At Family University, Hanging With Mom and Dad No Longer Deemed Uncool

When parents suggest the idea of bonding with their teenage children, they're greeted with rolling eyes and one of several variations of the word "lame."

So it may have come as a shock to some parents Tuesday night when sons and daughters not only agreed to attend Port Chester Middle School’s “Family University,” a program of workshops covering health habits to collegiate know-how—many said they actually enjoyed it.

The kids seemed to be excited to hang out with mom and dad at the Port Chester Cares Community Coalition-sponsored event.

“I came because my parents asked me to, but then [the workshops] turned out to be a lot more fun than I thought they would be,” said Port Chester High School ninth-grader Samantha Franco.

Comedy Hour, for example, fused laughter and learning with a routine by TruTV stand-up comedian Matt Bellace. He grabbed the attention of volunteers in the crowd by describing healthier ways to spend time than with drugs and alcohol.

“[The presenter] made it fun instead of just lecturing us like in school,” said ninth-grader Maria Barragan.

The secret to the fun for teens was also the wide range of activities offered to the more than 300 folks who came out. An introduction to Zumba dance, a course to help teach money-management habits, and healthy family recipes were just a few that were both interactive and educational for guests of all ages.

All activities were taught in both Spanish and English languages to ensure that no one would be excluded.

“There is a really broad range of the community here: I see a lot of my students and a lot from the middle school too,” said Port Chester High School special education teacher Alyse Ruvolo.

Many high schoolers at last night's event are also fast-approaching the time to fill out college applications. To help parents keep kids on track, Family University covered all the bases with a trained team of experts.

Lehman College professor Laurie Austin educated her adult listeners on the admissions process during “The Road to College,” while TODAY show regular Debra Haffner dealt with common daily challenges in “Parenting in the 21^st Century.”

Many, like Port Chester mother Debora Lukunku, found they had learned ways to lead their children to happy and healthy futures.

“It’s very different to raise kids in today’s world, so it’s great whenever you can get any practical tips,” she said.