Connected Parenting Series
Understand Your Child Differently. Respond with Greater Confidence.
Fall 2026 ECI Connected Parenting Series
Parenting can feel especially difficult when the strategies you’ve been told should work just aren’t working. The Connected Parenting Series offers a different way of looking at common parenting challenges, one grounded in child development, attachment, emotional regulation, and the relationship between parent and child.
Led by an Early Connections Institute therapist, each class takes a deeper look at a specific parenting topic and gives you practical ways to apply what you learn at home. Come for the topic your family needs most, or attend several throughout the series.
No seven-week commitment required. Each class stands on its own.
Understanding Feelings Behind Behavior
Tuesday October 6, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Looking Beneath the Behavior
When children struggle, behavior is often the first thing we notice, but it rarely tells the whole story. This class helps parents look beneath behaviors like defiance, meltdowns, withdrawal, or not listening to consider the feelings, needs, stress, and developmental factors that may be driving them.
Parents will learn a different way of making sense of challenging moments and practical ways to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and connection.
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Tantrums, Big Feelings & Emotional Regulation
Tuesday October 13, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Understanding What Happens When Kids Become Overwhelmed
Why can a seemingly small frustration turn into a huge meltdown? This class explores what is happening emotionally and developmentally when children become overwhelmed and why reasoning, correcting, or trying to “fix it” often doesn't work in the heat of the moment.
Parents will learn practical ways to respond before, during, and after big feelings while helping children gradually build their capacity for emotional regulation.
Punishment, Praise & Rewards
Tuesday October 20, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Connection Before Correction
Consequences, sticker charts, time-outs, praise, rewards etc. Parents receive a lot of advice about how to get children to behave. But what are children actually learning from these approaches?
This class takes a closer look at traditional discipline strategies and explores alternatives that support cooperation, accountability, internal motivation, and the parent-child relationship. Parents will leave with practical ways to hold boundaries while staying connected.
Separation Anxiety, School Avoidance & Morning Struggles
Tuesday October 27, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Building Security Through Difficult Separations & Transitions
Clinginess, tearful drop-offs, school refusal, and stressful mornings can quickly become overwhelming for the entire family. This class helps parents understand what may be happening underneath separation-related anxiety and why some children have a particularly difficult time with transitions.
Parents will learn ways to build security and confidence while supporting their child through separation without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance.
Reframing ADHD & “Challenging” Behaviors
Tuesday November 3, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Understanding the Brain Behind the Behavior
Not listening. Forgetting. Constant movement. Big reactions. Difficulty starting or finishing tasks. What looks like defiance, laziness, or lack of motivation may reflect challenges with executive functioning, regulation, and development.
This class helps parents view ADHD and challenging behavior through a more compassionate, developmentally informed lens while learning practical strategies that work with their child's needs rather than against them.
Sibling Relationships & Building Strong Family Connections
Tuesday November 10, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Less Refereeing, More Connection
Fighting, jealousy, competition, tattling, and endless arguments about what's “fair” can leave parents feeling like full-time referees. This class explores what sibling conflict can tell us about children's needs for belonging, attention, autonomy, and connection.
Parents will learn practical ways to respond to conflict without always deciding who is right or wrong, while creating family patterns that support stronger sibling and parent-child relationships.
Parenting After Divorce
Tuesday November 17, 2026
10:00 am at ECI Office in Brighton, MI
Co-Parenting After Divorce: Building Stability for You and Your Child
Divorce and separation can bring big emotions, new routines, transitions between homes, and changes in family relationships. This class helps parents better understand how children experience divorce at different developmental stages and what they need most from their caregivers during periods of change.
Parents will learn practical ways to support emotional security, navigate difficult transitions, protect children from adult conflict, and maintain a strong parent-child connection as the family adjusts.