A free, seven-session Family Night Out program will be offered to youth age 10-14, parents and caregivers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning March 8 at the Metuchen High School cafeteria on Grove Avenue, Metuchen.
Funded by the Metuchen Municipal Alliance, the program will help inform attendees about the hurdles that are a part of normal adolescent development. Subsequent sessions will follow on March 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 19 and 26. Free childcare is available for children under age 10. A graduation gift will be provided to each family at the conclusion of the program, with good attendance.
Family Night Out works with families to address healthy communication 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 will learn and discuss parenting techniques. They will 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 in the evening, the youth and parent groups will come together to play games and work on other skill-building activities that reinforce the evening’s topic.
Enrollment is limited. To register, contact Johanna Pagan at 732-254-3344, ext. 111 or [email protected].