It was easier to learn about parenting before middle school. There were books, playgroups and the kindness of strangers. Time passed; times changed. But useful advice is still needed, and here’s a great way to get some.

For the next five Tuesdays, take advantage of Tips for Parents of Teens, a partnership of GUSD, the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA and the Crescenta Valley Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition. Each session begins at 7:15 p.m. at The Y (1930 Foothill Boulevard, LCF), and they are free and open to the (adult) public.  Here’s the schedule:

May 15: Anxiety w/Pam Erdman, MFT. We know our kids are in constant overload from peers, social media, school, and a desire to please the adults in their lives. Naturally you want to ease your child’s burdens. Pam will talk about causes of anxiety and ways you can be better equipped to lessen its strain.

May 22: Drug Trends w/Glendale Police Officer Joe Allen. Do you know about K2, spice or bath salts? You should because some of these items are available in nearby shops and online. Joe will have samples of paraphernalia and other seemingly innocent household items that can be used in horrifying ways.

May 29: Negative Scripting w/Pam Erdman, MFT. Parenting can be so disappointing at times. We feel badly when we talk to our children in negative ways.  Come learn how you can break bad patterns.

June 5: Rules w/Pam Erdman, MFT. As teens get older, they want an equal say in rule making. In every family, some rules are open to negotiation and others are not.  We will discuss what they might be and how to stick to them.

June 12: What should my children do this summer? Pam Erdman, MFT, helps you answer the question. Without the structure school provides your family, is summer for relaxing, giving back, or gearing up? We will discuss the challenges of over-scheduling versus no schedule and ways to make sure summertime is special.

See you there!
Suzy Jacobs is the executive director of the CV Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coaliton.

  Suzy JACOBS