Parents can learn techniques for speaking, listening and asking questions to build healthy relationships and de-escalate conflict with their children — called restorative practices — at a Hillview Middle School program on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Karen Junker, a certified trainer by the International Institute for Restorative Practices, will present a talk entitled "Restorative Parenting: Introducing Restorative Practices used at school for home" at the Menlo Park school.

Junker works with administrators, teachers and students to implement schoolwide restorative practices, including conflict resolution, suspension diversion and community-building circles. These restorative practices are used within the Menlo Park City School District to "maintain healthy, conflict-free relationships or work towards creating the balanced, positive relationship you desire with your children," according to the school district's website.

Junker will teach parents how to use these same methods at home with their children.

The talk is part of the district's Parent Education Speaker Series. It takes place at 6:30 p.m. in Hillview's Performing Arts Center, 1100 Elder Ave. in Menlo Park. There will be free child care, including dinner, for potty-trained children.

For more information, go to here.

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