Guiding Good Choices is a free, 5-week (in-person) or 6-week (virtual) program for parents and caregivers of children ages 9-14. It gives families information and tools that work to protect preteens and teens from the inevitable risks they encounter as they become more independent. Just as important, families will learn ways to build or maintain lasting relationships, because teenagers who are more closely connected to their families have better health and educational outcomes. At the end of each session, participants learn how to hold a family meeting to share lessons learned or plan some fun family time. This regular time together builds bonds, promotes health, and helps GGC skills become a part of family life.
All participants will receive a welcome package. Any participants who complete at least 5 sessions will receive a token of appreciation for their participation.
Introductory Session *virtual program only
Building a Learning Community
Parents will learn about fostering community while participating in GGC virtually.
Session 1
Getting Started: How to Promote Health and Wellbeing During the Teen Years
Parents learn about the nature and extent of problem behaviors among teens and decide for themselves how they want to prevent problems in their own families.
Session 2
Setting Guidelines: How to Develop Health Beliefs and Clear Standards
Parents develop clear family guidelines and expectations for behavior.
Session 3
Managing Conflict: How to Deal with Your Anger in a Positive Way
Parents learn to manage family conflict in a way that maintains and strengthens bonds with their children.
Session 4
Avoiding Trouble: How to Say No, Keep Your Friends, and Still Have Fun
Children and parents are invited to this session. They learn skills children can use for staying out of trouble and keeping their friends, while still having fun.
Session 5
Involving Everyone: How to Strengthen Family Bonds
Parents learn ways to strengthen family bonds and increase children’s involvement in their family through the teen years. Parents also learn how to create a parent support network.