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From: Jean Hayes
If you are in the unplanned role of parenting a child or children of friends or relatives, was stepping up to the challenge a surprisingly difficult adjustment?
For me as a grandparent, there is no doubt, that in the end, joys will out-weigh the problems. But I had been focused on the next phase of my life. I had not thought about handling issues that are new (such as ever-present technology and social media). I had not thought about child-rearing during retirement or the later years of my career when my life had more daily flexibility. And how do you handle the role confusion and questions about who has responsibility and authority ...especially if the parenting arrangements were made informally …or suddenly?
If you are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, older siblings, foster parents or friends, in an unplanned parenting/guardian role (formal or informal) join us! The group is somewhat self-directed, but Jen Whetstone, LICSW of Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center and Angela McQuinn, LSW Winona Area Public Schools are masters at facilitating discussion and providing information, referral and education.
Starting November 5, 2012, we have a new name (Stepping Up) and will start meeting in our new location at the Central School Building.
What: Stepping Up: To Parent the Children of Friends or Relatives
Purpose: Education and peer support
Who: People parenting children of friends or relatives
Whrn: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Central Elementary School 317 Market St - Room 114
Contact: Jen Whetstone 474-9320.
The group is open to anyone who thinks it might be helpful.
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