TALKS & WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS, SCHOOLS & CORPORATES

We offer topical, relevant and practical life-changing talks aimed at children, teens, parents, educators and company employees. Preschool through to high school, we have a talk for you. They are run at a large number of established organizations by our in-house team of facilitators. The Life Talk team operates out of South Africa, but our talks are available throughout the world.

Please see below for the current list of talks we offer. Please contact us should you wish to enquire about any of the talks below or for more information about upcoming talks in your area. Our fees are supplied on request.

Parenting talks & workshopsSaveSave

The following talks are available (in modified formats) for pre-school, primary and high school parents. They can all be run at corporates too.
Disempowering Bullying
Everything parents need to know about recognizing and understanding bullying and its impact – both from the victim’s and the bully’s perspectives. Parents are armed with knowledge and tools, to help them support and empower their children, with special focus on self-esteem and positivity.
Raising Resilient Children
We unpack resilience, so as to understand how it can manifest, and also discuss confidence, whilst providing parenting tips to help your children build this vital life skill.
Childhood Depression
At least 10% of the World’s population are depressed, with the diagnosis rate increasing by 20% p.a. Depression, even in children, can be debilitating. We highlight possible signs and examine the root causes of depression, providing parents with valuable insight and understanding so that we can take steps towards prevention and if necessary, intervention.
Parenting in a Digital Age
Understanding Digital Citizenship is vital in an age where our children and their electronic devices are seldom apart. This talk helps parents gain a better understanding of the exciting and dynamic digital space and how it impacts on all our lives.
Parenting in a Digital Age (2-hour workshop)
This insightful, 2-hour workshop focuses on our children in a digital world, the new digital classroom and the concept of digital citizenship and finally, the vital component of digital awareness from a parenting perspective.
Parenting in a Digital Age
Understanding Digital Citizenship is vital in an age where our children and their electronic devices are seldom apart. This talk helps parents gain a better understanding of the exciting and dynamic digital space and how it impacts on all our lives.
Find your Voice, Speak Your Mind
A conflict-resolution parenting talk. Provides parents with the tools to help their children to cope with conflict, to avoid being bullied, to nurture resilience, grow their confidence and to respectfully speak up, take action and move on.
The Tug of Life
(empowering your child and your family to make life-enriching choices)

Each of us face a tug-of-life and this wonderful talk unpacks the easy-to-use methodology as described in the Tug-of-Life book. Topics covered include discipline, bullying, divorce, communication, role models, time, and the impact of technology, peer pressure and self-esteem.

A Sobering Reality
Focussing on underage drinking, this talk explores the realities of the teen drinking world, the associated physical, mental and emotional dangers, as well as suggestions for parents to try to avoid the heartache associated with this scourge.
Let’s Build!

Aimed at parents of pre-schoolers, the talk addresses the importance of pre-school foundations and setting of boundaries. We discuss how our children learn to behave and the role parents have to play. Emphasis is placed on connecting with our children and working as a team with the school in to develop these skills.

Self--Esteem – A Priceless Gift
Self-esteem is the basis of a positive attitude, instilling feelings of self-worth, and leaving us better equipped to cope with challenges that arise. Self-esteem and parents’ role in the development thereof is discussed. Talk includes practical ideas to develop inherent strengths in your child, the role of praise and encouragement, and listening as an opportunity to connect. Practical, implementable tips to nurture self-esteem are provided.
The Parenting Journey
This talk highlights aspects critical to creating favourable family dynamics e.g. your family values, communication and discipline. The constantly changing parenting roles as our children grow are explored, and guidance provided. We then focus on the ‘must-know’ challenges and suggested solutions and tips are shared.
Teen Depression
14 is the average age of the onset of depression. Stats show 1 in 4 adolescents will suffer a bout of major depression in high school. This talk provides parents with valuable insight and understanding, examining the root causes, so that we can take steps towards prevention and intervention.
Building children’s self-esteem
Self-esteem is the greatest gift parents can give their children. In this workshop, parents will learn practical ideas to develop inherent strengths in their children, the difference between praise and encouragement, and how to handle daily discipline. We also cover how to build resilience in order to withstand bullying and peer-pressure, and the role of developing positive self-talk and self-appreciation. The results from this workshop will last a lifetime. Family communication will be improved and through the process followed, a positive and optimistic outlook for the whole family is created. Includes our book Life Talk for Parents, written by our CEO, Izabella Gates.

