Get tips for being an askable parent on Oct. 27

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / October 21, 2022) – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the Stillwater Public Library (SPL) are partnering to present “Parent Support Group” on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. Parents and caregivers of youths and adolescents aged 11-21 can come to learn about and discuss basic adolescent development, healthy relationships, consent, parent-child communication skills and more.

Ashtyn Quigley, an Adolescent Health Specialist with OSDH for Payne, Creek, Kay, Lincoln, Noble, Pawnee and Osage Counties, will present the program. Educating others about subjects like healthy relationships and human growth is a passion for Quigley.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t receive any of the information that I now teach,” Quigley said. “I want to make our community aware that there are resources for those that have questions, whether they are a parent, caregiver or an adolescent.”

This event coincides with “Let’s Talk Month,” a public awareness campaign that encourages open communication about healthy relationships and sexuality between young people and their parents, caregivers or other trusted adults.

“For this program, I want to focus on how to be an askable parent,” Quigley said. “It’s important to build a bond so that your children feel that you’re a safe person to talk to about anything.”

Quigley plans to cover what children are going through while transitioning into adulthood, what healthy relationships look like and how to help guide teens through the difficulties of dating.

Jordan Stine, teen and adult services librarian at SPL, is pleased to partner on an event that focuses on providing parents and teens with information to help them navigate potentially difficult conversations.

“The library is a place that provides access to reliable information, resources and tools to help individuals at whatever phase they are at in life,” Stine said. “So this program seemed like a natural fit.”

The library also has many books available on parenting, childhood development and many others related to these topics.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but not required. Sign-up to attend and receive a reminder at library.stillwater.org/register.php or contact the library Help Desk at 405-372-3633 x8106.