Natchez parents will get a chance to learn some parenting tips Tuesday at Parent University 2000.

The program is designed to help parents maintain close ties to their children during their adolescence, but it will include tips for children of every age.

&uot;I think every parent that comes (to the university) can benefit from something,&uot; said Millicent Mayo, coordinator of public relations for the Natchez-Adams School District.

Parent University, sponsored by the school district, Partners in Education and Southwest Distributors Inc., will be held at Natchez High School at 5 p.m.

In addition to seminars, the event will feature free food, drinks and music.

Businesses who have adopted local schools for volunteer efforts have been invited to set up booths at the site.

Dr. Lonnie Carton, host of the nationally syndicated radio program &uot;In the Learning Center&uot; will present the keynote address &uot;Stepping Into Adolescence&uot; at 6 p.m.

Her program is designed to help parents improve their relationships with their children and build trust and communication.

&uot;The middle school years can be difficult, but they’re not impossible,&uot; Carton said.

At 7:15 p.m., parents will break up into small workshops.

&uot;It’s going to be a fun night,&uot; Mayo said. &uot;It will be something that will be a benefit to (the parents) if they take advantage of it.&uot;

Registration begins at 5 p.m. for all sessions. Parents must have a ticket to attend the general session and all workshops, but all programs are free of charge.

Participants will also be eligible for door prizes, and the school that has the largest percentage of parents attending will receive $100 for its PTA/PTO.

Free child care will be available from 5:45 p.m. for children ages 2 to 5 at the Fallin Career & Technology Center, next to the high school.

Games for children ages 6 to 10 will be under the United Mississippi Bank&160;tent. All children must be registered for this service.