Family Service offers community programs that promote awareness, collaboration and health. We offer a wide variety of workshops, parent consultation, staff development training and consultation to schools, organizations and groups. Topics can be tailored to specific needs.

Upcoming Presentations and New Services

“Troubleshooting Your Child’s Sleep”

This workshop will highlight the framework for instituting beneficial sleep habits as described in the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. Sleep issues are a common problem that most parents face with their babies/children. You may have a new baby and want to learn about instilling good sleep habits, or you may have a three year old who suddenly is no longer your “good sleeper.” Parents are welcome to join in a dialogue about their child’s sleep struggles and ideas for how to address them. The workshop will be led by Heidi Vazquez, a licensed clinical social worker at Family Service of Winnetka-Northfield. For more information please contact Heidi Vazquez at 847-446-8060 ext. 4 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Admission is free.

Wednesday, December 14th at 5:00 pm
Venue: LeoLeno
976 Green Bay Rd (Hubbard Woods)
Winnetka 60093

Parents and Adult Children

Even before the present economic downturn, there seemed to be a tendency for many of this generation of adult children to be more dependent economically and/or emotionally on their parents.

Although perhaps now necessary in some situations, many in both generations are uncomfortable with this arrangement. Resentments and confusion about roles ensue and appropriate boundaries can be compromised. When there are grandchildren, these pitfalls are often exaggerated.

The key concept to be considered is….does this support provide the necessary security to further independence OR does it enable ongoing dependence?

This dilemma will be addressed in a three session discussion series at Family Service of Winnetka-Northfield, 992 ½ Green Bay Road; Wednesdays, October 19, 26 and November 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fee will be $25.00 for the series.

For more information or to register, please call Janice Wiley, LCSW, at 446-8060, ext. 2 by October 4, 2011.

Substance Abuse Support Group

Substance abuse is a family disease that does not have to impair the entire family We are forming a support group for individuals who are struggling because of a loved one’s troubling use of drugs or alcohol. This group is designed to serve as a primary support group or, as an additional resource for those already engaged in 12 step groups like ALANON or Families Anonymous. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning, sharing and growing from such a group experience please call Matthew Silver to discuss this opportunity in more detail at 847-446-8060.

Community Presentations – Available Topics

Adolescent Communication – Girls and Boys       
Adopted Children – Understanding Their Needs and Parental Responses
Anxiety and Adaptation in Children and Adolescents
Attachment in Children – Understanding the Impact on Development and Parenting           
Blended Families
Bringing Relief – Helping Children with Transitional Anxiety
Childhood and Adolescent Transitions – Readiness or Regressions
Children Experiencing Divorce
Depression in the Closet
Depression in Men and Women
Divorce and the Economy
Enriching Relationship through Intimacy
Finding Direction in the Unemployment Maze
Effective Communication with Pre and Early Teens
Effective Co- Parenting Strategies and Techniques
Emerging Adulthood – Understanding This New Phase of Life
Enabling Families – Understanding and Dealing with Dilemmas
Establishing an Effective Parental Partnership – Raising Confident and Secure Children
Healthy Mind and Body – Knowing Their Inter-relationship
Internet: Friend or Foe for Positive Change and Growth
Internet Usage – Parents and Kids Understanding Safe and Healthy Usage.
Grandparenting – Roles, Responsibilities, and Rewards.
Making of a Marriage – A Process
Moral Intelligence: Promoting Values and Character in One’s Children
Mothers and Fathers Parenting Children Through the Toddler and Kindergarten Years
New Parenthood – Coping with Stressors
Parenting Relationships with Adult Children
Parenting Boys / Parenting Girls – Understanding the Crucial Differences
Parenting Learning Disabled Kids
Parenting Through Divorce – Three Models for Co- Parenting
Parents and Play – Understanding its Importance and Your Role in It
Preschool Problems – Do’s and Don’ts
Tapping into Resiliency and Resourcefulness in Times of Economic Uncertainty
Transition to the College Years – Changes and Challenges for Parents and Kids
Understanding and Dealing with Stress – At Home and in the Workplace.
When to Get Help – Knowing the Barriers and Overcoming Them.
Where Are You At in Your Relationship – The Need for Marital Checkups.