Over 50 parents were gathered at Church of St Ignatius to listen Br Collin Wee’s talk entitled “Compassion and Truth - Negotiating the Teenage Years”. The La Salle Brother himself has his fair share of experience raising teenagers, leading HopeHouse, a shelter for boys who have either been abandoned by their families or are in conflict with the law. He shared his experiences and lessons on how to communicate effectively with teenagers.

Br Collin shared that it was essential that parents cultivate a strong relationship with their children from young. As they grow up, he said that teens still need physical contact and emotional support from their parents. He explained that it was also important that parents give their teens the opportunity to be responsible, even if that meant they failed on occasion. However, when they did succeed, no matter the size of the achievement, praise and recognition needed to be given.

“Responsibility will help to increase the level of independence,” he said.

Br Collin shared that often teens acted out and were irresponsible due to a lack of adjustment.

“Sometimes it is not that they want to be irresponsible, it might be due to their family situation that they are upset with, or they are trying to win social approval through such behaviour,” he said.

Br Collin insisted that foremost, parents must be the parent; a guide, mentor and a model of a father or mother. It is important to hold the role of a parent because it helps to establish boundaries, rules, and guidance for children.

“Parents’ relationship has special qualities that can never be replaced by anyone. The son or daughter cannot take the parent’s role,” he said.

Compassion and Truth - Negotiating the Teenage Years aims to help parents to have healthy communication with their teens by using problems solving and negotiating techniques.

Check out the upcoming events and programmes at Catholic Family Life’s website.

Should you wish to organise similar talks to benefit people in your parish or organisations, please contact us at cfl@familylife.sg.