Recently Don Rossmoore sat down with Lisa Lainer, to talk about her experience as an
ECPC parent.
Don: Why were you looking for a parenting program? I mean here you are a PhD
in psychology. Why did you want this?
Lisa: What I realized is that while I felt pretty confident in myself and my skills out
in the real world, after having a child none of those things would help me. It was
like "now what do I do?" I had a colicky infant and I didn't feel very confident. I
didn't know if the things that I were doing were helpful or if there were other things
that I could be doing that would be more helpful. And all the child development
research that I had done as part of my schooling wasn't particularly helpful. So I
needed a place that would give me tools and structure and some advice. And really
that's what I found at ECPC .
read rest of interview here >>
Dear ECPC,
After a 6 year run, I am a little sad to realize I have come to the end of a
week to week encounter that I value and greatly appreciate as being my
core learning experience in motherhood. I would like to thank you for the
gift you have given me as a mother. I knew in my first baby group with my
now 6 year old son that I had found a place of support, warmth and
knowledge.
Beyond what you have given me, you have given my two children an
experience of love and understanding in an atmosphere that promotes
cooperation, listening and independence that I know will serve them a
lifetime.
Your commitment to creating a world of respect and caring through
understanding child development is boundless and it inspires me
everyday.
With warmest regards and a world of thanks,
J.S.
Testimonial by a Peachhead Mom
I just wanted to give a shout out to the Early Childhood Parenting Center in
Santa Monica for the amazing experience I had this past year. Last
summer, I was looking for a Mommy and Me in West LA for my toddler and
I, and a fellow Peach Header recommended ECPC. I went to the open
house and signed up for a Toddler Group. I n ever expected to have such
an amazing experience. My son and I loved every minute.
While he was gaining independence, self-esteem and social skills playing
with other children, I was able to discuss parenting issues with other moms
and developmental specialists. It truly was an invaluable experience, and I
highly recommend everyone check it out. I was sad when my group ended
last week, but I am determined to let others know about this fantastic
resource. (They don't do a lot of advertising, so very few people even know
they exist.) It's a non-profit organization—and the staff is an amazingly
dedicated (and highly educated) group. They also provide a FREE warm
line to ANYONE that has parenting questions.
Definitely check it out.
Melanie G.
ECPC rocks. We have participated in ECPC every week for the past two
years, and not only have I honed my parenting skills, but my daughter has
thoroughly enjoyed herself.
The class was invaluable on two levels: first, the mommy level. It was so
helpful to be in a setting that allowed us all to share our experiences, good
and bad, with each other every week. Not only would we discuss issues
among ourselves, but our group leader would always have a specific
approach for us to think about.
Second, my daughter's development, that is where she has come into her
own, learned separation, practiced her social skills and thoroughly enjoyed
playing, all under the watchful, very knowledgeable, caring eyes of our
intern friends.
Every week, I'd save up all my questions for class, and in return received a
new perspective, some practical advice and a better under standing of my
child's behavior. ECPC became our little home away from home!
Linda L.
The Early Childhood Parenting Center has been one of the most fulfilling
and guiding experiences I have had since the birth of my daughter. Every
new mom has questions, concerns, fears and joys and ECPC was there to
witness them all. My daughter, Lilly, and I began the toddler group right
after she turned one. Lily is now 2 years, 10 months and I have the group
leaders and interns to thank for helping me every step of the way. From
sleep issues to behavioral issues, the women of ECPC really know heir
stuff! It has been a comfortable and supportive environment for me to
discuss any concerns I may have been having, not to mention the fabulous
play Lily experienced while in the program. I thank ECPC for allowing me
the opportunity to be a part of their program and the friendships I have
made will last a lifetime.
Melanie N.
Fellow Parent,
Where do I begin? I came to ECPC in need of help with my daughter,
Lilah, who was acting out in response to us having just had another baby.
Lilah got the guidance and support that she needed and the problem
resolved itself.
What I hadn't anticipated was how beneficial the group would be for me.
Being a mom is tough sometimes. Well intended in-laws, neighbors and
even pediatricians can give conflicting advice, paralyzing you with fear of
"doing the wrong things." ECPC is a non-judgmental, supportive
environment that also happens to be filled with experts in their field. It's a
remarkable combination. I've been to several Mommy and Me groups and
parenting classes and they don't compare to ECPC. There's nothing finer.
