Parent Education Consortium of the North Shore (PEC) 2013-2014 Calendar, April 2014 Edition CONTACT: Lonnie Stonitsch, Editor, [email protected]

Parent Education Consortium of the North Shore (PEC) 2013-2014 Calendar, April 2014 Edition CONTACT: Lonnie Stonitsch, Editor, Lonnie@Peccalendar.Org

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PECcalendar.org Parent Education Consortium of the North Shore (PEC) 2013-2014 Calendar, April 2014 Edition CONTACT: Lonnie Stonitsch, Editor, [email protected]

The Parent Education Consortium of the North Shore (PEC) is a centralized source of information on parent resources and programs that promote stronger schools, family and community life. The Calendar of educational programs for parents and educators is compiled from submissions provided by the sponsoring organizations. Deb Guy is PEC’s founder emeritus. NOTE: All programs are free unless indicated by a “$”; programs requiring registration or reservations are indicated by “RSVP.” Book Talks sponsored by The Book Stall in Winnetka, on topics of interest to parents, are headlined in BLUE. Fundraisers are headlined in GREEN, are clustered at the end of the Calendar, and are indicated with a green “F.” New entries to the Calendar are headlined in RED.

8-WEEK GUIDED READING GROUP ON GIFTEDNESS (3 sessions left) Tuesdays (4/15, 4/22, 4/29), Guided Reading Group for Parents of Gifted Children, 1-2:30 PM, Heart of Transformation Wellness Institute, 1618 Orrington Ave., Ste. 206, Evanston, 60201 (RSVP; $). Facilitated by Archana Lal- Tabak, MD and Jim Lal-Tabak. Dates may vary slightly to accommodate spring break schedules at different schools of participants. This guided reading group will read and discuss "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children" by Webb, Gore, Amend, and DeVries. Parents will learn strategies to raise healthy and resilient gifted children. This 8-week class will investigate the following topics. Week 1: Identification of the gifted child; Week 2: Motivation and learning; Week 3: Discipline and self-management; Week 4: Stress and perfectionism; Week 5: Communication of Feelings; Week 6: Peer relations and sibling rivalry,; Week 7: Depression; Week 8: Tradition breaking and parent relations. Parents play an essential role in the life of their gifted child, but parenting a gifted child can be challenging. Many parents benefit from developing community, resources and tools to help with raising their gifted child. Cost: $200. Contact: Archana 847-425-9355 or Jim 847-977- 3538.

NEW! 5-WEEK SERIES FOR PARENTS OF ANXIOUS CHILDREN Mondays (Apr. 14-May 12), Mini-Series for Parents of Anxious Children, 12:30-1:30 PM, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, 618 Library Place, Evanston, 60201 (RSVP; $). Is your child frightened at night and does he/she insist on sleeping with you? Is your child excited to engage in new activities, and then suddenly avoidant or scared as the time for the new activity approaches? Does your child dwell on worries that we typically consider “adult” concerns, such as preparing for natural disasters, the future of his/her education, finances or personal safety — and does he/ she often assume the worst? Anxiety in children manifests in different ways, and anxious behaviors can be difficult for parents to navigate. The Mini-Series for Parents of Anxious Children, led by Caroline Adelman, Ph.D., is an educational five-week group for parents of children experiencing anxiety and fears. This 5-session workshop will provide parents with an understanding of childhood anxiety and its manifestations, as well as tools to better tailor their responses. The mini-series will teach parents techniques that will allow them to empower their children and foster healthy development without reinforcing their children’s anxiety. While it will not be therapy, this educational program may be quite instructive and helpful to parents in learning how to deal with, and help their children better manage, childhood anxiety disorders. To register, please call 847-733-4300, ext. 263. Please also contact Laura Papale at 847-733-4300, ext. 853 or at [email protected] to ensure enrollment or for more information. Who should attend: Parents and caregivers of anxious children between the ages of 6-14. Cost: $300 per participant/family for the full workshop series. Please arrange proper childcare during the workshop. Advanced registration is required. Sponsored by The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

NEW! 4-SESSION PARENTING COURSE 4 Thursdays (4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8), Becoming a Conscious Parent: Tools and Principles for Parenting from Your Heart, 6:30-9:00 PM, The Infinity Foundation, 1282 Old Skokie Rd., Highland Park, 60035 (RSVP; $). 4-session course for parents of children ages 2-13. Parenting brings challenges and opportunities. Use 10 basic principles to serve as a guide through any parenting challenge. Expand your parenting options with more than 100 practical tools and strategies to help you become the parent you want to be. Through demonstrations of the dos and don’ts of parenting, you are guaranteed tools to foster responsibility, resiliency and self-esteem in your children. Hold children accountable while nurturing healthy development. Deepen your connection to your children and increase confidence in your parenting style. Recognizing that your greatest strength is your power to love, you can transform your family. Become a more conscious parent with loving heartfelt guidance to which your children can respond. See the results of enhanced children’s self-esteem, reduced power struggles, set limits that work, encourage responsibility and discipline without yelling. Understand the reasons for misbehavior and what you can do to foster cooperation among siblings, minimize tantrums and tears and more. Lauren Bondy, LCSW and Karen Jacobson, MA, LCPC, LMFT have brought their insight, humor in inspiration to over 12,000 parents. They are keynote speakers and have appeared on radio and television. This class is appropriate for all parents including families experiencing children with challenging behavior, special needs, stress, transition, illness, separation and divorce. Due to partnership with the Infinity Foundation, this course is discounted over 50%. Fee: $60/parent or $90/partners in same household (includes materials). Contact Infinity Foundation, 847-831-8828 to register.

