Joan says:

How about having a ’support’ group just to get together and talk about these issues without it having to be a bookclub that eventually ends?

If someone were to ask you what concept in Price of Privilege left the greatest impression on you, what would you tell them?

One of the questions covered at the February 7th Book Club Meeting was based on a statement on page 122.  “Parents need to have clear expectations and appropriate consequences as they help their teenager learn how to manage difficult situations.”

The question posted on the discussion sheet….What consequence might you give or deem appropriate if you found an illegal substance in your 16 year old’s nightstand for the first time?

I remember taking the S.T.E.P. classes when my children were very young.  One thing that helped me in the elementary years was having a “bag of reasonable and logical consequences” for my kids.  It helped me react appropriately to situations (particularly sibling issues) instead of over-reacting.  When my kids didn’t treat eachother so well it made me crazy.  Too crazy.  Once I had pre-planned consequences that I could pull out that seemed reasonable for the situation, I was able to handle things much more rationally.

A comment made at the meeting last night made sense to me.  “Be responsive.  Don’t be reactive.  They will tune you right out.”  It’s the same thing now as it was then.  Thinking ahead about what makes sense.  So, regarding the question above,  what you would do if you found illegal substances in your child’s room?  I know what I think I would do…but I would like some input.

Do you think a greater emphasis on faith would help mitigate some of the problems raised by Levine? (By faith, I do not mean religious formalities, but rather things like understanding God’s role in their lives, understanding how God relies on them to do His work for others, identifying and developing the gifts God gave them, etc.) I guess what I am really asking is what, if anything, would you emphasize from a faith perspective?

I would like to read comments on Part 1 Discussion Questions – #12.
What can we do to develop the safety nets described?

Loved the Jan 17 meeting — GREAT DISCUSSION!
Thanks.

From Shari in Michigan |

For those who have read the book, I would be interested for each of you to respond with a single thing you will try to do differently ( or will try to emphasize) as a result of reading the book.

From Dani…

OMG! Last night was awesome!I was really blown away by the discussion. I learned things; got great ideas from other parents on specific issues; and felt connected with everyone there even though we had children in all different “life” places.

I didn’t want to stop listening/talking/learning when the hour was up. Having Tony DiBiasio there added so much depth and balance to our conversation. Keep coming TONY!

30 parents showed up – that was amazing. I hope even more new people come next time. There was even a mom who hadn’t read the book yet who came and totally enjoyed the discussion (she told me she was going to hurry up and get the book so she’ll be even more involved in the next discussion group.)

This was a great hour spent – I’m bringing my husband next time. Thanks Diane and Elizabeth – you did a fantastic job, well done!

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