Join me to learn more about the impact of technology, social media, and gaming on our middle schoolers' development! We'll look at the research and think through proactive parenting solutions to help you face the constant pull of the small screen.
The middle school years get a bad rap, with all the wonderful effects of puberty, new and more complex school and social situations, and increasing independence. But there is also a tremendous opportunity for parents during this time of development. Our children’s brains are undergoing intense rewiring and change during this period – second only to the immense changes that occur in the first five years of life. In this talk, Dr. Christy Brady Smith will share the latest on preteen brain development. You will learn about the structural brain changes that occur early in adolescence – and those that are not complete until one’s early 20s. We will discuss the opportunities and challenges we face during this unique time of development and how we as parents can nurture our middle schooler’s development in tangible and effective ways.
This event is free to the public and part of The Bear Creek School's "Tools for Success" parenting seminar. This talk will be held during Breakout Session 2 at 10:30am at the Upper School campus. You can sign up here and attend one or all 3 sessions.
Would you like a better understanding of why your child behaves as he does? Do you want to nurture your relationship with your child, but feel bombarded by discipline issues? Are power struggles a daily challenge? Are you having a hard time figuring out how to think long-term in your day-to-day life as a parent?
In this 3-week session, we’ll learn how to foster a sense of belonging and significance in our children through parenting that is both kind and firm. I draw from the Positive Discipline work of Jane Nelson, and include additional resources to equip you to be the confident parent you want to be. We’ll take a look at the behavioral challenges we face with our children and address how to use those challenges to build the foundation for important life skills and character qualities we want our children to develop. We will learn how to identify the beliefs behind our kids’ behaviors and develop long-term parenting solutions that bring joy and mutual respect into our family life, reduce power struggles and sibling rivalry, and prepare our kids to be responsible problem solvers. This session will meet from 11am to 12:30 on the dates referenced and will focus on families with preschool to early elementary school children.
March 16: The Kind and Firm Approach & Beliefs behind Behaviors
March 23: Focusing on Solutions & Logical Consequences
March 30: Parenting Tools that Work Long-Term
The transition from childhood to adolescence can be a rocky one for some children and parents -- but it doesn't have to be. In this 4-week parent discussion group, I share the latest research on preteen brain development, emotion regulation, peer relationships, and how to nurture your relationship with your preteen amidst the numerous changes she is experiencing. By the end of the four sessions, you will have a deeper understanding of the internal and external world of your preteen, a greater empathy for what she is going through, and some clear and practical ways to help that transition go well for both of you. Class sizes are small (10 or fewer participants) so that the discussion can target your individual needs. This session focuses on parents with daughters age 8-12.
February 25: What is happening to me? Understanding your daughter's changing world (physical, cognitive, social, and emotional)
March 3: How can you say that? How our words can build or break our relationship with our daughter
March 10: Nobody likes me. Helping your daughter navigate the world of peer relationships
March 17: I need a phone. We will delve into the role of technology and social media in your daughter's life.
Ticket price covers all four sessions. Purchase tickets one week prior to the first session for a discount! If the class is sold out, a wait list is available.
The ability to focus and maintain self control is the strongest predictor of school success and later adult success in life -- stronger even than IQ. The great news is that these are skills that can be taught and improved on over time. In this 4-week session, we'll examine why these skills are important, how our habits and family schedule impact the development of these skills, and how to implement changes that will result in improved focus and self control for our kids. Each session builds on the last so that by the end of the class you will have a clear sense of how to implement these changes in your family. Class sizes are small (10 or fewer participants) so that the discussion can target your individual needs. This session will focus on families with elementary school-age children.
November 5: Why are focus and self control important?
November 12: What are some barriers to developing focus and self control? How do we remove or lessen these barriers in our child's external world?
November 19: How do we proactively nurture the skills of focus and self control through internal practices?
December 3: How do we proactively nurture the skills of focus and self control through fun and games?
