I have mentioned my project here before, but I have been rather vague about what I’m doing. The project is beginning to develop a life of its own. I am bringing a program to my synagogue, Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, CA for teens and parents. We have had some teens who have been dealing with stress in their lives through self-mutilation, eating disorders and drugs. While in the past there might have been one or two teens with issues like these, we know have many more to where a program to address these issues is needed. I was astonished find out about these issues going on with our teens. I had not heard anyone talking about this before. I was inspired to take action where there was none. I have worked with teens before and really enjoyed it. My son is at the age where these issues are prominent as well. Talking with a teen can be difficult when as a parent you remember how much they talked to you when they were younger.

With help from URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) Family Division, we are able to bring a curriculum to the Hebrew High students. Training for teachers and staff will be made available to identify issues early and to improve communication. Often these behaviors are hidden and there is a lot of shame that surrounds them. Through this program we will encourage open discussions among teens and parents. We want to provide a support system for teens and their parents so they feel less alone when dealing with these often overwhelming issues. The program will also make the teens skilled in handling stress in ways that don’t hurt.

Our first program is a discussion for parents led by Annie Fox. On her website, she takes questions from teens all over the world as “Ask Terra.” Fox has a masters in education and his written two books:  “The Teen Survival Guide to Dating and Relating” and “Too Stressed to Think?”. Her program will present techniques for dealing with stress and for listening. The program is the evening of May 8.