How to Talk so Kids Will Listen Workshop

I’m going to start offering a series of communication/parenting classes based on the award winning book “How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk.” As my children have grown, I’ve found that I’m outgrowing my skill set, but I also wish that I had had this tool a few years ago so that I could have been better prepared for these more “communication-challenged” years.

This workshop is not only useful for parents but teachers or any other professional that works with children.

Participants will receive a workbook and a copy of the following books:

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide to a Happier Family

The workshop runs for 6 weeks, and will begin on June 5th. It will run until July 10th (but I must beg some flexibility in case of a birth, etc.). It will be held at my office, 4736 Eagleridge Circle, from 7-9 pm. Unfortunately, childcare is not available at this time, but of course nursing or non-separating babies are welcome.

For this first series, I am only going to cover my costs. Because I want to guarantee a good rate for the first group, I will cancel the classes if I don’t get four individuals or couples signed up. Here is how the pricing will work:
4 registrants (either an individual or a couple): $100
5 registrants: $88
6 registrants: $80

Since I need to order materials, I’ll collect $100 when you register, but refund the difference if we end up with more registrants. In order to get materials in a timely fashion, I need at least the first four registrants signed up by April 27th. I can take a check or credit cards via Paypal (send money to ginapueblo@gmail.com).

I hope to see lots of interest! Feel free to forward this to any parents, teachers, childcare worksers, etc., that you know. Please call 369-4368 or email with any questions. More information about the workshop follows:

What Will Be Covered in Each Session?

1. Helping Children Deal with Their Feelings An exploration of what happens to children when their feelings are denied. Specific skills that help children to recognize and cope with their negative feelings-disappointment, envy, frustration, resentment, anger, etc. Ways to accept children’s feelings, limit unacceptable behavior, and still maintain goodwill.

2. Engaging Cooperation How children react to commonly used methods to get them to cooperate: threats, warnings, orders, name-calling, sarcasm, lecturing, etc. Five ways to invite cooperation that will leave parents and children feeling good about themselves and each other.

3. Alternatives to Punishment How do children normally react to punishment? Is it necessary to rely on punishment as a means of discipline? Some alternatives to punishment that enable parents to express their strong disapproval as well as encourage children to assume responsibility for their behavior.

4. Encouraging Autonomy Ways to help children become separate, responsible people who can one day function on their own. Specific skills that help children to become more self-reliant.

5. Praise An exploration of the kinds of praise that build a positive and realistic self-image-and the kinds that do not. A variety of ways to help our children become aware of their strengths so that they can put them into action.

6. Freeing Children from Playing Roles A look at how children are sometimes cast into roles (bully, whiner, dawdler, mischief-maker, etc.) and how we can free them from playing out these roles. Six skills that help children see themselves in a different and more positive light.