The early-adolescence stage of life brings many important changes both for parents and youth.
For the youth, transitions in their bodies and brains create changes they are unfamiliar with. Parents, on the other hand, are entrusted to help guide their children through these changes into young adulthood.
Strengthening Families is a seven-week parent, youth and family skills-building program designed to help parents and youth through this transitional period. The program focuses on youth from 10-14 years old and is a great way to reinforce and build stronger bonds within families while implementing techniques to support the child.
Diane Hull participated in the program nearly a decade ago and still has fond memories of the time she spent with her daughter, Tiffany. According to Diane, she and Tiffany “learned a lot in communications and learned to trust each other. We have such a good relationship now because of that class.”
Diane recalled that while in high school, she and Tiffany had open conversations about the challenges and peer pressures in her teen life, and Diane attributes that open communication to the skills they learned in the program.
Tiffany is now a junior at Buena Vista University, studying criminal justice, and their relationship continues to be built on trust and communication.
During the first hour of the Strengthening Families sessions, parents and youth meet separately. The adults discuss problem-solving approaches, effective communication and using loving methods to set limits for youth.
The youth meet and discuss topics such as dealing with stress, setting future goals and action plans and handling negative peer pressure to avoid risky behaviors.
In the second hour, families unite and interact as a family through activities designed to work toward building stronger relationships while having also fun together. This research-based program is a great opportunity for families to set aside time to invest in their family.
The program is coordinated through ISU Extension and Outreach and is being hosted by St. Patrick Catholic School. The program is provided at no cost to families and will include a free family dinner and free child-care for younger children.
The series begins Monday, Jan. 9 and ends Monday, Feb. 20. All sessions will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m., with a free family dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m.
For more information or to register, call Rosa Gonzalez at ISU extension and Outreach, 515-490-2298.
