Free Lecture Series: Real Help & Hope for Parents

Join our free, educational webinars hosted by TESS. Donations are welcome to support our mission.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone.

Parenting kids from hard places isn't easy, but you don't have to figure it out alone.

Our free lecture series is here to offer real help and hope. Join us for honest, down-to-earth conversations about things that matter: building trust, understanding tough behaviors like lying or defiance, breaking the shame cycle, and learning what really works (and what doesn't) when parenting children with trauma.

Whether you're just starting out or have been on this journey for years, there's something here for you. Come as you are and leave feeling more equipped, connected, and supported.

These webinars are designed for real families dealing with real challenges. We don't offer quick fixes or simple solutions, but we do provide practical wisdom, evidence-based strategies, and the reassurance that you're not alone in this journey.

What Makes Our Lecture Series Special

✔ Completely Free Access

We believe every parent deserves access to quality education and support, regardless of their financial situation. All webinars are free to attend.

✔ Recorded for Convenience

Can't attend live? All sessions are recorded and available for later viewing by registered participants.

✔ Expert-Led Content

Each session is facilitated by experienced professionals who specialize in trauma-informed parenting and family healing.

✔ Practical & Applicable

Every webinar includes actionable strategies you can implement immediately with your family.

✔ Interactive Format

While these are educational presentations, we include time for questions and community connection.

✔ Trauma-Informed Approach

All content is grounded in understanding how trauma affects children and families, with responses that promote healing rather than harm.

Upcoming Webinar Schedule

09/08/2025

Breaking the Shame Cycle: Understanding Behavior & Unlocking Healing in Traumatized Children

Challenging behavior is often just the beginning.

Behind many outbursts lies a deeper struggle: shame. In this powerful 1-hour webinar, you'll learn how trauma can trap children in cycles of self-blame and disconnection — and how to break that cycle with responses that build safety, trust, and healing.

Designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals, this session shifts the focus from managing behavior to truly understanding the pain beneath it.

Ready to see beyond the surface and change the story?

What You'll Learn:

  • How shame develops in children who've experienced trauma

  • The connection between shame and challenging behaviors

  • Recognizing shame-based responses vs. defiance

  • Strategies that build connection instead of increasing shame

  • Creating a family culture of acceptance and healing

Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM PST

10/06/2025

Understanding Lying & Defiance in Adopted Children: What's Beneath the Behavior?

Lying, defiance, power struggles — it's not just misbehavior.

For adopted and foster children, these actions often stem from early trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment. In this eye-opening 1-hour webinar, we'll unpack the why behind the behavior and show you how to respond with empathy and boundaries.

Perfect for adoptive and foster parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals, this session helps you move beyond frustration and support healing at the root.

Don't just manage behavior — understand it.

What You'll Learn:

  • The trauma-based roots of lying and defiance

  • How early experiences shape survival behaviors

  • Differentiating between willful defiance and trauma responses

  • Strategies that address the need behind the behavior

  • Building trust while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM PST

11/10/2025

Six Parenting Techniques That Produce Unwanted Results

Are your parenting strategies helping—or hurting?

Many of us rely on methods passed down through generations, but fear-based tactics can backfire—leading kids to lie, hide, or shut down. In this powerful session, you'll uncover six common parenting habits that may be doing more harm than good — and discover healthier, trust-building alternatives.

If you want to raise responsible, connected kids without sacrificing the relationship, this session is for you.

What You'll Learn:

  • Six common parenting techniques that backfire with traumatized children

  • Why traditional discipline often fails with children from hard places

  • The unintended consequences of fear-based parenting

  • Alternative approaches that build connection and responsibility

  • How to shift from control-based to relationship-based parenting

Time: 6:00-7:00 PM PST

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

These Webinars Are Perfect For:

✔ Parents & Caregivers

  • Adoptive parents at any stage of their journey

  • Foster parents seeking a deeper understanding

  • Kinship caregivers raising children who've experienced trauma

  • Parents of children with challenging behaviors

  • Any caregiver wanting to understand trauma-informed parenting

✔ Professionals

  • Social workers and case managers

  • Teachers and school counselors

  • Therapists and mental health professionals

  • Child care providers and youth workers

  • Anyone working with children from hard places

✔ Community Members & Advocates

  • Extended family members supporting adoptive families

  • Friends and community members who want to understand

  • Advocates for children and families

  • Anyone passionate about trauma-informed approaches

How To Participate

✔ Registration is Simple & Free!

  1. Choose the webinar(s) you want to attend

  2. Click the registration button for each session

  3. Complete the brief registration form

  4. Receive confirmation and access details via email

  5. Join live or access the recording later

✔ Live Participation Benefits

  • Ask questions during the Q&A portion

  • Connect with other participants in chat

  • Get immediate clarification on concepts

  • Feel part of a supportive community

Can't Attend Live?

No problem! All registrants receive access to the recording within 24 hours of the live session.

✔ What You Need:

  • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access

  • Email address for registration and access links

  • Optional: Headphones for better audio quality

Platform: All webinars are hosted on Zoom with easy-to-use access links provided upon registration.

Support: Technical support is available before and during each session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Yes! We believe every parent deserves access to quality education regardless of their financial situation.

  • We respect your privacy and will only send information about upcoming free webinars unless you specifically opt in to additional communications.

  • While we can't provide individual consultation during webinars, we do address general questions and provide resources for further support.

  • Absolutely! Our content is designed to be valuable whether you're just beginning your journey or have been parenting for years.

  • We encourage you to share information about registration, but ask that each person register individually for accurate planning and follow-up.

Ready to Feel More Equipped & Connected?

Join hundreds of parents and professionals who trust our lecture series for practical wisdom and hope.