facing parenting challenges together
Florence Crittenton provides classes to all parents and caregivers in our community. Classes are facilitated by Jen Burckhard, our fabulous parent educator, and are held at Helena College. We aim to create a fun, honest atmosphere where we can learn together how to raise healthy, responsible children.
For more information on upcoming class dates or to enroll please call Jen Burckhard at 406 442 6950 x207 or email [email protected]
Connected Parenting
Join this insightful course to learn practical strategies for building secure, loving relationships with your children. Based on expert guidance, you’ll discover techniques to handle emotions, set boundaries, and support your child’s development through every stage.
Click the button below for more information!
Love & Logic All Ages
The Love and Logic approach to parenting is built around the science of caring and respectful relationships. An authentic, loving connection between parents and their children forms the foundation of good behavior and healthy decision-making.
Sounds easy enough but never before in history have parents been faced with so many challenges! The Love & Logic approach provides a variety of simple and effective strategies for parenting children from birth to adulthood. Whether you’re embarking for the first time with your new baby or navigating the turbulent teens with your child, our strategies and techniques will help you create calm and loving solutions.
Circle of Security®
At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
Using the COSP™ model developed by the Circle of Security originators, our trained Facilitators work with parents and care-givers to help them to:
- Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
- Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
- Enhance the development of their child’s self esteem
- Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
Upcoming Classes
January 8, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Circle of Security®
At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
Using the COSP™ model developed by the Circle of Security originators, our trained Facilitators work with parents and care-givers to help them to:
- Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
- Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
- Enhance the development of their child’s self esteem
- Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 from Jan 8-Feb 26
January 9, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Connected Parenting
“Connected Parenting” is an engaging and insightful course designed to empower parents through the principles of secure attachment and emotional resilience. Grounded in the expertise of leading figures in child development, such as Becky Kennedy, Bruce Perry, and Gabor Maté, this class offers practical, hands-on activities and weekly lessons that deepen participants’ understanding of their role in nurturing healthy parent-child relationships.
The course begins by exploring the concept of secure attachment, examining its manifestations in infants and how parents can effectively respond to both positive and challenging emotions. Through video discussions and interactive sessions, participants learn to recognize the signs of secure attachment and its importance in early development.
As the weeks progress, the curriculum emphasizes key parenting strategies, including establishing boundaries and validating children’s feelings. Parents will gain insights into managing uncomfortable emotions, both their own and their children’s, while fostering a safe environment for emotional expression.
One of the unique aspects of the course is its focus on separating a child’s identity from their behavior. Participants will learn to view children as inherently good individuals who are navigating overwhelming feelings. This shift in perspective aids in developing effective co-regulation techniques, enabling parents to support their children through moments of distress.
Throughout the program, real-life scenarios are discussed, helping parents model secure attachment reactions during challenging behaviors such as tantrums and defiance. Emphasis is placed on finding strength in being a safe haven for children, even when faced with their emotional dysregulation.
The course also addresses specific issues such as childhood anxiety, social challenges, and the complexities of parenting teenagers. Parents will learn how to engage with their children during difficult times, offering guidance and support while fostering autonomy and resilience.
By the end of “Connected Parenting,” participants will be equipped with practical tools and a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape, allowing them to cultivate meaningful connections with their children and navigate the ups and downs of parenting with confidence and love.
Thursdays from 5-6:30 from Jan 9- Feb 17
About Stacy Maharg
Stacy joined Florence Crittenton in 2023 after over 25 years teaching in both private and public schools in Helena. As well as her dedication to her students academic success Stacy is also passionate about relationship building, trauma healing and life coaching for individuals and families.
In her spare time Stacy loves baking, watching movies and playing with her grandkids, visiting her adult children and spending time in the beautiful Montana outdoors with her husband and dog.
Stacy was first introduced to Florence Crittenton when she was in middle school. It was such a great experience she decided then that one day she wanted to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Now 40 years later she is excited to serve our community and help parents grow and thrive through our parenting classes.
