Parenting doesn’t come with a road map. Luckily, there are many FREE resources available to help you navigate the journey.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONCERNS
Howard County Health Department presents: “Social Media for Parents: Solutions for Summer and Beyond”
The pervasive presence of social media in the lives of today’s youth can be a cause of concern for parents who often have questions about appropriately regulating their child’s use and keeping their children safe online. The Howard County Health Department is pleased to offer a series of 1.5 hour Social Media for Parents – Guide to Healthy Summer Habits.
These sessions will address the mental health implications of social media use, personal safety and privacy, as well as tips for healthy use that will help your child establish a positive digital footprint. This research-based psychoeducational session is tailored to meet the needs of parents who want to prepare kids for a healthy and productive life on social media before they ever begin using it and also the needs of parents whose older children are experiencing problems with social media and need to learn how to manage these issues.
This program is run by Erin Castleberry, a clinician and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University. She has taught a graduate-level course on the effects of social media on mental health and has presented on this topic internationally.
- May 9th – Presentation + Q&A for Parents of Children ages 3-8
- May 10th – Presentation + Q&A for Parents of Children ages 9-12
- May 11th – Presentation + Q&A for Parents of Children ages 13-17
Participants can register for more than one session. All sessions run from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on the respective evenings. Register here.
PM Pediatric Care presents: “When likes & shares aren’t likable: Dangers of social media for our children”
Join this free, one hour webinar to hear evidence and perspective from a pediatrician, pediatric psychologist, and pediatric psychiatrist with PM Pediatric Care on how social media can affect children’s physical and mental health. Pulling examples from clinical experience, they will review some of the common scenarios that have impacted patients they’ve cared for and give practical advice parents can use to safeguard their children and help them manage the challenges they may face.
Tuesday, May 16, 8:00 pm. Register here.
National PTA & Forest Ridge Elementary PTA present: “Ready, Tech, Go!”
Is your child asking for their own phone? Do they want more freedom online? How will you know if they are ready? Come to the Forest Ridge Elementary Cafeteria for a new National PTA program: Ready, Tech, Go! During this educational event, parents and caregivers will:
- Learn about & reflect on various aspects of phone readiness.
- Become familiar with tools & resources that help families discuss digital life.
- Gain ideas & tips to promote a healthy & safe digital home.
- Interact with each other & experts in a comfortable setting. Dinner, door prizes & informational tables will be provided – all free of charge!
We welcome all Howard County PTA neighbors to join us for this special event! Come meet and chat in-person with National PTA leaders.
Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 pm. In-person at Forest Ridge Elementary School. Register here.
MENTAL HEALTH AND GROWTH
Howard County Office of Children and Families presents the following programs…
- For assistance with registering for any of the programs below, call 410-313-5992 (voice/relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov
- To request sign language, interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.
Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health Journey
Presenters: Candace Ball from Howard County Local Children’s Board & Kala Jenkins, Howard County Health Department
Whether it is knowing the best ways to support your child’s social emotional health, having concerns about your child’s behaviors, or feeling like something is seriously wrong, knowing where to go for answers is a top issue for parents. Those first steps of navigating mental health supports are a challenging and daunting task. Come to this presentation to learn about the stages of mental health and the local resources and supports that will guide your understanding, provide you with choices, and help you learn the steps to start helping your child. Leave with tangible tools for education and intervention as well as where to go for assistance if you hit roadblocks to services.
Monday, May 8, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Helping Children Be Proud Of Who They Are!
Gender identity is a complicated topic that is often misunderstood and confusing to many people. Join us for an informative workshop that will help you understand gender identity development from infancy to five years old. You will learn tips to support healthy development, how to apply a gender-neutral approach to daily life, and how to look for the teachable moments.
Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Developing your Child’s Emotional Intelligence
A critical skill for children to learn and a top skill kindergarten teachers look for in students is emotional intelligence. Children who have developed emotional intelligence can be seen as those with good listening skills, accept criticism and responsibility, solve problems, move on after making a mistake, and have empathy for others. Attend this workshop to learn successful practices and the tools you need to support your child’s social-emotional development in the early years. Explore the meaning of emotional literacy and learn practical strategies to teach children how to recognize and label emotions as well as appropriate ways to manage those big emotions.
Wednesday, May 17, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Discussing Your Child’s Mental Health with Your Primary Care Provider
Presenter: Dr. Jessica Winkles
We discuss the importance of mental health for everyone, yet rarely do we treat behavioral health like physical health. If your child is ill, you contact your primary care provider (PCP) for a sick visit. But what if you notice ongoing changes in your child’s emotional well-being or behaviors? All children can go through periods of anger, anxiety, frustration, and sadness but what is a concerning level? Attend this session to:
- See examples of typical vs. concerning behaviors and understand why the PCP can be a great place to start when questions arise
- Become familiar with some of the most common behavior concerns seen by pediatric PCPs
- Understand what may happen after raising a concern with a PCP, including what to expect if you see a behavioral health provider
- Become aware of methods for making the most of your visit to your child’s PCP
Thursday, May 18 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click here for registration to virtual workshop
Eat, Learn, Grow For Families – STEM
Focus on Early Learning Literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them and through STEM exploration, children begin to wonder, explore, and investigate their environment. Gain skills and knowledge to explore STEM topics at home with your children. This workshop will highlight STEM-focused children’s literature and explore ways to incorporate creative and fun STEM activities into everyday life.
Wednesday, May 24, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Nothing I Do Works: A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors (in person session!)
The Pyramid Model is a comprehensive, research based approach that considers all the factors that impact a child, family and influence a child’s behavior. Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and/ or what to do when they do occur. Attend this session and ask questions and leave with skills and resources that you can use immediately to help you feel more confident in your parenting. For children ages two to eight.
Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. /9830 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia 21046/ Free Register here
