Parenting is one of the hardest jobs with the least support.
And it’s not something we were ever meant to do or figure out alone. This group is here to normalize it all (the exhaustion, relationship distress, meltdowns, you name it) while offering support wherever you are in your journey— with a focus on what makes it all possible: taking care of yourself.
Open to all who are raising children.
Monthly sessions covering topics that range from:
Emotional regulation • Self-care for parents • Connection building • Kind & firm boundaries • Conflict management • Community support & much more
2025 Session Schedule
*Sessions all take place on a Tuesday evening
July 29 | Session 1: Emotional Regulation 101
August 26 | Session 2: Filling Your Cup
September 30| Session 3: Connection Before Correction
November 17 | Session 4: Boundaries That Connect*
December 17 | Session 5: Building Your Village
$25 per session
Covers the cost of dinner and take-home materials
*Due to rescheduling, session 4 integrates topics originally planned for both October and November
Time & Location:
6:00-7:30 PM in The Latitude Room at The Waypoint
Your facilitator
Sarah Schmitz
Hi Westerly neighbors! If we haven't already met, I'm Sarah. My husband Tony, our toddler Oliver, and I moved to Sassafras Street in December 2024, and we're loving being part of this warm and welcoming community.
My background is in Couple and Family Therapy with certification in Positive Discipline— an approach that focuses on building children's self-control, responsibility, and social skills through kindness, encouragement, and clear boundaries.
Despite years of training and experience, I regularly find myself struggling to put what I know into practice. What I’ve learned since becoming a parent is that taking care of kids when you're exhausted, triggered, or overwhelmed is incredibly hard work that's rarely recognized as such.
I want to be clear that I'm not here as the expert with all the answers—but rather someone who believes the messiness is easier when we have practical tools, supportive community, and most importantly, compassion for ourselves when things get challenging. The best parenting happens when we know how to nurture ourselves first.
Ready to join or have questions?
*Please note that sessions will be limited to 6-10 parents to ensure a cozy experience
Session 6 | Building Your Village: Creating Community
Parenting wasn't meant to be done alone. Learn how to build your ongoing support network, create family traditions that reflect your values, and celebrate the progress you've made. We'll map out resources for continued growth and connection.
Tonight's menu: Festive winter celebration - herb-crusted pork tenderloin, roasted Brussels sprouts, and garlic mashed potatoes + festive mocktails
Includes dinner and take-home resources. $25
Session 4 & 5 | Boundaries That Connect*
Move beyond "stop that!" to boundaries that actually work. Learn how to set limits with love - with your kids, between siblings, with extended family, and for yourself. We'll explore the difference between punishment and consequences, practice kind & firm responses, and support each other through real challenges. Perfect timing as we head into the holiday season when boundaries matter most.
Tonight's menu: Seasonal food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) included.
$20 per person
*Due to rescheduling, this session integrates topics originally planned for both October and November
Session 4 | Kind and Firm Boundaries: Discipline That Connects
Move beyond punishment to consequences that teach. Learn the difference between natural and logical consequences, age-appropriate expectations, and how to hold boundaries when you’re already at your limit. Practice scripts for common situations every parent faces.
Tonight's menu: Build-your-own harvest bowls with seasonal fall ingredients—wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, seasoned chicken, crisp apples, goat cheese, toasted almonds, fresh local kale, plus your choice of balsamic vinaigrette or honey Dijon dressing. Spiced chai to warm you up!
Includes dinner and take-home resources. $20
Special updates for this session: We're meeting at a neighbor's home (address provided upon RSVP) while the Waypoint undergoes repairs, and we've shifted to a 6:00 PM start time for a more relaxed pace.
Session 3 | Connection Before Correction: Building Relationship First
The secret to effective discipline? Connection comes first. Learn age-appropriate strategies for building trust and cooperation, plus how to repair when things get messy. We'll explore different temperaments and sensitivity levels to honor your unique child.
Tonight's menu: Comfort food family-style - hearty minestrone soup with freshly baked sourdough and simple arugula salad + cider and herbal tea
Includes dinner and take-home resources. $25
Session 2 | Filling Your Cup: Self-Care as the Foundation
You can't pour from an empty cup - but what does realistic self-care actually look like for busy parents? Discover micro-moments of care that fit your real life, learn to recognize your triggers, and create sustainable support systems. Because taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential.
Tonight's menu: Nourishing Mediterranean bowl with quinoa, fresh vegetables, and herb-crusted salmon + herbal infused seltzers (alcoholic and non)
Includes dinner and take-home resources. $25
Session 1 | Emotional Regulation 101: When Everyone's Melting Down
Learn practical tools for those moments when big emotions take over - yours and your child's. We'll explore quick regulation techniques that actually work in crisis moments, plus age-appropriate responses to meltdowns from toddlers to teens. Leave with an emergency toolkit you can use immediately.
Tonight's menu: Horiatiki (Greek salad) with chicken + crisp summer rosé
Includes dinner and take-home resources. $25