by Susan D'Costa
KUWAIT, SEP 19, 2017: Oops! (Openness, Obligation, Praise, Support) a two-day seminar on bonding parent-teenager relationships was recently organised 
by the Salesian Cooperators of Kuwait. The seminar included simple exercises and a splash of humour as Father Edison Fernandes, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology focused on parents-teen relationship.
Parents received guidance on developing their teens in family decision making, family activities, reliability, respect, consideration and healthy living. Through interactive sessions, Father Fernandes highlighted the importance of choices and consequences, assertiveness and the need to communicate in a language their teens understood. "Mentor your teens into successful adulthood," was Father Fernandes' guiding principle for the parents.
Teens were encouraged to trust, love and understand their parents and their problems. Those who attended the seminar lauded Father Fernandes for his efforts in helping them to better understand each other. "Oops was an interesting, useful, innovative session by a well-informed priest with a great sense of humour. We need more programmes like this to guide our teenagers," Nandita Sequeira said.
Another parent, Desmond D'Souza added, "It was informative, an eye opener for us as a family, to understand our basic core personalities and deal with our day to day issues." While Justin Mascarenhas, a teenager said, "The workshop was very informative. I got to learn more about myself."