Critical Topics in Parenting: Helping Kids Feel Hopeful

Parents were already concerned about rising rates of child anxiety and depression before the U.S. declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health in October 2021.

PEP’s 2022 – 2023 Critical Topics in Parenting series will address the mental health challenges facing families and children from a variety of perspectives to explore key questions, offer strategies, and share resources for parents to build their children’s resilience during tough times.

Life can feel overwhelming for kids. Their struggles may be personal, affecting their health & safety, family, friendships and mental wellness. They may also feel daunted by the state of their communities at large, with heated debates on addressing climate change, race and LGBTQ equality, gun violence, and democracy.

Join us to learn from two professionals supporting young people and their families to find a sense of hope and purpose when life feels really hard.

Dr. Alyssa Fritz, a Pediatric Psychologist who works with children diagnosed with acute or chronic medical conditions, helps her young patients and their parents develop coping skills as they face repeated surgeries, anxiety, and teasing from peers asking why they look different.

Monica Wainbarg runs Encuentros Program, a non-clinical emotional support groups for youth Latino immigrants who have experienced trauma. The group sessions encourage youth to share their stories, connect with their strengths, and recognize that they have choices – their path isn't determined by their past.

Despite these two very different environments, the presenters center their work on the same elements of helping kids find hope. They will share strategies with parents on how to:

• Engage with your children, ask questions, and listen to understand.
• Convey confidence in their strengths, abilities, and inner resources.
• Normalize the anxiety and distress they feel.
• Help children recognize the choices they have during tough times.

Moderator:

Pascale Brady, PEP Parent Educator and Board President; and The Challenge Coach

Presenters:

Monica Wainbarg, Program Manager, Community Mental Health Program at Identity, Rockville, MD

Dr. Alyssa Fritz, Pediatric Psychologist, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL