Third Annual Parent University Set For November 4

By Tanjua Damon

The first Saturday in November brings an opportunity for parents to spend some time with other parents and listen to professionals discuss the development of children and provide information that may be useful in the nurturing of their children.

“2001 – A Parent Odyssey” is this year’s third annual Parent University sponsored by Newtown Prevention Council and Danbury Hospital. It will be Saturday, November 4, from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm at the Newtown High School.

This program is geared to parents of children of all ages and is an alternative to evening programs some parents may not be able to attend. The program will address issues about children from birth to 17-year-olds.

This year’s keynote speaker is Michael Schwarzchild, PhD, with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Fordham University. He has a private practice in Brookfield, where he specializes in children, adolescents, and families. Dr Schwarzchild was the host of the Charter Cable TV show, ShrinkRap!

“The overall topic is child development across the life span,” Dr Schwarzchild said. “I expect to talk about the major theories of what happens with child development. What can go right and what can go wrong.”

Dr Schwarzchild has three topics of interest we wants to raise: importance of family meal times, bullying in schools, and behavioral situations. He also wants the audience of parents to help gear his discussion about issues that are important to them.

“I always prefer to stop talking as quickly as I can,” he said. “I would always rather talk about what the people there would like to talk about.”

Being a parent is not always easy, but some parents do not realize that other parents go through the same exact thing and Parent University is an opportunity to meet and see what others are dealing with or have dealt with in the past.

“Folks don’t realize the commonality of the things they are dealing with,” Dr Schwarzchild said. “I hope parents will get support, pick up tidbits of information of what children are expected to do at different developmental stages. It’s parent networking. You never know what you are going to hear from what other parents are going to say that might change your mind.”

There are four different workshops parents can also sign up for: “And Baby makes three or four or…”; “Letting them Grow”; “Surviving in an Alien World”; “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.” All the workshops will have panelists to discuss the age level indicated.

What about the kids? Free babysitting is being provided at the event. The only things that need to be brought besides the children are a snack and lunch. Juice will be provided to the youngsters.

Dr Schwarzchild has a great sense of humor and is excited and ready to provide information to parents who attend this year’s Parent University. For more information or to register, call Newtown Youth Services at 203/270-4335 or at NewtownYS@AOL.com.