Noted Expert Shares Thoughts on Teens and Parenting

Best-selling author and parenting expert Rosalind Wiseman brought her high-energy, no-nonsense wisdom to Hawken in September. After spending a full day with ninth graders she noted that Hawken students did the hard word of looking into a mirror and asking difficult questions. \"Your kids were respectful and did really well,\" she said. \"Rosalind Wiseman speaks in a voice that teenagers and parents comprehend,\" noted James Newman, ninth grade dean and organizer of the event. \"Her ability to observe and codify the social dynamics of teenagers is a true gift. Her program with the ninth graders struck a chord and empowered them to begin a dialogue about social and cultural topics at the School.\" Newman further noted, \"Rosalind provided a common language for us to use as we moved forward on the initiatives for building character within the Hawken community.\" At a well-attended parent event, Rosalind`s energy and pace did not slow. \"Your goal as a parent,\" she implored, \"is to become more informed but less anxious, because when you`re anxious, you make impulsive decisions.\" Unless a child is in grave danger, parents should slow down and think about their actions she noted. And remember, \"the bottom line is that dignity for every child, parent and teacher is not negotiable.\" Wiseman`s bottom line of dignity for everyone is challenged today in schools throughout the country and across all boundaries of race and economics. Wiseman challenged Hawken teens to engage in honest self-evaluation. And she urged parents to make choices that defy the norm such as denying kids luxury items that perpetuate or reinforce social status. \"If you want your kid to learn it, they have to feel it,\" she noted.