NEW! 3-SESSION PARENTING COURSE 3 Mondays (4/21, 4/28, 5/5), Becoming a Conscious Parent: Tools and Principles for Parenting from Your Heart, 6:30-9:00 PM, The Catherine Cook School, 226 W. Schiller St., Chicago, 60610 (RSVP; $). 3-session course for parents of children ages 2-13. Parenting brings challenges and opportunities. Use 10 basic principles to serve as a guide through any parenting challenge. Expand your parenting options with more than 100 practical tools and strategies to help you become the parent you want to be. Through demonstrations of the dos and don’ts of parenting, you are guaranteed tools to foster responsibility, resiliency and self-esteem in your children. Hold children accountable while nurturing healthy development. Deepen your connection to your children and increase confidence in your parenting style. Recognizing that your greatest strength is your power to love, you can transform your family. Become a more conscious parent with loving heartfelt guidance to which your children can respond. See the results of enhanced Page 2 of 16 children’s self-esteem, reduced power struggles, set limits that work, encourage responsibility and discipline without yelling. Understand the reasons for misbehavior and what you can do to foster cooperation among siblings, minimize tantrums and tears and more. Lauren Bondy, LCSW and Karen Jacobson, MA, LCPC, LMFT have brought their insight, humor in inspiration to over 12,000 parents. They are keynote speakers and have appeared on radio and television. This class is appropriate for all parents including families experiencing children with challenging behavior, special needs, stress, transition, illness, separation and divorce. Fee: $125/parent or $205/couple (includes materials). Contact Karen Jacobson, 312-330-3194 to register.

6-WEEK NAMI BASICS FOR PARENTS CLASS Tuesdays (Apr. 22-May 27), NAMI Basics for Parents Class, 6:30-9:00 PM, NAMI CCNS, 8324 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 60077 (RSVP). FREE, six-week course offered for parents/caregivers of school-age children and adolescents with mental health issues. Classes include: 1) Introduction - it’s not your fault; these mental health issues are brain disorders; 2) The biology of mental illness; getting an accurate diagnosis—childhood bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, ADD, ODD, OCD, and others; 3) Treatment works - an overview of treatment options; 4) Tools for the toolbox - communication skills, problem solving, crisis preparation and response, handling challenging behaviors, relapse planning, and impact on family members; 5) Record keeping and dealing with the systems your child is involved in - school, juvenile justice, and mental health. Call 847-716-2252 for info and to register.

NEW! 4-WEEK POSITIVE PARENTING WORKSHOP SERIES Thursdays (5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22), The Art of Positive Parenting for Elementary School Parents, 9:30-11:00 AM, Panera Bread Conference Room, 1199 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 60091 (RSVP; $). Do you read helpful parenting books and hear great speakers, yet struggle to implement parenting strategies? This four- week workshop, facilitated by Beth Miller, M.Ed., and PCI Certified Parent Coach, offers tools and support to help you put effective strategies into action. Issues such as communication, encouragement, discipline, problem solving, and mutual respect will be addressed. Utilizing the book, The Art of Positive Parenting by Mickey Tobin, along with research from renowned experts Ken Ginsburg, Daniel Siegel and Carol Dweck, you will learn how to alleviate power struggles, encourage self-regulation, and develop resilience and confidence in your children. Beth Miller has over 25 years of experience as an educator, counselor and coach and is an approved instructor from Action for Children. To register for this workshop, open to parents of children ages 6 to 10, email [email protected]. Space is limited. Cost of $125 includes book. For additional information visit: www.bethmillerparentcoach.com

ONGOING MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP 3 rd Friday of each month (except August), NAMI Support Group for Parents, 9:30-11:00 AM, Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, 60091. Also, 2nd Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 PM, Highland Park Hospital, 777 Park Ave. West, Room 1B, Highland Park. Parents! Do you have children who suffer from school phobia, sleep disturbances, difficulties making and keeping friends, holding it together at school and falling apart at home, smoking and drugs, rages, depression, anxiety, eating difficulties? Please join us at one of two support groups for Page 3 of 16 parents of children and adolescents (grade school through high school) with similar issues. Free and open to all caregivers. Confidential. No registration necessary. For information call 847-716-2252. NAMI-trained facilitators Sherry Murrens and Jean Jorgensen provide a safe place for parents to discuss the challenges of parenting these special kids. Presented by NAMI Cook County North Suburban.

ONGOING WELLNESS SERIES Fridays, Mindfulness Parenting Classes: Managing Stress, Creating Health, Encouraging Balance, 1:15-2:30 PM, Heart of Transformation Wellness Institute, 1618 Orrington Ave., Evanston, 60201 (RSVP; $). Learn about the mind-body connection and a variety of mindfulness exercises. Experience natural stress reduction strategies and tools. Many topics will be covered including: lifestyle changes, nutritional and natural approaches, cognitive behavioral strategies, parenting solutions, nonviolent communication, relaxation response, tend and befriend, and solutions to physical, emotional, and community issues. Each class is self contained and a new psycho- educational topic and mindfulness technique will be presented every week. This is a great opportunity for parents to implement solutions for self-care that they can then model for their children. SENG (Social & Emotional Needs of the Gifted) parenting techniques will be included. Co-taught by Archana Lal-Tabak, MD, integrative medicine physician and psychiatrist, and Jim Lal-Tabak, wellness coach and yoga instructor. Cost: Series of four classes - $90.00; individual class, $25.00, Please call to reserve a space, 847-425-9355 or 847-977-3538.

