*When:* Five consecutive Tuesdays, September 25 – October 23rd, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

*Where: *The Blue Room

Middle School health teachers Mary Sullivan and Carolyn Merrick are facilitating meetings for parents where we learn about and discuss adolescent growth and development in our present culture. Parents are welcome to attend any or all class meetings. Classes will begin with a didactic presentation and/or films on various topics followed by group discussions.

*This week ( October 9th) we will discuss adolescent sexuality. *Sexuality encompasses gender role and identity; physical changes and body image; relationships with family members, friends, and the larger community; and sexual activity. All of these issues loom large in adolescence, challenging students and parents. Knowing what is developmentally appropriate is helpful.

We will also focus on some of the more challenging aspects of parent-child interactions during adolescence. How does a parent successfully handle the normal “pulling away” of adolescents from their parents? How do we navigate through all of the developmental milestones that are normal but will create conflict and tension between parent and child? We hope to see you there.