“I think that she wants to see that we’re supervised,” answered Suzi, quickly adding, “but we
don’t need an adult around.”
“Then how can you reach a compromise,” asked Gran, “where Mom is happy that you are be-
ing supervised and you don’t feel you have an adult peering over your shoulder all the time. How
might that happen?”
“I don’t know. It can’t,” said Suzi. “Mom wants to be there and nobody else wants an adult there.”
“Then maybe think of some compromises,” suggested Gran. “What if Mom dropped you off
and sat in the car park in her car, spending the time studying for the course she is doing? What if she
took her laptop into the café at the beach and worked on her studies, while glancing out over the
beach at times to make sure you’re not drowning? Perhaps she could take a walk along the beach and
still not be seen by your friends while you’re having your party.”
Gran could see the possibilities being thought over by Suzi. “When can you make the time to
have a chat with Mom about what her concerns are, what you want, and what sort of compromises
you both can make?” asked Gran.
They quietly finished off the dishes and joined the rest of the family to watch the video. Next
Sunday over dinner, Gran was delighted to hear Suzi happily recounting the beach party details of
the day before. She was also delighted to hear Suzi’s mom telling about how she had enjoyed a walk
along the beach and some quiet time sitting in the café working on her laptop. Suzi came into the
café and joined her at the end of the great party.
STORY 36
NEW FRIENDSTherapeutic Characteristics
Problems Addressed
■ Undesirable friendships
■ Loss of old friendships
■ GriefResources Developed
■ Reassessing old friendships
■ Learning to discriminate
■ Making choices
■ Building social skills
■ Taking interest in othersOutcomes Offered
■ Discrimination skills
■ Social skills
■ Decision-making skills110 Healing Stories, Teaching Stories