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Washington State University

Guiding Good Choices

For Parents & Caregivers of children aged 9-14.

 

Guiding Good Choices logo

 

The Guiding Good Choices Program (GGC) is an interactive, multimedia curriculum that uses a variety of strategies to teach new skills, including modeling in videos; role-play; guided, small and large group discussions; and home practice activities.

  • 5-week program
  • Online and In-person
  • Once a week; typically weekday evenings
  • Pre-registration is required
  • Get notified of new programs starting

Upcoming Sessions:

Bellingham, Ferndale and other Whatcom County areas, starting Fall 2026.

Registration:

Registration for Online Program

[Create an email alias for Victoria “ggc.whatcom@wsu.edu]

Let me know about future programs…

<ONLINE FORM> (Name, email, phone, children’s School District)

Graphic showing an overview of the 5 weeks of the GGC program

Over 5 weeks, the caregivers learn…

  • Focusing on Development Strategies: An overview of adolescent challenges and risk/protective factors. Parents identify the specific risks they want to prevent in their families.
  • Setting Guidelines and Establishing Clear Expectations: Focuses on creating clear family guidelines and expectations regarding substance use and general behavior.
  • Managing Conflict and Positive Solutions: Teaches constructive anger management and healthy ways to resolve family conflicts.
  • Skills for Avoiding Negative Influences: Equips parents with tools to help their children develop prosocial peer relationships and avoid negative influences.
  • Peer Pressure Resistance Practices: The youth join and learn to deal with peer pressure. Focuses on running effective family meetings, teaching refusal skills to children, and increasing opportunities for positive family involvement.

Please note: Guiding Good Choices is considered a Tier 1 program. Intended as a family skills-training program, it is designed for parents and caregivers seeking guidance while raising their children, ages 9-14.

 

<Guiding Good Choices Program Brochure:>
<English Version (pdf) • Spanish Version (pdf)>

For detailed information on the program, please go to the statewide GGC website: https://els2.comotion.uw.edu/product/guiding-good-choices-ggc

 

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WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office.

NEW PROGRAM: starting September 2026!

Guiding Good Choices logo

For Parents & Caregivers of
children aged 9-14.


Registration Link:

Registration for Online Program

 

Program Contact:

Victoria Mayers
victoria.mayers@wsu.edu


This program is new to Whatcom County; however it has been helping families in Washington State since 1987.

Current programs are being offered in both English and Spanish language.