Supporting Kids In The Transition Back to School

This talk will help dads focus on the most important principles to remember, no matter what happens with school reopening

Every parent wants to know their kids will be safe and have a good experience at school.

With the return to school announcements, you might be feeling unclear about what to do. You probably have questions like:

  • What steps do you need to take to keep kids safe?
  • How will your kids respond if/when they go back to school?
  • What concerns might they have?
  • What concerns do you have as a parent?
  • What can you do as a dad to help your kids and family manage this transition?

The return to school is already a stressful transition for parents and kids, and with COVID-19 creating so much uncertainty, it makes this year even more challenging.

Our goal is to help you navigate the uncertainty and be there for your kids, so please watch the replay for Supporting Kids in the Transition Back to School. This talk can help dads focus on the most important principles to remember, no matter what happens with school reopening.

This conversation addresses the reality parents face, while providing best practices from childhood professionals and teachers. We know you’ll leave with information and practices to help you support your kids as a result.

Research confirms that kids do better when dads are involved in their education. While it may look different this year, you can be a positive influence and help them be successful.

Event Panelists

Tahmo Gharabaghi

Tahmo has been working with children, youth, and families in Ontario, British Columbia, and Germany for many years. He is currently the Director of Intensive Treatment Services at a major Children’s Mental Health agency in Toronto, and a part-time instructor in the department of Child and Youth Care at Sheridan College. Tahmo graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Guelph, where he also pursued graduate studies.

Tahmo has worked with Inuit children in the Canadian Arctic, with young adults living with developmental disabilities in Vancouver, B.C., and with children with mental health and learning challenges in the Black Forest region of Germany. He has also worked as a child counselor in the television and film industry, supporting young actors in coping with the demands and the contents of challenging film productions.

Tahmo’s guiding principle for his clients and for his staff has always been the same: Encourage and support absolutely everybody to reach their sky-high potential.

Sean Dunleavy

Sean is an elementary school teacher a few weeks away from starting his 18th year with the Limestone District School Board. While Sean has taught kindergarten to Gr. 6, he is currently working his dream role as a Phys. Ed teacher for students K-8. Beyond that, much of his time (outside of class) is spent on providing extra-curricular activities at the school level – primarily sports and recreation-based.

Sean has also been a university rugby coach for 19 seasons with the Queen’s Women’s Rugby program, and has enjoyed rugby coaching roles at high school, club and provincial levels over the years. More recently, Sean has been involved with the Rugby Canada U18 Women’s program as a Lead Coach for Eastern Canada.

Sean has two boys aged 7 and 12 and his wife is also a teacher in the Limestone Board.

Mary Tountas BScN, IBCLC

Mary is currently working in IMS (Incident Management System) for Toronto Public Health doing Case and contact tracing investigations for COVID-19. She has worked as a Public Health Nurse for 20 years with the City of Toronto, training facilitators in how to engage parents in various types of programs. She also writes parenting blogs and is part of the IMHP (Infant Mental Health Promotion) committee.

Mary’s a Master Trainer for Nobody’s Perfect and recently hosted the first online Zoom Facilitator refresher training for Families Canada.

Mary has been a Public Health Nurse for more than 20 years, serving as a Committee member and has been a speaker with (IMHP) Infant Mental Health Promotion affiliated with Sick Kids Learning Institute.

Mary is an Internationally Board certified Lactation consultant. She is a clinical instructor with Humber College teaching both Community Nursing and Post-Partum practical nursing at Humber River Regional Hospital.

Mary is a Master Trainer for Physical Literacy Sport for Life Canada and delivered several workshops for Early Childhood Educators and staff at Early Years settings and other community settings

Event Hosts

Drew Soleyn
Director of Dad Central Ontario, Founder of Connected Dads, and a Career Coach at the Queen’s Smith School of Business

Ed Gough Jr.
Member of the Dad Central Ontario Steering Committee & Host of the award-winning The Dr. Vibe Show

Brought to you by

Dad Central and Dove Men+Care have partnered to promote involved fatherhood across Canada and provide resources and workshops for organizations that serve dads.