Date: Fri 15-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

NYS-youth-services-parents

Full Text:

with cut: NYS Offers A Discussion Group For Parents

Parents and children share a special relationship. Newtown Youth Services

recognizes this and has established a free Parents' Discussion Group to help

foster healthy relationships.

The continuing, informal program offers parent education, peer support, and a

variety of resources for people who have children of any age. The group meets

twice a month to explore issues relating to child development, parenting

skills, and family life.

Although participants contribute ideas for meetings, monthly programs do

relate to a specific developmental stage: December meetings will focus on high

school aged children; January will be preschool; February will be primary; and

March will be middle school aged. Then the cycle begins again.

"It is a mixture of things. Some people come looking for support; others want

concrete advice," said NYS Assistant Director Jane Todorski, who leads the

group with Program Coordinator Tracy Riccio. "We hope to continue mixing up

different activities so it is not just lectures or discussion, but interactive

."

For instance, last month art therapist Louise Porter-Hahn presented "Art

Therapy: A Hands-On Experience." Participants were asked to bring artwork done

by their children, and create artwork at the meeting to learn what the form

expresses about a child or adolescent's inner world. The program, suggested by

parents attending the group, was such a success that Ms Todorski is trying to

schedule a four-part art therapy series for next year.

"Also we want to include ideas for family activities - sharing music with

kids, cooking with kids - low stress activities for a rainy day," said Ms

Riccio.

The group is open to anyone who has an interest in the topics or child

development, including grandparents, aunts, teachers, or anyone else who works

with children. Attendance is on a "drop-in" basis.

"Everyone has something important to contribute," said NYS Director Deborah

Richardson. "Even if they no longer have children in the developmental stage

being discussed, they can come and add wisdom and support."

On November 21, Ms Riccio will host a workshop on parenting middle schoolers

and use the book Stop Treating Me Like A Kid as a springboard for discussion.

A book is usually suggested, but is not required reading for those who attend.

Starting in December, meetings will be the second and fourth Tuesdays of each

month, from 7 to 8:30 pm at Newtown Youth Services, 41A Main Street.

Registration is required only for those in need of babysitting services. For

more information contact NYS staff at 270-4335.