Reset Youth/Parent Weekend Retreat

Empathetic Connections: Fostering Understanding Between Parents and Youth

Session 1: Imagining Possibilities and Understanding Potential

• Icebreaker: Shared Vision Boards - Parents and youth create collages representing their aspirations and potential.
• Guided Visualization Exercise: "Exploring Future Possibilities" to help youth envision their potential and parents to reflect on their children's aspirations.
• Discussion: Sharing insights and dreams; understanding the importance of nurturing possibilities.

Session 2: Perspectives & Empathy

• Role Reversal Activity: Parents step into the shoes of their children through role-play scenarios, experiencing situations from the youth's perspective.
• Empathy Building Exercises: Guided empathy exercises and discussions to help parents understand the challenges and pressures faced by youth today.
• Small Group Dialogues: Sharing personal experiences that foster empathy and understanding between parents and youth.

Session 3: Personality and Communication Styles

• Personality Assessments: Parents and youth undergo personality assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to understand their individual traits and communication styles.
• Communication Workshop: Understanding different communication styles and their impact on relationships.
• Role-playing Exercises: Practicing effective communication techniques for better interaction between parents and youth.

Session 4: Art of Intentional Conversations for Peace-building

• Workshop on Active Listening: Techniques and exercises to enhance listening skills for both parents and youth.
• Conflict Resolution Techniques: Role-plays and case studies to learn and practice peaceful conflict resolution strategies.
• Building Bridges: Guided conversations and activities to foster open, intentional communication.

Session 5: Breaking the Cycle of Hurt

• Discussion on "Hurt People Hurt People": Exploring the concept, its impact on generations, and identifying personal experiences related to this cycle.
• Healing Activities: Techniques and strategies for self-healing and breaking the cycle of hurt.
• Creating Support Networks: Building a supportive environment within families and communities to promote healing and growth.

Session 6: Path Forward and Commitment

• Reflection Session: Participants share their key takeaways and insights from the program.
• Personal Action Plans: Each participant creates an action plan outlining steps to implement learning into their daily lives.
• Commitment Ceremony: A symbolic event where participants pledge their commitment to fostering understanding, empathy, and intentional conversations within their families and communities.

Additional Components:

• Follow-up Sessions: Periodic check-ins or online forums for ongoing support and reinforcement of learned concepts.
• Resource Materials: Handouts, articles, and recommended readings on communication, empathy, and personal development for continued learning.