News & Events

Workshop Bridges Generational Gap Between Parents and Teens

Parents participating in a recent Teen Speak workshop

Every generation of teenagers is shaped by the social, political, and economic events of the day. Today’s teenagers are no different—and they’re the first generation whose lives are saturated by mobile technology and social media. To help address the unique issues that today’s youth face, the Partnership recently implemented Teen Speak, a free skills-building workshop for parents and guardians.  Teen Speak, a component of the Teen Outreach Program,  is  funded by the New Jersey Department of Health.

Throughout Teen Speak’s four one-hour long sessions, parents learn proven strategies for communicating with their teens and preteens about sensitive issues such as alcohol and drug use, sex, depression, unhealthy relationships, and more. Participants connect with other local parents and practice productive conversation techniques that they can use at home to help build stronger relationships with their teenagers. Each participant receives special giveaways, Teen Speak materials, and the confidence they need to communicate with their children about any topic.

The next Teen Speak workshop is open to all parents living in Essex County and will be held every Thursday, April 9 – April 30 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Irvington Family Development Center. Please call 973-372-4353 or click here to register.