Strengthening Families
CARES strengthens families by raising awareness on current, controversial and challenging issues facing families today. These cutting-edge programs are research-based and vetted by local parents and educators.
Our aim is two-fold; 1) to assist parents and caregivers of preschoolers, through college-age children to identify and resolve common parenting challenges using a variety of large and small group formats, and 2) enhance parental connections with their children, and facilitate productive family interactions.
To request a program topic, click here. For a complete listing of this year’s topics, see below.
“CARES provides speakers that discuss timely and relevant topics
for our New Canaan families. I personally find at least one “take away”
skill or point on parenting in each presentation I attend.”
SUSAN M., PARENT, ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Programs
All Preschool Program: Transition to Kindergarten
January 16, 9:30AM
East School
Learn valuable insights that will help you prepare your child for kindergarten including daily schedules, bus routines and social emotional developmental milestones.
Snow Date - January 17th
Joint NCPS & CARES Program
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Middle/High School Book Discussion: How to Raise an Adult
January 16, 6:30PM
Elm Street Books, New Canaan
Facilitated by Ellen Brezovsky, LCSW
Join other parents to talk about how to prepare our kids for success.
Space limited to 15 attendees
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Community: Staying Calm in the Storm: How to feel Empowered When our Community Experiences TragedyJanuary 22, 10AM, NC Historical Society Speaker: Julie Hall, MBA, MS LMFT - Explore way to navigate grief - Learn practical ways you and your child can manage anxiety and fear - Discuss the importance of self-careSponsored in partnership with NC Coalition for Youth & Families, Town of NC and NC Museum and Historical Society *Snow Date 1/29 |
Middle/High School: Raising Humans in a Digital World
February 5, 6:30PM
Saxe Middle School, Auditorium
Speaker: Diana Graber, Author
Parents will learn how to help their children use the digital world wisely. Leave with resources to help your child build a healthy relationship with technology. Topics will include safety concerns and online
reputation.
In partnership with Saxe PTC
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Elementary: Friendship Matters: Fostering Connections in Childhood
February 11, 9:30AM
East School
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Pote
Come learn about friendship skills during each developmental stage. What can we expect our children to understand about friendship and how can we help them while fostering their independence?
Joint PTC Program
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Preschool/Early Elementary How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen
February 26, 10AM
NC Library, Lamb Room
Speaker: Beth O’Brien, Head of Early Childhood, NC Country School
Parents of 2-7 year olds! Based on the popular book, come learn strategies for communicating effectively with the young children in your life. Help your little kids grow into self-reliant big kids who are positively connected to their parents, teachers, siblings and peers!
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2019 Program Topics
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
- Birth Order & Development
- Body Image & Eating Disorders
- Boundaries & Limit Setting
- Cliques, Exclusion and Other Mean Behaviors
- Cyber Safety
- Dating & Intimacy
- Decision Making & Leadership
- Developmental Milestones – physical, social, academic
- Independence & Responsibility
- Nutrition & Health,
- Organizing your Family
- Overindulgence
- Parallel Parenting – Working as a Team
- Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
- Positive Discipline
- Pressured Child (social, academic, athletic)
- Puberty & Development
- Resilience & Self-Confidence
- Self-Care
- Sibling Rivalry
- Social, Emotional and Physical Changes
- Social Networking/Monitoring Technology
- Strengthening your Family Bonds (volunteering, traditions, moments)
- Stress & Anxiety
- Transitioning to Kindergarten, Middle School and High School