Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What topics are available for presentations and workshops?

I offer workshops and presentations on a range of topics.  These include:

• Essential Parenting:  How to nurture healthy patterns of behavior.
• Terrific Parenting:  From negative behavior to positive patterns...and more.
• Back to School.  Back on Track:  Getting the school off to a positive start.
• Educational Success:  Making the daily habits of education a priority.
• Cooperative Classrooms:  Secrets of cultivating happy, engaged and active learners.
• Nurturing the Good Stuff:  How to develop happiness, optimism and success.
• Terrific Parenting After Divorce:  The fundamentals of co-parenting.
• Seven Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make... for kids to be happy, healthy and successful.
• Habits of Success:  Teaching kids the habits that guarantee success.
• Linguistic Persuasion:  Mastering persuasive language (for managers, sales professionals, and attorneys)
• Positive Behavior Management:  Basics for Helping Professionals working with challenging clients.

2.  What requirements do you have for offering a presentation?

My goal is to reach parents.  I want to speak to your group, but do require that you have sufficient numbers to justify the investment of time and energy.

My fees are negotiated for each presentation.  I do offer a limited number of free presentations, when PTO/PTA has limited funds.  If you want to consider having me for a presentation, call and discuss rates with my assistant, Terri, at 518-383-0600.

In order to offer a presentation there are several requirements that must be met.  These include:

• Sponsor agrees to send two to three notices home to parents/participants at least two weeks apart.  First notice one month in advance of presentation.
• One public announcement, in the form of a newspaper, radio, or TV ad.
• Speaking engagement is scheduled on a night that does not compete with major events within the school or facility.
• I will provide marketing notices of the presentation to be used in marketing, unless otherwise agreed upon.  An introduction will also be forwarded to you. 
• Sponsoring school or institution agrees to provide participants with copies of the Terrific Parenting Newsletters, an outline of the presentation and an evaluation form to be completed and returned to me.
• The originals for copy will be emailed or snail mailed to the sponsoring school or agency in time to be copied.  Please provide email and address when the dates are established.
• Sponsoring organization agrees to establish link on their website to www.TerrificParenting.com
• Directions sent to my offices detailing the location of the seminar.
• Travel expenses agreed upon in advance.

In order to complete a successful and educational seminar, several requests are made for the evening of the presentation.  These include:

• Signs directing participants to the correct location.
• Room is quiet and no distractions present.
• Someone is prepared to offer an introduction.
• The presentation room is quiet.
• An easel with a large pad and markers provided.
• Someone is available to hand out copies to participants.
• Pens available for parents to take notes.
• Water available.

It is essential to make sure the room size is appropriate for the audience.  It is not a pleasant experience when 200 people show up to a 900-seat auditorium.  Please gauge this carefully, as the room needs to fit the audience for the evening to go smoothly.

Sponsoring school also agrees to allow me to have a table at the back of the room to display books, articles and products.

If you have any questions about any of these items, please feel free to call us at the office.  Our phone number is 518-383-0600. 

3.  How do we promote and market an event?

We will discuss what you want, and agree upon a basic marketing plan.  It would be very similar to what's outlined above.  It's really a matter of just letting people know, and then repeating the process a few times.

But, the bottom line is that it's your job.  I will help you along the way.  My assistant, Terri, is very experienced with this and will be your direct guide.  Please note:  if you don't follow our agreed upon guidelines, however, we will cancel the event. 

4.  Are there longer training sessions available?

Yes.  I offer one-day and two-day trainings.  These are usually intensive and focused on helping parents develop the skills they want to master.  These are obviously more expensive, and usually reserved for groups and organizations with specific goals in mind.

Essential Parenting Groups are also available here in the Albany, NY area.  These are led by myself, with assistance from other highly trained mental health professionals.

5.  Can parents really learn to change their lives from just a 1-2 hour workshop?

Yes.  It happens all the time - when there is enough drive and commitment.  It is not easy, and often additional tools are needed [CLICK HERE TO FIND SOLUTIONS], but it happens all the time.

How do I know this?  Because parents email me all the time.  It doesn't mean it happens for everyone.  It just means that it is quite possible.  See a few samples here [Personal Appearances].