Family Trauma-part 9

I am in a series that is taken from an article in Group magazine called, Coaching Kids Through A Family Trauma.Once again, no quotes as I am copying the article in full.  My thoughts however will be in Orange.

8.  To have a safe haven where they can be themselves.

Your kids need support from solid, caring adults and teenagers the kind of support a close-knit youth group can provide.  Researchers have discovered that kids in challenging families have much better outcomes if they have one positive adult supporting them.  You can be this important person!  The key is to create a confidential, accepting environment for them to find refuge.  Listen well to them, empathize, and acknowledge their pain.

I have had so many teenagers share with me life issues they have and I feel honored that we have built that trust with them.  I am blessed to have an incredible youth staff who come from a various life experiencesreceive. who really do care about your teens.  We are careful to never tell a student that this will remain confidential but instead share with them that they need to trust us that we will do the best we can with the information that we