Classes, Workshops, Seminars and Reading Resources

Welcome to our extensive listing of educational and training programs. Family & Children's Services takes a leadership role in organizing and sponsoring classes and workshops that address issues that influence our lives each day. Making families stronger is what we do best.

Classes
(No pre-registration is required for parenting classes. Parents may begin at any time during the series.)


Positive Parenting
Baby Talk
Pre-School Parenting
Developing Capable People

Workshops
(Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Call 587-9471 to register or for more information.)
Ready, Set, School
Within Our Reach
Just for Dads


Ahhh! I'm Mad!
Anger Management Education Group
Two Homes, Two Parents; When Parents Live Apart
Living with ADD/ADHD: How to Successfully Parent Your Child
Blending Families: Step by Step
PREP
Surviving High Conflict
Helping Children Cope With Divorce

Reading Resources

Family & Children's Services now offers a variety of books for parents and children on subjects ranging from positive parenting to divorce adjustment to rebuilding relationships.

Books are available for purchase at the Central Office, 650 S. Peoria, throughout the week. Books are also for sale during the Helping Children Cope With Divorce seminars in Tulsa, Bartlesville, Broken Arrow and Claremore. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover accepted.

Click here for a complete list of titles and prices.

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Positive Parenting

All parents try to do their best - but the best of intentions don’t always produce the desired result. A six-week parent skills development class. You may begin at any time during the series. A guide for parents of children ages 6-11, to help children develop self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation and problem-solving skills.

Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
$15 per session, $5 each additional adult family member. Book purchase required. $15

Tulsa - Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Claremore - Claremore Office, 1820 N. Sioux beginning November 5, 2007.

8/25/2008		Communication
9/1/2008		* No Class * Labor Day *
9/8/2008		Winning Cooperation
9/15/2008		Parenting Styles 1st class in the series
9/22/2008		Goals of Behavior
9/29/2008		Problems & Solutions
10/6/2008		Recognize, Reconcile & Resolve
10/13/2008		Communication
10/20/2008		Winning Cooperation
10/27/2008		Parenting Styles 1st class in the series
11/3/2008		Goals of Behavior
11/10/2008		Problems & Solutions
11/17/2008		Recognize, Reconcile & Resolve
11/24/2008		Communication
12/1/2008		Winning Cooperation
12/8/2008		Parenting Styles 1st class in the series
12/15/2008		Goals of Behavior

Scholarship funding is available.

For more information, contact Family Life Education Programs at 560-1112.

Baby Talk

A six-week (one and a half hour a week) parent skills training class. Parents of infants and toddlers from birth to age 2 1/2 learn the building blocks for strong family foundations. Fundamental parenting skills are taught. Parents may begin at any time during the series.

Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m
$15 per session, $5 each additional adult family member. Book purchase required $20

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Ave. Please use West entrance.

8/26/2008		Daily Living
9/2/2008		Steps to Positive Discipline
9/9/2008		Health & Wellness
9/16/2008		Balancing Needs of Parents & Children
9/23/2008		Building Your Life as a Family
9/30/2008		Getting to Know Your Baby 1st class in the series
10/7/2008		Daily Living
10/14/2008		Steps to Positive Discipline
10/21/2008		Health & Wellness
10/28/2008		Balancing Needs of Parents & Children
11/4/2008		Building Your Life as a Family
11/11/2008		Getting to Know Your Baby 1st class in the series
11/18/2008		Daily Living
11/25/2008		Steps to Positive Discipline
12/2/2008		Health & Wellness
12/9/2008		Balancing Needs of Parents & Children
12/16/2008		Building Your Life as a Family

Call 560-1112 for more information.

Pre-School Parenting

A six-week (one and a half hour a week) parent skills development class. The pre-schooler, age 2 1/2 to 5, presents many new challenges for parents. The focus is on important parental tasks for this age including providing attention, security and encouraging development in all areas.

Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
$15 per session, $5 each additional adult family member. Book purchase required. $15

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria

8/25/2008		Decreasing Inappropriate Behaviors
9/1/2008		* No Class * Labor Day *
9/8/2008		Before You Begin 1st class in the series
9/15/2008		Steps in Problem Solving
9/22/2008		Avoiding Problems
9/29/2008		Increasing Appropriate Behaviors
10/6/2008		Teaching New Behaviors
10/13/2008		Decreasing Inappropriate Behaviors
10/20/2008		Before You Begin 1st class in the series
10/27/2008		Steps in Problem Solving
11/3/2008		Avoiding Problems
11/10/2008		Increasing Appropriate Behaviors
11/17/2008		Teaching New Behaviors
11/24/2008		Decreasing Inappropriate Behaviors
12/1/2008		Before You Begin 1st class in the series
12/8/2008		Steps in Problem Solving
12/15/2008		Avoiding Problems

Scholarship funding is available.

