The Birthing Tree Cooperative
Parenting Programs

As we nurture our children to thrive in the world, we, too, must explore and define our work as parents. From this conscious place, we can guide our children in a loving clear way.
Together as parents, we evolve with our children to understand, interact with, learn from and respect each other.

The Birthing Tree Cooperative Parenting Programs are a forum to define our own unique styles of parenting. Facilitated and directed in a non judgmental way, the workshops are a space for parents to share openly their own experiences and learn from others. There will be material presented and discussed. There will be opportunities to change your current parenting strategies and learn other perspectives.

Guiding Principles for Parenting Programs

• Love is our true nature as human beings. Unconditional love provides a profound sense of wellbeing.
• Parenting is a continually evolving process, not a static structure of techniques or knowledge.
• The purpose of parenting is to prepare children to live in awareness of themselves and others, not to achieve parentally determined outcomes for their lives.
• The outcomes of our children’s lives are influenced by a variety of factors far beyond parental control.
• Our children will embody the genuine qualities we want them to when we are living those qualities ourselves. The only way to teach them love and respect is to love and respect ourselves.
• Parents are the most influential people in setting the tone for a child’s life and education.


Now, through The Birthing Tree Cooperative Parenting Programs, there is an opportunity for parents to be involved in creating community with one another, focussing on our most important work: Parenting. Our workshops, presentations and classes are available to:

· private groups of a minimum of six participants
· organizations that work with families
· school parent education groups
· educators, child care workers and social workers

Each workshop has its own contract for services, which may include materials or a maximum number of participants. Please inquire about each workshop you are interested in.


Parenting Workshops

Raising Cain: Exploring the Inner Lives of America’s Boys
A two session workshop presenting the PBS documentary of Raising Cain. Authors Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson, two of the country’s leading psychologists, share what they have learned working with boys and their families. They identify the social and emotional challenges that boys encounter in school and show how parents can help boys cultivate emotional awareness and empathy- giving them the vital connections and support they need to navigate the social pressures of youth. The workshop will allow for discussion and personal sharing. (Two sessions, two hours each)

The Language of Connection and Cooperation Level One
Do you ever feel like you spend alot of time ordering you child around? Do you ever feel like you truly don’t understand your child’s behavior? Do you find yourself wishing you had more time to give your full attention to your child? This six session parenting workshop lays a strong foundation of positive communication skills that will change your parenting relationship. Based on the practical skills presented in Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlich’s book How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk, this workshop encourages parents to acknowledge emotions, make clear requests and demonstrate a style of respect and love when talking and listening to their children. The workshop follows a parent workbook and over the course of six sessions gives parents new skills for understanding and supporting children. This is useful information for all parents, educators and adults who are involved in the lives of children. (six sessions, two hours each)

Peaceful Siblings Level Two
A six session workshop based on the book Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlich. This workshop is a follow up to the How to Talk workshop, as it references much of the communications skills learned there. Utilizing audio tapes, parent workbooks and discussion, parents confront the realities of parenting two or more children. The workshop addresses the perils of comparison, the myth of “equal” treatment and how to intervene helpfully when siblings fight, among many other pertinent subjects related to sibling relationships. (six sessions, two hours each)

Massage for Children
Through clear instruction, parents learn how to use massage to calm their child and relieve tension. Massage can be a loving way to connect with our children when an intention is set and mindfulness is practiced. Massage can be used to help with sleep disturbances, health problems and anxiety in children. (One session, one hour)

Positive, Powerful Self-Esteem in Children
Building self esteem is one of the many dynamics of our relationships with children. Our words and actions have a tremendous impact on how a child thinks and feels about her/himself. What are the contributing factors to self esteem? Why is it important? In this workshop we explore the value of self esteem and how it impacts children’s learning. The presentation will focus on how to be in relationship with children so they feel valuable from the inside out. (One session, two hours)

Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishment to Love and Reason
A two session workshop based on the book by the same title by Alfie Kohn. We begin by asking ourselves “What are our long term goals for our children?”. In the first session by video presentation Kohn contends that the widespread parenting practice of rewards and punishment can produce temporary compliance, but does nothing to help kids grow into responsible, caring, ethical, happy people. The group will then debate this stance and look at our own use of these practices in parenting. In the second session we present ten important guidelines to help participants reconnect to their own best instincts as parents. (Two sessions, two hours each)

Meditation for Parents
A two hour workshop to review the basics of meditation practice. This workshop will emphasize the benefit of meditation for parents including practical techniques for calming ourselves in the “heated moments” of parenting. The facilitator will use instruction as well as meditation practice to encourage parents to quiet the mind and remain present with our children. (One session, two hours)


We are excited to be including a variety of parenting support in the many services we offer. Again, we will move into this need in the community with loving respect for each individual with whom we work. Our philosophy will extend into guidance for parents to be present, informed, and flexible (as in childbirth) in the demanding and rewarding tasks of parenthood.

To sign up for classes click here.