Encouragement from the Parent Partnership Academy

Bonita's Specialized Services Hosts Parent Partnership Academy at BCA

Parents, it's normal to feel shame and embarrassment about imperfect parenting and challenging relationships with teenagers. In fact, it's pretty common to feel primarily regret for mistakes of the past and fear about how your kids will turn out in the future. But it's that regret and fear that often keep us from experiencing the small joys in the now.

Tyler Durman, a Bonita Unified favorite, spoke at the Parent Partnership Academy at the Bonita Center for the Arts on February 4, 2017, encouraging parents with his empathy and insights. "We make choices in our parenting based on what we think will get us to our goal," Durman said. "The problem is that we haven't changed our goal since our kids were two years old."

Babies need two basic functions from their parents--protection and provision (first pie chart below). But as they grow, they need a third, critical function in order to become independent. They need to be prepared...and parenting with that goal in mind can be the key to more harmonious relationships and more successful outcomes.

 

The event started with a performance by the students in the Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST) class at Allen Avenue Elementary. Each of the children had a role in demonstrating their knowledge of core words. As the students left stage, one turned to his classmates and cheered, "We did it!"

Director of Specialized Services Carl Coles praised the students for their courage in coming on stage. "We are here to celebrate what these students can do, and what they can't do yet," Coles said.

After Durman's address, parents attended multiple break out sessions to collaborate and learn.

Many thanks to the Parent Partnership Academy Committee:
Carl Coles, Kris Boneman, Alicia Cantwell, Sheri Dill, Liberty Grammer, Marissa Little, Margaret McDonald, Kenny Ritchie, Melissa Vercautren, Dolores Vigneault, and Danielle Walker

Thanks to the following volunteers:
Best Buddies from both Bonita High School and San Dimas High School, Bonita Unified Workability Students, FAST classes from Allen Avenue Elementary, Lone Hill Middle School Leadership, and Ramona Jazz Band

Thanks to the following contributors/Vendors:
Autism Spectrum Athletics
Dr. Justin Shuffer
ESGV SELPA Community Advisory Committee
Law Office of Christopher A. Poulos
National Alliance on Mental Health
Parent's Place
Pathways at UCLA Extension
Red Dragon Karate
Wayfinder Program/Fresno State University
Bonita Unified School District Workability Program