Tough Times Parenting Teens? Join Other Parents

From Readiness to Learn

Thursdays, Nov. 3 to Dec. 8 (with Thanksgiving break) at the Public Library

Marta Nielsen, former Girl Scout Regional Director (Vermont), Salmonberry School teacher and Director of Orcas Island Prevention Partnership, will conduct an interactive program for parents of teens and ‘tweens, aged 12 to 18 years, called “Active Parenting of Teens.”

Some of the topics discussed will be:

• Building mutual respect — control vs. influence
• Positive communication with teens
• Using encouragement and winning cooperation
• Problem solving, building courage
• Redirecting misbehaviors
• Drugs, sexuality and violence — reducing the risks
• Bringing peace to blended and traditional families

In this complicated day and with this challenging age, give yourself a break. Come share, learn, discuss and inform yourself. Meetings will be held at the Orcas Island Public Library on Rose Street in Eastsound from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Nov. 3 through Dec. 8, with a break on Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 24.

Nielsen taught this class last fall, and it is once again open to “white collar, blue collar, no collar, husband, wife, single, remarried or partnered — whatever your race, from wherever you hail, regardless of creed or past misdeed, Mom, Dad, Uncle or Granny, parent or guardian, pull up a chair. If you  love your child and are willing to engage — you are welcome!”

The donation of $25, or $40 per couple, includes workbook materials. Scholarship aid is available. The class is limited to 16 people.

Registration closes on Monday, Oct. 31.  The class is brought to all the community with the resources of the Orcas Island School District’s Readiness to Learn program and the Orcas Public Library.

To register, or for further information, call 376-1566, or email mdoyle@orcas.k12.wa.us