How to Talk to Your Children about Election 2016
Join us Tuesday, November 29, for a bipartisan presentation and discussion about how the divides in politics can be traumatic on kids, presented by Trauma Therapist Arlene Story at the ACPL Main Library, Downtown Fort Wayne. The event will take place in MEETING ROOM A, by the 3D printing lab (first floor).
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Presentation starts at 6:30. Light refreshments will be served. A Q&A discussion will follow the presentation. There will also be time for private questions with Arlene and MLK Montessori School Director Greta McKinney after the event.
Seating is limited:
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Regardless of your political affiliations, this election cycle has been difficult. The barrage of negative rhetoric and imagery has been constant; we see it on the news, we see it on social media, and we hear it on the radio. So do our sons and daughters.
Although it may seem like our children aren’t listening, little humans are incredibly smart, absorbent creatures who hear and grasp more than we realize. What’s more, as they internalize the anxiety they see or the ugly language they hear, they often respond in unexpected ways. While some may act as if everything is fine, others may have nightmares, withdraw, lash out, or even bully. As adults, our initial instinct is often to discipline (“Don’t do that.”) or marginalize their reactions (“There’s nothing to be afraid of.”). However, we must remember that these behaviors (and the feelings that led to them) are natural responses to distressing situations.
At MLK Montessori, we believe everyone can benefit from learning how to constructively deal with trauma and trauma-related feelings. At our event, Trauma Therapist Arlene Story will address the following:
• Events that can cause trauma in children
• The immediate and long-term effects of trauma
• Common responses and coping skills
• Effective interventions
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As Fort Wayne’s longest-serving Montessori preschool, MLK Montessori is committed to the founding principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, who passionately advocated for tolerance, global citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution.
