PAST Events & RECORDINGS
Social Media: The Inside Scoop with Max Stossel Founder & CEO of Social Awakening
Monday November, 4 7-8pm
Virtual Webinar​
Log in and listen to Max Stossel discuss social media, hearing information he already shared with Wilton Public School students in grades 6-12!
Max Stossel is an award winning artist, poet, film maker and named by Forbes as one of the best storytellers of the year. He is the Founder of Social Awakening and a former media strategist with a background in social media development who speaks on the impact of social media. He'll present to Wilton Public School students in grades 6-11 during school on Wednesday, October 16. For parents, there will be a video presentation made available after his talk and a virtual Q&A on Monday, November 4, from 7-8 pm.

These events are brought to you by a partnership between Middlebrook PTA, SPED*NET, Wilton High School PTSA, Wilton Public Schools and Wilton Youth Council. Create a free one month account to join his virtual presentation at https://www.socialawakening.org/join-the-awake-kin.
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A Community Event About Gambling
Wednesday, October 23 6:30-8:30pm
Wilton Library
Please join us for a community conversation to learn more about the impact of problem gambling and how to help a loved one, family member, friend, or client. Dena Miccinello from The Hub at Catalyst CT, one of five state-designated Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations, will talk about the definition of gambling, types of gambling in CT, the impact of gambling, myths and facts and warning signs and risk factors. You will be provided with a variety of local, regional, and state-wide resources for problem gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Dena Miccinello grew up in Connecticut, has a degree in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University and has extensive experience in prevention. Prevention is the way she helps community members live a safe and healthy life.
Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and the Wilton Youth Council.
Max Stossel
Wednesday, October 16
Presentation for WPS Students in grades 6-12 during school
Max Stossel, an award winning artist, poet, film maker and named by Forbes as one of the best storytellers of the year, is the Founder of Social Awakening and former media strategist with a background in social media development, speaks on the impact of social media. He will present to Wilton Public School students in grades 6-11 during school on Wednesday, October 16. For parents, there will be a video presentation made available after his talk and a virtual Q&A on Monday, November 4, from 7-8 pm.
These events are brought to you by a partnership between Middlebrook PTA, SPED*NET, Wilton High School PTSA, Wilton Public Schools and Wilton Youth Council.
Wilton Is Where You Belong:
Find your place to get involved in the community and meet others with shared interests. Wilton Youth Council’s Mental Health Task Force and the Wilton Library invite you to join us at a Volunteer Fair on September 21, 2024 from 11 am - 2 pm at the Wilton Library.
Wilton Youth Council recognizes the health benefits that volunteering brings individuals in our community. Volunteering is shown to improve both physical and mental health and also bring a sense of belonging while building community relationships for volunteers. Further, we recognize that many adults are struggling to build community connections – volunteering is an excellent way to foster and build these relationships.
Live music by Present Company and sweet treats for sale from College Creamery throughout the event.
This event was brought to you by Wilton Youth Council's Mental Health Task Force and the Wilton Library.
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Coffee - Community - Conversation
Monthly Meetups:
Friday, 4/26, 9:30-10:30 am
Grab a coffee & meet @ the WHS Track to chat & walk
Saturday, 5/18, 9:30-10:30 am
Nova Cafe: 200 Danbury Rd, Wilton
Wednesday, 6/12, 9:30-10:30 am
Tusk & Cup: 142 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton
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Wilton's Big Block Party Weekends
June 8 - 9, 2024 and September 7 - 8, 2024
WYC's Big Block Party Weekend is an initiative aimed at connecting neighbors for face-to-face interaction and creating more opportunity for children's free play. Visit https://www.wiltonyouth.org/block-party or https://www.blockpartyusa.org/ for planning ideas.
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May (Mental Health Action Month) Calendar of Events
Wilton Youth Council, along with our community partners, is focused on creating activities and encouraging actions that promote mental health and wellness. We strive to amplify the message that Mental Health is Health. The path to wellness is lined with taking actions that empower you to feel connected to yourself, your loved ones, and your community!
Mental Health is Health: Pave Your Path to Wellness by exploring the activities and actions that are right for you!
A Crash Course in Driver Safety
Wednesday, May 22 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Trackside Teen Center, 15 Station Rd, Wilton
As your teen gears up to get behind the wheel (or is already driving), we invite you and your teen(s) to join us for a Safe Driving Clinic, Wednesday, May 22nd, 7pm at Trackside.
