Other speakers will include Mary Ronan, RNC, BSN, who will speak on “Lying, Cheating, and Stealing: How Pop Culture Affects Our Children.” Ms Ronan has lectured extensively on morality and current issues the face adolescents. She is the author of Raising Your Children in an Ungodly World and will sensitize participants regarding the ways current society influences children, according to a release from the Newtown Parent Connection, and show how parents can effectively deal with these forces.

She has worked with teens and families for the past 15 years, and is regularly published in periodicals and newspapers on issues of faith and family. Her work has been translated to five languages and her DVD Raising Your Children in an Ungodly World has been named a vision video bestseller.

Ms Ronan and her husband, Ed, have two young adult children.

Mark Ligorski, MD, psychiatrist, will offer a professional perspective regarding commonly diagnosed conditions such as child/adolescent depression, anxiety, and mood disorders in the workshop “Is My Kid Crazy — Or Is It Me?” Dr Ligorski, who has a private practice in Danbury and Norwalk, hopes to clarify what are the origins, meanings, and utilities of psychiatric diagnoses and their implications for treatments and medications. He will address underlying issues that compound the challenges faced by children today and answer questions.

“The Parent Survival Guide” presentation by Roseann Capanna-Hodge, EdD, educational psychologist and neurofeedback practitioner, will provide insight into dealing with negative home and school behaviors. Learn how to manage common behaviors and disorders, like ADHD, from preschool to adulthood in a positive, solution-focused manner. Tips for managing homework stress with also be discussed.

Jeff Tolson, MEd, Newtown High School guidance counselor, and Mandy Tolson, MEd, MSW, will facilitate “Building the Bridge & Keeping Connection: Transitioning from Middle School to High School.” They will discuss strategies that facilitate talking with kids, enjoying moments together, and knowing how to support children through turbulent times, as well as how to improve the child/parent relationship and maintain sanity and a sense of humor.

Other workshops will feature experts on teen sexuality and children’s health, as well as a multimedia presentation addressing the latest trends in local substance abuse, risky behavior, and cyber safety.

Registration is required as seating for workshops is limited. Register online at NewtownParentConnection.org. Check-in is at 8 am, March 28, and babysitting is available for preregistered children.