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Photo by Frank Couch.

Classes run daily at Mountain Brook High School, but on Nov. 12, they will be geared for parents. 

That evening, parents can select three of nine workshops to attend as a part of a new parenting conference planned by All In Mountain Brook.

“I think parents have the sense, probably for good reason, that being a parent today is much more complicated than it was when they were kids,” said Dr. Dale Wisely, director of student services for Mountain Brook City Schools. “To be the best parents we can be, we need ideas and knowledge of what is going on in the lives of our youth.”

Last year, All In Mountain Brook was established as a community nonprofit that works in partnership with the school system, city government, worship communities and the business community. 

At the conference, there will be sessions on substance abuse, led by the Addiction Prevention Coalition, as well as one session that Parenting Programming Committee member Don Menendez said they are hearing more about — sleep deprivation. Dr. Mary Halsey Maddox, a pediatric sleep medicine physician at UAB, will lead the session. 

“It’s something in a community like ours we get accustomed to, but we have kids that need to get enough sleep,” Menendez said. “I think that will provide a lot of discussion.”

Rabbi Jonathan Miller and his wife, Judi Miller, a family therapist, will present on “Setting Limits with Love.” Other programs will speak to supporting kids’ study skills and getting your child ready to go off to college.

Menendez said he also thinks a social media panel featuring community youth ministers will be of particular note.

In addition to the parenting conference, a miniature version is being held for students that day.

During a club schedule, students can choose three of eight 20-minute sessions on topics such as how to help friends, preparing for college and getting enough sleep. Some of the speakers will overlap with the parenting conference.

“This is a trial run to be able to offer information to our students and better equip them,” MBHS Principal Amanda Hood said. “During a heavy academic day and heavy academic culture, we do our best to talk about other related topics, but this will provide a concentrated day where we can have some of those conversations.”

“It’s about All In being a support system for parents and providing resources so they can be knowledgeable about issues that are facing teenagers and children in general,” Hood said.

To register for the conference, visit allinmountainbrook.org. For additional information, email allinmountainbrook@gmail.com.

All In Mountain Brook Parenting Conference

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