Workshops

Please register early. Registration closes 1 week prior to each workshop.

Becoming a parent is one of the most monumental experiences in a person’s life. Unfortunately, children do not come with foolproof instructions!

Combining a career and family life presents special challenges. This workshop adopts a highly practical approach to preparing faculty, staff and librarians for pregnancy / parental / primary caregiver and adoption leave, and for a successful return to work. While you may attend the seminar at any point during your pregnancy or adoption process, the ideal time is about three months prior to the arrival of your child. Topics will include:

• Forms and more forms – a guide to government pregnancy/parental policies and benefits & U of T policies
• Planning your return to work
• Resources on campus and in the community that will make your life easier
• Do we really need all that equipment? – a guide to baby paraphernalia
• Helping older children and pets to adjust
• Enjoying it all!

Please register early, space is limited! All University of Toronto staff and faculty are welcome.

If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm– 1:30 pm
Location: The Zoom link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

This virtual workshop is led by Lorrie Gallant, who provides parents and caregivers with background information about the history of colonization and its impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in Canada. The workshop focuses on the history of residential schools in Canada. The workshop also discusses current forms of colonization, and colonization’s continuing impact. The workshop explores ways we, as parents and caregivers, can begin to share these injustices with our young community.

Indigenous U of T community members as well as non-indigenous U of T community members are welcome.

Facilitator: Lorrie Gallant is an award-nominated novelist, artist, storyteller, educator and an Expressive Arts Practitioner who specializes in Indigenous cultural awareness and trauma from colonization. Born and raised on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Ontario, Gallant’s methodology comes from her Haudenosaunee cultural heritage. Gallant worked 11 years at Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford Ontario (formerly the Mohawk Institute, the first residential school in Canada) as the Museum Education Coordinator where she developed art-based teachings and workshops to reveal the rich culture of the Haudenosaunee and the history and trauma of colonization and the residential school. Gallant presents workshops, and consults with school boards, museums, educators and organizations who want to understand more and find ways to participate in the 94 calls to actions of Truth and Reconciliation

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: Zoom

Join the Family Care Office and Sherbourne Health on Zoom over the lunch hour to meet and connect with others and to learn about U of T and community resources and supports for 2SLGBTQ+ families. 2SLGBTQ+ people who are planning or raising families and parents and caregivers who are raising 2SLGBTQ+ children are welcome to attend. We will be joined by a Family Resource Worker from Sherbourne Health, which delivers 2SLGBTQ Family Planning and Supporting our Youth programs. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome along with partners and/or family members, biological and chosen, with whom they are – or plan to be – co-caregivers.

Facilitators:
Matthew Banford (he/him), Sherbourne Health Family Resource Worker
Natasja VanderBerg (she/they), U of T’s Family Care Office

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Time: 10:00 am– 12:00 pm
Location: The Zoom link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

The Family Care Office invites incoming and current students with family responsibilities to Orientation 2023!

Being a student while caring for family members can be a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. Whether you are juggling being a student while also being a parent and/or caring for parents, siblings, or other loved ones, the Family Care Office (FCO) is here to support you. The Family Care Office Orientation for Students with Family Responsibilities offers helpful suggestions for navigating academic studies while also balancing family life and connects you to university supports and resources.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:15 Opening Remarks & FCO Overview

10:15 – 10:40 Peer Mentor Program & Supports for Students

10:40 – 11:10 Students with Family Responsibilities Panel

11:10 – 11:15 Break 

11:15 – 11:45 Breakout Rooms 

11:45 – 11:55 Academic Success Centre

11:55 – 12:00 Closing Remarks

Also, the Family Care Office is hosting Student Family Socials on each of the three campuses in September.  Check out our event listing for additional details.

Registration required. Both incoming and returning students are encouraged to attend the FCO Orientation.

If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office by Thursday, September 14.

Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Location: The Zoom link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

During the pandemic, we had a break. A break from the get togethers. The birthday parties. The coffee dates. For a moment, our time was our own.

And it was nice.

Then, we slowly opened up again, and the feeling of obligation slowly creeped up. The overwhelming feeling of having too much to do in too little time. And that our time wasn’t our own – children’s activities, parental obligations, and even work commitments – everyone else was suddenly more important again.

