655 Riddell Road
Orangeville, ON L9W 4Z5

Tel: 519-940-8678
Fax: 519-941-1525
E-mail: info@dpsn.ca




Free Parenting Workshops

Thank your your interest in our free parenting workshops.


DPSN's January Workshops

Upcoming Workshops

Check out our Winter workshops.
We will post additional workshops here and on our Facebook page as details are finalized, so please check back. Better yet, join our email list and get updates in your inbox.


Our workshops will be hosted online, using Zoom. Registration is required.

Please note:
If you don't have reliable internet, you can attend the workshop by phone instead. * Long-distance and/or usage charges may apply.

Dufferin Parent Support Network is committed to providing no-fee workshops and support to Dufferin County residents. As a registered charitable organization that does not receive federal or provincial government funding, DPSN relies on donations and grants for funding

We greatly appreciate your support. It's easy to give.

Calendar of Events

All families have strengths and all families have challenges. These workshops are a safe place to learn and build on existing skills. All Dufferin Parent Support Network (DPSN) workshops are free of charge and open to men, women and couples.

Workshop Lineup

Any information provided on our website, emails or during our workshops is for educational and information purposes only and is not specific to individual circumstances. It is not intended to replace professional therapy, counselling, legal advice and/or any other individual-specific advice. Neither Dufferin Parent Support Network, our facilitators or any of our partners or affiliates are liable for any act or omission taken in reliance upon any information provided by DPSN.

DPSN strives to create a safe and confidential space for workshop participants, and respecting privacy is very important to us. The expectation is that all participants will respect confidentiality and will not discuss or disclose any information related to any participant outside of the workshop setting.

January Workshops

Goals Of Behaviour: Turning Negative Behaviours into Positive Ones
When: Wednesday,January 24, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Children’s behaviour—both positive and negative—is a form of communication. They are telling us what they need. When we learn to listen to and understand the goals of our children’s behaviour, we can respond to their needs rather than reacting to their challenging behaviour. We can then help them learn positive ways to communicate their needs.
Facilitator: Koleen Sykes, Parent Educator
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

The Art of Distraction: Helping Your Child with ADHD Thrive
When: Wednesday, January 31, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Do you wonder if your child has ADHD, or has your child been diagnosed with ADHD? Children with ADHD experience different challenges at home, school and in the community that can be stressful and overwhelming for families. This workshop will provide you with greater knowledge of what ADHD is, its symptoms and signs, and its impact on children. We'll explore common ADHD challenges and share practical ways to manage impulsive behaviours, improve focus and regulation, and build more positive relationships. You'll leave with effective strategies and understanding to help make parenting a child with challenging behaviours and ADHD a little easier.
Facilitator: Nichole MacPherson, Behaviour Consultant (DCAFS)
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Back to the Workshop Lineup

Go to the Events Calendar

February Workshops

Parenting in a Digital Age
When: Thursday, February 8, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Screen time has become a necessity for our children for the last few years, with more computer learning as well as online games and appointments. Now that better weather—and times—are here, many of us are finding it difficult to transition our kids away from their screens and back to in-person activities. We’ll take a look at some of the reasons for this, as well as ways to gently encourage our children to turn to other activities and ways to socialize, including setting realistic expectations and working with your situation.
Facilitator: Rahel Appiagyei-David, Parent Educator
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Calming the Storm: Coregulation Strategies for your Child
When: Wednesday, February 13, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Does your child have frequent tantrums or meltdowns or display other challenging behaviours? Learn positive strategies for managing these difficult moments while supporting your child in developing self-regulation. We’ll also discuss ways to improve communication and set limits while building connections and strengthening your relationship with your child.
Facilitator: Nichole MacPherson, Behaviour Consultant (DCAFS)
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Recharge, Reset or Revitalize your Relationship
When:Tuesday, February 20, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Parenting, especially with the current challenges, can test even the strongest relationships, especially if both parents have different parenting styles. This workshop will help you identify the underlying causes of conflict between you and your partner, as well as the differences in your parenting philosophies. We’ll explore your role in conflict management and resolution and help bring both parents on the same page or bridge the seas between you.
Facilitator: Lynn Hand, Parent Educator
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Taming the Dragon: Anger and Stress Management
When:Thursday, February 29, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Many people are feeling stressed and overwhelmed these days. Children may show this through anger or acting out. Parents may feel exhausted or more short-tempered. We’ll discuss anger and stress management strategies for both parents and children to help us all manage these difficult emotions. You’ll also learn to recognize your own anger triggers and how to release anger safely so you can lead by example. We’ll also discuss “damage control” solutions both adults and children can use when we’ve lost our cool.
Facilitator: Nichole MacPherson, Behaviour Consultant (DCAFS)
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Back to the Workshop Lineup

Go to the Events Calendar

March Workshops

Stress, Kids and Resilience
When:Wednesday, March 6, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Children and youth are suffering from stress-related issues as never before. We’ll look at some of both short- and long-term causes of stress, including the effects of the pandemic on children’s coping skills, and learn to recognize the physical, mental and emotional signs of stress. We’ll also explore strategies for helping our children identify their stressors, learn to manage their stress and help foster their resiliency.
Facilitator: Kolleen Sykes, Parent Educator
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Challenging Behaviour and Goodness of Fit: Understanding You and Your Child’s Unique Temperaments
When:Wednesday, March 20, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. *Q&A will continue until 8:30 p.m.
Where:This is an online workshop through Zoom.
Identifying temperament traits in our children and the “goodness of fit” with ourselves can lead to greater understanding of their behaviour and our reactions to it. We can develop new approaches and more effective strategies for responding in ways that work with their temperaments rather than against them. This helps both us and our children work with our strengths and encourages cooperation and harmony
Facilitator: Lynn Hand, Parent Educator
To register: Contact DPSN or register directly on Zoom.

Back to the Workshop Lineup

Go to the Events Calendar

Land Acknowledgment
DPSN recognizes that these traditional territories, upon which we live and learn, are steeped in rich Indigenous history and traditions. We also acknowledge there is much reconciliation work to do that honours the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

 

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