In today’s context, the challenges of parenting teenage children have become greater. It is not uncommon to hear complaints from parents that their teenagers are not talking to them, that they prefer to spend time with their friends, the computer or the TV. Other parents complain that their teenagers lack motivation in studying, unwilling to help with housechores, etc., so that it has become increasingly difficult for parents not to lose their cool or launch into a lecturing mode.
Understanding the need for parents to be more effective in parenting teenagers, RPA organized the PARENTING WITH CONFIDENCE WORKSHOP which held its first session on 10 July 2009. 20 parents registered for the 6-session course, held every Friday evening through to 21 August. The course aimed at equipping parents with the necessary tools to build in their teenagers a strong sense of self, responsibility and resourcefulness. Essential topics covered were effective parenting styles, boundaries for better parenting, effectual communication, discipline, esteem, expectations, coping with siblings, dating and romance amongst teenagers, etc.
Lessons were mainly held at the Hodge Lodge. RPA is grateful to RI for the use of its facilities. RPA also arranged buffet dinners for participants as the sessions were held from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm.Throughout the course, parents were given many opportunities to freely share their experiences of raising teenagers. Over the period, friendships were forged and the group hope to meet regularly to support each other in the journey of parenting.
Reported by Siew Fay, Workshop organisor
Edited by Serene Khoo
Sept 2009
