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!

90-Minute Nap Solution

There are many different approaches and beliefs about how to help your baby and toddler sleep better. Hear one parent’s success with the “90 Minute Nap Solution”. She’ll share her own sleeping trials and tribulations, explain how and why the philosophy works, the benefits of napping – a happier, healthier baby with a head start on cognitive development and emotional intelligence, how to implement it at various ages, and how to use it to solve common sleeping challenges and frustrations. Based on the basic human rest and activity cycle (BRAC), which occurs every hour and a half, babies and toddlers should go back down for a nap a mere 90 minutes after waking up—that’s right – 90 minutes! Although it sounds counterintuitive, frequent napping actually helps baby sleep through the night. This Q & A open forum is based on Polly Moore’s book, “The 90-Minute Baby Sleep Program”. Polly is a sleep researcher with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.

  • Saturday, August 7th @ 11:15
  • Cost: Free!

Please RSVP to indicate your interest in attending at cfec@fuse.net . If you didn’t learn of this event until less than 48 hours prior, please call us to confirm that it is still 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 monthly 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
  • 3rd Saturday of every month; 11:30am
  • Your children are welcomed.

Cost: Complimentary

RSVP to Sara @ saraedanks@gmail.com

Hands-On Dads

monthly dad/child activity group

More and more dads are choosing to either work from home to help share the care of their child or leave the work force completely to be a full time stay-at-home dad. Despite the growing numbers in this “hands-on” dad trend, many play groups, story times, and enrichment classes are almost exclusively populated by moms. If you’ve been resisting participating in a dad’s play group because you envision a circle of dads holding hands talking about their feelings, relax it’s just a  great way to spend part of your day hanging out with men in a similar situation as yourself, enjoying playing with your kids! Dads need support and companionship to be good parents, just like moms do. So whether you’re  providing daytime care for your child one day a week or full time, check here frequently for event updates.

  • Friday, August 6th @ 10:00 at Alms Park
  • Bring your child!

Please e-mail us to let us know you’d like to participate so we can add you to our activity notification list.

BellyRobics!

Belly dancing – from pregnancy throughout motherhood

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 @ 11:45
  • 6-week series, beginning August 6th
  • Sling-worn babies welcomed.
  • No special clothing is necessary.

Cost: $60/person

*Just finding about us? Call about jumping in!

*It is advised that mothers not return to class before 6 weeks postpartum. Please consult caregiver before attending.

Register for BellyRobics! ($60.00, Non-Members)

Register for BellyRobics! ($54, Members)

Tummy to 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!

  • A free interactive demonstration is being held August 21 at 11:15
  • Babies encouraged!

Please RSVP to indicate your interest in attending at cfec@fuse.net . If you didn’t learn of this event until less than 48 hours prior, please call us to confirm that it is still 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, September 25th @ 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.

Baby Food: Made At Home, Made Simple

Baby food can be easily prepared at home with a variety of fresh, healthy ingredients for a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives. Making your own baby food gives you the distinct advantage of controlling every ingredient that goes into your baby’s sensitive tummy.  Our two Mommy Chefs will share their personal experiences, helpful suggestion, tips, and resources, as well as tried-and-eaten recipes that you can prepare and package with love for your baby in your own kitchen.

  • Saturday, August 14th @ 11:15
  • Free!

Please send us an e-mail to let us know you’ll be joining us. If you didn’t learn of this event until less than 48 hours prior, please call us to confirm that it is still being held.

The Vaccination Debate

Considering an alternative or delayed vaccination schedule for your child? Considering not vaccinating altogether? Certainly one of the most controversial and agonizing decisions all parents must make is when, how, or not to vaccinate their child. Join Dr. Michael Nichols for this enlightening pro’s and con’s open-floor format discussion.

  • Saturday, July 31st @ 11:30
  • Free!

Please send us an e-mail to let us know you’ll be joining us. If you didn’t learn of this event until less than 48 hours prior, please call us to confirm that it is still being held.

Stroller Club

socialize while you exercise!

Tired of exercising alone? Can’t even get motivated to exercise at all? Join the CFEC Stroller Club! Whether you’re a walker or a runner we’d be excited to have you join us at various parks around the community.

  • Mondays @ 8:30am
  • Contact Christie for more information

We’re currently preparing for the Lady Distance Classic BOB Stroller 5K on August 7 to benefit Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Cervical Cancer Prevention Project. Participation in this event is not necessary to be a part of the Stroller Club.