This fun and informative evening focuses on empowering young drivers and keeping them safe. Our knowledgeable panel of local experts will cover car care, road safety, mastering driver's ed, understanding car insurance, the Safe Rides program and more. The evening includes an open discussion with Q&A.
Opioid Education & Narcan Training
Wednesday, May 22 from 10-11 am
Comstock Community Center
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This program is open to all adults.
Space is limited.
This training provides information on opioids that include street drugs (like heroin) and prescription drugs (like Oxycontin). Opioid overdoses have become an epidemic; in Connecticut, on average, two people die every day from an opioid overdose. By the end of this training you will learn how to administer naloxone, also known as Narcan, which can reverse an opioid overdose in a few minutes.
This program is offered by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with The Hub: Regional Behavioral Health Action Network (RBHAO) for Southwestern CT.
Mental Health Action Day: Wear Your Green Ribbon
Thursday, May 16 - All Day
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This program is open to all community members.
Take action on Mental Health Action Day! Wear your green pin all day to show your support of everyone who struggles with or knows someone who battles mental health challenges. Pins can be obtained from many Wilton locations, including the Wilton Library.
Mental Health Action Day: Statement on Mental Health Awareness, Support and Action
Thursday, May 16 at 10:30 am
Wilton Library
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Open to all Wilton community members.
Join town leaders and community members in showing your support as an ally to those struggling with their mental health. This public recognition of and support for those in our community facing challenges with their own mental health will help reduce stigma around mental health and raise awareness of those who suffer with their Mental Health and Addiction. Join us to help build awareness, show support and take action!
This event is brought to you by Wilton Youth Council's Mental Health Task Force and the Wilton Library.
Ask Me Anything: Understanding the Transgender and Non-Binary Identity
Wednesday, May 15 from 7 - 8:30 pm
Wilton Library
Please join us for Ask Me Anything, 2024, a community forum on "Understanding the Transgender and Nonbinary Identity" cosponsored by Wilton Library and Wilton Pride, on May 15, at 7 p.m., in the library's Brubeck Room.
A Screening of Disney Pixar's Inside Out
Saturday, May 11 at 5:45 pm
Wilton High School Little Theater
This event is open to all.
Grab the family and come relax at a screening of Disney Pixar's Inside Out at 5:45 pm in the Wilton High School Little Theater. This PG movie brings to life the emotions of a girl named Riley. The emotions are Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear and Anger.
Wellness Resource Fair
Saturday, May 11 from 5-7:30 pm
Wilton High School
Intended for all Wilton Residents
Come learn about local mental health and wellness resources and get tips to Pave Your Path to Wellness at the first Community Wellness Fair!
This program is brought to you by Wilton Youth Council's Wilton Coalition for Youth and High Focus Treatment Centers.
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No registration required.
An Evening of Wilton Unplugged
Embrace a few minutes, hours or the entire evening offline by building connections with family, friends, nature or just taking a break from technology. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and put away your phone.
This program is brought to you by Wilton Youth Council's Wilton Coalition for Youth.
Unplug and Reconnect: Digital Wellness and Increasing Family Connections
The impact social media can have on our children's mental health has been in the news a lot lately. We know too much tech can be harmful, but we sometimes struggle with finding the right balance in our own homes. Wilton Youth Council is pleased to bring Claudia Erickson, BSW MPH and Co-founder of the Unplugged Collaborative, to deliver the keynote address for this year’s Mental Health Action Month.
QPR Training: Question, Persuade, Refer
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a 3-step suicide prevention training designed to help those who are not mental health professionals recognize a suicide crisis situation, begin a dialogue and help the person to the right resources.
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The Mattering Movement: Parent Toolkit Discussion Series
Wilton Youth Council is excited to partner with The Mattering Movement on a first of its kind 6-session parent discussion series diving into select aspects of their Parent Toolkit weekly. This interactive program will be open to a limited number of participants and will be led by Chandra Ring, MEd, Wilton Youth Council's Executive Director. Participants will consider the concepts of Not Worrying Alone, Making Your Home a Mattering Haven and Generating Gratitude.
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Leaning into the work of Jennifer Wallace, one of the Mattering Movement Founders, "The Mattering Movement answers the question: What can we do to combat the pandemic of loneliness and despair that are harming our youth? How can we combat today's widespread mattering deficit?"
