By Corvo Rohwer, Puyallup Tribal News
The Wrap Around Program continued its series of monthly Parent Engagement nights on Feb. 28, inviting families out to the Little Wild Wolves Youth Center for a meal and community forum.
The evening focused on discussing healthy boundaries and how to know when they’ve been crossed, whether they be emotional or physical.
Wrap Around Program Director Ashley Howard explained the importance of having boundaries not just for the individual, but for family environments, as well. Howard explained that parents taking the lead when it comes to expressing healthy boundaries for the family is especially important when it comes to children feeling safe.
“Boundaries are important and powerful. They’re a really powerful way to show your kids that you love them,” Howard said. “Kids don’t want to be in charge, and kids know they shouldn’t be in charge. Kids are pretty terrified that if they are in charge, that no one will set the boundaries that they need to be safe.”
Inviting attendees to stand up and join her for an exercise in personal space, Howard demonstrated how to use a mix of body language and communication to establish boundaries with others.
Kwawachee Behavioral Health & Wellness also gave a presentation led by Meagan Taylor throughout the evening as families worked together on posters and other craft activities. Kwawachee Director Danelle Reed also announced they are working to form a youth center team as part of their integrated behavioral health program, and that this partnership with Wrap Around is a step toward fulfilling that goal.
