Liberty Park Middle hosting parent awareness meeting

Parents can learn how to handle teenage drama at a Vestavia Parent Awareness Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The meeting is at Liberty Park Middle School from noon to 1 p.m. Angela Hayes, a licensed counselor who practices Vestavia Hills, will present and then answer questions from parents.

Hayes will cover changes in the way teenagers react to things, student attitudes and parent-student relationships.

“One main goal every time we do this, especially having people from the outside to speak, is to give parents the opportunity to ask questions from experts,” said Liberty Park Middle School Counselor Tre Munger. “…A lot of the time, they kind of feel like they have already exhausted all of their efforts within the school or they don’t know who to contact with the schools.”

Munger also said he hopes the meetings, which are held once a quarter, will serve as a way for parents to get involved. Secondary schools don’t provide as many opportunities for parents to come in and volunteer, but attending these events allows them to see how the school operates.

“I think it’s extremely good outreach,” Munger said.

Hayes plans to cover five tips for how to handle teen drama in her presentation.These points include keeping your emotions in check, not being on the defensive, encouraging teens to rise above the drama, being a great listener and taking on a non-judgmental role. Hayes will discuss all of these points and also has a handout for parents to take home following the meeting.

While the meeting is at lunch time, food is not provided. But Munger said parents can bring their own food to the presentation. To RSVP, contact Munger at 402-5459 or mungerjm@vestavia.k12.al.us.