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Big Parenting Ideas

The Shul offers parents valuable
tools from professionals and peers.

Ronelle Grier | Contributing Writer

I

s there any job in the world more
challenging than being a parent?
Those seeking professional guidance
and peer support may want to attend “Big
Ideas for Positive Parenting,” a program
where local professionals from a variety
of disciplines provide real answers for
parents of children and teens.
The event, which consists of TED
talk-style presentations followed by an
open exchange of ideas, begins at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 18, at The Shul in West
Bloomfield.
“The goal is to create an environment
where people feel supported in this mon-
umental task of parenting and to present
solid information combined with Jewish
educational values,” said Itty Shemtov,
education director for The Shul.
The scheduled professional talks:
• “Progressive Relaxation” by Elana
Lofman, exercise physiologist trained
in massage and Pilates; breathing tech-
niques to reduce stress and anxiety while
increasing calm and peaceful energy.
• “Finding Joy in Your Family” by
Natasha Kendal, Ph.D., licensed mar-
riage and family therapist; effective
strategies and techniques to help spouses
reconnect and grow together as partners
in marriage and co-parents.
• “A Parent’s Guide to the Teen Brain”
by Drs. Lisa Klein and Carrie Leff,
pediatricians and co-founders of Turning
Teen; understanding the emotions of
your tweens (pre-teens) and teens.
• “Good Nutrition for Children, Teens
and Families” by Julie Feldman, regis-
tered dietician and nationally recognized
nutritionist; how busy families can
incorporate healthy eating habits into
daily life.
After these presentations, breakout
sessions with an open idea exchange will
be held by experts including eyesight
issues by Elli Altman of Vision Specialists
of Michigan; synergy chiropractic by Dr.
Eric Mintz; “Un-Spoiling Our Children”
by Natasha Kendal, Ph.D., of Wealthy and
Wise Consulting; “Multiple Intelligence”

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by Sasha Roberts-Levi about different
learning styles; and “There are No Lazy
Students” by Judith E. Lipson, M.A.,
licensed professional counselor and
founder of Spiral Wisdom about realistic
learning strategies for children with
ADHD, anxiety or other issues.
Others include “Language and
Imagery” by Joel Cheney, head of
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
in Birmingham; “Empower Your Child
To Learn through their Strengths” by
Kimberly Kassner, author of You’re a
Genius — and I Can Prove It!; “Working
with the School” by Brenda Mann,
academic and behavior consultant; and
“Recognizing Nutrient Deficiencies To
Optimize Brain Function and Mental
Health” by psychiatrist Anastasia
Banicki-Hoffman, M.D.
The program also will be live-
streamed on Facebook with an oppor-
tunity for viewers to interact with the
participants and ask questions of the
presenters. A link will also be provided
for post-event viewing.
“This is an educational community
event; it’s informational — there are no
sales pitches,” said Amelia Goldman of
West Bloomfield, one of the parents who
helped organize the program.
According to Shemtov, the plan is to
continue the momentum with a series of
follow-up programs and workshops on
topics that generated the greatest inter-
est. She also hopes the program will gen-
erate networking opportunities for par-
ents and families facing similar issues.
“We hope every parent who attends
will learn something new and walk away
excited,” she said. “Our hashtag is
#kidswin because if our kids win, we all
win.”
The cost of the evening, which
includes cheese, chocolate and wine,
is $36 per couple or $18 for families
with children who attend Camp Gan
Israel. Proceeds will benefit the Camp
Gan Israel scholarship fund. For tickets
and information, contact The Shul at
(248) 788-400 or register online at www.
theshul.net.

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