Project PATCH presented a weekend seminar in Portland, Ore., to answer a growing need for equipping and empowering grandparents to become effective parents to their grandchildren.
"In one week we received seven phone calls from grandmothers raising their grandchildren and wanting help," says Chuck Hagele, executive director of the Christian nonprofit organization, which runs a 169-acre ranch and behavioral treatment center for teens in Idaho.
"Parenting tools used two generations ago are no longer effective," says Laura Montané, Project PATCH admissions coordinator and seminar presenter. "Some methods are simply illegal now, and others are inadequate when it comes to dealing with kids affected by divorce, abandonment, loss or trauma."
Attendees' concerns included technology, conflict, improving their grandchildren's attitudes and academics, and relating with teens. "Many expected to get 'ammunition' to use against their teens," says Hagele. "They left understanding that connecting and communication lead to stability, trust and the ability to deal with difficult topics."
One attendee wrote, "Implementing the methods I learned at the seminar was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I don’t know if I’m doing it all right, but it’s working!"
Project PATCH plans to hold additional seminars in the Portland, Ore., and Boise, Idaho, areas this summer. For more information on Project PATCH and its speakers and seminars, email info@projectpatch.org, call 360-690-8495 or visit projectpatch.org.
Laura Montané, Project PATCH admissions coordinator, discusses how to improve communication between grandparent and grandchild.
