Family Strengths Network News:
Youth Volunteer Natalie Smith spends time helping a local child get creative during a Gingerbread House Building event at the Family Strength’s Network. Courtesy/FSN
Adolescence is a critical developmental time for every family.
While young people are learning to use their emerging independence to discover their strengths, parents look for opportunities to balance their child’s need for freedom with guidance and direction.
Proactive families know that while children don’t come with a handbook, there are local resources to facilitate a positive experience for everyone during this period of growth.
Family Strengths Network (FSN) is providing a record number of programs for tweens, teens, and their parents this spring.
For families who are ready to meet this transition with education, a good sense of humor, and pizza, FSN offers Tweens to Teens for Girls March 13 and Tweens to Teens for Boys March 20.
Dr. Tom Csanadi and LAPS teacher Scott Johnson lead discussion and activities with boys aged 11 – 14 and their fathers or other male adult.
Public Health Nurse Megan Pfeffer and educator Jennifer Bartram address the changes puberty brings with girls ages 9 – 13 and their mothers or other female adult.
These workshops help take the “squirm factor” out of communicating about adolescence.
In Girls Circle, middle school and high school students use discussion and crafts to express themselves and learn to think independently.
This empowering group meets Mondays from March 5 – April 30.
High school girls meet 3:30-5 p.m. at FSN. Eighth grade girls meet during lunch at LAMS.
The program will provide eighth graders with lunch and high school kids with refreshments. The Juvenile Justice Advisory Board is funding the Circle programs.
Reduce, reuse, and save at the Prom Dress Swap, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 24 at FSN.
Drop off donations at the Teen Center or FSN for a $5 coupon toward your new dress. The Key Club is co-sponsoring this event.
The Parents of Teens Breakfast Group will meet from 7:30 8:30 a.m. at The Coffee Booth on Tuesday mornings April 17 – May 8.
Early risers can purchase breakfast and get tips on avoiding power struggles and navigating changes in family dynamics.
Jennifer Bartram will use Active Parenting of Teens, a powerful evidence-based tool, to facilitate discussion. The DWI Council is funding this event.
For more information and online registration for these and other programs including Parenting with Love and Logic for families of school age kids and Ages of Discovery for families with newborns through age five, visit www.lafsn.org.
Family Strengths Network, 1990 Diamond Dr., 662-4515, is a private, non-profit organization and a United Way Community Partner.
