Home » Workshops
Gracewinds Workshops
College Savings Workshop
In the future, four years at a college could cost more than you paid for your house. Who doesn’t need a college savings plan? College costs are high – and they are rising. So if you’re a parent with young children, when should you start saving? How about today?!
It’s never too soon to start saving for college. Consider the numbers:
For the 2000-2001 school year, the average cost for tuition, fees, room, and board at a four-year private college was $22,541. If college costs rise just 4% a year for the next 18 years, today’s newborns will face a four-year bill of about $194,000 for a private school and $73,000 for an average public school!
Those are big numbers, but you can make them more manageable if you start saving early. One of the better saving vehicles available is a 529 plan. Here are the benefits:
- Earnings are not taxed as they accumulate
- Tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses such as room and board, books, supplies, fees, tuition, etc.
- You maintain the control of the funds
- Contribution options to fit your needs
- Flexibility to change beneficiaries
Registration: Register Online, or print out the Registration Form.
Cost: $10.00 per couple materials fee
For more information: Call (206)781-9871
Adapting Your Dog to a New Baby
A workshop for expectant couples and the dogs who love them. Professional dog trainers and regular parent team Kim and Craig Terrones offer tips for easing your canine into the aspect of life with a baby. Preventative advise and problem solving, as well as lots of time for questions and answers.
Cost: $15 per couple, or $10 for individual.
For more information: Call (206)781-9871
Labor Massage For Couples
Photo © Carole Osborne-Sheets
Learn the invaluable techniques of massage therapy for use during childbirth.
Massage relaxes the laboring mother and distracts from intensity of contractions.
The comforting touch of massage during labor is effective at reducing pain and aids in preventing sore and aching muscles after labor. Class members learn basic massage strokes appropriate for the various stages and situations in labor as well as strokes and pressure points to aleve back labor and other issues. Led by experienced and Licensed Massage Practitioners and Labor Doulas. Class includes massage work-book and one bottle of massage oil. Wear comfortable and loose clothing, bring two pillows to class. Preregistration is required.
Cost: $65 per couple
For more information: Call (206)781-9871 .
Estate Planning
Learn the valuable information about the whats, whys and hows of starting the process of drafting a will. Local attorney, Chris Beer, explains the basics of estate planning in a casual and informative atmosphere. New parents, relatives and trusted family friends find this seminar to be an excellent resource for setting up the infrastructure of an estate plan.
Cost: $15 per couple material fee.
Schedule: Call (206)781-9871 for information or to register.
Dancing Bellies
Belly dancing is a fantastic way for pregnant moms to ready their bodies for the adventure of labor. It helps to strengthen muscles, loosen ligaments and lubricate joints. Dancing has meditative effects on the mind and body, and helps to promote comfort and confidence with the physical changes of pregnancy. And of course, it’s loads of fun. Come join as we explore the basic movements, rhythms and wonders of an ancient art.
Schedule: Call (206)781-9871 for information or to register.
The Happiest Baby On The Block
If you’ve read Dr. Harvey Karp’s book, but just can’t get the hang of those 5 S’s, come to this workshop for hands-on instruction, advice, and encouragement. This 3 hour workshop is taught by one of the first certified Happiest Baby Educators in the northwest. In this workshop you will learn:
- The truth about colic
- Why babies don’t like a quiet house
- Why most babies get upset in the evening
- Why dads are often the best baby calmers
You will also be provided with hands on training for:
- The missing fourth trimester
- The calming reflex
- The 5 S’s
Not only will you come away with renewed confidence in calming your baby, but you will also receive a Parent Kit. This kit includes The Happiest Baby On The Block DVD and the Soothing Sounds CD (a $40 value). Your workshop is taught by Certified Happiest Baby Educator, Kathy Wilson. Kathy is also a postpartum doula, lactation specialist, newborn educator and mother of 3 teenage boys who weren’t always calm.
Registration: Register Online, or print out the Registration Form.
Cost: $50, Private in Home Workshop $75.
For more information: Call (206)781-9871
"Baby?…Maybe."
The decision to have a baby is one of the most important choices a woman and couple can make in their lives because of the far reaching emotional, physical and financial consequences it can have. Start the process of consideration by attending this two and a half hour workshop at Gracewinds. Topics include:
- Fertility
- Nutrition for pre-pregnancy
- Financial planning
- Choosing a caregiver
- Choosing a place of birth
- Community resources
- Being an educated healthcare consumer
Registration: Register Online, or print out the Registration Form.
Cost: $45 per couple
For more information: Call (206)781-9871
Babysitter Bootcamp
Gracewinds Summer Day camp for kids ages 11-14 wishing to learn babysitting skills in a fun and creative atmosphere. Activities include: Infant and Child CPR certification, Self defense, Fun and Nutritious snacks for kids, Role playing scenarios, Arts and crafts for young children… Upon graduation, members receive a diploma and are placed on Gracewinds referral list.
Schedule: Call (206)781-9871 for information or to register.
Signing Skills For Your Baby
Babies as young as seven months have the ability to communicate using sign language. In this class you will learn the basic vocabulary necessary to build communication skills with your infant. Based upon the book, "Signing Skills For Your Baby", Instructor Laura Tiberio leads the course in a fun and informative style - building upon American sign language vocabulary pertinent to a baby's needs and wants. Join us and find out what your baby is trying to tell you!
Please visit our Education page for more details regarding this program.
Doula Information Sessions
Are You Considering a Doula for Your Birth? Learn about Doulas and Doula care during an informal event hosted by Gracewinds Perinatal Services. Meet some local area Doulas and former Doula clients. Bring your questions, bring your friends!
Please see our Doula page for more information, including upcoming dates.
Foundations for Fatherhood
A class for expectant Dads. Taught by an experienced father, this popular course is formatted to address the issues of fathering...providing the information and support to help fathers feel more involved and confident in the arena of birth and child-rearing.
Please visit our Education page for more details regarding this program.
The Art of Baby Wearing
Are you curious about the wide variety of baby wearing options that are available to parents today? The different styles and brands can be intimidating to new parents, not to mention the details on how to use them! Join us as we examine the options and discuss the pros and cons of each type of baby-wearing carrier. All of the models are available at our Peapod Birth & Book Store.
Carriers on Hand: MOBY WRAPS; ELLA- ROO CARRIERS; BABY HAWKS; PEANUT SHELL SLINGS; NEW NATIVE SLINGS; SNUGGLE BEAR SLINGS; BABY BJORN; ERGO CARRIERS; SUTEMI CARRIERS AND REBOZO WRAPS
Cost: $10.00
Schedule: Call (206)781-9871 for information or to register.
