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MOT SA, in proud partnership with the Positive Behaviour Intervention & Resource Centre (PBIRC) and supported by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), hosted a Parent Workshop on 15 August 2026. Parents and guardians from our partnering schools: Easter Peak Intermediate School, Spes Bona High School, and Rylands High School attended the workshop, which focused on strengthening parent-teen relationships and empowering parents with practical tools to support their children’s development.
The session explored the realities facing young people today and the important role parents play in providing guidance, support, and stability during adolescence. Through discussions, reflection exercises, and interactive activities, parents considered ways to improve communication, build trust, establish healthy boundaries, and create positive home environments.
A key feature of the workshop was River and Bridge Story, which falls part of MOT’s manual and introduced parents to the MOT philosophy and highlighted the importance of providing support and guidance before challenges become crises. Participants reflected on how strong relationships and meaningful connections can help young people navigate life’s obstacles more successfully.
The workshop also examined adolescent development and the pressures many teenagers face, including peer influence, social media, anxiety, emotional stress, and identity formation. Activities such as the Invisible Backpack, which is a MOT tool and speaks to having background understanding. This encouraged parents to consider the hidden challenges young people may carry and to better understand the emotions behind their behaviour.
MOT’s value of Courage to Care was woven throughout the programme, encouraging parents to listen with empathy, create safe spaces for open conversation, and strengthen connections with their children through understanding and support.
Discipline and boundary setting formed an important part of the discussion. Through activities including the Punishment vs Discipline Relay and the Consistency Walk, parents explored positive approaches to discipline that promote responsibility, learning, and personal growth. Conversations focused on consistency, clear expectations, and the importance of reinforcing values at home.
During the Family Wishlist activity, parents reflected on the qualities they hope to develop in their children, including respect, honesty, responsibility, independence, and compassion. They also identified practical ways to model these values in their everyday interactions.
The workshop concluded with parents committing to strengthen communication, listen more intentionally, and continue creating supportive environments where their children can thrive. The session reinforced the shared commitment of MOT South Africa and WCED to supporting young people through strong family relationships, positive role modelling, and community partnership.
Read more about our recent in partnership with Scatec here
Read about our 2024 Courage to Care Day Campaign here
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