Ugh I want to give a better review for this place. The content that they cover is amazing. But they…read moreare so disorganized and communication with families is so poor. I think this place may be amazing in a few years when the iron out the kinks. In the meantime, they overbooked and then kick some of the kids out at the last minute so that you struggle to find an alternative. You sometimes don't know where your kid is. You may not know who is watching your kid. Your kid may be outside in the rain and hail even when there are flood warnings. You may not know what your kid does or build community with other families. But your kid will learn about social justice and conflict resolution. They will get to be outside and get dirty.

Disappointed with the culture and competence. I gave a star for effort and sincerity of…read morecounselors, and one for my lack of research. From a competency perspective, I was surprised that there was zero effective shelter for kids during the raging rain storms spring 2018 - multiple, forecasted. Kids were soaked for the duration. Having run wilderness camps with no shelter, we always had a plan and capability to accommodate the worst case. Even if it means calling for assistance. Next, I was surprised both my kids came home singing anti-male protest songs. Everyone has their opinions, but I thought it immature, unprofessional and unacceptable to push some social/political agenda on my 3 and 7 year old. You want to make that part of the curriculum, then notify me before I, a single dad, shells out money and time. I just want them to have fun, appreciate the outdoors, and make friends. This indoctrination was unwanted - especially, as berkeley-born-and-raised, I expect them to form their own opinions at the appropriate time.

We started working with Angela more than 5 years ago when we were struggling with some parenting…read morechallenges. She is an amazing teacher, listener and counselor who has truly changed our lives with her insights about parenting/relating and her wise, compassionate and encouraging presence. We feel blessed to know her and to have the opportunity to continue to work with her.

I took a Parenting by Connection Course from Angela and it was truly transformative…read more She is fantastic and I highly recommend her as a teacher. She is great as a one on one parenting coach as well.

Christina's class has been THE most supportive thing I've done for myself and baby boy. We joined…read moreher playgroup class when he was only 4 months old (over a year ago) and he's thrived so much because of it. Our weekly play group-classes have provided invaluable social skills, bodily coordination development/learning, and parent education; my now one and a half yr. old is thriving, confident, secure & super coordinated! Christina holds a 1.5 hour class, almost all free play, with simple age appropriate objects/toys in a light-filled play space (at Then Comes Baby in Oakland). The RIE principles that she teaches has supported my son's natural development; like letting him roll, crawl, walk, etc, at his own natural pace as opposed to propping him up or helping him in ways that might by-pass his own learning & discovering. It's been such good practice to learn to let them figure things out on their own and resist the temptation to "help" or interrupt their natural curiosity and frustration as they learn new skills and limits. Of course we also get plenty of practice of setting boundaries for and with our children as well. This group has really helped my partner & I have a healthy and balanced parenting style and reduced our stress as new parents. The community of babies and parents has also been super sweet; you don't have to do this alone! Christina is experienced, knowledgable, and very encouraging. I highly recommend working with her!

From the owner: Respectful Caregiving: Balanced Families, Secure Babies…read more Respectful Caregiving is dedicated to supporting families with babies and toddlers throughout the Bay Area. My work is inspired by Magda Gerber's Educaring® Approach (RIE®). This Approach encourages trust in the infant for knowing how and when to develop. We caregivers do not consider it our responsibility to "teach" children how to move, play, or learn. Instead, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment conducive to self-initiated play and discovery. The Approach places emphasis on the quality of the nurturing relationship between caregiver and child, and has many specific suggestions for how to make that relationship as respectful and cooperative as possible. Parents using the Educaring® Approach report significant a decrease in the perceived burden of parenthood, and a corresponding increases in their confidence and enjoyment as parents. Children raised with this Approach are emotionally aware, confident, graceful, creative, independent, and secure in their sense of selves. I offer RIE® certified classes such as Before Baby™ and Nurturing Nanny. I also offer sleep consulting, parent coaching, nursery design/babyproofing, workshops, and individualized nanny training.

