Bayview Glen Parent Book Club and Parent Association Speaker Series

In Hold On to Your Kids, Dr. Neufeld and Dr. Maté explore the phenomenon of peer orientation: the troubling tendency of children and youth to look to their peers for direction — for a sense of right and wrong, for values, identity and codes of behaviour. But peer orientation undermines family cohesion, poisons the school atmosphere, and fosters an aggressively hostile and sexualized youth culture. It provides a powerful explanation for schoolyard bullying and youth violence; it is an escalating trend that has never been adequately described or contested until Hold On to Your Kids. Once understood, it becomes self-evident — as do the solutions.

Speaker:
Dr. Stella Dentakos is a Clinical and Health Psychologist and founder of Whole Kids Health in North York. She provides therapy and assessments for children, adolescents, parents, and families. Dr. Stella is also a sought-after speaker on mental health, empowering individuals and communities. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Stella is passionate about advancing child mental health. She is actively involved in research, education, and mentoring, contributing to the training and supervision of future psychologists.

Facilitator:
Dr. Andrew Howlett is a proud Bayview Glen parent and works as a Child Psychiatrist at Unity Health. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and the Service Head for the Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Program at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. He established Canada’s first Fathers’ Mental Health Clinic in May 2014, supporting expectant and new fathers. He has participated in a variety of related activities in the area of education, research, and advocacy; along with supporting community organizations such as Dad Central and Unsinkable. He hopes his cooking will makeup for any mishaps in parenting. 

Resident Expert:
Antoinette Morgan, Bayview Glen’s Director of Student Wellbeing, a Master level registered social worker and a life-long learner, she holds multiple degrees from Dalhousie University, University of Toronto, and York University. She is the mother of two young adults. Having worked in three independent schools in a similar role, she always prioritizes the social, emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing of all students. She is ready to offer her expertise and insights as she helps to lead a free-flow, reflective discussion about the book. She welcomes the opportunity to collaborate, share, and grow with parents and guardians.