Parenting with Vision

Transitioning to Kindergarten
Parents of incoming kindergarteners are invited to join this webinar hosted by Anne Sitorius Maas, MA, LPCC, a Relate Counseling Center early childhood therapist. Parents will learn tips and skills on how to support your child through this upcoming transition.

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Place: Online via Relate Counseling Center Facebook page
Cost: Free with no registration necessary

Transitioning to High School
Candi Davenport, MS, LACD and Theresa Tsuchiya, PsyD, LP of Relate Counseling will host this online webinar for parents of incoming high schoolers on how to support their kids through this big transition.

Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Place: Online via Relate Counseling Center Facebook page
Cost: Free with no registration necessary

Navigating the stress and isolation of COVID-19 has presented added challenges for parenting our kids. How can we as parents support each other in our efforts to help our kids build and maintain resilience, self-esteem and mental health in the midst of a pandemic?

Parents of elementary age children are invited to join a parent support group facilitated by Judy Hoy, DSW and Chithra Binoy. Participants will experience the shared wisdom of each other and come away with resources and strategies to support their kids’ well-being at home and in school. This live interactive class will take place online using Zoom.

Dates: Thursdays, October 15 - November 19
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Online via Zoom
Cost: $15
Register here

Changes in our routine, lack of control, and fear of the unknown can cause our mental health to suffer. Talking about mental health as a family can be intimidating but we’re here to help. Led by Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults, this workshop will help you understand more about mental health and how we can support our children’s mental health and well being (as well as our own!). This workshop will give parents the opportunity to connect with others and the tools and resources they need to support their children during COVID-19 and beyond.  The topics are applicable to anyone, but are best fitted for parents of children in middle school or high school. 

Link to Recording of Presentation (Password: Wayzata)

Link to Presentation Slides 

Friendships are incredibly important to young people. How do we help our children foster healthy friendships and connection during a time of social distancing? Join Health Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults in conversation and activities to learn what we can do to help our children navigate friendships and relationships. This workshop will give parents the opportunity to connect with others and the tools and resources they need to support their children during COVID-19 and beyond.  The topics are applicable to anyone, but are most fitting for parents of children in middle school or high school.  

Date: Thursday, November 5

Link to Recording of Presentation (Password: Wayzata)
Link to Presentation Slides

COVID-19 has brought us many parenting challenges. For parents who are divorced or separated, parenting during a pandemic can be even more difficult. Join Mathew Meyers from Traverse Counseling for an online lunchtime learning session to gain valuable tips and strategies for managing dual households during this time. We will discuss concerns about socializing with peers and extended family, distance and hybrid learning, dealing with symptoms or vulnerable family members, effective coping strategies and when to seek additional support.

Do you have a college student or young adult, and are parenting in a divorced family? COVID-19 brings additional challenges to this dynamic. Join Mathew Meyers from Traverse Counseling for an online lunchtime learning session to learn helpful tips to align expectations and manage different levels of concern about the pandemic between parents and adult children. How do you manage parenting time with the upcoming holidays and extended stays? Identify mental health concerns and when to seek additional support, as well as the boundaries of therapy for adult children.

Navigating the stress and isolation of COVID-19 has been particularly challenging for adolescents and their parents. School closures and social distancing have cut teens off from peer relationships - a significant and vital source of support during adolescence. Rates of depression and anxiety have increased during the pandemic and parents wonder what is a normal response to difficult times and when is it time to seek help? How can we as parents support each other in our efforts to help our kids build and maintain resilience, self-esteem and mental health in the midst of a pandemic?

Parents of middle and high school aged kids are invited to join a parent support group facilitated by Judy Hoy, LICSW, DSW and Chithra Binoy. Participants will experience the shared wisdom of each other and come away with resources and strategies to support their kids’ well-being at home and in school during challenging times.

Dates: Thursdays, January 14 - February 18
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Register here

Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level with Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience—a film that examines the science behind teen’s emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age.

Once you have registered, your email address will be shared with the Screenagers organization. You will receive a unique link, that will allow you to view the film twice between January 15 - 27.  Registration deadline: January 12 by 7:00 a.m. 

Dates: January 15 - 27
Time: Any time
Place: Online
Cost: Free
Register here

SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in The Digital Age has been screened more than 8,000 times to 4 million people in more than 70 countries around the world.. With multiple screenings happening daily in communities across the globe, SCREENAGERS is the first feature documentary to explore the impact of screen technology on kids and offer parents and families proven solutions that work. What started out as a personal story for one has grown into a national movement, helping millions of teens and their families navigate growing up in a world with instant access to screens.

Once you have registered, your email address will be shared with the Screenagers organization. You will receive a unique link to view the film. You can view the film two times between February 15-27.  Registration deadline:  February 12 by 7 a.m.. 

Dates: February 15 - 27
Time: Any time
Place: Online
Cost: Free
Register here

Recent findings from brain science help us to appreciate the developmental impact of the parent/child relationship on a child's thinking, feeling and behavior. Understanding the basics of brain science can help us be more intentional about how we parent. Parents will be delightfully surprised to discover the “science” behind what they are already doing that is helpful to their kids. The science of relationships gives parents a language to understand why what works is working and increases empathy for themselves and their kids during difficult times. This workshop will provide easy-to-implement, "brain-engaged" strategies that can be used to navigate the highs and lows of the parenting journey. Time will be provided after the presentation for questions and discussion. 

Dates: Thursday, March 18
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Register here

We learn through stories. We learn about ourselves and others, about different cultures and different times. But if we only hear a single story about another person or country, we risk critical misunderstanding. We stereotype.

“The Danger of a Single Story” is a powerful Ted Talk given by award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In the Ted Talk, Adichie shares stories of the stereotypes she held about others, and ones Americans held about her.

Wayzata parents Denise Silva and Kristen Spargo invite fellow parents to join them to view Adichie’s Ted Talk on Zoom, reflect on the stories she shares and discuss them together.

Dates: Friday, April 30
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Register here
Family Resources

Come learn about Top 20. Students in Wayzata Public Schools are using Top 20 strategies to become more engaged in school. You will learn useful phrases and strategies to help your child navigate the teenage years. Learn to see things
differently and respond more effectively in all relationships. This could be a game changer for your family!

Thursday, October 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wayzata High School Auditorium (4995 Peony Lane North, Plymouth)

The middle school years are a time of immense change and growth for students. This evening will feature a panel of district specialists speaking on areas of common concern and interest for parents. Representatives from each middle school will be available for questions. This program is designed for parents of current 5th grade students.

Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Place: Central Middle School Auditorium