Thom will utilize his unique life experiences to inspire, challenge and motivate parents in their relationships with their children. Thom has three special needs children labeled: gifted, dyslexic and ‘profoundly retarded.’ Throughout his personal talk he tells the story of a father learning how to recognize, appreciate and admire the individual talents of his children while addressing their special needs. He reminds us that we cannot learn or succeed on our own. He celebrates the importance of the school community in the development of each student and each parent. Thom’s talk refocuses us on what is important- each other.
The school community will decide on the ‘at-risk’ issues that they feel are affecting their students. Thom will choose one of his associates for each of these pressing topics.
The forum will start with a large group welcome and brief synopsis of the program. Then parents will be asked to choose a topic area of interest. Parents will break into small groups facilitated by Thom’s associates to discuss the specific topic, practical strategies and communication techniques.
Thom’s associates will facilitate the conversation with respect to the expertise in the room. They will allow for parents to share openly current challenges and successes. The facilitator will ensure that the conversation is constructive and purposeful. The program’s goal is to leave the parents with a renewed set of skills and with a conversation that can continue into their homes and their communities.
The most impactful parent programming is often in combination with the most impactful student programming.
Parent and student programming is successful when it generates new awareness and understanding, and impactful when it creates a conversation that encourages creative thinking, positive decision making and open communication.
The design of Parent/Student Dialogue creates these conversations by establishing a safe environment where students and parents share openly their concerns, challenges and hopes.
The program will start with a keynote speech setting the tone for respectful, constructive and proactive conversation. Then students and parents will be invited into small group discussion about a topic of their choosing. These topics will be predetermined by adolescent issues specialists, the students.
The small groups will be facilitated by one of Thom’s associates. The facilitator will ensure that a respectful environment is maintained. The conversation will focus on how students and parents can work together to establish trust, safety and open communication about uncomfortable topics.
We find that parenting programs grow with time. We recommend that parenting programs occur periodically throughout the school year. This multi-program approach invites parents into the school for a positive, meaningful experience allowing for a sense of community to be established.
