An RC Group for My Son, His Friends, and Their Moms
I recently led a small RC group for my son, two of his friends, and their moms.
First I said a little about why we were meeting and about the discharge process. I mentioned that I had grown up using Co-Counseling and had participated in young people’s support groups. I said that it had made a big difference to me so I thought it might be something the young people would like. Then we all shared a “new and good.” Next I spoke about young people’s oppression and how hard it is. I didn’t say much. Then everyone had a minute to talk about what was good about being their ages.
The young people asked us adults to also share what we’d liked about being the ages of the young people. Then the young people each got three minutes to talk about what was hard about being their age. A couple of them were close to tears. After that, they had two minutes each to tell us anything they wanted us to know, do differently, or never do again. Then each child and parent paired up and appreciated one another. After that, the children asked if we could all appreciate everybody, so we did.
There were lots of snacks, much moving around, and many jokes throughout the evening.
I asked the young people if they wanted to do it again, and they said, “Yeah, like every day.” We settled on once a month. Later that evening my son was able to have a big session, and before bed he climbed into my arms and shook hard before dropping off to sleep.
This class didn’t take much time, and it added so much to all of our lives.
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of parents
(Present Time 191, April 2018)