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SACY workshop descriptions



Building Bridges with your teens

  • How to listen so your kids will talk
  • Tools to encourage capable youth
  • What’s typical, what’s not

In this workshop we consider together the changes that happen during adolescence—things we’ve heard, seen, read about or lived through—and find out what science can tell us about what’s going on and how to handle it. Learn practical, day-to-day strategies that encourage responsible decision-making and increased communication. Implement them to get to know your teen (and maybe yourself) better!

Some sessions available with interpretation.

Parent Quotes:

  • "I had a ‘light bulb moment’. I suddenly realized how I sound to my son.”
  • “I am happy to report that we had a MUCH better weekend with my teenager, thanks in large part to implementing some of the communications tips I learned at your workshop.”

 

Internet Use...Overuse?

  • What’s going on
  • Negotiation tools that work
  • Create a family contract

In this workshop, Vancouver Coastal Health mental health clinicians review the use of internet and technology among youth, discuss what it means to talk about cyber-addiction vs. overuse, and the role that parents play in modeling balanced lifestyles. Learn how to find out what your teens are really after with their internet use, how computer use affects the brain, and how to set boundaries and use negotiation skills to build agreements the whole family can live with.

Some sessions available with interpretation.

Parent Quotes:

  • “GREAT info!”
  • “A reminder the trust and communication are the goal.”
  • “I learned that what I might see as a problem is not what my [child] might identify as a problem.”

 

Capacity Cafe

Wondering about today’s youth culture? Come hear from the experts – Vancouver’s youth!

  • the stresses & pressure youth face
  • what works (or doesn’t) to support teens
  • what real youth think and feel

In this facilitated dialogue, youth who have been involved with SACY activities have volunteered to share their life experiences in order to help parents understand their own teens better. We will gather questions from parents (maybe even those questions you are afraid to ask your own teen) and, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and confidentiality, hear some honest, powerful answers. Please note that the questions are asked and facilitated by SACY youth facilitators.

Some sessions available with interpretation.

Parent Quotes

  • “I just want to thank you so much for last night. It was an amazing experience, at times emotional I might add. I learned so much and much was confirmed.”
  • “… your colleagues, who are working with youth at schools…I want to say how their work was (is) inspiring!”
  • “I thought that was great last night. The answers those kids gave were very personal, and not general at all, and I thought that they were risking a lot by talking about drugs, alcohol and their relationships with their parents so frankly….it's powerful when you hear it from their own mouths.  I went over and thanked them afterwards and I would like to thank you and the other organizers for setting such a forum up. Count me in next time.”