Pre-teens and their parents had a celebration after completing the Strengthening Families for Parents and Youth 10-14 program session.

The program is designed for all families and provides an opportunity for them to strengthen relationships by opening up the lines of communication. The sessions are fast-paced and offer practical information using videos, discussions, learning games, and family projects. Families had fun while learning strategies for helping their children make positive decisions in the face of increased peer pressure.

This is the second time the 7-week course has been offered in Hamilton County.

According to Susan Schmitz, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Program Coordinator, each seven week evidence-based parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum has been proven to:

Delay the onset of adolescent substance use

Lower levels of aggression in youth

Increase the resistance to peer pressure in youth

Reduce youth conduct problems in school

Improve parent skills including building a positive relationship with their youth, setting appropriate limits, and following through on consequences, while showing love and support for their children

The program is sponsored by the Hamilton County Prosper Team, which is a group of community members and service providers partnering with ISU Extension and Outreach, Hamilton County to promote and offer the SFP 10-14 program.

The team goal is to offer sessions in both the spring and fall.