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Parenting Discussion Group Program:
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 We offer Leader's Guides for secular, Christian and Jewish parenting groups. |
Please Stop the Rollercoaster! is the acclaimed guide for busy parents of teenagers who find themselves unsure of their changing role. Grounded in research, this book offers a wealth of practical, succinct information. It guides parents to examine and discuss the most important issues they are likely to face. The hands-on approach helps parents understand their developing adolescent. This book is aimed for parents with teens in grades 6 - 11, and is approved by the National Middle School Association. Leader's Guides for Parents and Professionals who want to lead "Rollercoaster" parent groups |
We offer three different Leader’s Guides for parent and professional discussion leaders:
- Leader's Guide and Program Manual - this secular version is perfect for most general, community and school settings, and the program is often run by school counselors and other professionals or parent leaders,
- Christian Leader's Guide and Program Manual - co-authored by a Lutheran Minister/Family Therapist, this is perfect for mainline church groups and Christian schools.
- Jewish Leader's Guide and Program Manual - co-authored by a Jewish Family Educator/Family Therapist, this is the right choice for groups in a Jewish setting.
How the "Rollercoaster" program works:
- Groups can be self-directed groups and run like a book group or
- Groups can be facilitated by parent or professional leader
- All participants are required to have their own copy of Please Stop the Rollercoaster! as it contains the course material and functions as a workbook. Group discounts are available.
In either case:
- Participants read a chapter from Please Stop the Rollercoaster! in advance of a meeting. There are eight chapters, corresponding to eight two-hour meetings*.
- Each chapter focuses on a major topic that is vital to raising typical teenagers.
- Chapters are designed to be a quick read, so parents spend more time together discussing issues and less time reading.
- We recommend that groups meet about every two weeks (however, this is flexible and groups can create a schedule that meets their needs.)
- Over the course of the program parents discuss the range of issues they are likely to face. By quoting leaders and important research, we synthesize essential information, saving time for parents.
- We expose parents in the group to popular books and resources they may wish to examine further.
- Participants gain additional value when they discuss the issues together; that is when personal connections are made and the learning becomes actionable.
Supporting Leaders - Every Step of the Way
- Facilitator training is recommended but not required. Sue Blaney offers training in two 90-minute tele-seminars. Additionally, she is available to run in-person Train-the-Trainer sessions, appropriate for groups.
- We provide directions for organizing and running the meetings. You will be supported step-by-step through the process so you can focus on guiding your "Rollercoaster" parents through a successful experience
- Recruitment tools and instructions for running each meeting are included. Additionally, we offer various training options for those who wish to be trained as group leaders.
- We are available to provide ongoing guidance, helping you every step of the way. Online connection with other "Rollercoaster" group leaders will be available on this website soon.
- We offer suggestions for alternatives if you need to shorten or expand this program so it works for your group's specific needs.
What People are Saying:
"I walk away each time my group meets with ideas of how to do things differently. The book is a springboard for great ideas."
-Nancy Gardiner, Trumbull, CT
"This book, more than any other parenting book I've read, gets people talking. It's the beginning of a dialogue that will help you through the rough spots of parenting your adolescent."
-Carole Heaton, Roswell, GA
"We just finished a discussion group . and it really was a great experience for all of us. We found ourselves referring to the book between sessions to help figure out what was going on with our kids. It really does clear up a lot of the mystery about what is happening in their heads."
-"Rollercoaster" Parent
Call Us: 1-800-234-2150
Choose the Guide that's Best for You and Your Group
Leader's Guide and Program Manual - this secular version is perfect for most general, community and school settings, and the program is often run by school counselors and other professionals or parent leaders.
Christian Leader's Guide and Program Manual - co-authored by a Lutheran Minister/Family Therapist, this is perfect for mainline church groups and Christian schools.
Jewish Leader's Guide and Program Manual - co-authored by a Jewish Family Educator/Family Therapist, this is the right choice for groups in a Jewish setting.
