NORFOLK — King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet and Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ingrid Allardi are pleased to announce a special four-district regional event for parents and caregivers on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Families from four districts — King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham — are invited to attend the event.
The schools will host a Community Resource Fair at King Philip Regional Middle School, followed by a presentation from internationally recognized psychotherapist, author, and speaker Lynn Lyons, LICSW.
During the Community Resource Fair, from 6 to 7 p.m., parents and caregivers who attend can visit with providers of mental health, counseling, physical activities, camps, and more.
Immediately after, from 7-8:30 p.m., Lyons will present “From Stress to Smartphones, from Freak-Outs to Friendships: What Parents Need to Know (and DO!) about Worry, Anxiety and Depression.”
Lyons is an internationally renowned speaker and author who specializes in helping children and families cope with anxiety. As a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in Concord, New Hampshire, Lyons has been in private practice for 35 years, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children.
Current news about young people and mental health has created warranted concern, but the information can be overwhelming and hard to sort through. Parents need dependable strategies to help their children manage their anxiety, moods, and social pressures, including social media and screens. The ability to help guide our children requires — more than ever — an ability to recognize and address one’s own emotional management as we practice and model better skills to meet life’s challenges.
Lyons will discuss the common traps adults fall into, the role of smartphones and social media, and key adjustments needed to manage the current surge of anxiety and depression in our kids and ourselves.
Dot Pearl, Director of Wellness for Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham & King Philip Schools, is partnering with the Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition and Coordinator Karen Becker for the events.
The events will be held at the King Philip Regional Middle School, 18 King St., Norfolk.
“Given current news about young people and mental health, parents and guardians may find this speaker provides insight into strategies that can be put into place to help children manage anxiety and social pressures,” Director Pearl said. “The Districts are grateful for the financial support of Healthy KP to bring this speaker to the region.”
Parents and caregivers must register for the event in advance by clicking here.