Healthy development begins at the start of a child’s life, and the role of parents is enormous to help shape and support healthy and happy children. As parents, it is important to understand the normal ranges of development, including physical, social, emotional, and intellectual areas and how to support them as we approach the mid-point of the school year. All children develop at their own pace, but it is important for parents to be able to provide appropriate expectations and support for their children at all ages and phases. As children move into the adolescent phases, there are even more challenges that arise with fostering healthy relationships and preparing teenagers for adulthood.

Led by counselors from the CHILL program in partnership with Orange County Public Schools, this educational seminar will provide the opportunity for parents to learn about the different aspects of adolescent growth and development. Come join mental health professionals to discuss the importance of downtime and balance as a way to enhance creativity, presence, connection, and emotional regulation throughout this period. We will also explore the ways that parental expectations can impact an adolescent’s growth and development, and how to practice self-awareness during the parenting journey and beyond.

This program is presented by OCPS Chill Counselors and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

About the Presenter:   

The CHILL (Community Help & Intervention in Life’s Lessons) program in Orange County Public Schools was founded in 1998 by the Winter Park Health Foundation in partnership with the 12 Orange County Public School serving Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville. CHILL provides free, confidential, in-school counseling to students and their families. It is part of a collection of school-based health and wellness services supported by WPHF called the Coordinated Youth Initiative (CYI). Other services include nurses, nurse practitioners in school-based health centers, and healthy school teams.