Transitions: Session One (For Girls)

Description

Adolescence is tough. It is even tougher in the 21st century and the digital age. Our children are exposed to age-INappropriate things at younger and younger ages. They experience bullying more frequently and more relentlessly than ever before. They are reaching puberty earlier. They are working through unique social/emotional challenges. Screens are not only bringing all of the world to their fingertips, but they are contributing to the rapid and unrelenting decline of social skills. All of these factors and countless more play a part in their development and their self-esteem.

It is a widely known fact that children with higher self-esteem make healthier choices, are more confident decision makers, can stand more comfortably in their own skin, will stand up for others, they rebound from trauma and adversity more quickly, and they handle transitions more seamlessly.

This class is all about the art of transitions. How can we handle transition? How can we see the positive? How can we use change to our advantage? How can we stay strong? How do we bounce back from sadness and strife? This is a not-to-be-missed class for girls and those identifying as girls who are ENTERING 5th-9th grade in 2018-19.

What Girls Will Love:

• The safe, judgment free environment. We are ALL carrying around some kind of pain or insecurity with us. The Self Esteem Through Art studio is a protective space to work through those emotions.
• The combination of group discussion, quiet introspective time, and ART. The unique way I present material to children encourages them to identify a specific challenge(s), ask questions, think about it, and then work through it.
• The knowledge that they are not alone. Children (and a lot of adults) go through life isolating because they feel like they are the only ones faced with a specific emotion. The dynamic, peer-based group environment shows them that they are never alone.
• The act of being creative. When we stifle a child’s creative process, we are stifling their ability to problem-solve and think strategically. Art-based activities help the problem-solving and confidence-boosting centers of their brains.
• We don’t make it weird in the studio. Kids can sense when you are uncomfortable discussing something or when it makes you angry and emotional. When they sense that, they hold back—partly because they don’t want additional drama around what they perceive to be an already emotionally charged time in their lives; and partly because they are trying to protect their caregivers.

Who Is This Class Good For:

• Girls who are “aging up”—either moving from elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school.
• Girls who have experienced things like bullying or exclusion.
• Girls who isolate themselves.
• Girls who have a hard time opening up emotionally.
• Girls who struggle with self-esteem, self-love, and self-confidence.
• Girls who have a natural leadership tendency and would benefit from learning how to lead more effectively.
• Girls who are starting to go through puberty. And girls who may be having a tough time with puberty, body image, etc.
• Girls who spend an inordinate amount of time on their cell phones.
• Girls who might be experiencing a major transition in their home life, including but not limited to: divorce, death, a move or relocation.
• Girls who simply love spending time in the studio.
• The important adolescent girls in your life.
• Girls who are open to being here. Please do not force your children to come to this class. They are not open to receiving messages or participating in the class if they are being forced against their will.

Fine Print:

• This inspiring, engaging class will run on Thursday, August 23rd from 5:30—8:30 p.m. (this is a lengthier class than normal: please have your children eat dinner before coming to the studio)
• Class takes place at our 358 Woodland St. studio in Holliston. Girls from other local towns are welcome and encouraged to attend.
• THE MAJORITY OF MY CLASSES CONSIST OF REPEAT ATTENDEES AND SPACES WILL GO QUICKLY. Sign up ASAP.
• This class is age-appropriate and recommended for for girls entering 5th—9th grade.
• If your child has any diagnosed social/emotional, developmental, or medical concerns, I need to know about those BEFORE class. It helps me structure the classes so they are welcoming and fun for ALL participants. If you think your child needs extra 1:1 attention or may be disruptive/uncooperative, I may not be able to accommodate for that, so you should email me before signing up. Sometimes, I am able to hire an assistant to help out, but that is not always possible.
• Class fee includes all art materials and snacks.**Plus, you will also receive an electronic workbook prior to class that girls need to PRINT OUT AND BRING WITH THEM. 
  
• You will receive a welcome email with additional information approximately 3-5 days before class starts.
• Registrants to my classes are added to my email newsletter list. You will begin to receive sporadic Self Esteem Through Art emails.
• I take photographs in class and use them on my Web site and social media. if you do not want your child photographed, I need to know in advance.
• We have a lot of children with life-threatening allergies. The studio is a nut-free space. 
• This class will run with a minimum of eight attendees.
• If you have any additional questions, please reach out to me before signing up. Once you sign up, we have entered into a contract with each other.
• There are no refunds for this class, so please be sure you/your child can commit to the session. You can view our FAQ page for more info.