Unruly teen? Program provides parenting tips
Parents of rebellious, unruly teens take heed — you are not alone and help is available.
Parent Project, a 10-week program designed to empower parents of strong-willed teens, will be offered by Warren County Schools beginning tomorrow night.
The goal is to help parents manage teen behavior at home through identification, prevention and intervention strategies for the most destructive adolescent behaviors. This includes poor school attendance and performance, drug and alcohol use, gang membership and violence.
“Parent Project is for all parents who want other tools for parenting difficult and challenging situations,” said Dana Simpson, a school system behavior consultant and head Parent Project facilitator. “For those attending, it also becomes more like a support group and lets them know they are not alone.”
The program has been described by some as a tough love approach, with longtime Parent Project facilitator Diane Stanley previously saying it gives parents permission to be the kind of parents they’ve always wanted to be.
“It’s a tough love approach,” she said last fall. “Too many times parents try to be their children’s friends, but it’s not about friendship. It’s about being able to do what’s best for their children’s safety and well-being.”
Simpson added, “Love is the basis of the program. Underlying it is the message ‘We love you too much to let you destroy your life by doing these things.’ This course gives parents confidence. A better relationship will develop when the children know the parents are in charge and care for them.”
Parent Project is a 10-week course which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays at Warren Academy, beginning tomorrow night. The cost is $22, which covers the price of the workbook.
To register or to learn more about Parent Project, call Warren County Schools special education department at 668-1728.