Empowering Talks for Children & Teens

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Growing up can be tough, so let us help you as you navigate your way through school:Save
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully (for pre-school children)
An interactive workshop for the children, it unpacks bullying and focuses on friendship, and provides tools and solutions to help overcome the challenges associated with this scourge. Separate age appropriate workshops for children from Grade 00
Take a Stand a Lend a Hand (Grade 4-7)
This workshop covers the importance of relationships, particularly friendships. We investigate what friendship is, why it’s important and how to deal with day-to-day friendship challenges. We also take an in-depth look into bullying and provide empowering tools. Students will leave with an understanding of the benefits of being a good friend, treating each other with respect and kindness, and will be empowered to take a stand against bullying.
Netiquette
An awareness talk, focusing on various digital benefits and dangers, the creation of their digital footprint and how that can impact them. Aspects of the law are covered as well as cyberbullying and social media. Grade 5-7.
The ABC’s of Sexuality
A fun, interactive workshop, engaging the students own thinking, surrounding their on-line profiles and the opposite sex, whilst equipping them with practical tools to withstand peer pressure. Grade 6-7.
Teen Life-Skills Programme
A 14-part life skills programme which equips tweens and teens with vital life skills and tools to overcome the many challenges facing them (e.g. peer pressure, bullying, alcohol, drugs etc.) and get them to think proactively about their choices and decisions with relation to reaching goals and dreams. This programme is closely aligned to CAPS. Grade 6-7.

 

We All fit together (Grade 5-7.)
A fantastic workshop focusing on diversity, associated bullying, consideration for others, and attitude which translates into work ethic.
Understanding Bullying (Grade 6-12)
An interactive workshop which unpacks verbal, physical and emotional bullying, and provides tools and solutions to help overcome the challenges associated with this. We also look at cyberbullying and sexting. Legal implications and potential consequences are discussed.
Self-Esteem – Celebrate Yourself
Designed to give learners insight into how their self-esteem impacts on absolutely all aspects of their lives; how this can work for or against them; giving them practical, simple tips to enhance their self-esteem thus building a solid foundation of self-belief and confidence. Grade 5-7.
The Tug-of-Teens
An empowering talk, encouraging proactive thinking, wise choices and a solid value system. We encourage students to create their goal person and we take them through some of the challenges they may face and provide them with tips on how to deal with those situations. Ideal for Grade 7 leaders
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully (Grade 0-3)
 

This interactive workshop unpacks bullying and focuses on friendships whilst providing tools and solutions to help overcome this challenge. Separate age-appropriate workshops for children.

 

The Power of Choice Workshop
Students are equipped with essential tools and tips to enable decision-making and wise choices in the years ahead. We introduce the Tug-of-Life methodology as a tool and create awareness for some of the challenges that lie ahead in the teen years.  Grade 5-8.
Walk Your Talk
Equips learners with social skills, to help them successfully navigate their way through life. Topics include alienation, competitiveness, inappropriate behaviour, manners, cyber-bullying, jealously and envy and standing up to peer pressure. Grade 4-7
Life Comes in CANS, Not in CANNOTS
A motivational talk empowering the youth to say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol, preparing them for many of the challenges they face on a daily basis. Grade 6-7.

High School talks & workshops for teens

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More than Sad
Depression is commonplace amongst our teens, too often resulting in avoidable suicide. This interactive workshop examines feelings, differentiates between anxiety and depression, causes and signs of depression, and knowing when to get help. Students are encouraged to challenge negative thinking, and consider some helpful tips we share with them. Helpline information is shared and students are assisted to create a safety plan for themselves.
Your Digital Footprint
This talk creates awareness of the online footprint we create with every post, tweet, share or upload. These can work for you, building your brand, or can impact negatively on self-esteem, cause alienation and affect future study or job opportunities. Safety considerations and tips are shared.
YOUR Choices, YOUR Future
An empowering talk encouraging proactive thinking, wise choices and a solid value system. We encourage students to create their goal person and we take them through some of the challenges they may face and provide them with tips on how to deal with those situations.

