Minnetonka Community Education

For families with children 10 - 16 years of age Social media and technology can be a lifeline for connection and learning, yet it’s no secret that today’s young people are also facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. So, how do screens factor into the mix? In this engaging, interactive workshop, Erin Walsh blends brain science, real-world stories, and humor to unravel the complex relationship between technology and teen mental health. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how technology shapes your child’s social world, identity, and emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, Erin will equip you with practical tools and strategies to help your middle schooler thrive in a digital age. We will cover: How does social media impact mental health? Is technology helping teens connect or leaving them isolated? How much screen time is too much? What is the best age for a cell phone ? What is the number one thing middle schoolers need from adults to reduce digital risk taking? Meet Erin Walsh, M.A. Erin is a parent, speaker, author, and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute, an organization dedicated to helping families and communities foster deeper connections and navigate the challenges of raising resilient kids in the modern world. She hosts the Connected & Courageous podcast and her work has been featured in top publications like The Washington Post, Parents.com, and the Star Tribune. Erin co-authored the Tenth Anniversary Edition of the national bestseller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen, and her latest book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, is set to launch in May 2025.

Free Workshop for Families and Caregivers Learn how to get back to a healthier, more engaging relationship with the world outside. With a mom's heart and an educator's eye, Ginny shows you: the importance of unstructured play for children what boredom actually contributes to our brains the value of sunlight and social play the role of play in lifelong learning If you want your kids to grow up curious, resilient, and with a sense of adventure and community, it's essential to make outside play a priority. Ginny Yurich is a Michigan mother of five and the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside; a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand with a mission centered around reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families and helping people live a fuller life. She is the host and producer of the extremely popular The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a keynote public speaker, zinnia enthusiast, and published author. Her latest best-selling book, ‘Until The Streetlights Come On’, (Baker Books) was released in November 2023. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Ginny and her husband, Josh have been married for over 21 years and are lifelong Michiganders. They love raising their five children on their little hobby farm in “The Great Lakes State.”