Yellowstone Club Community Foundation
BIG SKY – As part of its increased commitment to community and family involvement in the schools, the Big Sky School District will host the first speaker in what is anticipated to be a series of Parent Education nights.
Maria Trozzi, a clinical psychotherapist with 20 years of experience and Assistant Professor of Developmental Pediatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine, will speak at the school on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Big Sky Community Library. Trozzi, who is also the author of the book, Talking with Children About Loss, is an expert on building resilience in children, and will speak in Big Sky about how parents can prepare their children to cope and learn from the inevitable losses and failures that accompany growing up.
“It is in the process of repairing ourselves that we learn,” Trozzi said. “As parents we have to teach children how to manage themselves in difficult times.” In a small and isolated town like Big Sky, Trozzi says, parents can fear for how their children will be able to leave home and face a less familiar and friendly world around them. One of the most important things parents can do, she said, is allow their children to experience failure in order to learn from the experience.
Trozzi will also address how, in a small community, parents can find the courage to set the parameters for their child that work best for their family, regardless to what everyone else is doing.
“I will discuss strategies that help parent communicate effectively with other parents, and ways do defuse peer pressure between parents,” she said. Trozzi’s speaking style is highly interactive, and she is looking forward to “having a conversation with parents, as well as offering guidance.”
Prior to Trozzi’s speech, parents will have an opportunity to meet the new guidance counselor in the Big Sky District, Leah Thompson, as well as members of the staff of Thrive, the Bozeman nonprofit which will be operating the new Parent Liaison and Capstone programs in the Big Sky District schools. Trozzi’s presentation will follow light snacks and drinks in the library, which start at 6 p.m. Free babysitting will be provided.
The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, which is sponsoring the Capstone Program in the schools, is also the sponsor of this first Parent Education night.
