PARENTS TOGETHER AND PARENTS IN THE KNOW

Two support programs for parents of youth and young adults through BGC South Coast BC.

 

Parents Together and Parents in the Know are professionally facilitated education and support programs for caregivers who are experiencing challenges while parenting a teen. Parents come to the group with a wide range of issues. Many parents reaching out for support are feeling guilty, blamed by others, isolated, and at a loss as to what to do. Parents may describe their youth as defiant, depressed, angry, suicidal, abusive, and unmotivated. Mental health concerns and substance use among youth are common concerns for families.

 

Parents Together is an ongoing education/mutual support group for parents of youth 12 to 24 years of age. Some families attend for weeks and months for on-going support through challenging times.

 

Parents in the Know is a 12-week, structured education program for parents and caregivers of youth 12 to 24 years of age that is offered 3 times a year.  Parents may attend PITK for one 12-week series, while others choose to repeat the series to benefit from learning and connection.

 

In both groups, participants learn effective strategies that can lead to improved relationships, decrease conflict in the home, and improve communication within their family. Parents also learn about adolescent development, the importance of self-care and that they are not alone in their parenting challenges. Groups explore ways to deal with lying, stealing, aggression & other difficult behaviors. This is all provided in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.

WHAT IS OFFERED?

The primary goals are to help parents:

  • Rediscover their strengths, resources, and sense of worth
  • Work with family members to end the power struggle with their youth/adult children
  • Support and be supported by other parents in order to solve problems and make plans for change
  • Build more positive and connected family relationships

Many parents report better relationships with their youth/adult children as a result of the support they receive and the education and communication skills they learn at group meetings. Parents also experience many other benefits such as:

  • Increased confidence as a parent
  • Anger management skills and a better ability to defuse conflict
  • Better relationships with spouse and past partners
  • Knowledge of issues affecting their child’s lives
  • Increased ability to advocate on behalf of themselves and their families
  • Compassion for other families
  • Decreased isolation and greater friendship
  • Access to community resources
  • New coping and communication skills
  • Education based on parent concerns

CONTACT

For information about either group, please contact:

604-315-0665
awilson@bgcbc.ca

Groups are available in English (Vancouver, Burnaby and Delta) and in Vietnamese (Vancouver)