A free symposium offering parents the chance to learn essential skills to help bring up their children takes place at the Dellwood Middle School today.The Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports, Department of Child and Family Services, and the Bermuda Family Council will be holding the second annual Parenting Toolkit — Parenting Symposium starting at 11am.Topics of the forum will include Parenting in the 21st century with a host of guest speakers.“The Bermuda Family Council believes that families are the backbone of society,” said chairperson of Bermuda Family Council Christopher Dill. “Given the multitude of problems faced by the family today, the Council is delighted to once again offer the Parenting Symposium to members of the public.“The symposium will equip parents with the tools to effectively parent at home and in the community as well as to explore methods for building stronger relationships with their children.”This symposium is an opportunity for parents to learn how to become more effective parents and acquire the essential parenting skills necessary for the 21st century and the symposium is anchored on six pillars of parenting: spirituality, health and wellness, food and nutrition, family budgeting, education and strong family values.The Parents Toolshop is based on researched parenting tools that have proven successful based on over 15 years of field tests. It is primarily aimed at toddlers and right up to teenagers. The Parents Toolshop provides more than 100 highly practical skills in a step-by-step, easy to use format. These are solutions that can work every day at home, at day care and in the classroom.Parents will also learn how to deal with sibling squabbles, picky eaters, temper tantrums, dealing with bullies, power struggles, chores, homework, dating curfews etc.Lunch will be provided and there will be free child care and entertainment for children.Families Minister Glenn Blakeney added: “Given the multitude of issues facing the family today, I believe the symposium is being offered at an opportune time and will be of great benefit to those in attendance. As the Minister responsible for Child and Family Services, I am very pleased to acknowledge and support the convening of Bermuda’s Second Annual Parenting Symposium.”Space is still available for parents and their children to attend the symposium by e-mailing parentingsymposium@selectsitesgroup.com to confirm attendance.