NDSU Offers Parenting Webinar Series

Parents are juggling a lot right now as they navigate the competing demands of work, parenting, and schooling during COVID-19. While each family faces a unique set of challenges, all parents need additional support right now as they work to stay connected to their kids and navigate the unique stressors of this moment.

The free, online webinar series, Parenting in a Pandemic, is designed to build on parents’ strengths, deliver practical strategies for navigating challenges, and strengthen our connections during a challenging time. Erin Walsh is a nationally known speaker and educator from Spark & Stitch Institute in Minneapolis, MN. She translates research into practical strategies and delivers affirmation and useful tools.

Staying Engaged in Learning and Work: The Science of Motivation Feb. 24, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 PM

You don’t have to go far on the Internet these days to find tips for how to “stay productive” during the pandemic and ideas for how to motivate kids despite changing routines and high uncertainty. The reality on the ground though is that productivity and high motivation become more elusive as the pandemic wears on. Understanding the science of motivation can help us keep our eyes on how to nurture it in our kids – not just for the sake of getting more done but for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

Screen time During COVID-19: Three Supportive Insights From the Research to Guide Your Parenting Today Mar. 24, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Our reliance on screens has increased as school, socializing, and work move online. It is not useful to add screen time guilt to your list of family stressors. Yet working parents everywhere are eager to do what’s best for their kids and are worried about the impact of technology on their kids’ learning and social emotional development. Get key insights from the research that will help you navigate screen time struggles and take advantage of digital opportunities while minimizing risks.

Parenting in a Pandemic: Setting Limits and Avoiding Power Struggles April 28, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Parenting and working at home during COVID-19 is challenging and we can quickly get pulled into conflict and power struggles with our kids. During times of stress, it can be hard to know when to be flexible and when to hold the line. Learn more about why kids and teens need boundaries in uncertain times and how to be both flexible and firm when your kids need it most.

Loosen But Don’t Let Go: Helping Teens Cope With COVID May 26, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Parenting teens is not always easy. Parenting them during a pandemic? Even harder. COVID is uniquely mismatched for the developmental needs of your teen. Plus the list of stressors this past year has been long and varied. The challenge is that teens sometimes express stress through challenging behaviors that can undermine connection and increase conflict. In this interactive session, Erin Walsh will identify three common beliefs about teenagers that derail connection and new beliefs and strategies to get back on track. Drawing on the science of the teenage brain, parents will leave this workshop feeling understood, affirmed, and prepared to support their teens during this rocky transition.

Zoom links will be sent prior to the presentation. Attendance at the live presentation is recommended however a recording will be available for one month following the presentation. Those registered will receive the link. To register visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/pen or call Barnes County Extension at 701-8458528.

At Home with Extension is provided by staff of the NDSU Extension Service-Barnes County. The purpose of the Extension Service is to create learning partnerships that help adults and youth enhance their lives and communities. Educational programs emphasize agriculture, youth development, nutrition, food safety and health, human development and farm, family and community economics. The Extension Service is funded by the county, state and federal government. For more information, call the county office at 845-8528 or go to www. ag.ndsu.edu/extension.

Officials with the Valley City Police Department are currently investigating a couple of incidents involving theft.

An undisclosed sum of cash was taken from the Valley City

Town and Country Club last Wednesday, February 3rd).

On Monday, February 8th, there were two other incidents of theft. In one, a few tools were taken from a vehicle in Valley City. The other was a backpack stolen from a car at a separate location in Valley Cit y.

Police

Chief

Phil

Hatcher said that all three incidents remain under investigation.