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Family Connection for Healthy Futures

Meaningful
connection starts with making time

In a world full of distractions, connection is what keeps kids grounded, confident, and thriving. CHAT: Family connection for healthy futures, helps parents strengthen communication, build trust, and create the kind of family relationships that lead to healthy futures.
Discover ways to connect
A father and son sit together at home, smiling and laughing during a relaxed conversation.

Why it matters

Every teen needs connection and wants to feel seen, heard, and supported. Research shows that youth who experience strong, positive relationships at home are more resilient, less likely to struggle with anxiety or depression, and better equipped to make healthy choices.

CHAT, created in response to Rep. (and high school teacher) Douglas Welton’s experiences in the classroom, supports Gov. Cox’s “Built Here” initiative by ensuring that all Utah children grow up with a strong foundation of good behavioral health. When parents and teens connect meaningfully, Utah’s communities grow stronger too. 

Read the Governor’s Plan

Our goal

By 2029, increase by 10% the number of Utah youth (grades 9–12) who report having three positive childhood experiences. Using data from the annual SHARP survey, we can better understand the importance of teens having a caring adult they can talk to about their feelings, a friend they can open up to, and people they feel close to at their school. These positive childhood experiences are key protective factors that set teens up for lifelong success.

Actionable tips

Simple line drawing of an adult sitting on the floor and reading a book with a child on their lap.

Spend quality, intentional time together

Set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day for one-on-one time with each of your kids. Add it to your calendar if you have to! Let your child lead the activity.
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Practice active listening

Make eye contact and put away distractions, like phones or tablets.
Two speech bubbles: a small one with three purple dots and a larger one with a yellow question mark. Both have drop shadows, conveying dialogue or inquiry.

Ask open-ended questions

Ask open-ended questions and repeat back what they say to show you understand. 

Three cartoon hands raised, each in different colored sleeves—green, red, and yellow. One has a thumbs up, another is open, and the third points upward.

Encourage your kids and show them affection

Praise your child for effort, not just results and hug, high-five, or fist-bump your child often.
Two stick figures ascend green stairs, symbolizing growth or progress, with a large red arrow pointing upward, indicating direction or ambition.

Model positive behavior

Children often learn by example. Try to be present and calm as your child learns how to deal with difficult emotions, like anger or frustration. Show them by example how to ask for help when you are struggling.
Illustration of a ticket with a yellow star in the center. The ticket has jagged edges, a green shadow, and three lines above it, suggesting excitement.

Show up and engage

Attend the game, the play, or the concert. Put your device away. Your presence and undivided attention says, “You matter.”

Teens who feel supported during difficult times are more likely to succeed.
Connection doesn’t require perfection; it just takes intention.

Let’s dive deeper

Teens who feel supported during difficult times are more likely to succeed in life. These are a few simple signs your relationship is built on a strong foundation, and reminders of how powerful your presence can be in your child’s life.

  • Your child feels safe coming to you with questions or problems.
  • You just try to listen when your child talks — and don’t interrupt or judge.
  • You spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.
  • You comfort your child when they’re upset.
  • You set clear rules — but also explain why they matter.
Find tools, guides, and expert-backed resources to help you strengthen your connection with your teen.
More resources
A woman and a teenage girl with curly red hair sit on a couch having a serious conversation. The woman gestures with her hands while the girl listens attentively. Light streams through a window behind them and patterned pillows are on the couch.

The CHAT: Family Connection for Healthy Futures toolkit

The CHAT campaign toolkit includes everything you need to share the campaign message: social media graphics, videos, suggested captions, and logos. All assets are available in English and Spanish and ready for you to use.

Download campaign toolkit