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“I liked Rene's classes so much, I brought her into my child’s daycare to teach other parents. The daycare center director liked her so much, she continues to bring her back to teach both parents and daycare center teachers. Now that's a 5-star rating!”
  - lilaguide.com  “5-star Rating”

At Parenting Playgroups, we are proud to have helped so many families, parents and children in the Northern Virginia area.

Here are some “raves” about Parenting Playgroups Workshops and Programs.

Parenting Workshops
 
I enjoy learning, especially about parenting topics.  Dr. Rene's Workshops are great because they are thorough and well-researched.  She'll tell you what she thinks, based on her education and experience, but she also presents many viewpoints so you can choose what works for you.   I feel good about myself as a parent because I am actively thinking and learning about my child's development and my family. 
 - Jennifer McDannell
 
 
As a parent who has completed one of Rene's classes, I can tell you that Rene is amazing.  Her teaching style is 'interactive' and she welcomes and encourages the parents to share, and ask questions.  The program offers solutions that not only address the behavior of the moment; but also lays the foundation to teach your child 'right' from 'wrong'. 
 - Georgia T Herron
Dr. Rene has given me new set of language and tools to use in encouraging my children to shine in their own way and grow up to be empowered, thoughtful and compassionate people.
 - Lisa Guernsey Krupicka, mother of 2 and author of Into the Minds of Babes:
   How Screen Time Affects Children From Birth to Age 5
Not only was the material in the class useful, but I especially liked the way Rene presented it.  Although I do read self-help books, those alone do not seem to be enough.  Rene's method of presenting material helped me to connect with her, which in turn helped me to apply the techniques to my own situation.
 - Elizabeth Sweetland
The Parent Workshop information is easy to understand.  You walk away feeling like you have some new techniques to try as well as new ways of thinking.  I learned much more than I thought I would!
 - Mom and Parenting Workshop attendee

I attended Dr. Rene’s Parent Workshop about separation anxiety.  I was astonished by how much I learned; I left a much more confident and empowered parent.  This was an *incredible* gift, for both me and my child - I am profoundly grateful.

 

You can't afford *not* to take a class.  Parenting is HARD WORK!  Even the very best parents among us have questions, get tired or lose patience sometimes.  We all deserve the gentle guidance and sound support that Parenting Playgroups so skillfully delivers.

 - Kara
What I like most about Rene is she is not at all judgmental.  She will talk about all forms of positive discipline, she tells you about it, tells you how to use it correctly, and let's you decide if that particular method will be helpful to you and your family.
 –  Denise
I wanted to thank you for your fabulous presentation at our membership meeting.  I can honestly say that we’ve never received more positive feedback on a speaker as we’ve had with you!  People seemed to especially like the number of concrete examples you gave – we’re all finding ourselves practicing!  Thank you Dr. Rene!
 - Chrissy Boylan, Parent Education Chair
Thank you so much for the fantastic presentation on Sibling Rivalry last week.  It was very informative and all of the attendees had positive things to say.  When you speak to our group, we get record turn-outs!  Thank you.
 - Jessica Deering

   

Play & Workshop
 

A few weeks after starting the Play & Workshop Series classes, I felt more empowered as a parent.  I had a vision of the parent I wanted to become and Dr. Hackney helped me find the tools to start becoming that parent.  She helped me realize parenting is a continual process, changing as my children change. 

 
After only a few months in the Play & Workshop Series I feel more equipped as a parent.  I have a better understanding of my parenting style and my daughter’s needs as well as more confidence in my abilities.  Dr. Hackney helped me find my voice as a parent.

 - Mom and Play & Workshop attendee
 
I truly believe that attending Dr. Rene's Parenting Playgroups courses has made me a better parent.  Most importantly, I am better able to focus on the fun, rewarding aspects of mothering and teaching my child.  This has been a great opportunity to meet other parents and swap stories and ideas. The kids have a lot of fun in the class too, and it has been a fantastic opportunity for my daughter to socialize with other kids her age.  I can't recommend this class enough - it is the highlight of our week!
 - Sharilyn M. Green
 
My daughter and I have attended the Play &Workshop Series classes for the last year.  These classes have provided me with a framework from which to work with while dealing with everything from mealtimes to tantrums.  I have also learned about how to vary my approach according to my daughter's changing needs throughout her early childhood development.  The focus is not on parenting for the moment, which does little to quell repetitive behaviors, but to parent for the future, which teaches children the skills they need to navigate through life...all in a POSITIVE way.
 -Amy Young

 

Children's Programs
 
“Great play programs, messy art and a comprehensive parenting course”
 - lilaguide.com  “5-star Rating”
 
 
I enrolled my twin daughters in the Preschool Play program at Parenting Playgroups after participating in the Play & Workshop Series for several months.  The benefits are too numerous to list so I will highlight a few: well trained, educated and dedicated staff, familiar environment, age appropriate toys/activities, clean and well maintained environment, and most importantly – the staff shares my vision of how to speak and interact with my children.

My daughter always had a smile on her face when she knew it was a "school" day. From the time we were driving in the car to get there, to on the way home from picking her up, she was so happy. The teachers were very nurturing; they knew exactly what she liked and needed.  It was a perfect fit for my daughter's first school experience, thank you!

 - Patty Lynne
 
 
The Preschool Play class has been a godsend for both me and my little one.  I'd like him to attend preschool in the fall, but he's always had separation anxiety and I wasn't sure how he'd do alone.  Preschool Play is the perfect opportunity to ease him into it.  A few hours, once a week, and we can slowly build more time apart as needed.  The teachers at Preschool Play have been *wonderful*.    Preschool Play has given both my son and me the confidence that he can handle himself.

The icing on the cake with Preschool Play is the help it gave my son with potty training.  Seeing other children use the potty in a calm environment definitely gave him extra motivation.  He's potty trained now, and I have no doubt that this is due to their pro-potty no-pressure atmosphere.

 - Erin Mather
 
Social Skills Groups
 
The social skills groups have been a godsend.  Eli has learned a lot about playing with others.  It has been well worth the drive.
 – Patricia Rink
 
 
My daughter is particularly shy.  These groups have helped her to introduce herself to others and to speak up in a group.  The small group sizes during class made her feel more at ease.
 - Karen Fields 
 
 
I was worried my son wouldn't enjoy these groups.  Every week he was excited to come and participate.  He talked a lot about what he learned and was happy to practice the homework between weeks.  The teachers really knew how to make the groups fun!
 - Laura Timbrell

 

 

   

 
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