Chetek Alert
09-19-07
Strengthening families program in Chetek
Do most parents know their children's favorite musical group? Can most kids
name a song their dad likes? Keeping the lines of communication open during
the pre-teen and teen years is critical to keeping a positive relationship with kids.
How is this done when teens are going through the physical and emotional
changes and wanting to be more and more independent of their parents?
Parents of a pre-teen/teen between the ages of 10-14 are invited to strengthen
that relationship during a UW-Extension-sponsored program called
Strengthening Families. This seven-week series will focus on helping parents
build on their strengths, how to show love and set limits, and it helps youth
develop skills in resisting negative peer pressure and building a positive future.
Families have fun together during the sessions with interactive games and
activities. All seven sessions are filled with games, videos, skits, and projects all
designed to strengthen the family. Kids love the games and interaction with their
parents, and parents love the parenting skills they learn and also the family time
together. The best part is families are learning how to communicate better and
talk about things that can impact the way their kids think and the values they
form.
This program is an Extension curriculum out of Iowa State University and is
nationally recognized by several different drug and alcohol prevention
organizations, as being effective in keeping kids off drugs, alcohol, marijuana use
and even meth.
There is no cost to this program, but families are encouraged to attend the seven
sessions which start out with a free supper to make it easier for families to
attend. There will be two series starting in Barron County, one in Chetek and one
in Turtle Lake. Child care will also be available to families.
The Chetek series will be on Thursday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Chetek
Lutheran Church basement. The sessions will be Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1,
8, and 15. The Turtle Lake series will be on Tuesday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m.
at the Parkview Methodist Church in Turtle Lake with sessions on Oct. 2, 9, 16,
23, 30 and Nov. 6 and 13.
The programs are free but registrations are required as class size will be limited.
To pre-register contact Linda Heppner, Barron County family living educator at
the UW-Extension office. Interested parties may contact Heppner by phone at
537-6250, or call and ask that a form be mailed with a sign-up sheet.