Wednesday, February 29, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
How to Develop Resilience and Self-Esteem in Your Child
Over the past two decades, psychologists have reported a troubling increase in the frequency of stress disorders in children. One personality characteristic that is often examined as a predictor of a child's reaction to stress is the child's "resilience", or the ability of a child to adapt successfully despite adversity. Common wisdom has often maintained that by providing a nurturing and positively reinforcing environment that the child will develop resilience and healthy self-esteem. Current research, however, calls this wisdom into question and finds that all praise is not created equal. Dr. Christopher Bogart will discuss current findings on the connection between praise and resilience, and will explain research-proven ways to develop resilience in your child.

Wednesday, March 7, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Growth through Bumps in the Road: How Children Become Optimistic Problem Solvers
One of the classic theories of development is that "there is no growth without conflict." Development at any stage from infancy through adulthood occurs as a function of our ability to resolve conflicts. Stemming from the work on emotional development and resiliency discussed by Dr. Bogart in his February parent workshop, Dr. Jeffrey DeTeso and Dr. Timothy Heitzman will discuss how conflicts give children opportunities to develop cognitive and academic skills. As parents and psychologists, they review practical, adaptive strategies that appropriately support children through the struggles and conflicts they experience at various stages, leading to optimistic problem solving and greater success.

Wednesday, March 28, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Tweens to Teens: How to Connect with the Alien at Your Dinner Table
It happened overnight. Your sweet, compliant child has morphed into a moody, non-compliant, yet lovable, middle or high school student. Tweens and teens suffer through a roller-coaster ride of physical, emotional, and social changes, and their parents are strapped in the car next to them. We love them, but how do we talk to them? Effective communication with parents and caregivers is a critical component to a young adult's happiness and self-esteem. Dr. Lauren Pote will share parenting strategies to re-open the lines of communication, encourage tweens/teens to share their feelings in a productive way, respect your house rules, and strengthen the parent-child relationship, through mutual trust and honesty.

Location: The Southfield Center for Development, 85 Old Kings Highway North, Darien

Lectures are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Please RSVP to Christi Zacarola, 203-202-7654, christi.zacarola@southfieldcenter.com