Author Dr. Ned Hallowell will discuss important matters on raising children in a talk about his book: “The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness: Five Steps to Help Kids Create and Sustain Lifelong Joy” at 7 p.m., Jan. 12, at the MIHS Performing Arts Center. Hallowell’s message is how connections with children can provide the essential ingredients of happiness: resilience, optimism, playfulness, connectedness and a can-do attitude. Hallowell is an instructor at Harvard Medical School and the founder of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health. He speaks on ADD, handling a fast-paced life and family issues. He has been featured on television and in national news media.

At 7 p.m. on March 3, at the high school, world-renowned education and parenting expert Alfie Kohn will discuss “The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing,” his exploration of how homework fails our children, and what we can do to restore motivation and love of learning.

Tickets ($10 for each event or $15 for both) are available at Island Books and Island Park Elementary School.