Simple Tools for Pain Relief: Strength + Alignment - A Workshop for Dads

Parenting can be rough on your body.

If your current exercise routine consists of bouncing and hauling kids, and new aches and pains have surfaced, feeling better is not about crunches or planking on repeat.

Join us on September 29, 11:30am for a special workshop for dads: Simple Tools for Pain Relief: Strength + Alignment. In this experiential workshop for dads, you'll get a clear, simple framework, and try new tools to get back on track so you feel good in your body. Find strength from the inside out with a confident core, right movement, and active relaxation.

We'll focus on pain relief and prevention (low back, neck, and shoulders, I'm looking at you...) along with general tips for self-care and safe movement while lifting and carrying your child, bending to pick up toys, hauling the stuff, working at the desk, and play time… all those things that we want and need to do without fear of injury.

You will discover how to support your low back (and shoulders, knees, neck) with the right movement and breath, rebuild your energy, and incorporate doable techniques that fit into your life.

PLEASE NOTE: Wear comfortable clothes to get down on the floor and move. Bring a mat if you have one. For the sake of focus, it is highly preferred that kiddos do not come to this workshop. However, if it's a choice between not coming and coming with your little one, you can bring them.

COST: Sliding scale, $20-$45

August Updates

We have lots of exciting programming slated for the coming months designed to support you & your family.

• 8/18 CPR - infant, child & adult CPR plus choke saving. Join us Sunday morning to learn these life saving skills. 9:30 am.

• 8/19 Ask the Lactation Consultant. Katie Howser will be our guest expert for Monday's New Parent Group (0-12mo) at Noon. Connect with other new parents and get a little support as you make your way through the first year with your little one.

• 8/22 Baby Sign Language Playgroup 12:30pm. Learn to communicate with your child before they can verbalize.

• 8/29 Meet the Doula 6:30pm. If you’re expecting, join us for an evening to learn more about the role of a doula, and meet some local doulas.

SEPT:

• Closed 9/2 for Labor Day

• 9/10 Introducing a New Sibling. If you're expecting, please join us to learn how to make the transition from 1 to 2 a smooth one.

• 9/11 Cooking without Waste 101. In this fun, hands-on class, you'll learn how to make apple cider vinegar, salad dressing and a delicious salad as you also gain tips for reducing food waste (& saving money!) as you feed your family.

• 9/14 10am. Infant Sleep Workshop with Dr. Angelique Millette at 10am. Angelique is a top notch expert in the field of sleep and child development, and an absolute wealth of information.

• 9/15. Childbirth Preparation. If you're expecting, we hope you'll join the incredible Kelly Gray to gain information and confidence as you welcome your little one to the world.

• 9/20. Estate Planning 101, at 11:30am. Learn what you should have in place, especially now that you're a parent.

• 9/29. Yoga for Posture and Alignment for Dads. We hear a lot about self care for moms. Here's a workshop especially for the papas out there. Taking good care of your body will enable you to keep up with the little ones as they only get faster!

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything I can do to make Recess a supportive oasis for your family. Hope to see you soon, Lisa

Everyone needs play - Inclusive Playgroups for children with Autism

Facilitating Play and building meaningful friendships for children with disabilities and their peers.

Wednesdays at 10am (when Recess is closed to the public).

Led by an Autism Specialist, our unique playgroups provide an exciting opportunity for children of all abilities to come together to learn, play, and grow. The groups will be led by experienced play facilitators, who will plan creative and engaging activities.

The play will give the children a chance to interact with each other, practice social skills and communication, pretend, and explore a variety of different toys and materials. The Recess Collective play space features toys and equipment for gross motor play, manipulation and sensory play, cooperative games, and pretend play. The space will be sensory friendly and the routines will be predictable and safe for children of all ability levels.

FAQs 

Who can join? 
Children between the ages of 0-4. We will group children together based on their age as much as possible.

What if my child has behavior problems? 
The play facilitators are trained behaviorists and special educators, who have experience helping children with challenging behaviors. They will work with the family to develop a plan to prevent and respond appropriately to challenging behaviors as they come up.

What if my child is nonverbal? 
We would love to have children who communicate differently join our group. We look forward to teaching their peers about sign language, gestures, and AAC devices. If your child is nonverbal because they are just not developmentally ready to speak, that is also great! We will be learning about social cues and communication for infants and toddlers.

Who will facilitate? 
The lead facilitator will be Janelle Dowling, MA. She is the owner of Our Autism Specialist, LLC. She provides support for inclusive practices in preschools, elementary schools, and middle schools all over the Bay Area. She also organizes and leads several play groups for children ranging in age from 0-18. She has a masters and credential as an Education Specialist with a focus in Extensive Support Needs. She also has an endorsement from the California DeafBlind program, where she learned about working with children with multiple sensory challenges.

Although Janelle’s business focuses primarily on providing consultation and direct support to families with children and teens with autism, she has taught and supported children who experience a variety of disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Angelman’s Syndrome, ADHD, and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Please do not hesitate to contact us and see if the group and the staff’s experience feel like a good fit for your child. Janelle will also be partnering with volunteers to support the groups and will be recruiting to find adults who are the best match for our participants.

When do the groups meet? 
Every Wednesday except the last one of each month. There will be two groups. The first will meet from 10-10:45am and from 11:15-12pm.

What will happen there? 
The agenda might vary slightly each week and depending on the group’s needs, but we will include greetings, music, snack, an organized group activity, and some free play before clean up.

How much will it cost? 
The cost is $18 per session and we prefer that families pay for 3 sessions at a time in a $45 package.

Please spread the word!

• INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUPS FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM - (7/10) https://www.care.com/connect/recesscollective/activities/929523-inclusive-playgroups-autism

Introducing a Partner: Book Tree

We’ve been working with Chad and Kathy, founders of Book Tree, for nearly 10 years. They created an incredible organization that brings unique, diverse, age-appropriate books to your family in monthly bags. As a gift to our community, they’re offering a free month trial to your family. Read on to check it out!

Try BookTree’s Curated Lending Program at Recess

BookTree’s lending program is optimized to stimulate brain development and establish the foundation for reading, writing, and school success.

Try out a complimentary personalized tote of ten extraordinary, age-appropriate illustrated books, carefully curated for your child, delivered right to Recess!

Each monthly tote brims with outstanding artwork, rich vocabulary, a wealth of concepts, cultural diversity, and lifelong benefits. Supported enthusiastically by bay area school directors and educators, BookTree delivers the highest quality literature available for your child, infant to about 3rd grade for English, and one year old to about 5th grade for Spanish.

To receive your child’s complimentary tote of ten books with no contract or obligation to continue after the free month, visit www.booktree.us and click on “Start Your Free Trial Now”!