Mental Health Action Month Signs for Sale
May is Mental Health Action Month and Wilton Youth Council is getting ready to show how supportive our community is of everyone who struggles with or knows someone who battles mental health challenges. WYC is selling double-sided yard signs with the messages "Mental Health is Health" and "Mental Health Matters".
Placing a yard sign in front of your house is a simple way to show support, help reduce stigma and raise awareness of the mental health challenges people of all ages are facing.
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Parents, Schools and Technology: Conquering Mean Behavior Together
This discussion will focus on how parents and schools can work in tandem to help youth in our community develop a healthy relationship with technology. Learn about how students are treating each other, the impact on education and how we can all partner for the benefit of Wilton's youth.
Roundtable Discussion on Play
Play is proven to enhance creativity, independence and confidence. Play has a positive impact on memory and attention span. Play promotes physical and mental health. Join us for a discussion about appropriate play for all ages and how to get your kids playing!
Join facilitators Ethan Bourque, Psychotherapist from Sasco River Center; David Dudics, Assistant Principal at Cider Mill School and Vanessa Wilson, Executive Director at Positive Directions for this important conversation. Everyone needs play!
Coffee - Community - Connection
Wilton Youth Council presents Coffee - Community - Conversation on Wednesday, March 13th from 9:30-10:30 am at Riverbrook Regional YMCA Cafe, 404 Danbury Road, Wilton. Building relationships leads to less stress, a greater sense of self and healthier behaviors. Grab a cup of coffee and come meet some fellow Wilton residents, ask (and answer!) questions and help build community during this informal opportunity for connection!
Building Life Skills Through Play
POSTPONED
This panel discussion will consider how play contributes to a healthy childhood and sets kids up for greater independence. Panelists will connect conversation with clips from the award-winning documentary, Chasing Childhood, which focuses on three communities in the tri-state area, including Wilton, and discusses many elements of what makes a healthy childhood.
Recharging Required: Rest, Recreation and Raising Healthier Teens
This panel discussion explores the role of rest and recreation in scaffolding our tweens and teens to a satisfying launch. Panelists will connect clips from the award-winning documentary, Chasing Childhood, which focuses on three tri-state communities, including Wilton, and considers many elements of what makes a healthy upbringing.
Coffee - Community - Connection
Wilton Youth Council presents Coffee - Community - Conversation at Tusk & Cup, Wilton. Building relationships leads to less stress, a greater sense of self and healthier behaviors. Grab a cup of coffee and come meet some fellow Wilton residents, ask (and answer!) questions and help build community during this informal opportunity for connection! No registration required.
Medication, Not Magic
Making Wise Choices About Pharmacological Interventions
with Kevin T. Kalikow, MD
Through a thorough and balanced presentation of a thorny topic, Dr. Kevin Kalikow will help untangle the complexities of pharmacological treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and co-existing conditions, by addressing whether or not to give psychiatric drugs to your child and, if so, when. He will discuss indications for medication, potential benefits and risks, and ethical dilemmas.
Shop for a Cause
Enjoy light refreshments and start holiday shopping while supporting Wilton Youth Council. Fifteen percent of purchases on full priced items will be donated to Wilton Youth Council.
Join Susan Rappaport, Vanessa Elias & Kerianne Fanelli
Roundtable Discussion on Mattering
Continue the conversation! Join us for a follow up discussion on the best-selling Jennifer Wallace book “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It.” This is intended to be an interactive discussion, giving an opportunity for parents and caregivers to discuss their experiences and thoughts around mattering (breaking down the correlation between achievement and self-worth).
Book Discussion of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It
Wilton Youth Council and the Wilton Public Schools are excited to offer an open discussion of Jennifer Wallace's "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Turns Toxic, and What We Can Do About It." This conversation will be led by Wilton Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kevin Smith.
Author Talk: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic - and What We Can Do About It
Join us for a discussion led by Susan Bauerfeld PhD, with award-winning reporter Jennifer Breheny Wallace on the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and what we must do to fight back.
In Case You Missed It: The College Process: Supporting Your Teen and Finding the Right Fit
The college process can often feel like a frenzy but there are ways to manage it that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair. Please join Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D and Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W. 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!
The College Process: Supporting Your Teen and Finding the Right Fit
The college process can often feel like a frenzy but there are ways to manage it that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair. Please join Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D. and Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W. 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!
