Parent Connections

The Atlanta Speech School’s Core Tenets shape how we build relationships, foster belonging, and ensure each child is seen, supported, and known so they can find their voice and make the greatest difference in the lives of others. That path begins by helping every child know they matter here and that we count on them. This introductory session invites parents to consider how the same principles that shape life at the Speech School can support a connection-over-compliance approach at home.

Grounded in the principles of Positive Discipline, the session offers practical, relationship-centered strategies for understanding what children may be communicating through their behavior and responding with both empathy and clear expectations. Parents will gain insight into how we navigate common challenges at School and explore ways to draw on those same approaches in their own family life, strengthening connection while helping children develop cooperation, responsibility, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and respectful communication.

Monday, August 31
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hybrid
Board Room

Appropriate for parents and caregivers of all ages.

Learn age-appropriate ways to help young children understand personal space, consent, safety and respect for themselves and others.

Thursday, September 10
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Online only; recorded

Appropriate for all ages, but especially our parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children.

Explore how to talk with young children about race in honest, developmentally appropriate ways that support belonging and respect.  

Thursday, October 8
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Online only; recorded

Appropriate for all ages, but especially our parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children.

This session explores how predictable, respectful routines can help children feel safe, capable, and more independent. Parents will learn how routines are not simply schedules or ways to get children to comply. They are a powerful tool for creating connection, reducing power struggles, and helping children understand expectations. When children know what comes next and have opportunities to participate in creating and following routines, they experience a greater sense of belonging within the family. Clear routines support autonomy by allowing children to practice age-appropriate responsibility, make helpful choices, and contribute in meaningful ways. They also create emotional safety by making daily transitions—such as getting ready in the morning, cleaning up, leaving the house, mealtimes, and bedtime—more predictable and less stressful. Rather than repeatedly reminding, directing, or correcting, parents will learn how to use routines to teach cooperation, problem-solving, and life skills over time. Families will leave with practical strategies for developing simple routines that help children build confidence, capability, and a growing belief that “I can do it.” 

Monday, October 26
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hybrid
Board Room

Appropriate for parents and caregivers of all ages.

Discover easy, playful games that help children practice important executive functioning skills, including attention, flexible thinking, working memory, self-control, and problemsolving. Leave with simple ideas you can use at home to build these skills through connection and play. 

Monday, November 9
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hybrid
Board Room

Appropriate for parents and caregivers of all ages.

This six-week parenting class introduces families to the core principles of Positive Discipline while reflecting The Speech School’s commitment to connection, belonging, respect, and the belief that every child has a voice. Parents will explore practical, relationship-centered approaches that support children with both kindness and firmness, helping create clear expectations, stronger cooperation, and a greater sense of capability within the family. Grounded in research, the class will help parents avoid rewards and punishment, which use external control to influence behavior in the moment but do not build the internal motivation and skills children need long term. Instead, parents will learn to view challenging behaviors as opportunities to teach important social-emotional life skills, including emotional regulation, problem-solving, responsibility, resilience, empathy, and respectful communication. Through discussion, reflection, and experiential learning, parents will leave with strategies they can use at home to strengthen connection, respond effectively to common behavior challenges, and support their children’s long-term growth and wellbeing.  

Wednesdays, January 20–February 24
4:00–5:30 p.m.
In person
Location to be determined

Appropriate for parents and caregivers of all ages.

 Learn how children develop understanding of their own families and others’ families, traditions and cultures through language, books and everyday conversations.

Thursday, February 4
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Online only; recorded

Appropriate for all ages, but especially our parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children.

Understand how we help children recognize the different tools and supports people use to learn, communicate and participate fully in their communities.

Thursday, March 18
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Online only; recorded

Appropriate for all ages, but especially our parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children.

Learn to look beneath challenging behavior to better understand what children may be communicating through their actions. This session explores how children’s behavior is often connected to unmet needs for belonging or a sense of capability. Parents will learn about emotion regulation and the Adlerian goals of misbehavior, including attention, power, revenge, and assumed inadequacy. Rather than reacting only to the behavior itself, parents will practice ways to respond with empathy, encouragement, and clear, respectful boundaries that reduce power struggles and support long-term growth. Participants will also learn practical emotion-regulation skills they can model and teach at home, helping children name feelings, calm their bodies, recover from disappointment, solve problems, and communicate their needs in more effective ways. 

Monday, April 26
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hybrid
Board Room

Appropriate for parents and caregivers of all ages.