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PREPARING FOR YOUR FAMILIES IN ACTION WORKSHOP
Before trying to sell the idea of parenting education to the community, you need to prepare yourself for potential questions and concerns. You need to know what's in it for the parents and the teens, and how to convince them to attend. You also need to do some brainstorming, listing potential sponsors, referral sources, and organizations serving parents and teens.
1. What's in it for teens? It may be difficult talking teens into doing something with their parents, and giving up six evenings to go to a workshop their parents want them to attend. Assure teens that the videos are entertaining and the discussion afterwards is packed with high-energy activities. The teen group allows teens to be heard by an objective person, and to interact with his peers. When they are finished, they are going to feel better about themselves, as the program focuses on increasing their self-esteem. They will end up having a better understanding of why parents act they way they do.
Teens participating in this workshop are going to learn valuable communication skills that will help them get along better with their friends. The program teaches them how to resist peer pressure, and to understand the goals and consequences of their behavior. Lastly, they will learn how to set goals for themselves so that they are more successful in school and in all of their endeavors. Overall, Families In Action is designed to keep the teen coming back because he or she doesn't want to miss any of the sessions.
2. What's in it for parents? Believe it or not, it might also be necessary to convince parents to attend. Most families have a busy schedule, making it difficult for them to attend a six-week workshop. Try to schedule the course for a convenient time, offer snacks, and have babysitters if possible. Parents may think that they should already know how to parent, even if they don't. Assure them that the group is there for support and encouragement, not fault-finding.
Families In Action will teach parents prevention strategies and conflict resolution. Parents will be more able to help their teenager resist peer pressure, become successful at school, and deal with stress. The course will help them discuss feelings so that they can maintain a healthy relationship with their teen. In the end, parents will feel more confident now that they have learned communication skills together with their teen.
3. Brainstorming 101: Now that you are prepared to convince both teens and parents to attend your workshop, you need to come up with list of local organizations that have access to your target audience. Once you have come up with a fairly comprehensive list, you will be able to begin promoting your program. Use this list of suggestions as a starting point:
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Active Parenting
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30144-7808 • (800) 825-0060
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