Gloria Deukmejian Will Open Session on Children’s Problems

Gloria Deukmejian, wife of the governor, will deliver the opening address at a June 14 Costa Mesa conference on the problems faced by children through age 8.

The event at The Westin South Coast Plaza, 666 Anton Blvd., is for parents, child-care providers and early childhood educators. It is being sponsored by Coastline Community College, and 600 people are expected to attend.

The conference on “Early Childhood: Concerns, Changes and Challenges” is open to the public and will last from 8 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.

USC sociology Prof. Calfred B. Broderick, a noted child development and family relations researcher, will give the keynote speech on “Children Coping With Family Stress.” Among the books Broderick has written are “Marriage and the Family,” “Couples: How to Confront Problems and Maintain Living Relationships” and “One Flesh, One Heart.”

Dorothy Briggs, a popular marriage, family and child counselor, will deliver the luncheon address on “Children in the Space Age: Building Self-Esteem.” She is the author of such best selling books as “Your Child’s Self-Esteem,” “Celebrate Your Self” and “Embracing Life.”

Participants will be able to choose from 21 workshops on diverse topics conducted by experts. During the morning session, workshops will be offered on: challenges faced by single parents; selecting a good preschool or day-care center; coping with rage; talking to your child so he or she will listen; adoptions; evaluating children to determine learning disorders, and how educators can help children experiencing stressful changes.

Midday workshops will be offered on: problems faced by stepfamilies and stepparents; the “developmental” kindergarten option for children who are not ready for regular kindergarten; the special role fathers can play in raising their children; helping children cope with stress; how nutrition affects a child’s health and behavior; showing children how to enjoy reading and books, and lessening the anxiety children feel when separated from parents.

The conference will close with afternoon workshops on: parenting after 30; how parents can effectively deal with their children’s teachers and school systems; roughhousing as a positive part of fathering or teaching; parent burnout or stress; creating discipline, communication and respect among children; balancing careers and parenting, and parenting the handicapped and chronically ill child.

Throughout the day vendors will be exhibiting children’s toys, games, music, books and movement programs. There also will be booths supplying information on birthing, educational programs, social agencies and medical services.

While no child care will be available at the conference, alternative arrangements can be made by calling Sheri Senter at (714) 760-9307.

The charge is $35 for those who register by Friday. It is $40 for those who register on the day of the conference. The fee includes lunch, registration and materials.

To register, call (714) 241-6186.