Back-to-school supplies are already on the shelves of stores, and, as we approach the end of summer vacations for Dallas-Fort Worth area families, all the talk in the homes of DFW will be about going back to school.

 

On Saturday, September 14, psychologist Dr. Trevicia Williams will help mothers and their teen daughters get off to a dynamic start this school year with her signature free seminar for mothers and teenage daughters: "I Love You, But I Can't Stand You Right Now" at Preston Ridge Conference Center located at Collin County College, 9700 Wade Blvd., in Frisco from 3- 5 p.m.

 

"Communication is the key to back-to-school success and reducing the potential for risky behaviors," said Williams. 

 

According to Mental Health America, 60 percent of 8-11-year-olds and 56 percent of 12-15-year-olds say they learn "a lot" from their mothers about good and poor decisions as well as issues like alcohol, drugs, violence and risky behavior. Most youth turn to their mothers before their teachers and classes, fathers, the media, and friends.

 

"Adolescence is a challenging time for both mothers and their teen daughters; however, there are several ways that the mother-daughter bond can be strengthened, and friction can be reduced this time," said Williams.

 

A healthy mother-daughter relationship also helps to prevent teen pregnancy. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancies, "Teens say parents most influence their decisions, and 87% say it would be much easier for them to avoid risky behavior if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents."

 

Williams, author of "Pearls in the Pain of Every Experience: Girl Still, Woman Not Quite," provides information and practical tools for dealing with the dynamics of the mother-daughter relationships during girls' teen years. During this interactive hands-on workshop, mothers and teen daughters will learn skills for effective communication to build healthy relationships, develop trust and respect, bond and grow. They will also be empowered and equipped to deal with "girl still, woman not quite" issues such as decision making, effective communication and the transition from girl to young lady that oftentimes causes friction in their relationship during turbulent teen years. Participants may expect to learn how to build a strong relationship, how to have conflict-free communication, get beyond surviving the stage and learn how to thrive through the adolescence years, when it's appropriate to be friends, and create a mother-daughter bond that lasts a lifetime. 

 

Seating is limited, so register early. You may register online here. Learn more about Dr. Trevicia Williams here.