Creative Crossings’ programs offer an enjoyable experience
that fosters communication skills and bonding. Our programs
evoke so much laughter and fun that participants may not realize
that the program’s foundation is research-based. As
an element in an existing program (such as the Girl Scouts),
Creative Crossings can help organizations meet their goals
for better communication skills and healthy relationships,
improved conflict-resolution skills as well as identification
of family values and strengths.
Daughter and mother/mentor teams are joined by a facilitator
who helps them explore communication skills that will lead
to a better understanding of each other. Problem-solving games
lead to discussions of how daughters and mothers/mentors work
together effectively. Facilitators guide conversation to deepen
reflection and to establish links between the communication
and interaction styles used in games and the styles used at
home or in the community. Each team observes other pairs to
gain additional insight into their own communication style.
An important part of every Creative Crossings program, the
defining and honoring of family values and strengths, gives
our daughters a solid foundation as they move into adolescence.
Making this foundation as obvious and clear as possible provides
an adolescent daughter who has moved away from the family
values a clear place of return. Together the mother/mentor
and daughter pair create a beautiful collage as a visual reminder
of their family values and strengths.
Creative Crossings is unique as our programs focus exclusively
on the early teenage years. The Middle School years can be
an unsettled and difficult time between childhood and adolescence.
For girls, the strong need to fit in with friends and be independent
can be in conflict with their need for their parents’
guidance, boundaries, money, and a car! Often conflict results,
but by focusing on these years, we help
create awareness of the underlying dynamics at play.
Creative Crossings’ programs are very enjoyable interactive
experiences. Problem-solving games that are fun help mothers/
mentors and daughters learn about communication and how to
voice fears and hopes. Often participants are so caught up
in the experience that the learning piece comes naturally
and without notice. There is much laughter and joy as we learn
and play together.
While none of our games are high-risk, participants move through
the space, actively use their bodies, and engage new senses
(hearing rather than eyes, for example). Everyone has a chance
to experience
new ways to be in the world and to try on new roles. Challenge
by Choice means that we adjust the challenge so the risk is
comfortable for each participant yet still allows them to
experience something
new. These new challenges lead to both individual and shared
growth.
Many prominent relationship experts point out the need for
community building among mothers/mentors. Our programs give
them a chance to meet in a non-threatening, non-judgmental
environment that encourages supportive relationships, building
parent networks and sharing parenting ideas. Also, mothers/mentors
observe interactions between other mother/mentor and daughter
pairs and gain a valuable array of parenting ideas.
Each mother/mentor and daughter relationship is honored while
it is acknowledged that some will be rockier than others.
Observing a variety of relationships at different stages of
formation, the learning
curve is increased. At Creative Crossings we firmly believe
that the mother/mentor and daughter bond is sacred and that
it deserves attention and care.
Program time allows mothers/mentors to discuss their fears
and concerns as their daughters grow up and face new challenges.
This is an important piece as young girls often pressure their
mothers/ mentors for more freedoms. By sharing mutual concerns
and learning from each other, we gain insight into the limits
that are appropriate for this age group.
Girls also get to share their complaints and concerns in a
structured environment which is as important as mothers/mentors
voicing their concerns and fears. Mothers/mentors are not
asked to change their limits and family rules, but it is crucial
to gaining mutual respect and understand that they hear their
daughters.
Once a mother/mentor and daughter pair partake in one of our
programs they become part of the larger Creative Crossings
community. Our periodic newsletters offer book reviews, highlights
interesting programs and other Creative Crossings’ learning
opportunities. Even though our programs take place in one
afternoon, participants become part of a broader spectrum
and are encouraged to create and maintain a supportive network.
Today’s families are very busy, especially if there
is more than one child. Often, girls talk of not getting enough
one-on-one time with their mothers/mentors (yes, even as they
complain about not having enough independence). Seeing relationships
blossom during our programs is moving. Mother/mentors and
daughters get a really chance to honor their unique relationship
and their precious
and fragile bond.
The growth of compassion, community, mutual respect, and understanding
during our programs is one of the most joyful and rewarding
benefits of learning about each other and our uniqueness.
Creative Crossings programs give mother/mentors and
pre-teen daughters a venue to explore communication, build
community, play together, create a beautiful work of art honoring
their special relationship, and become part of a larger network.
All these ingredients strengthen their precious relationship
as daughters
move into their adolescent years and beyond.
info@creative-crossings.com |
