SUE BLANEY'S PLEASE STOP THE ROLLERCOASTER/PARENTING DISCUSSIONS -- 2008

Are you the parent of a teenager? Do you have questions about how to raise teenagers? Do you wonder what's normal behavior for teens? Then you may want to attend CP4Y's parenting discussions using the newly-revised, 2007 edition of Please Stop the Rollercoaster! How Parents of Teenagers Can Smooth Out the Ride by Sue Blaney.

Run like a book group, these parenting discussions are designed for parents of pre-teens and teenagers in grades 7 through 10 who want to better understand their kids and help them make the right choices. Some topics include: adolescent development, improving communication, friends and culture, risky behaviors, and personality type and brain development. There is no cost to participate, only for the workbook, which is $29.95. Visit www.pleasestoptherollercoaster.com for more information.

Parenting discussions will be held at various locations in the Chagrin Valley area. We will update this page regularly with information about new groups that are forming, including locations and contact people.

• Currently, two groups are meeting on the Chagrin Falls High School campus, one for parents of 7th and 8th graders, and one for parents of 9th and 10th graders. Contact Carol Nash (440-338-1089) for more information.

• Another group is forming in the West Geauga School District, with Polly Pirc (440-729-6471) as the contact person. All parents are welcome!

In the words of Sue Blaney, "parents of teens are too often isolated, unaware that their experiences mirror those of most other parents, and that support may only be as far away as your nearest neighbor. In my Rollercoaster program, I've provided the framework that enables parents to learn together and engage in the supportive, helpful discourse they yearn for in their living rooms, schools and faith communities."               

 CHAGRIN VALLEY YOUTH BOARD -- ONGOING

Research shows that civic engagement is a strong protective factor for young people. Our youth board, started in September 2006, allows members to demonstrate social awareness and civic responsibility through hands-on involvement. Goals include:

• identifying local and regional service opportunities,

• developing relationships between students at different schools,

•  building bridges between neighboring communities,

• assessing how communities meet the needs of  young people,

• having members take information back to home schools, and

• inspiring peers to contribute their time and talent toward common goals.

In 2006, the group selected Chagrin Falls Park Community Center as its service project beneficiary and raised $230.58 to purchase items for its food pantry.

16 youth board members represent seven public and private high schools in the Chagrin Valley. For more information, contact Youth Board Director Cindy Burg at hilltop.studio@yahoo.com.

EXPECT RESPECT* COMMUNITY PRESENTATION/MAILING -- 2007

In March, CP4Y sponsored Expect Respect, a powerful and dramatic free program for teens and parents about social stereotypes, healthy relationships, dating, and abuse.  Teenage actors from local high schools were featured in a series of real-life scenarios that brought to life:  

• gender role expectations,

• stereotypes that contribute to unhealthy attitudes,

• the abuse of power in dating and friendships, and

• how that abuse diminishes one’s dignity, self-esteem and spirit.

A follow up brochure was mailed in December, 2007.  Go to teen_date_abuse_mailer_inside.pdf for your copy.

DANGEROUS GAMES* COMMUNITY PRESENTATION/MAILING  -- 2006

Preteens and teenagers experiment with different types of dangerous games which pose serious physical and mental health risks.

In October, CP4Y sponsored Dangerous Games, a free community presentation on the dangers and risks associated with “huffing” (the use of inhalants), “The Choking Game,” and other self-harming behaviors, including cutting.

Wally Waldbauer, of Geauga County's Educational Service Center, brought a number of common household products with him and explained to the adult audience how these items can be abused by preteens and teenagers.

Lisa Ruman, MSSA, LISW, and Laurie Dye, RNC, LCDCll, both of Laurelwood Hospital, shared information on "The Choking Game" and cutting. A follow up brochure was mailed in June, 2007. Go to dangerous_games_newsletter_final.pdf for your copy.

PARENTS WHO HOST LOSE THE MOST* COMMUNITY PRESENTATION/MAILING -- 2006

In March, CP4Y held a free community presentation entitled “What families need to know about teen laws.” About 90 people attended, parents and teenagers alike.

Law enforcement representatives from four communities were guest panelists. They answered questions from audience members about curfews, parties, drinking, teens, and the law.  A follow up brochure was mailed in June, 2006. Go to CP4Y_brochure___teen_laws.pdf for your copy.

*Grant Information

Expect Respect and Dangerous Games presentations were made possible through a grant from ATO Charities.

Parents Who Host Lose the Most presentation was made possible through a grant from the Drug-Free Action Alliance.