Freedman Center for Child & Family Development

Community Education
Professional Advice/Practical Solutions

It has become increasingly clear that Teachers and Families within school communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts not only need more skill training on Mental Health issues in children, but need better access to the resources currently available for Mental Health Services within their schools and communities.

At the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development, we are committed to working collaboratively with schools and community agencies and systems to help train and develop teachers and families to serve the mental health needs of the children in their care. We help find resources that might address mental health concerns, offer workshops and seminars on identified mental health concerns within a community and provide referral to mental health clinicians.

Below are a sampling of workshops and seminars we offer that address common concerns or issues for families and school systems.

Nurturing Self-Esteem

Develop a clear understanding of self- esteem. Learn “best practices” for nurturing self esteem. Practice skills to help children maintain self- esteem.

Understanding Motivation and Behavior

Learn the basic relationship between motivation and behavior and develop specific action plans for communicating with children and families.

School-Home Communication

Explore ways in which professionals and parents can work together as partners. Practice problem-solving skills to ensure success for children in the school setting.

When Children Are Mean

Understand why young children do mean things. Prepare ground rules for dealing with mean behavior and learn specific skills for dealing with mean behavior.

Transitions

Develop a better understanding of how transitions can be difficult at various stages of child development. Learn how to facilitate smooth transitions and develop techniques for successful transitions within a child’s life.

Temperament

Learn to recognize and appreciate each child’s temperament - as well as your own. Develop strategies for working with the child who is not a “fit” with your own temperament. Practice skills for working and growing with the “easy to difficult” Child.

Emotional Intelligence

Explore the importance of emotional development, and learn how to help children recognize feelings, control impulses, and express emotions appropriately and productively.

Play as a Helpful Behavior Management Tool

Learn skills that will help reduce social, emotional and learning difficulties with the young child. Develop strategies that build on the strength of the child. Practice skills that empower children to grow and mature.

Children’s Friendships

Identify appropriate “friendship” skills by age. Explore ways to foster friendship among children. Develop tips and techniques that will work for children struggling with friendships.

Supporting Children and Families through Divorce

Learn how to support children and families during this life change. Identify challenges for parents and children and learn successful ways to overcome the challenges for families.

Allowing Childhood

Learn how to resist the temptation to speed up children’s development. Develop ways to nurture childhood. Practice developmentally appropriate activities for children to learn and grow.

Understanding the Mental Health Issues in the School Age Child

Identify and define most prominent mental health issues in the school age child and practice skills to address issues. Learn who from, and how to get additional support within your school setting.

Helping Your Child/Adolescent Make Good Choices

Explore typical child and adolescent development. Learn ways to support developing independence in children and adolescents. Identify resources and share tips for helping children and adolescent make appropriate choices.

Parenting Anxious Children

Learn the “biology” of anxiety and stress. Explore the parenting styles that work best for children who are anxious. Practice coaching strategies to help anxious children so they may feel competent when faced with challenges and new situations.

Updated 3/10/08