These are recovering addicts trying to reconnect with children they've neglected or ignored while they chased a high. The children, coming out of chaos, just want to have fun and be in a place where they don't feel different. For 15 weeks, one evening a week, they meet with counselors and other staff members of the Strengthening Families Program, whose purpose is to stabilize families and stop the cycle of addiction. This group has met 11 times. Adults are learning to set limits, to discipline without hitting or being hostile, to be heard without screaming.
Kids practice paying attention, keeping good eye contact, coping skills, manners.
Setting strong goals On an early April evening, Gwen Weakfall sat in a circle with other mothers and counselors in a classroom at Hastings and Kensington avenues. Just as parents do everywhere, she talked about her children, mostly about how to get them to do what she wants, willingly and quickly. Weakfall, who had three children with her, explained that she's been trying to use the strategies she's learned over the past two months. After the third stomping, I sent her to her room and told her to pick out the five most highly populated states. I really have to pat myself on the back.