70% of two-parent families have both parents in workforce WHEN LAUREL Maxon’s 14-year-old son started acting up, she knew she needed help. “YT was starting to feel that I was cut of my league in dealing with a teenager,’’ she says. “Things were getting out of con- trol, and I felt I needed some guidance.”’ What she experienced was not atypical. “We just had some basic dif- ficulties that i think all parents with teenagers go through: a desire for independence, not wan- ting to do his homework, un- cooperativeness in doing things around the house, and expecting to stay up until midnight.’’ “But we were constantly in conflict, screaming and _ yelling, and I knew that that was not the way it should be.’’ Laurel and her husband turned to Nerth Shore Family Services Society GNSESS) for help. A non-profit United Way member agency that provides counselling services as well as a family life education program, NSFSS_ runs a parenting course called ‘‘Parents of Teens — Hop- ing for Harmony.’’ Laurel says the course heiped them learn how to communicate better with their son. “We also learned we weren’t alone. i think that was the most important thing —- that every family was going through the same kinds of testing, and that it was just a part of teenagehood.”’ A report recently issued by Family Service Canada states that the Canadian family is under siege. Threats from unemployment and tough economic times are af- fecting all families. Single-parent families are on the rise, and almost 70% of two- parent families have both parents Liattas amen ae By Janice Mucalov Contributing Writer in the workforce. Family violence is an alarming fact in our society. “But despite changing and uncertain times, the family in all its new forms still remains the most important foundation for loving, nurturing and supporting its members,’’ says Arlene Gladstone, executive director of NSFSS. “A nurturing family life,”’ she says, “helps its members grow and develop into happy, produc- tive members of society.” On those occasions when members perhaps fail in that task, or need or desire extra support or guidance, family service agencies can be a real lifeline. “Just knowing Family Service (NSFSS) is out there -— that there’s someplace to turn — is re- ally helpful,’’ says Laurel. This week from Oct. 7 to 13 is National Family Week. The week’s slogan, You've Got What It Takes, is a cali to action for families, politicians, program developers, business and com- munity leaders to exarnine what opportunities exist to strengthen and support the role families play in society. On the North Shore, NSFSS each year touches the lives of one in 14 family members. Some, like Laurel and her hus- band, participate in the 65 or more courses on topics ranging from parenting to couples com- munication to assertiveness train- ing. Others receive individual, cou- ii) STONE'S ON { JON sday, October 9, 1991 - North Shore News ~ 535 NEWS phote Cindy Gooeman ANDREW MADSEN (left) and a baby belonging to the Belding family who has yet to be named are two examples of what National Family Week is all about. ples, family or group counselling. The six Family Drop-In Centres scattered throughout the North Shore had 13,420 adult and child visits last year, and 65 volunteers provide sensitive support to ter- minally ill individuais and family members through the Palliative Care Prograin at Lions Gate Hospital and in the community, Many of the courses offered under NSFSS’ Family Life Educa- tion Program are aimed par- ticularly at giving parents or other caregivers positive suggestions for raising their children. Starting on Oct. 9, a new series of mini-lectures will address the three issues of maximizing a child’s best beginnings, daycare dilemmas, and preschool STORE HOURS DUNBAR & DOLLARTON Mon-Fr. Gam-3pm Sat §ara-?pm, Sun. 9am-6pm DUNDARAVE WEST VAN. Mon Wed 9am-7pm Thut-Fa 9an-Spm Sat-Sun. 9am-6om LYNN VALLEY NORTH VANCOUVER Mo1-Sat Sam-Spn Sun gam-6on readiness. Another group of six- or seven-week courses deals. in more depth with different develop- mental stages from the ‘crawling baby to the difficult teenager. And on Oct. 24, a new mini- lecture will explore how cver- extended, frazzled parents can balance work, home and family responsibilities. One exciting new project NSESS is looking at for the future is the possible permanent establishment of a North Shore Family Resource Centre. With a playroom, resource library and parent’s respite room, See Programs page 56 upeciaticing in Blinds and Praperies for over 7 years 4877 Marine Dr., N. Van. ¥4-28918 Progress Way, Squamish IL Whistler 984-4164 892-5357 232-6617 J