DISCUSSION DOCUMENT
for
KENT GARDENS ELEMENTARY
Mary Willcox Smith
Professional Speaker | Multi-Published Author
Founder of the MicroStep Method®
Dear Shelley,
Thank you for reaching out and for your time on Friday discussing a presentation for Kent Gardens Elementary.
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As agreed, you’ll find two session descriptions below for 40 minute presentations, either to be followed by Q&A. I have also included some testimonials and the quote for the presentation as well as all that is included.
Feel free to share this page with the other decision-makers. I've held Friday, January 17th tentatively on my calendar, so let me know as soon as you're ready to lock it in.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me!
Thanks again.
Yours,
Mary
703.727.3909
PRESENTATIONS
I’m Talking. They’re Not Listening.
The Power of a Moment
You've asked, you've explained, you've reminded. But instead of action, you get the kid equivalent of crickets. So you remind again…and again. You want to raise happy, emotionally healthy kids, but you can’t even get compliance, let alone enjoy the moments that matter most.
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What if less could be enough–without a complete overhaul or changing who you are?
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With 25 years of raising four daughters and coaching fellow parents, Mary didn’t just study the struggles of parenting—she lived them. And in the process, she uncovered what many experts missed: small, intentional shifts—what she calls MicroSteps—hold the key to do-able, yet profound, lasting change.
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In this talk, Mary discusses the phenomenon of kids not listening or responding to requests. She zooms out to explain why kids don't listen, and she shares strategies—and scripts—for getting back on track. You’ll walk away with a plan to ensure that your days of yelling into the void are over, so that you can welcome back your sanity.
Parenting Without Overwhelm
Small Changes, Big Impact
Parenting can feel like you’re never enough. Some days, the awe you feel for your child can take your breath away. On other days, it’s pure survival—the sass, the screentime battles, the straight-up defiance. And now, even the U.S. Surgeon General has acknowledged the toll that parenting can take.
What if less could be enough–without a complete overhaul or changing who you are?
​
With 25 years of raising four daughters and coaching fellow parents, Mary didn’t just study the struggles of parenting—she lived them. And in the process, she uncovered what many experts missed: small, intentional shifts—what she calls MicroSteps—hold the key to do-able, yet profound, lasting change.
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In this engaging presentation, Mary will unpack how your child’s (and your) brain works. She explains why old fashioned bribes and punishments backfire. You’ll learn how to identify your reactions, connect during chaotic moments, and break free from stress and frustration.
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The truth is, you are already enough. You’ll leave with practical, game-changing tools you never knew you needed, but won’t be able to parent without.
What They're Saying
“Mary’s compassion and understanding set her apart. She doesn’t sugarcoat parenting, yet leaves the audience inspired and ready for change”
Ellen Claire van Olden
Founder, Empower the Girls LLC
Speaker, Mentor, Coach
“Your presentation hit the mark with our families. I'm receiving glowing feedback, ‘It felt like Mary was speaking directly to me, about my problems!!’”
Karen Ewert
Head of School, Sycamore School, Washington DC
“Mary used humor and honesty about what might be going wrong while still being positive and explaining it well. I left with tips that I could try right away”
Darlene
Parent of two elementary schoolers
Session Fee
My fee for this event will be $700, and includes the following:
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60 minute speaking session
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Q&A
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2 Books to Giveaway*
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Post-event 60-minute Virtual (group or individual) Coaching Session*
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Book Signing
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Social media templates/images
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Custom promo video
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Handouts - tbd
* Books and virtual coaching can be used as giveaways or however you see fit. Extra books available at cost.
“Finally, a parenting book designed to be used in the real (messy) world with real (irrational) kids and actual (human) parents. Mary Willcox Smith gives parents not just the why and the how but the actual, literal words to use. Hallelujah!"
What if there's a proven way to navigate typical parenting chaos by implementing simple, actionable steps to strengthen connections with your children and support their personal, positive development?
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In The MicroStep Method for the Overwhelmed Parent, Mary Willcox Smith acknowledges the commotion and frustration of daily child-raising life and addresses confidence-draining parenting angst. Yes, a semblance of order, calm and, importantly, joy, can be re-injected into the family experience.
-Amanda Ripley
New York Times bestselling author of The Smartest Kids in the Worl
NEXT STEPS
I have January 17th on the calendar and am excited by the opportunity to present for Kent Garden parents! If anyone would like to jump on another call, please just let me know.
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Looking forward to it,
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Mary
703.727.3909
ABOUT MARY
Mary Willcox Smith is a Parent Coach, Speaker, and Author of the book, The MicroStep Method for the Overwhelmed Parent. For the past twenty-five years, she’s experienced the joys and tribulations of raising four daughters born within just five years. Her parenting challenges inspired a passion for neuroscience, mindfulness, and child development, which then led to the creation of her framework. The MicroStep Method® equips the overwhelmed parent with the understanding and tools to transform everyday parenting struggles into opportunities for creating moments of meaningful connection.
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Mary holds an MBA from INSEAD Business School, is a Master Certified Life Coach, and a Certified Positive Discipline Expert. She provides coaching to an exclusive roster of parents and frequently speaks for schools, corporations, and parent groups.
Mary believes that by dedicating herself to empowering and guiding parents with young children, she can contribute to reversing the rising tide of teen and young adult anxiety and depression: one family, one child, one MicroStep at a time.