A three-evening course for parents of teenagers

We are the village

„We regularly want to empower our village and have been looking specifically at times when there is a lot of togetherness ahead. Advent and the Christmas holidays can both be a stressful time and a very rewarding period of togetherness. That's why we decided to put on this lecture marathon for the families,“ says Jóna Rán Pétursdóttir, prevention officer for the City of Hafnarfjörður.

The course spans three evenings and addresses issues that have been prominent in discussions about teenagers and families in recent terms. Mental well-being, the impact of social media, performance-enhancing substances, and the balance between warmth and clear boundaries in parenting are among the topics covered.

Three evenings – three different topics

a special style page.

Being your own best ally

Let's now look at the lectures together. The first one is about how young people can learn to stand up for themselves and deal with adversity, rejection, communication difficulties, and challenges in their studies and social life. We will be joined by the American expert Karen Bluth. Jóna says it is a great privilege to have her here in our fjord.

„We know our children won't walk on a pink cloud for the rest of their lives. There's a certain peace in being able to give them the tools to deal with difficult situations,“ she says, encouraging parents to take this time and get the necessary tools.

Teenagers and illegal drugs

On the second evening, we examine performance-enhancing substances, supplements and the marketing that teenagers encounter on social media. Representatives from the Medicines Agency review the research, facts and risks in an environment where teenagers are promised quick results.

„We see a lot of marketing and rapid development. In many ways, it's the old story of selling a desirable look, but now the pace has become faster and the promises are that success will be achieved instantly,“ says Jóna Rán.

She says it is important that parents and teenagers get information directly from professionals rather than from those with a vested interest in selling the products.

The art of being a boring parent

On the third evening, Ársæll discusses the balancing act of being a warm and supportive parent, whilst also setting clear boundaries. How do we respond when our patience is tested, and how do we maintain our composure when parenting becomes challenging?

„Generations have swung from one extreme to the other in parenting, from being very strict to primarily wanting to be friends with our children. Now we are trying to find the balance, holding on to trust and communication but also the boundaries that children need,“ says Jóna Rán.

The families choose or attend everything.

Jóna Rán says that when the education is offered for three consecutive evenings, families can choose the topics that appeal most to them or split the evenings between them.

„We've heard of parents who are planning to split it between them, with one going on one night and the other on another. Others are planning to attend everything. We know that parents are busy, with the children's after-school activities among other things, and with this we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take advantage of the training.“

• All the events are free of charge.

We encourage parents to attend, and of course you can bring your teenager along!