A free, seven-session Family Night Out program is being offered to parents, caregivers and youths (ages 10-14) to help navigate the hurdles that present themselves as part of normal adolescent development.
The program, funded by the Metuchen Municipal Alliance, will meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30, starting on Feb. 23 at the Edgar Middle School on Brunswick Avenue in Metuchen. Subsequent sessions will follow on March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, April 5 and April 12, with a possible booster session to be offered in Sept. Free childcare is available for children younger than ten. A gift card will be provided to each family at the conclusion of the program, with good attendance.
Family Night Out works with families to address healthy communications around common pre-teen/teen issues. The evening begins with a family meal. After the meal, the parents and children meet separately with Wellspring preventionists and staff. The adults learn and discuss parenting techniques. They review subjects that include parental love and limits, making rules, encouraging good behavior, using consequences, protecting against substance abuse and getting help through community resources. Meanwhile during student time, subjects such as having goals and dreams, appreciating parents, dealing with stress, following rules, dealing with peer pressure and reaching out to others are discussed.
Later on in the evening, the youth and parent groups once again come together to play games and work on other skill-building activities that reinforce the evening’s topic.
Enrollment is limited so interested families need to register ASAP to reserve their spot. To register, contact Johanna Pagan at 732-254-3344 ext. 111 or via email at Johanna.pagan@wellspringprevention.org.
