Parents: Just say 'No' to your kids

Saying "yes" to children is easier than the alternative. But it's the word "no" that helps children grow responsibility.

That's the key message psychologist and author Char Wenc will present Saturday when Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 holds its annual Parent University.

The event is set for 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hubble Middle School, 603 S. Main St., Wheaton. Tickets are $15 per person or $20 per couple. Scholarships are available in the event of financial hardship.

Parent University is a way to deliver to parents essential information they need and might not get any other way, explained Donna Kozica, chair of the social work department in District 200.

"Setting limits and guidelines is one of the hard things we're faced with and one of the things we don't get trained for," she said.

Wenc's presentation "I Love You and the Answer Is no" ultimately deals with setting boundaries, Kozica said.

Often that's difficult for parents who want to grant their child's every wish.

"Kids are sweet and kind and they just want 5 or 10 minutes more. They're cute and we love them and it's hard to say no, but it's probably one of the most important things we do," Kozica said. "When they learn to accept guidelines and limits they become more responsible."

In addition to the keynote speaker, parents can attend two sessions on topics like raising a respectful child, stress and achievement, dealing with misbehavior, nontraditional families, raising self-sufficient adolescents, and children's emotional needs.

To register, visit cusd200.org or call Kozica at (630) 682-2165 or Gary Luckey at (630) 682-7208.