The Centralia Prevention Coalition is offering three no-cost “Parenting Pre-Teens Together” classes for parents and caregivers of youths ages 9 to 14.
Each five-session series brings together caregivers in a relaxed environment to learn from each other and to practice proven techniques to help guide pre-teens and teens in making healthy choices, according to a news release.
The series will be offered in August, October and January. Child care and dinner will be provided.
The first five-week program will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 to Aug. 30 at Centralia High School. The second series will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 through Nov. 16 at Centralia Middle School. The final series will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 through Feb. 8 at Centralia Middle School.
Registration is open for all three classes at www.CentraliaPreventionCoalition.org/ggc. Pre-registration is required.
Sessions will be led by volunteer facilitators Veronica Trapani-Huebner and Rebecca Eitemiller.
“This is a great opportunity for parents to make real connections in a judgment-free community because we're all going through the learning process of pre-teen development together. As a facilitator, I'm also parenting my own 12-year-old, so expect a lot of real-world examples. This is a safe place for everyone to join the conversation and find support in shared experiences,” Eitemiller stated in the release.
Parents and caregivers will connect with others who are raising teens and pre-teens and learn valuable skills. Each two-hour session offers an opportunity to enjoy a meal and learn how to keep children safe and healthy.
“Activities help parents and guardians spot risky behaviors, establish clear rules, learn to navigate family conflicts and practice using the family meeting to improve relationships and involve youth in family decisions,” stated the release.
Sessions are based on the Guiding Good Choices curriculum.
The classes are held in partnership with the Centralia School District and sponsored by the Centralia Prevention Coalition and Lewis County Public Health & Social Services with funding from the Washington State Health Care Authority.
The coalition brings together community members, businesses and organizations to reduce youth substance use.
For questions about the Parenting Pre-Teens Together series, contact Sara Bumgardner at 360-520-6879 or sara.bumgardner@lewiscountywa.gov.
