Gear Parent Network

Diversity & Inclusion: Gaining Awareness of Individualization
2024-05-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Go-To Meeting
Join us for this special Children’s Mental Health Acceptance presentation that you will find informative and enlightening about the person-centered approach to living! All individuals have a unique potential to live meaningful, purposeful lives. Let’s learn how to become more aware of accepting individuals for who they are, what their vision & goals are and honor them where they’re at in their individualized process of enhancing their lives.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

19th Annual Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Tailgate Kickoff Event!
2024-05-06 14:30 - 16:00 | Crisis and Counseling Centers 10 Caldwell Rd Augusta
Join us again this year for our Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Tailgate Kick-Off event which is organized by parents to bring acceptance about the importance of social justice and to show that positive mental health is essential our kids healthy development throughout their lifespan. Hear parents and youth share their lived experience of their paths to social justice & resilience! (no rain date will be held)
We are also distributing Advocacy Toolkits to children’s mental health providers and educators statewide. The kits will contain acceptance materials to display and distribute so you may join us in lighting the path to social justice for children and youth! If you cannot attend you may print resources here https://gearparentnetwork.org/cmhm/ or call 1-800-264-9224 to order your CMHA toolkit.

May Support Group
2024-05-01 13:00 - 2024-05-29 14:30 | Go-To Meeting
held virtually every Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

April 23 Evening Support Group
2024-04-23 19:30 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Oh, My!
2024-04-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
Are you raising a second set of children or youth at a time you thought you would be planning your retirement? This discussion will focus on specific issues that may be challenging for grandparents today and uncover ideas and solutions for greater success and less stress.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in Maine?
2024-04-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! Our children and youth are our future and child abuse and neglect is everybody’s business! In this workshop learn what is considered child abuse; state and national statistics; what Maine law is and how to report child abuse or neglect; the difference between “punishment” vs. “discipline”; child behavioral management examples and what are family and child protective factors; in addition to sharing stories of parenting lessons learned.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Toxic Chemicals and Our Children’s Developing Brains
2024-04-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Capehart Boys and Girls Clubhouse, 28 Downeast Circle, Bangor
Why is environmental health so important? Consider the following information: At least 1 in every 59 children has one or several learning disabilities. In the 1970s, autism was estimated to have affected about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 children. In 2022, the rate was 1 in 44 and today it is 1 in 36. Boys are 4x more likely to be autistic. In January 2020, there were 31,991 Maine students with identified disabilities. Two years later, there were 32,641 students with an identified disability and an individualized education plan, or 19.5% of all students. This was 650 more than the previous 2 years. Join us and learn why it is important to protect your family from toxic chemical exposures.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Basic Advocacy! How to Advocate for What Your Kids Need!
2024-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
What does it mean being a good advocate? Many parents and caregivers have faced challenges in getting their child’s or youth’s behavioral health and educational needs met. Having your heart in the right place is very important, but is only the beginning. It is also important to know that the advocacy process doesn’t need to be confrontational. Learning to communicate and advocate effectively with service providers, doctors and teachers is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s needs are being met. You can have ongoing, collaborative and constructive relationships with others. Developing your advocacy skills is the next step to forming your own strategies about how to solve problems, resolve conflicts and become a more effective advocate.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Impulsivity & Disruptive Behaviors in Children & Youth
2024-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | RSU Adult & Community Education , Bucksport High School 102 Broadway #1 and GOTO
All children and youth have outbursts from time to time, however some do have much difficulty in their ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors even when adverse consequences may occur. This lack of self-control can cause significant distress or impairment in a child’s or youth’s life. A number of different diagnoses are unified by impulsive and disruptive behaviors including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and impulse control disorder (ICD). In this workshop you will learn more about the disorders defined in the chapter on disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), what treatments are available, and what parents/caregivers can do to better respond to impulsive and disruptive behavior.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

April Support Group
2024-04-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting

Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery
2024-04-02 15:30 - 17:00 | Go-To Meeting
Held virtually every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30–5 p.m.
If you are a parent, caregiver or working on your recovery and want to learn more about the effects of substance use on your family, parenting style, and your relationship with your child/youth, please join us for this FREE 12 week program. You will explore hands on activities, along with guided discussions to enhance your self-awareness and increase your ability to relate to your child/children/youth in a safe and supportive environment surrounded by parents and caregivers who share similar life experiences. Join us to explore ideas and build skills; strengthen your connection with your child or youth! Register online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpgJNGN2rk5Jn9mEZ4PlBDEKqv9IBGf_Pjks6ToNqjQJLIow/viewform or call Megan Dickinson at 207-859-1580.

March 26 Evening Support Group
2024-03-26 19:30 - 20:30 | Go-To Meeting

Non-Toxic Housekeeping Class
2024-03-18 18:00 - 20:00 | RSU Adult & Community Education , Bucksport High School 102 Broadway #1 and GOTO
Save money and reduce your family’s exposure from toxic household cleaners! Join us and learn how to avoid using toxic cleaning chemicals and still provide a clean, healthy and comfortable home; how to save money and time with simple cleaning technique; easy and inexpensive recipes to make safe and effective homemade household cleaners.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Do You Speak Teen? ‘mnE Ps dnt bleev der is a gNR8N d/c b/t em n thr teen”
2024-03-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Communicating with teens today is more challenging than ever but not impossible! This workshop will explore modern technology and give you some new ideas to peek into your teen’s world. The framework of the 40 Developmental Assets® will also be shared. Minneapolis-based Search Institute® has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development – known as “developmental assets” – that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring and responsible adults.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Parenting with Dignity-Picking up This Ball Is a Victory for All
2024-03-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
March 9 and 16, 2024 from 9 a.m – 3 p.m.
G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to pick up the ball and run with it through a multi-part parenting education course developed by Mac Bledsoe, father of a celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children. Topics include:
Day 1: A Model of Human Performance and Five Rules for Parents
Day 1: Discipline, Deciding what you Want-Part 1 and 2
Day 1 & 2: Sending a Constant Message of Love – Part 1 and 2
Day 2: Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting
Day 2: The Reasons Punishment Doesn’t Work
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

