Five "Protective Factors" keep families STRONG--and we all have them all! This "WELCOME" video introduces these factors and the lesson plans that follow, adapted from STRONG: Teaching the Strengthening Families Protective Factor Framework to Parents and Professionals.

We create the world for our children, through the unique culture of our family and our home. Where does our "culture" come from and how can we change it if it is not working for us? Explore the unwritten rules we carry with us and how the Protective Factors can help us thrive in the culture we create for our family!

We all--children AND adults--have the need to feel nurtured, cherished, and blessed. If we did not receive what we needed as children, the good news is that we can nurture OURSELVES by actively recognizing and building our Protective and Promotive Factors--getting STRONG from the inside out.

Let's face it--conflicts are inevitable, but they do not have to damage relationships if they are handled in a way that is respectful of everyone's feelings and needs!

How do we listen so that others can talk? Active listening is a valuable communication technique that helps us to be more tuned in to our children, our friends, our partners, and everybody we interact with.

Active Listening is the first step in practicing respectful communication skills--but what if someone else's behavior is causing you a problem? Learning to approach problems from how you feel rather than blaming the other for what they did can change the dynamic of the relationship, for the better!

How full are your "piggy banks" --the "emotional bank accounts" of positive and negative interactions with the people in your life--and with yourself? Join in to learn of Steven Covey's six major ways to make deposits and avoid withdrawals, and to explore the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Children are unique little people and they grow up to be unique adults! In this lesson we will define the nine temperament traits and explore how they are demonstrated by children and adults.

Five Protective Factors keep families STRONG--and we all have them all. Let's define these five characteristics and discuss the everyday actions that support us in recognizing and increasing them in our lives.

Join in on an art activity that helps us to identify and share our personal attitudes about asking for and receiving help. "Concrete Support in Times of Need" is one of the Protective Factors that helps us to manage stress and thrive.

Let's recognize and build our ability to overcome adversity by identifying and appreciating three sources of resilience: our supports, our abilities, and our strengths.

All children--in fact all or us--need to feel loved and cherished just as we are. Join us in this interactive lesson to learn how to actively offer our love and support to our children--to "bless" them!