Headway has new program for parents of teenagers

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This article was published 06/10/2024 (273 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steinbach’s Headway program has a new course intended to help parents navigate the challenges of their children’s teen years.

Headway and Re-START program coordinator Heidi Harder Falk said the course is done in a group setting with a combination of instruction and a group support system where parents can talk to other parents about their experiences.

“It’s the second time we’ve run this parent group. We ran it last year under a different name so people might recognize the name, Communicating and Coping with Your Adolescent… We had great success, great feedback last year. We had a waitlist last year to fill another group already so we’re really excited to offer it again this year. Just looking forward to people coming out again.”

Safe and Supported: Parenting in the teen years is geared towards parents who have children nearing the teen years and are looking for some information and parents who are struggling in their relationship with their teen and are looking for ways to develop skills and tools to support them and their relationship.

Some of the topics discussed include: How do I hold on to my teen while allowing freedom? What does that tension look like; strategies to improve teen’s decision making and problem solving skills; how to communicate so both of you feel heard; attachment and parenting styles; different roadblocks; and working on restoring relationships where there’s been harm or damage.

“Those are some of the overarching topics that will be discussed, but there’s of course education and information being provided by our facilitator. But it’s also very discussion based, just an opportunity for parents to share what’s going on in their homes, brainstorm, share together, which feeds into the whole community using piece, as well. Just being able to connect with each other. From our last group there were some relationships that outlasted the group,” said Harder Falk.

The facilitator for the group is Bruce Somers, who has been doing social work with youth and parents and caregivers for decades.

There is a cap to the number of participants of 15 to 18 people. The course is free and parents can call Harder Falk to register at 204-905-3685. The group meets every Tuesday at Clearspring Middle School in Steinbach from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Oct. 8 to Nov. 5.