Parenting during the turbulent teenage years can be a formidable challenge, but a helping hand is on the horizon. Medicine Hat College is set to launch an invaluable workshop series dedicated to assisting parents in guiding their children aged 12-18 through this pivotal life stage. This initiative is made possible through The Brandon Niwa Legacy Fund – The Beej Project.
Titled “Parenting Through Adolescence,” the workshop series will be led by the expertise of clinical psychologist, Dr. Emily Wang, and the experienced master of social work and registered social worker, Shawn O’Grady.
Drawing from his background in childhood trauma and family counseling, O’Grady expresses the workshop’s mission, stating, “This program will equip parents with the tools to comprehend their children better, teaching them effective communication, conflict resolution, and strategies to address negative behaviors. These skills are vital for nurturing positive mental health in adolescents as they journey into adulthood.”
Comprising five modules, this workshop series is meticulously crafted to enhance parents’ comprehension of the adolescent brain, offer guidance in building stronger parent-child relationships, provide insight on handling neurodivergent diagnoses, and equip parents to manage high-risk behaviors exhibited by adolescents.
The first module is scheduled to commence on Saturday, October 28, and it promises to be an invaluable resource for parents navigating these complex waters. Jennifer Kerslake, Director of Community Engagement at MHC, shared the origins of this much-needed initiative. She explained, “The demand for such a workshop was recognized by Medicine Hat College and its advisory panel, a consortium of professionals hailing from the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, Medicine Hat Public School Division, Prairie Rose Public Schools, and Medicine Hat Police Service.”
“At Medicine Hat College, we believe in the importance of providing opportunities that meet the pressing needs of our communities,” stated Kerslake, underscoring the college’s commitment to its constituents.
