A Workshop Series for Parents and Rising Middle Schoolers Grades 5-7, Led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers with Decades of Experience Supporting Teens and Their Families

Parent Sessions:
Wednesday, September 10th, 17th, & 24th | 12PM - 1PM | Virtual
Middle Schooler Sessions:
Wednesday, October 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th | 4PM - 5PM | In-Person (Jersey City, NJ)

PARENT WORKSHOP:

Is your child heading to middle school this fall? Join our engaging, supportive workshop designed to help you and your child navigate this exciting (and sometimes emotional) transition with clarity, confidence, and calm.

Boundaries with Love and Respect

Learn how to foster healthy independence while staying connected.

  • Talking About Boundaries: How to talk with your child about setting and respecting personal boundaries.

  • Navigating Challenging Moments: What to do when boundaries are crossed or tested.

  • Body Boundaries: Supporting your child in understanding physical boundaries and consent.

  • Respecting Changing Needs: Balancing structure and flexibility as your child grows.

Finding Balance in the Middle School Years

Help your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

  • Academics & Development: Supporting focus and motivation through rapid changes.

  • Family Time Matters: Prioritizing connection in busy schedules.

  • Social Media: Friend & Foe: Helping your child build healthy habits online.

Understanding Developmental Changes

Gain insight into what your child is experiencing and how to support them.

  • The Whole Child: Navigating changes in mind, body, and emotion.

  • What’s Normal?: Signs your child is in a good place and red flags to watch for.

  • Different Timelines: Supporting your child when their development is earlier or later than peers.

Knowing Your Rights & Advocating for Your Child

Equip yourself with knowledge to navigate school systems and supports.

  • Understanding Accommodations: What your child may be entitled to and how to ask for it.

  • Mental Health Rights: Your child’s rights to emotional and psychological support.

  • Your Rights as a Parent: Laws and resources that protect and empower families.

  • Support Resources: Where to turn when you need additional help.

RISING MIDDLE SCHOOLER WORKSHOP:

These sessions are designed to give rising middle schoolers the tools, confidence, and support they need as they step into a time of big changes and new challenges.

Navigating Relationships & Social Pressure

  • Dealing with Drama: How to handle peer pressure, friendship changes, and tricky social dynamics.

  • Holding My Boundaries: What boundaries are, why they matter, and how to stick to them with friends, parents, and others.

Being Online

  • Social Media & Me: Understanding how social media affects mood, self-esteem, and friendships, and how to use it in a healthy way.

What’s Going On With Me?

  • Mind, Body, Emotions: Figuring out all the changes and how to take care of yourself through them.

  • Am I Okay?: What’s normal, when things feel off, and how to check in with yourself.

Knowing When (and How) to Ask for Help

  • Calling in Reinforcements: How to know when you need support, who to turn to, and what resources are out there.

  • Helpful Resources: A list of safe, trusted people and tools you can reach out to — anytime.

Meet the workshop host Mariam Gerges

is the Lead Clinician at Footprint and brings over 19 years of clinical social work experience, with a strong focus on supporting adolescents and their families. Mariam specializes in working with teenagers navigating emotional, social, and developmental challenges, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of adolescence. Her approach is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and real-world experience, both in clinical settings and on the ground in high-need communities.

Cost:
Parent Workshop: $180
Middle Schooler Workshop: $240

Location For In-Person Middle Schooler Workshop:
121 Newark Ave, 4th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Downtown Jersey City, across the street from the Grove Street Path Train.