Research tells us that having multiple close and meaningful relationships is a key protective factor in keeping kids stay healthy and safe. It is what makes kids more successful in school, have better mental health outcomes, avoid risky activities, and feel happier. The resources on this page are intended to provide parents and caregivers with the insight they need to build a strong parent-child relationship, to foster that connection during the teen years, and to help them build healthy relationships with others. For instructions to view this website in Spanish, click on en Español.
Families Connected Parent Resources
Featured videos: helping youth build healthy relationships
From a presentation given for PVPUSD on April 24, 2022
Leah Niehaus, LCSW offers expert advice in under two minutes.
Jennifer Elledge (Barber), MPH, CHES shares insight and specific tips for parents.
Tips and Families Connected expert/parent blogs
click on image to enlarge
Click on the image to enlarge an infographic that offers tips to talk about it, provided in partnership with Beach Cities Health District.
The Power of Relationships by Jennifer Elledge, MPH, CHES
On Being a Mother and a Therapist by Leah Niehaus, LCSW
Embrace the Pause by Dr. Nicole Wesley
Related resources for parents and guardians
Resources for teens
Curated Gallery of Resources
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National articles
How to Deepen Your Relationships With Children (Greater Good Magazine)
How Understanding Middle School Friendships Can Help Students With Ups and Downs (KQED)
Positive Parenting: Building Healthy Relationships With Your Kids (News in Health)
36 Questions That Can Help Kids Make Friends (Greater Good Magazine)
Teaching Kids How to Deal With Conflict (Child Mind Institute)
Communication tips for parents from the American Psychological Association
Be available for your children
Notice times when your kids are most likely to talk — for example, at bedtime, before dinner, in the car — and be available.
Start the conversation; it lets your kids know you care about what's happening in their lives.
Find time each week for a one-on-one activity with each child, and avoid scheduling other activities during that time.
Learn about your children's interests — for example, favorite music and activities — and show interest in them.
Initiate conversations by sharing what you have been thinking about rather than beginning a conversation with a question.
Connect around the table
Research has confirmed what parents have known for a long time: sharing a family meal is good for the spirit, the brain, and the health of all family members. Recent studies link regular family dinners with many behaviors that parents hope for: lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and depression, as well as higher grade-point averages and self-esteem. Click on the logo to access conversation starters and dinner games, download a free guide, and participate in the Family Dinner Project.
For More Youth Wellness Resources, Visit:
For South Bay parents and caregivers
Go to South Bay Families Connected for educational events, the Virtual Teen Center, the SBFC monthly parent e-newsletter, and more. For mental health referrals and support groups, go to Beach Cities Health District.
For parents and caregivers in the U.S.A.
Visit the Families Connected landing page for non-region-specific, free youth wellness online resources.