The Women’s Contact Society is hosting four free workshops for parents, caregivers and professionals on challenging behaviours exhibited in children.
The workshops are designed to help caregivers navigate tough situations by providing tools and resources while normalizing difficult behaviour. Program Coordinator Carrie McCormack of Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) at the Women’s Contact Society is facilitating the Communities of Practice workshops.
The first session is on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. via Zoom or in person at the Women’s Contact Society. Psychologist Dr. Vanessa Lapointe will lead the discussion on behaviours in the early years.
Occupational Therapist Katie Crosby has also helped develop the content and will help participants understand the brain state of children when they are dysregulated and techniques to use to help children de-escalate in a safe and quick manner, said McCormack. Louise Raymound will also be at one of the sessions to provide music.
“Some of the techniques are very simple, but when you’re dealing with a child who is melting down and you’re tired from a long day, it’s not always easy to have the energy or patience to deal effectively with your child,” said McCormack. “This workshop will provide some very helpful tips and other contributors to behaviours such as sleep, nutrition, helping kids transition from play to dinner to bath to bed and avoid emotional outbursts or resistance.”
The remaining three sessions will take place on Jan. 24 and March 13 (zoom or in person), with the final series taking place in person over two days, April 19 and 20.
The workshops will be organic and collaborative, said McCormack, and participants are welcome to share their experiences, what is or isn’t working and more. It’s also a way for caregivers to connect with one another.
“With people’s hectic schedules and being stretched thin, this is an effective way to build community, connection, learning and growth for professionals, parents and caregivers.”
McCormack also said the workshops will help people understand that children’s behaviours, such as kicking, biting and melting down, are not taboo subjects and should be discussed and normalized. In sharing difficulties, tools and resources can be given.
She also reminds people that a child is not trying to give parents and caregivers a hard time, but that the child themselves is having a hard time.
The workshops are supported by the Women’s Contact Society, Child Care Resource and Referral, the province and the ECE Professional Development Bursary Fund.
To register for the free workshops, email ccrr@womenscontact.org or call 250-392-4118. The Women’s Contact Society’s new location is 202-350 Barnard Street in Williams Lake.
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