A New Way for Parents to Connect

By Kate Anslinger

There are many ups and downs that go along with parenting, which is why a new parent peer support-program is coming to Winthrop. The program, known as the Parents Forum, is designed to open up conversations related to children, so parents can support one another.

One of the goals of the group is to discuss emotion identification and to find ways that emotions can assist us in work relationships as well as in family life. The Parents Forum uses “Tools of the Trade,” which helps individuals establish emotional awareness, which in turn reduces conflict. These tools are also designed to support positive behaviors and teach lessons that can be used throughout life.

The program will be led by Parenting Educator Therese Ockenden, who is dedicated to helping families establish caring, honest and respectful communication. The strategies that are taught in the Parent Forum can be utilized immediately to build better connections with family members.

“I am delighted to have Therese Ockenden taking the lead in bringing Parents Forum to Winthrop. Therese is a long-time member, as am I, of the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) and we are committed to helping parents help each other,” said Parent Educator Eve Sullivan. “Parent peer support saved my sanity during some very difficult times when my sons were teenagers. I am working closely with Therese to offer the positive and practical Parents Forum curriculum to parents with children of any age in Winthrop and surrounding communities.”

The next meeting will be held on August 22^nd at 6:15pm at the Winthrop Public Library. Other upcoming meetings will be held on the first and third Tuesday of September and October.

For more information and to check the upcoming schedule:

https://www.meetup.com/Winthrop-Parents-Meetup/

www.parentsforum.org