What we’re about
Under-achievement. Self-sabotage. Endless texting. Friendships with Peers Who Act Out. Constant Social Media and Internet Browsing. Under-performing. Disrespect. Substance Abuse. Lack of Drive or Motivation. Mood Changes. Poor Relationships with Siblings or Other Family Members.
If you are a parent of a child who exhibits any of the above behaviors or issues, and you struggle with how to approach these problems and effectively, then this group is designed for you.
With the endless array of challenges both within the family and externally (changing economic conditions, heated academic, athletic, extracurricular and social competition, surging peer pressure, and the many negative effects of technological advancement), parents are literally attempting to parent in a "perfect storm."
What's more, scientific evidence suggests that the parent-child relationship is more conflictual than ever before, with many devoted parents reporting a sense of helplessness and frustration in their attempts to "get through" to their kids, support their children's growth and maturity, and feel close to their sons and daughters.
The goals for this group are twofold:
(1) to provide parents with a non-judgmental, sympathetic and supportive forum for sharing their parenting challenges;
(2) to offer parents brief didactic presentations on the psychological elements of parenting, family processes, and the dynamics of the parent-child relationship.
It is unfortunate that the work of researchers, theorists and clinicians who have amassed a considerable knowledge base on parenting and family dynamics rarely if ever actually reaches parents -- precisely the ones who can benefit from this information! Organizing and translating this knowledge into pragmatic, easy-to-understand principles that parents may then apply to actual parenting dilemmas is the driving force for establishing this group.
This Educational Support Group for Parents is facilitated by James Tobin, Ph.D. (www.jamestobinphd.com; 949-338-4388; email: jt@jamestobinphd.com), PSY 22074, a licensed psychologist based in Newport Beach, CA who devotes a significant portion of his practice to adolescents, parents, and families.
Please note that this meetup.com group is intended to be informational and supportive in nature, and as such does not constitute counseling or psychotherapy. Consultation with a mental health practitioner is recommended to address specific issues that group members may be experiencing.
