As a child enters their teenage years, dealing with the transition and developmental changes can pose new challenges for the family, but the Oneida County Health Department is implementing a free family program to alleviate those challenges.
Called the “Strengthening Families Program” the seven session course gives families a chance to spend time together while learning new skills through games and interactive activities. Community Health Specialist Meagan Neis says parents and youth will learn ways to promote family bonding, keep the lines of family communication open and use family strengths to solve problems together.
“…The sessions themselves are two hours long. For the first hour the youth and adults are separated and the kids learn about why following their parent’s rule are important, while the adults would be learning about why setting rules is important and what types of rules should be made.”
Neis says the program is available for youth ages 10 to 14 and their parents. She says free childcare is available for younger siblings.
Classes will be held Tuesday evenings from six to eight at the YMCA of the Northwoods. The program starts September 13 and runs through November 1.
To register contact Meagan Neis at the Oneida County Health Department.