Film Screening of Orchestrating Change
Wilton Youth Council and Wilton Library invite you to the screening of the documentary film Orchestrating Change. Orchestrating Change features beautiful music while being informative, uplifting, sometimes humorous and most importantly, empowering. The film tells the inspiring story of the only orchestra - Me2/ - created by and for people living with mental illness and those who support them.
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Accessing Mental Health Resources for You & Your Family
Join Wilton Youth Council and area professionals for a Roundtable Discussion on Accessing Mental Health Resources for You and Your Family.
"Never Enough" Sneak Peek with Jennifer Wallace
We're Excited to welcome journalist Jennifer Wallace via Zoom for a special conversation about her highly anticipated new book "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Turns Toxic, and What We Can Do About" ~ which features an entire chapter on the Wilton community!
Empowering Your Child to Thrive in Today's World: Let Them Thrive: Put it Into Practice
"Let Them Thrive" by Katie Novak provides practical strategies for helping your child become a self-navigating, expert learner, a key aspect of the Wilton Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate.
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Participate in a virtual workshop with Pam Chu-Sheriss from Novak Consulting. Learn how to apply the principles from the book to your own parenting style. Sign up now to reserve your spot and receive a free book!
Let's Talk Mental Health: Community Conversation
Join the Wilton community for a presentation and discussion on the current mental health landscape, what "mental health" includes, signs of concern in youth and adults, when to reach out for help and who to contact. Dr. Gerber will open with a presentation on these topics and then the floor will be open for questions.
Helping Families Navigate Mental Health & Suicide Conversations with Kids
Panelists from:
Wilton Youth Services
Positive Directions
Mid Fairfield Community Cares
Child and Family Guidance Center
Kids in Crisis
Join us for a brief virtual discussion on mental health warning signs for youth, risks of suicide, and the process of seeking help, action steps, and local resources.
Join us in an open Zoom panel discussion to recognize warning signs of suicide in youth and what you can do to help demystify the process of seeking help and having conversations at home. Come learn about local resources for additional support.
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This program will feature panelists from: Wilton Youth Services, Positive Directions, Mid-Fairfield Community Cares, the Child & Family Guidance Center, and Kids in Crisis.
Parenting Teens in a Digital World: Middle School and High School Years
Diana Graber
WYC is thrilled to welcome back Diana Graber, author and recognized expert on technology’s impact on human behavior, for an age-based, instructive and enlightening webinar on parenting in a digital world.
Parenting Kids in a Digital World: Pre-School & Elementary Years
Diana Graber
WYC is thrilled to welcome back Diana Graber, author and recognized expert on technology’s impact on human behavior, for an age-based, instructive and enlightening webinar on parenting in a digital world.
Recreational Cannabis: What Families Should Know
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Melissa McGarry, Project Director for Trumbull's Prevention Partnership
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John Daviau, MACP
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Anthony Nave, LCSW
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Sergeant Frank Razzaia, Wilton Police Department
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Bob O'Donnell, Wilton High School
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Jory Higgins, Middlebrook School
Connecticut 's legal adult-use cannabis market is officially rolling out on January 10, 2023. What are the facts and laws? How is new legislation affecting our youth? What are clinicians, schools and police officers saying? You’ll be surprised about what you don’t know!
Decoding Behavior: What Our Children Are Telling Us & How to Help
Alicia Farrell, PhD
Are you confused about your child or teen's behavior, what it may mean, and how to best support them? Please join us for a discussion led by Cognitive Psychologist Alicia Farrell, PhD, designed to provide practical guidance and tools you can apply to improve relationships and help kids learn to navigate their world in emotionally healthy ways.
The College Process: Supporting Your Teen & Finding the Right Fit
Susan Bauerfeld, PhD.
Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W.
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The college process can often feel like a frenzy but there are ways to manage it that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair. Please join Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D and Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W. 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!
Book Discussion Groups on Diana Graber's "Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology"
The Exercise Rx: How Movement Transforms Your Child's Brain
Dr. Douglas DeMassa
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Think of exercise as a prescription for optimizing intellectual reasoning, increasing attention, and improving mood. Regular exercise activates the brain systems that support focus, memory, and self-regulation, decrease impulsivity, and prime kids for learning: all kids— young and old. An exciting and growing body of research shows that physical activity is a promising alternative or additional treatment option for kids with ADHD, executive function challenges, and learning issues.
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Dr. Douglas DeMassa will discuss the effects of exercise on the brain and how physical activity can help students improve attention, endurance, short-term memory skills, impulse control, time-on-task, visual tracking, balance, coordination, and self-confidence.
