CSE I — We will explore attending behavior, body language, work with feelings and experience and learn how to respond with empathy.

CSE II — We will learn how to ask effective questions, summarizing for understanding, and offer information to assist with decision making. We will also learn how to differentiate responses to give conversations direction and purpose.

CSE III — We will explore how to set limits, problem-solve and confront others in a non-threatening way. This session gives depth and functionality to CSE I and II skills in a helping situation. The many skills learned are pulled together to form a conversation.

Friday, October 24

Saturday, October 25

Session 1
Saturday, 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

WHAT WOULD MAMMALS DO?     

Diane Wiessinger   

What happens to infant feeding when mammals are deprived of their chosen place, time and sensations of birth? The not-so-surprising implications our mammalian ancestry has for how we give birth and mothering in modern America.

BREASTFEEDING AND LEGAL ISSUES

Susan Liebman

How to support the mother and access resources to help her understand and navigate legal issues including pumping in the workplace, breastfeeding in public or shared custody of a breastfed baby.

STORYTELLING AND CHARACTER BUILDING

Jim Weiss

Jim will tell stories that exemplify virtues such as perseverance, charity, collaboration, piety, honor and more. Jim will reference stories from classical literature and other literary pieces.

PARENTING THROUGH THE AGES

Susan Graham, Chris Berning and Sara Ward

A chance to examine motherhood, as you first discovered it and how it has changed for you. Hear how others’ perceptions have changed and grown as they continue their parenting journey at this interactive discussion.

I GOTTA GO

Katherine Abbey, Wanda Daniels and Pam Mazzella DiBosco

Share your experience and learn about other ways to read your child’s signals at this panel discussion on different methods  of teaching your child about using the toilet, including gentle toilet teaching and elimination communication.

Session 2

Saturday, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

NUTRITION IN THE LACTATING MOTHER: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INFANT AND ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPING BRAIN AND IMMUNE SYSTEM

Carolina Ceron

Review the average American diet and learn how specific nutrients in the maternal diet can impact overall infant development, including brain and immune function.

MAYBE BABY?

Heather Palmer

Learn how to use your body's fertility signals to achieve or control the timing of pregnancy.

PEACEFUL PARENTS, PEACEFUL KIDS

Naomi Drew

Learn the top keys to peaceful parenting plus strategies the whole family can use. Includes concrete tools for managing anger, resolving conflicts, family meetings, listening and communicating effectively.

IT’S YOUR BIRTH

Michelle Serda, Mary Rainer and Michelle Isla

Explore childbirth preparation options including the Bradley, Lamaze, Birthing From Within and other birthing methods at this panel discussion of childbirth educators.

FATHER TO FATHER SUPPORT

Ryan Thompson and Louen Graham

A discussion for fathers about their role in a breastfeeding family. Share the benefits of a stay-at-home mother and the pressures of being the sole provider with like-minded fathers.

IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT AND SELF TALK IN CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT

Jami Guercia

Children achieve their full potential when their whole body is stimulated. Learn how to integrate play, movement and touch into your daily lives to encourage life-long learning, bonding and optimal performance for everyone in the family.

Lunch and Learn – 11:15 – 2:00p.m.

LLLunchtime for Leaders – An Area Celebration 11:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Session 3

Saturday, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

Diane Wiessinger

Our word choice often promotes formula-feeding. Learn how words like "still," "but," and "ideal" can undermine breastfeeding and how research outcomes change when the focus changes and begin to develop a truly supportive language.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Alexa Fagan

Learn the advantages of chiropractic care for expectant and new mothers, fathers and children. Talk will include how chiropractic care can contribute to a positive birth experience, good posture, optimal immune system function and overall health.

CALMING AND DE-STRESSING FOR BUSY PARENTS

Naomi Drew

Find out how to lower the volume on stress in this relaxing session that will leave you feeling energized and calm. Learn specific techniques you can use at home or at work and discover how you can prevent stress from getting the best of you.

TRUE COLORS

Rae Davies

An interactive, hands-on session for parents AND children to discover each other's personality traits. How to respect one another's differences and bring out the best of each family member. Plan to attend with your child.

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FAMILIES

 Michelle and Mac Serda

Join an interactive discussion based on "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families" by Steven Covey. Together we will explore practical ways to enhance the strength and beauty of our families.

TRIPPING INTO TODDLERHOOD

Erin Moore

The adventure begins! Put on your running shoes and join us for a lively, interactive discussion of emerging toddlerhood.  We’ll address typical toddler developmental stages and how to creatively redirect and channel their energy and curiosity.

