Parent’s Corner offers parents in the Midland, Michigan area a list of resources and activities

Start the Year Out Mindfully. Stress Less with Mindfulness introduces participants to the experience and practice of mindfulness, with the goal of reducing stress. Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. Research has shown that practicing mindfulness is effective in reducing stress-related symptoms such as worry, depression, and physical tension, and may be helpful in managing chronic conditions. Michigan State University Extension will be hosting a free webinar January 2,3,4, 5 & 6, Noon – 1:00 PM to teach and encourage the use of mindfulness self-care skills to help one feel better and enjoy life more. The program covers mindful breathing, mindful eating, physical processes in the brain and body and mindful laughter. Deadline to register is January 1. Visithttps://events.anr.msu.edu/slmonlinejanll23/ to register for this live webinar.

Every Penny Counts: Savings Strategies. Michigan State University Extension will be offering a free webinar, January 6, Noon – 1:00 PM to discuss tips on saving money. It might seem like an impossible dream, but it can be done with some planning and discipline. This one-hour webinar will discuss where to find the money to save and ten strategies to make savings happen. You will learn ways to track your spending and identify your spending “leaks”. Ten Saving Strategies will be covered for your consideration. Pre-registration is required at https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/ click on the link “online classes” and you will then see this course as well as other options that might be of interest to you. One day prior to the webinar, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Contact information for MSU’s Technical Support will also be provided. Registration for this class closes on January 4 at 11:59 PM.

Full Moon Stroll. Join an Interpretive Naturalist at Chippewa Nature Center for the Full Moon Stroll, January 6, 5 – 6:00 PM. Learn how the tradition of naming moons began and what makes each month special. Be sure to wear dark colors and bring a flashlight. This activity is designed for ages 9+, under 18 w/adult.

Cooking for Crowds. Planning soup suppers, potlucks, or other community meals? Cooking for Crowds is an educational program for nonprofit groups who prepare food for their members or for the general public as fundraisers. The curriculum is designed to show groups the food safety risks that can develop when cooking larger volumes of food and how to reduce those risks. There is a $15 charge for this virtual workshop. Participants receive a manual and a food safety participation certificate of completion. MSU Extension offers this session January 12, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. To learn more or register visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/c4c2023.

History Hike. Join Chippewa Nature Center’s Historical Interpreter, January 14, 1 – 2:30 PM, to hike the trails and explore the natural resources that brought people to the region. Hikers will look for evidence of how nature has influenced our history and guided the settlement of our area. Meet at the Visitor Center. This activity is designed for ages 15+, under 18 w/adult.

Relax: Alternatives to Anger Series. How individuals handle their anger and stress affects the people around them. Michigan State University Extension presents a free webinar, January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM to offer Alternatives to Anger. This four-part educational series is designed to help adults, parents and caregivers increase their knowledge about anger issues and put anger management and healthy relationship skills into practice. Through presentations, group discussion and skill-building activities, participants learn what anger is, what triggers anger, calming down and de-stressing methods, the principles of problem solving, effective communication skills and forgiving and letting go of the past. Deadline to register is January 16. Visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/relaxonlinejan2023/to register for this live webinar to learn helpful tips to better communicate with family, friends, and co-workers.

Safe Food = Healthy Kids. Learn the best practices for food safety to keep the children in your childcare safe. Food safety education topics discussed in this online class include proper cleaning and sanitizing, cooking, storing food, as well as personal hygiene, and more. Safe Food = Healthy Kids is an approved training for Great Start to quality, so this class will count toward your annual training hours. The class will be facilitated by MSU Extension Food Safety Educators. There is no charge for this training, childcare providers will earn training hours for attending. The next class is January 17, 6-9:00 PM. To register visit:  https://events anr.msu.edu/SFHK2023/

Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101. Michigan State University Extension will offer the Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 course LIVE during January & February. Register now for the webinar course to be held on Thursday evenings from 6-7:00 PM, beginning January 19 – February 23. Learn how you can contribute to the Smart Gardening principles of creating healthy soils and plants, while enjoying the health benefits of growing and eating fresh produce. The cost for this 6-session webinar is $30. Contact Liz Slajus [email protected] to register. Deadline to register is January 13.

Sleep Education for Everyone Program. Sleep Education is for Everyone is a live Zoom webinar covering sleep basics, sleep hygiene, stimulus control therapy, mindfulness, physical activity, and sleep myths. Michigan State University Extension will offer this free webinar beginning January 5,12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 9 – 9:30 AM. Deadline to register is January 4. Visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/sleeponlinejan2023/  to register for this webinar.

ServSafe. Working at a concession stand, wanting to offer a soup supper or other food activity for your organization? MSU Extension offers this national food safety certification program. The class is designed for anyone working in the food service industry, including non-profit organizations. MSU Extension offers an 8-hour ServSafe training and exam proctoring. Proctoring of the ServSafe Manager Certification Exam is also available by appointment for those who have been previously certified. Contact Lisa Treiber [email protected] for more information or visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/servsafe/events to find a session near you.