NEW! EDIBLE EDUCATION Tuesday, April 8, 2014, Edible Education: Teaching the Art of Simple Food, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM), North Shore Country Day School Auditorium, 310 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 60093. Please Note: Seating is quite limited at this event. Only 130 auditorium seats and 120 remote viewing seats are available on a first-come, first served basis. The event will be videotaped for future viewing on the FAN website. The snow has melted, and in spite of continuing cold temperatures the sunlight is beginning the work of greening our landscapes. Gardening supplies are popping up in stores, and after a record-setting winter, the urge to plant and cultivate food is awakened. And just a few days after the vernal equinox, the world-renowned chef, author and activist Alice Waters, proprietor of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, and founder of the Edible Schoolyard Project (ESYP), arrives to inspire our efforts. For Ms. Waters, long considered the mother of American cuisine and the organic food movement, planting and cultivating one’s own food is the way to be “connected to the whole cycle of life.” In her newest book, The Art of Simple Food II: Recipes, Flavor, and Inspiration from the New Kitchen Garden, she exhorts us to “treasure the farmer, nurture the soil, plant wherever you are, learn from nature, cultivate your palate, make your own, eat whole foods, share the harvest, and teach children the art of simple food.”

Ms. Waters, a three-time James Beard award winner and an IACP Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, will appear on stage in conversation with ESYP Executive Director Katrina Heron. Ms. Waters will provide an overview of her personal story, describing what led her to this point in her career with Chez Panisse and with the ESYP and its national expansion. She will also focus on the contents of The Art of Simple Food II, discussing what is significant about planting and cooking from kitchen gardens.

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BONUS EVENT: Thursday, April 10, 2014, Film Screening of “Food Patriots,” 7:00 PM, Skokie School Auditorium, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka, 60093. The son of filmmakers Jeff Spitz and Jennifer Amdur Spitz nearly died from a foodborne illness, and so they set out to make a documentary about the ways various “Food Patriots” are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and how they are working to educate the next generation of consumers. The film and its public screening events offer a practical approach: change what you buy and eat by just 10% -- think local, fresh, organic and sustainably-raised. The screening, with the filmmakers present, is sponsored by FAN, Whole Foods Market Northbrook, Winnetka D36 and the Winnetka Park District.

Alice Waters is sponsored by Family Action Network (FAN), the Franke Family Fund at North Shore Country Day School, and the Edible Schoolyard Project, in partnership with Chiaravalle Montessori School, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe D35, Karen Malkin Health Counseling, Kenilworth D38, The Organic Gardener, The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity, The Yellow Tractor Project, Winnetka D36, and Winnetka Park District. CPDUs available for education professionals. Free and open to the public. Visit www.familyactionnetwork.net for more information. FAN is grateful for the support of its 2013-14 financial sponsors Compass Health Center, Evanston Township High School D202, Evanston/Skokie D65, New Trier High School D203, North Shore Community Bank, North Suburban YMCA, Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, the Martin & Mary L. Boyer Foundation, the Mammel Foundation, and Tina & Byron Trott, along with our in- kind sponsors Acclaim Media, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, and Turing Group.

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS Tuesday, April 8, 2014, Steps to Build Resilience in Children with Neurodevelopmental and Learning Challenges, 6:30-8:00 PM, Rush NeuroBehavioral Center, 4711 Golf Rd., Ste. 1100, Skokie, 60076 (RSVP). All parents want their children to be happy, successful and satisfied with their lives. One vital component in achieving these goals is resilience, or the capacity to cope with adversity, manage difficult situations, and learn from disappointments. Children with socio-emotional, neurobehavioral, and learning challenges often have greater trouble developing resilience. Please join Erin Caskey, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center, to learn steps to foster resiliency in your child. RSVP encouraged. Please call 847-933-9339 or email [email protected] for more information. All are welcome to attend these free educational seminars.

NEW! FILM SCREENING OF “FOOD PATRIOTS” Thursday, April 10, 2014, Film Screening of “Food Patriots,” 7:00 PM, Skokie School Auditorium, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka, 60093. The son of filmmakers Jeff Spitz and Jennifer Amdur Spitz nearly died from a foodborne illness, and so they set out to make a documentary about the ways various “Food Patriots” are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and how they are working to educate the next generation of consumers. The film and its public screening events offer a practical approach:

Page 5 of 16 change what you buy and eat by just 10% -- think local, fresh, organic and sustainably-raised. The Spitzes will be present at the screening to answer questions and lead a discussion.

“Food Patriots” is sponsored by Family Action Network (FAN), Whole Foods Market Northbrook, Winnetka D36, and Winnetka Park District. CPDUs available for education professionals. Free and open to the public. Visit www.familyactionnetwork.net for more information. FAN is grateful for the support of its 2013-14 financial sponsors Compass Health Center, Evanston Township High School D202, Evanston/Skokie D65, New Trier High School D203, North Shore Community Bank, North Suburban YMCA, Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, the Martin & Mary L. Boyer Foundation, the Mammel Foundation, and Tina & Byron Trott, along with our in-kind sponsors Acclaim Media, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, and Turing Group.

