Raising a healthy child with emotional and behavioral health concerns is a lifelong pursuit. Parents facing difficult and stressful situations need to know they aren't alone and that there are peers who can help.

G.E.A.R. Parent Network provides an opportunity for parents to support each other and work together, family to family, and offers workshops and classes in most Maine communities throughout the year.

G.E.A.R is offering the following workshops in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Southern Aroostook and Washington Counties this spring. For full workshop descriptions and other class listings, visit the G.E.A.R website at: www.gearparentnetwork.com or call 1.800.264.9224.

"Take Action Against Bullying!" Presented by: Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator

Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cross Key Ministries, Main Street, E. Millinocket

"Family Fun Night" Presented by: Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator

Winter Blues got you down. Come have some fun springtime fun. We will paint some pots for flowers, color pictures and just make some one on one connection.

Tuesday, February, 21, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00PM at Wings, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor

Monday, February, 27, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mayo Regional Hospital, 897 W. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft

"Toxic Chemicals and Our Children's Developing Brains" Presented by Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator

Why is environmental health so important? Consider the following information: Twelve million American children or 17% of all Americans under the age of 18 have one or more developmental, learning or behavioral disabilities; More than 1.5 million Americans are autistic. In the 1970's, autism was estimated to have affected about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 children; studies show it in Maine it occurs today in 1 in 80 children; 127,000 adults and children in Maine are identified as having learning disabilities; and 37% of the children receiving special education services in our public schools have learning or attention disabilities. Learn why it is important to protect you family from toxic chemical exposures.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cross Key Ministries, Main Street, E. Millinocket

All G.E.A.R. workshops are FREE to parents, grandparents or caregivers of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.

Randy Moser

• Marketing and Public Relations Manager
  Crisis & Counseling Centers, Inc.
  rmoser@crisisandcounseling.org