Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative Blog
Mindful ways to create a positive environment in your parenting education classes. By Megan McQueen. As leaders of a class, we shape the culture and feel of our environments. Whether we meet online or in person, our energy can be contagious. When I take a moment before class to energize myself and ground myself in […]
Parenting educators share tips for finding fun and structure in our families this summer. By Megan McQueen. For many families, there is a whole different vibe to parenting in the summer. Our kids want summer to be epic and carefree. We need them to be cared for and occupied to continue our work. Sometimes I […]
One educator’s story with tips and resources for Pride month. By Linse Sullivan. I am monitoring lunch time, opening fruit snacks and talking with students. A kindergartener comes up to me and asks, “are you a boy or a girl?” While colleagues rush over with apologies and admonitions, I love that question. Kids are curious, […]
By Megan McQueen Although I did not grow up in a Jewish home, I grew up in a community with many Jewish families. I went to the temple with my friends, celebrated sacred holidays in their homes, and worked in the nursery school at the local Jewish Community Center. Close friendships humanized Jewish history for […]
By Megan McQueen. As parenting educators, we celebrate growth in families. This fulfilling journey can bring us joy as we reflect on the changes made along the way. But sometimes, we may notice judgment creeping into our thoughts about the families we support. When my oldest child was a toddler and labeling colors, singing ABCs, […]
By Megan McQueen The “fourth trimester,” or newborn phase, is unique for families. Snuggling a sleeping baby and watching them become aware of the world around them compares to nothing else. As many families fall in love with their newborns, they may also be learning many new skills and feel overwhelmed. Each of my babies […]
By Megan McQueen When your haven at home becomes a place of fear and pain, taking steps to care for your family may feel overwhelming. Creating a safety plan and support system can provide a sense of empowerment. You can love your family, while also taking steps to protect yourself and your children from exposure […]
By Megan McQueen. As a parent of adolescents, I struggle with how much my kids are “plugged in.” When I consider my hopes for them – compassionate, curious lives with fulfilling relationships – I wonder if their time on screens will help encourage these lives or become a barrier to them. It is not always […]
By Megan McQueen. As a parent, I’ve found that the path to my best self is space. I need space to cultivate my interests, but also space between an event and my reaction. At that moment, I can collect myself, calm myself, and choose how I want to react. Putting this simple concept into action […]
By Megan McQueen Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) gives us all an opportunity to celebrate, learn about, and advocate for Latinx and Hispanic folks. The terms Latinx and Hispanic are not interchangeable. Enter conversations with your family, friends, and co-workers with curiosity about their experiences. The range of races, languages, food, and lifestyles […]