Strengthening families workshop on Jan. 19

The Murray Region PTA will host a free “Strengthening Families” workshop on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. at Murray High, as part of Utah’s Parents Empowered Month in January. Designed for the whole family, the evening will introduce an educational and entertaining series of parenting and youth skill lessons for families to watch together in their own home followed by a separate 30-minute breakout workshop for ages K-4, 5-8, 9-12, and parents. Child care for preschool children ages 3-5 will be provided.   Developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and ParentsEmpowered, and endorsed by Utah PTA, Strengthening Families’ 10 week DVD program is designed for home use to teach families good communication skills. The weekly hands-on lessons teach how to apply the three research proven skills that help prevent underage drinking: bonding, boundaries and monitoring. These are key skills in preventing other at-risk teen behavior including teenage pregnancy and pornography use.   The breakout workshops will focus on the NetSmartz program. Presented by the Utah Attorney General's office and a team of volunteers, NetSmartz is an interactive, educational program that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children and teens how to be safer on and off-line. The program is designed for parents and children ages 5-17 information adapted to each age group ages 5-17. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates. Parent workshops will cover critical parenting issues related to computer and cell phone use.  For additional information, phone Mary Ann Kirk at 801-261-1622.