Last spring's PEP Talks were a great success so VICF decided to do it again. I got to attend two of the spring talks; I really enjoyed hearing Lenore Skenazy speak about the Free Range Parenting movement and Deborah MacNamara explain the vital role of play in children's development. More than just an enjoyable evening out, the two nights really gave me something to think about and have informed my parenting since then.
PEP Talks are such a brilliant idea for busy parents. First off, getting to hear engaging, insightful speakers is fun. Secondly, it's quick--who has time to read a whole parenting book once you are actually a parent? Probably the best part of the PEP Talks series is the fact that, unlike a book, you can ask questions of the expert after their presentation.
Jennifer Kolari's will be the first PEP Talk of the winter series on November 27th, from 7:30 to 9pm. Connected Parenting is not unlike many other parenting techniques, which stress the importance of empathy. Connected Parenting helps parents to use empathy skillfully to repair frayed bonds, deescalate tantrums (have I convinced all the parents of three-year-olds yet??), contain and correct difficult behaviours and help children to become more confident and emotionally resilient. Kolari uses a collaborative and supportive coaching model and provide inspirational, easy-to-understand techniques grounded in neuroscience and attachment. The end result is a child who is more compliant, more relaxed, and–most importantly–happier.
Jennifer Kolari, MSW, RSW, is a family and child therapist with over twenty years of helping children, teens and families get connected. She's one of Canada’s leading parenting experts, as well as the founder and author of Connected Parenting: How To Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You’re Ruining My Life! (But Not Really) Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011). The Toronto mother of three is also the Parenting expert on CBC’s Steven and Chris show, and has frequently appeared on Canada AM and Breakfast Television. Her advice can be found in many Canadian and U.S. magazines such as Today’s Parent, Redbook, Parent Magazine and Canadian Family, not to mention the health advisory board for Chatelaine Magazine.
For more information about Jennifer Kolari visit her Connected Parenting website.
As I mentioned earlier, the PEP Talks is a series, with three different speakers:
Jennifer Kolari, Connected Parenting: How to Raise a Great Kid, November 27th, 2013
Barabara Coloroso, How to Raise Ethical Children, February 5th, 2014
Joel Bakan, Standing Up for Childhood, March 5th, 2014
You can purchase a SERIES TICKET for $99 to see all three speakers, or just see two SPEAKERS for $70, or one SPEAKER for $39. STUDENT tickets are $22. All prices include GST & service charges. Call 604 708 5655 for more information. All proceeds from PEP Talks go to support the ongoing programs of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.
Now that you've heard about how awesome the PEP Talks series is, I bet you're raring to go to Jennifer's talk, right? Here's your chance to WIN two tickets to see her! You have several ways to enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. A winner will be randomly chosen from valid entries on Monday, November 18th at 11:59pm. Please email me if you have any questions or issues using it! GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow Spokesmama here too:
Have been to a TEDx talk in Vancouver but not a PEP talk yet! :)
ReplyDeleteDiscipline strategies for a toddler!
ReplyDelete"How many times have I told you"... I don't know if its my greatest parenting challenge at the moment, but I am noticing myself saying it. Such a totally useless thing to say. I am a teacher too and though it is very frustrating to repeat oneself over again, there are many reasons to do it anyway. Lots of kids do their best and still need repeat instructions. I am going to try to eliminate this from my vocabulary.
ReplyDelete