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Parenting workshop offers help with teens Hedrick program starts Jan. 19 By VICKI GUARINO Parents of troubled and not-so-troubled adolescents can share experiences and concerns in a series of classes next month at Hedrick Middle School. The session is part of a long-standing Community Works program that takes parents beyond early childhood development into pre-teen and teenage years. Begun with a $30,000 state grant in 1994, the six-week program has reached parents across Jackson County. The grant funds run out in June, so the fate of the program after the school year ends is uncertain. However, a full schedule of sessions is planned until then. Winter sessions begin Jan. 19 at Hedrick, followed by sessions in Ashland, Talent and Eagle Point. The bottom-line goal of the program is to give parents some skills in steering their teenagers away from risky behavior that can lead to dropping out of school and getting in trouble with the law. Other Community Works parenting classes, offered by the Family Focus program, address developmental issues of infants and young children. The adolescent program recognizes the changes children go through in their teenage years, says coordinator Karen Borsting. "Teenagers are going to act differently than 9-year-olds," Borsting says. Topics are intended specifically for parents of 11- to 17-year-olds and include: Understanding teen development Communication skills Setting limits and following through Helping teens succeed in school Borsting welcomes grandparents into the session, and tries to offer information geared to their needs and concerns as well. She noted a growing number of grandparents locally who have legal custody of their grandchildren. Discussion also includes warning signs and behaviors parents should watch for that are symptoms of deeper problems such as eating disorders, violence and substance abuse. The group also discusses teens' drive for greater independence and their declining concern about parental approval. Parents then examine ways of responding to changing behavior. "You really have to hone different skills," says Borsting. Much of the class involves group discussion, so Borsting encourages parents with a variety of concerns and backgrounds to attend. Over the years. participants have ranged from psychologists to low-income single parents. They've been the parents of high achievers, and parents whose youngsters were courting trouble with police. The discussions and sharing of ideas and experiences have been invaluable, Borsting says. "It's very reassuring that other parents are going through the same thing, that it's not something that your child has dreamed up to make you angry," she added. The session at Hedrick, 1501 E. Jackson St., runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning Jan. 19. The fee ranges from $1 to $10 per session, depending on the family's ability to pay; however, no one is turned away for an inability to pay. For registration and additional information on other sessions throughout the valley, call Borsting at Community Works, 779-2393. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA