Pubdate: Tue, 09 Aug 2005 Source: Sun Herald (MS) Copyright: 2005, The Sun Herald Contact: http://www.sunherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432 Author: Robin Fitzgerald Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth