NEWBURYPORT — In a workshop series called Families That Care: Staying Connected with Your Teen, parents of teenagers will learn how to improve communications, reduce the risk of problem behaviors and build strong family bonds. The five-week program is being given by The Beacon Coalition at The Kelley School Youth Center in Newburyport beginning March 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be five consecutive workshops, with the last one meeting on April 1.
Staying Connected with Your Teen is an interactive program for all parents of teenagers ages 12 to 17. In an open atmosphere, parents will learn specific strategies that will help teens become more involved in the family and less likely to engage in problem behaviors. The workshops use an interactive, skills-based format that provides plenty of opportunities for parents to learn from each other. Becky Dill, MSW, will be facilitating this parent program. This will be the third time this program has been offered. Past participating parents found connecting with other parents to be very supportive and helpful.
The Staying Connected with Your Teen program, from Channing Bete Company Inc., was developed by Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano of the University of Washington. Workshop activities are based on Hawkins and Catalano's research, which identifies the factors that puts teens at risk for health and behavior problems and the factors that protect young people from those risks.
The series is sponsored by The Beacon Coalition, and the cost to parents attending the workshops will be $40 for one adult, or $65 for two adult caregivers from one family (can be spouse, relative, baby sitter, etc.). There is also a $32 fee for the workbook (just one per family is needed). Program DVDs will be available for loan during the workshops. Scholarships will be available. For more information, please call Andrea Egmont at 978-465-4434 or e-mail beacon@cityofnewburyport.com. You can find more information online at www.beaconcoalition.com. Register early. Space is limited.
