PARENTING CONFERENCE

Online registration is closed. On-site registration will be available at the door.

Note: CHILDCARE IS FULL. If you did not receive your confirmation and instructions for your pre-registered children, please check your junk/spam mail and look for "Parenting Conference Childcare Info from St. Andrew's Church".  Use the 'Contact the Event Organizer' button to reach out to us with any questions.

Instructions for childcare drop-off are attached at the bottom of this page.

Join St. Andrew's Church and St. Peter's Church for a Parenting Conference featuring popular conference speaker and counselor David Thomas, LMSW. This 2-day event is designed for parents, and for grandparents, educators, and coaches.

ABOUT 
THE
SPEAKER

You may know of David from the popular podcast Raising Boys and Girls and his work at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, TN, where he serves as Executive Director. He is the co-author of ten books and is a frequent guest on national television. He has been featured in publications like The Washington Post and USA Today, and is sought after to speak at events across the country. We are honored to have him share practical and foundational material with us. Over the course of Friday evening and Saturday morning, February 2nd and 3rd, David will explore two topics: Raising Emotionally-Strong Kids (and/or Teens) and Being a Purposeful Parent. Read more about these talks below.

ABOUT
THE
CONFERENCE

Dates: February 2 - 3, 2024
Location: Ministry Center Sanctuary
St. Andrew's Church
440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Registration: $40/couple or $25/individual - ADULTS ONLY
Childcare: CHILDCARE REGISTRATION IS FULL

ABOUT
THE
SCHEDULE

Session 1:
Friday, February 2nd
6:00 - 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
Being a Purposeful Parent

Parenting is one of the most important callings of our lives. We step into this life-changing process without a road map or an instruction manual. This class centers around three basic concepts for being an intentional parent. We'll discuss the purpose of parenting, the significance of our contribution, and some foundational ingredients our kids need from us. This time will also invite you to consider some important questions your kids need you to ask. You will leave with three questions to answer on behalf of your kids, as well as instructions on some great experiential activities to do with your family. This class is designed for parents of kids from pre-school to college who want to take a more intentional, purposeful journey.

Session 2:
Saturday, February 3rd
9:00 -11:00 AM (Doors open at 8:00 AM)
Raising Emotionally-Strong Kids (and/or Teens)

What does it look like to raise kids with emotional strength? Kids who have the skills and resources to navigate all the moments of life - from the first day of school to conflict with friends, losing games and struggling with homework, facing challenges, and developing resilience. The global pandemic put a spotlight on the lack of skills most individuals have in place. It’s part of why we saw accelerated rates of anxiety and depression. Emotional skills are learned skills, no different than learning to ride a bike or starting a new sport. This class will equip parents and educators, grandparents and coaches, to help kids & adolescents develop three foundational ingredients for emotional health, known as the 3 R’s. You will walk away with questions to ask the kids and adolescents in your life, practical ideas, and intentional practices for building emotional strength in your family.

ABOUT
DROP OFF FOR
PRE-REGISTERED CHILDREN

You will find our Children's Ministry area by entering the building at the East Entrance (Ridley Hall) or look for the teal Children’s Ministry sign and immediately take a right and go downstairs.

Doors for the event open one hour prior to each session: Friday at 5pm and Saturday at 8am.
Children’s drop-off begins 15 minutes prior to each session: Friday at 5:45pm and Saturday at 8:45am.

For the opening session on Friday, you might want to arrive early enough to check yourself in (show your ticket and obtain your info packet) then proceed to the Children’s Ministry area to drop off your child/children.

Your confirmation email lists your child/children's assigned group. The groups are labeled by animals (for example: Starfish, Koalas, etc.) There will be signs with a picture of the animal above each room so that you can easily identify where to go. If you have questions about your group assignment, please use the Contact the Event Organizer button above.

The teacher will give you two name tags, one for your child to wear and one for you to keep as a receipt to pick back up. Please make sure you hold on to this receipt name tag. We want to ensure that we keep the children safe and secure when handing them back to their parents.

Once you’ve dropped off/picked up your children, please immediately exit the Children’s Ministry area and head upstairs. This helps the process run much more safely, securely, and smoothly for everyone as people come and go.

Other Helpful Information:

- If we need to contact you at any point during the conference, we will text the cell phone number we have on record. Please be sure to have your phone with you.
- If you listed any allergies or special needs with your registration, it was noted and the information will be given to their teachers beforehand.
- Please feel free to bring a labeled water bottle for your child.
- The nursery will happily give bottles or a snack if your infant needs one at a certain time. Just let the staff know at drop-off.

We hope you will join us and spend a weekend investing in a lifetime of intentional parenting skills, and experience the joy of this profound gift of being a parent.