AUTHOR HIGHLIGHTS PROGRAM FOR PARENTS

Understanding Teens Is Aim Of Event

Can parents of teenagers avoid becoming control freaks or wimps and find a
middle ground?

Yes, according to John Rosemond, a child psychologist and nationally
syndicated newspaper columnist who will tell parents how during a community
rally Thursday night in Long Beach.

The Long Beach Substance Abuse Task Force presents Rosemond in a free
program at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus. The 7
p.m. address is in the AEC Auditorium.

Rosemond is the author of 10 best-selling books on parenting and family
issues and his parenting column appears in more than 200 newspapers
including the Sun Herald.

His latest book, "Teen-Proofing," promotes a parenting style that
encourages teens to take control of their destinies and approach
emancipation with confidence and purpose.

Carolyn Anderson, Task Force executive director, said Rosemond will provide
parents with information and skills to deal with "the 6 C's of teenagers -
curfew, cash, cars, conflict, consequences and colleagues, aka
co-conspirators."

"When parents have problems with their children, it affects the entire
community," said Anderson.

"Family issues have an impact on employee attendance and productivity and
the education process is often disrupted. This event is one way that the
Long Beach Substance Abuse Task Force can help parents in dealing with teen
issues."

Doors open at 6 p.m. so parents can visit exhibits with related resources.
The exhibits, which includes one with Rosemond's books, re-open after he
speaks.

Rosemond's speaking fee is paid for with drug forfeiture money from the
Harrison County Sheriff's Department.

The Task Force was organized in 2002 in response to drug problems and fatal
drug overdoses among Long Beach teens and young adults. Last year, the
group received about $135,000 from federal and state grants and from
Purdue-Pharma, the maker of OxyContin.

If You Go

The public is invited to hear John Rosemond, child psychologist and
best-selling author, in a free program in Long Beach. What you need to know:

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. so parents can visit exhibits
with resources.

Where: AEC Auditorium, University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Park, Long
Beach, off U.S. 90. The auditorium is near the tennis courts on the
northwest side of the campus.

Details: 864-1146, ask for Long Beach Substance Abuse Task Force.