Parents are responsive to programs where they can learn about and discuss the difficult issues of adolescence. Some innovative programs link parents' educational activities with their children's curriculum. Students, for example, work in school on issues such as teenage suicide, drugs, and sexuality while parents are learning how to talk with their children about these issues. Parents have collaborated with school staff to design programs that involve other community resources and agencies in addressing critical issues. Programs that address the transition to work after high school, college selection and financial assistance, and related topics should be offered to parents with children at all grade levels in the secondary schools so their planning for the future can start in a timely manner.
Many parents appreciate the opportunity to share approaches and perspectives on parenting issues.
Schools hold parenting workshops for parents and offer seminars for divorced and single parents to address their special needs. These tutoring and mentoring programs take place in business, community, and school settings. Schools also are developing community service programs and other creative opportunities for students to go into the community and learn by working with adults. In fact, many of the suggestions in this book have already been successful in meeting the requirements of families who have children with special needs. Parents of children with special needs often feel isolated and uncertain about their children's future.