Past Events

Adoption: Connecting While Correcting
We are parents committed to the children in our homes. And, part of that commitment involves discipline—the part of parenting many claim is most challenging, particularly when you are dealing with children who have experienced trauma or loss. But, discipline doesn’t have to be painful. We can nurture our children while providing structure, connect as we seek to correct. On September 29th, 2012, The Sparrow Fund and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia partnered together for a training opportunity for all adoptive families – Adoption: Connecting While Correcting.

Keynote speaker Cheryl Nitz, ACSW LCSW, founder and director of the Attachment and Bonding Center of Pennsylvania, guided just under 100 of us through the whys and hows of correction for our children from the “terrible twos” to the “terrible teens.”

 

 

 

Adoption: From the Classroom to the Playground

School can bring all new issues to the surface for our children – learning difficulties, classroom concerns, relationship issues. On May 5th, 2012, The Sparrow Fund and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia partnered together for their first collaborative training opportunity for all adoptive families – Adoption: From the Classroom to the Playground.

Approximately 90 attendees heard compelling research about the effects of traumatic infancy on the brain and learning. They received help to understand what is “normal” and developmental milestones to look for and how to notice red flags. Parents learned how to advocate for their children to get the help they may need in the classroom. With a panel discussion with parents and adoptees as well as discussion questions in small groups at lunch, parents left with practical steps to help their children as well as connection and encouragement for their families going forward.