On April 19th: OPRF High School Hosts `Parent University’

Parents have one of the world’s most rewarding – and challenging – roles. Three years after COVID-19 shut down normal day-to-day activities, a semblance of normality has returned but the pandemic’s toll on children’s mental health continues.

Against that backdrop, the D200 Mental Wellness Collaborative has organized “Parent University,” a free three-hour session on Wednesday, April 19th at Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave.

Open to parents from Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities, the event from 6 to 9 p.m. provides a range of options that individuals and families can tailor to their needs and interests.

Cheryl Potts, Executive Director of the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, noted that parents will gain insight and encouragement not only from professionals who serve as speakers, but also other parents in attendance. River Forest Township Supervisor Carla Sloan agreed, noting that “parenting can be one of the most challenging things anyone will ever do."

"This is an educational, empowering opportunity for people to learn effective ways to navigate this time in their lives,” Sloan added. “The stigma around mental health issues has faded, but unfortunately it still lingers. Knowing that we’re not alone in dealing with these challenges helps break down that barrier.”

The Collaborative includes River Forest Township, Oak Park Township, District 200 (OPRF High), District 97 (Oak Park schools, kindergarten through 8th grade) and District 90 (River Forest schools, kindergarten through 8th grade). Also engaged in the effort is the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, Positive Youth Development (a Township agency), Oak Park Public Library, Thrive Counseling Center and the Metro Suburban chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Local private grade, middle and high schools are also invited, as are home-schooling families. The expanded roster of agencies partnering in the effort signals the rising awareness of the importance of addressing mental wellness issues, said OPRF High School Director of Student Services Kris Johnson.

“We are excited to be back in person after the past few years of holding these meetings virtually,” Johnson said. “Zoom meetings have been helpful, but in-person contact and connection is an important part of the journey back toward mental health wellness. The feedback that we have received from prior Parent University nights has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Johnson also noted the value of so many local agencies coming together for this common cause of supporting children and families.

“We have a community that is so rich in resources, and this coordinates those resources so well,” Johnson said. “We all share the responsibility of providing opportunities to learn and grow.”

Numerous studies have noted youth mental health challenges, including a recent study by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reported a rising level of sadness and related concerns among high school girls. Other studies have reported on the prevalence of mental health challenges for all children.

Dr. Doug Bolton will serve as keynote speaker. With “Self-Regulation & Resilience: Supporting Our Children in Their Hardest Moments,” he will discuss the limits and impacts of using incentives and consequences and provide strategies to help children learn to navigate difficult experiences and emotions.

Dr. Bolton is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Formative Psychological Services. A former principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school in Highland Park, he has given numerous presentations to school districts and other organizations, including District 90 and District 97.

In addition to a two-part workshop on “launching your senior,” breakout workshops will include “I Will Survive: How to Help Your Teen Through a Breakup,” “Talking to Your Kids about Drugs and Alcohol...Without Panicking!” and “Keep Calm and Carry On: Managing Expectations and Your Own Stress to Help De-escalate Your Child.”

You can choose two of those sessions to attend; refreshments will be provided throughout the evening.

In addition to Oak Park and River Forest residents, the April 19th session is open to anyone from surrounding communities. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/ParentURegister. Anyone with questions is encouraged to e-mail Ginger Bencola, OPRF’s Prevention and Wellness Coordinator, at gbencola@oprfhs.org.

For more information, including descriptions of Dr. Bolton’s keynote and the five workshops, visit https://tinyurl.com/OPRFParentU.