The Westchester Belony Basic School (WBBS) will be conducting a parenting seminar on the school grounds (beside Westchester model house) on November 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Portmore's Mayor Keith Hinds, Member of Parliament Colin Fagan and Councillor Shane Dalling will be special guests of the school. The topics to be highlighted are: How Does Nutrition Affect Cognitive Development - Patricia Fletcher (Wellness Club); Is Discipline Hard? - Patricia Perry (Min of Education); Love in Action - Olive Johnson (Mother Parental Prog); and the Power of Friendship - Major Neil Lewis (Family Life Min).

According to Nadine Henry-Pinnock, principal of WBBS, last year's parents' month focused on the theme 'Today you guide, tomorrow you lead'.

During that time parents were encouraged by Henry-Pinnock to be more involved in relevant matters affecting the lives of children. Henry-Pinnock added: "This year again, with the support of WBBS PTA executive body, the plan is to move another step further by staging a parental seminar which will be opened to the community at large."

The seminar is being presented under the theme 'How To Survive Parenthood', as the emphasis will be on the challenges parents face with children as it relates to discipline, bonding, learning ability and nutrition base. The main objective is to engage speakers in stimulating discussions, rising thought-provoking and challenging talks. The perspectives will be diverse, but it will be guided in an educated and safe environment.

"It is an opportunity to have problems unravelled and solved by the learnt professionals. It is also one of the strategies for demonstrating the possibility for creating supportive network among parents. After all, parenthood is not an inborn trait, but one that we acquired and learn through shared experience," Henry-Pinnock disclosed.

The team consists of the WBBS PTA executive body, Patricia Perry and Olive Johnson.