We had the best experience with Maureen, one of the many talented doulas at Brilliant Births. We…read moreopted for a private Laboring together class, and it exceeded every expectation. Maureen guided us with so much knowledge, warmth and patience. She gave us practical tools, hands on techniques, and the confidence we needed as we prepare for our baby. We both walked out feeling way more prepared. If you're looking for someone who empowers, educates and genuinely cares, Maureen is incredible. We're so grateful!

My partner and I recently completed the Hypnobirthing three week course at Brilliant Births. We had…read morean absolutely incredible experience, for many reasons--The information we learned was invaluable, but also the instructors' teaching styles and depth of personal experience they offered was appreciated, comforting, and helpful. They clearly have a deep well of wisdom and experience-based expertise to share. We started our class with Keira and absolutely loved her--originally we were a bit bummed to know we would have a different instructor for our last day of the course. However, it turned out that Heidi was equitably wonderful and all things lovely-- instead of only one great instructor and guide, we ended up with two...which leads me to believe you'll be in skilled hands with anyone you interact with at BB. We will definitely be returning to take advantage of their other offerings!

The Family Room offers such a welcoming and knowledgeable gathering space for families to create…read morecommunity while navigating the perinatal time and beyond. I'm a Fertility Awareness Educator in the community and have hosted talks and workshops in their group space, and it's been perfect for my needs. The space is comfortable, thoughtfully decorated, and offers all the necessities for my presentations including a projector and large viewing screen as well as ample seating space. The practitioners behind The Family Room are incredibly generous with their time, offering support in marketing efforts and engaging with fellow practitioners using the space. I would highly recommend considering The Family Room for your next workshop, support group, or other meeting space needs.

From the owner: The Family Room on Solano is a new gathering space and a classroom passionately dedicated to…read morenurturing families from preconception to birth and beyond. We offer groups and classes like prenatal yoga, new parents groups, a fertility support group, childbirth education, music for kids and much more!

My husband and I took Lisa's class this fall. It was great to have a community of parents to talk…read moreout parenting strategies and issues. Much more useful that just reading a book. She is a great resource and we continue to follow up with her. I feel confident now that I have more tools to address parenting struggles.

My husband and I took Lisa's Positive Discipline course together and we both found it to be…read moreinvaluable. I have a four year old son and I had read "Positive Discipline for Preschoolers." The theories resonated with me, but I was having a hard time putting the theory into practice. When I heard about Lisa's class, I was apprehensive about the time commitment (seven 2-hour sessions), but I decided to give it a try. I think that was one of the best decisions I've made as a parent yet. The 7 weeks flew by and by the end, I found myself craving even more. Through role playing and a series of really powerful demonstrations, Lisa taught us about parenting with kindness and firmness (as opposed to being authoritarian or permissive). We covered a wide range of options for non-punitive solutions to common parenting/behavior challenges. We also learned about teaching our kids self discipline, problem solving skills, responsibility, self-reliance and cooperation, among other things. Some of the concepts that most resonated with me: "Asking vs. Telling" ("Where do your shoes belong?" instead of "Put away your shoes."); "Connect before Correct"; and especially the idea that children do better when they feel better. I hate role playing, but it was unbelievably powerful to role play being my child and also to practice different parenting techniques. The classes have transformed the way that my husband and I interact with our son. We all enjoy each other so much more now and there's a lot less conflict. This doesn't mean that we're letting him get away with more. We're just involving him more in problem solving and making him feel like he's a contributing part of the family. Things certainly aren't perfect and we certainly still experience non-compliance and temper tantrums, but we feel more much prepared to deal with these challenges now and we're less likely to get angry. I'm really appreciating the progress we've made and I'm enjoying the journey of parenting much more now.

