A Family Night Out program will be offered to parents, caregivers and youths ages 10-14 starting 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 at Livingston Park Elementary School, Ridgewood Avenue, North Brunswick.
Subsequent sessions will follow on Mondays, Feb. 1 to March 14. A booster session will be offered April 28.
The seven-session program works with children and their families to address teen behavioral problems and issues of substance abuse.
The evening starts with a free family meal. Afterward, the parents and children meet separately with Wellspring preventionists and staff.
The adults learn and discuss parenting techniques to help them deal with their children during adolescence. 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.
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.
After dinner, youths work in one group while parents work in another group; later, the youth and parent groups come together to play games and work on activities, such as skill building.
Free childcare is available for children younger than age 10.
A gift card will be provided to each family at the conclusion of the program, with good attendance.
Enrollment is limited. To register, call Johanna Pagan at 732-254-3344, ext. 111 or send her an email at Johanna.pagan@wellspringprevention.org.
This program is made available through a grant from the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.