This fall Guelph and Wellington County will host a number of programs proven to help families for the long term.
Strengthening Families programs have been offered throughout the county for the last five years. This educational program is proven to increase communication between parents, children and teens and build resilience.
When families improve their skills in the home, the likelihood that children and teens will engage in risky behaviour goes down.
“It sounds really straightforward” says Strengthening Families Program Coordinator, Elsa Mann “but when families come together to learn these skills, they are laying the groundwork for a strong foundation down the road”.
What makes this program different from others is the format. Families come together one evening each week for 9-14 weeks, to explore a set curriculum.
“We require the whole family to get in on this: moms and dads, plus the kids or teens.” Mann explains.
“We’re looking at ways everyone in the family can make a shift to be better together, work together, and reduce the drama that can creep in when we get frustrated or run up against a problem.”
To help families at different stages the program is offered in two variations. Strengthening Families for the Future (SFF) is geared to families with children between seven and 11. Strengthening Families for Parents and Youth (SFPY) caters to families with youth ages 12 to 16.
Each week this free program starts with taking time to sit down as a family to share a meal with other program participants, and then works separately with children and parents to look at family dynamics and learn techniques to improve it.
“The children and youth portion of the program is more active, and incorporates a lot of games to get the message across, whereas in the parent’s session, they learn more of the nuts and bolts of communication and other family issues” says Mann.
Parents also gain information and tips from their fellow participants. Mann, who is based out of the Mount Forest Family Health Team, explains “Often times parents in the room who have dealt with challenges also have suggestions on what has worked for them and can share them with the rest of the group. It’s all really valuable information.”
This weekly 2 ½ hour program ends each night with families coming together to share what they’ve learned and challenge each other through activities based on the topic.
In addition to building better relationships within the family, participants that graduate from the program often build strong ties with one another and the community facilitators that lead each week’s sessions.
Programs begin Sept. 17 in Arthur (SFF), Oct. 1 in Guelph (SFPY) and Oct. 16 in Palmerston (SFPY).
Information can be found online on Facebook at Strengthening Families Wellington or by contacting Elsa Mann at 226-343-5222 or elsamann1@gmail.com.
