GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Anne Green Campbell, a leader of a group called  Uplift Teens, says parents need to teach their children to be confident and to see their world in positive terms.

During a seminar at Cumberland AME Church in Georgetown last week, she gave a group of 40+ parents some good ideas for doing that.

She will lead a Back-to School workshop on Saturday, August 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ryan’s Steakhouse.

Campbell, a licenced masters social worker, encouraged parents to support their children’s school work, and to follow and check homework.

She also stressed the importance of complimenting them often.

“We should compliment our children on a daily basis,” Campbell said. “And the praise should be realistic and honest.”

Hugging your child

She stressed hugging your child, telling them often you love them and spending time with them.

If the child is involved with sports and activities, parents should also be involved, she said.

“We should encourage kids how to set goals, and how to follow through,” Campbell said. “And you should always celebrate successes.”

She also told parents of the importance of anger control, and teaching children how to build self control and self confidence.

Campbel said parents should support children’s hopbbies and allow them to explore interests, but always be aware of who their friends are.

“Parents should make certain that they know who their children’s friends are and make an effort to know the friends’ parents too,” Campbell said.

She also gave parents ways to be good role models.

“Fighting between parents really effects the stress levels of children,” she said.

“These might seem like simple things, but parents are not doing them. It is not their fault because they probably don’t have it to give because their parents didn’t give it to them.”

Reaction from parents

Many parents who attended the recent seminar in Georgetown gave very positive feedback after the event and urge others to attend the upcoming workshop at Ryan’s Steakhouse.

Beryl Edwards said the presentation was very helpful.

“Too many familie are in distress and times are difficult, which only causes problems that are brewing to escalate,” she said.

Cecilia Wragg agreed.

“More and more parents and youth should attend these workshops,” she said. “Parents are faced with many obstacles in today’s society.”

Wannetta Bridges pointed out that this workshop would also be beneficial to people dealing with children in their occupations.

“They can use some or all of the methods to build self confidence and boost grades, sales, etc.,” she said.

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com