Loving and Supporting Our Sons Workshop

Seen from left to right during the parenting workshop, are, from l to r, Joy Ogieva, Rosalee Green and Francesca Odunlade.
Seen from left to right during the parenting
workshop, are, from l to r, Joy Ogieva, Rosalee Green and Francesca Odunlade.

Loving and Supporting Our Sons Workshop

Edward Morris/Patrick Fennel1

 

In the midst of a chaotic world, every parent wants his or her child to be healthy, well adjusted and successful. If women are from Venus and men really are from Mars, it means that the development of our boys entails some very specific challenges.

Why does it seem that the older boys get, the more distant they become? How do we keep them engaged and motivated?

Part one of a free, interactive workshop sponsored by NCC Youth Services Department highlighted the different stages of boyhood. By gaining understanding of these stages, we can effectively prepare our boys to grow into self-confident, caring and purposeful young men.

“Our boys face so many challenges and obstacles, it’s imperative that they are given a strong foundation and the tools needed to help them make positive choices in life,” said Edward Morris, Director of Youth Services.

The workshop was facilitated by Patrick Fennell, Founder of Empowerment Solutions, an organization that specializes in the development of individuals by facilitating the skill of goal setting, applying a positive attitude toward life and improving interpersonal skills. Many of the participants felt the workshop, held at the NCC Neighborhood Center, was very insightful and gave them creative strategies for communicating and connecting with their sons.

“As a mother of three little boys, this workshop was so informative and empowering. Loved it!” said Francesca Odunlade, whose sons attend New Horizons Community Charter School in Newark, situated just down the street from the NCC Neighborhood Center.

Part two of the workshop will be held in April and will address the challenges our sons face due to the mixed messages they receive about masculinity.

 

 

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