Parenting Classes

Message me to be added to the list for the next parenting series, or to book these classes for your group. (Classes may be conducted in person or virtually.)

Class 1: Emotional Literacy

Emotional literacy—the ability to accurately recognize and name our emotions—is a skill that most of us were not taught growing up. This is (to put it mildly) unfortunate. How are we meant to responsibly process our feelings (read: not spill them all over the people we love) if we aren’t even sure what we are feeling in the first place? And if we big people aren’t great at this?…Oof. Fellow parents, it starts with us. And in my experience—both personally and in working with my clients—self-awareness is the doorway to several other emotional intelligence skills.

In this 60 minute class, we will discuss the challenges of being creatures who feel, and I’ll introduce you to the most popular self-awareness tool in my toolkit. (This tool is simple, powerful, and can be modified to support children of all ages.) You will immediately improve your ability to understand your own emotional world, which will enable you to better support your kids as they move through their challenging feelings.

==============================================================================

Class 2: Empathy & Regulation

Helping our children understand and move through their most challenging emotions is big work. (Especially if we didn't learn this growing up.) Here's the good news: emotional intelligence is not fixed; it can be learned and developed.

 In this 60 minute class, we will discuss specific techniques that will help you and your children bring more calm to the emotional storms. You will learn ways to interact with your children that will make them feel emotionally safe in your presence. And I will teach you the magical question that will change the way you show up for your kids when they come to you with their challenges.

==============================================================================

Class 3: Managing Family Conflict

Resolving conflict is a skill that we wish we didn’t have to learn…but here we are. Most of us don’t have the awareness and language to bring quick resolution to our conflicts. Here’s the thing: when we can specifically label what we are feeling and effectively ask for what we need, everything else gets easier. Thankfully, all of this can be learned and practiced.

In this 60 minute class, we will discuss how to uncover the hidden assumptions that complicate our relationships and stress us out. And you will learn a conflict resolution model that quickly gets to the heart of the matter without casting a single word of blame.

"Rena has a warm, engaging and energetic teaching style that allows you to just settle in and enjoy the process of learning. Rena is highly competent; very resourced with tools and insights, but delivers it all in a very digestible and translatable manner. We so appreciated her humour, positive presence and incredibly helpful and insightful program. Highly recommended!"

Jenn Banas, MPCC; RPC; CCTP; Director, Parkland Wellness Centre

Join me and certified coach Amy Steindler for a RiffSpace™ book club featuring the book that got us both started on our personal growth journeys. Martha Beck’s insightful and hilarious book led us both to sign up to train with her, and to become Certified Martha Beck coaches. Her classic book will provide fresh perspectives that can open up the path to a life you truly want to live. We’ll discuss the life-altering concepts and exercises, provide spot-coaching, and approach the most challenging moments of our lives with grace and humor.

The book club runs for four consecutive Tuesdays: February 28, and March 7, 14, and 21, 2023. $120 (USD) fee includes four 75-minute book club discussions and a workbook that contains every exercise in the book (so you don’t have to cramp your wrists trying to write in tiny letters to fit your book).

SOLD OUT. Check back for future RiffSpace™ events.

==================================================================

What is The Riff Space™? It's an irreverent and sacred community of practice. Message me if you'd like to learn more!

What participants have said about The Riff Space™:

"This felt like a master class in self-awareness...I have already recommended Riff to friends...it's a great way to learn some tools to help you get to know yourself better and to frame a healthy narrative around what's important to you in life."

- Christina Croll, Virginia

"The Riff Space was my every other Tuesday exhale. The connection led by three amazing coaches, allowed me to get clear on my values while creating space to listen, learn, be, and well... to Riff (unfiltered with a splash of curiosity). If you are ready to connect with other amazing humans in a small group setting and stretch yourself - this may be the right space for you."

- Helen Y., Annapolis

"The Riff Space is fun, unique, insightful, innovative, a safe space to speak, a chance to grow in your own journey while learning many tools and techniques along the way! Highly recommend it and you will grow in many areas. Just bring your open mind and self to discover the best version of you!"

- Jane C., Canada