The South Orange-Maplewood Parenting Center is presenting an evening of FREE workshops targeted for parents of 6-12th grade students. Each workshop will run for 55 minutes and be presented twice – so parents will have the opportunity to attend two. No RSVP necessary.
Parenting Through the Teen Years
Wednesday, March 9, 7 – 9 pm, at Columbia High School
Session 1 Workshops: 7:00-7:55 pm
Session 2 Workshops: 8:05 – 9:00 pm, Room: D100
Raising a Shock-proof Child with Adam Price, Ph.D.
No vaccine will protect your child against stress, but parents can help prepare teens to deal with life’s challenges and frustrations. Words like ‘pluck,’ ‘mettle,’ and ‘grit’ may be old fashioned, but these qualities are needed now, more than ever. Psychologist Dr. Adam Price will address how to help your child manage uncertainty, reduce anxiety, and become a self-determined, confident learner.
Dr. Price has been working with children, adolescents, and families for over twenty-five years. He is a noted author and lecturer who has written for Family Circle Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and appeared on Fox News and NPR amongst others. His book, “He’s Not Just Lazy: Empowering Your Unmotivated Teenaged Son” will be released this summer.
What You Need to Know About Teens & Drugs with Judith Cohen, Room: D108
This workshop will teach you what your kids already know. Topics will include: an overview of the illegal & prescription drugs that teens are exposed to, how to recognize warning signs and how to discuss risks, dangers and refusal skills with your children.
Judy Cohen is a Substance Awareness Coordinator and Student Assistance Counselor at CHS. Ms. Cohen is also the advisor to the Peer Leadership Program, chairperson to the CORE team and coordinator of the Freshman Orientation Program at CHS.
Strength for Their Journey with T.J. Whitaker, Room: D110
Given recent national events the question of how and when to address the profiling of young black students has become even more urgent. This workshop will focus on how to talk with teens about issues related to race and their experiences in our schools and in our larger community. We will discuss ways to protect and empower our children.
TJ Whitaker has been teaching in SOMSD since 2002. He is an English/Language Arts teacher at CHS, as well as a parent and Maplewood community resident. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation at Rutgers University. He is a former Moderator for the MLK Association at CHS.
Digital Age Dangers – Cyber Safety for Teens with Terry Woolard, Room: D112
This workshop will focus on internet safety, cyber bullying and texting – these dangers are invisible, prevalent and instantaneous. We all know the texting and social media horror stories; our kids are not immune. We will discuss effective strategies to deal with social media and ways of talking to our children about the responsibilities of cyber usage.
Terry Woolard is currently Assistant Principal at Columbia High School. He joined SOMSD in 2008 as Supervisor of Educational Media and Technology.
Hearing What They’re Not Saying– Understanding Self-Harm with Dr. Parin Kamdar, Room: D114
Self-harm is a very real and unfortunate problem among today’s youth, and increasingly common as a tool for children and adolescents to regulate their emotions. Dr. Parin Kamdar will introduce different methods of non-suicidal self-injury – including cutting, eating disorders, and other behaviors. She will discuss the unusual signs and risk factors of self-harm, as well as appropriate treatment options.
Dr. Kamdar is a Licensed Psychologist and Associate at Positive Developments in Millburn, NJ. She has expertise in treating anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD, and family conflict. She also has worked extensively with eating disorders, in residential and outpatient settings.
