Connecting For Kids

 Does your child forget to turn in homework or constantly blurt out answers in class? Do they become easily upset over small things? If so, your child might have executive function challenges. Join Tori Cordiano, Ph.D., who will discuss how core executive functioning skills impact daily life, including homework completion, following directions, time management and emotional regulation. She will also explore typical executive functioning struggles at different developmental stages and what red flags may signal a need for support. Learn practical, effective ways to help children build executive functioning skills at home and school. 

Does your child struggle to attend school due to stress, anxiety or bullying? Are you facing daily battles to get them out the door each morning? Join Rob Adams, PsyD from Barlow & Adams Behavioral Health and Rebekah Bryson, LISW, therapist and school social worker for Avon Local Schools, as they discuss the factors contributing to school avoidance both in and out of the classroom. Families will learn how to improve communication, adopt positive coping strategies to manage stress and collaborate effectively with educators, counselors, and therapists to support their child's success.

Do you worry about how screens and digital devices are impacting your child’s mental health? Are you struggling to help your child navigate the online world while also supporting their development?Join Dr. Nicole Pucci, Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Kelly Christian and Dr. Emily Lauster, of the Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences at Lawrence School, for a discussion on how to lessen the negative effects of screen time, as well as strategies to promote development, mental health and social interactions.

Do your kids constantly fight with each other? Does the competition among siblings in grades, sports or any activity drive you crazy? Do you have a child with a disability who has differing needs and other siblings get jealous?Join Nikki Rotshtein, Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience, and Parent Coach and founder of Kavana Parenting, as she teaches you tools to support all of your children whether you are dealing with sibling conflict, jealousy or competition. She will also discuss how having a sibling with disabilities impacts others in the family and ways that a new baby changes the family dynamic.

 Is your child a master at procrastination when it comes to bedtime? Is demanding a drink or snack the norm every night just before bed? Does the process of putting on pajamas and brushing teeth take what seems like hours? Join Ochanya McRoberts-Wells, MEd, as she discusses the ugly hour—that time before bed where chaos reigns and your little angel turns into a bedtime monster. She will provide you with tools to support a smoother bedtime for the whole family. You will also learn nighttime rituals to help establish predictability for all involved. 

 Shavaun Tucker, LISW, will discuss practical ways to help your child build better coping skills at home and in the classroom. She will also address ways to manage intense emotions and decrease the causes of anxiety. Learn the importance of self-care routines like hydration and sleep in a child’s day. 

Did your child recently receive an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis? Or, are you trying to navigate new territory with a child previously diagnosed? How can you best support your child in whatever stage they are currently in? Join Nathan Morgan, MSSA, LSW, of Milestones Autism Resources, as they present facts, debunk myths and provide the most up-to-date terminology currently available on ASD informed by their experiences as both a licensed social worker and autism self-advocate. Each autistic person is unique. Learn about differing strengths, lagging skills and accommodating ever-changing support needs.

Do you know how a parent’s role in the healthcare process changes during puberty? Join Nikki Montgomery, M.A., M.Ed., GPAC, Director of Strategy and Communications for Family Voices National, as she leads a discussion on how to begin to involve your child in planning and decision-making now to prepare for future self-advocacy. As part of her work with Family Voices, Nikki also leads the National Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities, and will be addressing how race, disability and special health needs can affect healthcare outcomes. Families will learn to grow their child’s independence and advocacy skills in order to more confidently navigate this adolescent transition.

Does your child feel the pressure to be perfect? Do they feel stress about academics or earning good grades? Is their self-esteem tied to being the best in an extracurricular or sport? Join Kate Boylan LPCC-SUPV, MS, of Larchmere Center for Well-Being, to discuss how parents can help alleviate this pressure through healthy communication and attachment. Learn how to boost your child’s self-confidence, foster pride outside of achievement and guide them in building relationships with peers.

 Are you a caregiver dealing with your own struggles while supporting a child facing similar challenges? Could you use some practical tips to help both you and your child? Join Sarah Saunders, MA, LPCC-S, of Purposeful Growth & Wellness, who will help families learn strategies to prioritize self-care, manage stress effectively and establish healthy boundaries. She will also discuss techniques for effective communication and collaborative problem-solving to create a supportive home environment. Attendees will leave with the tools and confidence to support themselves and their child more effectively. 

 Does your child avoid certain foods, textures or entire food groups? Or do you have a child with more complex feeding needs? Whether you’re worried about a child who won’t eat vegetables or a child diagnosed with a feeding disorder, this discussion will give you tips you can put to use during your next meal. 

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).

 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.