Would you like a better understanding of why your child behaves as he does? Do you want to nurture your relationship with your child, but feel bombarded by discipline issues? Are power struggles a daily challenge? Are you having a hard time figuring out how to think long-term in your day-to-day life as a parent?
In this 4-week session, we’ll learn how to foster a sense of belonging and significance in our children through parenting that is both kind and firm. I draw from the Positive Discipline work of Jane Nelson, and include additional resources to equip you to be the confident parent you want to be. We’ll take a look at the behavioral challenges we face with our children and address how to use those challenges to build the foundation for important life skills and character qualities we want our children to develop. We will learn how to identify the beliefs behind our kids’ behaviors and develop long-term parenting solutions that bring joy and mutual respect into our family life, reduce power struggles and sibling rivalry, and prepare our kids to be responsible problem solvers. This session will meet from 11:30am to 12:30pm on the dates referenced and will focus on families with preschool-age children.
November 5: The Kind and Firm Approach
November 12: Beliefs Behind Behaviors
November 19: Focusing on Solutions & Logical Consequences
December 3: Parenting Tools that Work Long-Term
The transition from childhood to adolescence can be a rocky one for some children and parents -- but it doesn't have to be. In this 4-week parent discussion group, I share the latest research on preteen brain development, emotion regulation, peer relationships, and how to nurture your relationship with your preteen amidst the numerous changes she is experiencing. By the end of the four sessions, you will have a deeper understanding of the internal and external world of your preteen, a greater empathy for what she is going through, and some clear and practical ways to help that transition go well for both of you. Class sizes are small (10 or fewer participants) so that the discussion can target your individual needs. This session focuses on parents with daughters age 8-12.
October 1: What is happening to me? Understanding your daughter's changing world (physical, cognitive, social, and emotional)
October 8: How can you say that? How our words can build or break our relationship with our daughter
October 15: Nobody likes me. Helping your daughter navigate the world of peer relationships
October 29: What I wish you knew. We will either delve deeper into one of the topics previously covered, or examing the development of self-identity or the role of technology in your daughter's life
Ticket price covers all four sessions. If the class is sold out, a wait list is available.
Refunds available if cancelled one week prior to start of first session. Otherwise, you may transfer your ticket to another attendee or use your purchase price toward another class or event offered by Nature Nurture Knowledge. No refunds/exchanges available after the start of the 4-week session, but if you have to miss a session, the handouts will be sent to you.
The ability to focus and maintain self control is the strongest predictor of school success and later adult success in life -- stronger even than IQ. The great news is that these are skills that can be taught and improved on over time. In this 4-week session, we'll examine why these skills are important, how our habits and family schedule impact the development of these skills, and how to implement changes that will result in improved focus and self control for our kids. Each session builds on the last so that by the end of the class you will have a clear sense of how to implement these changes in your family. Class sizes are small (10 or fewer participants) so that the discussion can target your individual needs. This session will focus on families with elementary school-age children.
September 17: Why are focus and self control important?
September 24: What are some barriers to developing focus and self control? How do we remove or lessen these barriers?
October 1: How do we proactively nurture the skills of focus and self control? Part I: Creating the structure
October 8: How do we proactively nurture the skills of focus and self control? Part II: The content
Dr. Smith will be available for 30 minutes after each session for additional questions or discussion.
$30 drop-in fee
Open to Starbucks partners only
$30 fee
I am a developmental psychologist and mom of three lively kids. My research focuses on parenting and child development, and I share that knowledge in a simple, clear way.
I earned my Ph.D. from Columbia University and worked on numerous studies related to parenting, children, and families. I am also a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator.
My current passion is working with families and schools to simplify the often puzzling world of research and tailor our current knowledge to fit your unique family and kids.
Banner images by Mi Pham, Chayene Rafaela, & Andrew Seaman on Unsplash
Virtual and in-person appointments available in greater Seattle area
