COURSE HAS INFO FOR PARENTS ON KIDS, DRUGS

Parenting teens can be challenging, especially if the teen is misusing
drugs or alcohol. This is when parents' skills, beliefs, values and
emotions are tested and their cherished hopes and dreams can be dashed.

To help through this trying time, SHARE Family and Community Services is
hosting a free parent support group. The evening group will be
discussion-based and parents will help define the topics. The facilitators
will focus the discussion, supply written resource material and add
professional and personal experience to the group.

Typical topics for discussion could include:

* drug facts and understanding addiction;

* understanding youth;

* communicating better with young people;

* coping with self-doubt, blame and anger;

* revisiting and reflecting upon parental values;

* inviting youth to take responsibility for their behaviour;

* stress management and self-care for parents;

* coping with emotions - yours and your child's;

* trusting and building upon the competence of your youth;

* drawing upon parental strength and experience;

* tapping into the positive power of relationship;

* understanding and managing peer influence.

Ongoing registration will be accepted for this program, which runs
Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p .m., Feb. 16 to May 25 at Riverside secondary
school, 2215 Reeve St., Port Coquitlam, Room 223.

The support group is free and refreshments and snacks are provided. To
register or for more information, call Jan or Randy at 604-464-3165.