About the Seminars

Seminar Descriptions:

Safe Kids in an Uncertain World | The Paradox of Parenting

Does SPARK Seminars provide training for all ages?

"Safe Kids in an Uncertain World" gives parents the skills to develop a protection strategy for preschool or elementary-age children.

"The Paradox of Parenting" is aimed at the parents of middle-schoolers, who face new challenges as their children ask for new levels of independence, but still require parental guidance and protection. "The Paradox of Parenting" can be adapted for the parents of high school students.

Our curriculum is always designed to meet the needs of the specific group we are working with, and a custom focus can be arranged.

Does SPARK Seminars teach physical or mental self-defense skills?

Our seminars teach mental self-defense skills. Social psychology teaches us that mental preparation is key to reacting effectively in a scary or unfamiliar situation. Physical self-defense training is also a powerful tool and valuable learning experience. SPARK encourages seminar participants to seek out qualified and supportive physical self-defense training.

Why are you focused on teaching parents rather than kids themselves?

Keeping our kids safe is one of the most important and challenging jobs that parents face. Yet, parents are rarely taught the skills they need to carry out this vital task. SPARK Seminars exists to fill this gap.

Parents are their children’s most important teachers and protectors. Young children are unable to protect themselves, and older children and teens need to reinforce self-protection skills on an ongoing basis. Equally importantly, kids need to know that their parents will support them if they ever experience attempted or actual abuse. SPARK Seminars empowers families to initiate conversations about safety, and to keep the dialogue going as children grow and attain new levels of freedom and responsibility.

Is follow-up available?

Yes. A follow-up seminar can be arranged for any group that wants additional information and discussion.

Is Dr. Tiemann a psychologist?

Dr. Tiemann earned her Ph. D. in Neurosciences from Stanford University. Her scientific background has been a valuable asset as she has developed the SPARK Seminars curriculum. However, she is not a licensed psychologist or therapist. She can help direct seminar participants to qualified counselors as needed.

Won’t I just get more scared if I think about these issues?

Confronting the possibility that our children could be harmed can be scary. However, gaining the skills that allow us to keep our children safe is an empowering and comforting experience. Our seminars are designed to reduce worry and anxiety by giving parents accurate information and effective real-world skills.