Research shows that a person’s birth order has a direct link with his or her personality. These stereotypes on birth order may sound silly, but there is an interesting degree of scientific accuracy in their foundation. But does birth order influence personality, or is personality shaped based on the ages of siblings around them? Understanding […]

What do restorative practices mean and how can families utilize them at home? This workshop and discussion will explore the meaning and reasons for restorative practices at school, within juvenile justice and how families can benefit from these practices at home. About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network: The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & […]

Self-care often becomes an afterthought for parents and caregivers. The ability to treat and understand oneself with respect and kindness can be especially elusive when raising a family. In this workshop, you will learn how stress and anxiety affect all of us and what you can do about it. You will do a self-care checkup […]

Getting services for a child with behavioral health needs can be overwhelming. “Team Up for Your Child/Family Roadmap” is a step-by-step guide designed to help families navigate confusing service systems and work smarter with doctors, schools, agencies and insurers. When a child has serious behavioral health issues, you suddenly have a team of professionals in […]

G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children. Topics include: Session 1: A Model of Human Performance and […]

Do you watch your child struggle with social isolation and rejection? This workshop will provide parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies for teaching our kids the social skills they will need for success in social interaction. Participants will learn about positive traits for peer acceptance, student traits that teachers like, and the “hidden curriculum.” About […]

Are you feeling like you are always walking on eggshells when dealing with your young child’s meltdowns? (Professionals sometimes call these behaviors “dysregulation”) Are you at a loss about how to help your child to be successful? You’re not alone! Join in the discussion about what meltdowns are and strategies that can be used to […]

Our children are our future and child abuse and neglect is everybody’s business! In this workshop learn what is considered child abuse; state and national statistics; what Maine law is and how to report child abuse or neglect; the difference between “punishment” vs. “discipline”; child behavioral management examples and what are family and child protective […]

Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long-term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the […]

This workshop will offer the framework to help us understand what Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is, what causes it, how to diagnose and who can diagnose it; the symptoms, what helps, supports; and treatment and management. Come and join in the conversation as we journey together toward greater success. About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network: The G.E.A.R. […]

Effective communication skills are vitally important for thriving family relationships. Using tools such as non-violent and non-verbal communication can improve our ability to resolve conflicts that arise and strengthen bonds within families. As parents, we can master these skills and model them for our children. Join us for an educational afternoon that will cover the […]