Hilltown Families 
Free Parenting Classes in the Pioneer Valley this Fall
Parenting Group and Workshops
There are a few of free parenting support opportunities for parents and grandparents of preK kids coming up in the Pioneer Valley this Fall:
Important Conversations for Parents of Very Young Children
Berkshire Children and Families will be hosting a free 8-week parenting group in Northampton on Monday evenings. Titled, “Important Conversations for Parents of Very Young Children,” the group will provide a facilitated space for parents to discuss topics such as child development, finding time for yourself within your family, fostering independence, etc. Group members will decide what to discuss each week. Free childcare and dinner will be provided, and the group takes place at the Northampton Parents’ Center in the basement of Edwards Church on Main Street in Northampton. To register call at 413-584-5690 x119.
- 5-7pm on Mondays in Northampton beginning 10/17 (no group on 10/31)
At Your Wit’s End: Responding to Challenging Behavior
“At Your Wit’s End: Responding to Challenging Behavior.” This 3-part workshop for parents/grandparents of preK kids is based on the idea that kids can be exhausting and there are no perfect parents. It’s designed to flow from one session to the next and cover topics such as: how to help your child bounce back from disappointment; helping your child build problem-solving skills; strategies and wisdom. This 3-series workshop will be held in several different locations this fall, including: South Hadley Family Center, Clapp Memorial Library in Belchertown; and Our Lady’s Child Care Center in Easthampton. These are early evening workshops with available free childcare. This series is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) program, funded by the MA Department of Early Education and Care and administered by the Collaborative for Educational Services. To register call 413-570-3061.
- 6:30-8:30pm on Tuesdays in South Hadley beginning 10/18.
- 6:30-8:30pm Thursday/Wednesdays in Easthampton beginning 10/20
- 7-8:30pm Thursdays in Belchertown beginning 11/3
Responding to Behavior Challenges
A one-time free morning workshop for parents of preK kids titled “Responding to Behavior Challenges” will be held in the library at the Hatfield Elementary School on Friday, October 28th from 8:30-9:30am. Call for more information and to register: 413-570-3061.
Do you have a parenting question you’d like to submit to be discussed here on Hilltown Families as part of our Question & Answers column? Submit below for consideration:
[Photo credit: (ccl) Christopher Hawkins]
Thank you so much post the correct times and offering clarity, Sharon! The links in the post are to the original fliers with all the final and correct information if you wanted to print them out. – Thanks again, Sharon!
Just got some corrected info from the Collaborative (there was some confusion when I spoke to her the first time), the dates of the Easthampton Wits End workshops are Thurs 10/20, Wed 11/2 and Wed 11/09. –Sharon
I just called the Collaboration for Educational Services re: the Wits End class and the Easthampton one is on Thursdays, NOT Wednesdays. Just wanted to give folks the correct info. —Sharon