Classes & Lectures

CHKD offers classes for kids, teens, parents and grandparents. We offer classes on many subjects and most are free of charge, but registration is required because space is limited.

You may not be able to register for all classes online, please call (757) 668-7500 or (800) 395-2453 to register or to get more information about a class.

Listing of Available Classes & Lectures

ACL Injury Prevention Program
Research has shown that the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes can be reduced by as much as 72-80% with proper training. Our ACL injury prevention classes for female athletes are based on researched methods of preventing ACL injuries and consist of strengthening techniques, core stabilization exercises, plyometrics (jump training), stretching, balance and coordination training. The class will also focus on proper jumping, landing and cutting techniques. The instructor for this class is a CHKD staff physical therapist. We will perform a pre- and post-training assessment to determine improvements the athletes have made throughout the program. At the end of six weeks, the athletes will have a better chance at prevention of an ACL injury. The class meets every Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The first 6 participants to send in payment will be accepted into the program. To Register print registration form and mail with your payment.
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Bullying - Not Just Joking Around!
Preventing bullying is everyone's responsibility. Jodee Blanco will share her personal and painful episodes of bullying. This workshop describes the warning signs that a child may be a bully or a victim, how to intervene successfully, how to deal with the parents of the bullies and/or victim, how to deal with the school, and how to find and work with a qualified therapist. Parents and youth are encouraged to attend.
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Communicating With Love
Learn how to identify and apply different communications styles to build a better relationship with your child using the ideas discussed in the book, The Five Love Languages of Children. Learn what motivates your child and how to enhance cooperation.
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Happiest Baby on the Block
This two-hour class for expectant and new parents will help Mom and Dad navigate the first months of Baby's life while learning how to soothe even the fussiest infant in minutes and help Baby sleep longer. Parents will learn about the calming reflex, the cuddle cure and the "5 Ss." All participants will receive "The Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD by Dr. Harvey Karp and a soothing sounds CD. To register call Sam Fabian at 668-7402.
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Health Issues Affecting Our Children Today (14th Annual Chronic Illness Conference)
A forum for healthcare agencies, school health nurses, school personnel and families to meet and share information on current health issues in the schools. The conference will focus on the medical, educational and psychosocial factors affecting school children today. Parent scholarships available. Visit www.chkd.org/conferences for more information.
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Healthy You Weight Management Program (teen class ages 12 and up)
An educational program for overweight children and their parents. This program includes an individual assessment and a 10-week "Healthy You" lifestyles series including a wide variety of fun fitness classes at the YMCA. Call (757) 668-7035 for registration material and tuition information. Tuition assistance is available
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Healthy You Weight Management Program (Youth Class 8 - 11- year olds)
An educational program for overweight children and their parents. This program includes an individual assessment and a 10-week "Healthy You" lifestyles series, including a wide variety of fun fitness classes at the YMCA. Call (757) 668-7035 for registration material and tuition information.Tuition assistance is available.
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Helping Children Cope with Anxiety
Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common emotional problem in children and adolescents? Serious anxiety can prevent children from being successful in and out of school environments. Learn about the various forms of anxiety disorders including worry, separation anxiety, perfectionism, social anxiety, OCD, etc., and the differences between normal and problem anxiety. Hear about early warning signs and gain practical guidance and parenting strategies to use at home and school to help children overcome anxiety.
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How Children Manage Anger
Learn how to help young children (up to age 6) manage their anger and learn self-control.
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Infant Massage
Parents will learn simple infant massage techniques designed for infants from birth to 6 months. Gain hands-on experience with your baby and learn about the benefits of infant massage that will help your baby sleep and feed more peacefully, as well as strengthen their immune system. Call 757-564-7337, option 3 to register.
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Life with a Strong-willed Child
Parents and caregivers will learn how to understand acting-out behaviors, how temperament affects behavior and effective ways to handle spirited children.
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Me, MySpace and I: Parenting the Net Generation
Children consume massive doses of a "media diet" including the Internet, MySpace, texting, television, music and much more. These all provide unique environments for pre-teens and adolescents to explore their identify, friendships and sexuality. Hear suggestions for proactive parenting that include ground rules and realistic limits on screen time and how to help your child thrive in the virtual world and still stay connected as a family.
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Parenting a Child with Special Needs
This six-week class series offers families the support and skills they need to navigate the difficult paths of parenting when a child is diagnosed with a chronic, life-altering or life-threatening health or behavior challenge. Families will learn to create nurturning homes and healthcare routines that create a foundation of cooperation and enhance quality of life for the entire family.
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Positive Discipline
Parents will learn several discipline techniques that work without yelling, arguing, or spanking.
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Positive Discipline
Learn about several discipline techniques that work without yelling, arguing or spanking.
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Separation and Divorce: Helping children cope
Raising children as a single parent with limited time and finances is challenging. Learn how to balance home and work and create a supportive and positive environment for your children. Also learn ways to help children deal with separation and divorce.
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Sibshops for Siblings 6 to 10 years old
A recreational workshop for brothers and sisters of children who have special health and development needs (including, but not limited to, diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart, kidney, liver gastrointestinal or lung disease, sickle cell, AIDS, head injuries, autism) to obtain peer support and education. Please call Gail Cervarich at (757) 668-7646 or e-mail her at cervargs@chkd.org for information and registration.
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Sibshops For Siblings 9 - 14 years old
A recreational workshop for brothers and sisters of children who have special health and development needs (including, but not limited to, diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart, kidney, liver gastrointestinal or lung disease, sickle cell, AIDS, head injuries, autism) to obtain peer support and education. Please call Gail Cervarich at (757) 668-7646 for information and registration.
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The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children
Based on the best selling book by Steven W. Vannoy, this workshop will address 5 tools parents can use to build their child's self-esteem, confidence and decision making abilities while giving them the values they need to become healthy, self-confident adults.
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The How, Why and What I Do About Teen Behavior
If you have a teen who uses poor judgement and makes irrational decisions, you are not alone. Learn about the development of the teen brain to help yo understand why teenagers' choices and behaviors can be baffling. Learn how to improve communication and decision making with your teen.
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The Many Faces of Anxiety in Children and Adolescents - Professional Workshop
Learn what fuels anxiety in children and adolescents and practical and effective strategies for worry, perfectionism, school refusal, panic, obsessions, compulsions, separation and social anxiety. Child-friendly cognitive behaviorial interventions and the Worry Hill approach to helping children conquer anxiety will be discussed.
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Understanding the Net Generation: Impact on Family, Education and Business - Professional Workshop
Differences in personal goals, work ethic, family interactions, communication, and core values between the generations will be discussed and provide a framework to help educators, parents and business managers understand each other and help facilitate communication and work pefomance in this young cybersavvy generation.
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WWF - Winning Without Fighting
Using the RETHINK method by Research Press, parents will learn to analyze their own responses to anger and how it impacts the family environment. Strategies for implementing positive responses to anger with children of different ages will be discussed. A class for Kindergarten to Middle School children will be provided. This class is not appropriate for families referred through court or social service agencies. Please call 727-1300 to register.
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