Jack Agati shares his strategies on raising teens with Darien parents.
Photo credit: Casey Donahue

Darien parents have a valuable child-rearing resource in the Parent Awareness Network. On Thursday, the Network hosted a talk by counseling specialist Jack Agati, who spoke on the importance of birth order and on how to survive your kids' teenage years.

"I think he's great," said Darien mom Anne-Lise Brown, who has listened to Agati's talks before and keeps coming back. "You can listen to him several times and he really makes you think about your own family."

In "Birth Order and Beyond" Agati discussed how a child's personality is shaped by the order in which he or she is born. "First-borns are very organized in their mind and thought processes. They like things going the way they are supposed to go," he said. "Middle children have a developed sensitivity, an awareness of other people's feelings."[breakhere]

In "Surviving the Teenage Years" Agati gave advice on raising teens and helping them grow into mature adults. He stressed avoiding fights with teenagers and instead teaching them to accept responsibility for their choices. "Allow them to make decisions, and allow them to experience the consequences," he said.

Darien parent Julie Martens thought the talk reflected reality. "The funny part is, the things he says are so true," she said. "And when you hear him say it, it suddenly seems so obvious."

Agati is a professional speaker with a master's degree in counseling. He has worked as a counselor and director of student services in public education. eHHHe is very active when he talks, moving around a lot and using humor to reach parents.

Audience members broke into laughter many times as Agati spoke. After each talk he was swarmed by parents eager to ask questions and get advice. "His style is just so great," Brown said.