Parent Project classes begin in Sonoma on Sept. 10

A program to assist parents of teens is returning to the Valley for a third year, thanks to the City of Sonoma’s Youth & Family Services program.

The Parent Project is a 10-week program specifically for parents of strong-willed, out-of-control children and adolescents, age 11 to 18, that starts on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

The program is designed to give parents concrete, concise tools to change negative behavior. Parents learn how they can best influence their child’s choices through behavioral interventions that begin at home. The course addresses gangs, substance use, truancy, sexual acting out, running away, family conflict, defiance and basic respect.

According to a Parent Project press release: “There is always hope for parents who are struggling to keep their children safe, strong and successful. Parents are given the tools to understand and communicate with children, and provide structure and supervision.”

Parent Project classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Teen Services Sonoma and run for 10 weekly sessions. Parent Project classes will also be offered in Spanish, on Wednesday evenings, as well.

To register, call organizer Bob Smith today at 934-7344 or email your contact information to YFS@gamil.com with “Parent Project” in the subject line.

Sonoma Valley Youth & Family Services is a juvenile diversion program funded by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Sonoma. The program is designed to give young people positive alternatives to the juvenile justice system, suspension and/or expulsion. Community partners include Hanna Boys Center, Teen Services Sonoma, Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley, Challenge Sonoma Adventure Ropes Course, and the parent support group RISK (Resources, Information, Support and Knowledge), among others.

Over the past 30 years, the Parent Project has partnered nationally with over half a million parents nationwide to teach prevention and intervention strategies for destructive behaviors. Learn more about Parent Project at parentproject.com.

Sonoma Teen Services is located at 17440 Sonoma Highway.