Last year was especially tough for teenagers whose lives typically include one challenge, change, and charged-up problem after another. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the proportion of mental health-related emergency room visits for adolescents jumped 31% during the pandemic. That’s why you’ll want to interview Paul Bernabei, an educator, trainer and author of the popular “Top 20” book series — including “Top 20 Teens” — who can discuss the many factors behind teens’ increasing anxiety and depression. He will explore what parents and mentors need to know as teens struggle amid the turmoil of adolescence. Ask him: What often takes the brightest teens off the path to excellence and on the road to poor behavior, disengagement in school, and even suicidal thoughts? Which conversations, activities and programs help teens enjoy life and feel hopeful? Contact Paul Bernabei at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
Category: Family Issues
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Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
It’s one thing to overlook paying a bill, or to misplace your keys, or to be unable to remember a stranger’s name. It’s another thing to become so forgetful that you can’t complete a task you have done a thousand times. Or to forget how to find your way home. When such things happen, especially to a loved one who isn’t even 60, you may wonder if it’s early-onset Alzheimer’s, which can strike as early as 30. Discover more about the disease and how to spot its symptoms, when you interview Carlen Maddux. A former reporter who chronicled his family’s 17-year Alzheimer’s journey in the award-winning book “A Path Revealed,” Carlen is determined to helpothers with information and been-there advice. His wife, Martha, was just past her 50th birthday when diagnosed. Carlen will discuss his family experiences, and what it was like to become his wife’s caregiver. Highly articulate, Carlen has done dozens of media interviews. Ask him: Who might be susceptible to early-onset Alzheimer’s? Are there unmistakable signs? Is the disease ever mistaken for something else? Is this the latest boomer pandemic? What does caregiving involve? What treatments are available to enhance health and quality of life? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com -
Is Mother’s Intuition Real?
People talk about mother’s intuition, but is it real or just a myth? Natalie Brobin says it exists and that mothers should trust their intuition because they know their children better than anyone else, even doctors. Her upcoming book, “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child,” offers advice for parents, particularly of children with medical issues, on how to reduce stress and make their lives more joyful. She’ll discuss how parents can take care of their children and themselves without anyone losing out and share her No. 1 piece of advice for “medical moms.” Contact Natalie Brobin at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com
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Tony Bennett’s Family Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
For four years, legendary singer Tony Bennett and his family have kept his secret. Now, they’re breaking their silence. Bennett has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of age-related dementia. It’s not easy for families to talk about a loved one’s diagnosis because of the stigma surrounding the disease. As a devoted caregiver and husband of someone who was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in her fifties, Carlen Maddux can discuss what it’s like to have a loved one who fades away even as they continue to live. He can share early warning signs and treatment options along with the biggest challenges for loved ones and tips for caregivers. Maddux has appeared on numerous shows. He’s the author of “A Path Revealed.” Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
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Do a Funny Show on Caring for Aging Parents
In tough times, a laugh can help keep our spirits up. Kathleen Lenane is here to explore the humorous side of family caregiving. Yes, even in a pandemic. Kat is the creator of the hilarious website The Clueless Caregiver and blog. Expect to chortle and guffaw as she answers, in an entertaining Q&A format, questions like: How do I tell my 85-year-old father he shouldn’t be driving anymore? And: Where does Mom hide the hearing aids, iron supplements and medical alert pendant she should be using — but insists “she doesn’t really need”? Kat’s mix of wit and tips includes personal stories of, for instance, rounding up discarded hospital meal-tray bananas for a Super Bowl party her father threw in the Intensive Care Unit (way before COVID times). Kat has worked as a book ghostwriter and staff writer and editor for SELF andCosmopolitan— in addition to caring for two mischievous parents who refused to act old into their 90s. Contact Kat at (860) 500-1524; klenane@rtirguests.com
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What Took Sean Connery Might Take Someone You Love
When Sean Connery passed away last week, millions mourned the original and arguably best James Bond. And even though it was dementia — not Spectre —that took 007 and quieted his memory in his last years, the public will never forget his masterful MI-6 skills, his suaveness, and Connery’s superb acting career. Connery was married for 45 years and his wife will experience his loss most of all. As the spouse of someone who had early-onset Alzheimer’s, Carlen Maddux can identify with her and inform your audience about what it is like to have a family member who fades away even as they continue to live. He can also offer tips for those who find themselves in the same situation. Carlen served for 17 years as a caregiver for his once-dynamic wife Martha — who was her family’s super-hero and only in her fifties when diagnosed. Carlen shares his insights in the book “A Path Revealed.” Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
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How to Get Turned-Off Students to Tune In
Countless students across America are feeling disengaged and uninspired. Their schools are not deliberately creating a negative, tune-out atmosphere. So what’s happening and how can educators, administrators, coaches and parents help our centers of learning improve? Educator and author Paul Bernabei is spearheading a movement to encourage and benefit students, which ultimately boosts our nation’s future. Ask him: What has become seemingly invisible for school students these days? How has an epidemic of “I’m neither good enough nor smart enough” started attacking student populations nationwide? What easily-implemented strategies will create a safe environment for students, especially during stressful times? Bernabei is the author of “Why Students Disengage in American Schools and What We Can Do About It.” Contact him at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
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Expert Advice Parents Need: Tips for Learning at Home
Millions of parents nationwide, many of them working and single, have plunged into what might be the biggest educational experiment in history because of COVID-19, which appears to have no end in sight. Lee Jenkins, author and educator to the rescue! “Parents are panicking – they are overwhelmed by having to work, parent, AND teach their kids out of the home. I’m here to tell them, it’s going to be fine! What do parents really need to teach their kids … and teach them well? For younger children, all you need is some paper, crayons (or any other art materials), and simple books like those written by Dr. Seuss, Bill Martin, Jr. and me!” says Lee. He’ll share simple ideas parents can use with their kids each and every day to ensure that they keep on learning – and will actually learn to love it! No one knows how to do this better than Lee. Lee Jenkins is the author of “How to Create a Perfect School” and two series of books for young readers. He’s been an educator and administrator in public schools and universities. Contact Lee Jenkins at (484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com
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Would You Sacrifice Your Career for Your Child’s?
How far should parents be willing to go to help grown children? Should they lend adult children money that they might need for retirement, raise their grandchildren due to addiction issues or move closer to their children to provide childcare? Oliver Akamnonu, M.D. went about as far as a parent could go, giving up his medical practice (as did his wife) to help his daughter Nena make it through medical school, childbirth, and early parenting while the latter’s husband was abroad. Was what Dr. Akanmnonu and his wife did excessive? Do they have any regrets? Would they encourage others to take the same path? Find out when you explore this heartwarming story told in “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com
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Tools for Stressed-Out Homeschooling Parents
Parenting is never easy, but families have been stuck together for months now and things have gone a little haywire in many homes. September usually brings relief with kids going back to school, but this year many students are sitting at the kitchen table instead of a desk in a classroom. How can we keep on keeping on without completely losing it? Families will welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why families should make a practice of singing and dancing together, and how taking three deep breaths when they feel out of control can center parents and interrupt impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and the author of multiple books. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical Gardens). Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com