Parenting by Connection
Nurturing Connection, Confidence, and Cooperation
Your child is also hardwired to feel a steady, loving connection with you. Children are social beings — they thrive when they feel the warm, relaxed attunement of their parents and caregivers. That sense of connection helps them think clearly and shine as the sunny, curious people we know they can be.
But how do we stay calm and connected when our children are driving us crazy?
When they’re whiny, rude, or defiant?
When tantrums erupt or bedtime feels endless?
When separation anxiety, aggression, or power struggles take over?
Parenting — and teaching — are beautiful and messy at the same time. The frustration, confusion, and chaos can easily drown out our best intentions. We all want to be patient, loving, and present… but some days, it’s just hard.
Do you ever wish you could:
Be less reactive and more grounded?
Bring more laughter and ease into your family life?
Have practical, connection-based tools to handle difficult behaviors?
If you’re an educator, do you hope to move away from punishments and rewards, and build cooperation through connection instead?
For the past decade, I’ve been a Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, supporting hundreds of parents, caregivers, and educators. I offer talks and workshops for schools, online and in-person classes, and ongoing support groups designed to help you create more calm, confidence, and connection in your relationships with children.
“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
Together, we can work on how to:
Set limits calmly — without threats, bribes, or yelling
Bring play and laughter back into your home or classroom
Build genuine cooperation
Navigate difficult separations and bedtime struggles
Understand and respond effectively to aggression
Handle tantrums with confidence and compassion
Talk with your child about tough topics
Ease sibling rivalry
Strengthen your bond and create a more relaxed, joyful connection
Let’s build a community of support — for you, your child, and the relationships that matter most.
I regularly offer 6-week Parenting by Connection courses. Please contact me if you are interested.
I hold ongoing Support Groups meet 2x month online (for parents who have taken the Hand in Hand Foundations class)
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