NEW! TRANSITION PLANNING Saturday, April 12, 2014, Visions Conference: Effective Transition Planning for Parents, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Glenbrook South High School, 4000 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, 60026 (RSVP). Visions provides a comprehensive presentation that will outline transition planning for the parents of any student with an IEP. Discussions will revolve around education and employment, with a focus on opportunities that lead to long-term success. This is a chance to explore a variety of topics related to the transition process, and to gain insight into the many factors that will contribute to and shape your student’s adult life. Visions is jointly sponsored by the NSSED Association of Parents and Staff (APS) and the NSSED Transition Steering Committee. You may register for the Visions Conference via the NSSED website or by contacting Ellen Hill ([email protected] or 847-831-5100 ext. 2270).

NEW! TRANSITION Monday, April 14, 2014, Moving On: Life in the Community, 9:30-11:00 AM, NSSED Technology Center, Rubloff Building, 776 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park, 60035. A “Monday Morning Series” panel presentation with community agencies. Advance registration is required. While there is no fee for these sessions, advance registration is required as space is limited. Please e-mail [email protected] your name, home telephone number, and home school district to register. Sponsored by the Parent Mentor Program at NSSED. Any questions, contact Susan Hans at (847) 831-5100 x2228.

NEW! EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Wednesday, April 16, 2014, The Lifetime Impacts of Quality Early Childhood Education, 7:00 PM, Women's Exchange, 620 Lincoln Ave., annex to the Winnetka Community House, Winnetka, 60093 (RSVP). Growing academic literature has documented the long-term importance of high-quality early childhood education. Yet, one might not be aware these impacts are as strong for children from higher- income families as they are for low-income children. Diane Schanzenbach, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy, will describe the Project STAR research and discuss what it means for our children.

Page 6 of 16 This event is in collaboration with The Alliance for Early Childhood. Registration required: www.womens-exchange.org No charge.

NEW! MEDIA IMPACT ON YOUTH Tuesday, April 15, 2014, Deadly Persuasion: The Impact of Media on Our Sons and Daughters, 7:00 PM, Glenbard West High School Auditorium, 670 Crescent Blvd. Glen Ellyn, 60137. Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D. is internationally recognized for her critical studies of the harmful consequences of the media around addiction, sexuality, violence, and obesity. This presentation exposes what the advertisers are really selling and the marketing strategies used to keep people hooked. The ads sell more than products they sell values, concepts of success, self worth, popularity, normalcy and the obsession with thinness. This is a fast paced presentation with the emphasis on health and freedom from manipulation. The films, lectures, and television appearances of Dr. Kilbourne have been seen by millions of people. She was named by The New York Times Magazine as one of the three most popular speakers on college campuses, and is the author of the award-winning book Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel and is co-author of So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids. A 6:15 p.m. Wellness Expo precedes this presentation. Learn about the health resources available in our community. This program is free and open to all. No advance registration is required. Students are also encouraged to attend. Glenbard Parent Series “Navigating Healthy Families” is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, an affiliate of the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation, and in partnership with CASE. Additional funding for this event comes from FORWARD. For more information, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at 630-942-7573, or at [email protected].

NEW! SPECIAL NEEDS Tuesday, April 15, 2014, 2013-14 Best Practices Initiatives Showcase, 9:30- 11:30 AM, North Shore Academy, 760 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park, 60035 (RSVP). The Thirteenth Annual APS Best Practice Initiatives showcases outstanding programs and educators demonstrating leadership and innovation in promoting the understanding and inclusion of individuals with special needs. Come and hear about the wonderful programs being successfully implemented in our area and learn how your school or community can benefit! Advance registration is requested. Register by: Tuesday, April 8, 2013. You may register online by using the calendar/workshop link at www.nssed.org, or register directly here. Please notify us if you need special accommodations. Sponsored by NSSED-APS. For additional information, contact Ellen Hill at [email protected] or by calling 847-831-5100 ext. 2270.

NEW! TOXIC MEDIA Thursday, April 17, 2014, So Sexy, So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and How Parents Can Protect Their Kids, 8:00 PM, Deerfield High School Auditorium, 1959 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield, 60015. A pioneer in her field, internationally recognized speaker, filmmaker, and author, Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D. has been a major force exploring the harmful consequences of sexuality around the media, self- image, sexual violence, and more. Learn how to empower your children to be less influenced

Page 7 of 16 by this ever-present toxic media landscape. This program will be of interest to parents with children of all ages.

NEW! DEPRESSION Tuesday, April 22, 2014, Depression and the Adolescent: Recognizing and Treating the High School Blues, 12:00 PM, Glenbard South High School, 23W200 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, 60137. Teenage depression is much more than feeling sad -- it can alter every aspect of a teen’s life. Depression in teenagers can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy and even violence and suicide. Twenty percent of teens have experienced depression and only twenty percent of those are getting help. Concerned family, teachers, and friends can recognize the symptoms of depression and help a depressed teen get on the road to recovery. Brad Culter, MD earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his residency training in psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, where he was chief resident. Dr. Cutler is on faculty at Rush University Medical Center and on staff at Linden Oaks at Edward Hospital. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the Illinois Psychiatric Society. Dr. Cutler is interested in all psychiatric disorders, and he has specific interests in psychotic disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Glenbard Parent Series “Navigating Healthy Families” is generously sponsored by the Cebrin Goodman Center, an affiliate of the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation, and in partnership with the Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE). This program is free and open to all. No advance registration is required. For more information, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at 630-942-7573 or by email at [email protected]