When my first son was 18 months I met Jennifer at a Parent Child class that we attended for a year…read more Learning from her and participating in her classes changed the way I saw myself as a parent and also how I parented. Through her modeling and clear explanation I learned to observe my child and quiet my thoughts so that I could better understand what he was working on in each moment. I also learned about how to be with children using the RIE approach, which offers nuanced, practical ways to show young children respect and care. In the years following our time together, when encountering a parent hurdle, I often thought to myself "What would Jennifer suggest here?" Her guidance went beyond infancy and toddlerhood and helped me support my child with patience and curiosity. Now I have a second son and we have begun attending her classes again. It is such a treat for me and baby to be in her beautifully curated space. Every toy and piece of furniture is developmentally appropriate and thoughtful of the children in the room. Her approach with both adults and children is gentle, open and supportive. She has played a big role in my parenting journey and I recommend her classes to any parent who wants to become closer to themselves and their children. Thanks so much for all the wisdom and care!

From the owner: RIE Parenting classes help you feel more confident with your newborn, infant or toddler. We help…read moreyou build the solid foundation that will allow your baby to thrive and your parent-child relationship to be positive and long-lasting. We are the OG mindful and conscious parenting program that guides you to develop your own personal parenting style and meet the needs of your baby, yourself, and your family. The RIE approach is considered best practice in infant/toddler care and has been made popular by RIE Parenting blogger Janet Lansbury. Our infant/toddler parenting classes include: RIE Before Baby (a newborn care class for expecting parents), and RIE Parent-infant classes (a playgroup) for parents with their babies or toddlers. Using the RIE Educaring approach developed by Magda Gerber, you will learn to observe and understand your baby's cues so you can respond in a way that builds security and trust. You'll recognize their strengths and capabilities and learn how to support their ongoing growth in all areas -- gross and fine motor, cognitive and social/emotional as well as attitudes toward living and learning. You'll learn more about infant/toddler development and gain support in problem-solving typical parenting challenges in the early years. This is a mommy & me play group that builds confidence, and allows you to enjoy your baby most of all. You'll establish a joyful relationship from the beginning and set the stage for a secure, confident and capable child.

Marcilie is an exceptional parenting coach. Reading books is useful, but Marcilie helps me see…read morethrough the internal emotional stuff that muddies my vision when it comes to conflict with my kids. She has successfully guided me through a number of really difficult situations and instilled in me a greater confidence in approaching those same types of situations on my own. I highly recommend her.

Marcilie is the coach we needed in our corner to create a more peaceful home. Having three…read moredaughters under the age of nine, the issues we face are new daily and were becoming as consistent as the morning sun. We've attended her series on sibling rivalry, consulted with her for one on one coaching (for both career and parenting matters now) and are looking forward to her eight week tele class on Positive Discipline. She curates truly helpful content from experts, coupled with her own smart methods and leads you through it in way that builds confidence. We consistently leave our time with her having gained practical tools - many of which have led to a measurably more peaceful home. Some of our favorites are Bugs and Wishes (curbed sibling bickering substantially) PESOS (respectful communication which yields results everyone feels good about) and her overall training in Adlerian theory has been a game changer both in our home and professionally. We all need a friend who truly listens and provides practical support in the roughest moments of parenting and career matters. So glad to say we have found both in Marcilie.

Rachel did an amazing job helping our eight year old son adjust to some changing family situations…read more She's kind, thoughtful, and really knows how to connect with kids through play-based therapy. She helped me troubleshoot parenting issues I was having a hard time with and mediated a sticky parenting situation between two households. She's also really efficient and doesn't push for tons of sessions. I've recommended her to other friends because she helped us so much.

Rachel is one of the first colleagues I refer to for child therapy, parent coaching and individual…read moretherapy. As a therapist myself, I have many colleagues to choose from but I find myself referring to Rachel more often because of her unique combination of experience, depth, presence and intelligence. She can handle the most challenging behavior issues with children and gently midwife parents into deeper connection and attachment with their children. She is a gifted therapist and clients of all ages are in expert hands with Rachel.