Connecting for Kids

Are you a Black American caregiver who needs help learning new and supportive ways to provide discipline for your child? Join Anna Jones, LISW-S, of Cleveland State University and Up the Steps, and learn:

• Generational differences that make discipline difficult
• History of discipline in the Black community
• How to know what types of discipline may work for your child.
• Calming strategies for the whole family

How can you build social skills that honor the unique neurodiversity of your child? What are some of the common mistakes parents make when trying to teach social skills to an elementary-aged (6- 12) child with ADHD, anxiety or autism? Join Lisa Mortensen, of Spectrum Social Club, as she shares skill-building techniques that make it easier for a neurodivergent child. She will also discuss how to distinguish between things families need to adapt to and things they need to accept.

Do you find yourself in a never-ending struggle with your child over homework, chores and daily routines? Maybe you feel like you've tried everything and you could really use more support.

Join Katie Greenleaf, MA, LPCC, of Anchored Unbound Counseling, Coaching and Consulting, for a discussion on using executive function strategies to create a supportive family environment that contributes to your child's success. She’ll also discuss the differences between counseling and coaching, and provide tools to help your family thrive amid life's daily stressors.

Does your child struggle with behavior when they become overwhelmed or overstimulated? Join Christine Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First, LLC, for a special edition of Behavior Chat, where you will learn what a sensory bucket is and some tools you can use to empty your child’s bucket to promote positive behavior.

The content in this program is geared toward caregivers of children ages 18 months - 6 years (with or without developmental concerns).

In this podcast, designed for librarians and library staff, Kathy Nash, MEd., of Connecting for Kids, explains how to use movement, touch and sound to engage children who may otherwise have trouble participating in literacy activities. Throughout the podcast, Nash gives specific examples of multi-sensory engagement that facilitators can incorporate into storytimes and other inclusive programming.

Do you find it hard to stay calm when your child is having a meltdown? Do you wonder how big emotions in the home affect you and your child? Do you wish you had a superpower that could keep everyone calm, cool and collected? Join Christine Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First, LLC, as she introduces you to your hidden superpower: co-regulation. Learn what it is and strategies to help you and your child stay calm in challenging moments.

What is the difference between an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 plan? How do you request an evaluation if you suspect your child could use some additional support? What is an Evaluation Team Report (ETR)? Navigating the world of special education may seem overwhelming at first. Join Connecting for Kids staff as they help you understand the process so that you can more effectively work with the school to help your child. Families will have the chance to engage in breakout sessions to talk about specific IEP or 504 concerns.

Are you concerned because your child is not potty trained? Are you frustrated and could use some training tips from a professional? Join Nikki Rotshtein, OTR/L, of Galvin Therapy Services, who will discuss the challenges of potty training. This program will focus on methods to support children with sensory processing, anxiety, autism and physical disabilities, but will also be helpful for caregivers of typically developing children

How do I know if my child needs medication? What side effects can we expect? Will their personality change? If your child has an autism spectrum disorder or a mental health condition such as ADHD, anxiety or depression, you may be facing the decision of whether to medicate your child.

Join Dr. Veena Tripathi Ahuja of Balanced Innovative Care, as she discusses different types of medications used to treat mental health issues and what questions families considering this option should ask their doctor. She will also discuss how to use medication in combination with other mental health treatments and how to include your child in the medication process.

 Do you spend a good part of your day in the car driving between activities? How can you tell if your child is overscheduled? Join Meghan Barlow, PhD, of Barlow & Adams Behavioral Health, as she discusses how to know when it’s time to say "no" to an activity. She will provide tips for helping your family decide what is too much or not enough as well as ways to find balance. Dr. Barlow will also address whether in today’s culture, saying “no” will make your child lose the competitive edge and if allowing a child to quit sends the wrong message.