 

Teen Life-Skills Programme
A-14 part life skills programme which equips tweens and teens with vital life skills and tools to overcome the many challenges facing them (e.g. peer pressure, bullying, alcohol, drugs etc.) and get them to think proactively about their choices and decisions with relation to reaching goals and dreams. This programme is closely aligned to CAPS.

 

You matter! A self-esteem building workshop

The topics of self-esteem, confidence, resilience, positivity and gratitude are covered in this engaging two hour workshop. Students explore and gain an understanding of the content through wonderful activities, group discussions and supportive video clips. Students leave with an array of powerful tools to enable them to continue building on these essential life skills. Grade 4-8

 

The Power of Choice Workshop
A workshop to help reduce alcohol-related harm in teens, taking them on a journey of understanding the effects of alcohol on their body and brain, why they may be tempted to drink and the role media plays. They are equipped with essential tools and tips to enable decision-making and wise choices in the years ahead. The workshop can be adjusted to cover other topics and not just alcohol.
The Teen Alcohol Scene
Educating teens about the dangers of teenage drinking, focusing on choices, consequences and solutions.
Life Comes in CANS, Not in CANNOTS
A motivational talk empowering the youth to say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol, preparing them for many of the challenges they face on a daily basis.

 

Tug of Life Learner Talk (making life-enriching choices)
The simple methodology is explained to the learners, using a fun, interactive approach, showing them how they can actively ‘tug’ for what truly counts in their lives.
Netiquette
Deals with the digital benefits and dangers, their digital footprint and how that can impact potential employment. Online safety and advice are covered as well as aspects of the law, cyberbullying and social media.
The ABC’s of Sexuality
An interactive, fun workshop for grade 8s, engaging their own thinking surrounding their on-line profiles, different kinds of love, equips them with practical tools to withstand peer pressure and to abstain.

 

Self-Esteem – Celebrate Yourself
Designed to give learners insight into how their self-esteem impacts on absolutely all aspects of their lives, and how this can work for or against them. It gives them practical, simple tips to enhance their self-esteem thereby building a solid foundation of self-belief and confidence.

 

Puberty

An interactive workshop which unpacks puberty in a comfortable manner; in terms of feeling different and the physical, emotional and social changes underway. The concept of sexuality is explained and we discuss caution around what we project both in the online and real world as well as some of the key factors that can impact on decision making. Supportive issues such as self-esteem are covered and we equip students with tools to see them through. Grade 5-7

All the talks are powerful, and many are both life-changing and behaviour-changing.

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Educator talks & workshopsSaveSave

Our tried-and-tested educator workshops hosted across the country include:
Understanding Bullying
This workshop unpacks bullying. It includes recognising and understanding bullying and its impact – both from the victim’s and the bully’s perspective. We arm educators with knowledge and tools to help them to support and empower children, with special focus on self-esteem and positivity.
Facilitating Safe Conversations
Often educators are the people our children turn to first when they are in crisis. This workshop equips educators with the basic skills to be able to assist students in need of first-line counselling.
Your Classroom – A Haven for All-Round Success
This workshop unpacks bullying. This includes recognising and understanding bullying and its impact – both from the victim’s and the bully’s perspective. We arm educators with knowledge and tools, helping them to support and empower children, with special focus on self-esteem and positivity.
Tug of Life Methodology Educator Workshop (implementing the programme)
Educators are shown how they can apply the Tug-of-Life in their classroom, assist their students and to actively ‘tug’ for what truly counts in their own personal lives. Classroom application and ideas are workshopped and designed to support the unique needs and challenges of the school.
Teen Life-Skills Programme (For educators, social workers and counsellors)
This training will enable educators to run the Life Talk life skills programme.
The effects of bullying and trauma on Learners:

This workshop focuses on the impact educators can have on reducing the effects and associated trauma of bullying on learners. We unpack bullying – what it is, why and how is manifests, how it impacts on all the affected parties and the gender-based differences to be aware of. Focus is placed on what educators and schools can do to minimise bullying and resource guidance is provided.