For more information, call 560-1112.

Developing Capable People

An eight-week (one and a half hour a week) parent skills development class. Parents of middle and high school age children ages 12 to 18 will learn how to bring out the best in their children and improve their relationships.

Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
$15 per session, $5 each additional adult family member Book purchase required. $15

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Ave. Please use West entrance.

8/26/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Capable
9/2/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Significant
9/9/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Having Influence
9/16/2008		Developing Self Discipline (Intrapersonal Skills)
9/23/2008		Developing Interpersonal Skills
9/30/2008		Developing Responsibility (Systemic Skills)
10/7/2008		Developing Judgment
10/14/2008		Working With Perceptions 1st class in the series
10/21/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Capable
10/28/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Significant
11/4/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Having Influence
11/11/2008		Developing Self Discipline (Intrapersonal Skills)
11/18/2008		Developing Interpersonal Skills
11/25/2008		Developing Responsibility (Systemic Skills)
12/2/2008		Developing Judgment
12/9/2008		Working With Perceptions 1st class in the series
12/16/2008		Helping People See Themselves as Capable

Scholarship funding is available.

For more information, call 560-1112.

Ready, Set, School

Bring your child with you as we set academic and personal goals for a successful school year. Learn about planning and setting goals, and identify the specific steps that you and your child will need to take. We will have useful checklists and information to guide you through this process. Recommended for children in first grade and up. Call 918.560.1114 today to pre-register.

Thursday, Aug. 21 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $20 per family

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Avenue. Please use West entrance.

Register online or call 560-1114.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Within Our Reach

This fun, educational workshop is designed specifically for parents of children 0-8. It is intended to help you build on existing strengths and teaches important skills to create safe and stable relationships and a better environment for your children. Based on the PREP curriculum.

Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Series will begin again Sept. 10 and Nov. 5, 2008.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required as space is limited to 30 participants.

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Avenue. Please use West entrance.

For more information or to pre-register, call 560-1377 or 560-1376.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Just for Dads

One of the best advantages any child can have is an involved, responsible and committed father. Fathers provide a priceless contribution to the lives of children everywhere. A father's relationship with his children nurtures physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual development. Our 6-week fatherhood groups are designed to teach skills necessary to become more successful in life relationships and help fathers be the best they can be for their families.

Mondays Oct. 6, through Nov. 10, 2008 6:00-8:00 p.m.
$90 per person $10 workbook

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Ave.

Scholarship funding is available.

Call 560-1112 for more information.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Ahhh! I'm Mad!

Anger is a common emotion, and it’s something everyone—and every family—experiences from time to time. But anger can be tough to manage. You are invited to bring your child for this fun and active class to learn about anger and practice seven techniques for calming down and coping with issues that cause anger in the first place. Recommended for parents with children ages 7-14. This is a hands-on class, so participants are asked to dress comfortably and bring a pillow.

Thursday October 23, 2008 6:30-7:45 p.m.
$20 per famliy

Central Office 650 S.Peoria

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For more information or to pre-regisister, call 560-1114.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Anger Management Education Group

Anger is a completely normal human emotion — but when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems — problems in the workplace, in personal relationships and in an individual’s quality of life. It’s not always possible to get rid of, or avoid things and people that cause anger, but learning how to control reactions is possible. The group is meant to help people understand and manage anger. Family & Children's Services offers a 12-week evening group for adults 18 and up.

Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30 & 6:30-8:00 pm Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30 & 6:30 - 8:00 pm
$20 per session; additional adult family members residing in the same household may attend for a $10 fee. Workbook purchase required $15. Pre-registration is required.

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Ave.

For more information or to pre-register, call 587-9471.

Two Homes, Two Parents; When Parents Live Apart

In this four-week program, parents will learn strategies for cooperative parenting, communication skills, conflict resolution and how to create a safe and supportive environment in two homes.

Thursdays Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2008 Mondays Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2008 6:00-8:00 p.m.
$75 per person or $100 for two. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Avenue.

Scholarship funding is available.

