GET DRUG INFO AT SHARE SESSIONS

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. 17 to May 26 at Riverside secondary
school, 2215 Reeve St., Port Coquitlam, Room 223. To register or for more
information, call Jan or Randy at 604-464-3165. Stay safe

Port Moody Community Services is offering a new program for young people
who are often home alone. Home Safe for Youth will teach kids the basics of
how to get home safely, stay safe when you they home, basic first aid and
dealing with strangers, and even teach them how to make some fun, easy and
healthy snacks. Home Safe - for kids 10 o 13 years old - runs 4 to 5 p.m.
on Wednesdays, Feb. 2 to March 9, at The Alley youth centre, 2732 St. Johns
St. in PoMo. Cost is $25 per person. Call 604-469-4556 to register.