I can't imagine this past year without ECPC. I am a getter mom because of
the information and kindness that they have shared with me. My heart is
full as I write this. I am so grateful to Barbara and Allison for walking me
through a tough time. I'm equally thankful to Shelly and all the other
talented women who watch over and guide the little ones.
My very best to you and yours,
Lou
You always hear the phrase, "Children do not come with instructions."
However, I never understood the power of this statement until I became a
parent. Within a few months of my first son's birth, I had 2 realizations.
First, my love for him was deeper than I ever could've imagined. Second, I
was overwhelmed with what "I don't know" as a parent. My questions were
never ending. When is it time to start setting limits? Is there something
wrong if my son doesn't have 10 words by the time he's 1? He seems to
frustrate easily, how can I help him deal with that feeling? Am I alone? Do
other moms have the same question? I quickly realized that my skills were
lacking and that I needed some tools for my toolbox.
With all of the parenting books and various philosophies out there, I felt
confused and overwhelmed. I knew that turning to Chapter 17 "Temper
Tantrums" wasn't going to be enough for me. I wanted a support group,
one that was informative, practical and useful. At the same time, I wanted
a nurturing environment for my son. I needed a place where we could learn
and grow together.
Thankfully I found ECPC.
At ECPC, on a weekly basis, your child interacts (in a play setting) with a
team of highly educated specialists. Therefore, when you have questions
or concerns about your child, or your parenting tactics/strategy, your ECPC
group leader can provide you targeted, practical, and specific feedback.
Because the team knows you (and your child) the feedback is incredibly
useful and appropriate. The team is warm and open-minded, making the
feedback a 2-way conversation where ideas and thoughts are openly
exchanged.
The specialists at ECPC work with both you and your little one. The
toddlers play in a supervised setting while the moms meet in the "mommy
circle" (with another group of specialists). In the mommy circle, you can
ask questions, voice concerns or get advice from other moms. The
information and ideas exchanged in the mommy circle is invaluable. There
are times I would share and as I looked around I'd see others tearing up as
I shared. The empathy from the group made me feel like I wasn't alone…
and the leaders' knowledge helped me discover my own good solutions. In
that circle, I have laughed, cried, worried—but most of all—I have grown
as a parent. Isn't it magical what happens when strong, capable women
get together to share ideas and support each other?
The past 6 months have been really up and down with my son's
development. Without this group, and the ECPC team, I know we would
not be where we are now. (He is making dramatic improvements with OT
and school. It's just been amazing to watch.) Barbara and Shelly—you are
both so talented and compassionate. I am forever grateful for your
guidance.
The tools in my ECPC toolbox have enabled me to have more confidence
as a parent. As a result, I am more patient and compassionate with my
son. Because of this, we have formed an incredibly deep and unique bond.
Looking back at my initial goal to find a place where my son and I could
grow together, ECPC is far more than I could've hoped for.
Sheralyn B.
My son Evan and I have attended ECPC every Friday for the past two
years. On many levels, it has been a wonderful experience for us. (Our
time at ECPC is almost done and I am going to dearly miss those weekly
get-togethers.) Not only does my son look forward to going to class every
week, I honestly don't know what I would have done without the support of
Barbara, Nasrin and the ECPC helpers.
As a first time mom, I had a million questions that would come up over the
course of a week, but I always knew that on Friday, I would have a place to
ask questions in a nurturing environment. And, the support didn't stop
when class ended—there were many occasions when Barbara, our group
leader, took time out of her week to check in and see how things were
going with us individually. She was very caring and supportive and took the
"whole person" into consideration as it related to helping us help our
children.
Most importantly, my son loves going to toddler class—he has so much fun
(the toys are age appropriate and change as they grow); and it is a
nurturing environment where he has been able to open up to the world
around him.
When I initially signed up for the program, I thought I was signing up for,
basically, a play group—where my son could play and I could talk things
over with other moms. While this was true, what I didn't realize was that
the ECPC staff are experts in child development—they were keenly aware
of milestones that were important to my child and kept a close eye on that
progress. We had quarterly meetings to talk about our children—for
example, to get feedback on what seemed to be going well and areas
which could be improved upon. It was reassuring to know that someone
else was watching out for my child's best interests. I thought I was pretty
well informed, but I learned so much more than I could have ever
imagined.
Thank you so much!
Jerriann F.
