Finally, working moms and dads don’t have to miss important parenting discussions that typically take place outside the office—during working hours—or in early evening hours—when working parents are just returning home.
Parent Talks is an independent company dedicated to bringing parenting discussions to the workplace. The company offers a speaker panel of parenting experts and delivers customized discussions and marketing materials as well as handles all meeting logistics. For more information, visit www.parent-talks.com, www.facebook.com/parenttalks, or email: info@parent-talks.com.
On December 4, 2012, Parent Talks kicked off the program by bringing Scarsdale-based speaker panelist Dr. Paul Donahue, PhD, founder and director of Child Development Associates, to the Manhattan office of Van Wagner Communications—one of the nation’s largest outdoor advertising companies.
“It is comforting and convenient to get expert advice and to know there are a group of friends and colleagues that are all going through the ups and downs of parenting together,” said Hillary Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of Van Wagner’s Sports and Entertainment Group and mother to 2-year old son Jackson.
The Van Wagner conference room was filled to capacity with moms and dads who found the meeting “very relevant” and helpful in alleviating parenting stress. In follow-up evaluations employees stated: “Dr. Donahue eased some concerns I had with my parenting skills.” “[The discussion] made me realize I need to speak with my wife and get on the same page.” “An overall great experience.” And everyone in attendance noted that just having the opportunity to have this type of discussion at the office improved their view of Van Wagner’s commitment to working parents.
“At Van Wagner, the people are the heart of the organization. They put their hearts into their work, and that’s not something we take for granted,” said Liza Villafane, Vice President of Human Resources.
The next in the series is scheduled for early 2013 and will address one of the topics of most interest to Van Wagner employees, based on an initial Parent Talks survey.