Fear not! Balance is possible. During this workshop, we will explore how to determine what matters, how to prioritize well, and how to make decisions with confidence (and without guilt). You will walk away with a renewed sense of what matters and tools you can implement right away.

Facilitator: Tara Rhodes is a certified life and leadership coach, a speaker and an award-winning facilitator and trainer. She is dedicated to helping people gain the clarity and confidence to advocate for the life they want to live, and subsequently supporting the development of healthy habits to make that a reality. She firmly believes that life is too short to live a life that makes you unhappy, and is on a mission to help her clients take control of their lives so they can share their unique gifts with the world. A wife and mom to two lively boys, she actively practices what she preaches to maintain a healthy balance and presence in her every day.

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Location: In person – location will be emailed to registrants

If you are thinking about single parenthood, have already decided to become a single parent by choice, or are already a single parent by choice, this session is for you! This facilitated session is an opportunity to create connections with others. Come to share and hear others’ stories. Discuss and explore feelings, information, and considerations related to single parenthood by choice. This is the second session and will focus on important themes that were not covered in the first session due to lack of time. Even if you missed the first session, you are welcome to come to Part II.

Facilitator:
Jan Silverman is a health educator, fertility counsellor and group therapist. Jan has worked in the area for 30 years, including work with CReATe Fertility Clinic and Women’s College Hospital. Jan facilitates a monthly, in-person gathering for singles who are exploring single parenthood at Create Fertility Clinic – everyone is welcome to attend this group, even if you are not a CReATe patient.

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Location: The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

Join us for this webinar to find out how to make healthy choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle and promote wellness during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum. The session, created by Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, will address participants’ specific concerns on a range of topics including: questions around conceiving, health concerns and risks during pregnancy, health care provider options, antenatal care and screening tests, and post-partum issues.

Facilitators: Dr. Meghan McGrattan, resident, U of T Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Dr. Shannon Brent, senior Obstetrics & Gynaecology resident at the University of Toronto

Registration required. Current University of Toronto students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and their partners are welcome. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Location: The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

Every day 1000 Canadians turn 65. More and more people are living into their 80s, 90s and 100s than were ever expected to, but every generation is having fewer children than the one before it, leaving fewer and fewer people to care for us in our increasingly long lives. 

Even though Canada is a wonderful country in which to live, our health care system presents its own set of ever changing problems and barriers, particularly to aging Canadians. 

In this session we will examine what its really like to age in Canada, and how Canadians can better prepare and plan ahead so we can age with independence, dignity and control. A range of solutions and resources are included for ongoing reference and learning. This session will benefit your clients, your family and you.

Facilitator: Karen Henderson, Independent Planning Specialist
Ageing / Long Term Care
Founder/CEO of Long Term Care Planning Network
Speaker, Educator, Writer, Consultant

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements

Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: The Zoom link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

In this workshop, we will focus on children’s language and reading development as multilingual learners. We will discuss how children may be supported in their language development both at home and in school. Evidence based language learning resources for parents/caregivers to support their decisions around French immersion and other language-learning opportunities will be featured. Participants will come away with a better understanding of the language learning environment, educational opportunities and supports for multilingual learners.

Facilitators:
Krystina Raymond, Zein Abuosbeh & Shelley Rafailov
Multilingualism and Literacy Lab
OISE, U of T

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: The Zoom link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

Toilet Learning – Time to Potty!

Transitioning from diapers to underwear can be overwhelming and a big step for both parents and children. This workshop discusses strategies to set your children up for success on this new endeavour in life. The course focuses on signs of cognitive and behavioural readiness, and when and how to start.

With potty training, there is no one size fits all approach. This workshop unpacks the various methods, and how to choose the best one for your family.

Facilitator: Nadine is a behavioural therapist who has over 10 years of experience working with children ranging in all types of abilities. Her experience includes performing ongoing assessments, identifying target behaviours, developing and implementing treatment plans, conducting parent workshops, and extensive documentation of clients’ progress. She not only works one-on-one with children but closely with parents to aid in reaching their children’s goals as well.

