Glenbard Parent Series: 2021-02-28

The Glenbard Parent Series: (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families held two events with Catherine Pearlman. On March 2, Pearlman presented a program for parents/guardians of children ages 3 to 11 entitled "Ignore It: Increase Parenting Satisfaction by Selectively Looking the Other Way." On March 3, Pearlman presented a workshop for professionals titled, "One Kind Act Begets Another: How to Create a Culture of Kindness that Benefits You and Your Students."

GPS is committed to providing quality programming as part of our Early Childhood Series in partnership with our like-minded co-sponsors. We recognize this focus on early childhood development helps to lay the foundation for a child's successful future.

With all the whining, begging, negotiating, and the challenging situations adults face, parenting can seem more like a chore than a pleasure. Pearlman outlines a four-step approach that combines effective, practical strategies supported by research. She advises stressed-out parents that selectively ignoring certain behaviors can build self-control, inspire positive change and return the joy to child rearing. Participants will learn behavior modification techniques to restore calm, avoid power struggles and build strong family relationships.

Research shows that being kind measurably boosts happiness and well-being. Several benefits have been reported to support teaching kindness: increased peer acceptance, a greater sense of belonging, better concentration and creative thinking. Kindness helps people be their best; inspires acts of kindness; and improves results at school. Learn how people can teach and support a culture of kindness that can change the world, and us, for the better.

Pearlman is an assistant professor in the social work program at Brandman University, a nationally syndicated columnist and the best-selling author of “Ignore It: Increase Parenting Satisfaction by Selectively Looking the Other Way.” She started The Family Coach to help moms and dads with typical parenting issues. Her mission is to help parents enjoy their parenting and kids more.

Take-Aways

On March 2, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted Dr. Catherine Pearlman, author of “Ignore It! How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction” as part of GPS early child programming.

Jeanine Woltman, Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative Coordinator, attended the program and shared the following takeaway:

“I enjoyed hearing about Dr. Pearlman’s four-step process to eliminate the rewards of attention seeking behavior: Ignore it, Listen ,Reengage, and Repair. There are age appropriate behaviors kids cannot control and when we give ourselves permission to ignore them it increases parent satisfaction. If you aren't up to the follow though of the consequence (which is key) then say yes or ignore it. Reward the good behaviors even if they are small -you can build on them! Check your own feelings as a parent - just like on an airplane - you put your own mask on first. You have to take care of your own basic needs first. Find a way to recharge yourself so you are able to present your best self to your child. Ending/ignoring the endless negotiations will make everyone’s lives so much better".

On March 3, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted The Family Coach columnist Dr Catherine Pearlman in a program titled “One Kind Act Begets Another: How to Create a Culture of Kindness that Benefits You and Your Students”.

Sandra McDonnell Executive Director of Navigating Adolescence attended the program and shared the following takeaway:

“We can’t underestimate the importance of intentionally cultivating a culture of kindness – both in the home and in the schools. Dr. Pearlman humbly shared her story of literally giving her kidney to a stranger, and then making the point that kindnesses both big and small make a difference – to those receiving the kind gesture and to those acting with kindness. She offered very practical and do-able ways for parents and educators to encourage the development of the kindness muscle – even in kids for whom it doesn’t come easily. Additionally, she encouraged us to look for opportunities to praise our kids three times each day. Youth need to see adults acting kind. Kindness is contagious - showcase it often. I came away inspired to provide the young people we serve with more opportunities to develop this critical skill.”