Photo: Photo by Emmanuel Olguín

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — Guiding Good Choices, a research-based program designed to help families strengthen relationships and support healthy decision-making among preteens and teens, will begin its third Wasatch County cohort on Nov. 4.

The virtual program is open to parents and caregivers of children ages 9 to 14 and provides tools to help families navigate the transition years as children grow into teens. Sessions focus on building communication skills, setting clear guidelines, managing conflict, and helping youth resist peer pressure.

Over the course, parents will learn how to establish positive routines, hold family meetings, and support healthy behaviors in their children while fostering closer relationships.

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Program sessions include:

Introductory session: Building a learning community in a virtual environment.
Session 1: How to promote health and wellbeing during the teen years.
Session 2: Setting guidelines and clear standards for behavior and decision-making.
Session 3: Conflict resolution and anger management strategies.
Session 4: Helping children resist peer pressure while maintaining friendships.
Session 5: Strengthening family bonds and building supportive parent networks.

Organizers shared that research shows that teens with strong, supportive family connections are more likely to make healthier choices, perform better in school, and have improved mental health outcomes. The program aims to help families foster that environment while supporting teens’ growing independence.

The sessions are free to Wasatch County families. Parents and caregivers interested in participating can email emma@peacehouse.orgfor more information or to reserve a spot.

Guiding Good Choices was developed by the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington and has been shown to reduce risky behaviors and improve overall wellbeing for teens. More information is available at peacehouse.org.