Learning together: Parents form an interconnected “web of strengths.”[/caption]

Within the lively halls of Nederland Elementary School, parents and caregivers converged with warmth and a shared vision of fostering confident children. Another enlightening chapter of TEENS, Inc.’s Mountain Strong Families Program unfolded, titled Ensuring Confidence and Self-Worth in Your Child. This sixth installment attracted families eager for invaluable insights and strategies to nurture their children’s self-esteem.

The evening commenced with a heartwarming family dinner of vegetable or chicken curry generously provided by TEENS, Inc. As children gathered in the library for their activities, parents retreated to the Kiva at Nederland Elementary School to partake in a grounding exercise. Led by the charismatic Chrissy Quinlan, TEENS, Inc. Parent Educator, the exercise invited parents to tap into love and compassion, creating an atmosphere of connection before delving into the evening’s exploration.

The heart of the session focused on the concept of self-worth, where Quinlan, with her wealth of experience, expertly navigated the intricate waters of positive self-concept and self-esteem. Parents were prompted to introspect on their thoughts and feelings about themselves, acknowledging the profound impact these reflections have on their children’s development.

Quinlan emphasized the pivotal role of parents and caregivers in shaping their child’s self-worth, reminding everyone that fostering self-worth is a journey parents embark on together. Positive or adverse childhood experiences lay the foundation, with parental self-worth as a crucial catalyst.

The activities designed for interactive engagement became a bridge, bringing parents closer and helping them recognize the strengths inherent in their supportive community. In this interconnected web of strengths, parents gathered to celebrate each other’s positive qualities, fostering a profound sense of unity that resonated beyond the session.

One notable element was the yarn-sharing circle, which symbolized our interconnected strengths. Parents took turns sharing their strengths, weaving a metaphoric web demonstrating the power of collective support. As the yarn passed from one participant to another, a tangible reminder of the group’s interconnected strengths emerged.

A Toni Morrison video served as a powerful illustration of the transformative impact of expressing delight in our children. Quinlan urged parents to actively engage in crafting praise statements for their children for simply being.

The room buzzed with the sound of parents penning heartfelt affirmations, acknowledging the profound influence of consistent positive reinforcement. The subsequent exploration of labels and their impact on a child’s self-worth became a thought-provoking journey, deepening our understanding of the intricacies of developing positive self-worth.

The session extended its exploration into the significance of labels and their impact on a child’s self-worth. A thought-provoking video highlighted the influence labels can have on shaping identity. Parents engaged in a lively discussion, sharing experiences and challenges related to the labels they or their children had encountered.

The culmination involved an exercise in reframing labels. Parents were encouraged to spotlight their children’s strengths over perceived shortcomings, fostering a positive narrative. “My daughter is not bossy; she is a leader!” shared one parent. Quinlan emphasized the power of language in shaping self-perception and how this exercise could contribute to building a resilient and positive self-concept.

As the session approached its conclusion, Quinlan reminded attendees of the significance of mindful parenting. She emphasized the need for critical thinking to counter societal influences on self-worth and encouraged parents to cultivate an environment where their children can thrive as confident and self-assured individuals.

Anticipation for the next session on April 16 permeated the room, promising additional insights into creating limits, routines, and family rituals for children’s safety and empowerment in an ever-changing world.

TEENS, Inc. stands as a beacon of unwavering support for local families, offering more than just knowledge - a nurturing community. With free dinner and childcare provided at every Mountain Strong Families event, accessibility is amplified. TEENS, Inc. strives to create a community of empowered parents dedicated to fostering confident, self-assured children. Those interested in participating can contact betsy@teensinc.org to register for the April 16 session or to gather more information.

The journey continues, weaving together families in the tapestry of parenting wisdom and community connection. As we navigate the intricate journey of raising children, TEENS, Inc. remains a guiding light, offering insights, shared experiences, and a community of parents dedicated to empowering the next generation. The warmth and laughter within the walls of Nederland Elementary School echo the shared commitment to nurturing confident, self-assured children - ensuring a brighter future for all.