The Illinois AfterSchool Network Parent Café is a place where parents/families of all types gather and share their stories, their experiences, their worries, their fears, their wisdom, and find community and strength together on a topic of conversation. Through open communication, they become places of affirmation where they can learn that they are not alone in their struggles with managing their families and households. Parent Cafes also provide an opportunity to help connect parents to resources to help solve problems they might face.
The goals of the Parent Cafes are as follows:
- Being more resilient as parents
- Forging positive social relationships
- Learning to create concrete support networks
- Increasing their knowledge of parenting and child/youth development
- Improving their communication skills
Parent Cafe sessions are offered FREE to all families. During each session, we will have professionals in the field to help parents with questions and share resources.
December, 2021
Saturday, December 11th 2021, 11-12:15pm
January, 2022
Saturday, January 15th 2022, 11-12:15pm
Join this ACTIVE Parent Cafe session to learn easily accessible ways to do fitness with your family right in your own home. You do not need a lot of space or equipment. Learn simple exercises you could do throughout the day.
During the Parent Cafe session, we will discuss strategic ways to support and advocate for Diverse Learners. The Parent Facilitator will give an overview of who are Diverse Learners and share important resources for parents and families. Please bring your questions as we will discuss strategic ways to advocate and work within the school system to have your child/children needs met.
Parent Facilitator: Leslie Hampton
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqcOivrT8oGd29fG7CimplOm1FKRqqKrUg
February, 2022
Saturday, February 12th 2022, 11-12:15pm
Propósito: Para que los padres se familiaricen con el concepto de Salud Mental y cómo practicar hábitos saludables que promuevan el bienestar emocional. Hablaremos del estigma relacionado con la salud mental y cómo cerrar la brecha de discorde.
Purpose: For parents to become familiar with what mental health means and how to practice healthy habits that promote emotional wellbeing. To discuss the stigma related to ‘mental health’ and close the discordance gap.
March, 2022
Saturday, March 12th 2022, 11-12:15pm
Propósito: Se dará una descripción general y breve de lo que es trauma; Los efectos emocionales, cognitivos y fisiológicos. Informado en Trauma para padres proveerá un mejor entendimiento y una perspectiva más empática de alguno de los comportamientos de nuestros hijos y cómo procesan información
Purpose:A general but brief description of what trauma is, including its emotional, cognitive and physiological effects. Trauma-informed care for parents will provide a deeper understanding and an empathetic perspective of some of the behaviors and thought processes our children may exhibit.
Parent Facilitator: Laura Guzman
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAodOugrj4vGNCF9ylpnXOAV2ydQR7G37vF
April, 2022
Saturday, April 23rd 2022, 11-12:15pm
The Parent Cafe on Communication: Building and Supporting Social Emotional Development will deal with parenting by using questions, videos and discussions. The role of these activities is to invite, introduce and facilitate inquisitive and transformative conversations with parents. During this Cafe we will highlight social-emotional skill-building strategies that build positive communications between parents and children.
Parent Facilitator: Tajuana Rice
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdeitqTkiHN0judp1fRzHsW5Jxqkz-sDg
May, 2022
Saturday, May 14th 2022, 11-12:15pm
All behavior has meaning! Parents join us at this Parent Cafe as we engage in a dialogue about challenging behaviors and the meaning behind the behavior. During this Parent Cafe we will discuss the functions of behavior, how to reinforce positive behaviors, how to increase pro social interactions with your child, and interventions and strategies to support your child.
Parent Facilitator: Penny Williams-Wolford
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAld-mgrzkiGdJZIgrn3_H7M1ud5dFXoCe8
June, 2022
Saturday, June 11th 2022, 11-12:15pm
Financial literacy is one of the most important skills that everyone has to learn and use in their life. Join us for an informative session on personal finance skills and helping parents to develop positive money habits. Free financial literacy resources will be provided.
Parent Facilitator: Joseph Moheban
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsc-2gqD4uHNapF8b8WyRejB-dR2q02fiP
Resources from Parent Cafe Sessions
Parent Resources for Self Care
22 Remote Learning Tips for Parents