Facilitator's Guide
We recommend that you review all of the materials in the kit
to become familiar with the issues that are presented. This can help plan for
discussions using the questions provided in this guide, your own
questions, or a combination of the two. Viewing the materials before the
session may also help you to anticipate parents' reactions to the materials
and tailor the discussion to specific issues they may want to explore. In
addition, it may help you to decide whether to view and discuss the video in
one session or view and discuss it in sections.
On this page:
Introducing the Video
Introduce the video to your viewers by explaining that the documentary-style
video features the story of two families as well as parents who "survived"
the
teen years. Share that the video does not cover all experiences or
viewpoints,
but merely the experiences of several families. Encourage your viewers to
join in
the discussion after watching all or part of the video. The video is meant
to be a
catalyst for discussion about what they are experiencing. Because of the
realism
of the video, a wide range of issues, emotions, and thoughts about parenting
a
teen with epilepsy may arise. You may let parents know this ahead of time
and tell
them that after the video, they will have the opportunity to discuss their
reactions.
View the
video
You will need
Real Player® to view this video.
Please note: Roxanne's aunt mentions that Roxanne was
diagnosed at an Epilepsy Foundation (EF) affiliate. Not all EF affiliates
have clinics associated with them. A diagnosis of epilepsy should only be
made by a medical professional.
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After Viewing the Video
After showing the video, consider using the questions below to stimulate and
direct the discussion. To get parents involved, have them share one or two
points that "spoke to them" in the video. If the group is large, you may opt
to divide it into smaller discussion groups. You can invite each small group
to summarize its discussion and share key points at the end of the session.
Questions to Consider
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Introducing the Audio CD
Let parents know that they are about to listen to an audio compact disc (CD)
that is a series of three "overheard conversations" between parents and
their teens living with epilepsy. Each conversation is then "rewound" and
followed by a second conversation that demonstrates one way teens think the
conversation should have gone.
As with the video, the CD addresses a wide range of issues
and emotions that stem from parenting a teen with epilepsy. Those listening
may disagree with some of the alternatives presented in the "rewound"
conversations. Remind them that the "rewound" conversations are meant to
stimulate discussion rather than provide final solutions to the situations
discussed. Tell them that they will have the opportunity to discuss their
reactions after all or part of the CD is heard.
Listen to
the Audio
Streaming Audio Format. You will need RealPlayer®
to listen to this file.
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How To Listen to the CD
You may choose to play the CD in its entirety; however, as each scenario
raises very different issues, we recommend pausing after each one to
initiate a discussion with the group. After playing each scenario, use the
suggested questions below to stimulate and direct the discussion. To get
parents involved, ask them if any of the dialogues sounded familiar. If the
group is large, you may opt to divide the large group into smaller
discussion groups. You can invite each small group to summarize its
discussion and share key points at the end of the session. After playing the
entire CD, you may also want to conduct an improvised role-play exercise,
where one parent plays the teen and the other plays the parent.
Questions to Consider
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Reach Out Brochure and Resource Guide
In preparation for the group session, you may want to review
the contents of the Reach Out Brochure and develop discussion points and activities
that relate to nurturing relationships and self-care. In the session, you
can either hand out brochures for parents to read to themselves or have
parents take turns reading the sections aloud. After completing the session,
you might also consider giving a "homework assignment" that builds on the
tips in the brochure. For example, make a date to do something enjoyable
with your spouse, take time to go on a fun outing with one or more of the
family, or spend time with your adult friends in a social setting.
View the Brochure
Provide an overview of the contents of the Resource Guide
for parents, encouraging the group to learn more by using at least one
resource before the next meeting. If anyone in the group knows of additional
resources, ask them to bring them to the next meeting.
View the Resource Guide
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Stationery
Have the parents brainstorm ways of using this stationery to
introduce their teen's condition and advocate for their teen. Consider
giving a "homework assignment" asking parents to draft letters on the
stationery and bring them to the next session to share with other parents
for further discussion.
 Download
the stationery (PDF – 181K)
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One or more documents on this Web page is available in Portable Document Format
(PDF). You will need Acrobat
Reader to view and print these documents.
Date last
modified: 03/15/2006
Date last reviewed:
03/15/2006
Content source: Division of Adult
and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
