Programs for Parents
As a parent, you have infinite love and wisdom to give. At the same time, there can be the added pressure and uncertainty of not knowing if you are making the best choices for your family and child. We want to bring joy (and confidence!) into parenting by sharing knowledge, expertise and experiences so you can enjoy, understand and appreciate all your child’s milestones. Parent with clarity and assurance, knowing you have the best parenting techniques behind your decisions! And to reward yourself for all your patience and hard work, check out our “Me Moment” body treatment options!
KinderGARDEN
gardening with your kids
Whether it’s wiggling their toes in the dirt, looking under leaves, or digging up worms, the garden cultivates a sense of wonder in children! As they plant seeds, protect their plants from weeds, and provide water for their growing flowers, fruits, and veggies, they develop nurturing skills and grow to have a sense of respect and care for all living creatures, even the ones that live under rocks! Pizza gardens, sunflower houses, butterfly gardens – join us for fun and functional ideas about creating garden spaces with your child and just watch your child’s love for nature blossom!
- Saturday, Feb. 25th @ 11:15
- a $3 donation is kindly requested to thank our facilitator
If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.
ZuluRobics
African dance classes!
This joyful fitness alternative is designed to exercise your body & mind, and open your spirit to the healthful benefits of traditional West African music and dance. The live drum beats are so contagious you’ll feel exhilarated and free! Express yourself through foot pounding, torso pumping, gyrating fun! You’ll burn more than 400 calories per hour and leave flushed with endorphins! Now that’s a fun exercise class!
- classes forming now!
- e-mail us of your interest
Working Without Weaning
With the inclusion of the “workplace breastfeeding support provision”, Break Time For Nursing Mothers, the U.S. finally joins the rest of the industrialized world in providing breastfeeding mothers with break time and a private non-bathroom location to express breast milk during the workday. Join us to hear one breastfeeding mom’s tips and advice for making the transition back to work as stress-free as possible. Discussion time will include advice on pumping and storing breastmilk, how to talk to your employer about pumping along with this new legal information about pumping at work, and to prepare your child’s care provider for using and storing your milk.
- Saturday, March 24th @ 11:15
- Free!
If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.
Mom-to-Mom
a weekly encouragement gathering for moms
You made it through the birth – now what?! Being a new mom is like riding a roller coaster. One day you’re on the top of the hill feeling confident and happy, the next day you’re flying down the hill feeling out of control and at a loss of how to cope! You may even secretly be thinking, “Let me off this ride!”. Where can you turn to for support, encouragement, and understanding? The CFEC! We’re here for you. Join us weekly for as long as you need the companionship of other new parents struggling with the same issues as you. We understand; we’ve been there.
- every Thursday @ 10:30am
- Your children are welcomed.
Cost: Complimentary
RSVP to Iona @ iona.muir@gmail.com
Mad about Multiples!
a play gathering for parents of twins or more
Everyone needs a friend who’s been there before, or one that just understands where you’re coming from. Whether you’re currently pregnant with multiples, or experiencing the day-to-day challenges, frustrations, and yes, joys!, we hope you can join us for adult conversation, commiserating, and encouragement. Pack snacks or a lunch so you can tire your little ones out and put them straight down for a nap when you get home! It takes a long time actually getting out the door so you might as well make your outing worth it!
- 2nd & 4th Fridays of each month; 10:30 – 1:00
- Older or younger siblings welcomed.
Cost: Complimentary
RSVP to Heather @ heathergerker@gmail.com
Lactivists!
a bi-monthly breastfeeding Q & A support gathering
If a company developed a product that was a nutritionally balanced and delicious food, a wonder drug that both prevented and treated disease, and cost almost nothing to produce, the announcement of their find would send their shares rocketing to the top of the stock market! Women have been producing such a miraculous substance, since the beginning of human existence – breastmilk! To promote your breastfeeding success one of Cincinnati’s premier breastfeeding experts will facilitate a bi-monthly question/answer session. Nursing “newbie”? You may have concerns about latching, positioning, frequency, co-sleeping, pumping or just need assurance that what you’re going through is normal. If you’re an established breastfeeder your questions may range from pumping at work, dealing with biting, continuing night feedings, keeping your milk supply established, nursing a toddler, and even tandem nursing. Knowledge and support are keys to your success. Join us for both!
