For parents and teen-agers who cannot get along, help is on the way.

Thursday, August 02, 2001

For parents and teen-agers who cannot get along, help is on the way.

Mike Riera, author and speaker about adolescent issues, will host a workshop on developing communication between teen-agers and their parents Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ohio University Southern Campus’ Bowman Auditorium.

"I love the opportunity to come and help (parents and teens) see each other in a new way," Riera said.

The workshop is open to parents and children entering seventh through 12th grades, and parents can earn an hour of credit from Ohio University by attending.

Activities will include small group discussions and a question and answer session with Riera. Counselors from Oasis Behavioral Health Services will participate in the workshop as well.

The event is sponsored by OUSC’s Gear Up and Together We Can programs, which work to improve students’ relationships and success in education.

"I’m excited," said Evelyn Capper, Together We Can coordinator.

She said she would even be bringing her teen-ager to the workshop.

Riera has worked with OUSC in the past. Four years ago, he participated in a Together We Can project, a video which is airing on local access public broadcasting each day for two weeks until Riera’s presentation.

The speaker said he is excited to be working with OUSC again. He added that he hopes those attending come away having had fun, with more optimism, and having learned from one another as well as the instructors.

Riera has written several books on teen-agers. He is also adolescent adviser for CBS’s "The Saturday Morning Early Show;" host of "Life in Progress" on Trackers TV; and frequent guest on "Oprah," "The Today Show," "The View" and National Public Radio.

Prior to his current activities, Riera spent 19 years as a counselor, dean of students, teacher and consultant.

There is a $10 fee for each participant in Saturday’s program. Those interested need to register by contacting the GEAR UP office at 533-4556 by Friday.