Nadine works with parents on providing them support, guidance, and customized solutions to empower and foster independence in children to reach their goals when learning to use the potty.

Nadine is personable, hard-working, passionate about her clients and their families and is committed to providing them quality service that satisfies their expectations and enhances their experience.

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Monday, November 13^th, 2023

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Location: The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

A practical session to help you choose the child care option that will best meet the needs of your family. At this session you will:

•            Find out what are the childcare options available

•            Learn what factors to consider when looking at options, choices, and caregivers

•            Learn how to find a childcare centre and individual caregivers

•            Learn about the latest changes in the system

•            Find out about the financial assistance available and waiting lists

Registration required. Current University of Toronto students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and their partners are welcome. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Location:  Zoom – access instructions will be emailed to you prior to the session

Becoming a parent is one of the most monumental experiences in a person’s life. Unfortunately, children do not come with foolproof instructions!

This workshop adopts a highly practical approach to preparing Postdoctoral Fellows represented by CUPE Local 3902, Unit 5, for pregnancy and parental leaves. Topics will include:

• Forms and more forms – a guide to government pregnancy / parental benefits & U of T policies
• Resources on campus and in the community that will make your life easier
• Do we really need all that equipment? – a guide to baby paraphernalia
• Helping older children and pets to adjust
• Enjoying it all!

Facilitator: Natasja VanderBerg, Faculty Relocation and Family Caregiver Leave Specialist, Family Care Office

Registration required. University of Toronto Postdoctoral Fellows represented by CUPE Local 3902, Unit 5 are welcome.

If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Date: Monday, November 20, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm– 1:00 pm
Location: The Zoom link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

This workshop will explore issues that new parents face and how they can find resources and support during pre and post-pregnancy. Most new parents struggle with a lack of sleep, needing support, mental health, infant care, and more. Learn strategies to care for your baby’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs while taking care of your self too. Discover strategies, tools, and resources to help.

Facilitator: Bronwyn Addico (she/her) is the owner of Balancing Birth to Baby, a support company for expecting and new parents that offers prenatal education and Doula support in Southern Ontario, Canada. She has been a Childbirth & Early Parenting Educator since 2015 and a Birth & Postpartum Doula since 2016.

After a difficult birth experience in 2013, she embarked on a journey to become a Birthing From Within childbirth educator and doula. Bronwyn has been deeply influenced by this program’s view of birth as an initiation into parenting and how to examine your fears of birth and parenting. She uses the tools that she learned in this program within all aspects of her professional career and has developed them into a coaching program to help birthing people prepare for birth and work through a difficult or traumatic birth experience. She has supported more than 500 families during their births and early parenting journey and has attended over 100 births.

Bronwyn is a single mother to two wonderful kids.

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Time:  12:00 – 1:30 pm
Location:  The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

Reduce your caregiver stress by exploring the different types of caregiver stress and coping strategies, increasing awareness of the importance of self care and learning about supportive services.

Facilitator:  Zahra Amarshi, Caregiver Education Coordinator with the Alzheimer Society Toronto

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

Parents and caregivers want to do the best they can to ensure that the children and youth in their care are happy and safe. This workshop is for everyone who is interested in learning the concepts of helping to keep children and youth safe from harm (including physical, sexual, emotional harm, community violence, bullying, and technology assisted abuse and violence).

Participants will be updated on:

• the current trends in violence and abuse prevention (learning about offender grooming tactics, secrecy, what to say to kids, and how to get help);
• the assumptions that have been made about children/youth and safety;
• the mixed messages children/youth have received in the past (stranger danger, street proofing);
• appropriate messages for staff, parents and caregivers to give to children and youth;
• practical safety tips; and
• how to talk to children and youth about personal safety,
• how to build a positive healthy relationship with kids.

Facilitator: Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.

Date:  Thursday, January 25, 2024
Time:   12:00 – 1:30pm
Location:  The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

This webinar will focus on providing participants with the knowledge of how communication can change over the course of the disease and ways to supportively communicate with a person living with dementia.

Learning Objectives: Understand communication basics, recognize the impact dementia has on communication, and develop strategies to improve communication.

Facilitator:  Laura Smith-Baldi, Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society Toronto

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.