Free bilingual parenting course aims to strengthen families and prevent risky behavior

Photo: Photo by Helena Lopes

PARK CITY, Utah—A free five-week parenting course to strengthen family bonds and reduce adolescent risky behavior will begin Tuesday, April 22, at Peace House in Park City. Offered in English and Spanish, the course is a joint effort between Peace House and the Summit County Health Department.

Classes will be held every Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through May 20 at Peace House, 700 Round Valley Drive, Suite 115. Dinner and child respite services will be provided, and all participants who complete the course will be entered into a gift card drawing.

The program follows the Guiding Good Choices curriculum, developed by Professors J. David Hawkins and Richard Catalano of the University of Washington’s School of Social Work. Designed for parents and caregivers of children in the preteen and early teen years, the curriculum emphasizes the role of strong family relationships in promoting healthy adolescent development.

The five structured sessions include setting clear guidelines, managing conflict, and strengthening communication. One session includes participation from children, offering families a chance to practice refusal and decision-making skills together. Each class concludes with a recommended family meeting, allowing participants to apply lessons at home.

Research cited by the University of Washington shows long-term benefits for families who complete the program. Youth whose caregivers participated were 28% more likely to remain drug-free, 41% less likely to use alcohol and marijuana, and 54% less likely to progress to more serious substance use, even years after completing the course.

Classes in English and Spanish will be held simultaneously in separate rooms. Register for the event online.