NEW! COMPETITIVE CHILDHOOD CULTURE Wednesday, April 23, 2014, Playing to Win: Raising Healthy, Competitive Children, 7:00 PM, Attea Middle School, 2500 Chestnut Ave., Glenview, 60026. Children's lives today appear more competitive than ever -- from standardized tests in school to select soccer teams. How did we get here and how can we help our children cope with the demands on their brains and bodies? Taking a distinct approach that draws on the work of educators, historians, and psychologists -- along with her own research on over 100 families -- Harvard sociologist Hilary Levey Friedman, Ph.D. discusses why our society demands competition from kids at younger and younger ages than ever before, starting at preschool and continuing into their twenties. More importantly she discusses how you can expose your children to healthy competition, how you can make more informed decisions about what instructor is right for your child, and how you can help your child select the best afterschool activity for him or her. While we can't solve the problem of increased pressure on youth today on our own, together we can better understand the social forces that have created this environment and how your family can best navigate it successfully.

Dr. Friedman new book, her first one, is Playing to Win: Raising Children in a Competitive Culture, an astute take on American middle-class children participating in competitive activities, specifically, chess, dance and soccer. She identifies five lessons and skills that parents hope their children develop from participating in competitive activities as “Competitive Kid Capital,” consisting of 1) internalizing the importance of winning; 2) bouncing back from a loss to win in the future; 3) learning how to perform within time limits;

Page 8 of 16 4) learning how to succeed in stressful situations; and (5) being able to perform under the gaze of others. Dr. Friedman notes that most parents of the parents she studied worried about their kids’ lack of free time, but then states, “What is remarkable is that despite sometimes deep ambivalence, families keep their children involved in competitive activities.”

Dr. Friedman graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, and earned an M.Phil. at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar. She then earned a Ph.D. in Sociology at Princeton University, and recently completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard. She is an affiliate of the Wiener Center for Social Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Sponsored by Family Action Network (FAN), Character Counts! in Glenview, and the Glenview Education Foundation. CPDUs available for education professionals. Free and open to the public. Visit www.familyactionnetwork.net for more information. FAN is grateful for the support of its 2013-14 financial sponsors Compass Health Center, Evanston Township High School D202, Evanston/Skokie D65, New Trier High School D203, North Shore Community Bank, North Suburban YMCA, Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, the Martin & Mary L. Boyer Foundation, the Mammel Foundation, and Tina & Byron Trott, along with our in-kind sponsors Acclaim Media, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, and Turing Group.

MATH LITERACY Wednesday, April 23, 2014, Catch the Moment: Math! Mathematical Literacy for Young Children, 7:00 PM, Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave., Glencoe, 60022. Do you want to encourage your child's early mathematical literacy through creative, informal experiences? Early childhood educator and consultant Linda Semel will help parents and caregivers identify daily opportunities to extend thinking and learning through developmentally appropriate activities for young children. Participants will explore unexpected moments to integrate mathematical concepts through play and experiential learning.

NEW! GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION Thursday, April 24, 2014, Two Generations, Two Perspectives: Straight Talk About Young Adults and Their Parents, 6-8:00 PM dinner and presentation (5:30 registration), University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St., Chicago, 60603 (RSVP; $). Over the last 30 years, emerging adulthood has become a new developmental stage between adolescence and adulthood. For emerging adults, it is a time of transition and challenge. They must find meaningful work and launch a career, create mature relationships and fashion adult identities. It is also a confusing and challenging time for their parents, who must re-define their roles in their young adults' lives, offering and withholding support, searching for the fine line between facilitating and enabling. This presentation will be a conversation between two family psychologists from different generations. Jacob Goldsmith, Ph.D. is the Madigan Family Postdoctural Clinical Research Fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University (TFI). He is in his early thirties, and will talk from the perspective of the emerging adult. Bill Pinsof, Ph.D., LMFT, ABPP is the President of TFI, clinical professor in the Department of Psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences at Northwestern

Page 9 of 16 University, and the director of the Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies at NU. He in his mid-sixties, and will talk from the perspective of the parents. Issues such as money, work, housing, love relationships, appropriate boundaries, and what to talk about and not talk about will be addressed. The focus will be on how best to facilitate emerging adults' transition to an adulthood filled with good work and loving relationships. Emerging adults and their parents (and grandparents) are especially welcome. Sponsored by The Family Institute at Northwestern University’s Circle of Knowledge Series of Events. Please register by April 17, 2014. Space is limited. $50/person. For more information, call 312-609-5300, ext. 480 or visit www.family-institute.org/twoperspectives

TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Thursday, April 24, 2014, Finding Humor: Parenting the Twice Exceptional Child, 7-9:00 PM, Nurturing Wisdom Academy, 125 S. Vine St., 3 rd floor, Hinsdale, 60521 (RSVP). Lead by Jen Merrill, author of If This is a Gift, Can I Send It Back?: Surviving in the Land of the Gifted and Twice-Exceptional, and of the blog Laughing at Chaos.com. Do you sometimes think your gifted/2e kid is incredible, but also the most frustrating, confusing and complex creature ever to walk the earth? Do you then question your ability to parent this incomprehensible being? If so, you are far from alone. Come join us for an informal discussion of twice-exceptional kids, focusing on the needs of parents. We will be sharing resources, information, and cocktail recipes (kidding...maybe). Take some time for yourself this month and leave the session knowing you're not the only parent in this very unusual boat. Ms. Merrill is a blogger, writer, homeschooler, flutist, gifted advocate, world-class plate spinner (no, not really), and parent to a twice-exceptional son. She is also a board member of the Chicago Gifted Community Center, representing the northern suburbs. We hope to see you in April! You may park in front or in the Zion Church parking lot across Second Street. Sponsored by Chicago Gifted Community Center. The event is free, but please register at www.chicagogiftedcommunity.org, and then navigate to “CGCC Event Registrations,” and then to “Parenting Gifted Series.”

NEW! TEEN COMMUNICATION Sunday, April 27, High School Essay and Poster Contest Award Ceremony, 3- 5:00 PM, Music Institute of Chicago, Institute of Therapy Through the Arts, 1702 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 60201. Sponsored by Mental Health of the North Shore (MHANS). Winners will read their essays and present their posters on this year's topic, "If my parents only knew..." Essays address challenges of and ideas for improving parent teen communication. Posters focus on ways to improve family communication. Presentations will be followed by a question and answer session and discussion. Event is free and open to the public. No RSVP necessary. More information at http://www.mhans.org/calendar.html

NEW! DIGITAL LIFE AND KIDS Monday, April 28, 2014, Minecraft Mania and Instagram Insanity: Helping Our Elementary School Children Navigate Through the Digital Age, 7-8:30 PM, Lincolnwood Elementary School, 2600 Colfax St., Evanston, 60201. Jeanne Beckmann, Ph.D. will discuss how to navigate the issues of parenting in the computer age.

LGBTQ

Page 10 of 16 Monday, April 28, 2014, Parent and Family Connection Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, Response, 9304 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 60077 (RSVP). Parent & Family Connection is a support and education group for Jewish parents and family members of LGBTQ individuals (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning). We provide a safe space for parents to learn from and support each other after a child comes out. Join us for our monthly discussion—new members are always welcome! Please RSVP so enough refreshments can be provided. Contact: [email protected] 224-625-2946. Sponsored by Response.

NEW! MEDIA AND CULTURE (EVENT 1 of 2) Wednesday, April 30, 2014, Hooked Up: Your Child and Technology – It’s Not All Bad!, 7:00 PM, Hinsdale South High School Auditorium, 7401 Clarendon Hills Rd., Darien, 60561 (RSVP). The Community Speaker Series, presented by Hinsdale Township High School District 86, informs and inspires families in the K-12 community about issues in education, child development, wellness, and parenting. The featured speaker for this event is Jack Myers, a researcher and author who provides a positive and hopeful look at the first generation of children to be raised not just with computers, but also the internet, texting and social media. Be prepared to gain a better understanding of your child’s world and even change your mindset about technology as Myers, author of Hooked Up and chairman of the Media Advisory Group, presents his insights about how our children's generation will contribute and flourish in new and exciting ways. His book, Hooked Up, will be available at the events. The event is free and open to all. Please register and purchase the book at www.d181foundation.org. The Community Speaker Series is sponsored by Hinsdale District 86, District 181 Foundation, Hinsdale Central PTO, and The Community House.

NEW! MEDIA AND CULTURE (EVENT 2 of 2) Thursday, May 1, 2014, Hooked Up: Your Child and Technology – It’s Not All Bad!, 9:00 AM, The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale, 60521 (RSVP). The Community Speaker Series, presented by Hinsdale Township High School District 86, informs and inspires families in the K-12 community about issues in education, child development, wellness, and parenting. The featured speaker for this event is Jack Myers, a researcher and author who provides a positive and hopeful look at the first generation of children to be raised not just with computers, but also the internet, texting and social media. Be prepared to gain a better understanding of your child’s world and even change your mindset about technology as Myers, author of Hooked Up and chairman of the Media Advisory Group, presents his insights about how our children's generation will contribute and flourish in new and exciting ways. His book, Hooked Up, will be available at the events. The event is free and open to all. Please register and purchase the book at www.d181foundation.org. The Community Speaker Series is sponsored by Hinsdale District 86, District 181 Foundation, Hinsdale Central PTO, and The Community House.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION Thursday, May 1, 2014, Executive Function, 6:30 PM, Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield, 60015 (RSVP). Many children who have the ability to succeed lack critical executive skills. These skills are habits that help children stay organized, focused and control impulses and emotions. Jeffrey O’Koon, Ph.D., a Page 11 of 16 neuropsychologist at the Pediatric Consultation Center, will discuss how lagging executive function skill impact student performance, home and social life. He will also provide strategies of supporting children. RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected].

NEW! HOW CHILDREN SUCCEED Monday, May 5, 2014, How Children Succeed, 7:30 PM, Francis W. Parker School, Heller Auditorium, 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, 60614 (RSVP). Journalist Paul Tough has written acclaimed articles about character and childhood in the New York Times Magazine. His latest book How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character (2012), is essential reading for anyone interested in childhood in America. In this talk, Tough presents an alternate understanding of the idea of character. Rather than being an innate skill or genetically predisposed attribute, Tough submits that character is molded over time by the environment we grow up in. In this view, parents, schools, coaches, mentors and others have a responsibility to help kids develop their character strengths—and more. Here, Tough connects the dots between groundbreaking research in neuroscience, economics and psychology to show the qualities that matter most for success have less to do with IQ and more to do with character: skills like grit, curiosity, conscientiousness and optimism. The Francine C. Rosenberg Memorial Lecture Series was created to honor the memory of one of Parker’s most dedicated and effective volunteers, Francine C. Rosenberg. In Francine’s memory, the Lecture Series is dedicated to exposing Parker and the extended community to innovative views, philosophies and teachings relevant to the education of our children and how we live our lives.

NEW! NONVIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION Thursday, May 8, 2014, Sharing Strategies from the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program, 6:30-9:00 PM, NSSED Technology Center, 776 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park, 60035 (RSVP). In this workshop, parents and caregivers will get a better understanding of the principles of NVCI that are commonly used in the school setting to support the needs of students who may exhibit anxiety and challenging behavior. The discussion will include suggestions on how to respond to a child in crisis, how to set limits and follow through, how to avoid power struggles, and how to connect with your child after a behavioral episode. Parents and caregivers will also have a better understanding of the risks and use of restraint procedures in school settings. Sponsored by NSSED. Register online under the Workshop Calendar tab on the NSSED website (www.nssed.org). Questions? Please contact Ellen Hill at 847-831-5100 ext. 2270 or [email protected]

EARLY EMERGENT LITERACY WORKSHOP Thursday, May 8, 2014, Early Emergent Literacy Workshop, 7:00 PM, Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave., Glencoe, 60022. Do you have a pre-school, kindergarten, or first grade child that knows their letters and sounds, and can answer questions asked about books but has become frustrated with the next steps in reading? Join Glencoe resident Erika Burton, Ph.D. for a hands-on workshop to empower you with the seamless tools to help your child with beginning and emergent literacy (reading, writing, and understanding).

NEW! SPECIAL NEEDS

Page 12 of 16 Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Understanding and Supporting the Child Who Doesn't Fit In, 6:30-8:00 PM, Rush NeuroBehavioral Center, 4711 Golf Rd., Ste. 1100, Skokie, 60076 (RSVP). Presented by Clark McKown, Ph.D., Executive Director of Rush NueroBehavioral Center. RSVP encouraged. Please call 847-933- 9339 or email [email protected] for more information. All are welcome to attend these free educational seminars.

GIFTEDNESS AND STRESS Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Teaching Gifted Children How to Recognize and Rebound From Self-inflicted Stress, 7-9:00 PM, Nurturing Wisdom Academy, 125 S. Vine St., 3 rd floor, Hinsdale, 60521 (RSVP). Lead by Tara Lenga, a strategy consultant with Exceptional Kids. Explore various strategies discussed in Richard Carlson's book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Understand how self-inflicted stress can be brought on by oneself or others. Learn to recognize: Who is normal? What is stress? How do genders differ? Discover tips to rebound from life stresses frequently experienced by gifted children. Ms. Lenga has spent twenty years working with exceptional children who span the learning spectrum. Currently, her work leads her to collaborative goal setting with parents and educators developing coping strategies for her clients in both the home and school setting. She has written for the IAGC Journal, is a speaker for Center for Gifted and Center for Talent Development. Tara holds a BA in Child Development and Psychology, as well as a post-graduate diploma in Art Therapy. We hope you’ll join us! You may park in front or in the Zion Church parking lot across Second Street. Sponsored by Chicago Gifted Community Center. The event is free, but please register at www.chicagogiftedcommunity.org, and then navigate to “CGCC Event Registrations,” and then to “Parenting Gifted Series.”

NEW! SUICIDE AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY Thursday, May 15, 2014, Suicide and the African American Community, 7- 9:00 PM, Second Baptist Church, 1717 Benson Ave., Evanston, 60201. Do you know someone who has a family crisis, has lost his/her job, seems hopeless, is acting differently, is very quiet and unhappy and has lost interest in daily activities? If you recognize these warning signs, you can help a family member or friend. The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute (NRCI) at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology presents a special program. Come and hear from the experts and those who care. Inspirational Message: Reverend Mark A. Dennis, Jr., Senior Pastor, Second Baptist Church; Moderator: John Davis, journalist, former CBS news anchor for 20 years, presently media and political consultant. Presenters include Reginald Richardson, Ph.D., LCSW, Vice President for Evaluation and Clinical Services at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a clinical lecturer on psychology at Northwestern University, and a trainer in the area of child and family issues; and Jacqueline Anderson, Ph.D., LCSW, Director of Field Education at Northeastern Illinois University. She is also Adjunct Instructor at Loyola University School of Social Work and serves as a consultant to Deborah’s Place. Dr. Anderson will speak from her personal experience having lost her mother to suicide. Evanston’s Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl will say a few words. Your questions will be answered following the presentations. There is no charge for this program. Sponsored by Hecky’s Barbeque. Supporting Organizations: Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, Center for Contextual Change, City of Evanston Health Department, Evanston NAACP,

Page 13 of 16 Evanston Pastors Fellowship, Evanston Substance Abuse Coalition, Evanston Township High School, Family Focus, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Housing Options, McGaw YMCA, Mental Health America North Shore, NAMI/CCNS, PEER Services. For more information, please call 312-467-2552

