2020-2021 Parent Education Dinners

All dinners are 6pm-8pm on zoom unless otherwise noted.

RSVP to emirza@gunnisoncounty.org

After viewing a parent education presentation, complete the survey to meet the program requirements.

Parenting During and Beyond High School: The Top Ten Things Parents Need to Know about Alcohol and Other Drugs – 11/18

• Join us for a unique virtual opportunity to explore topics essential to successfully prepare soon-to-be high school graduates and recent graduates for their next step (though this is great info for all 6-12th grade parents). Ways in which alcohol and marijuana are associated with academic outcomes and mental health will be discussed, as will important roles parents can play in impacting decisions of their students.

  • Some people say alcohol makes them more funny, outgoing, and confident, but what does the science really show?

  • How is cannabis in 2020 different from the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s?

  • How can alcohol and cannabis affect the sleep quality of an adolescent or young adult, and how would that impact them?

  Learn the answers to these questions and more from our presenter is Dr. Jason Kilmer, an Associate Professor in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

  Two families will be drawn for a ticketed give away of  $100 to a local business.

  Email emirza@gunnisoncounty.org for the zoom link.

  
  

LGBTQ+ and Creating Gender Inclusive Spaces – 12/8

• Presenter - Isaac Grody-Patinkin, Prevention Services Coordinator and Kaleb, Youth Advisor  

Middle School Development – 1/13

• This workshop addresses  the developmentally appropriate changes and challenges that youth experience during adolescence. Focus will be placed on neurobiological (structural, hormonal and neurotransmitter), social-emotional (identity formation and physical vs. emotional high risk behaviors), and cognitive  changes (adolescent egocentrism). We will discuss how these developmentally appropriate changes and challenges can lead to high risk behaviors and substance use and mental health concerns. Education on  Adverse Childhood Experiences and Toxic Stress will also be included. Ages covered are 11-15.

• Presenter - Kari Commerford, Juvenile Services Director  

Investing in the Long Game of Social and Sexual Health for our Kids- 1/25 or 1/26frtom 6-8pm (adults)

• The aim of this presentation is to provide parents with information, research and perspective about the how party norms, hookup culture and social media create complicated social terrain for teens. To better support teens, it is important for parents to build a toolbox of conversation skills. It can be challenging to sort through the myths, community norms and pressure from other parents to create emotional and physical safety. By debunking myths and highlighting current research, I hope to instill more conviction in parents who are ready to reconsider and challenge accepted norms. Investing in the long-term wellbeing of our kids requires us to actively engage in conversations with them that can be awkward or uncomfortable. My hope is to inspire parents set aside fears and discomfort around these conversations to establish boundaries and rules that align with their values. I hope to encourage parents to consider their own role in helping their children grow up to have healthy attitudes and to make healthy choices around sex and alcohol

• Presenter - Cindy Peirce, Sex Educator, Speak, Author, and Comic Storyteller

Healthy Choices and Social Courage - 1/25 4:30-5:40 (9th-12th grade youth)

• Ever wonder why you did something that you didn’t necessarily want to do, but you did because your peers did it? Ever wonder why it is so awkward to speak up for something you believe in when it is against what others think? Do you want some straight forward info about making healthy choices with social media and sex?

  Join Cindy Pierce, Sexual Health Educator and Author. Cindy’s hope is that the information presented will build confidence in teens to challenge norms with their peers. She will discuss how the fear of social consequences - whether perceived or real – leads many teens to abide by social norms rather than follow their own wants and desires. Social Courage is about cultivating the resilience to endure the awkwardness of speaking up and establishing boundaries. With practice and time, Social Courage becomes more instinctual, helping people navigate social pressures, both online and off.

• Presenter - Cindy Peirce, Sex Educator, Speak, Author, and Comic Storyteller

  
  

Healthy Media Use and Image – 2/9

• Notes From the Field: Working with Honest Teenagers to Learn About Media Use and Gaming 2/9 6-8pm - Teenagers have an incredible wealth of “local knowledge”.  Information and ideas about their life experience, culture, and even their developmental tasks.  As a therapeutic mentor, Anthony Riske has the privilege of building trusted relationship through activity-based conversations; and so is able to get the scoop on what it’s really like to be a teen…especially with technology in their lives. During walk+talks, mountain biking, and longboarding conversations deepen into topics of suicide, self-harm, ambitions, school performance, depression, anxiety, identity, and relationship with the world and technology. For this presentation, Anthony will share from interviews he conducts with a variety of clients to who want you to know about gaming and anime culture, as well as the impact of social media on their lives.

  • Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84461354637

  • Youth 11 and older are welcome

  Join Anthony Riske, MA, MFT-C Therapist+Mentor to learn more! www.anthonyriskecounseling.com

Older Adolescent Development – 4/7

• This presentation will explore the 10 tasks of  adolescent development and ways to support youth through these transitions. Focus will be on late adolescence (15-20). Topics to be addressed include; sexual maturation, developing and applying coping skills, emotional regulation, identity and friendships and renegotiating relationships with parents.

• Presenter - Kari Commerford, Juvenile Services Director   

Healthy Media Use - 5/4

• The internet has changed how we, including children, interact with the world. Many middle and high school aged kids have 24-7 access to the internet on their smart phones. Internet access allows many benefits, but also allows for potential dangerous exposures. We will review some of these dangers, including online predators, cyberbullying, exposure to violent imaging/ideology, and easy access to pornography. We will also discuss how this is contributing to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality among adolescents. I will be sharing some tips on safeguarding your teens from these threats and talking about alternative healthy activities that they can substitute for “screen time”.

• Dr. Charles Hastings, DO