- Saturday, Feb. 4th; 1:00-2:15
- Please bring $5 to help our facilitator cover her expenses.
BellyRobics!
belly dancing – from pregnancy through life!
Belly dancing has a long history of exercising the muscles that are used during childbirth and to strengthen and maintain muscle tone as we mature. Taking cues from Tribal Fusion Belly Dance, a combination of Middle Eastern Belly Dance, Flamenco, Classical Indian dances, North African and Salsa dances, this fun alternative exercise option teaches how to connect to the feminine aspects of strength, power and confidence. Join us as we prepare our bodies for the journey of childbirth or revel in whatever stage of motherhood you’re currently experiencing! Women at all stages of life welcomed.
- Saturdays; 9:30-10:15
- 6-week Winter series, Feb. 18 - March 24
- Sling-worn babies welcomed.
- No special clothing is necessary.
*It is advised that mothers not return to class before 6 weeks postpartum. Please consult caregiver before attending.
Register for BellyRobics! ($40.00, One person, Non-Members)
Register for BellyRobics! ($36, One person, Members)
Tummy 2 Tummy
choosing & using a baby sling or carrier
Social conditioning has led parents to believe that if a baby is held or carried too frequently they’ll be spoiled, clingy, or demanding. Modern research reveals quite the opposite! Babies worn in slings are less clingy and tend to initiate separation much earlier than babies less frequently held. The close proximity of the baby enables parents to respond to ‘non-crying’ signals, which results in less frustration and stress, and most of all… less crying – 40 to 50 less compared to unworn babies! BabyWearing calms the fussiest of babies whether due to a higher-needs personality, aiding good digestion by easing the symptoms of colic and reflux, and promoting better sleep patterns. BabyWearing not only promotes an intimate connection between parent and baby, it is one of the most important factors in the healthy social, motor, and intellectual development of infants. BabyWearing allows parents the freedom to go about their normal daily routine while allowing their child to be at the center of activity not the center of attention, providing the physical and psychological benefits of a sense of security, emotional contentment, and the building of a solid sense of self-esteem. But how do you choose the right sling, wrap, or carrier for you? Our baby-wearing moms and experts will share their favorites with you and assist you in trying out a variety of choices at our next demo!
- Saturday, February 4th @ 11:15
- Babies encouraged!
- Free!
- You may contact Jamee if you have additional questions after attending.
If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.
These aren’t Your Momma’s Cloth Diapers!
Did you know there are almost 60 different chemicals in a disposable diaper? The average child uses 10,000 diapers before learning to use the toilet. If your baby is in disposable diapers for 2 1/2 years, you’ll use 20 trees and 420 gallons of petroleum. We throw away 18 billion disposable diapers a year, and it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose, meaning every disposable diaper ever used is still out there! Keep chemicals off your baby, save money, and help the environment – consider cloth diapers! Worried it will be too hard, too inconvenient, too messy? Today’s cloth diapers use no pins, no rubber pants and need no rinsing, and if you use a diaper service it’s as simple as taking out the trash. Best news of all - babies diapered in cloth learn to use the toilet about a year earlier than kids who wear disposables! Want to know more? Cloth diapering mom/expert and owner of our city’s only diaper service, Good Natured Baby, will be on hand to answer all your questions.
- Saturday, March 17 @ 11:15
- Free!
If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior,
please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.
Calling all Tooth Fairies!
children’s dental health discussion
A local pediatric team will be covering a variety of topics concerning children’s teeth and dental health during this fun workshop. Topics will include teething and suggested comfort remedies, the eruption of baby and permanent teeth, keeping gums and teeth healthy and clean, the diet’s impact, the fluoride controversy, benefits of sealants, and dental emergencies. Sponsored by Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
- Saturday, March 31st @ 11:15
- Free!
*If you didn’t learn of this event until less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it is still being held.
