By Kendra Flory
The Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College begins its 2024-2025 season with a course on “Supporting Children Overwhelmed by Anxiety.” The course will be presented by John Wenger and Adam Wenger. The course will be held via Zoom on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central time). Continuing education credit is available.
Course description: Anxiety is a part of all our lives. It creates both positive and negative effects on us. In children, stress and anxiety can be overwhelming and establish negative life patterns that continue through adulthood. Some anxiety may motivate and increase focus. Too much or sustained anxiety can reduce effectiveness and become overwhelming and debilitating.
Children develop their own idea of personal achievement and self-worth, and their views can affirm or create an image of themselves as a failure or foster unrealistic expectations. This can become a vicious cycle of anxiety and self-defeating behaviors.
In this class, we will explore the many causes of anxiety in children. We will examine the influences, both positive and negative, from the family, neighborhood, peers, school, outside activities, video games, and social media. We will explore the effect of national and world events on their perceived view of danger, concern, or safety.
John Wenger is a psychologist and graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. He received his doctorate from Purdue University and worked as a counselor for 49 years, mostly in private practice. Now retired, he consults with the county Mental Health Court. He is a member of Anderson (Ind.) Church of the Brethren and has served as district moderator and on the denomination’s Mission and Ministry Board and on the board of the former Association of Brethren Caregivers. He also is a board member at Timbercrest Senior Living Community.
Adam Wenger graduated from Manchester College and received his master’s degree in Psychology at Ball State University. He is a quality assurance specialist at the Indianapolis Head Start Agency.
Continuing education credit is available for $10 per course. During the registration process, participants can pay for CEUs and give an optional donation to the Ventures program.
To learn more about Ventures in Christian Discipleship and to register for courses, visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
— Kendra Flory is advancement assistant at McPherson (Kan.) College.
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