BIS #6921 Understanding the Teen Mind

By Ms Libby Sequeira for BISMumbai

The Salesian Cooperators in Kuwait organized sessions for teenagers and their parents, from 31 March to 3 April 2023. The events, which featured Dr Fr Edison Fernandes as a guest counsellor and animator, aimed to help teens face new challenges in life and build a healthy and positive lifestyle.

On 31 March and 1 April, the students of Classes 8-12 of Indian English Academy School (IEAS) participated in a seminar titled 'A Teen’s Pursuit to Happiness'. The session commenced with an ice-breaker song and an opening prayer, followed by Fr Derrick Misquitta, the Rector, introducing Fr Fernandes. Fr Misquitta encouraged the teens to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the sessions and handle life situations better. Fr Fernandes then commenced his two days of seminars, covering five topics in all: physical healthy lifestyle, positive emotions, mental focus and purpose, social meaningful relationships, and spiritual sense of purpose.

On 3 April, a session for parents of teenagers of the school and of the parish of St Therese of Child Jesus titled 'Let’s Talk Teenagers' was organised. It began with a moment of prayer by Fr Savio D’Souza. Fr Franco Pereira introduced Fr Fernandes to the parents of the teens, who spoke about the best and worst types of teenagers, their strengths and weaknesses, behavior under stress and in conflict, and what parents expect from their children. Fr Fernandes discussed potential challenges that teens will face and how parents can help them cope with these challenges. The session included audio-visual presentations, activity sheets, and meaningful discussions.

The seminar was an enriching experience that brought first-hand knowledge of a healthy, positive, mental, social, and spiritual lifestyle for the teens and their parents. The sessions concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Libby Sequeira and Ms Reesha Noronha.