Corporate talks (for employees)SaveSave

All the Parenting talks are also run in the workplace. Need to bring some oomph back into your office culture? Want to increase your staff’s wellness? Help to make your staff more productive?  Perhaps one of our corporate talks can help…

Our current selection of talks for parents includes:

The Tug of Life
(empowering youth and adults of all ages to make life-enriching choices)
Each of us face a tug-of-life and these powerful talks unpack the easy-to-use methodology as described in the Tug-of-Life book. Topics covered include discipline, bullying, divorce, communication, role models, time, and the impact of technology, peer pressure and self-esteem. We also run the Tug of Work, Tug of Health, Tug of Relationships, Tug of Young Adults and Tug of Environment workshops.
Self--Esteem – A Priceless Gift
Gain an understanding of self-esteem and your role as a parent in the development of your child’s self-esteem. Never too late to start, we aim to provide practical, implementable tips to help shape self-esteem and a positive attitude in the family.
The Parenting Journey
This talk highlights aspects critical to creating favourable family dynamics e.g. your family values, communication and discipline. The constantly changing parenting roles (as our children grow) are explored, and guidance provided. We then focus the ‘must-know’ challenges and suggested solutions, and tips are shared.
A Sobering Reality
Focussing on underage drinking, this talk explores the realities of the teen drinking world, the associated physical, mental and emotional dangers, as well as suggestions for parents to try to avoid the heartache associated with this scourge.
Disempowering Bullying
Everything parents need to know about recognizing and understanding bullying and its impact – both from the victim’s and the bully’s perspectives. Parents are armed with knowledge and tools, to help them support and empower their children, with special focus on self-esteem and positivity.
Raising Resilient Children
We unpack resilience, so as to understand how it can manifest, and also discuss confidence, whilst providing parenting tips to help your children build this vital life skill.
Childhood Depression
At least 10% of the World’s population are depressed, with the diagnosis rate increasing by 20% p.a. Depression, even in children, can be debilitating. We highlight possible signs and examine the root causes of depression, providing parents with valuable insight and understanding so that we can take steps towards prevention and if necessary, intervention.
Parenting in a Digital Age
Understanding Digital Citizenship is vital in an age where our children and their electronic devices are seldom apart. This talk helps parents gain a better understanding of the exciting and dynamic digital space and how it impacts on all our lives.
Find your Voice, Speak Your Mind
A conflict-resolution talk, providing parents with tools to help their children cope with conflict, to avoid being bullied, to nurture resilience, grow confidence and to respectfully speak up, take action and move on.
Teen Depression
14 is the average age of the onset of depression. Stats show 1 in 4 adolescents will suffer a bout of major depression in high school. This talk provides parents with valuable insight and understanding, examining the root causes, so that they can take steps towards prevention and intervention.

John Gelling, Principal, High School, De La Salle Holy Cross College

“Thank you for the talk you gave to our pupils yesterday. You dealt with the issues in a way that did not involve lecturing to the pupils, but rather aimed to inform and educate them on the implications for their growth and especially brain development of their choices. You dealt with all the main challengers that they face.  I liked the Tug-of-Life Game plan, and I hope that the pupils will see the value of identifying the characters in their life’s contests.  Hopefully all these interventions will help to build a community of Galvanizers that will help the pupils to defeat the Challengers in their life.  Thank you.”

Richard Stanley, Headmaster, Highbury Preparatory School

“Any parent with children of school-going age would do well to spend an hour or so in the company of Izabella Little-Gates. She shared with expertise, passion and sensitivity of heart on the subject of the dangers faced by 21st Century adolescents. Her presentation held nothing back from parents who sat spellbound as she unwrapped the many layers of risks, threats and real life dramas that all too often, if ignored, serve to take young people hostage while leaving parents feeling frustrated, heartbroken, and helpless. A sobering reality check! Thanks again.”