For more information or to pre-register, call 560-1114.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Living with ADD/ADHD: How to Successfully Parent Your Child

Parents sometimes struggle with difficult behaviors at home and at school. Developing skills of behavior management, good communication and anger management will empower parents to find solutions and strategies and provide a solid framework and structure on which to base parenting practices. The objective of this six-week program is to substantially improve the quality of family life by strengthening children and parents to meet the challenges of the future with confidence.

Workshop Fee: $100 per person/$150 for two Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Tulsa - Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Avenue. Claremore - Claremore Office, 1820 N. Sioux.

Scholarship funding is available.

For more information or to pre-register, call 560-1112.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Blending Families: Step by Step

This four-week course will focus on the challenge of combining parenting principles as you adjust to a new relationship. Learn a parenting approach that will benefit you and your children. Explore issues including child and self-discipline, boundary setting, step-sibling relationships, and dealing with stepchildren.

Mondays August 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2008 Thursdays Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2008 Mondyas Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2008 6:00-7:30 p.m.
$75 per person or $100 for two participants. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Avenue. Please use West entrance.

Scholarship funding is available.

For more information or to pre-register, call 560-1112.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

PREP

This is a research-based approach to teaching couples how to communicate effectively. In this six-week program, participants will learn how to work as a team to solve problems, manage conflicts without damaging closeness, and preserve and enhance love, commitment and friendship.

Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Sept. 10 and Nov. 5, 2008.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required as space is limited to 30 participants.

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria Avenue. Please use West entrance.

Call 918-560-1376 or 560-1377for more information.

Click here to register and pay for this class securely online.

Surviving High Conflict

It's difficult to rebuild lives after divorce or separation. For some, the conflict continues long after the order is final. F&CS offers a workshop that can help reduce the levels of conflict and stress experienced during and after the legal process. The class will teach conflict resolution, communication skills, rebuilding after divorce, replacing old patterns, how to increase assertiveness, how to decrease aggression, techniques for interacting and coping with a difficult co-parent.

The workshop is offered every the first and third Thursday of each month. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Or 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. Parties may not attend together and late arrivals are not admitted.
$20 per person

Central Office, 650 S. Peoria

For more information call 918-560-1114

Helping Children Cope With Divorce

The effects of divorce on children can be negative and potentially long term. Children must master an additional set of tasks, as well as those presented by typical childhood development. "Helping Children Cope With Divorce" educates parents and family members as to ways they can help their children adjust and handle these additional tasks. It is the disruption of parenting practices that hurts children far more than the divorce itself. This four-hour seminar creates an opportunity for parents to shift their focus from the personal aspects of the divorce to the needs of their children.

"Helping Children Cope With Divorce" is a court-mandated program for parents involved in any lawsuit regarding the custody, visitation or paternity of a minor child. This mandate applies to nine counties - Tulsa, Wagoner, Rogers, Mayes, Osage, Pawnee, Washington, Craig and Nowata. Judges in other counties may also require parents to attend.

Registration Information

Registration Locations

Fee Schedule

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Helping Children Cope With Divorce Program Highlights

Book List

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish    $15.00

This is an excellent communication tool based on a series of workshops developed by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish to provide a step-by-step approach to improving relationships in your house. The "reminder" pages, helpful illustrations and excellent exercises will improve your ability as a parent to talk and problem-solve with your children. The book can be used alone or in parenting groups, and the solid tools provided are appropriate for kids of all ages.


The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn  $18.00

This is a sweet and endearing story helpful for those scary feelings that come during times of separation. Suitable for any youngster who is temporarily separated from home or loved ones. It can also be used to help a child work through the issues of loss through divorce or death of a parent or special loved one and for children placed in foster care and residential facilities.


Kids Are Worth It by Barbara Coloroso  $12.00

This bestselling guide rejects "quick-fix" solutions and focuses on helping kids develop their own self-discipline by owning up to their mistakes, thinking through solutions, and correcting their misdeeds while leaving their dignity intact. Barbara Coloroso shows these principles in action through dozens of examples -- from sibling rivalry to teenage rebellion; from common misbehaviors to substance abuse and antisocial behavior. She also explains how to parent strong-willed children, effective alternatives to time-outs, bribes, and threats, and how to help kids resolve disputes and serious injustices such as bullying.


