Roots And Wings Takes Flight

Nobody ever said that parenting would be easy or as much fun and fulfilling as it is in reality. Parenting today is more challenging than ever before. Previous generations didn't deal with video games, 24-hour TV networks, and of course, the double-edged sword called the Internet. Our children face dangerous risks, including alcohol, drugs and sex. We as parents must nurture and prepare our children to deal with these challenges.

The parenting workshop, aptly entitled, "Roots And Wings: Raising Resilient Children," was sponsored by the Garden City Community Council on Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention. This four-session course, facilitated by LI-CADD (Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.), was held at the Garden City High School during April and May, 2007. The workshop pro-vided practical information and parenting techniques for raising strong, re-silient children. The program is based on current scientific research from the renowned Hazelden Foundation. The "ROOTS AND WINGS" course is designed for parents of children in kindergarten through fifth grade, however, the lessons are applicable to parents with children of all ages.

Parenting techniques that have proven to be protective factors against the risks of alcohol and drug abuse were discussed in detail. The course content is applicable to daily life with young children, for example, setting clear expectations with definite conse-quences, protective factors such as the importance of family traditions and rituals, all of which help to give children a sense of belonging, build self-esteem and resiliency.

Parent attendee, Vicki Curtin, states, "I found the class to be very pertinent and can honestly say that I have made some changes based on the materials covered. The subject and manner in which it was presented lends itself to each individual taking from it what they needed. I strongly urge other parents to attend these sessions the next time they are held."

"This class is an invaluable parent resource," according to attendee, Cathy Wood. "It is powerful and empowering to parents. As parents, we are the most influential people in our children=s lives. We can help them develop resiliency, the ability to withstand and bounce back from problems. The 'Roots And Wings' program helps parents plant the seeds of prevention and teach children to make positive choices."

For those who missed this invaluable initial opportunity, this program will be offered again during the 2007-2008 school year. Be on the lookout for the program details in various community publications, such as local newspapers, the Garden City School District website (www.gardencityK-12.ny.us), or contact the Garden City Community Council on Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention at gccommunitycouncil@gmail.com. We as parents have the ability to shape our children's future. Knowledge is power.