A workshop on childhood anxiety comes to Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on Sunday, Oct. 25. Clinical psychologist Yoni Schwab, co-founder of The Shefa School in Manhattan, will lead the session for parents, educators and health professionals.
The event is the annual Anita Naftaly Family Circle Conference, presented by Opening the Doors, a program of Jewish Family Service. The Jewish News reported on the conference, titled “The Only Thing We Have to Fear: Supporting Kids in the Age of Anxiety.”
Schwab, who also serves as assistant head of school at The Shefa School, plans to discuss ways adults can help children cope with uncertainty and confront fears. Families will also learn to recognize when behavior at home or school may be connected to anxiety.
“Courage is not the absence of fear; it is doing what’s important in spite of fear,” Schwab told The Jewish News.
He said parents, educators and clinicians can help children learn to tolerate discomfort and develop confidence.
The event registration page describes The Shefa School as the first and largest Jewish day school in the world for children with dyslexia and learning disabilities. Schwab’s research includes social-emotional learning and behavior management, according to his school biography.
Ellen Maiseloff, senior director of Opening the Doors, told The Jewish News that the conference aims to give attendees practical resources to support children.
The conference is named for Anita Naftaly, who founded Opening the Doors and helped establish its mission of expanding access to Jewish education for children with learning, social, emotional or behavioral differences.
Registration and a resource fair begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by Schwab’s presentation and Q&A from 1 to 3 p.m. A dessert reception follows.
American Sign Language interpretation is included. Social workers can earn 2.5 continuing education credits, The Jewish News reported. The organizer’s listing identifies Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology as the provider.
Tickets start at $18, and advance registration is required through Jlive.
Adat Shalom Synagogue is at 29901 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills. For more information, email [email protected] or call 248-406-0076.