It’s Not Your Fault KoKo Bear   by Vicki Lansky  $15.00
Vicki Lansky provides a comforting way of going through an inevitably painful process while gently showing children that they didn't cause the breakup. Children find a friend in KoKo Bear, who learns as they do that they are loved and cared for, even if their parents are divorced. A read-together book for children and parents.  Comes with KoKo Bear,  a 7” adorable, soft, unisex bear.  KoKo can be a special little friend when a child needs comforting. Made of child-safe materials, KoKo is dressed in overalls and carries a “bear-pack” which contains this powerful message:  Draw pictures of what worries you or scares you. Or write these thoughts here.  Fold the paper up and put it in my backpack.  I can carry your worries for you. It can feel very heavy when you keep these thoughts all to yourself.  P.S. You can also whisper them in my ear.  KoKo Bear Doll  $ 8.00


Dinosaurs Divorce  by Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown   $9.00

This great learning tool includes these topics: Divorce words and what they mean, why parents divorce, what about me, after the divorce, living with one parent, visiting the other parent and  having two homes. It lets the child know that it is not their fault for the parents' divorce. The book reassures the child that parents divorce when they are no longer able to get along no matter how hard they try. Dinosaurs Divorce discusses feelings that a child may not be used to experiencing such as sadness, shame, anger, guilt, and/or worrying about who will take care of them. The book instructs the child to talk about how they feel so they may feel better. Dinosaurs Divorce lets them know that it is okay to let their feelings out through tears.


Rebuilding  by Bruce Fisher   $15.00

Written for those going through divorce or rebuilding their lives after divorce. Inspired by the work of renowned divorce therapist, Dr. Bruce Fisher, the Rebuilding Books offer expert information and practical self-help procedures. These straightforward, life-affirming resources can help make the divorce process easier, healthier, and less painful, leading to more-fulfilled lives and stronger "second-time" relationships. The newly revised and updated third edition offers just the right balance of shoulder-to-cry-on and kick-in-the-pants to help you get through the confusing and often-painful process.


The Challenging Child   by Stanley Greenspan   $16.00

The Challenging Child offers calm, reassuring advice to parents. Stanley I. Greenspan is a practicing child psychiatrist and helps parents dealing with all types of difficult children. He reveals the parenting patterns to avoid and helps adults tailor their approach to a child's particular needs. This book describes the unique, in-born personality and behavior traits which our children have, making some of them more challenging to deal with. With more understanding of their make-up and some specific strategies to try as parents and teachers, adults can feel more in control of the situation and children's unique needs can be met more readily.


Helping Your Kids Cope With Divorce the Sandcastles Way by Gary Neuman   $18.00

Helping Your Kids Cope is designed to increase communication, understanding, and togetherness between parents and kids. The book is also packed full of suggestions on everything from the best way to break the divorce news to a child (it differs according to age group) to facing the holidays, visitation, custody arrangements, anger, discipline, co-parenting, single parenting, overcompensation, sorrow, custody fights, and much more.


Positive Discipline from A-Z by Jane Nelsen  $16.00

This book suggests that children misbehave when they feel thwarted in their need to belong and in their need for love and attention. Nelsen provides remedies that work better than punishment and lead to mutual respect. Nelson's sensible, loving approach can be adapted easily at any stage of the game. Parents are taught to keep discipline reasonable, rational, related to the "crime" and respectful. Imposing discipline until self-discipline is learned creates a teamwork of mutual respect even when circumstances require correction.


Mom’s House, Dad’s House by Isolina Ricci  $15.00

According to the Stepfamily Association of America, 60 percent of all families are breaking up, and custody and visitation issues loom large in the lives of many parents. Isolina Ricci's Mom's House, Dad's House guides separated, divorced, and remarried parents through the hassles and confusions of setting up a strong, working relationship with the ex-spouse in order to make two loving homes for the kids.


Positive Discipline for Single Parents  by  Jane Nelsen  $16.00

Nelson's parenting recommendations incorporate understanding misbehavior, encouragement, praise, trust, and respect for children; the use of firm, wise limits; and allowing and providing for natural and logical consequences for misbehavior; clear communication techniques and child-positive approaches to problem solving.  Inside this reassuring book, readers will learn how to identify potential problems and develop skills to prevent them, budget time each week for family activities and create a respectful coparenting relationship with your former spouse.


Parenting Teens With Love & Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood   by Foster Cline, M.D. & Jim Fay  $16.00

Parents will face no greater challenge than guiding their children through their teen years toward adulthood.  As they struggle toward independence, issues for parent and teen alike emerge.  Readers will learn healthy and effective ways to guide teens without resorting to anger, threats and power struggles.


Raising Self Reliant Children in a Self Indulgent World  by Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelsen      $16.00

Authors H. Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelsen have helped hundreds of thousands of parents raise capable, independent children with Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World. On its tenth anniversary, this parenting classic returns with fresh, up-to-date information to offer you inspiring and workable ideas for developing a trusting relationship with children, as well as the skills to implement the necessary discipline to help your child become a responsible adult.


