Nurturing Parenting for Families in Recovery
2026-01-06 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
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!
Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Link to register: https://forms.gle/xT1y8T9uZVShR89P9 or call Megan Dickinson at 207-859-1580
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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!
2026-01-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and one of the most common mental health disorders affecting children ‘s behavior. This workshop will offer the framework to help us understand what Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is, what causes it, and who can diagnose it; the symptoms, what helps, the treatment and management of ADHD. Come and join in the conversation as we journey together toward greater success.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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.
Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost educational session: https://kbhmaine-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/H-ed5RU9TMORzHXEEM0atg

Basic Advocacy! How to Advocate for What Your Kids Need!
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
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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 Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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.
Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost educational session: https://kbhmaine-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/–mmJRMkQrSZCF7lx8l4PQ

The Motivation Breakthrough: Six Secrets to Turning on the Tuned-Out Child
2026-01-27 17:30 - 19:00 | The Opportunity Center, 161 Davis Rd Bangor
This event is in person only
This 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. With empathy and understanding, he offers parents and teachers the key to unlocking enthusiasm and responsiveness, proving any child can be motivated to learn.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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
2026-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 | The Opportunity Center, 161 Davis Rd Bangor
This is an in person only event
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 remain calm and use different techniques that can help defuse a situation before it gets worse!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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
2026-02-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
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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 former celebrated New England Patriots’ quarterback. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children.
Note: You must attend all sessions in order to complete the entire curriculum. Space is limited, so you must pre-register for this series. (Feb 25th, March 4th and 11th)
Topics include:
Session 1: A Model of Human Performance and Five Rules for Parents
Session 2: Discipline, Deciding what you Want – Part 1 and 2
Session 3: Sending a Constant Message of Love – Part 1 and 2
Session 4: Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting
Session 5: The Reasons Punishment Doesn’t Work
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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.
Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost educational session: https://kbhmaine-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/sWPdDow4TxOUzVzzGLtAbw

Building Stronger Families Through Effective Communication
2026-03-24 17:30 - 19:00 | The Opportunity Center, 161 Davis Rd Bangor
This is an in person only event
Effective communication skills are vitally important for thriving family relationships. Using tools such as non-violent and non-verbal communication can improve our ability to resolve conflicts that arise and strengthen bonds within families. As parents, we can master these skills and model them for our children. Join us in learning the various strategies that are at the heart of good communication.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, 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.
