This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Parents looking to fine-tune their skills can take advantage of a new website and upcoming conference. On Thursday, Utah first lady Jeanette Herbert unveiled two new components to her Uplift Utah Families campaign.
Herbert said the website, http://www.upliftutahfamilies.org, will collect information about parenting classes and challenging issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pornography and drug abuse.
"There are so many negative influences in our society today," Herbert said. "I see kids that are struggling with these forces that are coming against them and needing to have skills to be able to say no to drugs. … That has to begin in the home."
Herbert also shared plans for her first-ever parenting conference and expo, May 4-5, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The theme is "Family Mechanics 101," with research-based workshops, an auto show, musical performances and keynote speeches. More details will be posted on the Uplift Utah website.
Herbert, who has six children and 13 grandchildren, said it's important for parents to develop trusting relationships with their children early on so that they feel safe going to Mom or Dad for help. Brad Herbert, Jeanette and Gov. Gary Herbert's youngest son, attended Thursday's press event at the Governor's Mansion with his wife, former American Idol star Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, and two sons ages 1 and 3.
"She's the best mom I could ever ask for," Brad Herbert said. "I am constantly asking her for her advice and help on how to raise these kids. … She just has endless patience, and I think maybe that's the best thing I've learned from her."
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To learn more about Uplift Utah Families, go to http://www.upliftutahfamilies.org.