Parents
Behind every parenting challenge and breakthrough is a connection between brain science, memory, and behavior.
BioSocial Cognition helps you unlock the "why" behind your child’s actions - and your own. By recognizing how your personal history and memories influence your everyday responses, you can break unhelpful patterns, strengthen family communication, and parent with greater intentionality.
We’ve gathered practical tools to support your home environment in one place. Explore our latest articles and videos, download free worksheets, and discover workshops & training created specifically for parents and families.
If you are looking for resources tailored specifically to foster or adoptive parenting, explore our dedicated pages for unique insight into those family dynamics.
Join our founder, Thomas C. Rector, as he shares his experiences as a father of five, adoptive parent, a foster care mentor and trainer, CASA, and board member for child advocacy organizations.
Browse the videos and articles below for actionable insights to support your parenting journey.
What Does it Mean to "Be a Memory Maker"
In this quick 2 minute video, Thomas C. Rector, founder of Accrescent Institute, answers the question, What Does it Mean to "Be a Memory Maker"?
Learn how this grounding phrase embodies our goal to make a difference in the lives of those we interact and work with on a daily basis.
Recognizing and Choosing the Memories We Draw Upon
Thomas C. Rector shares this analogy for recognizing the memories we draw from and the opportunity we have to choose which memories we want to carry forward in our interactions with others - and especially with our children.
There's No Such Thing as Perfection in Parenting
Sometimes when we learn a way we can improve our parenting, we have a tendency to "beat ourselves up".
In this quick parenting tip, Thomas C. Rector reminds us that to be a good parent doesn't require perfection.
Find even more encouragement and resources for your parenting journey on the Accrescent Institute YouTube channel.
The Agreement Process
Workshop
In this two-part, live recorded training, join Thomas C. Rector as he guides two participants through The Agreement Process for the first time.
Through example, discussion, foibles, and insights, you'll gain an understanding of how The Agreement Process works and how it helps you communicate with teens - and others.
Inside you'll also find the Agreement form and a PDF Reference Handout to walk you through The Agreement Process Fundamentals and Methodology.
Individuality Worksheets
How You Process & Interact
Learning Styles & Preferences
Download a PDF of the Individuality Worksheets, used in Beyond the System: Empowering Your Success Through Learning and other advanced or specialty workshops.
Accrescent Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to sharing BioSocial Cognition through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one training to organizations and individuals.
Whether you are looking for help understanding behavior, building stronger communication, or gaining insight into your own reactions as a parent, our workshops provide practical, science-backed strategies. Browse our training options below to find interactive programs tailored to the real-world demands of family life.
As parents and advocates, we want our children to succeed, to thrive. But they are individuals different from us, and we can't control all that happens to them or how they react.
In this interactive session, we look at how to connect neuroscientific knowledge and practical application to develop confident adults equipped with the tools to achieve their potential.
Learn the impact memories have on behavior, how memories are formed and why it matters, how to be conscious in creating new memories, and developing an environment that creates positive decisions and behavior.
Why do teens make the choices they do? What could they possibly be thinking? How can we guide them into adulthood with the tools they need to lead healthy, productive lives?
In this interactive session, we’ll explore the development, neuroscience, and internal and external factors that impact teen choices and behavior…
So that you can help parents better understand where their teen is coming from, why teens are making the choices they are making.
You’ll also gain a methodology to share with parents for cultivating positive, productive communication and relationship with their teens. And a tool for communicating and reaching agreements through the teen years and beyond.
Youth face very real issues when communicating with the adults in their lives. Each wants to be heard and taken seriously, but struggle finding productive ways to communicate.
During this interactive session, we’ll identify barriers youth and adults face when communicating, delve into the impact memories, genetics, and development have on behavior and communication, and discuss the opportunity you have to empower productive communication.
You’ll walk away with a process and tool you can immediately use to share and implement within your family.
IEPs - Is it yet another mandatory meeting? Or can we make it an opportunity to collaborate to further impact the outcome for the student?
At every Individualized Education Program meeting, key individuals with vast experience bring to the table their specific insights of the student.
In this interactive session, you gain a tool for identifying factors that can contribute to the IEP team’s efforts to develop a plan that will enhance student outcomes.
By bringing together each team member’s insights, you will build a holistic understanding of the various factors influencing behavior and educational performance, enhancing your ability to make a difference.
We'd love to work with you!
Please fill out our contact form to let us know more about yourself and training options you're interested in exploring.
Our Training & Workshops help you and your family to expand your understanding of the "why" behind behavior and equip you with additional tools for communicating.
Training and workshops are available in a variety of formats:
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1:1 via Zoom
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Small Group Training
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Custom Training for Organizations
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On-Demand or
All sessions are engaging, interactive, and customized specifically to the audience.
Durations range from 90 min to half and full day training. For in-depth training, organizations and individuals may choose multiple sessions delivered over a number of weeks.
