Community Reads: Learn to Be a Smarter Parent of Smarter Kids

How do you avoid power struggles with a two-year-old? Communicate with your 16-year-old? Do sleep and nutrition matter?

Tonka CARES is inviting parents in the district to read Dr. David Walsh's latest book Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: The One Brain Book You Need to Help Your Child Grow Brighter, Healthier, and Happier.

We all want the best for our kids. With new studies out every week promising the “right” way to raise kids, most adults don’t know who to believe. Dr. David Walsh helps shed light on new brain research and cut through the headlines to employ science-based research.

After reading the book, you can participate in any of the book discussions and workshops on Tuesday, March 12 with the author himself. 

Tonka CARES is a coalition of youth, families, schools, law enforcement, faith community and many others. The coalition was established in 2005 to reduce illegal substance use among youth through: strengthening protective factors in the community; minimizing risk factors in the community; establishing, sustaining and strengthening collaboration among community partners; and providing support for youth struggling with substance abuse issues.

Discussion Groups

Who: Parents of children in Preschool/ECFE/ECSE and lower elementary school. All parents welcome.

What: Talk with fellow parents about Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids. 

When/Where:

• Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7-8 pm at Caribou “north,” Hwy 101 and Mtka. Blvd., Minnetonka

• Tuesday, Feb 19, 7-8 pm at “new” Caribou, Hwy 101 and 7 in Minnetonka (by Target)

• Tuesday, March 5, 7-8 pm at “new” Caribou, Hwy 101 and 7 in Minnetonka (by Target) More Info: Contact Shantelle at tcrealtor@ gmail.com

Who: Parents of children in upper elementary and middle school. All parents welcome.

When:

• Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7-8 pm. Discussion group leaders: Cheryl Holds, Kristene Hentz and Jana Budke

• Wednesday, Feb. 20, 9:30-10:30 am. Discussion group leaders: Michelle Seets and Vicki Vandlik.

Where: Both discussions at “new” Caribou, Hwy 101 and 7 in Minnetonka

Dr. Dave's Schedule for March 12

7:15-8:45 a.m.

WHO: E-12 Teachers
WHAT: How the Brain Learns to Listen, Speak, Read, Write, and Remember - and How to Help It 
Informal small group discussion with David Walsh, PhD, on how the brain learns to listen, speak, read, write, and remember - and how to help it. Dr. Walsh will share information on the topic and then be ready to field questions and offer advice that teachers can put to work immediately.
WHERE: Community Room District Service Center, 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka.

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Who: Parents of children in preschool/ECFE/ECSE
What: Informal small group discussion with David Walsh 
Bring your parenting dilemmas and questions for a chance to speak with one of the world's most trusted authorities on child development, parenting, family life and the impact of technology. Dr. Walsh will share sage, sensitive and practical advice that parents can put to work immediately.
Where: Room 205, Minnetonka Community, Education Center, 4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior.
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE: Limited space. Pre-registration required by March 7 with Erica at 952-401-6800.

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Who: All interested adults!
What: Panel Discussion Luncheon "Cyberbrains: Parenting and Teaching in an Online World" 
Join us for a provocative discussion about the perks and pitfalls for youth as they navigate cyberspace. We are delighted to host a distinguished roster of panelists to engage in a lively conversation. Panelists include Dr. David Walsh, Dave Eisenmann, Director of Instructional Technology; Matthew Meyers, Phoenix Process Consultans; Dr. Lorene Freehill, South Lake Pediatrics; and two MHS students.
Where: Community Room, District Service Center, 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka (next to Clear Springs Elementary).
Lunch provided. Limited space. Sign-up required by March 7 with lynne.keenan@minnetonka.k12.mn.us 

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.  
Who: Parents of elementary-age students
What: Discussion Group with Dr. Dave 
Informal small group discussion with David Walsh. Bring your parenting dilemmas and questions for a chance to speak with one of the world's most trusted authorities on child development, parenting, family life and the impact of technology. Dr. Walsh will share sage, sensitive and practical advice that parents can put to work immediately.
Where: Community Room, District Service Center, 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka (next to Clear Springs Elementary).

2:30-4 p.m.    
WHO: E-12 Teachers
WHAT: How to Teach Kids Attention, Social, and Digital Skills for SuccessInformal small group discussion with David Walsh, PhD, on how to teach kids attention, social, and digital skills for success. Dr. Walsh will share information on the topic and then be ready to field questions and offer advice that teachers can put to work immediately.
WHERE: Community Room, District Service Center

7-8:30 p.m. 
Who: All interested adults! 

What: Walsh's evening address will focus on his newest book, Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids: The One Brain Book You Need to Help Your Child Grow Brighter, Healthier, and Happier. Walsh looks at parenting kids from a "brain development" perspective.
He will cover important topics that encourage parents to use the latest science on brain development to support their child's health and learning. Walsh shares the types of exercise, sleep, and play that make kids smarter, happier, and healthier; what kids should eat for optimal brain growth and health; and how to teach kids attention, social, and digital skills for success.
Don't miss one of the world's most trusted authorities on child development, parenting and the impact of technology. Dr. David Walsh will share sage, sensitive and practical advice that parents can put to work immediately.
Free book to the first 100 attendees!
Where: Arts Center on 7, Minnetonka High School, 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka.

These are the key messages from the book that Tonka CARES will focus on during the day's activities:

• Understanding your child's stage of brain development informs effective parenting strategies.
• An empathetic approach appropriate to the child's stage of development makes life easier for everyone.
• Parenting that supports healthy brain development reduces the likelihood of risky behavior.