnect" with children after work, and it's a great platform to build a lifelong ability to communicate with children and help them feel strong and comfortable in their bodies. Please bring a blanket for the baby to lie on and a toy, if needed, for comfort. Oils and written handouts will be provided. With Susan Theobald, LCSW. Wednesday, November 13, 10:30 am–noon. $35.

For more information, and for a full roster of programs and resources, visit www.parentsplaceonline.org/marin; you can call them at (415) 491-7959. Parents Place Marin is located in San Rafael at 600 Fifth Avenue.