What Operation Parent is all about: Fifteen years ago, my husband and I were in the thick of raising our five children ages 9, 11, 14, 17 and 19. Our 19-year-old son was in a terrible fight that could have resulted in felony charges and a prison sentence. At the same time, our 17-year-old daughter was in an unhealthy dating relationship and pulling away from our family. To say we felt inadequate as parents would be an understatement. I felt shame, guilt, confusion, and alone. We knew our family was at a crossroad and something had to change. That “something” was us. Mom and Dad had to change. We needed to raise our awareness, educate ourselves on some tough issues, have a few uncomfortable conversations, and disrupt some “life” patterns. I call it our “parent makeover” and it changed everything for the better! We grew in our parenting and I started Operation Parent with the hope that no parent would ever feel alone or lack the resources they need to be the parent.