Tools

The Healthy Family Expo Will Educate Parents

Stefanie Tiso

Story Created: Feb 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM CDT

The Auburn Kiwanis Club’s goal is to provide programs for Lee County kids. The Club is teaming up with The Child Advocacy Center if East Alabama on Saturday at the Healthy Family Expo.
It’s all about educating parents during a time when parents are faced with so many challenges.
“Time is so limited and that's one of the things we want parents to realize is that quality time with their children is so important,” said Emilyn Gipson with The Child Advocacy Center.
Whether it’s eating a meal together or taking a family trip… the Healthy Family Expo will feature workshops to teach parents ways they can strengthen their families, and the community.
“When you have families that work well together, you have communities that work well together. It's sort of like a concentric circle,” said Gipson.
Workshops will include how to educate adolescent girls, step-parenting and all workshops do have a common theme. That is, communication is key in families.
“Managing the family and the home and conflict the emotions and developing self esteem. There's so much value that comes out of the listening skills. Not just the kids, listening to parents, but the parents taking the time and listening to kids,” said Golden Jenkins who is leading a workshop called, “Did I say That? Keeping Family Lines of Communication Open.”
Dr. Linda Anz says this is crucial as children grow into adults.
“Have a time when they can regularly talk to them. And also when they come home at night kiss them and hug them because that'll tell you a lot about what's going on,” said Dr. Anz who is leading a workshop called, “Girlology 101: Can We Talk?”
Tom Smith, director of the marriage and family therapy program at Auburn University says these healthy interactions are possible in all families.
“Step-families can be successful, people can be happy in a remarriage and putting kids together and having their own,” said Smith, whose workshop is called, “Step-parenting: Getting it together.
“We know that when families are having a positive interaction with each other, that things are going to go better in that family. And one of the ways they can do that is by having fun together,” added Gipson.
The Expo is free and open to all Lee County families. It will run from 9am until 3:30pm, and will be at the East Alabama Health Resource Center in Opelika. Activities will be available for children ages 2 through 12 at The Child Advocacy.
For more information call The Child Advocacy Center at 334-705-0770.