Parenting Programs

Parenting Education - Madison Youth & Family Services offers parent education and counseling to help parents gain insight and develop skills that foster healthy relationships between parents and their children.

Parents of Tweens

If your children are between the ages of 11 and 14, chances are you find yourself in new territory—OFTEN! Madison Youth & Family Services is offering an ongoing workshop focused on developing the skills that parents need to face these changes. Join us for these confidential, educational gatherings in which we discuss such topics as the physical, emotional, social, and academic changes your tweens face. Information on topics relevant to early adolescence will be provided in many forms, including guest speakers, literature and other media, as well as facilitated group discussions. We'll also discuss some of the issues you may face such as bullying, social media, internet safety, peer pressure, risky behavior, and alcohol and substance abuse, just to name a few. Parents are encouraged to come with their questions, their humor, and their lunches. There is an annual fee of $20.00 for parent participation. The Parents of Tweens group begins on September 20th and then meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month, following the academic calendar. The meetings are held from 12 noon to 1:30PM at the Powder House. Remember your lunch! For more information and to be put on the email list so you receive reminders of meetings, please contact the group facilitator, Marj Adler, LPC/PSC, at adlerm@madisonct.org. or 203-245-5676.

Parents of Teens

This group is designed to help parents of high schoolers learn about and grow into the challenges ahead. And make no mistake: there will be challenges. Even under the best of circumstances, the teen years are full of change and hard work, for teens, for parents, and for families. Prepare for the emotional, physical, psychological, and social changes your teens will experience and bring home to you, everyday. Peek into the future now so you can stay ahead of the learning curve in your ever-evolving roles as parents. Come, join with others, and learn techniques and strategies that will help you enhance your relationships with your teens. Polish your parenting skills so you can best help your teens grow toward independence and avoid obstacles that might derail them and erode trust (theirs and yours). Learn how to keep the lines of communication open so they'll hear you when they need you the most, even as they seem to be pushing you away. Time spent with this group will help you, your teens, and your family. In this informal, confidential setting, you can discuss parenting issues and learn from each other and from experts. You'll see that while no one does the teen years exactly the same, these years bring challenges and turmoil to everyone, in differing degrees. Plus, and perhaps most reassuring of all, you'll learn that whatever your teens may be muttering to you or about you, it's not that you missed a basic parenting step and are doomed. It's that your teens are working out the steps toward adulthood and independence. Parents of Teens will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. also held at the Powder House by the Green. This year's group begins on September 22rd and follows the academic calendar. There will be an annual fee of $20.00 for participation. For more information and to be put on the email list, please contact the group facilitator, Marj Adler, LPC/PSC at adlerm@madisonct.org or 203-245-5676. Remember to bring your lunch

Parents of Teens and Beyond

A supportive and educational group designed for parents whose teens are beginning the process of transitioning from high school to the stages ahead. Whether your child is searching for work or already working, moving out, or heading to college, the military, or something entirely different, this confidential group will help you through this stage of parenting and the continuing process of letting go. Teens & Beyond will meet the first Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30 pm in the Powder House.  If interested please contact Marj Adler @ 203-245-5676.

in September (7th) and October (5th) from 7PM- 8:30PM. Join us as you and your teen move beyond the high school years. The initial fee will be $10.00. With sufficient interest additional monthly meetings will be scheduled. For more information and to be put on the email list, please contact the group facilitator, Marj Adler, LPC/PSC, at adlerm@madisonct.org. or 203-245-5676

Scholarships available if needed- don’t let the fee stop you from participating. Call Marj Adler, group facilitator @ 203-245-5676

For further information on any of our parenting workshops contact Marj Adler at 203-245-5676.

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