Raising MediaWise Kids
American children now spend over 44 hours a week in front of a screen
- more than any other activity except sleeping. In this presentation,
our speakers combine the latest discoveries in brain science with
up-to-date research and data to explore the power and impact of video
games, the Internet and television in shaping norms, attitudes and
behaviors. We will pay particular attention to the impact of media
on academic performance, health and wellness, and discuss how media
create and nourish a "culture of disrespect." We will explore
ways to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities media offer
our kids while minimizing the danger and risk. Our speakers will explain
why it is crucial to pay attention to the role of media in children's
lives and share concrete strategies for communicating with and staying
connected to kids in the media age.
How Do I Parent In An On-Line World?
MySpace, YouTube, AOL Instant Messenger, Google video, and Facebook.
These are just a few of the new online sites that are wildly popular
among young people. As kids gain Internet access on cell phones, portable
gaming devices and more, they end up spending as much time in an online
world as in the real one. In this presentation, our speakers discuss
the powerful role of the Internet in young people's lives. We will
describe the promise and peril of the Internet as we discuss new risks
posed by an unregulated online environment, from online predation
to addiction to cyberbullying. Finally, we will offer concrete strategies
for helping kids take advantage of the amazing opportunities the Internet
offers while minimizing danger and risk.
Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain.
Adolescence has been described as a "normally abnormal stage
of life." This workshop, based on Dr. David Walsh's best selling
book, Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent
Brain for You and Your Teen, explains exactly what happens to
the adolescent brain on the path from childhood into adulthood. Our
speakers show why moodiness, quickness to anger, willingness to take
risks, miscommunication and other familiar teenage behavior are so
common - all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent
brain. This workshop goes beyond the well-known issues of hormones
and peer pressure. We will touch on the powerful role of media in
teenagers' lives and show concerned adults how to use this information
to understand, communicate with, and stay connected to youth.
Say Yes To No
There is an epidemic of Discipline Deficit Disorder sweeping the
country. The symptoms include disrespect, impatience, a need for
instant gratification, a sense of entitlement, self centeredness,
and out of control consumerism. This workshop, based on Dr. David
Walsh's new book, NO: Why Kids-of All Ages-Need to Hear It and
Ways Parents Can Say It, explains how the "Yes culture"
undermines our children's self discipline, a trait that is the key
ingredient for children's success and happiness. Our speakers offer
down-to-earth advice that can be put into practice immediately and
humorous anecdotes to illustrate central points, and give parents
real, effective strategies for helping their children grow up happy
and healthy. Audiences leave with the reminder that "No"
is not the destination, it is the road to "Yes."
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