March Support Group
2024-03-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Go-To Meeting

ACEs, Being a Trauma-Informed Parent: Linking Childhood Trauma to Long-Term Health & Social Consequence
2024-03-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home can have long-term physical, psychological, behavioral and economic consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study demonstrates the connection between childhood trauma and a wide array of physical & mental health problems. Despite the trauma in their lives, children can survive and even thrive. Protective factors, including healthy relationships with parents and caregivers, foster resilience in children and help them to overcome early adversity.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Last One Picked – First One Picked On: Learning Disabilities and Social Skills
2024-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
Do you watch your child struggle with social isolation and rejection? This workshop will provide parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies for teaching our kids the social skills they will need for success in social interaction. Participants will learn about positive traits for peer acceptance, student traits that teachers like, and the “hidden curriculum.”

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop
2024-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
This unique and interactive program allows participants to experience the same Frustration, Anxiety and Tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. See how teachers, social workers, psychologists, parents, and friends who have participated in Richard Lavoie’s workshop reflect upon their experience and the way it changed their approach to children who have a learning disability.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Success in Co-Parenting and Blending Families
2024-02-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Co-parenting can be very stressful and emotional. Join us to learn more about what some blended families encounter such as significant parenting differences, having false expectations as to what the relationships and family life will look like, how to manage the emotions and work on challenges, as well as seek outside help when needed. We will discuss ways to create a more unified and harmonious family unit truly setting your family up for success to ensure the best outcomes for your children.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Engaging Together: A Collaboration for Family Success
2024-02-13 17:00 - 18:00 | Go-To Meeting
Join the conversation with GEAR Parent Network and Maine Parent Federation as we explore the transformative power of shared responsibility in family engagement. Discover strategies to connect schools, community agencies, and organizations with families in meaningful ways. Uncover insights, foster authentic connections, and contribute to the collective success of our communities in this dynamic webinar!

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs

ADHD 101 - What We Want to Know but Forgot to Ask!
2024-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Go-To Meeting
This workshop will offer the framework to help us understand what Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is, what causes it, how to diagnose and who can diagnose it; the symptoms, what helps, supports; and treatment and management. Come and join in the conversation as we journey together toward greater success.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

February Support Group
2024-02-07 13:00 - 14:30

Disaster Preparedness 101: Families Prepare & Empower Themselves to Persevere Through Traumatic Events and Unexpected Disaster
2024-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | RSU Adult & Community Education , Bucksport High School 102 Broadway #1 and GOTO
When disaster strikes will you be ready? Flooding, blizzards, high wind, and intense storms with power outages are common disasters in Maine. This workshop focuses on the reactions and needs of children and adolescents in times of unexpected disaster – even a pandemic. This workshop focuses on the reactions and needs of children and adolescents in times of unexpected disaster. Participants will learn how to become prepared, engage their communities and emergency teams to effectively respond to the unique health and well-being needs of their children and youth. You will learn begin to plan and prepare for an emergency evacuation and learn strategies to make the unforeseen event more bearable and less traumatic.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Disaster Preparedness 101: Families Prepare & Empower Themselves to Persevere Through Traumatic Events and Unexpected Disaster
2024-01-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting

The Motivation Breakthrough: Six Secrets to Turning on the Tuned Out Child
2024-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
This video workshop explores proven techniques, strategies and scripts – based on six possible motivational styles – that will revolutionize the way teachers and parents inspire children to succeed and achieve. Rick Lavoie explodes common myths and gives specific advice for motivating children

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Helping Your Child Manage Their Meltdowns
2024-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Are you feeling like you are always walking on eggshells when dealing with your young child’s meltdowns? (Professionals sometimes call these behaviors “dysregulation”) Are you at a loss about how to help your child to be successful? You’re not alone! Join in the discussion about what meltdowns are and strategies that can be used to help your child better manage these meltdowns.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs
2024-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Go-To Meeting
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know how to help your child? Children with behavioral health needs do not come with a manual! This workshop will offer a framework to understand the nature of your child’s behavior and methods to flexibly respond to the needs your child presents. Positive behavioral supports emphasize practical ideas about how to meet your child where they are and utilize their motivation to increase success. Understanding and using Stage of Change concepts, maximizing provider involvement, and enhancing natural supports will be emphasized to provide usable tools that can be applied in a variety of real-life situations. Temper tantrums are disruptive behavior or emotional outbursts displayed in response to unmet needs or desires. Come and learn how to manage your child’s tantrums by using positive behavioral supports!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.

Defusing Challenging Behaviors: How to Effectively De-Escalate Your Child
2024-01-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-To Meeting
What is the best way to quickly defuse your child’s challenging behavior in the heat of the moment? Yelling at them? Punishing them? Grounding them in their room for a week? Or giving “Show ‘em who’s BOSS” vibes. Using these harsh methods will only add fuel to the fire and the point is NOT TO make things worse in those intense situations. Join us in learning to use different techniques that can help defuse a situation before it gets worse!

About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.
