Category Archives: Speaking & Teaching

Announcing Shannon McNamara as Associate Director: New Initiatives at Connective Parenting

Shannon McNamaraWe are thrilled to announce that Shannon McNamara, LICSW, has joined Connective Parenting as Associate Director. With over 20 years of experience in clinical social work and a deep commitment to helping families, Shannon is well-prepared to lead several key initiatives that will expand our programs and reach even more parents and professionals.

 

Shannon’s Journey to Connective Parenting

Before joining Connective Parenting, Shannon spent 8 years working in child and family social work. She discovered Connective Parenting through the When Your Kids Push Your Buttons program and was drawn to its focus on helping parents understand their own reactions, rather than simply trying to “fix” the child. Over the past 12 years, Shannon has seen this approach transform her own relationship with her three children. As an instructor for 8 years, she has helped countless families do the same. Now, as Associate Director, she is excited to work alongside her mentor, Bonnie Harris, to expand the impact of Connective Parenting.

What’s Next: New Initiatives and Expanded Reach

In her new role, Shannon will expand several key areas:

  • Train-the-Trainer Professional
Read more…
Real Parenting for Real Kids

Real Parents for Real KidsHow many of you began the journey of parenthood even before pregnancy either assuming all will be fine and you will have that sweet, cuddly Gerber baby and be a great parent or going at it with fervor and determination that you will never do to your kids what was done to you—so therefore your children will be happy and loving? And you certainly won’t have kids like the ones you see acting out in the supermarket.

Most moms fit somewhere in this picture of hopes and expectations and end up finding themselves in very foreign territory. I certainly did. My first child allowed me to hold up the banner of “best mother in the world”. He was a peace of cake. It was my second child, my daughter who pulled me up short and turned, no snapped, my head around, but only after many years of power struggles and feeling like a terrible mother.
For Melissa Hood, my friend and colleague, it was the same. She too was lulled by an easy first and then… I’ll let her speak Read more…