Credit: Adobestock
Parenting, as a dear friend once put it, ‘really makes you look in the mirror.’ Some of those days you lose your patience, hit a wall (metaphorically, let’s hope), or come face to face with your ugliest shortcomings. But we’re all learning as we go, and we all need support as parents.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of classes, workshops, expos and conventions circulating the country to help give our parenting skills a boost, to connect us with others who are going through similar experiences, or perhaps just to get us out of the house for a day before we all start climbing the walls. Here are some top parenting events nationwide for the second half of 2018.
PEP 1: Parenting 5 to 12 Year Olds
Kensington, MD - July 27-28, 2018
The Parent Education Program (PEP) is a non-profit group dedicated to helping parents of toddlers through teenagers. This two day class covers a wide selection of topics ranging from how to decrease entitlement, to strategies for dealing with the internet, video games, and social media. The goal is for you to walk away with a framework of practical skills for positive parenting that will make your family life calm, organized and fun again.
Philadelphia, PA - July 28, 2018
Pasadena, CA - August 18, 2018
Orlando, FL - September 01, 2018
MommyCon takes place nationwide and focuses on holistic well being and sustainability for expecting mothers through mothers of toddlers. It’s a full day of panels, workshops and showcases by more than 50 exhibitors. If you’re looking for community support for natural birthing, cloth diaper use, or feminine self care, MommyCon is for you.
Expecting Parents and Baby Expo
Jersey Shore, NJ - July 29, 2018
Atlanta, GA - September 16, 2018
Nashville, TN - November 04, 2018
Queens, NY - November 17, 2018
Secaucus, NJ - December 01, 2018
Charlotte, NC - December 09, 2018
The best way to smart parenting is through education. With that in mind, the Expecting Parents and Baby Expo is designed to support informed, intelligent parenting with talks and workshops by experts and industry professionals. Bring a hunger for knowledge, and probably a notebook.
Seattle, WA - August 04, 2018
BabyFest NW promises a ‘full day baby marathon,’ with workshops, baby-wearing and cloth diaper instructionals, pampering and massage, a ‘daddy zone,’ and baby bingo. Fair warning: last year’s tickets sold out, so get on them!
Pittsburgh, PA - August 04, 2018
The Babies & Bumps expo is designed to help you face motherhood with empowerment and confidence. This is a judgment free zone where you can meet healthcare professionals before committing to a practice, sit in on seminars and demonstrations lead by professional experts, and connect with supportive organizations.
Boulder, CO - Aug 11, 2018
Boulder Community Health offers this monthly 4 hour workshop for soon-to-be fathers and fathers of newborns. Their ‘drool sergeants’ will prep you on what to expect in your financial, romantic, and everyday lives as you navigate the last weeks of pregnancy through the first few months of fatherhood.
Loves Park, IL - August 18, 2018
In celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the 5th annual MommaPalooza hosts an array of grassroots businesses promoting pregnancy and birthing programs, prenatal wellness, breast-pumping options, and baby/mommy care. Enjoy some peace and quiet at the silent auction or entertain (terrify) the kids with a clown. Yes, a clown!
Raleigh, NC - August 18, 2018
Charlotte, NC - August 25, 2018
Bring the kids for bounce houses, laser tag, face painting, a reptile zoo, and lots more free family fun. The Kid’s Expo celebrates the best in family products and services, with an emphasis on health, education, safety and special needs.
Shorty and DuWop Kids Hair Symposium
College Park, MD - September 02, 2018
Show up and show off your best textured/mixed hair techniques at this symposium for kids of all ethnicities ages 4 to 13, and their parents. You’ll find resources and support for hair care, educational workshops and interactive exhibits, product samples and giveaways, and plenty of kids entertainment.
Biloxi, MS - September 15, 2018
This parenting conference and expo will feature local mom groups, photographers, and preschools. Expert led short seminars will address some of the biggest pre- and post-natal questions you might have, whether you’re a new parent, thinking about taking the plunge, or considering adopting.
Indianapolis, IN - September 25, 2018
Atlanta, GA - October 02, 2018
Baltimore, MD - October 11, 2018
Hartford, CT - October 16, 2018
PTO Today Live is a full day of support and resources for those parents involved in making their kids’ schools great. Showcasing everything from playground equipment to the newest educational software, the expo has plenty of opportunities for prizes and fun, too.
Bloomfield Hills, MI - September 30, 2018
If you’re looking to piece together that perfect schedule for your kid, look no further. This is the place for parents to shop around for the best picks in schools, tutoring programs, extracurricular activities, health care providers, advocacy groups, and so forth.
Edison, NJ - October 06-07, 2018
Featuring the best of new products for parents, grandparents, and parents-to-be, New Jersey’s Baby Show Expo is a family friendly weekend in a fun filled atmosphere. This is your place to find not just toys, clothing and furniture, but also stationary, cakes, and everything else you need for showers and parties.
Washington, DC - November 14-17, 2018
The National Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high standards of education for childrens up through age 8. Their annual conference brings together the latest in research, policy, and practical application. While geared toward education professionals, NAEYC also welcomes family members and students.
Now you know where to go. You may not always feel like an all-star parent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do all-star things for your kids. If you’re in a rut or at your wit’s end, we’ll see you at the expos for a fresh infusion of parenting can-do!
Originally published on blog.capsureit.com on July 26, 2018.
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