Parent Seminars

Pre-registration is required for these free programs by emailing [email protected] or calling 978-429-8284

 Summer Babies and the Kindergarten Decision: Oldest or Youngest?

Presented by Mary Beilman, M.A. ECSE

The minimum age for compulsory school attendance in Massachusetts is six. Some parents struggle with the decision on whether to send their summer-birthday 5 year old to kindergarten, or wait until the following September when they will be six. How do you make the decision to send them as the youngest or the oldest in their class? Age, physical, social, and emotional development are all pieces of the puzzle, in addition to how your child will do academically. Each child is unique as they bring their own experiences, emotions and biology to the classroom. This seminar will provide opportunities for parents to learn how to determine if their child is ready for kindergarten, and what to consider when making the decision.

Thursday, January 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Co-sponsored by and held at Goodnow Library, Sudbury

In this workshop, Dr. Shine draws upon her 20 years of clinical experience as a child and family psychologist, her knowledge of evidence-based sexual abuse prevention strategies, as well as her experience as a parent. The result is a  research-based plan that parents and educators can use to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. The workshop is designed to reduce the anxiety associated with this topic so that participants can feel open to learning the new information and methods that work. Included will be:

Tuesday, March 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton

Preparing for Parenthood for Expectant Parents-to-Be

You've signed up for the childbirth class, researched all the baby gear, and have been focused on surviving pregnancy. This class is a chance to catch your breath, meet other parents-to-be in a relaxed setting, ask questions and:

• Learn about the "fourth" trimester and how to support each other
• Prepare for breastfeeding success and what you can expect
• Identify local resources and create a postpartum plan of support

Pregnant women and their partners or support persons are welcome. Facilitated by Laurie Ganberg, LICSW, CLC, who leads our Emotional Wellbeing After Baby and other parent groups. This class ideally is done sometime after the 5th month of pregnancy.

Held January 23 or March 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at First Connections in Acton

Playgroups - Registration required for all Groups

Thrive by Five: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving Playgroup for 3 thru 5 Year Olds meets Mondays, 2:00-3:00

Parent Groups

NEW! 4-Part "Navigating Toddlerhood"

Gather with other parents of toddlers (aged 1-2) for support and to exchange tips and resources as we discuss the major issues that arise after your baby's first year. Topics will be identified by the group but could include language development, behavior challenges, sleep, and raising siblings.

Held at Gleason Library, Carlisle, 10:30-12:00

Saturdays, March 5, April 2, May 7 and June 4

NEW! 3-Session Dad's Group

Expectant fathers and dads with a baby under 12 months are invited to come to their own group to make connections with other fathers, ask questions, exchange tips, and share their unique experiences of parenthood. Fathers are welcome to attend with or without babies to the group which is facilitated by Laurie Ganberg, LICSW. We are also hoping to have guest "veteran" dads attend some of the sessions, as well. If you are interested in volunteering to share your experience as a father with the group, or to register to participate in the group, please email your contact information to Linda at [email protected]

Tuesdays, January 12, February 9, March 8, 7:30-9:00 p.m. at First Connections

6-Week First-Time Moms Group: Tuesday, 11:00-12:30

This group includes discussion and handouts on a different topic each week such as adjusting to your new role, changes in relationships, work/family life balance, sleeping, feeding, crying and infant development. Led by Certified Lactation Counselor Mary Beilman, M.A. Meets at First Connections in Acton. Participants are also invited to attend a "Motor Development in the First 12 Months" presentation by Mary Evans, a pediatric and neurological development specialist from Emerson Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies, in Westford in March. Registration required by mailing your contact information to: [email protected]

January 5, 12, 19, 26, February 2 and 9, OR

February 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 

Ongoing New Mothers Group: Wednesdays, New Time! 1:30-3:00

Any mom with a pre-crawling baby is welcome to attend this ongoing weekly support group facilitated by Emerson Hospital and First Connections staff. This open discussion group is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new moms, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. Facilitators are certified in lactation support, but you do not have to be breast feeding or have delivered at Emerson Hospital to attend. No registration necessary.

Held at Emerson Health & Wellness Center, 310 Baker Ave., Concord, in the yoga studio.  

Weekly Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Group: Mondays, 10:00-11:30

Anxiety and depression are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, yet mothers often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Moms experiencing new or increased anxiety or depression, or who are feeling overwhelmed in the postpartum year for any reason can come together for this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories and learn from each other. While this is an ongoing group, before attending for the first time please email the facilitator, Laurie Ganberg, LICSW at [email protected]. Childcare for an older sibling can be provided with advance notice.

Meets at First Connections in Acton.

Monthly Post-Adoption Group for Parents of Children Ages 0-8

January 20: "Who's Story is it Anyway?" We'll address how we want to describe and share information about our child's adoption. What part of the adoption process is ours as the parent, and what part of the "story" is private and meant for our children only? We'll also talk about privacy versus secrecy and why understanding the difference for our children is essential.

February 17: The Typical Effects of Adoption during Developmental Stages. We'll explore how adoption impacts children at different stages of development and how this can present challenges for both parent and child. For parents, each level of your child's psychological and physical growth process may open a different door for an adoption discussion, so understanding what is on the horizon helps you be better prepared.

March 16: A Look at Life Books - How to Involve Your Child in the Process. A Life Book is a life-long keepsake for the adopted child. We'll talk about how to begin, what to include in the project, and how to create an interest in it that encourages your child's participation in the process.

Our free, professionally-facilitated support and education group is a place where adoptive parents can meet and share resources with other adopted families, as well as build their parenting skills with adoption-specific educational topics and tools. To be added to the monthly email reminder list email [email protected]. To contact the facilitator, Mary Rowlinson, R.N., email [email protected].

Meets at First Connections in Acton on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.