Presentations & Speeches
I have provided speeches to both public and private schools, as well as companies and organizations in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The topics and participating locations are listed below.
“Optimizing Communication with your Child”
The program examines some of the most common parental perceptions related to cooperation and respect within the family unit, and how perceptions might ultimately impact a child’s behavior. Dr. Berman discusses the importance of both parents and children being able to express what is important to each of them so that familial communication can be enhanced. An additional focus is on how parents can attend to and assess their own self-respect so that they can feel more confident as they raise their children. Dr. Berman provides specific examples of communication techniques that are both helpful and a hindrance when speaking to children and adolescents. The presentation concludes with a question and answer session for the attendees.
“Technology and Your Child, the Importance of Setting Limits”
Dr. Berman discusses some of the possible behavioral effects of overexposure to technology on children, including children’s attitudes, relationships with family, frustration tolerance, distractibility, and impact on social skills. Also discussed is some of the possible negative outcomes associated with the overuse of cell phones. The subject of cyberbullying will be scrutinized, along with ways in which it can be assessed so that parents can address these issues with their children through positive communication. The presentation concludes with providing examples which concerned parents can implement when discussing their concerns of the overuse of technology for their children.
“Healthy Eating, Healthy Behaviors”
Dr. Berman discusses some of the concerns of practitioners and researchers related to the nutrition and diet of youth. This topic educates parents on the impact of healthful foods, creates awareness of the positive impact of the key roles of nutrients, and encourages parents to look for potential alternatives to non-nutritious substances in foods. Also discussed is the importance of the research findings of Dr. Weston Price in how food has impacted differing populations with regard to mineral absorption. The presentation concludes with specific examples of helpful tips in providing foods for children, as well as a question and answer session.
“Mindfulness in Parenting”
Dr. Berman discusses some of the common themes related to mindfulness within the parent-child relationship, and how practicing mindfulness might ultimately impact a child’s behavior. Also discussed are specific examples of when mindfulness might be applied in the parent-child relationship, in order to lessen conflict and improve communication. The importance of working on becoming more mindful in the presence of one’s child will be explored along with appreciation of a parent’s progress in their level of communication. The presentation concludes with practicing mindfulness with all parents in attendance who would like to participate. Parents are encouraged to bring a large towel or yoga mat so they can sit down comfortably at the end of the session.
“The Importance of Exploring Nature in Your Child’s Life”
Dr. Berman discusses some of the trends related to both children and adolescents’ time spent outdoors, and how that might impact their behaviors. Also discussed is the importance of the child’s innate appreciation of nature and the reasons for parents to take steps in promoting outdoor experiences for their children. Numerous amounts of research pointing towards the benefits of exploration and fascination with nature will be detailed, as well as highlighting the concerning relationship between a widening contrast between the declining amounts of nature exploration as compared to an increasing consumption of electronic media by children. Sensationalist media coverage will be scrutinized, along with ways in which it adversely impacted younger and older people alike to become more fearful of nature. The conclusion provides specific examples of how parents can promote activities involved with nature that can be beneficial for your child, in addition to a question and answer session.
“The Importance of Emotional Intelligence and your Child”
The program examines some of the most common communication difficulties which stifle emotional intelligence, and how development of an emotional vocabulary might ultimately positively impact a child’s behavior. Dr. Berman emphasizes the importance of the relationship between emotional intelligence, academic intelligence, and success in a child’s future endeavors. The pathway for emotional responses will be discussed from a perspective of indicating how the brain processes emotions. Differing parenting communication styles will be highlighted, along with the positive impact of a parent communicating as an emotional mentor. An additional focus will be on the significance of “flow” to your child so that they can feel more confident and comfortable as parents raise their children. The presentation concludes with a question and answer session for the attendees.
“Increasing Bodily Awareness and Lessening Stress in Your Child: Lesson Learned from F.M. Alexander"
The program examines the origins and importance of F.M. Alexander’s philosophy and methodology to enhance sensory awareness. Dr. Berman discusses how placing a premium on final results (end-gaining) often reinforces tension of both children and adults when participating in particular activities. Examined is the familial awareness of a child’s effort in given pursuits that can ultimately impact a child’s level of efficient use in skill learning. Also discusses is the impact of children and adults becoming absorbed in activities without having self-awareness when engaged in the activity. An additional focus will be on the significance of parents attending to what their children are experiencing in differing situations. Dr. Berman will focus upon the effect of participation in a passive culture, and the significance of engaging in activities without fear and tension. The presentation concludes with a question and answer session for the attendees.
"An Approach to Bullying from a Relational Perspective"
The program examines how communication difficulties and lack of emotional safety relate to increase incidents of bullying. Dr. Berman highlights the different types of bullying and also emphasize the importance of how bullying incidents occur from a developmental perspective. The responses to bullying are discussed, along with research about what factors make children more susceptible to becoming a bully or becoming victimized by a bully. Differing communication styles are discussed, along with the positive impact of empathic adult interventions. The presentation concludes with a question and answer session for the attendees.
Participating Schools
The Malvern School, Erial, NJ
The Malvern School, Voorhees, NJ
Julia R.Masterman School, Philadelphia, PA
Corpus Christi Catholic School, Landsdale, PA
Armenian Sisters Academy, Radnor, PA
Upper Merion Area High School, King of Prussia, PA
Upper Merion Area Middle School, King of Prussia, PA
North Penn High School, Landsale, PA
Knapp Elementary School, Landsale, PA
Keith Valley Middle School, Horsham, PA
Bright Horizons West Point Child Learning Center, Landsdale, PA
Bright Horizons Upper Gwynedd Learning Center, North Wales, PA
Moorestown Upper Elementary School, Moorestown, NJ
Participating Companies & Organizations
Cherry Hill Alliance on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Cherry Hill, NJ
Catholic Health East, Newtown Square, PA
Merck & Co. (through Bright Horizons), North Wales, PA