Improving relationships among parents and youth is the goal of the Strengthening Families program.

Sponsored by the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization’s Family Guidance Center Unit through a grant from the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, participants in the program meet from 4-6:30 p.m. until Oct. 2 every Monday and Thursday at River Hills Community Building at 628 S. Ninth St in Ironton.

“We are offering a free, seven-session program designed to improve the overall family experience,” John Goodwin, Strengthening Families Program facilitator, said. “Feedback from previous attendees is overwhelmingly positive and we are happy to help families improve communication and relationships.”

The program is geared toward parents and their youth who are between the ages of 10 and 14. If a parent worries about their child’s behavior or choices, wonders how he or she will handle peer pressure or struggle overall to bond with your child or children Strengthening Families aims to improve the family atmosphere and prevent conflict.

“Families learn how to solve problems, bond together as a family, and grow and have fun through a series of exercises and classroom discussions,” Goodwin said. “The program is designed by experts and has a proven record of success.”

During the program youth will learn how to prepare for their teen years, strengthen communications, perform better in school, handle frustration, resist peer pressure and build positive relationships.

Parents will learn effective ways to establish rules and consequences, positive management of emotions the best ways to show love and support.

Families who wish to participate in the free program can contact Mollie Stevens at 740-547-9354. Additional information can be found at www.lawrencecountyprevention.wordpress.com.