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Press Releases:

MYCP Hosts First-Ever Conscious Parenting Seminar

MARATHON (383 words) – Most parents know parenting is a challenge and some would like to increase their ability to meet the challenge. In March Monroe Youth Challenge Program partnered with the Monroe County School District to develop a pilot program which provided a workshop to assist parents in a first-ever Conscious Parenting Seminar for mothers and daughters in the Middle Keys.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP) Director Sunny Booker said, “We need to work together -- whatever it takes -- to help students succeed. That’s why we created this Conscious Parenting pilot program.”

MYCP, a grass-roots, non-profit organization under the Monroe County Education Foundation, hosted the free two-day Conscious Parenting Seminar this month in Marathon. Judy Greenman and her daughter Katie who is a junior at Marathon High School co-taught the course. “While I have the parenting and teaching experience, Katie’s expertise was needed to lead the ice breaker and team building activities,” said Greenman.


Photo Credit: MYCP
Left to right are Suzie, Judy (their mom) and Katie Greenman at another MYCP sponsored event. Judy and Katie recently co-taught a mother-daughter Conscious Parenting pilot program in Marathon for MYCP.
  
The Conscious Parenting Seminar included self-discovery methods to increase choice, ease communication and improve connection. Specific skills included techniques for relaxation and self care, setting boundaries, language to get positive results, listening, engaging cooperation, plus problem solving, helpful praise and constructive responses.

Greenman said, “We gave the three sets of moms and daughters in this pilot program awareness and new skills to increase empathy, curiosity and communication. If they practice them, both mothers and daughters will feel more validated and enjoy a greater connection.” A follow-up session is set for early May to assess their progress, re-address what’s needed and teach new material.

When asked what she liked most about the session, one mother responded, “The quiet talk, sharing concerns without being too specific and the relaxation technique.” She added, “I really look forward to sharing this experience in a positive way with my daughter who is very stressed out about standardized testing.”

In addition to this parenting program a parent resource library is being compiled by Monroe County’s Office of Safe Schools. For more information about the library please visit http://www.keysschools.com/departments/SafeHealthySchools/parents.asp

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information about this project or any other MYCP-sponsored program call MYCP Director Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 or visit www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.

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