For thirty years, GPS Parent Series has been providing families with learning opportunities and resources needed to thrive. Events are held at noon and 7pm and cover topics from friendships to college applications. “There is something at GPS for everyone,” GPS founder Ms. Gilda Ross said.
Ross was inspired to found GPS Parent Series when she was shopping with her daughter and a store employee said Ms. Gilda Ross’s daughter looked just like her. “But the last thing she wanted to hear was that we looked anything alike,” Ross said, “So, I looked at her face and saw this horror and I really felt like I was doing a horrible job as a parent.” But, what Ross did not realize at the moment was that this was perfectly natural behavior. “As I was feeling sorry for me as a parent, I heard about a book called Get Out of My Life But Will You Drive Me and Sheryl to the Mall,” Ms. Ross explained, “and I felt like it was a lightbulb moment.” And from this experience, the idea of GPS was born. “Wouldn’t it be great if I could tell other parents who are probably feeling the same way with their child acting perfectly normal and us misinterpreting what those feelings are,” Ms. Ross said.
GPS Parent series offers countless events and learning opportunities, featuring world renowned speakers and authors. Theyspread awareness of important issues such as suicide and teach families difficult but important skills like communication and acceptance. “If someone listens in once, they will come back again,” Ms. Ross describes, “It’s that valuable.” The resources are not just for Glenbard families. “No registration, no cost, presented in four different languages, in-person or not in-person, zooms can be found on the website,” Ms. Ross explained. GPS provides resources to schools around the country and for people of all ages and stages of life. GPS wants everyone to have the opportunity to learn how to navigate whatever life throws at them in a healthy way. “It’s no one’s fault, we just need more information about it,” says Ms. Ross.
Upcoming events include: What Teens Want You to Know and Conversations to Have Now by Cathy Adams and Dr. John Duffy on November 12th, The Power of Positive Parenting by Gemini Bhimani on November 13th, Nourishing the Modern Brain: The Food-Mood Connection by Drew Ramsey on November 18th, and so many more. All of the information about these events and more are available on the GPS Parent Series website. “We don’t expect people to listen to fifty programs every year,” Ms. Ross explained, “Find the programs that speak to you.”
