Odyssey Parenting Your Teen - October 2026 - BHSCT & SHSCT

Please note that this workshop is only open to parents in the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust & Southern Health & Social Care Trust

Odyssey: Parenting Your Teen is an innovative, evidence-based programme designed to support parents of teenagers.

Programme Overview

• Comprises eight structured, two-hour sessions.
• Knowledge and learning build progressively from one session to the next.
• Content and methodologies are informed by research and good practice.
• Underpinned by the authoritative parenting approach.
• Aims to improve and strengthen the relationship between parents and their teenager.

The Eight Sessions

Session 1: Building Firm Foundations
Session 2: Parenting Styles
Session 3: Teen Development
Session 4: Improving Self-Esteem
Session 5: Rules and Consequences
Session 6: Dealing with Conflict
Session 7: Problem Solving
Session 8: Bringing It All Together

Overcoming Challenges

• Recognising and respecting that every parent is unique.
• Emphasising the importance of confidentiality.
• Building positive relationships and rapport with parents.
• Creating a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.
• Being mindful of potential triggers, including different parenting styles and experiences.
• Using the skills and expertise needed to support parents to build their capacity, confidence and self-belief.

Impact

The programme aims to support meaningful change for parents and families, including:

• Transformation from Week 1 through to Week 8.
• Reduced feelings of guilt and shame.
• Greater reassurance and understanding that parents are not alone.
• Practical strategies that are simple and easy to implement.
• Increased parental confidence and empowerment.

Starting Tuesday 20th of October 2026 the programme runs for 8 consecutive weeks (with a week off for mid-term) delivered via Zoom.

All parents/carers will be asked to complete an initial assessment to ensure the programme is suitable for their family circumstances.