Parenting is about more than providing; it’s about understanding, connecting, and building well-being. Banyan Community, in partnership with Southside Clinic of Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota Extension, hosts a seven-session Parent and Youth Class designed for youth in grades 5-8 and their parents. This program brings families closer through communication, teamwork, and a unique healthy cooking component. The class invites families in the Phillips Neighborhood to grow together and develop essential skills. Ricardo, a parent participant, shared,

“This class has helped me understand my son John much better and has helped us understand how to work well together here in our neighborhood.”

The cooking sessions provide families with nutritious meals they can recreate at home. Beyond recipes, parents and youth discover the value of teamwork and shared goals, enriching family dynamics and promoting health. In addition to communication, teamwork, and healthy cooking, the class includes engaging physical exercise sessions for parents and youth to bond through movement and wellness. These activities encourage families to enjoy active time together, learning exercises they can practice at home to support each other’s health and fitness goals. Physical activities are designed to foster teamwork, improve physical well-being, and provide a fun way for families to connect.

Through sessions that cover communication, conflict resolution, and hands-on healthy cooking, families aren’t just learning new skills, they’re strengthening their bonds. With support from Southside Clinic and University of Minnesota Extension, Banyan Community’s seven-session class equips families with valuable skills to thrive individually and within their community.