Workshops & Seminars
GRASP Group offers workshops for expectant and current parents on all aspects of parenting. Our unique dual provider presentations give audiences access to both a Child Development Specialist and Clinical Therapist in one presentation. Groups like Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN), BUMP Club Chicago, MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers), Stroller Strides, 24/7, Purple Monkey, Little Beans, local preschools and local retail businesses have all utilized GRASP services to present knowledgeable, relevant information on navigating parenthood and more to their communities. We are able to customize workshops for your group on topics from parenting, to couples relationships, to mother’s emotional well-being to child development and more. Some of our most popular current offerings are:

TRANSITION TO MOTHERHOOD WORKSHOP
Information and techniques for the expectant mother on the psychological transitions one experiences pre and post baby as well as the development of early infant/parent communication, and transitions as a couple after the arrival of your little one.

NAVIGATING YOUR RETURN TO WORK
Returning to work after the birth of your child or after a period of staying at home is a major transition for many women. Preparing yourself, your child and your household for the change can be extremely beneficial in easing the transition. This seminar provides: tips on transitioning your little one to a nanny/daycare, techniques to ease separation (for both of you !), ways to balance your professional and home life as a mom ,ideas for your partner to support your return to work and how to manage expectations as a dual career household.

BABY #1 MEET BABY #2
Sara will help parents get this new sibling relationship off to a healthy start by discussing what to do before baby’s arrival, when baby arrives, and what to expect from the older sibling as they process this big event. Practical preparation tips and guidance to promote coping with potential feelings of insecurity and jealousy provide parents with helpful tools for the transition.

Parent Testimonial...
This is long overdue, but I wanted to thank you (Sara) again for taking the time to bring so much wisdom to us last week! It was so great to hear from you and I have ordered the books, and revised my language a bit. The way of talking in concrete terms has already been put to use when Mama travels and seems to be working well. My husband is on board and glad to be armed with information as well for easing into a better transition to 2 children at home. I have given my parents a quick "course" on how best to interact with my son and the added family member (baby) when the time comes, and they have been really open to the theories of practice.
--Tracy C

SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN THE PRESCHOOL YEARS
Learn about the mind of a preschooler, their key developmental goals & ways to effectively manage challenging behavior. Additionally we explore ways to parent in a positive and calm manner that builds relationships while maintaining your sanity.

SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN THE TODDLER YEARS
Learn ways to connect with your toddler, and promote his cognitive and social - emotional growth. Discover what abilities to expect (and not expect!) at this age and positive, practical solutions to cope with a toddler’s challenging behaviors from tantrums, to roller coaster emotions, separation anxiety and more! Leave this workshop with the keys to a healthy and happy toddler and household.

PLAY! SUPPORTING YOUR YOUNG CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PLAY
Why is play critical for healthy development and promoting positive behaviors? How can it enhance everything from your parent/child relationship to school readiness?

This workshop explores the importance of play, what play looks like between ages 0-24 months, best toys to invest in and fun ways to interact with your baby and toddler to foster their development.

HOW DO WE TELL THE CHILDREN? - Coping with divorce, death and difficulty.
Is your family going through an illness, loss or parent separation?

These situations bring a unique challenge to families and it is important to prepare your children in a developmentally appropriate way. Discussing your family’s needs and gathering information on typical reactions children may have and how to best support them in these circumstances is critical. With preparation and education, life’s challenges can be better navigated and a more positive outcome reached for parent and child.

Contact Sara for more information regarding specialized services/group seminars to support parents at these difficult times.

FOSTERING SELF-ESTEEM IN YOUR CHILD...AND YOU
We all want our children to feel confident and happy and as parents we hopefully want that for ourselves too. How can we best foster self-esteem in our children even when they are faced with the inevitable ups and downs of life? Learn tips that may surprise you as to what you should and should not do! Discover how intertwined a parent’s self-esteem can be with that of their child and ways to cope when challenges arise.

SIBLING RIVALRY - MORE FRIENDSHIP, LESS FIGHTING
Are your children enjoyable one on one but maddening together? Did you know sibling relationships have long lasting effects on shaping our identity and self-esteem? Learn effective tools to create a more collaborative and calm household among your children.

KINDERGARTEN - READY! HERE I COME!
The jump from preschool to Kindergarten can be overwhelming for many kids. Learn ways to help your child with this transition and readiness skills to prepare them for the increased academic and emotional challenges.

The goal of our presentations is to provide a one-stop service to answer your most difficult parenting questions. Our presentations are informative, interactive and fun! Many parents give us feedback that our workshops gave them the tools to become a more confident parent and to create a more peaceful household.