Parenting program for families

For families with children between 7-11 years of age

Helping parents and children learn healthy coping skills to reduce the chance of the children having difficulties in their lives is the goal behind a program being offered in the Yarmouth area.

Mental Health and Addictions, together with the Early Years Centre and SchoolsPlus, will be offering the program called Strengthening Families for the Future to families in Yarmouth and the surrounding area. Strengthening Families for the Future is a prevention program for families with children between seven and 11 years of age.

“Strengthening Families works because it includes the whole family,” says Larry Phillips, Prevention and Health Promotion co-ordinator with Mental Health & Addictions. “The program helps build parenting skills that can strengthen children’s resilience and lessen the chance of future problems, such as substance misuse, coping and emotional issues.”

Strengthening Families is an 11-week program with one session every week starting Tuesday, March 20. Each two-and-a-half hour session includes:

• Free supper for families (half hour)

• Separate sessions for parents and children (one hour)

• A family session (one hour)

• Free onsite child care for children under seven or over eleven years

Sessions will be in the Early Years Centre at the Yarmouth Central Elementary School. There are a limited number of spots available. If you are interested in being part of the program, contact Larry Phillips to register.