Edugraph Organised Workshop for Guiding Parents of Teenagers Towards Positive Parenting

“Children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and nurtured,” states the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Yet, the journey to foster such an environment can be challenging for many parents, particularly those who may not have experienced these feelings in their own childhood.

In a rapidly evolving world where gadgets are quickly replacing genuine human connections and conversations are reduced to fleeting social media exchanges, the art of parenting requires continuous learning, understanding, and adaptation.

Recognising this need, The Telegraph Online Edugraph organised an exclusive workshop titled Parenting Teens – Connecting, Coaching, and Cultivating Life Skills on September 8, 2024, where the serene Alka Jalan Foundation, served as our venue partner.

The session was led by the renowned counselling psychologist and education consultant; the Strategic Advisor at the Centre for Cultural Research and Training (CCRT) and Founder-Director of Ummeed, a holistic counselling, training, and consultancy platform; Salony Priya, whose extensive experience in guiding parents and teens made her the ideal facilitator for this enriching event.

On a relaxed Sunday afternoon, parents of teenage children and educators from various schools gathered in droves at the venue, filling the hall with an atmosphere charged with anticipation and hope. The room was filled to capacity, a proof of the eagerness of parents and educators wanting to connect better with their teenagers – hoping to listen, learn, and apply the wisdom that Salony Priya had to offer.

Her approach blended evidence-based strategies with heartfelt anecdotes, providing a much needed perspective on the nuances of effective parenting.

Key Takeaways from the 'Parenting Teens' Workshop

Over two transformative hours, parents were guided through various aspects of parenting that are often overlooked in the hustle of everyday life:

• Building Stronger Connections: Priya emphasised the importance of understanding the teenage mind – its conflicts, its curiosities, and its quest for independence. Through interactive exercises, parents explored meaningful ways to connect deeply with their teenagers, building bonds that go beyond the surface.

• Empowering Through Challenges: From navigating the stormy waters of adolescence to addressing the increasing pressures of academic and social life, parents learned how to empower their children to face these challenges head-on and develop critical life skills.

• Creating a Supportive Home Environment: Priya highlighted how a nurturing home atmosphere can be the bedrock of a teenager’s growth. Practical tips were shared on how to create a positive, growth-oriented environment that encourages resilience and self-confidence.

• Interactive Learning and Real Life Scenarios: One of the most engaging parts of the workshop was the role-playing exercises and group discussions where parents tackled real life scenarios. The room was abuzz with laughter, empathy, and camaraderie as parents shared their experiences and learned from each other.

A Dialogue, Not a Monologue

Salony Priya's insightful talk was only the beginning. The real magic unfolded during the interactive question and answer (Q&A) session, where parents candidly expressed their concerns ranging from managing screen time to understanding the silent language of a teenager’s emotions. Salony Priya's responses were a blend of deep psychological understanding and practical wisdom, providing parents with new tools to navigate the delicate dance of parenting teens in a digital age.

Parents walked away not just with strategies but with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in their parenting journey. They left inspired to implement what they had learned, to connect more deeply with their teens, and to approach the trials of adolescence with empathy and patience.

A Step Towards Positive Parenting

At its core, the Parenting Teens workshop underscored the significance of 'Positive Parenting' – an approach that nurtures the parent-child relationship, inspires the child, and prepares them for the broader lessons of life. The event was a reminder that parenting is an ever evolving skill, one that requires continuous reflection, learning, and, above all, love.

As we wrapped up this enlightening session, it was evident that the bonds forged and the insights gained would resonate with these families long after they left the hall. With such an initiative, The Telegraph Online Edugraph ensured that this event did not turn out to be just another workshop but a stepping stone toward a more thoughtful and connected approach to parenting.