|
Raising MediaWise Kids
American children now spend over 44 hours a week in front of a screen
- more than any other activity except sleeping. In this presentation,
our speakers combine the latest discoveries in brain science with
up-to-date research and data to explore the power and impact of
video games, the Internet and television in shaping norms, attitudes
and behaviors. We will pay particular attention to the impact of
media on academic performance, health and wellness, and discuss
how media create and nourish a "culture of disrespect."
We will explore ways to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities
media offer our kids while minimizing the danger and risk. Our speakers
will explain why it is crucial to pay attention to the role of media
in children's lives and share concrete strategies for communicating
with and staying connected to kids in the media age.
Are We Creating a Culture of Disrespect? Values and Attitudes
in the Media
Whoever tells the stories defines the culture. That isn't new. What
is new is that we have delegated more and more of the storytelling
function to mass media. Some of the media take the art to new heights.
Too many, however, specialize in dishing out heaping servings of
violence, mayhem and degradation. In this presentation we will discuss
the role of the media in creating and nourishing a "culture
of disrespect" among young people. Combining the latest discoveries
in brain science with cutting-edge research, we will discuss how
media stories of disrespect, sex, and violence in television, video
games and online affect our kids and what we can do to help our
kids become MediaWise.
Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent
Brain.
Adolescence has been described as a "normally abnormal stage
of life." This workshop, based on Dr. David Walsh's best selling
book, Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent
Brain for You and Your Teen, explains exactly what happens to
the adolescent brain on the path from childhood into adulthood.
Our speakers show why moodiness, quickness to anger, willingness
to take risks, miscommunication and other familiar teenage behavior
are so common - all are linked to physical changes and growth in
the adolescent brain. This workshop goes beyond the well-known issues
of hormones and peer pressure. We will touch on the powerful role
of media in teenagers' lives and show concerned adults how to use
this information to understand, communicate with, and stay connected
to youth.
Say Yes To No
There is an epidemic of Discipline Deficit Disorder sweeping the
country. The symptoms include disrespect, impatience, a need for
instant gratification, a sense of entitlement, self centeredness,
and out of control consumerism. This workshop, based on Dr. David
Walsh's new book, NO: Why Kids-of All Ages-Need to Hear It and
Ways Parents Can Say It, explains how the "Yes culture"
undermines our children's self discipline, a trait that is the key
ingredient for children's success and happiness. Our speakers offer
down-to-earth advice that can be put into practice immediately and
humorous anecdotes to illustrate central points, and give parents
real, effective strategies for helping their children grow up happy
and healthy. Audiences leave with the reminder that "No"
is not the destination, it is the road to "Yes."
|