Michaelangelo Lobato
By BERNADETTE LAURITSEN
Family Strengths Network (FSN) and its Family Resource Center take their programs on the road later this month, with the help of the DWI Planning Council.
The duo has teamed up to offer a free class for parents of teenagers, called Love and Logic. The class is held 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Los Alamos High School Saturdays, starting Feb. 28 and continuing through March 21 at Los Alamos High School. They will be taught by Michaelangelo Lobato, Chamisa Elementary School counselor and former Teen Center director.
“All teens make mistakes and instead of blaming, we teach them to take accountability, which does two things,” Lobato said. “It makes them responsible for their actions and kids are a lot less defensive when we talk instead of blame.”
Often families may feel overwhelmed or in over their heads before they need resources and by offering a class of this nature, the DWI Planning Council and FSN, hope to educate before a problem arises.
“I really enjoy teaching Love and Logic because it provides simple solutions, tips, and techniques,” Lobato said. “It provides a good blueprint to teach kids responsibility and to hold them accountable for their actions.”
The course information works for families with all age children, but many parents tend to get off course with things like work, taking care of aging parents and the many obstacles life throws their way. This class may just save you some time and heartache along the way.
The humorous, interactive classes will help to polish up communication skills that allow one to handle issues like tobacco use or drinking, teenage anger, angst or even the issues that come along with driving. The tools are easy to acquire and the investment of a little time will pay off in major gains throughout the teen years,
“Spend quality time with your children every week,” he said. “We are all so busy in our daily lives, but the greatest gift we can give our children is our time.”
FSN have served local families in Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico since 1989. More information is available about this private non profit organization by calling 505.662.4515 or visiting www.lafsn.org.