NEW! SOCIAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Encouraging Social Connections in Your Child’s Life, 9:30-11:30 AM, New Trier High School, Northfield Campus, Room C234, 7 Happ Rd., Northfield, 60093 (RSVP). Presented by Jennifer Knudson, SLP, NSSED Coach. Learn how you can facilitate growth and foster your child’s social skill development at various ages and in multiple settings. This interactive workshop will help parent’s understand how to structure successful social activities, take advantages of social opportunities within the family’s daily routine, and how to intervene if things don’t go well. Jennifer Knudson is a speech and language pathologist who works with individual students, families and teachers on social skill development. She provides professional development workshops on supporting students with autism spectrum disorder, the autism eligibility process, and social skill development and intervention to educators and has extensive experience coaching in classrooms on instructional and social/behavioral strategies for students on the autism spectrum. Advance registration is required. Register by: Thursday, May 15, 2014. You may register online on the APS website: APSRegistrationpage or by using the workshop calendar on the front page of www.nssed.org. Please notify us if you need special accommodations. Sponsored by NSSED-APS. For additional information, contact Ellen Hill at [email protected] or by calling 847-831-5100 ext. 2270.

NEW! POWER STRUGGLES Wednesday, May 21, 2014, Power Struggles: Who is in Charge Here Anyway?, 1-3:00 PM, Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park, 60035. Presented by parenting expert Alyson Schafer, author of Breaking the Good Mom Myth; Honey, I Wrecked the Kids; and Ain’t Misbehavin’. The program, arranged by the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology/NASAP, is free and open to the public. The talk addresses these questions: Do you lock horns with your child? Are your children “willful” or “stubborn” and resistant to typical parenting tactics? Come learn how to recognize the dynamics of a power struggle and how to get out of conflict and win their cooperation instead. In this session you will learn: how to recognize that you are in a power struggle; a four-step approach to moving from conflict to co-operation; alternative ways for your child to experience power without dominating others. Schafer, a psychotherapist based in Toronto, is in the Chicago area for the NASAP 62nd annual conference, at which a number of visiting parenting experts and authors, as well as other mental health professionals, will also be presenting (May 22-25 at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel). She is the in-house expert for Canadian programs The Marilyn Denis Show, CTV News Channel Express and CBC radio’s The World This Weekend. Alyson is also a columnist for Today’s Parent Magazine and sits on the Health Advisory Board for Chatelaine Magazine. Her website is www.AlysonSchafer.com. Co-sponsors of Schafer’s talk in Highland Park include Family Network (a Family Focus Center), North Shore School District 112 and their PTOs and PTAs, and Moraine Township. NASAP further provides a one-day special rate ($50 for parents and teachers) on parenting and classroom psychology topics on Saturday, May 24 at the conference. For further information about the Conference Parent Track and Teacher Track events, consult the website at http://www.AlfredAdler.org/conference-2014.

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NEW! BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER Friday, May 30, 2014, Emotional Dysregulation, Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicidality in Adolescents and Young Adults: Emerging Traits of BPD?, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Hilton Orrington Hotel, 1710 Orrington Ave., Evanston, 60201 (RSVP; $). The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder in collaboration with NorthShore University HealthSystems, NAMI Chicago and NAMI CCNS present a day-long conference. Presenters include: Blaise Aguirre, MD, Medical Director, Adolescent DBT Program, McLean Hospital, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Perry Hoffman, Ph.D., NEA.BPD President; Cynthia Kaplan, Ph.D., Associate Clinical and Administrative Director, Child and Adolescent Services, McLean Hospital, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Brian A. Palmer, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic; and Jill Rathus, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training, CW Post Campus of Long Island University, Co-Director, Cognitive Behavioral Associate, Great Neck, NY. Group rates available. Fee reduction for early registration. Registration opens at 8:00 AM. Visit www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com for registration and details.

Page 15 of 16 FUNDRAISER Sunday, April 6, 2014, Celebrate the Growing Season, 5-8:00 PM, Farmhouse Evanston, 703 Church St., Evanston, 60201 (RSVP; $; F). In celebration of their first full growing season at The Howard Street Farm, the largest urban farm in Northern Cook County, The Talking Farm presents, “Celebrate the Growing Season,” an event featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, local brews provided by Farmhouse Evanston, live music by The Greenleaf Band, and raffle prizes. All proceeds raised from the evening will directly support the organization’s farm operations and educational initiatives. The Talking Farm, a 501(c)(3) organization, cultivates healthy, sustainable communities by supporting the production and appreciation of locally grown food through its extensive educational initiatives and hands-on learning programs at the Howard Street Farm, a 2.75 acre urban farm located at 3701 Howard Street in Skokie. Tickets are $75.00 per person, and include food, drink and music. Tickets may be purchased online at thetalkingfarm.ticketleap.com or by visiting www.thetalkingfarm.org. For more information, please visit www.thetalkingfarm.org, or contact [email protected] or 847.425.5125. Seating is limited so please reserve today!

NEW! FUNDRAISER Saturday, April 26, 2014, Looking Forward to Our Next 100 Years, 6:30-10:30 PM, Sunset Ridge Country Club, 2100 Sunset Ridge Rd. Northfield, 60091 (RSVP; $; F). Family Service Center’s annual gala. Dinner, cocktails, live and silent auctions, entertainment. Honoring our 2014 “Heart of the Family Award” recipient Family Action Network (FAN), in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the well-being of families. FSC is a community-centered social service agency that provides the highest quality therapeutic counseling at affordable rates. To purchase tickets, please visit www.familysc.com or call 847-251-7350.

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