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Parenting Workshops

Free parenting workshops are available to Cornell faculty, staff, postdocs, and students.

Preparing for Baby Series

Register for Preparing for Baby Series 

Text: Preparing for Baby Workshops; images of babies with parents

Congratulations on adding to your family! If you need more information about all things pregnancy, labor/delivery, and the postpartum period, and want to meet other expectant parents in our Cornell Community, register for the Preparing for Baby Series for fall 2024.

The Preparing for Baby Series is meant to help answer your questions, offer moments of reflection, and help connect you to people who are experiencing a similar moment in time.

All those in our Cornell Community (faculty, staff, postdocs, and students) and their partners/support persons are welcome to attend. 

This series is offered via Zoom and is free of charge to participants. For more information about the series, reach out to Ruth Merle-Doyle on the Work/Life team.

Fall 2024 Preparing for Baby Series

Register now for the fall 2024 Preparing for Baby series. Please contact Ruth Merle-Doyle with questions or for more information.

Sessions are virtual and run from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

  • 9/25/2024 - Welcome to Preparing for Baby: Introductions, Group Connection, and Parental Leave/Accommodation Information 
  • 10/2/2024 - Healthy Pregnancy and Birth Choices 
  • 10/9/2024 - The Labor Process and Birth Planning 
  • 10/16/2024 - Beyond the Birth Day: Immediate Postpartum 
  • 10/23/2024 - Supporting Perinatal Mental Health
  • 11/6/2024 - Breast, Chest, and Infant Feeding Basics 
  • 11/13/2024 - Lactation Support and Successful Returning to Work 

Preparing for College 

What to Do When Your College Student is Struggling

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 12:00–1:00 pm

Register for Preparing for College

As students learn how to “do college,” parents may see a variety of changes in their physical appearance and emotional state. Many students will have more independence and responsibility than ever before. They need to figure out sleep schedules and may pull all-nighters; they will endure changes in relationships with family and friends from home and may not immediately feel like they belong in their new community; they may be stretched academically in some classes and uninspired in others. The first year can be an especially difficult time as students establish their new “normal.” Furthermore, at some point in their college experience, many students will “struggle” or find themselves in a situation where seeking support would be helpful. This should not come as a surprise if they are challenging themselves, trying new things, and questioning ideas or beliefs that they have always held. The most impactful learning often comes as a result of a struggle. While likely uncomfortable for parents, it is important to remember that this is an important step in their student’s growth and development. And, rather than try to “fix” things for their students, parents will be encouraged to help students identify the source of the “struggle,” what they think will “help,” and how to access support…decision to degree.

About the presenter: Beth A. Howland, Founder, College Navigators, LLC & College Student Success Coach, graduated with honors and was a two-time NCAA National Champion and Academic All-American in women’s soccer. She earned an advanced degree in performance psychology and has nearly 25 years of experience as a college success coach with students at Cornell University, Duke University, Ithaca College, Tulane University, and UNC-Chapel Hill.


Additional resources for parents: