| Youth & Family Services of Upper Perk Parenting Services |
| Parenting is perhaps the toughest job we will ever do. We are not given a manual, tools or a license to have and raise children. We are given advice, a pat on the back and a "Good luck" that comes in a tone of voice that says, the end of your life as you know it has just arrived. Some parents navigate through with seeming ease, not hitting the pot holes many of us just can't seem to avoid. Well, you are not alone and Youth & Family Services can help. Whether you are parenting like a pro, just beginning or need a little help (or maybe a lot) we have parenting classes that address your specific needs. We offer parenting credits for foster parents and we have acceptable programs for parents who have to fulfill a court mandate. We also collaborate with the Upper Perkiomen School District to provide valuable workshops at both Marlborough and Hereford Elementary Schools. |
Here are some of the parenting workshops we offer:
Raising A Thinking Child: This is an interactive program based on the teachings of
renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Myrna Shure*, Ph.D. The workshop teaches the
fundamentals of her revolutionary yet simplistic approach to giving children the skills they
need to resolve conflict and be empathetic, while giving parents the tools they need to raise a
thinking child.
Parenting Wisely**: This is a friendly, easy to use, interactive computer program. Using a
CD-ROM, this program depicts typical family problems involving young children,adolescents
and their parent(s). After watching a particular scene you will choose a solution closest to
what you would do at home and then see how effective your solution would have been. A YFS
staff member will consult with you about your choices and discuss your particular family
situations and concerns. This program consists of three to five sessions and there is a fee.
Children in the Middle: Divorce can be devastating to a family. Sometimes in the midst of
our own anger, sadness, frustration or stress we forget how much our children can be going
through those same emotions as well. This is a skills based program that helps children and
parents deal with the children's reaction to divorce in a non-threatening way. Parents view a
video and then discuss the scenes with a trained YFS staff member. The program presents
parents with the skills necessary to avoid putting children in the middle of their conflicts. The
program is presented in two one hour sessions. This will fulfill the requirement court
mandated divorcing parents.
Toddler/Pre-Teen 101: This is a 6 week course which focuses on the basics raising
children between the ages of 2-11. Some of the topics discussed include understanding the
role of the parent today, the stages of development in children ages 2-11, building
self-esteem and confidence in your child and developing responsible behavior to name a
few. This is a group workshop, where group support and interaction helps the learning
process.
Adolescent 101: This 6 week course is one of our most popular. Since raising teenagers
can age us 20 years, it is nice to have some tools in our pockets to help navigate the rocky
roads and be more appreciative of the smooth times. This program focuses on family
structure and support, cultural and peer pressures, effective communication, drug and alcohol
awareness among others. This too, is a group workshop where group support and interaction
helps the learning process.
Raising A Thinking Child: This is an interactive program based on the teachings of
renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Myrna Shure*, Ph.D. The workshop teaches the
fundamentals of her revolutionary yet simplistic approach to giving children the skills they
need to resolve conflict and be empathetic, while giving parents the tools they need to raise a
thinking child.
Parenting Wisely**: This is a friendly, easy to use, interactive computer program. Using a
CD-ROM, this program depicts typical family problems involving young children,adolescents
and their parent(s). After watching a particular scene you will choose a solution closest to
what you would do at home and then see how effective your solution would have been. A YFS
staff member will consult with you about your choices and discuss your particular family
situations and concerns. This program consists of three to five sessions and there is a fee.
Children in the Middle: Divorce can be devastating to a family. Sometimes in the midst of
our own anger, sadness, frustration or stress we forget how much our children can be going
through those same emotions as well. This is a skills based program that helps children and
parents deal with the children's reaction to divorce in a non-threatening way. Parents view a
video and then discuss the scenes with a trained YFS staff member. The program presents
parents with the skills necessary to avoid putting children in the middle of their conflicts. The
program is presented in two one hour sessions. This will fulfill the requirement court
mandated divorcing parents.
Toddler/Pre-Teen 101: This is a 6 week course which focuses on the basics raising
children between the ages of 2-11. Some of the topics discussed include understanding the
role of the parent today, the stages of development in children ages 2-11, building
self-esteem and confidence in your child and developing responsible behavior to name a
few. This is a group workshop, where group support and interaction helps the learning
process.
Adolescent 101: This 6 week course is one of our most popular. Since raising teenagers
can age us 20 years, it is nice to have some tools in our pockets to help navigate the rocky
roads and be more appreciative of the smooth times. This program focuses on family
structure and support, cultural and peer pressures, effective communication, drug and alcohol
awareness among others. This too, is a group workshop where group support and interaction
helps the learning process.
