Online registration is available for many of our programs. To register online, follow the links below each program. View our online registration instructions.

Bike Helmet Events
Keep your kids fit for safety by participating in our free bike helmet fittings. Bring your child and their bike helmet, and our trained professional will explain the correct way to wear a helmet and check for proper fitting.

Fee: FREE program. Register online. New helmets may be purchased and fitted for just $10.

Car Seat Safety: Child Passenger Safety Seat Checks
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of injury and death in children. St. John’s Mercy is committed to helping prevent motor vehicle injuries for our smallest patients. Child passenger safety checks are offered weekday mornings by appointment. Trained safety technicians provide education on car seat use, installation and how to properly fit your child into the seat.

Fee: FREE program. To schedule an appointment, please call 314-961-2229.

Fixer-Uppers
Children in fourth and fifth grade (ages 9 to 11) will learn first aid skills and how to handle emergencies with hands-on practice in this 2.5 hour course. This program meets first-aid badge requirements for Junior Girl Scouts and Webelos. American Heart Association Family and Friends First Aid course materials are used. Children will be trained on how to care for cuts and wounds, choking, poisoning, shock, sprains, fractures and a variety of other injuries. A completion award will be given.

Fee: $15 per person. Register online.

Home Alone Safely
This two-hour course prepares children ages 9 to 11 to be home alone safely for short periods of time. First aid, safety, and self-care techniques are taught. Topics include: entering and leaving the house safely; basic first aid; personal safety tips; fire safety and storm safety; answering the door and telephone; simple snacks; and appropriate activities. Children receive a home alone book and a completion award. Parents receive a safety checklist to review with their child.

Fee: $15 per person. Register online.

Preteen Esteem Workshop: What’s Up with Me and My Body?
Growing up isn’t easy. When children reach grades five and six, they face many challenges physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. In this 3.5-hour course, preteens learn about self-esteem, body changes, how to make healthy choices, how to make friends and deal with bullies, how to set goals, how to make decisions and effective communication skills.

Fee: $35 per person. Register online.

Pre-operative Education: Safari through the Body
Surgery can be stressful for both parents and children. Learning what to expect and where to go on the day of surgery can help alleviate your anxiety. Our surgery preparation program is offered on Sunday mornings for all ages and one Wednesday evening per month for school-age children. Parents and children view a movie about a child’s trip through surgery and participate in medical and puppet play. A tour is provided with visits to our Ambulatory Surgery Unit and Pediatric Recovery areas. School-age children may dress up and tour an operating room. An optional tour of the pediatric floor is included for children staying overnight.

Fee: FREE program. Register online.

Safety Smarts
Children in first through third grades learn healthy habits and personal safety smarts in this 1.5-hour course. The program meets some badge requirements for Brownies and Cub Scouts, and children receive a completion award. Topics include: how and why to call 9-1-1; what a first aid kit is; basic first aid for cuts, bleeding and choking; bike, pedestrian, stranger and fire safety tips; good hand-washing skills with the germ-buster light; and how to keep themselves healthy.

Fee: $10 per person. For registration information or to schedule a group program, please call 314-822-PEDS (7337).  

Sitter Skills
Children ages 11 to 15 learn how to begin their career in babysitting and prepare for a safe and positive sitting experience in this 3 to 3.5-hour course. Topics include: marketing yourself; child self-esteem and development; appropriate toys and games; baby care skills; basic first aid; and safety and emergency tips. Children receive a sitter skills book and a completion award. Parents receive a safety checklist to review with their child.

Fees: $20 per child for one session; $25 per child for two sessions at Parkway locations. Register online.

SOON-TO-BE SIBLING PROGRAMS

Tyke Hyke
We understand that the arrival of a new baby means changes for the whole family so we've created a program especially for children under age 3 that will ease them into their new role as big brother or sister. Parents stay with their child during this 45-minute class, which includes table activities, practice holding a life size baby doll, and a tour of the mother-baby unit.

Fees: $10 per child. Register online.

Super Sibs
Your child will have fun learning about babies through an interactive puppet show featuring "Molly" and her new baby brother, "Sam." Rules on how to hold a baby and a trip to the nursery and mother-baby unit are also included. Children receive a backpack and activity book/music CD filled with songs to sing to their new baby brother or sister.

Fees: $15 per child. Register online.

Older Sibs
This class prepares children ages 7 to 12 what life will be like with a new baby in the house. Children will have the opportunity to express their feelings, ask questions about their mom's pregnancy, labor and the new baby, and learn how to change a diaper. A tour of labor and delivery, the nursery and postpartum areas is included.

Fees: $15 per child. Register online.