Barbara Coloroso explains how to differentiate teasing behavior from bullying during Parenting University in March at UNM-LA. Photo by Nancy Coombs/UNM-LA
Parenting expert Barbara Coloroso
UNM-LA News:
UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB) are pleased to announce that Barbara Coloroso will return to lead a Parenting University workshop 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at the UNM-LA campus.
Last spring, Coloroso’s presentation on the dynamics of “The Bully, the Bullied, and the Not-So-Innocent Bystander” struck a chord with members of the Los Alamos Public Schools who attended the workshop, including Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus.
In the most recent New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS), the percentage of Los Alamos students who reported having been bullied on school property was higher than the state average. The school district invited Coloroso to provide in-service training for teachers this summer, and have also scheduled her to work with all middle school students on Friday, Sept. 22. The Parenting University workshop will follow on Saturday for parents and other interested community members.
At the Parenting University workshop, Coloroso will speak about bullying and offer advice on how to break the cycle of violence while raising kids who treat others with dignity and respect.
Participants will learn about the characteristics of bullying, techniques for teaching kids how to deal with bullies, how to hold bullies accountable, and how to parent children who are cyber-savvy, cyber-civil, and cyber-safe.
Coloroso, looking forward to her return engagement with Parenting University, offered, “My goal is to teach parents about raising children who have the courage and the knowledge to stand up, step in and speak out against bullying.”
Gabe Baca, UNM-LA Community Education Program Manager, confirmed that attendees at Coloroso’s two previous workshops in Los Alamos have had very positive reviews.
Baca stated, “It was fascinating to see participants express their emotions around the topic of bullying, from dismay when they spoke about their own child, to relief and even joy as Barbara offered actions they could take to help children who are bullied. There is so much to take in; there were numerous requests to have Barbara return. We anticipate another morning packed with useful, compassionate information on this important topic.”
Sign-in is 8:30-9 a.m. in Building 2 at UNM-LA and Barbara Coloroso speaks 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A light breakfast and mid-morning refreshments will be provided.
Parenting University programs, supported by JJAB, are free to the public. Individuals are welcome to show their appreciation for JJAB’s worthwhile programs by making donations through the JJAB website (losalamosjjab.com) or in person on the day of the event.
For those attending the workshop, the Ark Child Development Center, with financial support from Zia Credit Union, will provide free childcare for children ages six months through pre-school. Parents are encouraged to call the Ark at 505.662.4822 no later than Wednesday, Sept. 20 to sign up for childcare.
Enrichment activities for K-6 children will be available on campus at the workshop site. Parents should call UNM-LA Community Education at 505.662.0346 to register their children.
Registration is required for this free workshop. Sign up at losalamos.unm.edu/community-education. For more information, contact UNM-LA Community Education at 505.662.0346 or commed@unm.edu.
