A parent coping with a child moving into and through the adolescent stage can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person's life, particularly in this day and age when the culture of teens is so different and continuously changing.
This lecture addresses ways to cope with the difference in cultures and ways for parents to work toward developing and maintaining a relationship with their adolescent amidst different ways of thinking.
Many issues including the adolescent culture of addictive substances, multi-tasking, promiscuity, and self-esteem will be discussed with tips on effective ways to address these issues with your teen and work to keep them safe in an emotionally and physically supportive environment.
Teens are also welcome to attend in order to provide first-hand experience of being an adolescent in today's world.
What Every Child/Teen Needs
Fun – take time to laugh and play and share the wonder of life with me
Affection – warm hugs will nurture me and make this world a much friendlier place
Acceptance – Appreciate me for the individual I am, with all my unique gifts and special talents
Respect – treat me like an important and valuable person, and I’ll learn to respect and honor myself and others
Praise – tell me all the things you appreciate about me so I’ll know how wonderful I really am
Security – give me boundaries that will allow me to grow safely, feel secure, and overcome my fears
Honesty – share your real feelings and admit your mistakes to me, so I’ll learn what it means to be a whole person
Patience – be understanding when I make my own mistakes and remember – even when it doesn’t seem like it, I’m trying my best
Forgiveness – remind me that nobody’s perfect, and that it feels much better to forgive than to hold a grudge
Encouragement – support me and be positive as I try new things, and I’ll have the courage to keep exploring
Openness – listen to me, and be open to what you may be able to learn from me
Love – if you care for me in all these ways, you will be giving me the best life has to offer