GPS Parent Series

GPS Parent Series Navigating Healthy Families and Real-World Parenting. All events are free and open to the public. No subscription and NO REGISTRATION required.

The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families is here to bring the best of the best in the parenting world. Our high-profile authors, clinicians and educators share their research-based knowledge and practical wisdom. All caregivers, students and community members are welcome to these free virtual workshops. We present over 50 programs each year. Check out the brochure! You'll find an event on just what you need to bring your A-game to your family.

What if understanding WHY your teen is changing could change the way you relate to them?Pulitzer Prize-winning science j...
09/02/2026

What if understanding WHY your teen is changing could change the way you relate to them?

Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Matt Richtel says once we understand what the adolescent brain is actually trying to accomplish, behaviors that can feel frustrating, confusing or even personal begin to look very different.

His groundbreaking new book, “How We Grow Up,” explores why the teenage brain increasingly prioritizes peers, why adolescence can create a “perfect storm” of neurological overload, and how adults can respond with greater understanding, connection and confidence.

✨ This is information every parent, educator, coach and adult who cares about young people should hear.

Join GPS Parent Series for Matt Richtel: Understanding Adolescence — A Complex Journey of Growth and Transformation.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 9
⏰ Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 Virtual + FREE
🙌 No registration. No subscription. Just join us.

And Richtel is just one conversation.

GPS brings families and educators 50+ free programs each year, exploring the questions that matter at every age and stage of child development—from early childhood through adolescence, young adulthood and beyond.

💙 Come for the topic you need today. Keep coming for the ones you didn’t know you needed yet.

09/02/2026

WHAT IF “TRY HARDER” ISN’T THE BEST ADVICE? 🤯

For years, Dr. Angela Duckworth taught millions of us about GRIT—the power of passion and perseverance.

Now, her groundbreaking new research adds a fascinating twist:

Sometimes the smartest way to change yourself is to change your situation.

The people around you.
The spaces you inhabit.
What’s within arm’s reach.
The expectations and culture surrounding you.

They may be shaping your motivation, choices and success far more than you realize.

And think about what that could mean for the kids in our lives. 👀

Instead of only asking, “How can I make this student more motivated?” or “How can I help my child try harder?” what if we also asked:

“What can I change around them that makes it easier for them to succeed?”

This isn’t just a parenting idea. It’s for educators, leaders, professionals, young adults—and anyone trying to grow, change a habit, reach a goal or bring out the best in someone else.

🔥 On September 15, #1 bestselling author Angela Duckworth brings the science behind her brand-new book “Situated” to GPS, in conversation with bestselling author Kelly Corrigan.

She’ll reveal four strategies for creating situations that help us do better—at school, work, home and in life.

This is going to be a BIG one.

📅 Tuesday, September 15
⏰ Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 Virtual
🎟️ FREE | No registration

📌 SAVE THIS. SHARE IT. PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR.

GPSParentSeries.org

🧠 What if the teenage behaviors that drive adults CRAZY actually make sense?The pulling away. The intense need to fit in...
09/01/2026

🧠 What if the teenage behaviors that drive adults CRAZY actually make sense?

The pulling away. The intense need to fit in. The risk-taking. The emotional outbursts. The sudden feeling that friends matter more than family.

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times science journalist Matt Richtel has spent years investigating what’s really happening inside the adolescent brain—and what he’s uncovered could change the way you see, understand and connect with the young people in your life.

In his fascinating new book, "How We Grow Up," Richtel explores emerging science around the adolescent “SOCIAL BRAIN,” including why teens are biologically driven toward peers, exploration and independence—and why today’s combination of earlier puberty, nonstop information, social pressure and digital life may be placing unprecedented demands on still-developing brains.

✨ This isn’t another lecture about what’s wrong with teenagers. It’s an opportunity to finally understand what’s RIGHT about adolescence—and how adults can work with the developing brain instead of constantly fighting against it.

Join GPS Parent Series Wednesday, Sept. 9 at noon or 7 p.m. CT as Richtel shows parents, educators and anyone who works with adolescents how greater understanding can lead to more empathy, less conflict and stronger connection—including his “Love, Lead, and Let Go” blueprint.

💙 FREE. No registration. Everyone welcome.
https://www.gpsparentseries.org

🤯Your adolescent isn’t suddenly becoming a different person. Their brain is becoming a different brain. 🧠And once you un...
08/31/2026

🤯Your adolescent isn’t suddenly becoming a different person. Their brain is becoming a different brain. 🧠

And once you understand what’s happening inside it, the mood swings, peer obsession, risk-taking and pulling away can begin to make a lot more sense.

Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Matt Richtel takes us inside the developing adolescent brain to reveal what’s really driving these behaviors—and how understanding the WHY can change the way we respond.

Parents and educators will come away with a new lens for navigating emotional storms, social pressure, screens and the growing need for independence—plus practical strategies for connecting rather than clashing. Learn how to decode difficult behavior, help adolescents cope with overwhelm, and use Richtel’s “Love, Lead, and Let Go” approach to support young people as they grow. CEUs and CPDUs available!

