Discussion Guide

Rise stories can help you start discussions in support groups and parenting classes. If you are a parent advocate or work with parents in a group setting, have your group read the story out loud and use the questions below to guide a discussion.

September 2008 Story:
Raising My Voice for Families by Tanya Long

SUMMMARY:
Tanya, a parent from Columbus, OH, traveled to Washington, DC to testify before the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families, urging Congress to continue supporting organizations that provide support and guidance to parents and families. Tanya told her story of recovering from an addiction and attending weekly Parents Anonymous support groups that helped her reconnect with her children.

DISCUSSION:
Begin by asking the group’s general impression of what they read. How did the story affect them? What stood out for them the most? From their responses, you can lead the discussion where parents are interested in taking it.

Here are some questions you might pose to your group:

  • Tanya describes recovering from a drug addiction with the help of other parents in a Parents Anonymous support group. “Through the support of the other parents, I was able to share my deepest fears, insecurities and feelings of shame and guilt for neglecting my children because of my drug addiction,” she writes. Who do you turn to for support? What are the feelings and fears that you would like help in overcoming?

  • Tanya writes, “The other parents in my group helped me identify my strengths and find the solutions that worked for my family and me.” What strengths do you see in Tanya? What are your own strengths? How can you use your strengths to overcome the challenges facing your family?
  • Tanya’s goals are to raise her children, complete college and give back by supporting other parents in her community and nationwide. What goals do you have for your own future? What steps do you think you’ll have to take to achieve your goals?

  • Tanya is especially proud that her children volunteer in their community and schools. What values does Tanya try to pass along to her children? What values are important to you and your family? How do you talk to your children about these values or model those values in your everyday life?

Finally, the group can discuss what they learned from the story and what parts they related to the most. What steps or insights that Tanya describes in her personal journey surprise them or might help them through similar situations?

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