Are you a parent or caregiver of a 5th or 6th grader? Would you like to learn some additional skills to help your child succeed and make your strong family stronger? If so, then register for the free Strengthening Families program this fall.
The Strengthening Families Program, for parents and youth ages 10-14, is a seven week initiative designed to reduce adolescent substance abuse and other problematic behaviors in youth. It has been scientifically tested and results have shown that children who have completed the program are less likely to become involved in risky behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse.
Parents and children begin each Strengthening Families session with a shared meal followed by breakout sessions for adults and youth. During the last hour, the families reunite to increase family bonding, foster positive communication skills, and learn to solve problems together.
Two sessions will be held in Carbondale and Moosic. The Carbondale session will be held from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Sundays, starting on February 10 at the Carbondale Area Elementary School. The Moosic session will run on Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Riverside Elementary East School, beginning January 31.
Youth will benefit from attending the sessions by learning to: prepare for their teen years; communicate with their parents; deal with stress and peer pressure; and avoid alcohol and drug problems. Parents and caregivers can enhance their parenting skills by: learning to set limits and show love; making house rules; encouraging good behavior; protecting their children from substance abuse; and learning to handle stress.
The free program includes dinner for the family, prizes for attendance, and free child care for younger family members.
For more information or to register for this fun, family oriented program, contact Karen Thomas at Penn State Extension in Lackawanna County at 570-963-6842.