Children in Between

Children in Between is a one-session skill-based program that helps parents manage their relationship with their co-parent during separation and/or divorce so they can avoid putting their children in the middle of their conflict and focus on their role as parents. As they confront these challenges, parents may use their children to manipulate and/or control each other around a variety of personal, social, and financial issues. These tactics increase the stress and anxiety typically experienced by their children and can increase their risk for behavior problems, depression, delinquency, substance use, teen pregnancy, school failure and dropout, and suicide.

The parent will learn to:

• Identify conflicts and how to avoid them;
• Avoid putting children in the middle of their conflicts;
• Improve communication skills;
• Develop sensitivity to how their actions and reactions affect their child.

During the 4-hour session, parents view several realistic scenarios that increase awareness of how parental behavior affects children. Discussion follows each scenario to help parents identify skills needed to improve communication with their co-parent.

In addition, community resources to assist families in transition and/or crisis are also provided. 

For more information or to schedule, Contact us.

You may view the PDF version of the Program Brochure.

You may also view the PDF version of the Program Summary.

Parenting Wisely

Parenting is hard, but Parenting Wisely can help. This highly interactive course is designed by family and social scientists to equip parents and caregivers with the tools necessary to engage children in difficult family scenarios. Participants learn constructive skills proven to lessen drug and alcohol abuse in youth, school and homework problems, delinquency and other problem behaviors, family conflict, and more.

Now available as a Virtual Program, click for details.

Through use of videos and workbooks, the program addresses common family situations that are typically difficult to manage and suggests different solutions that can be applied to obtain the best outcome.  Parenting Wisely has been designated an Exemplary Model program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.   Young Child and Teen editions available. 

For more information or to schedule, Contact us.

You may view the PDF version of the Program Summary.

Nurtured Heart Approach

The Nurtured Heart Approach is a relationship-focused methodology that is a powerful way to help awaken the inherent greatness in all children.  It has a proven impact on every child, including those challenged behaviorally, socially and academically.  It has been shown to create transformative changes in children diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger Syndrom.  It is also easy to learn and use!  Three workshops are available:  1 hour, 3 hour and 6 hour.  Also available is a six session training.

Contact us for more information.

Parents Who Host Lose the Most

Did you know that, as a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent’s permission? You also cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol. There are legal consequences if you do.

Mercer Council has adopted the Drug-Free Action Alliance's Parents Who Host Lose The Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking public awareness campaign to provide you with information about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of providing alcohol to youth.

Parents play a major role in their children's choices about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. You can protect your children by following these guidelines when hosting teen parties:

  • Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season
  • Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
  • Be at home when your teenager has a party
  • Make sure your teenager's friends do not bring alcohol into your home
  • Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
  • Report underage drinking

Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Let's be unified in our message, and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.

Our Office

Mercer Council on Alcoholism & Drug Addiction
1931 Brunswick Avenue
Lawrence Township, NJ  08648

Tel - (609) 396-5874
Email - mcada@mercercouncil.org
Hours - Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm

 

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