NATCHEZ — A nationally syndicated columnist and parenting expert will speak at Cathedral School in February.

John Rosemond’s has written 11 best-selling books on parenting. His columns have been published in approximately 225 newspapers.

He’s also appeared on several national television shows including 20/20, The View and Good Morning America.

Cathedral Parent Organization president Kelley Gay said Rosemond has a more back-to-basics approach.

“He’s been around and done some really great things,” Gay said.

Gay and CPO vice president Katherine Callon have been working to bring Rosemond to Natchez for some time.

Rosemond was first mentioned, Gay said, at a development committee meeting by Cathedral assistant administrator and Pre-K through sixth grade principal Shannon Bland.

“It’s difficult raising children in this day and age, and we’re aware of his column and read his column,” Bland said.

But Rosemond’s presentations will not just be for parents.

“Teachers, when we do our professional development surveys, are always asking for ways to help with discipline and how to help with students in guiding them,” Bland said.

And, if teachers know more, they’ll be able to help parents.

“Parents always ask teachers for advice, so teachers want to be able to help them out,” Bland said.

The community is also welcome to attend, whether or not they work at or have children who attend Cathedral.

Rosemond will speak for free three times while he’s in the area. The first will be Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. to Cathedral faculty.

At 6:30 p.m. that night, Rosemond will be the keynote speaker at the CPO meeting, giving a presentation titled, “Parenting with Love and Leadership from Tots to Teens.”

“You don’t have to be a parent to come,” Gay said. “You can just be leading a child.”

On Feb. 26, Rosemond will address mothers at 9 a.m. with a presentation titled “You’re More Than Just a Mom.” Gay said a question-and-answer session would follow the talk.

“My hope is everyone’s able to walk away and feel empowered to make good decisions for their children,” Bland said.