Port Parents and Professionals Learn About Childhood Development in the 21st Century

The Landmark theater was filled with teachers, parents, grandparents, and parents-to-be for a seminar featuring Ellen Galinsky, a renowned author on subjects such as work and family correspondence, parenting techniques, and childhood development in the 21st century.

The event, part of the Landmark's "Conversations From Main Street" which was presented by the Port Washington Child Care Partnership, was hosted by the vivacious Dana Friedman, a Port Washington resident who is president of the Early Years Institute in Plainview.

"There was a great mix of parents and teachers," Friedman said. "Parents are convinced that there are no easy ways to educate children at a young age. However, it's simple — rhyming, singing, and talking are the best ways to teach your children before they can form sentences. Simplicity is everything!"

Galinsky, president and co-founder of Families and Work Institute, talked about her new ground breaking book Mind In The Making during the on-stage interview and discussion titled, "The Mind in the Making — What Brain Research Tells Us About Helping Children Thrive in the 21st Century."

"I respect Ellen very much," Friedman said. "She is a pioneer and an expert in her field."

Galinsky showed various taped excerpts from recent studies on basic brain functions in toddlers, and explained to the group the importance of early childhood development in schools. "If you were to ask what my dream was, it would be that every teacher or parent does something every day to ensure that children are educationally engaged," Galinsky said. "Lemonade stands are popular among children. If every child could be as passionate about school as they are about marketing, making, and selling that lemonade, children would be infinitely successful."

Marina Hutton, a retired teacher who specialized in pre-k education, attended the seminar and said she learned a lot about integrating parenting and childhood development techniques in the 21st century. 

"I was excited to hear about new studies on the development of toddlers," Hutton said. "There were different distractions and education needs 20 years ago than there are now. I needed to find out the best way to educate my grandchildren when I have some."

Jacklyn Roberny, a Port Washington resident, said she attended the seminar in hopes of learning more modern ways to approach her children. "I learned a lot today," she said. "I am planning to utilize the new research Ellen has provided to me, and acquire some new insight on the development of my children."

Download the movie