WHAT IS CONNECT©?
Connect© is a 10-week program to support parents and caregivers of pre-teens and teens with difficult behavioural and emotional problems. Parents meet in small groups with two trained group leaders for one hour each week.
Each session provides parents with a new perspective on parent-teen relationships and adolescent development. Parents watch role- plays, try exercises and work together to develop new choices for responding to their teen’s difficult behaviour. Parents receive handouts following each session with key points to remember.
We understand that each child and each parent is different, and change is part of development. Rather than teach only one way of parenting, we help parents see choices that support healthy relationships while setting limits and helping their teen to move forward.
WHO LEADS CONNECT©?
Connect groups are led by trained Connect leaders. Your group leaders will work hard to understand the challenges you face and to support you and your relationship with your teen.
Parents who participate in Connect tell us they feel respected and supported.
DOES CONNECT© WORK?
We listen to parents and their feedback has shaped the Connect Program.
We make sure we get feedback every time parents complete Connect Group to make sure it is helpful. Research in Canada and Sweden both short and long term.
Parents report feeling less stressed and more effective in parenting; they see fewer behaviour problems and better social functioning in their teen.
For more information on effectiveness see:
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH – THE FACTS
Up to one in five children in Canada experience severe problems with mental health – problems that make it difficult for them to do well at home, at school, and in their community.
These problems can include feelings of anger and aggression; feelings of depression and confusion; conflict with parents and teachers; and getting into trouble with friends. Several programs are available for young children, but few help parents and caregivers of teens.
Connect was developed specifically for parents and caregivers of teens who are struggling with these issues.
Developed uniquely for parents and caregivers of youth based on research examining:
✔ Attachment
✔ Child and Adolescent Development, Mental Health, and Social Well-Being
✔ Parenting and Family Functioning
✔ Prevention and Intervention Research
✔ Parents’ Feedback
✔ Short and Long-Term Effectiveness
WHAT COMMUNITIES SAY
“It’s really a wonderful program and we’re receiving great feedback from teachers and parents…”
WHAT PARENTS SAY*
“The role-plays showed me how to handle different conflicts. Changes in the relationship are slow but well worth it, and the growth is incredible.”
“They made me feel very positive and my confidence in myself as a parent has increased tenfold.”
✔ 97% of parents felt better equipped to understand their child.
✔ 95% of parents felt better equipped to understand themselves as a parent.
✔ 86% of parents noted a positive change in their relationship with their child as a result of applying what they learned.
*Moretti & Obsuth, 2009
SIGN UP FOR CLASSES:
Did your teen wait out in the car? Strengthen your family bonds with Alberta Family Resource Networks’ Connect Parent Group.
This 10-week course offers insights into healthy teen relationships and empowers parents and helps create a nurturing environment for your teen and their mental health.
See Alberta Family Resource Networks’ Connect Parent Group for parenting tools and building stronger family dynamics. Morns and Dads make the difference.
For more information on a Connect Parent Group in your community contact:
