Attorney General Is Keynote Speaker At 2008 Parent University

Parent University, the Graduate School of “Parentology,” will commence Saturday, March 29, from 8 am to 1 pm, at Newtown Middle School with a very special guest keynote speaker who knows a few things about dealing with school-age children. The course, offered by the Newtown Parent Connection, provides a unique opportunity for parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers to spend an informative morning becoming educated and empowered nurturers of children in all stages of development.

This informal workshop format will provide helpful insight into the most pressing issues that affect child rearing in today’s society. Current research indicates that parental involvement and developing close connections with children are powerful protective factors when raising them in a risk-filled culture. Parent University will affirm participants and offer new insights into building stronger family relationships, more resilient children and healthier communities.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will be the keynote speaker. Mr Blumenthal has four school-age children of his own, and has always provided empathetic insights when discussing issues facing Connecticut’s children and parents.

Parent University is open to all; there is no fee and a complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. Sessions I and II will offer the same 13 workshops. Workshops are expected to fill quickly, so the sponsors strongly suggest early registration to secure one’s topics of choice.

Child care, for ages 3 to 12, will be provided free of charge, but preregistration for the service is required.

All course descriptions and registration information are available at the Newtown Parent Connection website, www.newtownparentconnection.org. Registration forms will also be available at local schools and at Newtown Youth & Family Services, and the Booth Library. For additional information, call the Parent Connection office at 270-1600.

Workshop subjects are scheduled to include:

“Raising Kids Who Care” will be presented by Dr Kathleen Chesto, an award-winning author, mother, grandmother, and family educator. This workshop, based on her book of the same title, provides wonderful guidance for easing the overwhelming task of helping children grow ethically in an amoral world; how to teach children to care about themselves, the world, and those they encounter each day. Important insight on the subject will be given for everyone involved in the critical care of raising children.

“How To Talk So Kids Will Listen” will be offered by Joanna Faber, mother, teacher, parent educator and contributor to her mother’s most recent award-winning book, “How To Talk So Kids Can Learn — At Home and In School.” She will offer skills that will make life with children of all ages easier and more satisfying. Learn how to help children deal with their feelings; engage cooperation; alternatives to punishment; and effective use of praise. Ms Faber will focus her workshop on topics outlined in the best selling book, How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by prominent authors, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

“The New Face of Families: Power Parenting in the New Millennium” will be presented by Charles Manos, LMFT, a certified school psychologist and pupil services coordinator for the Danbury Public Schools. He will discuss healthy and positive family life as a deterrent to drug and alcohol use and abuse. This workshop will cover the changing face of contemporary American families including: dual career couples; the impact of divorce and remarriage on families; equitable distribution of parenting responsibilities; core skills children need to become successful in life; positive family communication styles; and the impact of cultural and societal trends on modern day families.

“Building the Bridge and Keeping the Connection: Transitioning from Middle School to High School” will be co-facilitated by Jeff Tolson, M.Ed, Newtown High School guidance counselor, and Mandy Tolson, M.Ed, MSW. This husband and wife team will offer ideas on staying connected to your child throughout the high school years, which can be challenging and overwhelming at times. They will discuss strategies that enable talking with your kids, enjoying moments together, and knowing how to support them through these turbulent times. Learn how to pragmatically improve your relationship with your children while maintaining your sanity and sense of humor.