Gear Parent Network

What Disabilities Qualify for Special Education Under IDEA?
2024-09-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
This workshop will provide an overview of children’s disabilities, special education qualifying conditions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and possible accommodations to make your child’s school experience successful. We also will review local and statewide resources available to your child and family.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqfuqtrj8vH9AwU7n4Wr6yvQx2imciWftZ

Parent Support Group
2024-09-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-18 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
For parents or caregivers of children/youth with emotional or behavioral health concerns, it is held virtually the first and third Wednesday of each month (for July & August only) from 1-2:30 p.m. and in September, will return to every week Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m.
Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost support group: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vd-GhqTgoGN3HN4ps2tFbq-2AP0I7_c_g

Recognizing the Signs of Suicide Risk and Navigating the System of Care
2024-09-12 12:30 - 14:30 | Boys and Girls Club of Bangor, 28 Downeast Circle, Bangor, ME, 04401, United States
Suicide is a significant concern in Maine and nationwide, and we can do something about it. Join us in learning how to recognize early signs of potentially elevated suicide risk, suicide statistics in Maine/Nationally, what risk assessments are, and common terms you may hear providers use, in addition to navigating the system of care to gain access to treatment and support that is needed effectively. Also, we will discuss how to advocate for a person in your care when you are not satisfied with the process or outcome.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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.

“It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend: Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success” by Author Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed.
2024-09-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
Are you concerned that your child has no friends? Do you watch your child struggle with social isolation and rejection? This workshop will identify specific reasons why children with learning disabilities have difficulty with social interaction. Parents and caregivers will learn practical strategies to assist children in gaining peer acceptance and developing age-appropriate social skills.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMocu-rqT0oEtXsp4r-c3ZNbqBtH4yKlL8A

What’s Your Parenting Style? Identifying Your Style and How it Affects Your Interaction with Your Children.
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
This workshop is intended to help you learn and identify your current parenting style and recognize its large impact on your child’s development. We will review each of the four parenting styles. Through information sharing and discussion, you will be given the tools to evaluate positive and negative influences in your lives and how they relate to your parenting style. Parents and caregivers can improve their skills by understanding parenting styles, discipline, cultural influences, and environmental issues.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMudeGrrTkoE9D7zInk-ga01roBQkazpLm-

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD
2024-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact adults, teens, and children. It is estimated about 5% of the people experience SAD in the US, and 4 out of 5 are women. One US study found rates of SAD were seven times higher in New Hampshire than in California, suggesting the farther we are from the equator, the more likely we are to develop Seasonal Affective Disorder. Join us for an educational and STRESS-LESS evening learning about SAD and how to deal with it.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvfuqoqDIqGdHAMrD6SgBVzpEz9dLq5dg0

Parent Support Group
2024-10-02 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-10-09 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-10-16 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-10-23 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-10-30 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-06 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-13 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-20 13:00 - 14:30 and 2 more dates | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
For parents or caregivers of children/youth with emotional or behavioral health concerns, it is held virtually on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 p.m.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vd-GhqTgoGN3HN4ps2tFbq-2AP0I7_c_g

Success in Co-Parenting and Blended Families
2024-10-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
Co-parenting can be very stressful and emotional. Join us to learn more about what some blended families encounter, such as significant parenting differences, false expectations as to what the relationships and family life will look like, how to manage emotions and work on challenges, and how to 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 Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkdemsrTwoG9BIQGPtY4pXEIVbB0WanP3D

What Disabilities Qualify for Special Education Under IDEA?
2024-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Bangor Housing Boys and Girls Club, 161 Davis Rd, Bangor
This is an in person workshop
This workshop will provide an overview of children’s disabilities, special education qualifying conditions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and possible accommodations to make your child’s school experience a successful one. We also will review local and statewide resources available to your child and family.
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.

Take Action Against Bullying
2024-10-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long-term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMpf-irrTkuGd2YM6FZlCX3mQW1bE9r4H1H

Parenting with Dignity-Picking up This Ball Is a Victory for All
2024-10-26 09:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
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 Drew Bledsoe. Parenting with Dignity helps parents learn effective techniques for raising responsible, independent children. Topics include:
Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 9a-2 p.m.
Session 1: A Model of Human Performance, Five Rules for Parents Discipline and Deciding what you Want-Part 1 and 2
Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 9a-2 p.m.
Session 2: Sending a Constant Message of Love – Part 1 & 2, Teaching Your Values to Your Kids and Goal Setting and 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.
:Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost educational session https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsfu2upzkiG9BtX5TjGi2jpeKZKCSM2oES

Building a Bridge: Navigating Youth to Adult Transition
2024-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
Transition planning is the key to ensuring success in adulthood for youth with disabilities. This workshop will teach parents and caregivers how to build the transitional bridge from children’s mental health services to adult mental health services in order to achieve successful post-secondary outcomes. Learn what you can do now to prepare, how adult services are different from school-based services, what is included in a transition plan, how to meet the unique needs of the youth, and how to empower youth to have a voice in the planning process.
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.
Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost educational session Follow the link to register to join us for this no-cost educational session https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvceGorDoiGNTxd7tnzGj1a9tWHyt-iAq6

Defusing Challenging Behaviors: How to Effectively De-Escalate Your Child
2024-11-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
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 Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvc–gqD0oHdSaqAVxWy6L91e6CJCKd3yQ

Surviving Parenting: Self-Care is NEVER Selfish
2024-11-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
Self-care often becomes an afterthought for parents and caregivers. The ability to treat and understand oneself with respect and kindness can be especially elusive when raising a family. In this workshop, you will learn how stress and anxiety affect all of us and what you can do about it. You will do a self-care checkup and tools will be shared to create positive thinking. Join us to discover how to cope when your life is full but your energy tank is running on empty.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcoceCsqDMtEt0izaVjI_fhxGNlROXShx_P

Managing Stress During the Holidays
2024-11-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Bangor Housing Boys and Girls Club, 161 Davis Rd, Bangor
In person only
The holiday season will quickly be here! While it is meant to bring feelings of love and cheer, it’s also the harbinger of much stress for many of us. Join us and learn a few simple tips you could try to help reduce holiday stress before it begins so that it remains at a positive level rather than an overwhelming one.
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
2024-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Sanford Pride Elementary library, 708 Main St Sanford
Virtual and in person
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
2024-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
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. Join us to learn more how to manage your child’s tantrums by using positive behavioral supports!
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkc-CtqjsiE9TJ7WZTr2xEmnJsKmnfXQKF

Impulsivity & Disruptive Behaviors in Children & Youth
2024-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
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 Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJModO6hrDooHtBCW5zxdbHXlmQqcaR369Tw

Managing Stress During the Holidays
2024-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
REGISTER NOW
The holiday season will quickly be here! While it is meant to bring feelings of love and cheer, it’s also the harbinger of much stress for many of us. Join us and learn a few simple tips you could try to help reduce holiday stress before it begins so that it remains at a positive level rather than an overwhelming one.
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a Crisis & Counseling Centers program, is where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents and supports parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.
Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, the 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://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArf-yoqD4pHdUM0cVHeRg1kfVF3VEZWZIM