SOLO
Support for People Parenting Alone
Whether single by choice or single by circumstance, parenting alone creates unique challenges and extra demands. Join us for encouragement, support, and a listening ear from peers who really understand what parenting alone is like. We’re growing a parenting community network where the focus is on building friendships with others who are also “flying solo” on their parenting adventure.
- meets the 1st Tuesday & 3rd Thursday of each month
- Children are welcomed, of course!
RSVP to Keena @ keena_marie@yahoo.com
Toilet Training without Tears!
There are three things you cannot make a child do: eat, sleep or poop! Tired of negative comments from family members about your child still being in diapers? Frustrated by your child’s resistance to use the potty? Don’t even know where to begin? With toilet teaching “programs” claiming your child can be trained in as quickly as a day, how do you know what the right “toilet teaching” philosophy is for you? During this one-hour workshop we’ll discuss physical, intellectual and psychological readiness signs, strategies to prevent resistance and reduce fears, dealing with accidents, regression, and relapses, common mistakes, and whether establishing a reward system is right for your family.
- Saturday, Feb. 11th @ 11:15
- a $4 donation is kindly requested to thank our facilitator
If you don’t learn of this event until less than 48 hours prior, please call us to confirm it is still being held.
Parenting the Montessori Way
What makes a home Montessori? Together we will discuss ways to create a home environment that will help your child develop independence and a strong sense of self. An overview of the Montessori Philosophy will also be discussed in this workshop offered by Heather Gerker, whose credential include a Masters in Montessori and Early Childhood Education, montessori teacher trainer, and most importantly, mother of twins!
- Saturday, March 3rd @ 11:15
- Free!
If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.
Chiropractic for Kids
care from birth? yes!
Have a toddler or young child? Ask yourself how many times they’ve fallen down today. Often, it’s at least 5 to 10! How many times in a week, in a month, in a year? Our children’s bodies take a beating at this age!. Parents report three unexpected benefits when their child receives regular chiropractic care: improved sleeping, improved behavior and attitude, and improved immune system function! And studies suggest our babies experience from 30-90 pounds of pressure during a normal birth, with vacuums, forceps, and cesareans adding additional stress, resulting in at least one or a combination of symptoms, – these include colic, breastfeeding problems, poor sleep, reflux, unexplained crying, and aversion to tummy time. Chiropractors, all who are trained in maternity and pediatric care, can treat your newborn, using the amount of pressure you could press on your closed eyelid with without any discomfort. Join Dr. Heather Iannelli to learn more!
- Saturday, February 18th @ 11:15
- Free!
Please RSVP to cfec@fuse.net . If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.
Gift Certificates
Experiences are such amazing gifts! Think of all the ways a CFEC gift certificate could be used: a Tummy Time class for a shower gift, a children's series as a birthday present, a parent workshop for a spouse, a membership for a friend. And as a thank you to the purchaser, you'll receive one free class of your choice! Stop by the center today to pick one up for your next special event.
"Our children do not follow our words, but our actions. "
— James Baldwin
Parent Testimonials
You are incredible - there is no place in the world like the Center! I really just don't know what we did to deserve you in our lives and in our children's lives. God is good. I just want to let you know that you are so valued, appreciated, and treasured by my family and by us all. Thanks for every thing you do for all of us.
— Bridget
I LOVE the CFEC! Saturday mornings are such a treat for me and Piper! You should be so so so proud of the Center and the people who work there. They are all so nice and I truly feel like I’m visiting my friend’s house every time I go. It’s so cozy and inviting!
— Amanda
I would like to have my son's first birthday party at the CFEC since he has spent most of his life up to this point at the center taking classes. You all have done such a wonderful job with him, this is a great way for me to continue to support the center!
— Taisha
I brought my daughter for story time on Saturday and was blown away – not sure what I had pictured but this exceeded my expectations! She loved it and I Ioved it! I had no idea what all was there – your boutique is amazing and so helpful.
— Jana
You have created such a warm, welcoming, & supportive space, and it has been such a blessing for us. You are such a wonderful gift to the families of Cincy! We're moving away next week and the CFEC is one of the things we'll miss most of all.
— Silke