Celebrating Imperfections: Solon Group Brings Best Selling Authors To Town

SOLON, OH — On Sept. 18, Solon's Organized Parent Education Network (OPEN) will celebrate its 30th birthday. The group helps parents of children with special needs in the Solon School District. To commemorate three decades of existence, OPEN is hosting a free event, open to all parents.

The group is bringing in Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian, authors of "Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children" to host a discussion at Solon High School. The duo have become well-known speakers and the book made its way to the New York Times bestseller list.

The event, featuring the two authors, will begin at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Solon High School, in the lecture hall. (To stay up to date on these stories, subscribe to the Patch Solon newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

"Raising kids can be tough especially if your children aren't perfect. But really, who is?" OPEN Co-President Sarah Asbury told Patch. "This lecture specifically reaches everyone that has felt the pressure of our perfection-obsessed society. It is a night of laughter and learning to embrace your imperfections."

The lecture is expected to last about two hours, starting at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 9 p.m. The lecture will not be geared specifically to parents of special needs children, but will be applicable to everyone.

More information on the event can be found by clicking here. RSVP for the event with this form.

During the rest of the year, OPEN provides parent support for academic concerns, resources for parents and try to increase school and community awareness, Asbury said.

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