D, parent

“I need to salute you for helping our parents and students, in inviting Izabella all the way from KZN to address them last night.  We sat in the very back row and trust me, judging from the comments that I could lip read/hear, the shock tactics definitely worked for our students! I think that Izabella achieved what she set out to do – create an awareness of all the issues that she addressed – that are an absolute reality. This is certainly a very different era of teenagehood that a lot of us didn’t grow up with – issues that didn’t exist, which makes it a learning curve for parents.”

Carroll Coosner (Psychologist) & Ilona Hermna (Deputy Principal, Vista Nova School)

“We got an unprecedented turnout and everyone thought it was an evening to be remembered.  The parents had a lot of questions, and it was apparent through the rapt attention, that adults and teens alike thought the evening was worthwhile and informative.  I want to say that Sue was an angel to work with – competent, efficient and highly organised.  What a pleasure! She went out of her way to make the evening the enormous success it was.”

C. Emberton

“A friend of mine went to a talk given by you at her daughter’s school. She was completely blown away by what you shared with the parents and the amazing coping tools and advice you gave them. She has been on a mission to get all parents to tap in to the wonderful ways to raise our children in a wholesome way and to give them the mechanisms to grow up normally in a world that has changed so much since we were children.  On her advice I visited your web page and I too was amazed at what you are doing – and enormously grateful for the huge effort you are making to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Graham Keats, Head: Senior Preparatory/ College, Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard

“Sue Linstrom has always been professional and impressive in her delivery and interactions. Her course material is topical, interesting, relevant, engaging and spans a range of age groups. She communicates well with pupils, as well as adults. Both our pupils and parents have benefited from her presentations. We look forward to booking Sue again in the future and recommend her without hesitation.”

Andrew Cook, Principal, Mitchell House

“It was such a pleasure to host you and I am still glowing from all the good things that parents and heads have said to me about the impact you made.  As I said to you, giving a good talk is one thing, but being recognised as a speaker with integrity is quite another.”

Jocylyn

“Found the talk presented at Vista Nova Primary School very interesting …  Bought a copy of “Life Talk for a Son”, gave it to the 14 yr old, he got into it right away and found it “a great book!” … I read snatches of it and would recommend it to every adult who is trying to understand adolescents.”

Mary Hyam, Deputy Principal, De La Salle Holy Cross College Primary School

“The children responded well to the content.  The presentations were well paced, well prepared and pitched at exactly the right level.”

Hein Weber, Principal, Khanyisa Education Centre

“Life Talk has provided detailed reports on the workshops our learners have had with them, which we have used to great advantage to alert us to potential problem areas and ways in which to address these.  Constructive and practical advice is given on how to deal with issues facing these young people and a healthy forum for debate is created in this fashion.”

A. Cook, Headmaster, Mitchell House

“Sally and Izabella are compelling speakers because one senses their passion about the issues and a desire to make a difference to all young people and families. They come across as speakers who have integrity and who have faced the problems themselves. As a result their responses are full of compassionate understanding for the difficulties that are faced in raising children but are prepared to do something positive about them anyway. They are in the trenches with us and not viewing the battle from a comfy academic distance.”

M Beharilal

“God Bless You and your organization for empowering our people, especially our children – in the hope of a better life. What you are doing is showing the country that life is not only about oneself but about everybody and everything around one – it is that which we all call HUMANITY! I really do salute you!”

A. C. Social worker

Hi Sue, I attended the training you gave on Tuesday at the ACVV.  I really enjoyed it and I wanted to commend you on your presentation skills.  You managed to make boring subjects interesting again!  I am definitely going to be implementing the programme soon and I will keep you informed about the progress.

Andrew

Hi Sally, Thank you so much for this valuable advice. It’s a privilege to be able to ask such important and sensitive questions & to be able to receive quick sound advice.  I am going to purchase your book for future reference as I can see future discussions with regards to boundaries & cheekiness that seems to be creeping in now & again.

Lindy Messaris, L.O., Cedarwood

”Thank you so much for your talk this morning. The children really enjoyed it as it tied in with so many of the things we had been discussing at school during class – self-respect, self-esteem, etc.Tomorrow I have the Grade 10 class for Life Orientation and I shall follow up some of your ideas and topics during the lesson.”

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