Below is a list of the workshops that have been presented at the Upper Perkiomen elementary
schools, if you or your organization would like to schedule any of the workshops please
contact Youth and Family Services at 215-234-9372.
Family Structure & Homework Help : This workshop focuses on the need, desire and
benefits of structure in a family and how that structure can be obtained and maintained even if
your present situation is chaotic and stressful. Realistic examples and situations are
discussed. The program also discusses and presents ways to help your child with his/her
homework, how to establish a homework routine and resources for parents to help with
homework. This is a one and a half hour workshop.
Raising Your Child Using the 40 Assets: This workshop focuses on using the Search
Institute's popular 40 Developmental Assets*** and how applying these assets in our lives and
our community helps to produce a generation of young people who are responsible,
successful and valued by adults. The assets are explained in detail and ways of implementing
them into our daily routine are discussed. This is also a one and a half hour workshop with
emphasis on participant involvement.
Keeping Your Child Safe: This workshop focuses on Internet and cell phone safety for
children and adolescents. Some of the topics discussed include using parental controls, how
to track computer usage, cyber bullying and harassment and what to do if you or your child
becomes a target of cyber bullying. We also discuss how to deal with classroom bullying and
harassment. Realistic examples are process and there is an opportunity for a question and
answer session with the presenter. This is a one and a half hour workshop.
schools, if you or your organization would like to schedule any of the workshops please
contact Youth and Family Services at 215-234-9372.
Family Structure & Homework Help : This workshop focuses on the need, desire and
benefits of structure in a family and how that structure can be obtained and maintained even if
your present situation is chaotic and stressful. Realistic examples and situations are
discussed. The program also discusses and presents ways to help your child with his/her
homework, how to establish a homework routine and resources for parents to help with
homework. This is a one and a half hour workshop.
Raising Your Child Using the 40 Assets: This workshop focuses on using the Search
Institute's popular 40 Developmental Assets*** and how applying these assets in our lives and
our community helps to produce a generation of young people who are responsible,
successful and valued by adults. The assets are explained in detail and ways of implementing
them into our daily routine are discussed. This is also a one and a half hour workshop with
emphasis on participant involvement.
Keeping Your Child Safe: This workshop focuses on Internet and cell phone safety for
children and adolescents. Some of the topics discussed include using parental controls, how
to track computer usage, cyber bullying and harassment and what to do if you or your child
becomes a target of cyber bullying. We also discuss how to deal with classroom bullying and
harassment. Realistic examples are process and there is an opportunity for a question and
answer session with the presenter. This is a one and a half hour workshop.
* Dr. Myrna Shure is a professor of psychology at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Her acclaimed I Can Problem Solve program has won numerous national
awards. DR. Shure is a frequent consultant to the media on issues relating to mental health and interpersonal competence in our nation's youth.
**No computer knowledge or skills are necessary to participate in this program. Appointments for this program must be made in advance and YFS will try to
accommodate your schedule. The $50 fee includes workbooks and materials for the course.
***The Search Institute of Minnesota is responsible for the development of the 40 Assets. More information concerning the 40 Assets and the Search Institute can be
found on their website, which is included on our resources page.
awards. DR. Shure is a frequent consultant to the media on issues relating to mental health and interpersonal competence in our nation's youth.
**No computer knowledge or skills are necessary to participate in this program. Appointments for this program must be made in advance and YFS will try to
accommodate your schedule. The $50 fee includes workbooks and materials for the course.
***The Search Institute of Minnesota is responsible for the development of the 40 Assets. More information concerning the 40 Assets and the Search Institute can be
found on their website, which is included on our resources page.
| Youth & Family Services, 1494 Gravel Pike Green Lane, PA 18054, 215-234-9372 Youth & Family Services of Upper Perk is a United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Agency. All questions or comments regarding this website should be directed to mreitnauer.yfs@verizon.net. |
Youth & Family Services of Upper Perk, 1494 Gravel Pike, Green Lane, Pa 18054, 215-234-9372
4 Family Fun Nights will be held at the Upper Perk Library in the fall/winter of 2010-2011. Families will enjoy making crafts, listening to stories, participating in fun games and sharing a snack together. Parenting information and other materials will be available for the families. |
Our Location
Youth &
Family
Services of
Upper Perk,
1494 Gravel
Pike, Green
Lane, Pa
18054,
215-234-9372
Family
Services of
Upper Perk,
1494 Gravel
Pike, Green
Lane, Pa
18054,
215-234-9372
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
"Mystery Night-- Who Stole the Cookies from the Cookie Jar" October 14, 2010 "The Giving Tree" December 9, 2010 "Family Challenge" January 13, 2011 "Family Feud" March 10, 2011 |
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