From teaching young teens all aspects of baby-sitting safety to providing parents with 32 ways to soothe and communicate with their infant through massage, Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) Parenting Center provides a range of programs enhancing the community’s child rearing skills.
Each month, the hospital offers a variety of prenatal and parenting education classes and community support groups to educate and support parents in raising their families. Pre-registration is recommended for all classes by calling (985) 649-8585 or registering online at
www.slidellmemorial.org. The SMH Parenting Center and Women & Children’s Services offer:
PARENTING CENTER
FIT AS A FIREFIGHTER SUMMER CAMP
Mandatory Registration Day on May 1
This free summer day camp, June 14-18, is for children 7-12 years old who struggle with their weight and would like to learn about nutrition and fitness in a fun, supportive environment—with fun activities including Saints Junior Training Camp; Smokehouse, Fire truck and Ambulance tours; Blackhawk helicopter tour; Indoor/Outdoor Firefighter game; and Get Wet, Have Fun water day. Child must be identified as being in the 95th percentile or above for weight or Body Mass Index (BMI). Registration packets and Participant Health forms are available at Cross Gates Family Fitness Center (Military Road) Youth Activity Center, Slidell Memorial Hospital Information Desk, SMH Parenting Center, online at SlidellMemorial.org/news and your local pediatrician’s office. Mandatory registration day is Sat., May 1. Limited to 80 campers. For more information, call SMH Parenting Center at (985) 649-8529.
Programs for School-Age and Teen Children
Safe Sitter®- A Two-Day Baby-sitting Course
The Safe Sitter® program is a nationally recognized and medically accurate program that teaches young adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. During this intensive two-day course, students will get hands-on practice in basic CPR, first aid and injury management. Students will also learn how to understand children of different ages, how to prevent problem behaviors, playtime activities, infant care and diapering, safety for the sitter and the business of baby-sitting. For ages 11 years and up.
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 25 & 26
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 2nd floor, Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $65 includes Safe Sitter® Manual and Completion Card
Trim Kids Program
Trim Kids is a nationally recognized comprehensive children’s weight loss program for children age 7-13 years who struggle with their weight. Lifelong strategies about nutrition, physical activity and attitudes that encourage healthy lifestyles are taught in a fun and supportive environment. Activities include dancing, Taekwondo, Taebo, aerobic activities, WiiFit, field trips, nutrition education and behavior modification techniques.
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Fridays (10 sessions) beginning June 1
Place: SMH Founders Building Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $25
Parent Education Classes
“Can You Please Stop That?”
Jessica Harper, GSW, Infant Mental Health Specialist, Early Childhood Support & Services, discusses ways to communicate effectively with your child. Topics include effective commands, limit-setting and positive communication as well as ways to increase your child’s good behavior with different forms of praise and rewards. For parents of children aged 0 -5. Limited free childcare is available with pre-registration.
When: 10 a.m., Tues., May 11
Where: Cross Gates Family Fitness Center, 200 N. Military Road
Fee: $5
Soothing Your Infant Through Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to communicate love to your infant as well as help with physical comfort such as gas and colic and improve sleep and respiratory function. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Learn 32 specific strokes to relax and comfort your infant aged birth to six months. To register, call (985) 661-2657.
When: 10-11:30 a.m., Mon., May 10
Where: SMH Founders Building Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $20 for two sessions
Child Development Programs
Tiny Tots Fun and Fitness: A six-week series focusing on physical activity and coordination
Angie Dick, SMH Parent Educator
Back by popular demand, Tiny Tots Fun and Fitness is an exciting six-week exercise program in a playful environment for infants and children (aged 0 – 3) with a parent/caregiver. Children participate in fun, energetic activities using age-appropriate equipment to enhance coordination, stress the importance of physical play and foster self-confidence. Activities include obstacle courses, parachute fun, musical activities, balance beams, tunnels, slides and much more. Come dressed for action! Class size is limited and registration is required. To register, call (985) 661-2657.
When: Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27
9:00-10:00 a.m. Birth – pre-walking
10:00-11:00 a.m. Walking – 24 months
11:00-12:00 p.m. 25 months and up
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, currently located on the 2nd floor of the Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $10 per session
PRENATAL EDUCATION
Breastfeeding Clinic
Certified Lactation Consultants offer support and encouragement as they discuss the advantages of breastfeeding, how to get started, how to prevent problems, common concerns and what to expect in the first few weeks.
When: 10:00-11:30 a.m., Sat., May 8
Where: SMH Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $25 per person if not pre-registered at SMH
Preparation for Birth
Designed specifically for first-time parents who are at least six months pregnant. This full-day class will cover: the stages of pregnancy, nutrition, pain management options, hospital stay and recovery, possible complications, and basic newborn care. (Moms are asked to bring a pillow for seating comfort.)
When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat., May 1
Where: 12th Street Annex Room A
Fee: $50 per couple if not pre-registered at SMH
Lamaze
This two-session course teaches helpful methods for any birth. It also covers the stages of labor, what to expect, and the role of the labor support person. Participants will have the opportunity to practice comfort techniques and breathing exercises.
When: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Fridays, May 21
Where: SMH Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $50 per couple if pre-registered at SMH
To register for any of the above Prenatal Classes, call (985) 661-2655.
Community Parenting
Slidell Mothers of Twins & Multiples
Mothers of Twins and Multiples provides an opportunity to offer support and share experiences and ideas specific to parenting multiple birth children. Contact Rachel Guidry at (985) 201-7088 for more information.
When: 7:30 p.m., Wed., May 5
Where: SMH Founders Building Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.
MOMS Club of Slidell
The MOMS Club (Mothers Offering Moms Support) is an international group open to all moms in St. Tammany Parish who are at home during the day with their children. Parents and their children meet at the Parenting Center classroom for play, craft activities, parenting discussion and a chance to meet with other moms and their children. A variety of other activities, outings and guest speakers are also scheduled during the month. Meetings also include an overview of upcoming events and activities. Children are invited to all of our meetings. For more information regarding our events, or to learn more about the MOMS Club of Slidell, please e-mail momsclubofslidell@yahoo.com or contact Jennifer Bouzigaurd at (985) 285-0964.
When: 10 a.m., Mon., May 17
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, currently located on the 2nd floor of the SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Weekly Support Groups
Me & My Tot Time
Come and meet other parents/grandparents and their little ones at our weekly support/playgroups. Parenting Center staff provides a learning and support opportunity for parents and a social playtime for children. Parents discuss child development issues and parenting tips, while their children enjoy playtime with other little ones. Refreshments, crafts, story time, music and movement activities are also provided. No registration required. For more information, call (985) 649-8529.
When: Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19 & 26
9–10 a.m. Walking – 24 months
10 –11 a.m. 25 – 36 months
11 a.m. – Noon 36 months to pre-school
Thursdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27
9-10 a.m. Birth to pre-walking (Baby & Me Tot Time)
10 -11 a.m. Walking – 24 months
11 a.m. - Noon 24 months and up
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, currently located on the 2nd floor of the SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Free Car Seat Safety Checks
The Louisiana Office of Public Health Child Safety Coordinator will be on hand to offer free car seat safety checks. Appointment required.
When: Tuesdays, by appointment
Where: SMH Parenting Center parking lot, 501 Robert Blvd. (rear of Wellness Pavilion)
Fee: Free. To book an appointment, please call JamiLyn Hinchey, child safety coordinator for the Louisiana Office of Public Health, (985) 871-1300.