Building Bonds Parenting Series: Connecting parents to ideas, resources, & community!
We are all living in strange and challenging times, but it is hard to ignore how disorienting it is for parents raising children in this constantly shifting world. In an effort to support and connect parents, First Parish in Needham is excited to host a series of diverse programs through the Spring of 2024.
The Building Bonds Parenting Series is meant to provide different perspective on parenting, resources for navigating these times, and community connection in a world marked by isolation. From lectures to support groups to discussion panels, there will be programming addressing a wide range of parenting topics. This post will be updated with previous, upcoming, and soon to be announced programs in the Building Bonds Parenting Series.
Should you have any questions about these programs or other resources for families with children, please contact our Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration, Sara Elizabeth Dyer-Santa Cruz.
Sara Elizabeth can be reached via email at saraelizabeth.dlre@gmail.com.
Upcoming Programs:
Lane Lyceum: Raising Resilient Children in a Stress-Filled World
with Dr. Robert Brooks
Tuesday, December 12
7:30pm – 9:00pm
On Zoom & in person
In person at 23 Dedham Ave, Needham
Zoom link: bit.ly/ResilientChildrenLyceum
The role of a parent has always been a gratifying and challenging responsibility. The challenges have intensified in today’s world given the ramifications of COVID, political divisiveness, and the impact of social media. In his presentation Dr. Brooks will offer realistic strategies for nurturing self-worth, caring, responsibility, and resilience in our children. Many illustrations of these strategies will be offered.
Dr. Robert Brooks is a psychologist on the faculty (part-time) of Harvard Medical School and former Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital. He has lectured nationally and internationally and written extensively about such themes as resilience across the lifespan, education, parenting, and creating positive school and work environments. He is the author or co-author of 21 books including Raising Resilient Children; The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life; and Tenacity in Children: Nurturing the Seven Instincts for Lifetime Success.  Dr. Brooks has received many awards for his work, most recently, The Mental Health Humanitarian Award from William James College in Massachusetts for his contributions as an educator, clinician, and author. He has also served as a consultant for Sesame Street Parents Magazine. Additional information about Dr. Brooks may be found on his website www.drrobertbrooks.com
Lane Lyceum: High-Five Holidays: Helping Toddlers Celebrate with Joy
with author J.L. ShattuckÂ
Tuesday, November 14th
7:30pm via Zoom
Zoom Link: bit.ly/HighFiveHolidays
The holiday season is a time of magic and memory-making. If you have young children, you know that all that magic can come with a side of meltdowns and dashed expectations. Join J.L. Shattuck, author of The Tending Years, to learn how five rituals you’re already using on regular days can help make special days more enjoyable for you and the toddlers you love!Â
As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and longtime early childhood professional turned religious educator, J.L. Shattuck is passionate about helping UU churches welcome and support their very youngest congregants. She currently serves on staff at both the Unitarian Church of Barnstable on Cape Cod and at Sanctuary Boston. Shattuck is the author of The Tending Years, a book for those caring for preschool-age children, and is also the creator of Ellery Churchmouse, a video series for UU kids and their families.
Programs To Be Announced:
Panel discussions addressing
- Active Anti-Racist Parenting
- Parenting in Times of Trauma
- Age Appropriate Sex Positive Parenting
And more to come!