Parenting Resources

Parents need just as much guidance and support as youth do.

Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. But sometimes, they need a little extra help dealing with the challenges that arise. They need the opportunity to learn effective parenting strategies, build skills, and discuss their issues with other parents.

Friends of Youth offers several parenting education classes throughout our community that provide the tools parents need to encourage the development of strong healthy families.

STEP (Systemic Training for Effective Parenting) classes:
Parents of Teens (Open to parents of 13-19 year-olds)
Curriculum: Move from conflict to connection with your teen Reduce power struggles and acting out behaviors Create mutual respect and build responsibility Help boost your teen's self-esteem Practical strategies to deal with sex, drugs, and alcohol
Issaquah Location Fall: October 13, 2010 - November 17, 2010 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Duvall Location Fall: Class dates to be determined
Parents of 2-12 year-olds
Curriculum: Positive ways to discipline your children How to give children room to make choices and mistakes How to turn anxiety about parenting into confidence Practical & workable skills you can start using today
Issaquah Location Fall: Class dates to be determined Duvall Location Fall: Class dates to be determined
These classes are offered at the following offices: Issaquah Office - 414 Front St. N, Issaquah, WA 98027 Duvall Office - 26420 NE Virginia Street, Suite 2, Duvall, WA 98019 The fee is $60 for individuals and $80 for couples (scholarships are available). For class availability and times, please contact Casey at casey@friendsofyouth.org or you can click here.

Best Practice Substance Abuse Prevention Parenting Series:
Guiding Good Choices (Parents of 3rd-7th graders)
Curriculum: Learn proven strategies for preventing substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Here's the chapter on what to do before they become teens. How to Prevent Drug Use (local data and brain research) Setting Guidelines Managing Conflict Strengthening Family Bonds How to Say No to Drugs (youths attend this session)
This class is currently not being offered. Check back for upcoming dates.
Staying Connected with Your Teen (Parents of 8th-9th graders)
Curriculum: Learn proven strategies as your teen heads into high school for preventing substance abuse and other risky behaviors while encouraging their growing independence and keeping the bonds strong. Program Overview & Teen Development Solving Problems & Making Decisions Creating Family Policies & Teen Involvement Communication & Managing Conflict (teens attend this session) Negotiation & Refusal Skills (teens attend this session)
For more information on Staying Connected with Your Teen click here
These research-based prevention programs are offered free of charge to families residing in Riverview, Issaquah and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts. For class availability, times and location, contact Phoebe at phoebe@friendsofyouth.org. These programs are sponsored by King Countyâ€™s Alcohol & Other Drug Prevention Program, with funds from the State of Washington - Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery, King County Community Organizing Program, Issaquah Community Network, Snoqualmie Valley Community Network and local PTSAs. Note: Donations of $30.00 will be accepted.

Other classes:
Please check back later. We are always adding new classes to our list.

Substance Abuse Prevention Web Sites for Parents

TheAntiDrug.com is a service of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, offering a wide range of resources, information and facts for parents. (En Español : LaAntidroga.com)

Family.samhsa.gov is a service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, created to support the efforts of parents and other caring adults in promoting mental health and preventing the use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs among 7-to-18-year-olds.