Family Connections: A Play-Based Parenting Program

This 10-week play-based parenting program is an instructional group designed to enhance and strengthen the emotional bond between parents and their children. This evidence-based program empowers parents with the skills to respond effectively to their child's emotional and behavioral needs, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment.

Through structured sessions, parents learn play therapy techniques to improve communication, build trust, and promote healthy emotional development. This group is a good fit for parents with children struggling with behavioral, emotional, social, and attachment concerns. The group setting provides a supportive community for parents to share experiences, gain insights, and develop effective parenting strategies without children present.

There are three key components to the program: learning skills, receiving feedback on skill practice, and connecting with other parents for support. During sessions 1-3, parents learn skills, and prepare for their upcoming play sessions with their child. In weeks 4-10, parents practice their new skills with their child and the therapist provides feedback for parents in the small group format. 

The program is open to adult parents/caregivers with a child between ages 2-10. In order to be successful in this program, participants must have:

  • access to a reliable Internet connection free from distractions
  • ability to record special playtimes with the child
  • comfortability sharing the recording of the special playtime with the group
  • ability to pick-up materials from Maine Township Town Hall building in Park Ridge

Participants must also be in good mental health/seeking your own support for any current mental health needs (there will be several screening questions to help the group leader determine appropriate fit before enrolling).

Caregivers and parents registered are offered the option to come in to Maine Township for a free play-based assessment so the group facilitator may meet their family and get a better idea of how to support them throughout the program. The play-based assessment is offered free of charge, lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, and involves the family doing several playful activities with each other. The play-based activities do involve reading in English. If accommodations are needed, please make the facilitator aware when they reach out schedule. There is also a snack involved in one of the activities, so any allergies or sensitivities should be shared with the facilitator in advance. 

This program meets virtually via Zoom. The fee for the entire 10-week group is only $25 for Maine Township residents and $75 for non-residents (space permitting) and includes all materials (worksheets and toys for special playtimes). There is a $10 discount for multiple caregivers enrolling at the same time. Advance registration is required.

Please note: there should be no other people able to view your screen when in group or hear what other participants are sharing. Headphones are encouraged for privacy.

upcoming dates and online Registration

For more information, please contact Summer Zumbrock at szumbrock@mainetown.com or 224-257-4863.