The Future is Now: Strengthening Families Together
The last few years have shown a sharp increase in anxiety, depression, suicide tendencies and substance abuse for our young people. This alarming increase in behavioral health issues across our country has led to an abundance of services to attempt to decrease these problems. Because of the elevated problematic statistics of social and emotional wellness in kids and teens, we are hosting these workshops in efforts offer support for our youth.
In the past, children and their parents have been handled separately. But we feel this separation only further divides parents from their kids and kids from their parents. That is why we have created workshops that include both parents and their children. The parent and children interaction within these workshops provide a stronger support system for the child to lean on, and depend on, and recover.
One of the main indicators leading to social and emotional problems in young people is the disconnect between family members. These workshops are specifically designed to address that disconnect. These workshops will include sessions that involve interactive discussion and learning skills that connect parents and their kids to form meaningful relationships. These skills can then be carried over into their every day lives – for both parents and children.
There is a surprising correlation between families that do activities together. This can be seen in simple things such as eating family dinners together and other bonding activities. This can create less social-emotional problems in the children. Thus, these workshops will focus on the necessary ingredients to make a family well-adjusted if and when such social-emotional problems occur. The skills learned will also serve a preventative nature.
We are strategically focusing on 10 to 16-year-olds. This is a crucial developmental and transitional stage between parents and kids. If they can learn to work together, through this time period with healthy communication and a connecting lifestyle, then it is less likely they will experience some of the alarming problems that are happening in our communities, nationwide. They will together be better equipped to successfully manage the challenges that may come their way in the future.
Written by: Dr.Greg Allen, a licensed therapist and director of Freedom4U.
Mothers and fathers are encouraged to participate in this workshop. The workshop is being offered in two locations. Oct. 17th in Palos Verdes and Nov. 8th in Manhattan Beach. There is no cost to attend and RSVP is necessary as space is limited. For more info go to: www.freedomcommunity.comor email admin@freedomcommunity.com
