“Strengthening Families” program helps parents and kids
ST. MARYS “Strengthening Families” is a seven-week parenting program for both kids and parents starting next week on Tuesday, February 21 and running through Tuesday, April 4.
The free program, which will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Marys Middle School, is an evidence-based parenting program for families with children ages 10 to 14, according to Courtney Dunworth, a prevention specialist with Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, the program sponsor.
The program includes separate discussion sessions for parents and children and afterward a session that brings the families together to talk.
“It looks at both angles both the children and the parent and meets in the middle,” Dunworth said.
She explained that many topics will be discussed during the program, such as setting realistic and age-appropriate limits and discipline follow through.
“Don’t say you’re going to take away their phone for a month if you’re not going to do it,” she said. “And don’t do something that’s going to affect your life as well. Because if you’re both miserable then you’re going to give in.”
The program will also allow families to discuss resolving conflicts, building bonds and strengthening communication.
Alcohol and Drug Services has provided the “Strengthening Families” program to families in the community over the last four years rotating to different school locations throughout Elk County.
The program also provides families with a free dinner, free child care and weekly prizes.
For more information or to register for the program, contact Alcohol and Drug Services at 814-486-0653.