Last Thursday night, Community School held its 9th annual Circle of Learning Speaker Series, this year featuring Dr. David Walsh, one of the world’s leading authorities on children, teens, parenting, family life, and the impact of technology on children’s health and development.
He is the author of ten books, including the national best sellers Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen and No: Why Kids of All Ages Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It. This last book serves as the focal point of the national “Say Yes to No” campaign, which teaches parents and educators how to instill self-discipline in America’s children and ensure our kids success in school and life. His newest book Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: the One Brain Book You Need to Help Your Child Grow Brighter, Healthier and Happier was released in June 2011.
Last night’s topic, presented to an audience of around 120 parents and educators was Say Yes to No: The Importance of Self Discipline for Fostering Resilience and Citizenship in 21st Century Youth. Dr. Walsh focused on ways parents can counteract today’s seemingly overwhelming culture of “more, fast, easy and fun.”
Community’s Head of School, Dr. Matthew Gould, commented, “Dr. Walsh is a treasure. His research-based advice on how to help parents raise confident and resilient children is an inspiration. It was a pleasure hosting him as Community’s ninth annual Circle of Learning speaker.”
The Circle of Learning Speaker Series is an endowed yearly event that in the past has featured such speakers as Dr. Mary Pipher, Dr. Carol Dweck, Dr. Robert Brooks, and Dr. Ned Hallowell.