Mother-Daughter Group Starting in Long Valley to Help Girls 'Thrive'

Peggy DeLong, of Long Valley, is a clinical and forensic psychologist.

But she’s also a mom.

And that’s the driving force behind the new group she’s starting this month for mothers and their daughters in grades six through nine to help “deepen the mother/daughter bond,” DeLong said.

“Research shows that girls do best during adolescence and beyond when they have a positive, loving, and accepting relationship with their mothers,” DeLong said.

There will be two groups formed: one for girls in grades six and seven, and another for girls in grades eight and nine.

The group will meet throughout the school year and discuss issues like social media, dating, friendships, substance abuse, domestic violence and teen violence, communication, managing stress and anxiety, and independence.

The sessions will cost $10 each with a minimum of four sessions to register for, or $40. After that mothers and daughters can register for groups of four sessions throughout the school year. The price will cover the cost of materials and supplies and mothers and daughters can join the group at any time.

The group will meet at the Teen Center on West Mill Road with the first gathering set for Tuesday, Oct. 13.

For registration paperwork, contact DeLong at peggydelong@comcast.net.