The recent uncertainty of the election is adding yet another stressor to the lives of Florida families. What started with the outbreak of a global COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 which has resulted in unprecedented financial strain, the difficulties of juggling home schooling with fulltime work, soaring rates of abuse and neglect in a growing number of homes, the pain of systemic racism and a growing social justice movement. All these complicated issues are challenging for adults. Can you imagine how bewildered, scared, and sad our little ones might be?
Are your children faring well under the current set of challenges? How do you know? The key is open communication and regular check-ins with children of all ages. If behaviors change, particularly if you notice changes in your child’s usual demeanor or if they start to neglect or avoid things they used to enjoy. While some of this can be chalked up to simply growing up or moving from one developmental stage to the next, if you have concerns, it’s smart to look for help.
As Palm Beach County’s preeminent provider of mental health services, Center for Child Counseling has focused on developing a wealth of online services for our clients, which include children aged birth to 18 and their families, especially for those who have experienced trauma. For more than twenty years, we’ve helped families heal and regain hope regardless of the complexity of their situations and experiences.
Free, Online Parenting Workshops
Center for Child Counseling offers direct in-person services (complying with social distancing) and telehealth options, if needed, but our free online trainings are a great resource for families to explore from their own homes and at their own convenience. They cover everyday issues many families face and can be taken at your convenience. Our trainings include the latest scientific research and decades of combined experience of skilled, compassionate therapists.
Supporting Children During COVID-19: Your effectiveness as a parent or caregiver is seldom more important than during times of crisis like the current Covid-19 outbreak. Now, more than ever, the children in your care are looking to you to provide stability and soothe their fears and anxiety.
How to Help My Child Listen: Parenting can be challenging at times. All parents experience defiance regardless of their child’s age. If you are trying to teach your child to follow directions join us in this online workshop. (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole)
How to Structure Your Child’s Day for Success: Routine brings comfort and consistency to a child’s life. If you are trying to set a routine at home join us for this online workshop to learn strategies that work. (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole)
A Guide to Effectively Parenting Teens: If you have a teenager, you likely already know that adolescence provides new challenges as you face family conflicts. Surviving (your child’s) adolescence can be difficult. Join us today to learn new ways to understand your teen, and to communicate with them effectively.
Other topics include:
- How to Use Positive Parenting and Discipline Strategies with Your Child
- How to Manage Sibling Rivalry
- Fostering Social-Emotional Learning in Elementary-Aged Children
- How to Change your Stress to Strength
- Feelings and Coping Curriculum
- Resiliency Building – A Guide for Educators
Center for Child Counseling also offers simple, practical ideas for encouraging play with your children. Play is essential because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development and well-being of your child. Play also offers a great opportunity for you, as a parent or caregiver, to positively engage and interact with your child. At every age, from birth through the teenage years, play teaches children vital life lessons. You can learn about exciting, new ways to engage with your child in pretend play, sensory activities, arts and crafts, journaling, and outdoor/nature play on our website at www.centerforchildcounseling.org/waystoplay
Background
Founded in 1999, Center for Child Counseling supports children, families, and caregivers through direct services focused on preventing and healing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress, building positive relationships that buffer the impact of trauma. Research shows that toxic stress in childhood is directly linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Thousands of children in Palm Beach County experience stressful life events that will impact them for a lifetime without intervention. In 2019, Center for Child Counseling served over 3,800 children through six clinical programs and provided training for over 3,500 professionals, students, and caregivers to build adult capacity to meet the social-emotional needs of children.
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