Events

2007 - 2008 Calendar of Events

The Westford Parent Connection brings speakers to town throughout the year to address a variety of topics relevant to children's social and emotional development.

Advance tickets are available at the Roudenbush Community Center for $5. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $8 (with the exception of the May 8 event with Dr. Thompson which will be $10 in advance, $15 at the door).

2007 – 2008

Thursday, May 8
The Pressured Child
Dr. Michael Thompson

For parents of elementary and middle school students. $10 advance/$15 door. www.michaelthompson-phd.com/

Stony Brook

Here is a brief look at the events the WPC has brought to Westford in the past:

*2007– 2008*
Social Smart Kids	Nadine Briggs of socialsmartkids.com
Raising Resilient, Self-Reliant Kids Sara Lane	www.parentsprepare.com
Anger Management Donna Shea	Ms. Shea handled a tough topic with great skill and compassion. She showed parents how to teach their children that while it’s OK to be angry, that anger needs to be handled appropriately. That goes for parents, too!
Friend Or Foe? Sibling Rivalry Deborah Weinstock-Savoy	This event was for parents of elementary students.
POSTPONED until 2008-2009 school year Social Adjustments In Middle School Guidance Counselors	FREE EVENT for parents of middle schoolers. www.westford.mec.edu/blanchard/guidance www.westford.mec.edu/stonybrook/guidance
Health Curriculum Overview, John Lyons	www.westford.mec.edu/wa/health/
I Never Would Have Talked To My Parents That Way	Dr. Anthony Wolf
Helping Kids Thrive: Bullying Prevention	Lisa Sjostrom www.helpingkidsthrive.org/
Generation RX	Marilyn Belmonte www.drugabuserecognition.com
Playful Parenting	Dr. Lawrence Cohen www.playfulparenting.com
Study Strategies and Homework Help	Joan Finger, an educational consultant and tutor in Bolton.
*2006 – 2007*
Social Adjustments In Middle School	Blanchard and Stony Brook guidance counselors
Internet Safety And Families: Empowering Parents And Protecting Kids	Beth Fredericks, Families First Parent Programs Leader and a Parent Educator
Bully Out!	Doug Wilhelm, Author Of The Revealers
Teens And Depression: A Panel Discussion	Dr. Joan Eagan, Pediatrician, Pediatrics West Dr. Kayoko Kifuji, Medical Director, Psychiatry, Tufts-NEMC Mark Lucey, Director, WA Guidance Department Molly Salans, LICSW, Transitions Counseling Center
Too Sexy, Too Soon: Sexualization in the Media	Diane Levin, professor at Wheelock College and expert on the negative impact of the media on children
Perpetrators And Pedophiles: Recognizing And Preventing Child Abuse	Meredith Trueblood, education director of the Rape Crisis Center of Greater Lowell
Too Much Of A Good Thing: Raising Kids Of Character In An Indulgent Age	All parents want the best for their children. However, sometimes parents’ best intentions – trying to provide too much for their children – can actually backfire. Dr. Dan Kindlon, Harvard psychologist and best-selling author, will give parents they tools they need to provide their children the proper balance.

*2005 – 2006*
Recognizing And Preventing Child Abuse	Meredith Trueblood, Rape Crisis Center of Greater Lowell
Discipline With Respect	Jodi Wilinski Hill, Parenting Resource Associates
Social Adjustments In Middle School	Blanchard and Stony Brook guidance counselors
Teaching Healthy Attitudes About Sexuality	Deborah Weinstock-Savoy, Ph.D., a psychologist who specializes in working with families
Human Growth And Development Curriculum Overview	Teachers from Abbot, Crisafulli, and Day
Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding The Social Lives Of Children	Dr. Michael Thompson, author
Drug Abuse Recognition And Prevention	Marilyn Belmonte, Instructor, Middlesex County Sheriff's Office Co-Chair, Burlington Drug & Alcohol Task Force

*2004 – 2005*
Solve Your Child’s Homework Hassles	Barbara Meltz, author and Boston Globe columnist
Self-Esteem: How Do Children Get It? How Do Parents Give It?	Families First
Girls On The Brink Of Adolescence	Dr. Georgia Sassen, clinical psychologist
Raising Resilient Children And Adolescents	Dr. Robert Brooks

*2003 – 2004*
Please Stop The Rollercoaster! How Parents Of Teenagers Can Smooth Out The Ride	Sue Blaney
Prohibiting Bullying And Teasing: Strategies That Work	Marsha Mirkin, Ph.D., clinical psychologist
Girls On The Brink Of Adolescence	Dr. Georgia Sassen, clinical psychologist
Sign Me Up!	Stacy DeBroff, national parenting expert, best-selling author, regular guest on NBC’s Today Show, and founder of Mom Central
Whatever Happened To My Adorable, Cuddly, Communicative Child?	Barbara Meltz, author and Boston Globe columnist

*2002 – 2003*
How A Child Learns To Read	Janet O’Connor
How To Talk With Your Kids About Sex	Jackie Sowers
Loving Without Spoiling	Nancy Samalin

*2001 – 2002*
The Secrets Of Parenting	Dr. Anthony Wolf, clinical psychologist and author
Ecstasy And Party Drugs
What To Say? What To Do? Practical Strategies For Raising Good Kids In Hair-Raising Times	Jackie Sowers
Surfing The Net
Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results And Recommendations

The views of the speakers we engage do not necessarily reflect those of the WPC Board of Directors.