“Teenagers Learn What They Live” Panel Discussion

If teenagers learn what they live, what are they living in their families and communities?

What does it really mean to "learn what they live"? If they do learn what they live, how does that affect how WE live?

A panel of local leaders and experts will discuss the issues and questions raised by the book Teenagers Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D. and Rachel Harris, Ph.D.

Gary Myers, Ph.D., M.Div., Director, Grace Counseling Center, Nicole Sherrin, Madison Middle School Principal and Audra Tonero, Coordinator of Drew University Drug and Alcohol Services will serve on the panel, discuss the book and answer audience questions.

The program is free and open to the adult public; no registration is necessary. Reading the book is not a requirement, but will allow for a deeper understanding of Nolte's and Harris' treatment of the subject.

Free copies of Teenagers Learn What They Live are available on a first come, first serve basis for those who are coming to the program. Books may be picked up at the Madison Health Department, 28 Walnut Street, 973-593-3079 x8 while supplies last.

All Madison residents who are parents, grandparents, other family members or just care about teens are invited to read the book in preparation for a discussion of the book that will help us think about this issue and what we are teaching our teens in the way that we live with them. .

Nolte and Harris assert that teens are "learning from us even while they're rebelling against us." As anyone who has attempted to reach an adolescent in the throes of rebellion knows, the last thing a teen seems to want is another adult, whether parent, teacher or neighbor, telling them what to do. What Nolte and Harris so eloquently explain is that it is our actions¸ attitudes and beliefs that teach our children the most. We don't need to "tell" our children what to do, they will learn by watching us.