Yokota hosts Parenting Class

Yokota Air Base, Japan -- Members of the Family Advocacy and Yokota Middle School kicked of their biannual Active Parenting of Teenagers class at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 26, 2018. This was the first of four classes open to base families, with the other classes being held on March 5, 12 and 19.

This course provides all parents with helpful information, practical skills, and support to increase family resources during this critical time of transition.

“The world of the 21st century is tough on teenagers,” said Von Borg, Adolescent Support and Counseling Services clinical supervisor and counselor. “At the same time, the adolescent brain is going through its greatest change and development since infancy. There are vital tasks of adolescence necessary for their smooth transition to adulthood. The way we parent our kids provides an enormous opportunity towards their success.”

During the class, the instructors covered the basic types of parenting styles such as ‘helicopter parenting’ that focuses on hovering, protecting and rescuing; dictator parenting that focuses on my way or the highway; and consultant parenting that focuses on allowing kids to make decisions, experience the consequences and learn.

The class also covers normal teenage development and behaviors that stem from it, how to keep your cool with your teen, the importance of keeping a good connection with your teen, the primary use of natural, and logical consequences and how to stay out of power struggles.

“This class is important for both my wife and I because we want to have the tools to better understanding on ways to approach our teens,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Aquino, 374th Contracting Squadron quality assurance flight superintendent. “We liked the small group environment and listening to other parents on how they are dealing with their teens. Taking part in the class has given us a better perspective of out parenting styles along with ways to strengthen our weaknesses.”

The APT class is another avenue adults can use to obtain knowledge that will help them become better parents for their children now and in the future.

“We host this class to support parents during a typically very trying and sometimes confusing time with their children,” said Thomas Eaton 374th Force Support Squadron Family Advocacy outreach manager. “While offering these parents a quality meeting place to support each other, we will also expose them to some valuable material that we hope will help them become better parents.”

For more information on attending the class, contact Family Advocacy at 225-3649.