💡 Don’t just survive adolescence. Understand it—and discover better ways to stay connected through it.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 9 | Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 Virtual | FREE | No registration required
Learn more at GPSParentSeries⁠.org No Registration. No subscription. Just free tools from the nation’s top minds. GPS is here to help families thrive. Takeaways you can use immediately. Take a peak. You won’t regret it.

08/31/2026

Are some people simply born better at handling life? Or can the rest of us learn how to flourish, too? 🧠🌱

Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson has spent decades studying the brain, emotion and well-being—and his work points to an empowering idea: the qualities that help us thrive can be strengthened.

Hear Davidson’s invitation, then join him and Dr. Courtland Dahl, authors of "Born to Flourish," in conversation with bestselling author and neuroscientist Dr. Judson Brewer.

Together they'll explore what modern science and ancient wisdom reveal about cultivating awareness, connection, insight and purpose—and why strengthening our own well-being can have an impact on the people around us.

This conversation isn't just for parents. Educators, professionals, grandparents, young adults—this one is for anyone interested in living with greater resilience, meaning and connection. ✨

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 1 | Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 FREE via Zoom | No registration required
🔗 https://www.GPSParentSeries.org

Tag or share with someone who should join you!

The fascinating idea behind this week’s GPS Words of Wisdom?One of the best ways to help the people you love thrive… is ...
08/30/2026

The fascinating idea behind this week’s GPS Words of Wisdom?
One of the best ways to help the people you love thrive… is to start with yourself. 🌱

Renowned neuroscientist Richard J Davidson and contemplative scientist Cortland Dahl say flourishing isn’t simply something that happens when life goes well. Our capacity for awareness, connection, insight and purpose can be strengthened—and the benefits can ripple outward.

As Davidson puts it: “Flourishing is contagious.”

🧠 Join Davidson and Dahl, in conversation with Judson Brewer, to discover what modern neuroscience and ancient wisdom can teach us about building greater well-being, resilience and connection—for ourselves and the young people in our lives.

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 1 | Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 FREE via Zoom | No registration required
🔗 GPSParentSeries.org

Know a parent, educator, colleague or friend who could use this? Share the WOW. 💛

What if truly thriving isn’t about changing your life—but training your brain? 🧠✨Stress. Distraction. Anxiety. Burnout. ...
08/27/2026

What if truly thriving isn’t about changing your life—but training your brain? 🧠✨

Stress. Distraction. Anxiety. Burnout. We spend a lot of time trying to escape them. But groundbreaking neuroscientist Richard J Davidson and contemplative scientist Cortland Dahl, co-creators of Dharma Lab offer a fascinating alternative: well-being is a SKILL—and we can get better at it.

Drawing from their new book, “Born to Flourish,” they’ll reveal four abilities we can strengthen—awareness, connection, insight and purpose—and simple practices that can help us become calmer, more resilient and more connected.

And joining the conversation? Judson Brewer, psychiatrist, neuroscientist and bestselling author of “Unwinding Anxiety.”

This isn’t just a parenting program. It’s for anyone who wants to handle life better—and help the people they care about do the same.

🌱 Born to Flourish
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 1
⏰ Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 FREE on Zoom | No registration

👉 GPSParentSeries.org — join us

Can you actually train your brain to become better at handling life? YES!Decades of neuroscience suggest we can.Join Dr....
08/27/2026

Can you actually train your brain to become better at handling life? YES!

Decades of neuroscience suggest we can.

Join Dr. Richard Davidson and Dr. Courtland Dahl, authors of the new book "Born to Flourish," for an eye-opening exploration of why well-being may be less like a fixed personality trait and more like a skill we can strengthen.

They’ll explore four building blocks of flourishing—awareness, connection, insight and purpose—and practical ways to cultivate them amid the stress, uncertainty and distractions of everyday life.

Davidson and Dahl will be joined by Judson Brewer, MD, bestselling author of "Unwinding Anxiety," for a conversation with something to offer parents, educators, professionals—and really, anyone who wants to live with greater calm, resilience, meaning and connection.

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 1 | Noon & 7 p.m. CT
💻 FREE via Zoom | No registration required

Come for yourself. Come for the young people in your life. And please share this free resource with someone who could use it.

👉 https://GPSParentSeries.org

💙 Advocating for My Young Child with a Disability 💙Families are invited to join Early CHOICES for a meaningful and infor...
05/15/2026

💙 Advocating for My Young Child with a Disability 💙

Families are invited to join Early CHOICES for a meaningful and informative evening focused on inclusion, advocacy, and support for young children with disabilities.

This learning opportunity will help families better understand inclusion in early childhood settings, strengthen collaborative partnerships with providers, and connect with valuable resources and specialists. Families will leave with practical strategies and printed materials to support their advocacy journey.

Event highlights include:
🍽 Dinner provided
👧 Child supervision available
🤝 Family networking and Q&A
🎁 Giveaway opportunities

📅 June 3, 2026
⏰ 5:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 NIU Naperville

🔗 Register here: https://www.bit.ly/famnight26

Address

596 Crescent Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, IL
60137

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(630) 942-7668

Website

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