April 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 spring, 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 starting in April:
Infant and Child CPR
Learn to recognize an infant or child in distress, rescue measures for choking, CPR techniques, and infant sleep safety. Includes hands-on practice with mannequins. One-year certification provided. Pre-crawling babies welcome. With Shanda Manion, CPR instructor certified by the American Heart Association in basic life support. $45. Thursday, April 3, 6:30–8:30 pm (please arrive 10 minutes early). Register here.
Infant Sleep Solutions
Learn some great techniques to help your little one—and you!—sleep. We will discuss baby sleep needs and the best ways to help young ones learn good sleep habits. We will cover the importance of a baby schedule, challenges to baby sleep habits (developmental milestones), new SIDS research and guidelines, pros and cons of various sleep methods (Ferber, CIO, low/no-cry methods), infant/child sleep products, and choices: family bed, crib, and room sharing. Pre-crawling babies welcome. With infant sleep expert Sarah Middelton, MA, CD, PCD. Friday, April 4, 10 am–noon. $35. Register here,
Infant Massage
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. Friday, April 11, 10:30 am–noon. $35. Register here.
Toddler Sleep Class
Join parent and family coach Angelique Millette to learn how to help your toddler sleep. Topics include transition from crib or family bed to toddler bed; potty training and sleeping; nightmares and sleep; preschool and sleep; and new baby/sibling jealousy and sleep. We will also discuss toddlers' sleep needs and the impact developmental milestones may have on sleep. With Angelique Millette, LE, DONA, PhD candidate. Wednesday, April 16, 10 am–noon. $35. Register here.
Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child
Do you often feel your child is just "more" than others his age? Do you describe her to others as "challenging" or "intense?" This workshop can help you understand your child's unique temperamental qualities and rise to the special challenges of parenting a strong-willed child. You will develop realistic developmental expectations and learn about setting appropriate boundaries for the child who sometimes requires "more," as well as using structured limit-setting techniques and delivering positive rewards. With Susan Byrd, LCSW. Tuesday, April 22, 6:30–8:30 pm. $35. Register here.
Girls Leadership Parent and Daughter Series: 9 Tools for True Friendship
This workshop for girls 7–8 from the Girls Leadership Institute provides parents and daughters a place to play, bond, and learn together. Families will learn about leadership and relationship skills through games and stories and leave with a common vocabulary for discussing conflict, as well as a set of valuable, concrete skills that both parents and daughters can apply to real-life situations. Week One: Standing Up For Yourself; Week Two: Sharing Feeling; Week Three: Double Sorry; and Week Four: Choices for Friend Trouble. Tuesdays, April 22–May 13, 6–7:30 pm. $200 per adult/girl pair for four-week series. Register here.
Girls Leadership Parent and Daughter Series: Tools for Sunny and Cloudy Days with Friends
This workshop for girls 5–6 from the Girls Leadership Institute (GLI) provides parents and daughters a place to play, bond, and learn together. Families will learn about leadership and relationship skills through games and stories and leave with a common vocabulary for discussing conflict, as well as a set of valuable, concrete skills that both parents and daughters can apply to real-life situations. Week One: Friendship Toolbox; Week Two: Sharing Feelings and Body Language; Week Three: Mistakes, We All Make 'Em; and Week Four: Courageous Relationships. Tuesdays, April 22–May 13, 4:30–5:30 pm. $170 per adult/girl pair for four-week series. Register here.
Boys and Discipline
Boys' activity levels often require different disciplinary approaches. This interactive class will explore problem-solving strategies that will help you communicate clear limits and love to your son. Discover how effective limit-setting can be an opportunity for you and your son to grow, learn, and thrive. With Gary Gross, MFT. Thursday, April 24, 6:30–8:30 pm. $35. Register here.
Feisty Threes and Fours
Learn why these are the "feisty" years and how to enhance cooperative behavior and turn "feisty" into "fun!" Tips, resources, and discussion about teaching self-discipline, control, socialization skills, and more while still allowing our children to be children. With Bonnie Romanow, BA, childhood development specialist. Monday, April 28, 6:30–8:30 pm. $35. Register here.
Free Demo: JAMaROO Music Time Plus UrbanSitter Meet and Greet
Children 9 months–4 years will sing, play simple instruments, read stories, balance bean bags, and dance with streamers to a variety of music from around the world. Class themes are related to nature and the outside world. Parental supervision is required. After class, you're invited to bring your child to our well-stocked playroom for a snack and an informal "Meet and Greet" with UrbanSitter. This is an opportunity to meet potential sitters and learn more about UrbanSitter's services. Meet a handful of Marin's best babysitters and never be without childcare for date nights and full- and part-time care! Tuesday, April 29, 10–11:45 am. Register here.
