Teens and Their Choices
There are different needs for foster, adoptive, kinship, & biological parenting situations. This training can be customized to the needs of the audience.
Session Description
Why do teens make the choices they do? What could they possibly be thinking? How can we guide them into adulthood with the tools they need to lead healthy, productive lives?
In this interactive session, we’ll explore the development, neuroscience, and internal and external factors that impact teen choices and behavior…
So that you can better understand where your teen is coming from, why they are making the choices they are making.
You’ll also gain a methodology for cultivating positive, productive communication and
relationship with your teens. And a tool for communicating and reaching agreements through the teen years and beyond.
You'll Learn
- An understanding of how and why memories impact teen behavior
- How to better identify individual teen needs and perspectives
- An increased awareness of the impact of individuality, trauma, and maturity on teen behavior and decision making.
Intended Audience
- Parents of teens
- Adults working with teens
- Anyone supporting parents of teens in their roles
Level
1 - no previous training required
Time
Workshop - 90-120min
Deep-Dive - 2-4 hours
What to Expect
Throughout the session, Thomas C. Rector encourages audience participation and shares insights, examples, and experiences gained over 20 years of training parents, advocates, and professionals.
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In workshops and deep dives, the second half of the session is spent in a hands-on, interactive, role-playing activity that gets participants up and out of their seats and working together to implement the methodology.
Note: While not required, we recommend your teen concurrently attend a "Your Brain, Your Choice" session so that you both come away with a shared vocabulary and methodology for communicating and reaching agreements through the teen years and beyond.
What Past Participants of Teens and Their Choices Say
“This was a great presentation! I like the focus of developing a successful adult!"
-Ann L.
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St. Joseph Hospital “Just Ask!” Parenting Series, 2011
"Loved the presentation! Great information that is well presented!"
-Autumn B.
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CASA Del Norte, 2012
“It was interesting, practically helpful and left me feeling hopeful.”
-Krista C.
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Foster Parent Alliance of Washington State Pacific NW Caregivers Conference, 2022
“Thank you! Lots of useful information that can be used in personal/professional life.”
-Nicole S.
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Foster Parent Alliance of Washington State Pacific NW Caregivers Conference, 2022
“The brain research was very interesting. Since our job as foster parents is to make memories, it’s great to have conversations with the teens and show them the brain research as part of teaching SHRR.”
-Brian A.
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Foster Parent Alliance of Washington State Pacific NW Caregivers Conference, 2023
“Thank you for the ideas and information. It is helpful, practical, and applicable.”
-Litza G.
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Foster Parent Alliance of Washington State Pacific NW Caregivers Conference, 2023
Presenter: Thomas C. Rector
As a father of five, adoptive parent, a foster care mentor and trainer, CASA, and board member for child advocacy organizations, Thomas C. Rector brings a unique perspective to child advocacy and parenting.
He is a CEO, national speaker and presenter on BioSocial Cognition theory, and founder of Accrescent Institute, as well as the former Executive Director for CASA of Del Norte and Vice President of the NFPA Board of Directors.