The Parenting Teenagers Workshop held recently at Kildare College brought together families filled with eagerness and excitement. Hosted by Joy Anasta, a highly experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with a deep connection to Kildare, the evening was filled with captivating wisdom and entertaining anecdotes. Joy skillfully guided, supported, and encouraged our families in the vital and rewarding role of parenthood.
As parents navigate the journey of raising teenagers, they are faced with both rewards and challenges. Embracing this important role with determination and gratitude is crucial. The teenage years are a tender phase where young individuals are shaping their identities. Families strive to strike a balance between nurturing their daughters' enthusiasm for the world and offering guidance without solving all their problems. It involves being the caring adult who believes in their potential, yet also holds them accountable for their actions and flaws.
Joy reminded us that parenting teenagers can feel overwhelming and isolating at times, but facing the challenges head-on is the only way forward. In a rapidly changing post-pandemic world, where daily commitments seem endless, it's easy to feel like we're spinning plates. However, embracing the journey and accepting that hard work is required brings us to the other side.
Teenagers need their parents' love, guidance, and support, just as they did as newborns. Embracing the process and putting in the effort are essential for both parents and teenagers to grow and thrive. It may not always be easy, but the rewards of successfully navigating this phase are immeasurable.
As Joy eloquently stated; we are all in this together. By persisting and cherishing the journey of parenthood, we create a strong and supportive foundation for our teenagers to flourish. The wisdom shared during the workshop resonated with everyone present, reinforcing the importance of mutual understanding, love, and acceptance on this remarkable journey called parenting.
