'Can I Kiss You?' parent presentation at Lakenheath High School slated for March 31

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  "Can I kiss you?"

It seems like a pretty innocent question, but when parents start moving into the years in which their daughter or son want to date, or if they're already there, that question can take on an entirely different significance. For many parents this time is a dreaded time. But it doesn't have to be.

Enter Mike Domitrz, an author and speaker to audiences all over the US and internationally. He has been engaging young people in high schools and college campuses and parents for 20 years in an open discussion about dating, healthy relationships, and positive communication. The author takes a straight forward approach to understanding the importance of asking, not assuming, what is wanted on dates or in relationships, and talking to children about respect and open communication in relationships.

Asking for what you want before trying to take what you want is a way to communicate that respect is present in a relationship. Asking is essential before any kind of intimacy is attempted - and that includes kissing and holding hands. A main point of Mr. Domitrz's is to teach about consent and respect. Before attempting physical contact, young men and women need to know they have choices when it comes to their bodies and feelings. Parents should be concerned about how to teach a child the idea of having their boundaries respected and respecting their partner's boundaries.

At the parent presentation scheduled at 6 p.m. at RAF Lakenheath High School Auditorium, March 31. Mr. Domitrz will cover a fun, thought-provoking look at dating and intimacy in high school. He will help parents know how to navigate the sometimes uncomfortable topic of dating, relationships and sexual feelings.

His objective is to help parents overcome that obstacle of making a connection with their children so they can listen and absorb what parents are saying. The cultural landscape parents grew up in is often quite different from the one encountered by their children. However, Mr. Domitrz tries to help parents focus on what is the same. Even though the sexual culture and the openness about relationships is more exposed today, the decisions that people make regarding their behavior on dates has been the same for centuries.

For more information about this presentation speak to your School Liaison Officer or your installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. The school liaison office is located in the Liberty Center at RAF Lakenheath. The DSN phone number is 314-226-5077 or 5078 and the commercial number to call from the United States is 011-44-1638-52-5077/78. Office hours are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The RAF Mildenhall Sexual Assault Response Coordinator can be reached at DSN 238-7272 or commercially at 01638 54 7272. The SARC 24-hour hotline number is 07876 14 8603.