February 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 winter, 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 this February:
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. $35. Thursday, February 6, 6:30–8:30 pm.
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, February 4–18, 10–10:45 am. $39 per child, $22.50 for each additional sibling, for three-week series.
Terrific Toddlers and Twos (1–3 years)
Acquire a developmental understanding of how best to support your little ones and preserve your sanity! Topics incude setting limits, guiding behavior, developing social skills, understanding tantrums, and more. With Bonnie Romanow, BA, childhood development specialist. $35. Monday, February 3, 6:30–8:30 pm
Positive and Effective Discipline: A Crash Course (3–5 years)
Starting with a basic understanding of developmental norms for 3- to 5-year-olds, this workshop 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. $40. Wednesday, February 5, 6:30–9 pm
For Dads Only: Effective Fathering (all ages)
During this workshop, author and parent coach Tom Limbert will use his new book, Dad's Playbook: Wisdom for Fathers from the Greatest Coaches of All Time, as a framework for tackling the issues facing today's fathers. Tom will reveal how a father can walk the fine lines of discipline, respect, and support. Topics include the values of listening, leading by example, staying in the moment, setting clear limits, and motivating your children. (Signed copies of Tom's book will also be available at a discount to attendees.) $35. Monday, February 10, 7–9 pm
Talking to Your Kids about Adoption (all ages)
Explore developmentally appropriate ways to communicate with your child about adoption and birth parents and to address others' questions and comments. With Heidi Bonfigli, MA. $35. Wednesday, February 12, 7–9 pm
Mothers and Sons: Raising Emotionally Strong Boys (2–10 years)
Mothers can be a strong influence on their sons' emotional growth. Yet the mixed messages around raising boys often leave moms confused and needing clear direction. This workshop will provide guidance and essential tools to help you navigate your important role in your sons' development. With Mical Falk, Ph D. $35. Thursday, February 13, 7–9 pm
Mommy Fatigue (mothers of children birth–10 years)
Let's be honest… parenting young children is both a joy and the most exhausting job you've ever had! Join other moms in a relaxed group setting to discuss the ups and downs of parenting; including maternal burn-out and how to address it. This workshop will be a safe space to explore tough topics such as the ambivalent feelings of parenthood, the ever-present parenting guilt, and anger management issues. Get suggestions from workshop leader Susan Byrd, LCSW about self-care, mind-body awareness, and work-home-play balance. $35. Wednesday, February 26, 6:30–8:30 pm
Parenting Your Spirited Child (2–6 years)
Is your son always on the go, resisting change, or insisting on having things his way? Does your daughter notice everything around her, boss the other kids around at school, or have meltdowns when you take her to the store? Some children are "more," and learning about their temperament and yours will reduce tensions and increase harmony for the entire family. With Bonnie Romanow, BA, childhood development specialist. $35. Thursday, February 27, 6:30–8:30 pm. Register here.
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. For more information, and for a full roster of workshops, 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.
