Examining the Moderm Family Forum

In celebration of its 150th anniversary of caring for the community, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest presents “The Future Ain’t What it Used to Be: Life’s Challenges Moving Forward.”

This community forum, for and about the modern family, takes place Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Alex Aidekman Jewish Community Campus in Whippany.  Featuring keynote speaker Judith Viorst, psychotherapist and author of numerous books for children and adults, the forum includes workshops facilitated by licensed clinical social workers from JFS.  This program was made possible with generous underwriting by Maxine Myers.

Following a dessert reception and keynote address, participants will have the opportunity to choose from three workshops, each designed to examine a different aspect of the challenges today’s families face. 

“If I Were in Charge of the World and Other Worries,” will consider how the Internet and other new technologies have affected parenting and issues such as bullying and setting limits. 

“Do You Know Where Your Grandparents Are,” will look into the new dynamics of retirement and how sandwich generation members can better communicate with their parents. 

Finally, “Grown Up Marriage,” will explore how today’s adults feel about the institution of marriage and how couples grapple with issues such as work, sexuality and whether or not to have children.

Keynote speaker Viorst, a New Jersey native, is known by many for her children's books in the “Alexander” series, including “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”  She has also written poetry and books for adults including “It's Hard to Be Hip over Thirty and Other Tragedies of Married Life.” She will share her insights into the challenges today’s families face in their everyday lives. 

This program is free and open to the community, but pre-registration is required.  Visit http://www.jfsmetrowest.org/CommunityForum for additional information and to register online.