Suggestions, please

[JaneBrown]

Hi, I'm a newbie to this site - but not to being a parent! My kids are now in their 20s and I work in Parent Support, working with parents of 5 - 16s. My question....I feel quite strongly that parents of teens miss out. Parents of Under 5s meet up at nursery / pre-school etc, Under 11s parents meet much more easily in the playground or at school activities. But once they hit secondary school a lot of that stops. More parents are working and therefore school-based (daytime) activities become impossible or, at the very least, difficult to organise. I've run some daytime courses in the schools where I'm based but I'm looking to set up some early evening groups. What I'd like to know from you, please, is what would you find useful in a group set up specifically for parents of teens? I'm thinking that I might do a few sessions with a specific focus (transition to secondary, bullying, peer pressure, challenging behaviour, internet - that kind of stuff) but also have time simply for talking ideas through. What would be your ideal set up? Thanks for reading and for any ideas you might have

I agree it's a bit of a culture shock when they move to secondary. You no longer know their friends or their parents and this comes at a time when a little more freedom is in order.
A lot of what you mention is covered by schools with the kids but seldom with parents, particularly those whose children are not causing any problems.
I think the sort of thing you have in mind might be most welcomed by the parents of new year 7s.Perhaps you could go along to the school open evenings and talk to the parents?

I don't know how easy this would be! I have two daughters 12, and 9, and they have busier social lives than me and my husband. Getting together with other mums in an evening would possible be hard due to taxi duties etc. I think it is a good idea, and I agree with you, but not sure how practical it would be. Good luck though x