"Proud to Parent"

You're invited to Boston's only conference

for young parents!

Who

Open to pregnant and parenting youth in the Greater Boston area. Both moms and dads are welcome! 

What

A day for you and young parents like you. Come meet other young parents in your area, attend workshops about issues important to you, and get resources about parenting, your career, and your education.

Where

The Egan Center at Northeastern University, 346 Huntington Ave, Boston MA.

One block from the Ruggles T Station, Orange Line.

When

June 27, 2012

9 am- 4 pm

Why

So you can meet other young parents, hear inspiring stories, and learn about resources available to help you grow as a parent and a person.

This event is free!

Lunch included!

Check out Steppsboston.org for more information

Follow us on Twitter @STEPPSboston

Find us on Facebook Stepps Boston

For more information contact ARIEL

at ALChilds@partners.org 

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Stress Management

Parenting is hard! It is important to have finds ways to de-stress. This workshop will teach you how to remain calm and manage the every day stress you face alone, or with your children. The workshop will also teach you relaxation/meditation strategies that you can practice in your own home to remain stress free long-term!

You Are Your Best Advocate: Knowing Your Rights When Others Don’t, Liz Peck

This workshop will use a fun and interactive game to teach several basic teen parent rights. Learn what some of your basic rights are as a pregnant or parenting teen when it comes to education, public programs and benefits, health care, shelter and civic engagement. Leave with resources for who to call or where to go the next time you think one of your rights has been violated!

Choose not to Abuse

We’ll be talking about types of abuse and exploring what an abusive relationship looks and feels like. We’ll also be exploring the ingredients of a healthy relationship and why it is important to promote them.

New Millennium Dads, father for the future: Understanding gender differences, John O’Neil

Discover the differences between genders and understand what it means to be a new millenium father.  

You CAN pay for college!, Deborah Willwerth

Making the decision to further one’s education is a huge undertaking.  There are so many schools/programs to choose from.  This workshop will explore the process of making that important decision.  Topics covered include: What is Post-Secondary Education? Colleges Have Different Missions. 2-Year versus 4-Year Colleges. Costs of Education. Four Forms of Financial Aid for Higher Education. Information about Student Loans. Financial Aid Advising. Graduation Rates and Accreditation. Finding the Right School for You.

Designing Your Professional Path, Amy Zydanowicz

Become your own designer of your professional path by gaining practical tips to crafting a strong resume along with insightful tips to prepare for interviews. 

Your Health Insurance Options in Massachusetts, Kate Bicego

This workshop cover information about all free and lower cost health insurance options in Massachusetts and provide attendees the information that they need to get and keep health insurance coverage.

Infant Development: Helping Your Baby Grow Through Play, Nina Dickerman

Join us to learn about all the normal milestones your baby will experience.  We will also go over things you can play with your baby to help them grow in a healthy way. 

Toddler Play, Maria Scott and Taneyshia Bigelow

Parents will engage in  hands on toddler activities that promote developmental and social emotional growth.  Through each activity different skill levels are developed or enhanced. Household items will be used as the materials in the activities or can be purchased at a very low price. Handouts will provide additional activities that parent and child can create at home.  The handout will have activities that promote development in toddlers.

Reducing Relationship Drama: Is there an App for that?, Haji Shearer

Teen relationships can seem like a roller coaster.  However, your baby benefits when mom and dad (or boyfriend or girlfriend) learn to even out the ups and downs.  In this workshop, we’ll discuss ways to use your personal power to make co-parenting and dating relationships less stressful and more fun.  Participants will leave with a concrete strategy (app) they can use to reduce relationship drama.

Diplomas, Degrees, and Diapers: Succeeding in High School as a Young Parent 

Courtney Gerhart, Christine Kidd, Jennifer Hecker

This workshop will provide attendees with a detailed look at the educational life of a pregnant and parenting high school student. A panel including parenting students, teachers, and student support staff will discuss: time management, homework, childcare, and different kinds of educational programs for young parents with an emphasis on pursuing a high school diploma and college degree.

MyPlate, How  to Make Nutrition Fit for You, Kathy Cunningham

We will discuss the  MyPlate, making healthy choices that  fit into individual lifestyles. This will include how to select  healthy foods and beverages  that the  whole family will enjoy and will fit the budget .  We will also be sampling  easy snacks that fit into healthy plate choices .

Parenting in Public Workshop, Candelaria Silva-Collins

This workshop will explore these and other scenarios to help new parents learn how to anticipate and deal with the issues of parenting in public.  We will discuss: the feelings that are brought up when our children misbehave or are loud in public; how to deal with being the negative center of attention and the looks of judgment from other people; how to handle children’s tantrums and meltdowns; ways to prepare children for shopping, riding the T, going to the beauty-salon/barber shop; church services, doctor’s appointments, etc.; how to have a good experience on the T (hint - it’s a great place for vocabulary building and observations); techniques to share space when you’re not in control of the space.

Money Management 101, Sue Katz

This workshop teaches consumers how to manage money, set goals, select the best budgeting style and create a budget that works. This workshop will also give strategies for reducing expenses, ways to streamline saving money, and much more!

Why Won’t My 1-3 Year Old Do What I Ask?  Positive Discipline!, Nina Dickerman

Sit down, eat, be quiet, no hitting, stay still, don’t touch that, hold my hand, go to sleep… Do you feel like you are saying this all the time?  Join us to understand what makes your toddlers tick and how to approach teaching your young child about learning the rules we put into place.

Infant Play, Maria Scott and Taneyshia Bigelow

Parents will engage in hands on infant activities that promote developmental and social emotional growth.  Through each activity different skill levels are developed or enhanced. Household items will be used as the materials in the activities or can be purchased at a very low price. Handouts will provide additional activities that parent and child can create at home.  The handout will have activities that promote development in newborns to 12 months.

The Parenting Journey: A Unique and Nurturing Support Group, Kristen Ternullo & Jessie Moynihan

Did you know that your own upbringing and life experiences affect the way you parent today? At this workshop, you will explore your own development as nurturing parents, capable of making responsible and informed choices with your children.

A Two Generation Approach, Barbara Seed Siergiewicz, Danyelle Antone, Mariel Margarin

Please join representatives from the Endicott College Keys to Degrees Single Parent Program for an informational talk.  Learn about the Keys program and hear strategies for applying to college as a single parent. Become inspired by two single moms who are full-time students with young children, making their dreams come true! 

Understanding Credit/Debt, Sue Katz

This workshop goes over the most important concepts of credit including: the importance of credit, what information creates a credit score and how to improve a credit score. It also covers the best strategy for paying down credit card debt.

Steps for Independent Living as a Teen Parent

This workshop will focus on the how to get a subsidized rent on your own or with your significant other. We will review all the different types of subsidized hosing and how to complete an application. We will also discuss living situations such as staying home with parents, Teen shelters, EA shelters and Transitional housing.

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Space is limited. For guaranteed entry, please arrive on time.