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Do I have to be Catholic to participate?
Definitely NOT! Nor religious or anything else.
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Do I have to come very week?
No. Drop in when you can. Even if there's a series going, you
can drop in on any night and you'll hear a bit of review and information
that will stand on its own. We know everyone is busy. Plus,
it's our job to make it good enough for you to carve out time!
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What does it cost?
Nothing. If you'd like to bring snacks, that would be nice.
Sometimes we'll work through a particularly good book. You can order
it right from this site. And if you can't afford the book, come
anyways and we'll get you one on the sly.
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Is this counseling?
No. It's a bit of education and a lot of discussion, support and
fellowship.
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What age kids is this geared to?
It's focused on adolescence, puberty through young adulthood. Keep
in mind that today puberty begins as early as 9 or 10.
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Should I come if my kids are just toddlers or in
elementary school? Wouldn't it
be nice to start off on the right foot rather than figure it out as you go
along? Much of the "technology" of parenting, science of development
and physiology of teens is changing rapidly. And even great parents
can be more out-of-touch with youth culture than they think. All
parents are welcome.
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What about single parents, or divorced parents?
Good Parents Cafe is for ALL parents. It might
be especially good support for single parents!
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What if my husband won't go and it's only me?
Come on in. That's not unusual.
Hopefully your husband will notice your less stressed-out and improved
parenting and decide to try it.
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And if I'm the husband, how is this going to
help me? Will there be other men?
Hmm. Honestly, parent groups are usually
dominated by mothers. That's just our culture. But it's
run by a dad (me) and it will be worth your time or your money back!
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You haven't mentioned gay parents. Is
this because of the Catholic church's stand?
No. Just haven't gotten to it yet! This
is for ALL parents.
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Where is it, exactly?
At.
St. Clare Church in the Parish Center.
There are signs directing you where to go outside and inside the building
every Wednesday evening. If you click on
map you'll be taken
to a map of where the church is located.
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What subjects will be covered?
Communication. Sex. Addiction.
Friendship. Internet. Dating. Setting boundaries.
Adolescent Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Development.
Schoolwork. Stress. Play. Parent Physical, Emotional and
Relationship Health. Church. Sports. Grief. And
anything else that walks in the door with the parents or shows up in our
youth community.
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Is it private? Oooh,
really good question. We will often remind each other that "what's
said here stays here." But that is only as good as the people in the
room. Hopefully a spirit of trust will keep us all safe.
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Is this really for bad parents and just named Good
Parents Cafe to get us to come?
Nice try! NO! The parents who show up for parent education,
support or discussion are usually the good parents, anyways. If you
think you might be a "bad" parent, you'll probably LOVE Good Parents Cafe.
Usually parents discover that parenting can actually be easier and more
peaceful when you know what to do...and not to do!
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Who's running this and what makes them the experts?
Mike Ashland. Parent of 3, Youth Minister for
30 years, currently teaching Confirmation at St. Clare's. 21 years
running parent education and support groups. Founder of Tears Crisis
Intervention and Good Parents Cafe.
