The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) is delivered within parent, youth, and family sessions using narrated videos portraying typical youth and parent situations with diverse families. Parents and youth meet in separate groups for the first hour and together as families during the second hour to practice skills, play games, and do family projects. Sessions are highly interactive and include role-playing, discussions, learning games, and family projects.

The program was developed for Project Family at the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research Center at Iowa State University and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Iowa State University Extension assisted with the development and handles the material distribution. Learn about the SPF 10-14 background

This scientifically tested curriculum:

• helps parents/caregivers learn nurturing skills that support their children,
• teaches parents/caregivers how to effectively discipline and guide their youth,
• gives youth a healthy future orientation and an increased appreciation of their parents/caregivers, and
• teaches youth skills for dealing with stress and peer pressure.

The program is taught with 8 to 13 families over seven weeks, usually in the evenings. It is recommended that the group size be smaller when dealing with families where parents have begun to have concerns over the problematic behavior of their youth.

Four optional booster sessions can be held three to twelve months after the basic sessions.

Sessions 1-7 Topics

• Using Love and Limits
• Making House Rules
• Encouraging Good Behavior
• Using Consequences
• Building Bridges
• Protecting Against Substance Abuse
• Using Community Resources

Boosters 1-4 Topics

• Handling Stress
• Communicating When You Don't Agree
• Reviewing Love and Limits Skills
• Reviewing How to Help with Peer Pressure

Sessions 1-7 Topics

• Having Goals and Dreams
• Appreciating Parents
• Dealing with Stress
• Following Rules
• Handling Peer Pressure I
• Handling Peer Pressure II
• Reaching Out To Others

Boosters 1-4 Topics

• Handling Conflict
• Making Good Friends
• Getting the Message Across
• Practicing Our Skills

Sessions 1-7 Topics

• Supporting Goals and Dreams
• Appreciating Family Members
• Using Family Meetings
• Understanding Family Values
• Building Family Communication
• Reaching Our Goals
• Putting It All Together and Graduation

Boosters 1-4 Topics

• Understanding Each Other
• Listening to Each Other
• Understanding Family Roles
• Using Family Strengths