Strengthening Families Program At Salisbury Middle School

For the past eight years, Salisbury Middle School has run a weekly after-school program to help families navigate the social and emotional challenges that occur during adolescence.

Called the Strengthening Families Program, it's an initiative that was developed by Iowa State University and brought to Salisbury through the Penn State Cooperative Extension.

The program is aimed at families with children between the ages of 10 and 14, although there is special emphasis for children in sixth grade,  program officials said.

"It is a pivotal time at ages 11, 12, when the whole world opens up to them," said Denise Continenza,  a family living educator from Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Continenza said the Strengthening Families program "is one of the most highly proven programs to work when implemented properly.  It slows a family down for one night to get to know their pre-teen child."

The program is free and voluntary, although teachers, guidance counselors and human service agencies often recommend families.

Facilitators teach parents and children healthy ways to interact with each other during the weekly 2 1/2 sessions. Among the areas covered: parents are taught healthy ways to discipline their children and they learn about activities they can do together as a family. 

One simple activity everyone participates in during every session: a family meal is served.   The family meal has declined over the years, yet research shows that it provides children with a sense of belonging and resilency, Continenza said.

During the program, the children are taught how to build confidence and stand up to peer pressure, and learn communication and anger management skills.  Parents are taught how to ask open-ended questions. One activity involves assembling a map of items or activities the child likes. When the families are brought together again, the maps are hung on the wall and the parents guess which is their child's. 

Salisbury Middle School Assistant Principal Ken Parliman said the school has received many positive comments from parents who have attended the program in the past.

Strengthening Families is open to any family in Salisbury Township with children ages 10-14. The program is 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. every Thursday through April 7.

For more information or to register, contact Parliman at 610-791-0830, ext. 3500 or kparliman@stsd.org.