Hand in Hand Parenting
Your child is good. Your child is also hardwired to feel a steady sense of connection with you. Children are social beings and need the warm, relaxed attunement of their parents and caregivers in order to think well and be the sunny little people we know they can be. The problem is, how are we supposed to offer relaxed connection when they are driving us crazy?! When they are whiny, rude, or uncooperative? When they are throwing a tantrum or being aggressive? And what to do difficult bedtimes or separation anxiety?
For most of us, there is a lot of frustration, messiness, and confusion mixed in with the sweet moments. We’re not always able to be that patient & loving parent we want to be. Do you wish you could be less reactive? Do you long for more laughter and ease with your child(ren)? Could you use an infusion of support, as well as concrete tools to help you navigate tricky situations?
If you are an educator, would you like to get away from punishments and rewards, and learn to build cooperation using connection-based tools in the classroom?
I have been a certified Hand in Hand Parenting instructor for a decade and have worked with hundreds of parents. I offer talks or workshops for school communities, online and in-person classes, and I host ongoing support groups.
“Kristan was enthusiastic, warm, passionate, genuine, honest, and engaging. She created a beautiful connection between the members of our group. I walked away from our discussion so excited to try the concept that was taught that day. Being in this group with Kristan was truly a gift.”
- Starter class participant
“Kristan is an amazing and knowledgeable facilitator. She is full of life and deep insight. Kristan has a great sensitivity to the human experience and was able to help me find answers within myself to positively create new patterns with my child.”
- Starter class participant
I can help you…
Set limits without threats, bribes, or yelling
Bring more play and laughter into your home or classroom
Build cooperation
Manage difficult separations (including bedtime)
Understand and manage aggression
Handle tantrums confidently
Ease sibling rivalry or classroom strife
Build a stronger and more relaxed connection with your child
Create deep, long-lasting support for yourself
Upcoming Offerings:
6-week Starter Class for Parents and Caregivers (Stay tuned for 2024 dates)
Ongoing Support Groups meet twice a month online
Testimonials for Kristan’s parenting classes
“Kristan’s warmth and caring personality shines when she is working with a group. She created a safe and open environment which allowed us to share without a feeling of judgment or shame. I couldn’t recommend her higher. She not only taught amazing tools but she also helped us see how to use them which made the process that much easier to adapt into my own life.” - Father of 5-year-old boy
“It can be difficult to sit and open up about one of the most challenging and heartwarming aspects of parenthood: the nitty gritty reality of how you’re raising your children. (Parenting is messy, and sometimes not very productive!) But our small group of parents was fortunate enough to be mentored by Kristan, whose easy laugh and honest warmth made it easy to talk about both the bright spots and the dark corners of parenting. She listens and shares the Hand in Hand parenting philosophy in a way that’s clear and approachable. The eight weeks I spent in her class opened up some doors to me that I didn’t know existed: one, that there’s a path through the messy jumble of parenting; and two, that I already had all the tools I needed to truly connect with my children. It was Kristan’s insight, humor, and warmth that helped bring all of that together.” - Mother of 3 children (ages 2, 7, 12)
“Kristan created a safe and non-judgmental environment that encouraged me to explore my internal landscape and grow from there. I was able to discover parts of myself that were hidden and affecting my ability to be fully present with my child. She truly helped me bring humor back into frustrating situations and shared many tools that will last forever.” - Mother of a 10-year-old boy
“Kristan was a tremendous facilitator for our group. She willingly shares her experiences in a very open, vulnerable, and honest way that not only encourages but very subtly demands, that the participants do the same. Kristan did an excellent job of making sure every member had a safe and supportive space and an opportunity to share their experiences and ask questions. I would highly recommend her.” - Father of 6-year-old girl