Topics:

• Adler in the Classroom
  When students feel a sense of belonging and significance in the classroom and within the school setting they are more engaged academically and socially. Vicki Hoefle presents concepts and strategies based on the theories of Alfred Adler and Rudolph Dreikurs that make it possible for teachers to create the optimal learning environment for their students. With a focus on teaching respect and responsibility and by supporting strong connections between students, teachers and support staff teachers are able to spend more time teaching and less time with classroom management. A specifically designed suite of strategies which are integrated into daily interactions students with an opportunity for engagement, collaboration and problem solving within the classroom. A natural result of this model is a cooperative classroom with strong interpersonal skills and accepting personal responsibility for the learning environment.
• What Does it Take to be a Duct Tape Parent
  Duct Tape Parenting is a hands-off approach to parenting with a focus on developing and deepening the relationship between parents and kids without anyone feeling like a doormat or a dictator. Duct Tape Parenting is meant for the long haul. Duct Tape Parenting doesn't offer quick fixes. It is my belief, that until parents understand exactly what is going on in their homes, realize the part they play in both the challenges and successes of the family, and see how their children respond when they are not being micromanaged by their parents, nothing is likely to change for more than a week or two. But because parents often reach for a parenting book when they are feeling vulnerable and frustrated, they succumb to a "quick fix" strategy that, in the end, further alienates their children and leaves them feeling even more discouraged. As the mother of five and a professional parent educator, I cannot, in good conscience, offer solutions that I know won't bring the lasting change that parents are truly looking for. This Duct Tape approach to parenting focuses on progress and improvement and on the idea that change happens over time and is for parents willing to put the work into the most important relationship they will have the one with their child. In this presentation, we'll identify some of the biggest obstacles we face as parents and begin to recognize how we can clear away what is not working. I also replace what's not working with information and tips that do work and that will set you on a new road with your family. There isn't a one-size-fits-all magic solution that will lead you into bliss but there is a one-sized-feels-awesome for-all outcome: a happy, stable family with children who can think for themselves and parents who can turn the lights out at the end of the day and say, "I feel good about where we're headed". We all deserve to feel confident in our parenting, to enjoy our children, and to prepare our children to live happy and fulfilling lives, and this presentation will help you, no matter where you are in your journey, get back on track and start to make the changes you need for an enjoyable family experience.
• Raise Thinking Children
  The job of parenting today is harder than ever before. Parents are so immersed in the day-to-day challenge of juggling work, family and kids - they can find themselves focused on controlling and micro-managing their kids lives in an attempt to make things easier and more efficient - for everyone. While this might be easier in the moment, it is undeniably detrimental to the emotional health of our children - not to mention the relationship we are building with them. If we want to raise thinking children, we must provide them with opportunities to practice making decisions, making mistakes, solving problems and experiencing success. If we want to raise thinking children who have a strong sense of belonging within the family and a deep sense of self worth out in the world, we must maintain an environment that is respectful and inclusive. If we want to raise thinking children then we cannot micro-manage every aspect of their life - after all, kids learn by experience.
• Meetings That Move
  Here is what's possible in a meeting held once a week and lasts less than 15 minutes; kids who show appreciation for each other and you, a system that supports the equitable distribution of work, problem solving skills to end the tattling, telling and blaming and a system to help your kids learn about the value of money. Mention a Family Meeting to most kids and they run for cover. In Vicki's rendition of the classic meeting, she changes all that. Audiences love this fast paced presentation full of concrete examples and stories that illuminate the possibilities. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of what to do, when to do it and the results you can expect when you update the standard Family Meeting and bring it into the 21st century.
• Money Management for Munchkins
  Acquire the tools and techniques to teach children about money. In today's economic times, it has become clear that the next generation of consumers and leaders will require a "healthier relationship with money than their parents had." This presentation provides a step-by-step plan for introducing children to money and how parents can act as "financial coaches" as kids learn the ins and outs of Money Management 101. Although many parents give their children an "allowance", they don't have an effective plan for teaching the respect and responsibility that comes along with money. Vicki teaches parents how to give children real-life practice in developing a healthy relationship with money. This process includes allowing children to make mistakes, learn by loss and develop the habits for "saving, spending and giving it away." Today's economic uncertainty has made it clear to parent's that it's time to invite, train and support children as they learn the importance of developing a healthy and realistic relationship with money. With a perfectly balanced combination of "aha" moments and instantly applicable tools, this funny, inspiring, and engaging presentation is a great way to kick off or close any conference.
• Create a Parenting Roadmap for Success
  Parenting is a journey, and every smart traveler carries a Roadmap. Creating your own Parenting Roadmap is a key strategy parents can implement at any time in their child's life. Because every family is unique and different, this is not a "one size fits all" mapping approach to parenting. In this presentation, Vicki helps parents identify where they are today, where they want to be in 3 months, 6 months or even 18 years. Then, she helps you come up with a plan based on your goals, values, and personal style for navigating the distance in between. This includes: Value Identification: This will guide your entire family's journey for years to come; Creating a mission statement that includes every member of the family; Identifying long term goals to inspire and support lasting change in the family; Identifying short term goals to help manage daily life in a busy family; Setting realistic expectations for maximum success; Acknowledging progress and improvement to keep the family moving forward; Taking time to celebrate the small but powerful successes. Instead of feeling lost, confused and frustrated, participants will leave this presentation with a simple parenting strategy to guide them and their family through the pitfalls and the triumphs of life.
• Quit Your Job as the Maid