Self Esteem, Bullying and Social Skills Classes for Kids in CT

7/3/17 - By Katie McKnight

I can hardly believe it, but my oldest child is starting middle school this fall.  How has this happened?  Now, my daughter is super excited, but I’m a little nervous – middle schoolers, as we all know, can be a tough crowd. Especially to those of us who were lucky enough to be sporting Coke bottle glasses, braces, and orthopedic shoes (thanks, Mom…)

The good news is that, while middle school is undoubtedly full of the same angst ridden pre-teens and bullies as it was 20 years ago, parents and teachers are much more aware of the social dynamic amongst the students.  In fact, Fairfield County has mandated a great deal of anti-bullying initiatives within the public schools.

Like many other parents, I want to make sure that my child is neither being bullied, nor bullying anyone else.  To that end, I’ve been looking into local Fairfield County classes, workshops, and programs that might provide some positive messaging and friendship navigation assistance to pre teens and teenagers.  Check out the ones I've found, or take a look at our complete guide to classes in Connecticut.

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New Canaan CARES - New Canaan
New Canaan CARES offers a bevy of different classes for kids in elementary through high school.  Course topics include leadership training, assertiveness, friendship building and transitioning.  Course times and fees vary, so check the website for availability and pricing.

Fantastic Friends Youth Mentoring - Clinton
This youth-mentoring-youth program is facilitated by the Clinton Youth and Family Services. High school aged students are paired with younger kids to spending Friday afternoons playing games, socializing and making crafts.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut - various locations
With over 100 years of expertise, the Girl Scouts have honed their leadership and self-esteem development skills to a T. Girls can join at any age, and participate in community development and self development activities with the chance to change the world. Find, or start, a troop near you


photo courtesy of 4-H

4-H - various locations
Is your kid a nature lover? In 4-H programs kids "learn by doing" - doing hands-on projects in areas such as health, science, agriculture and citizenship. Leaders act as adult mentors and youth are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

Middle School Girls Empowerment Group - West Hartford
Led by clinical social worker Kim Levesque, this group for middle school girls in Hartford area incorporates dance, yoga, and creative work with discussion.

Stretch Studio's Girl Empowerment - Cromwell 
Stretch Girl Power Programs focus on building self-esteem, positive body image and promote self-confidence for tween and teen girls. They work on building a "tool box" of coping skills to use in everyday life. 

Girls on the Run of Fairfield County - New Canaan
The nationally recognized Girls on the Run program offers 3rd through 8th grade girls a 12-week program in which they focus on self-respect, body image, and life skills - and running!  

Girls Inc. - Waterbury
Girls, Inc. offers a variety of programs focusing on self esteem, academics, and substance abuse prevention.  Girls Inc will be offering after school programs in Stamford this fall. 

Greenwich Education Group - Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford
Greenwich Education Group (with locations in Riverside, New Canaan and Stamford) offers a host of services to children, including academic training, college prep, and their BOOM! Social Skills class. The BOOM program is designed to strengthen and develop critical social skills such as asking for help, joining existing groups, expressing oneself appropriately, and building positive relationships. 

Originally published 8/3/2013.

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