Family-friendly workshops to provide expert advice, networking for parents and caregivers

Human Resources has added offerings to the spring workshop series, bringing in local experts to present a variety of workshops geared toward parents and caregivers. Workshops are open to parents or caregivers with children of all ages, but each topic is geared toward a specific age group.

Those attending are encouraged to bring lunch to eat while listening to the presentation. Time for asking questions and networking with other parents and caregivers will be offered.

Living with Aging Family
March 21 (M). Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 311
Participants will get an introduction to caring for an elderly family member with Alzheimer's disease. This session will provide introduction into ethics and values, self-identity loss in those with Alzheimer's disease, hospice care and advanced directives. This workshop will be presented by Vanessa Sowders, social services coordinator, Westminster Village.

Building Resiliency and Coping Skills in Parents of Children with Autism
April 5 (Tu). Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 311
This session will focus on families who have children with autism. Attendees will receive tips on how to manage stress and promote family well-being. This workshop will be presented by Gina Abston, clinical director, Cornerstone Autism Center.

Debt Management and Budgeting
April 19 (Tu). Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 204
The goal of this workshop is to help in recognizing the importance of managing debt. Additionally, it will provide steps for maintaining "healthy financial fitness" to help you reach your future financial goals. This workshop will be presented by Andy Marsh, workplace planning and guidance consultant, Fidelity Investments.

Making Nutrition Fun for Children
May 2 (M). Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 311
Every child has the right to a healthy childhood. Parents and caregivers will recognize the impact of good nutrition on other learning areas and learn how to implement new strategies for improving nutrition choices. This workshop will be presented by Kelsie Muller, extension educator and county extension director, Purdue Extension.

Communication: Building a Strong Bridge between You and Your Children
May 19 (Th). Noon-1 p.m. Stewart Center, Room 311
Why is communication in the teenage years so important? How you communicate with a teen will affect how they view the world, their self-esteem and how to prepare them for life's major decisions. Join others as we discuss tips on communicating with your teen, strategies to reduce problems, how to discuss the tough topics and get through disagreements and how listening could be your greatest asset. This workshop will be presented by Kathy Murray, health and human services educator, Purdue Extension.

Individuals with a Purdue career account can register online for any workshop, while those without a career account can email familyfriendly@purdue.edu to register. Human Resources is pleased to make these presentations available in WebEx, as well, as a response to feedback. The addition of WebEx will make these workshops available to anyone in the Purdue system. Details will be announced in upcoming Purdue Today articles. Participants may register up to the day before the workshop offering. Limited seats are available.

For more information on Purdue's family-friendly programs and services, visit www.purdue.edu/familyfriendly.