Parents will be given advice on building strong families at a series of events later this month.The Parenting Tool Kit Symposium will feature themes: How To Instill Values and Spirituality, Surviving The Teenage Age Years, Boys And Identity, Parenting Through Separation And Divorce, and Families Aren’t Born They’re Made.It will take place on Saturday, September 24, from noon until 6pm, at Sandys Middle School, West Pembroke Primary School and Francis Patton Primary School.Announcing the move, Families Minister Glenn Blakeney said: “It is well-known that families are the building blocks of a strong, cohesive society; family is where people learn to be good citizens, to take responsibility, and to live in harmony with others.“Providers of social services have long recognised the critical importance of successful parenting to the positive development of children, families and healthy relationships.“In seeking to find ways to strengthen families, the Bermuda Family Council, a non-statutory Board under the auspices of the Department of Child and Family Services, developed the idea of holding a parenting symposium. I am delighted that the idea has now moved from concept to reality.”Mr Blakeney said the events are being organised by the Bermuda Family Council, with full support from the Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports and the Department of Child and Family Services.He continued: “I believe the Parenting Tool Kit Symposium will play a critical role in assisting families to build lifelong relationships based upon sound parenting principles throughout all stages of their children’s development.“The Symposium is anchored on six pillars of parenting: spirituality, health and wellness, food and nutrition, family budgeting, education and strong family values.“Some believe that much of Bermuda’s present social concerns and challenges, such as sub-optimal educational performance, gang culture, violence and crime, are rooted in a lack of strong parenting skills and family values, which have deteriorated and to some extent, contributed to the various dysfunctions that have significantly impacted our community over the past several years.“To help counteract this trend of increasing anti-social behaviour among our youth, and to promote strong, healthy families, I strongly encourage as many parents as possible to attend who are looking to obtain first-hand practical knowledge on parenting topics.“Indeed, parents should make a very special effort to attend this very enlightening Symposium.“We believe that parents who attend the Symposium will find that it is an ideal forum for them to learn about effective parenting and how to become better at raising their children, while accessing the information and essential parenting tools geared to successfully addressing the ever changing dynamics of the 21st Century.”