Support for Parents ofActing Out Youth :Support for Parents ofActing Out Youth


Have you met this child? :Have you met this child? Angry, and confrontational with authority Withdrawn, depressed, and/or self-harming Verbally and physically abusive, destructive Lies, manipulates, bullies Turns to drugs, alcohol, gangs


Have you met these parents? :Have you met these parents? Embarrassed by their child’s appearance and foul language Intimidated by their child’s displays of rage Frightened because they don’t know where their child is, or what he or she is up to Bewildered and angry about their loss of control


What’s going on? :What’s going on? Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s really going on You may be seeing a very different child than the one parents are encountering at home The child may paint a picture of abusive, controlling or uncaring parents Parents are frequently ashamed to let people know about the situation


The fact is... :The fact is... A large number of parents are coping poorly with their child’s acting-out behaviour They feel like they’re in a “war-zone” and that their lives are out of control They feel blamed or judged by friends, family members, the school, therapists They feel guilty and a failure as a parent


THEY ARE NOT ALONE! :THEY ARE NOT ALONE! And you can help them break the cycle and improve their family situation, by informing them about the Wellesley Parent Support Group Parents of acting-out youth need to know


Who we are :Who we are A non-profit, action-oriented, self-help support group for parents of disruptive youth Dedicated to helping parents find practical and positive ways to deal with their situation A “community” of support rather than an agency, service, or parenting course No waiting lists, no high fees


What our supportgroup offers parents :What our supportgroup offers parents Encouragement, hope, and support in a confidential, non-blaming atmosphere.


At weekly meetings :At weekly meetings Parents meet with parents who have experience in dealing with similar issues and situations. Parents develop an individual plan for the coming week, based on discussion with other parents. Problem solving, one step at a time!


Between meetings :Between meetings Weekly support for an action plan from a volunteer member Support at any time, for and by members Some examples of volunteer parent support: Telephone support In-person support at court or important meetings Support with procedures, forms and letters


Parent volunteers :Parent volunteers The Wellesley Parent Support Group is not run by professional counsellors, but by experienced parent volunteers All members contribute by Working on their own issues and weekly plan with the group Sharing with others what has been helpful and successful for them Providing support for other members


Our support group :Our support group Helps parents learn how to defuse the conflicts Helps parents build relationships while setting appropriate boundaries Helps parents change unhealthy family dynamics by changing their own attitudes, behaviour and language Helps parents seek and secure social services and professional assistance when needed


Our support group :Our support group Does not promise instant success Does not support physical violence or corporal punishment Does not have any religious or political, or agency affiliations Does not promote a parenting dogma Does not try to replace professional counselling or social services


Who can join :Who can join Parents Grandparents Step-parents Any adult responsible for an acting-out young person


A proven, successful support format :A proven, successful support format “I should have joined two years ago!” “I don’t know where I’d be without this group!” “The group has kept me strong through all the difficult times with my teenager!” “I wish I’d known about this group for my first teenager!” “I can say what I really feel here and no one is judging me!” “The support is fantastic. I really appreciate the calls during the week!” “I just feel better, knowing that I’m not the only one with these problems!”


HOPE for Parents :HOPE for Parents Mission Statement: HOPE is a community-based, parent-run organization that provides hope, encouragement, resources and education to parents of acting-out youth in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.


Referring Parents :Referring Parents For details about meeting times and locations, parents can call the 24-hour HOPE hotline: 1-866-492-1299 www.helpingotherparentseverywhere.com