FREE Parenting Workshops — Fall 2015
All families have strengths and all families have challenges. These workshops are a safe place to learn and build on existing skills.
All Dufferin Parent Support Network (DPSN) workshops are free of charge and open to men, women and couples. Registration is required.
For more information, or to register for a workshop, contact us at info@dpsn.ca or 519-940-8678. www.dpsn.ca
Monday Evenings
How to Winterize Your Immune System
September 28, 7–9 PM—1 night
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
The colder months will be creeping up quickly, so be prepared
and learn how to boost your immune system and protect
yourself and your loved ones against those nasty winter
infections. In this workshop, you will learn ways to strengthen
your immune system using whole foods, super foods, lifestyle
tips, natural ways to fight colds and flus, and more.
Raising Your Spirited School-Aged Child
“Booster” Follow-Up Session
October 5, 7–9 PM—1 night
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
This single session is offered to parents/caregivers who
previously attended a workshop series on parenting a child
with a challenging temperament. Content from the workshop
series will be reviewed, new material will be provided, and an
opportunity to “check in” will be offered.
Healthy Lunches for Kids
October 19, 7–9 PM—1 night
Princess Elizabeth Public School—51 Elizabeth Street
Kids want lunches that are fun and taste good, while parents
want to provide kids with nutritious choices. In this workshop,
you will learn why healthy lunches and snacks play an
important part in your child’s learning process as well as tricks
and tips to make lunches healthier for your kids.
Emotional Wellness
October 26, November 2, 9, 6:30–8:30 PM—3 nights
Parkinson Centennial Public School–120 Lawrence Ave
Learn the difference between positive and problematic
emotions, how to increase your self-awareness about these
emotions, and, through individual and group activities, you
will understand how to best manage these emotions.
Tuesday Evenings
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Supporting a New Diagnosis
September 29, 6:30–8:30 PM—1 night
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
This introductory session is designed to help respite workers,
parents, caregivers and agency staff increase understanding of
Autism Spectrum Disorders level 1, 2, 3. This workshop will
provide an overview of the autism spectrum with an emphasis
on practical support strategies and approaches.
Tuesdays (cont’d)
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 17, 24, & Dec 1, 7–9 PM—6 nights
Please note there is no session on November 10
Island Lake Public School—50 Oak Ridge Drive
Based on the Faber and Mazlish book of the same name, this workshop
focuses on developing positive relationships through effective
communication with children of all ages. You’ll learn proven skills to
help you cope with your children’s negative feelings, engage their
willing cooperation and discipline without hurting or alienating them.
Schoolwork Strategies for Parents:
Help Your Child Find Success at School
November 10, 7–9 PM—1 night
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
Please see description under Thursday evening workshops.
Wednesday Evenings
Anger, Parenting and You
September 30 & October 7, 7–9 PM—2 nights
Parkinson Centennial Public School—120 Lawrence Ave.
We all strive for healthy communication between parents and children.
This workshop will help you recognize your anger triggers and how to
release anger safely, and help you teach your children how to manage
their emotional responses. Participants will examine coping strategies
for anger and stress management for both parents and children.
Positive Parenting from Separate Homes
October 14, 6:30–9:30—1 night
Dufferin Child & Family Services—655 Riddell Road
Are you worried about the effects of separation, divorce and parenting
from two homes on your children? Learn to manage these changes to
ensure that your children don’t get caught in the middle of parental
conflict. You will learn to understand your feelings, your children’s
needs and develop a business-like relationship with the other parent.
You will not be asked to talk about your individual situation as the
program is for general information.
Positive Discipline for Effective Parenting
November 11, 18, 25 & December 2, 7–9 PM—4 nights
Parkinson Centennial Public School–120 Lawrence Ave
This workshop uses theories and information from a combination of
parenting experts to provide you with practical information and ideas to
help you along your everyday parenting journey. We’ll look at discipline
as a teaching tool, working together as a couple to parent consistently,
parenting styles, and practical tools to help both you and your child be
successful within your family.
Monday, November 23, 7:30–9:00 PM
09/16
Follow DPSN on Facebook!
Family Talk about Drinking with Alyson Schafer
Orangeville District Secondary School, 22 Faulkner Street
Check our website at www.dpsn.ca—
More events and details will be added soon!
Thursday Evenings
Parenting Your Anxious Child
October 15 & 22, 7–9 PM—2 nights
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
All children experience worries during the various stages of their
development. It can interfere with daily functioning and impact
their ability to cope. This workshop addresses ways parents can
support and intervene while identifying causes, symptoms and
developing coping skills in their children.
Schoolwork Strategies for Parents:
Help Your Child Find Success at School
October 8, 7–9 PM—1 night
Grand Valley Public School—120 Main St., Grand Valley
What if your children hate homework and struggle in class? You
can help them improve their grades and be more successful
while increasing their confidence and self-esteem. This
workshop will provide practical ways to learn how your child
learns and provide strategies to help your child in an effective
and enjoyable manner.
Relationship Dynamics:
Honouring Ourselves and Others
November 5 & 12, 7–9 PM—2 nights
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
Learn practical tips and techniques to tap into the best part of
yourself and give all your relationships—with your children, your
spouse, your parents, in your workplace—the best chance to
flourish. Topics covered include conflict resolution, advocating
for what you need, and setting healthy boundaries.
Implementing Visual Strategies for Individuals on
the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Make and Take
November 26, 6:30–8:30 PM—1 night
Princess Margaret Public School—51 Wellington
This practical session is designed to assist respite workers,
caregivers, parents and agency staff with learning how to build,
use and implement strategies. An overview of First-Then boards,
visual schedules, choice boards and more. Participants will leave
with a visual aid.
Thursday, October 29, 7–9 PM
The Resilient Child:
Fortifying Your Child Against Stress
with Teresa Pitman, award-winning parenting writer
Westside Secondary School, 300 Alder Street