events
Understanding Eating Disorders: Insights From Experts and Families
Tuesday, February 25
7-8:30 pm
Webinar Panel Discussion
Elizabeth Archibald, MPh, RDN
Joanna Bronfman, LCSW, PsyD
Jen Kepner, Parent
Kate Osman, LCSW
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, an estimated 22 percent of children and adolescents show signs of disordered eating. What does this look like and when do you need to seek help? We will have three experts, Dr. Joanna Bronfman; Family Therapist Kate Osman;and Clinical Nutritionist Liz Archibald to talk us through the signs of eating disorders and how best to help your child through this struggle. We will also have a parent of a child recovering from an eating disorder on the panel to share her lived experiences and what she wishes she had known.
Join our webinar to learn how to identify issues and seek help when needed. This program is brought to you by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with the Wilton High school PTSA.
Ask Me Anything: Teen Edition
Wednesday, March 5
7-8:30 pm
Wilton Library
Moderator: Lindsay Wheeler
Join us for the third annual Ask Me Anything: Teen Edition. From gaining a deeper understanding of affirming environments to discovering the essential needs of queer teens, this conversation is crucial for anyone seeking to support and uplift LGBTQ+ youth.
Through honest conversations with the panelists you will walk away with:
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An understanding of the LGBTQ+ community
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The importance of allyship in real life situations: Understanding how LGBTQ+ individuals are impacted by bias, and an overview of best practices that protect safety and inclusion
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An understanding of what is meant by sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sex assigned at birth - the differences between them and how they impact one another.
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Language and definition of terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community, including lesser known terms.
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Understanding notions of hetero-normativity, the gender/sex binary, and cis-normativity.
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Rethinking social norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender in our society.
If you would like to submit a question in advance, you may do so in the form linked here.
This event will be moderated by Wilton High School graduate and therapist Lindsay Wheeler.
Please note: there are no cell phones or any type of recording allowed. This will take place in a closed room at Wilton Library with a police presence (non-uniformed officer).
This event is brought to you by Wilton Pride in partnership with the Wilton Library, Kids in Crisis, Lighthouse, Wilton Youth Council, Middlebrook GSA, Ridgefield Pride, Staples High School Pride Coalition, The Rowan Center, Triangle Community Center and the Riverbrook Regional YMCA.
Coffee, Community, & Conversation
Saturday, March 8
9:30-10:30 am
Tusk & Cup
142 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Join members of the community for Coffee, Community and Conversation to build community through connection!
These informal monthly gatherings offer community members a chance to discuss what's on their mind and build relationships with other Wilton residents.
The College Process: Supporting Your Teen
& Finding the Right Fit
Thursday, March 20
6:30-8 pm
Wilton Library Association
Presenters:
Susan Bauerfeld, PhD
Deena Maerowitz, JD, MSW
The college process can feel like a frenzy, but there are ways to manage it that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair.
Join us to learn tips, strategies and suggestions for reducing stress, staying connected to your child and managing the process with greater ease and comfort. You will feel better and your teen will thank you.
This program is brought to you Wilton Youth Council in partnership with the Wilton Library and Wilton High School PTSA.
REGISTER HERE
Raising a Well-Adjusted, Confident and Self-Reliant Adult in this Crazy Mixed-up World
Tuesday, March 25
6:30-8:30 pm
Wilton Library Association
Presenter:
Alicia Farrell, PhD
This talk offers practical, immediately actionable tools and insights to help you regain control, strengthen your relationship with your kids, and guide them with confidence. Learn how to build trust, foster open communication, and instill resilience in your children.
Gain a deeper understanding of brain development, create a family philosophy to navigate modern challenges like technology, and leave empowered to raise well-rounded, motivated young people.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community leader, this talk will give you the strategies to make a lasting, positive impact on the next generation.
This program is brought to you by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with the Wilton Library, Wilton High School PTSA and Middlebrook PTA.
The Power of Validation: Arming Your Kids Against Bullying, Peer Pressure, Addiction & More.
Friday, March 28
10:30 am -12:30 pm
New Canaan Library
Terry D'Elisa, PsyD, ABPP, NCSP
In their book The Power of Validation: Arming your Child Against Bullying, Peer Pressure, Addiction, Self-Harm & Out-Of-Control Behavior, Karyn D. Hall and Melissa H. Cook explain that validation means recognizing and accepting your child’s thoughts and feelings, even if you don’t think they should be experiencing them.
Children who are validated feel reassured that they’ll be accepted and loved regardless of their feelings; children who are not validated are more vulnerable to peer pressure, bullying, and emotional and behavioral problems. Understanding how to validate your children’s thoughts and feelings without condoning their inappropriate behaviors will lay the groundwork for a healthier parent-child relationship, reduce conflict, and equip your child with the courage to resist peer pressure and retain healthy self-esteem, through adolescence and adulthood.
Terry D’Elisa, PsyD, ABPP, NCSP, will discuss what validation is (and what it is not), provide helpful ways to respond to strong emotions, and help you teach your children how to cope better and self-regulate when confronted with day-to-day challenges. Her discussion will be based on The Power of Validation by Hall and Cook, as well as on The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry.
This program is presented by SPED*NET in partnership with New Canaan Library, Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Youth Council and Newtown Sped PTA.