NORTH ATTLEBORO -- In its continued effort to advocate for the area's younger generation, the Attleboro Area Council for Children invites area parents and educators to attend a special presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at North Attleboro High School.

The presentation, entitled "The Pressured Child," will be given by Dr. Michael Thompson, who authored the subject book, and who is also a clinical consultant to The Belmont Hill School in Belmont, a psychologist specializing in children and families and has worked in more than 500 schools across the country.

Touted as a dedicated speaker and traveler, Thompson has also appeared on the "Today Show," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "ABC 20/20," CBS "60 Minutes," "The Early Show" and "Good Morning America."

"The Pressured Child," according to Kelly Fox, president of the Attleboro Area Council for Children, is a presentation for pressured parents, who have forgotten what school is actually like, and pressured educators, who are trying to respond to the anxiety of families who believe, erroneously, that there is a one-to-one correlation between school performance and success in life.

The presentation follows a similar program the council held last year for parents and educators given by Dr. Robert Brooks, and is just one of many such programs the council hopes to offer in the future, according to Fox. "Last year's program with Dr. Robert Brooks was really well received by the 300 parents and educators that attended," Fox said.

"For years we've wanted to start this program, to bring highly recognized speakers to our area and make this information accessible, and we're so glad that we finally were able to put this in place," Fox said.

Goal: annual speakers

"Our goal is to continue this annual speaker series for the foreseeable future. Michael Thompson is an excellent choice for this project."

Copies of Thompson's book, "The Pressured Child," will be available for purchase following his presentation with proceeds going to Council for Children's programs.

The event is free and open to the public, with donations to the Attleboro Area Council for Children welcomed.

Janette Boulay can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at janette.boulay@gmail.com.