Please join me for the first event in our Parent Speaker Series, “Positive Communication with Children,” next Wednesday, October 19, from 8:30-10:00 am, with Sheri Glucoft Wong, LCSW. Sheri is a recognized speaker and renowned family therapist who consults with parents and educators to help them better understand the social and emotional lives of children. She will speak about how our children organize their identity around the messages they get from us—their families, teachers, and other key adults in their lives.

The way we choose to communicate with our children sends them a message, and even determines the way they perceive the world. As parents, our goal is to help them create and internalize a strong foundation of love and caring, and establish a reserve of calm and strength to which they can return when they face their inevitable challenges. We help children develop a strong core when we are genuine and authentic in communicating what matters most to us. When we speak from our hearts, our children learn that we will be there for them as they navigate the joys and disappointments of life.

I have had the pleasure of hearing Sheri speak several times. Her wisdom guides me as a parent to create positive communications habits with my family and enhance our quality time together—even in the midst of the “business” we need to attend to each day with work, school, and other responsibilities. Her concrete and clear takeaway statements help me stay calm and present even in the most difficult moments, and support my children when they are navigating new challenges.

At Turning Point, we understand that genuine conversations between adults and children are a critical component of optimal learning and fundamental growth. Children need to feel heard, seen, and understood by their teachers, parents, and other important adults in their lives. To that end, I am thrilled that Sheri will be spending the day on campus, and working with our faculty in the afternoon to help us deepen our appreciation for how positive communication with students and families helps maintain a healthy dynamic.

I am certainly looking forward to learning more from Sheri, both as a parent and an educator, and hope to see many of you there. We invite you to bring guests as well – family, neighbors, or friends from neighboring schools. Reservations are required, so please let us know you will be there by RSVP’ing at www.turningpointschool.org/speakerseries.