After accidentally stumbling into Durango at 19 tears old, I decided to make it my home.
I was stunned by the beauty and openness of the land here. I felt safe and truly believed I had found a home. I have raised four kids in this town, three girls and a boy.
Raising kids is hard, but I remember having so much support; I had other moms and dads to bounce ideas around. When my children hit their teens, things shifted significantly. I no longer had support, or many choices. One of my children began running away, skipping school and doing drugs. We were treated like we had a disease. I had no one to turn to for help, or advice.
Things have turned around for her, and the rest of my kids have been great, but they have had to deal with suicides, depression, anxiety, and the world of teens who have nowhere to go or anything to do.
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge coming from some very hard times and from some very successful practices with my children. I’d like to organize a support and discussion group for parents of teens, a safe place for parents to come together and talk about issues and concerns.
I’d also like to open a diner for teens, with food, games, a stage, a dance floor, and a place to display art.
If anyone is interested in the support group, or my diner idea, please contact me at jenniferladair@aol.com.
Jennifer L. Adair
Durango