Presented by SPED*NET Wilton in partnership with Wilton Library, Wilton Public Schools, the WYC Free Play Matters Task Force and Darien SEPAC
Raising Humans in a Digital World
Overwhelmed and confused about how to navigate the digital world with your child or teen?
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Join us for an age-based, instructive and enlightening webinar with author Diana Graber, a recognized expert on technology's impact on human behavior.
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Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with Wilton Public Schools, Middlebrook PTA, SEPTA and SPED*NET Wilton.
Please email info@wiltonyouth.org for access to a recording of this webinar.
The Worry Paradox: The More You Fight Anxiety, The More It Holds On
Sometimes worry (lower case) has a way of turning into WORRY (upper case) in the blink of an eye, causing children to fret about unlikely scenarios and shrink away from routine challenges, holding entire families hostage.Wouldn't it be nice to get rid of it? Unfortunately, much of what parents do to banish worry ends up strengthening it. That’s the worry paradox, that our attempts to relieve anxiety actually lock it in place. But there’s hope. Join us for a webinar led by Dr. Dawn Huebner and moderated by WPS staff to learn to think about anxiety in a new way and gain skills to support your child without inadvertently reinforcing their anxiety.Dr. Huebner is a Parent Coach and the author of 10 books for children published in 23 languages, including perennial bestsellers What to Do When You Worry Too Much and Outsmarting Worry. She enjoys talking to parents, teachers, and therapists about anxiety, empowering them to help the children in their lives work toward change.
Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with Wilton SEPTA and SPED*NET Wilton.
How to Raise An Adult Book Group Discussion
Join facilitators Kevin Smith, Ph.D. and Vanessa Elias to discuss Julie Lythcott-Haims book "How to Raise an Adult.” Please read the book and join the discussion which is relevant for parents of all ages and outlines how to avoid the toxic impact of helicopter parenting — and give our kids the essential skills needed to grow into happy, successful adults.
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Lythcott-Haimes is an American educator, author and public speaker. She served as dean of freshman and undergraduate advising at Stanford University.
Anxious Parents, Anxious Kids and an Anxious (Semi-Famous) Mom Who Has Some Answers
Lenore Skenazy’s long awaited return to Wilton! The media labeled Lenore "America’s Worst Mom" when she let her 9-year-old ride the subway alone. She wore the badge with pride and went on to found Free-Range Kids: the book, blog and movement dedicated to the fact our kids are STRONGER and SMARTER than our culture gives them credit for. Now she’s the head of Let Grow, a non-profit making it easy and normal to give kids back some old-fashioned independence.
Healthy Relationships are Learned Parent Workshop
Educated, informed parents can teach their kids the skills and knowledge needed to engage in healthy dating relationships. Join us to learn about healthy relationships, and how to discuss healthy & unhealthy relationship dynamics with youth!
How Wilton Public Schools Support Adolescent Emotional Problem-Solving
Please join Wilton Public School Staff to learn more about how teens are being taught emotional problem-solving skills in the school setting. Parents will learn about the evidence-based curriculum that introduces four specific modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Free Movie Night - Sierra Burgess is a Loser
DVCC's Prevention Educator, Nikkis Ellis, will facilitate a short discussion afterwards about the relationships and messages in the film.
Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: The Importance of Positive Communication at Home, at School and in the Social Arena
School psychologist David P. Sylvestro, MA, CSP, will discuss ways parents can promote responsibility and independence through positive interactions with their kids who have LD, ADHD and Executive Function challenges.
Purposeful Play and Why It's Important for Learning
In this discussion, Meghan Cave, BCBA, co-founder of The Hangout Spot, LLC, Connecticut’s first behavior analytic social skills development center, will outline actionable steps parents can follow to play along with their children, promoting social success and meaningful learning along the way.
Drinking, Smoking, Vaping: Trends in Teen Use and What Parents Can Do
What exactly is "normal" when it comes to adolescent "experimentation" with alcohol, vaping and other risky behaviors? Parents may not be aware that affluence is a risk factor for teens' exposure to and use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and liquid nicotine (vaping) and that many high achieving teens are secretly engaged in these behaviors. In this workshop, Elizabeth Driscoll Jorgensen, CADC, Director of Insight Counseling, will help parents understand the current trends in teen behaviors as well as the possible unique risk factors for these behaviors that parents can minimize or eliminate.
