March Classes and Programs at Parents Place Marin

Parents Place in San Rafael has been a valuable resource for countless Marin County parents and families. They offer a wide variety of programs and classes for parents and children throughout the year. Here are a few of the classes they are offering for the month of March: choosing the right preschool, infant and child CPR and strategies that can help parents with tantrums and meltdowns.

Proven Solutions to Puzzling and Challenging Behaviors: Part 1 (for parents of children 1 - 7 years)

Does your child have epic meltdowns? Is he clumsy, clingy, or picky about clothes or shoes? Does she bite, chew clothing, or frequently bump into people or things? Children can be baffling, often leaving parents struggling to manage their behaviors and responding to their needs. Here comes help: Parents Place's Proven Solutions class, which offers scientific explanations for children's puzzling behaviors. A child therapist and occupational therapist team up to offer clear explanations, up-to-date research, strategies, and examples that bring proven methods to life. You will leave with a whole new understanding of why children behave the way they do and tools you can use when your child exhibits challenging behaviors. With Alyse Clayman, LCSW, and Letha Marcheti, BS, OTR/L, C/NDT. Mon., Mar 2, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. $40. Register here.

Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child (for parents of children 1 - 5 years)

Understand different preschool philosophies and how to identify high-quality programs that match your needs. Learn the criteria to consider when choosing a program, what to look for during school tours, and tips for gaining admission into selective schools. With Cara Guyot, parent educator. Wed., Mar. 4, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Register here.

Infant and Child CPR (for expectant parents, parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children up to onset of puberty)

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. Sun., Mar. 8, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Register here.

Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child (for parents of children 2 - 6 years)

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 establish 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. Tue., Mar. 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. $40.Register here.

FREE DEMO: JAMaROO Music Time Plus UrbanSitter Meet & Greet (for children 9 months - 4 years)

Children 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, we invite you to bring your child to our well-stocked playroom. At that time, you are invited to join us for a snack at the informal "Meet & Greet" with UrbanSitter. This is an opportunity to meet potential sitters and learn more about their services. Meet a handful of Marin's best babysitters and never be without childcare for date nights and full- and part-time care! Tue., Mar. 10, 9:30 - 11:30 am. Register here.

Raising Boys (for parents of infants - 13 years)

There's no denying that boys and girls have different brain structures and developmental paths. Learn more about these distinctions, the best ways to guide your sons effectively and respectfully, and the most effective techniques for communicating with them. You will leave with a better understanding of what boys need from us, when they need it, and how to provide it. Get the tools and encouragement you need to raise a thoughtful, respectful, and empowered young man! With Tom Limbert, MA, author and parent coach. Wed., Mar. 11, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.Register here.

Positive and Effective Discipline: A Crash Course (for parents of children 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. Mon., Mar. 16, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. $45.Register here.

JAMaROO Music Time - plus bonus free play! (for parents of children 9 months - 4 years)

A fun-packed, 40-minute class that combines music, creative movement, and storytelling. Children 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. $104 per child; $60 for each additional sibling, for eight-week series. Parental supervision is required. As a bonus, our playroom will be available for free play from 10:10 to 11:30 am after each session. Due to the short nature of the series, we cannot offer make-up classes. Tuesdays, Mar. 17 - May 5, 9:30 - 10:10 am. Register here.

Tantrums, Meltdowns, Sobbing, Pouting, and Foot-Stomping Rages: Strategies That Can Help (for parents of children 3 - 6 years)

If your kid has ever "lost it" over something--or nothing!--this workshop is for you. Come learn strategies you can use the next time something shockingly "awful"--like when you did something for a child who wanted to "do it myself," or you offered the "wrong" color shirt--leads to crying, screaming, or fist-pounding tantrums. During this experiential, fun workshop, you will practice helpful skills with other calm adults before returning to the challenges of raising actual children. With Julie King, parent educator and "How to Talk" trainer. Wednesdays, Mar. 25 and Apr. 1, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. $95 person; $145 couple. Register here.