2004 Year in Review

Morrison to host satellite series on bullying

Helping children manage fear and resist bullying is the topic of a two-part national satellite series to be hosted in Morrison this fall. The What’s a Parent to Do series will be broadcast Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 2004 in Morrison and various locations throughout the United States. Iowa State University Extension is sponsoring the program, and the University of Illinois Extension is hosting the local downlink at 100 East Knox Street, Morrison.

The program will help participants understand the fundamental strengths children acquire early on to manage fear and resist predatory peer behavior such as bullying and other forms of intimidation. Participants will also examine how parents, teachers and members of a community can help support healthy social and emotional development in children and youth.

“Families, schools and the larger community need to work together to help create nurturing environments for kids so they can develop socially and emotionally. This is a key asset in helping children succeed in life, “Janice McCoy, Family Life Educator said.

Speakers include David Osher, Ph.D., managing director of American Institutes for Research and Charles A. Smith, Ph.D., professor and extension specialist, Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University.

Osher and Smith will help participants acquire specific skills to help them reframe how they work with families, including how to nurture integrity and courage in children and youth, what to consider when selecting interventions and providers, and how to incorporate an eight-step resiliency model in their work with children and parents.

According to Greder, aggressive behavior such as bullying is prevalent in approximately 10 percent of preschool and elementary age children. In socio-economically disadvantaged children, the figure can be close to 25 percent. Research has shown that children who are bullied have lower self-esteem and greater incidents of depression and loneliness that affects them as teens and even as adults.

The program will run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. each evening. The cost of $20.00 includes program materials and dinner each evening. To register you may call University of Illinois Extension at 815-772-4075.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 23, 2004