It Happens Here: What to Know and How to Help Children Experiencing Domestic Violence
In this webinar, participants will learn:
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* the risks of children's exposure to domestic violence and how caring adults can support resiliency;
*how to identify children who are are experiencing violence at home;
* how to help and where to find resources.
The College Process: How to Cope with Uncertainty and Support Your Teen
Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D.
Uncertainty is but one of the many challenges that naturally accompany the college process. Yet the pressure associated with attempts to reduce and/or eliminate uncertainty often account for an inordinate amount of the stress. Add an ongoing pandemic, with its own high levels of uncertainty, and you’ve got a stressful challenge on steroids! But stress doesn’t have to run and/or define the show. This talk will show you how to shift away from trying to eliminate the uncertainty and toward coping with it.
Additional Resources:
RULER: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, & Regulating Emotions
In this webinar Wilton Public Schools staff will educate parents about RULER, a program of evidence-based tools and social-emotional learning practices from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Teachers across the district have been trained in these practices and RULER tools are already being used with students in grades K-5 to help students recognize and regulate emotions. Implementation at the secondary level is in progress.
Coming Together: Responding to Unfinished Learning and Supporting Social-Emotional Health in the 2021-2022 School Year
Charles Smith Ed.D., Wilton Public Schools Assistant Superintendent, leads a panel discussion addressing the district's response to unfinished learning and plans for implementing a prioritized curriculum in the upcoming school year. In addition to WPS staff members, Tracey Masella L.C.S.W., joins the panel to offer guidance on how families can support students and foster social-emotional well-being as kids make the transition back to full-time school.
Panelists:
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Charles Smith, Ed.D. - WPS Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
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Andrea Leonardi - WPS Assistant Superintendent, Special Services
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Trudy Denton - WPS Curriculum Coordinator - Math/Science
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Karen Brenneke - WPS Curriculum Coordinator - Humanities
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Kim Zemo, L.C.S.W - WPS, Safe School Climate Coordinator
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Tracey Masella, L.C.S.W - Private Practice, Silver Hill Hospital
Returning to Class and Campus: Strategies to Ease Anxiety and Improve Mental Health Following the Pandemic
Jane Thierfeld Brown, EdD
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We’re all struggling to figure out our re-entry into society after the traumas of quarantine and distance learning. For students returning to schools and campuses, reports confirm that 40-60% have mental health issues. How can we slow the dive into normalcy and let our kids, especially those with special needs, know it’s okay to wade in slowly?
The Transition Back: Navigating the Return to Normal
Andrew J. Gerber, M.D., Ph.D.
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A webinar about youth mental health and wellness for parents, caregivers and other interested adults.
Chasing Childhood Virtual Screening and Q&A
Chasing Childhood is a feature documentary that explores the rapidly changing landscape of contemporary childhood and parenting. The film takes us to three communities that are trying to shift culture to create room for play and independence with the hope of raising kids to become competent, healthy, and happy adults.
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Q&A panelists:
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Eden Wurmfeld, Director and Producer of Chasing Childhood
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Lenore Skenazy, President and Founder of Let Grow
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Dr. Michael Hynes, Superintendent of Schools, Port Washington, NY
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Genevieve Eason, Executive Director of Wilton Youth Council
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Savannah Eason, Wilton High School ‘13
The Q&A will be moderated by Vicki Abeles, the director and producer of Race to Nowhere and Beyond Measure.
Learn more about SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions):
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Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD
Eli R. Lebowitz, PhD
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems in children and adolescents. Parenting an anxious child means facing constant challenges and questions: When should parents help children avoid anxiety-provoking situations, and when should they encourage them to face their fears? How can parents foster independence while still supporting their children? How can parents reduce the hold their child’s anxiety has taken over the entire family?
Visit the Sexuality tab on our Resource page for additional articles and videos
The Sex Talk: Beyond the Birds and Bees
Jessica Feighan
Guess what, Mom and Dad... social norms about sex have changed since we were kids! Young adults are telling us they’ve felt unprepared for the current world of dating and "hooking up" when they arrived at college or started their lives post high school. We may have done a good job explaining the birds, bees and biology, but there are some important topics we forgot to discuss.
In this presentation, Jessica Feighan, the Director of Education, Outreach and Operations of The Rowan Center, will help us explore current issues that young people tell us are challenging for them. We'll learn clever, low-stress ways to teach consent and mutual respect in relation to sex; discuss “hook-up” culture; and learn about the impact of pornography on teen sexuality. If we start these conversations with our kids early, they will have the tools to make healthy sexual choices by the time they’re ready to leave home.
Healthy Connections: An Inside Scoop on Adolescents and Addiction
Anthony Nave, LCSW
New experiences and relationships are essential for helping our tweens, teens and young adults develop appropriately and reach their full potential. As parents, we may be concerned that our kids are changing too quickly – or that their panoply of experiences will be harmful, especially when they involve alcohol and drugs. In today’s presentation and conversation, Anthony Nave, LCSW, will explain: how our adolescents’ social, emotional and brain development can increase their risk for substance abuse/use disorders; what signs of struggle to look out for; how to start a conversation about drugs and alcohol; and what resources are available, if further help is needed. Anthony will also discuss misconceptions surrounding addiction and the contemporary “medical model” of addiction.
Encouraging Your Teenagers to Find Their Own Paths: A Road Map for Choosing a College, a Career, or Something Different
Rick Fiery, MS, MBA
The leap from high school to college is overwhelming. Newfound independence— combined with little or no parental control— leaves many students, especially those with learning, attention, and mental health challenges, feeling anxious and ultimately underperforming at college. As parents, you can help relieve everyone’s anxiety by recognizing that college isn’t the only option after high school. Career success may very well follow a different path.
Mindful Parents, Mindful Families: Effective Parenting in Trying Times
Tracey Masella, LCSW
Parenting through the pandemic and turbulent current events is difficult, confusing, and stressful. Learn how to create a family environment that fosters mental, physical and emotional health.
Tracey Masella, LCSW, will provide useful information and offer tools to help you build a family frame, set reasonable and attainable expectations and goals for your children, manage anxiety (both yours and your children’s), develop healthy self-care practices and find a supportive group of fellow parents in your community.
Coping with Uncertainty and Loss: What We Can Do to Help Our Kids and Ourselves
Mary Murphy, PhD
The Wilton High School community experienced the sudden loss of both a student and a staff member this week. Our hearts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time.
Mary Murphy, PhD will address these sudden losses and how we can help our children manage their grief when she returns tomorrow, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. for Part II of our webinar series. Dr. Murphy will also continue to address issues around the many challenges that families have faced with the return to school.
Coping with Uncertainty as School Begins: What We Can Do to Help Our Kids and Ourselves
Mary Murphy, PhD
Parents and students are managing unprecedented challenges this year, and there is much we still do not know about how the year will unfold. Mary Murphy, Ph.D., will help us create a toolbox of coping skills for ourselves, as well as child-specific recommendations: predictable routines and rituals for self-care; ways to focus on what we can control; how to be flexible and revise plans in the face of new information and changing school situations; and methods to balance daily tasks to reduce stress.
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See this relevant article: This is our season of coaching our children through disappointment
Fathers' Forum:
Fathering in a Pandemic
John Hamilton, LMFT, LADC and
Brian McManus, CARC, CRPA
Join Liberation Programs President and CEO John Hamilton and Mountainside Treatment Center Recovery Coach Brian McManus for a webinar just for dads. John and Brian will offer helpful advice for connecting with our kids during this extraordinary time.
Why This Summer Might Be Your Kid’s Most Memorable: Opportunities Like Never Before
Lenore Skenazy
Quick -- can you do a quadratic equation? Ahem. You don't have to answer that. But DO answer this: Can you ride a bike? Bake a cake? Make a friend? This summer your kids may forget some of their academics. But what they learn they'll remember forever. Join Let Grow's Lenore Skenazy to talk about what kids gain when they lose the summer they expected and gain some amazing independence.
Visit Let Grow’s website for more information and to find helpful resources like the free Summer Printable Kit and the I'm Bored Kit.
Screen Time in the Age of Coronavirus
Alicia Farrell, Ph.D.
In this webinar with Dr. Alicia Farrell we learn about the effects of screen time on our kids' cognitive, social and emotional development and how to navigate these issues during COVID. This talk is informative for parents with kids of all ages, teachers, administrators, counselors, clinicians and community leaders.
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A handout on technology and brain development from Dr. Farrell is available for download on this page, however we recommend viewing the webinar first in order to put this information in context. Dr. Farrell has also provided her handout titled “Messages to Counterbalance Perfectionism,” which is relevant to the challenges of this time.
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Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics for more screen time recommendations.