The Art of Saying “No” to Aggression
The Manager for the Teaching Pro-Social Skills program shares his reflections on this relatively new program at River Oak:
“At first glance I thought, “Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?” Eight very energetic teenage boys, all talking at one time, flipping gang signs, trash-talking and oh, the foul language! But after setting limits, establishing group rules, and addressing boundary issues, six of the eight were able to finish the group and express individually what they’d learned.
During the graduation ceremony, each participant expressed how he had started applying some of the tools and behaviors discussed in the group. Each participant stated the reactions they had received from teachers, foster parents, and peers in the last 4-5 weeks using learned skills. They shared how surprised people were that they didn’t respond as normally expected. They were surprised at how making better choices, thinking, and planning ahead made a difference. They expressed how understanding triggers helped them to again rethink their responses. Role-playing was the hardest part; one boy expressed that he thought it was silly. Once engaged, though, it helped him see his reactions and responses in a different way.
Finishing the group and receiving a certificate appeared to help validate each young man’s desire to change. They now understand how their anger in the past has affected them in so many ways, such as being suspended, locked up, moved from one home to the next, or hurting others physically. The groups not only helped the participants get in touch with their anger, it also provided them an opportunity to practice and learn positive social skills.”
Many adolescents behave the way they do because they haven’t been taught differently and haven’t been given positive role models. Support our programs that succeed in teaching youth skills they need in life.Read more success stories.
5030 El Camino Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 609-5100, fax (916) 609-5160
info@riveroak.org
Click here for contact info for our other program sites.
Home | Services | Giving Opportunities | Community Presence
Agency Profile | Career Opportunities | Contact Us | Privacy Practices
Copyright ©2006 River Oak Center for Children. All rights reserved.