Cal State Northridge is hosting a conference on Saturday, Dec. 7, in hopes of giving young parents some of the skills necessary to successfully care for their children, at least during the first few years.

"The Magic Years: Birth to Three" will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Street. The event is free and open to the public.

"The object of this conference is to inform these parents about their children and what can be expected to occur within the first three years of life," said Doris J. Sims, a family environmental sciences professor and an organizer of the event. "The conference also provides parents a chance to share and network with other parents from across Los Angeles County. It's an opportunity for them to know that they aren't alone, and there is help out there if they need it."

Workshop topics include a father's role in raising a child, infant brain development, playing with an infant, infant health and nutrition, language development and understanding a child's cry, infant safety, discipline, promoting motor development, infant literacy, music and community resources.

For more information, call Sims at (818) 677-3051.

The conference is sponsored by CSUN's Department of Family Environmental Sciences in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District.