The Family Book by Todd Parr  $18.00

Some families include step-moms, step-dads, step-sisters, or step-brothers; some adopt children. Other families have two moms or two dads, while some children have only one parent. Interspersed with the differences among families are the ways they are alike: all like to hug each other, are sad when they lose someone they love, enjoy celebrating special days together, and can help each other to be strong. This concept book, celebrating the diversity of family groups, is distinguished by its sense of fun.  Parents can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist.


Transforming the Difficult Child  by Howard Glasser, Jennifer Easley   $22.00

brings to life a new way of shifting intense children to a solid life of success. The Nurtured Heart Approach puts a refreshing spin on both parenting and teaching and reveals new techniques and strategies that create thoroughly positive behaviors.      


Raising Confident Boys by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer  $12.00

This book provides 100 practical, effective tips for readers who want to help the boys in their lives. Parents and teachers will learn how to take advantage of the opportunity in everyday situations to bolster a boy's self-image.  Each chapter is centered around a particular subject.  The chapters begin with a concise overview of the subject area and its importance, then specific examples and tips follow for how to deal with that subject, with bullet list recommendations for parents and for teachers. The subjects are those of the utmost importance with respect to boys, how they view themselves, and how their self-image shapes who they become.


Raising Confident Girls by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer  $12.00

Raising Confident Girls provides parents and teachers with the best hands-on, practical advice available for nurturing girls in a changing and challenging social environment. The positive focus emphasizes the ways that parents and teachers specifically can boost girls' self-esteem. Each chapter is centered on a particular subject.  The chapters begin with a concise overview of the subject area and its importance, then specific examples and tips follow for how to deal with that subject, with bullet list recommendations for parents and for teachers. The subjects are those of the utmost importance with respect to girls, how they view themselves, and how their self-image shapes who they become.
                                                                                                               

The Way I Feel by Janan Caine   $16.00

This book was also created to encourage children to recognize their emotions. In the back of the book there is a note to parents explaining how the book can be used to help children understand what circumstances make them feel happy, sad, jealous or angry. Through simple verses and engaging illustrations, The Way I Feel gives children the vocabulary they need to understand and express how they feel.  Strong, expressive illustrations and easy to read text make this an accessible book for children and offers them real words for their feelings.    


I Don’t Want To Talk About It  by Jeanie Franz Ransom   $14.00

When a child's parents tell her they have decided to divorce, the last thing she wants to do is talk about it. Instead, she wants to roar as loud as a lion so she can't hear their painful words, or turn into a fish and hide her tears in the sea, or even become a bird and fly away. But with her mother and father's help, she starts to consider what life will be like after divorce and learns that although some things will change, many other things will remain the same. Most importantly, she realizes that although her parents may not agree about much, one thing they do agree on is that they both love her very much and will always be her mom and dad.  
                                                                       

We're Still Family: What Grown Children Have to Say About Their Parents' Divorce by Constance Ahrons    $14.00 

In 1979, sociologist Ahrons randomly selected 98 pairs of divorced parents in Wisconsin for a five-year study. While everyone handles the divorce process differently, "divorce doesn't destroy families" even if it rearranges and expands them to embrace new members. Ahrons reminds parents it's not the quantity of time they spend with their child, but the quality of relationship they establish: reliability, consistency and genuine interest in their lives are what matter most to children. More prescriptive than descriptive, this supportive guidebook should aid anyone trying to make a "good divorce" better.

 

Oklahoma Marriage Initiative Relationship Workshops

It's a fact of life that all couples have problems. The critical difference is how they handle those problems. Strong relationships are founded on a blend of realism, romance and hard work. No matter how you define your partner - soul mate, co-parent, best friend - it takes two to make a relationship strong.

Family & Children's Services, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI), will offer ongoing PREP (Prevention Relationship Enhancement Program) series beginning April 5, 2005. The sessions will be from 6-8 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required as space is limited to 30 participants. Participants may begin at any time during the series. The programs are held at the Central Office of Family & Children's Services, located at 650 S. Peoria.

Those interested in attending can register online at www.okmarriage.org or call OMI toll free at 877-435-8033 or they may call the F&CS Education Department at 587-9471.

The program is suitable for anyone who wants to establish and maintain and enhance a couples relationship and is also appropriate for individuals who want more information about characteristics of healthy relationships.

Participants will learn: