Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
If you’re a parent of a challenging or rebellious teen, you are not alone in Oliver and Osoyoos.
A helpful program called “Parents Together” is offering a light in a dark tunnel for moms and dads who may not know where to turn.
Parents Together is a free, bi-weekly program presented by BGC Okanagan, formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club. It is professionally facilitated for parents plagued with a wide range of concerns about their teens, including mental health, lack of motivation, substance use, aggressive and defiant behaviour.
Many parents reaching out for support often feel guilty and blamed by others, which leads to isolation. But the program helps moms and dads feel less alone and boosts their confidence in parenting. In fact, many parents report better relationships with their children after attending the program, according to facilitators.
Jennifer Anderson, Director of Family Programs, said they see a lot of families struggling with youth suffering from anxiety issues.
“Often the difficulties are peer pressure, the need to fit in, and bullying to some degree,” she noted.
She added that some of the more severe cases will usually manifest after a trauma in the family or direct trauma to the child or youth.
Anderson said some of the problem issues between parent and child are disrespect, rebellion, drug and alcohol use and, the big one – technology and gaming.
“Often the children/youth will not respect the time limits of use and some will get a hold of their parent’s credit cards and make large purchases for their games,” she pointed out.
Anderson said when a family seeks help from BGC, counselling is usually recommended. If cases of anxiety are severe, they recommend the family seek support from mental health first.
Anderson said anyone with children or a youth over 14 can refer themselves to the Family Development Program. The number is 250-485-2222.
She said their counsellors listen and offer support to help guide and teach skills to youth and parents.
“Our counselling team has had many successes with our children, youth and families,” she pointed out. “We see growth, healthy changes and many who have adopted the skills necessary to change themselves and their situations to make their lives better.”
Anderson said they often see parents come in struggling, but after attending the program they leave with confidence and a feeling of accomplishment in their parenting abilities. This builds stronger relationships between them and their children.
Some parent responses to the program include: “I look forward to attending the group because I feel less alone.”
“My youth is talking to me again after I changed my approach using techniques learned through group.”
Some parents have reported an increase in mental health and feeling less guilt, resulting in being able to return to work.
The online group meets every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
For registration and information contact Meghan Ramsay at 250-859-1968 or April Rossiter at 250-859-4616.