Session 4

Saturday 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

FROM BOTTLES TO BREASTFEEDING

Carolina Ceron

Helping the mother who is supplementing and breastfeeding make the transition to nourishing her baby exclusively at the breast. Discussion of supply issues, timing of pumping and different methods of how to introduce baby to the breast.

SIBLING HARMONY

Lorinda Gamson, Michelle Burgroff

Share your experiences at this facilitated discussion about nurturing positive relationships among siblings. Learn different ways of encouraging mutual respect while minimizing teasing, bickering and fighting.

PERMISSION TO MOTHER

Denise Punger

Birth and breastfeeding can be two of the most empowering experiences of a woman's life. Discuss how our experiences impact our ability to fulfill our roles as mothers and ways to ensure your Permission to Mother.

SEXUALITY AND CHILDREN

Vanessa Eschenfelder

Sexuality and children can be an uncomfortable topic. Discuss the different ways to approach sexuality as our children move from birth to adulthood.

STORYTELLING: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Jim Weiss

An interactive session for children and adults. Learn about the art of storytelling and oral language. Be prepared to play, laugh and discover how literature can truly come alive in the midst of storytelling.

GIVING BACK: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Rob and Nancy Moses

Volunteering together as a family is a wonderful way of creating a special bond and lasting memories. Discuss ways to make giving to others - through time, talent and treasure - an integral part of your family's life.

Sunday, October 26

Session 5

Sunday, 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

501

CERP

ETHICAL PUZZLE PIECES FOR THE BREASTFEEDING HELPER

Diane Wiessinger

Examine issues such as altruism and situation ethics as we consider the difference between morals and ethics of helping breastfeeding mothers. Consider what motivates breastfeeding supporters and learn how to develop a personal code.

502

ATTACHMENT PARENTING: THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE STYLE

Bob Sears

Dr. Bob will share how virtually every scientific study done on child development and behavior shows that a more hands-on, attached and involved parenting approach results in children who are smarter, form better relationships and are more empathetic toward others.

503

THANK YOU, RICKI LAKE!

Rae Davies

Thanks to the impact of the movie, The Business of Being Born, doulas are increasingly recognized for their contribution to improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and babies. Discover how doulas make a difference.

504

CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR KIDS

Naomi Drew

Designed for a pre-teen and teen audience. What to do instead of fighting and arguing. Words to use, ways to calm yourself and how to talk things out. Plus six steps you can use for conflicts of every kind.

505

THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Eileen Lachapelle

When your parents and your children need you at the same time but in different ways. Share your experiences and learn some different ways to meet everyone's unique needs.

506

PREREQUISITES TO APPLYING FOR LEADERSHIP

Joan Peloso

For Leaders: She sounds good at meetings; does she meet the prerequisites to applying for leadership? What to do when you aren’t sure whether she applies LLL philosophy in her family. Bring the LEADER'S HANDBOOK to the session.

Session 6

Sunday, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

601

CERP

BREASTFEEDING THROUGH THE NIGHT

Pam Mazzella DiBosco

Research evidence on SIDS and the safety and desirability of co-sleeping. Consider the history and risks of separate and co-sleeping; breastfeeding and other feeding practices and their impact on sleep, arousal and development in babies.

602

VACCINES: MAKING AN EDUCATED DECISION FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Bob Sears

Vaccines have become the most controversial topic in pediatric health care, and parents are scared and confused. Dr. Sears will share complete, unbiased, balanced information to help parents make the best decision for their children.

603

TO BRA OR NOT TO BRA?

Diane Wiessinger

A discussion of where bras came from, what we did before bras and why. Consider some theoretical benefits and risks of bra wearing and how we might build a better bra.

604

TEEN STORYTELLING: UP CLOSE AND INTERACTIVE

Jim Weiss

Interactive session for pre-teens and teens to perfect their stage presence, public speaking skills and style, voice technique and overall verbal confidence. Participants are asked to bring a 3-4 minute story that they feel comfortable sharing. Format is cozy and very user-friendly.

605

STRONG ROOTS, STRONG SHOOTS

Rebecca and Ryan Thompson

A strong partnership with your spouse is the core of a strong family. Come with your partner to discuss ways to strengthen your bonds, model relationships for your children and share ideas for special family times together.

606

A CHECKLIST OF TOPICS TO DISCUSS IN PREPARATION FOR LLL LEADERSHIP

Joan Peloso

For Leader Applicants and Sponsoring Leaders: Using the checklist organized according to Leader responsibilities to become familiar with subjects Leaders need to know. Bring the LEADER'S HANDBOOK to the session.

Sunday 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.