Dist. 200 program explores raising kids in a high-tech world

Parenting is hard.

So social workers with Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 are giving parents from throughout the area the opportunity to learn some timely suggestions.

The district's annual Parent University will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Hubble Middle School, 3S600 Herrick Road, Warrenville. The event, which is open to all parents, costs $15 per person or $20 per couple. Scholarships are available based on need.

“The goal is really to partner with parents and give them the information they need to raise healthy, happy kids, said Donna Kozica, District 200's social work department chairwoman.

This year's Parent University is unique because it includes a keynote presentation about the Internet, Kozica said.

The presentation by author, educator, and parent Gloria DeGaetano is titled “Parenting Well in a Media/Digital Age.

DeGaetano will address issues such as how to deal effectively with social media, texting and sexting, cyberbullying, and violent video games.

Kozica said the presentation is important because kids often know more about new technology than their parents.

“Sometimes, we're trying to catch up, she said.

Meanwhile, DeGaetano knows how to bring parents up to speed.

She wrote the book “Parenting Well in the Media Age, which won the 2007 i-Parenting Media Award for Excellence.

“Here is somebody who is really going to help parents determine what's safe, what's heathy and how to do activities with their kids that promote good technology habits, Kozica said.

Parents also will be able to attend one of four workshop sessions. The sessions are titled: “A Return to Slow ... to Grow; “The Informed & Equipped Parent: Sex, Dating, and Relationships; “When What Your Children Want Is Not What They Need; and “Drawing The Line: Boundaries, Limits, and Relationships.

Parents interested in attending Parent University on Saturday can get registration forms at District 200's website at cusd200.org.

They also can call Kozica at (630) 836-0354 or Gary Luckey at (630) 784-7208. Parents also will be able to register at the Hubble Middle School event.

If you go

<p>What: Parent University 2010</p>

<p>When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 16</p>

<p>Where: Hubble Middle School, 3S600 Herrick Road, Warrenville</p>

<p>Cost: $15 for single, $20 for a couple; scholarships are available based on need</p>

<p>Info: cusd200.org<.p>

<p>Questions: Call (630) 836-0354 or (630) 784-7208</p>