Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to announce a new workshop for parents of children aged 6-to-12 months. Building Blocks is set to take place on Saturday, November 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alumni Lounge in the Memorial Union Building (MUB) on Michigan Technological University’s campus. Building Blocks is done in partnership with UP Health System - Portage, giving parents the opportunity to get support designed for their infants during these crucial early months.
Join Copper Shores for a morning filled with valuable information and interactive activities led by an experienced team of health professionals. The presenters include Bethany Frantti, MS, CCC-SLP, Elizabeth Miller, OTR/L, Monica Aho, pediatric PT, Taylor Paul, RDN, Meghan Jaszczak, RD, Sarah Bodine, SLP, and Michael Verive, MD. They will share insights on a range of topics to help parents navigate the joys and challenges of feeding an infant.
“The blessing and the curse of the time we are living in is that you can look up anything at your fingertips,” said Jaszczak. “It’s difficult to know what is evidence-based and what’s not. It can feel really confusing because a lot of the information out there is directly contradictory.”
The workshop is intended to help parents navigate the overload of information and products available, and help build up a foundation of guidelines that generally work well for children. Parents will get to see firsthand how to properly adjust a high chair for their child’s specific needs, learn about money-saving products and tools for proper oral development, and take home confidence that they are setting up their child for proper development.
“Because it’s your kid, it's a hyper-personal, hyper-emotional topic,” said Jaszczak, mother to an energetic three year old. “The territory of 6-to-12 months is such a vulnerable time because you're introducing so many foods for the first time. Things like breastfeeding and introducing solid food may seem like they should come naturally, but you’re learning and the baby is learning. We can show you how to teach your child the skills that will set them up for success.”
Building Blocks is free to attend, but requires registration to ensure an accurate headcount for meals. Parents are encouraged to bring their children aged 12 months or younger; those with older children should arrange for childcare.
Doors will open for the event at 9:15 a.m., and start with a breakfast before a full schedule of events and appropriate breaks. This event is a great opportunity to enjoy some food and connect with other parents. Free parking will be available.
The workshop has a limited number of seats available for adult participants. Registration closes on Friday, October 25. For more information, contact Meghan Jaszczak at mjaszczak@coppershores.org or by calling 1 (906) 523-5920 ext. 2007.