Slidell Memorial Hospital will be offering a special workshop in October to help local parents of children aged 3-12 develop the skills and tactics they need to communicate effectively with their children – while at the same time encouraging their children to do and think for themselves.
The workshop, "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen,” will be held on Wed., Oct. 12 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Cross Gates Family Fitness Center, 200 N. Military Road. Workshop attendees will learn valuable skills, such as giving choices, respecting feelings, encouraging problem solving and developing a child's self-confidence. There is a $5 fee per family for this workshop. To register, call 985-661-2657.
Pre-registration is also recommended for other classes offered through SMH this month by calling (985) 649-8585 or registering online at http://www.slidellmemorial.org/. The SMH Parenting Center and Women & Children's Services offer these other classes and programs in October:
PARENTING CENTER
Parent Education Classes
Children in the Middle: A two-session co-parenting class for separated, divorcing and divorced parents.
In this interactive class, parents will learn effective methods for keeping their children out of the middle of divorce-related issues, how to look at conflicts from their children's point of view and how to communicate in a healthy way. Sponsored in part by Capitol One Bank. Participants must attend both sessions to receive a certificate. To register, call (985) 661-2657.
When: Tues., Oct. 11 & 18, 7 - 9 p.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $35/person, $45/couple
Your Amazing Newborn: Especially helpful for first-time parents, this class covers caring for a newborn, how to soothe a crying baby and milestones for your baby's first three months.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6:30- 8:30 p.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $10 per couple if not pre-registered at SMH
Becoming Healthier – Planning Healthier Meals: Start planning healthier meals for you and your family. Join Yvette Rodriguez, RD, LDN, to get tips on grocery shopping, label reading, recipe substitutions and identifying and avoiding "trans fats.”
When: Tues., Oct. 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $5/family
PRENATAL EDUCATION
Breastfeeding Clinic: Lactation Consultants offer support and encouragement as they discuss the advantages of breastfeeding, how to get started, how to prevent problems, common concerns and what to expect in the first few weeks.
When: Fri., Oct. 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $25 per person if not pre-registered at SMH
Big Brother, Big Sister
A fun class to prepare children ages 3 - 10 for the arrival of their new sibling. Children will learn safe and proper ways to handle newborns, use life-like baby dolls to practice diapering and other baby care, make a special gift for the baby and tour Labor/Delivery and Postpartum. Parents receive tips on preparing their children for their new family addition. This class should be attended when Mom is at least 7 months pregnant.
When: Sat., Oct. 9, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $10 per family due at registration
Preparation for Birth: Designed specifically for first-time parents who are at least six months pregnant. This full-day class will cover: the stages of pregnancy, nutrition, pain management options, hospital stay and recovery, possible complications, and basic newborn care. (Moms are asked to bring a pillow for seating comfort.)
When: Sat., Oct. 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $50 per couple if not pre-registered at SMH
Community Parenting
MOMS Club of Slidell: The MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) is open to all moms who are at home during the day with their children. Parents and their children meet at SMH Parenting Center classroom for play, craft activities, parenting discussion and a chance to meet with other moms and their children. For more information, please contact Stephanie at (985) 201-9461.
When: Tues., Oct. 18, 10 a.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Weekly Support Groups
Me & My Tot Time: Come and meet other parents/grandparents and their little ones at our weekly support/playgroups. Parenting Center staff provides a learning and support opportunity for parents and a social playtime for children. Parents discuss child development issues and parenting tips, while their children enjoy playtime with other little ones. Refreshments, crafts, story time, music and movement activities are also provided. No registration required. For more information, call (985) 649-8529.
When: Wednesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26
9–10 a.m. Walking – 24 months
10 –11 a.m. 25 – 36 months
11 a.m. – Noon 36 months to pre-school
Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27
9-10 a.m. 25 months and up
10 -11 a.m. Walking – 24 months
11 a.m. - Noon Birth – pre-walking (Baby & Me Tot Time)
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Autism Network Group: Northshore Families Helping Families hosts this monthly group, open to all parents and caregivers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Contact Anne Galiano at (985) 875-0511 for more information.
When: Wed., Oct. 12, 9-11 a.m.
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Free Car Seat Safety Checks: The Louisiana Office of Public Health Child Safety Coordinator will be on hand to offer free car seat safety checks. Appointment required. To book an appointment, please call JamiLyn Hinchey, child safety coordinator for the Louisiana Office of Public Health, (985) 871-1300.
When: Tuesdays, by appointment
Where: SMH Parenting Center parking lot, 501 Robert Blvd. (rear of SMH Wellness Pavilion)
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ABOUT SMH
Slidell Memorial Hospital is a full-service 182-bed acute care not-for-profit community hospital located at 1001 Gause Blvd., in the heart of Slidell. Founded in 1959, SMH serves as a primary healthcare resource for families in St. Tammany Parish, La.; Pearl River County, Miss.; and the greater Mississippi Gulf Coast region. For more information, please visit http://www.slidellmemorial.org/.
