Melissa Black Ford
Parent Coach/Educator

Phone: 708.417.0235
Email: melissa@empoweredparentingsolutions.com
As a parent coach and OakPark.com blogger, it's my intention to support parents as they do the most important job ever - PARENTING! Whether it's a new perspective, a personal story, a community event for kids, parents, or families - I plan on covering it. I'm a firm believer in sharing and being open to new ideas as a way to strengthen our parenting power.
If you'd like more information on coaching or local workshops please visit: www.empoweredparentingsolutions.com
Blogs
Don't parent alone when guiding your middle schooler around drugs and alcohol

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 8:30 AM
Drop what you’re doing on Wednesday, February 15th at 7 p.m. and bring your middle schooler to IM.P.A.C.T’s Parent/Student Cafe at Brooks Middle School. This interactive event will prepare you and your child to navigate the commonplace dilemmas posed by drugs and alcohol in our community.
Wild About Wellness - Growing Healthy Children in Mind, Body and Spirit

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 11:00 AM
You won’t want to miss Wild About Wellness - Growing Healthy Children in Mind, Body and Spirit, The Collaboration for Early Childhood’s 9th Annual Symposium on Saturday, February 25 from 8 am - 3 pm at Percy Julian Middle School.
Help your kids navigate the drug and alcohol dilemmas they will face
Sunday, January 29th, 2012 12:00 PM
Having a hard time discussing the subject of drugs and alcohol with your child? Get the conversation started by attending a fun and engaging Parent/Student Cafe at Gwendolyn Brooks MIddle School on February 15th at 7 pm.
Parenting Myth: Good Parents Offer Choices

Monday, January 23rd, 2012 2:20 PM
Offering choices to children has become a popular parenting approach. Yet it's equally important to know that choices are optional!
Thursday, January 19th, 2012 5:00 PM
Regardless of your child’s age, consider a unique style of listening that builds deeper, more meaningful connections with your child, and ensures your s/he will be heard.
Stepping into the role of benevolent CEO

Thursday, January 12th, 2012 8:30 AM
The job of a CEO is four-fold: S/he establishes budgets, builds teams, creates culture, and sets strategy and vision. Sounds like I just described a parent, right?
Open your eyes to the gift of today
Thursday, January 5th, 2012 8:00 AM
Imagine if you cultivated gratitude - how your world would change and how you would change the world of those around you.
Local mom, entrepreneur turns author

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 8:00 AM
Have you heard? Local entrepreneur, mom, and founder of The Founding Moms, Jill Salzman is now a published author, too.

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 8:00 AM
During the holidays there's party planning, decorating, card writing, gift purchasing, cookie baking, list-making, and celebrating. There's also muttering to myself that no one helps and I'm stuck doing everything.
Why moms make the best entrepreneurs!

Monday, December 26th, 2011 8:30 PM
Did you know that 1.8 million women-owned businesses in the US are generating 1.3 trillion in annual revenues and employing 7.6 million people? Oh, and the majority of these amazing enterpreneurs are moms!
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