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Positive Parenting

“… parent connectedness is the single healthiest force in the lives of US teenagers.”
–Journal of the American Medical Association

Your child’s brain is still developing well into their twenties. Kids who start drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older. Below are tips and skills for parents and caregivers to try out at home. You don’t need to be a “mad scientist” in order to parent. Positive parenting is prevention!

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Communication
Communication is the key to staying connected with your teen. Here are some excellent tips and clips to help keep the communication lines open so you and your kid can stay connected. A connected teen is a protected teen! Click here for the “Communication Checkup.”

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Encouragement
When we encourage our children, they see themselves as capable, valued and appreciated, especially if the encouragement is meaningful. Here are some helpful suggestions to help strengthen your connection by encouraging positive behaviors. Click here for the “Encouragement Checkup.”

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Negotiation
When we model and teach positive negotiating-skills, our children become engaged and empowered individuals who see themselves as problem-solvers. Check out these resources that will help build your skills. Learn how to identify the problem, focus on the facts and what things to avoid. Click here for the “Negotiation Checkup.”

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Limit-Setting
By setting limits, we provide our child with a sense of safety and show them we care. Here are some useful guidelines to help you set clear, fair and consistent limits. Learn how to communicate and correct without criticizing. Click here for the “Setting-Limits Checkup.”

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Supervision
Kids who are supervised know their parents really care. Supervision reduces problems and increases safety. Discover what you need to know when asking your teen: with whom, where and when to be home. Click here for the “Supervision Checkup.”

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Your opinions, values, attitudes and expectations matter! In fact, the key reason kids give for not drinking is that they do not want to disappoint their parents.

NEWS

March 2025 Coalition Meeting

Saturday, March 22nd 10:30-11:30am

Rockingham Free Public Library, Youth Room, Lower Level

65 Westminster St, Bellows Falls, VT

We invite you to a conversation about substance misuse prevention in our community and ways to engage with parents.  Bring your knowledge, experience and ideas.

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​Transgender Support Groups

SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR APRIL:

4/10 (Second Thursday)

First Thursdays of the month:  free peer support groups for transgender folks. Teens, 13-17, meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and adults, 18+, meet from 6  to 7 p.m. The meetings are held at Parks Place. 

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March 2024 Newsletter

Want to see what we're up to? Download our newsletter for updates, achievements, and upcoming events! Click here to read.

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LGBTQIA+ Hangout

Join us for a FREE hangout for LGBTQIA+ members, ages 18 and old on the second Saturday of each month .  We meet at Flat Iron Cooperative in Bellows Falls from 2-4pm.  

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Online Narcan training
If you've picked up a package of Narcan or Naloxone and don't know how to use it, check out this video with instructions from the Vermont Department of Health.​

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Windham County calendar

Discover fun area activities for families.

Contact Us

44 School St. Ext.
Bellows Falls, VT 05101

802-463-9927 ext 212

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©2023-2024 by Greater Falls Connections. 

Our Mission

It is the mission of Greater Falls Connections to connect to the community of Windham Northeast by inspiring and empowering people through education and collaboration to promote equity, wellness and prevent the misuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, with an emphasis on youth substance misuse prevention.

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