ALBANY COUNTY — Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a virtual program to strengthen families — for youth between the ages of 11 and 18 and their parents or caregivers.

Sessions will be held over Zoom on  Oct. 14, 21, and 28 and on Nov. 4. The youth program runs from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and the program for parents or caregivers follows, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Zoom meeting information will be provided to all registered participants prior to the start of the program. Parents or caregivers may enroll in the program without having their youth participate.

Advance registration is required with CCE Albany at or text/call 518-598-9937.

Parents and youth will participate in separate virtual workshops learning ways to build on existing strengths, improve family communications skills, and share ideas on how to build family relationships.

Youth programs will include 30 minutes of interactive, hands-on activities to discuss teen development, communication skills, managing emotions, and how to practice mindfulness and positive self-talk. Youth will be encouraged to share their activities and knowledge with their parents or caregivers.

The parental programs are one hour long, and help participants enhance their parenting skills. Parents or caregivers, who are the experts on their families, will develop a deeper understanding of how their personal and parenting knowledge and behavior affects their children.

This program will also include helpful family activities, and activities for parents or caregivers to share with their youth.