April marks Month of the Military Child Published March 28, 2012 HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Lots of events are planned to celebrate Month of the Military Child. Read on for further information. Airman and Family Readiness Center events Call 781-225-2765 or email 66.fss.fsfr.cmb@hanscom.af.mil to pre-register. Effective Ways to Cope with Your Child's Fears, Sad Mood or Misbehavior Monday, April 2, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dr. John Weisz, Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and President and CEO of the Judge Baker Children's Center, presents useful insights on parental strategies for coping with a child's natural fluctuations in mood and behavior. A child will sometimes feel sad, fearful or act up, but how a parent handles the situation makes all the difference. Learn more in this workshop. How to talk to children about really important things Tuesday, April 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Dr. Kathleen Reardon for a workshop that will teach parents how to help children deal with their feelings, how to listen to and understand their concerns and how to address awkward but necessary subjects, such as sexuality, peer pressure, drugs and more. Preparing for Homecoming: Reunion Briefing for Spouses and Children Wednesday, April 6, 3 to 4 p.m. The event includes simultaneous sessions for spouses and children ages 6 and older. Families anticipating a reunion with a servicemember within the next two months are invited to two special briefings that will help prepare for the big event. In these interactive workshops, attendees will receive practical suggestions for coping with reunion and reintegration, and the children's session will feature fun reunion activities and a personalized gift for the returning parent. Raising Sons Monday, April 9, 1 to 2 p.m. The workshop presents fascinating insight for parents on the special ingredients that create a boy. Join in for a journey of discovery on the joys, challenges and special issues of raising a son in today's society. The workshop is presented by Sue Spielman, parent educator. Raising Daughters Monday, April 9, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. What are little girls made of? This workshop presents a look at the special world of daughters, with information on gender differences, societal expectations and parent's own perceptions about raising girls. The class is presented by parent educator Sue Speilman. A Parent's Guide to the New Teenagers Tuesday, April 10, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dr. Kathleen Reardon returns with a discussion to help parents better understand the new life of a teenager. She'll cover how to talk with teens about difficult issues and how to help teens build greater coping skills and resilience in the face of the many challenges they are presented with, such as premature sexuality, alcohol, texting, drugs and driving. As a licensed independent clinical social worker in private practice and a professor of Social Work at Simmons College, Reardon brings a wealth of knowledge on adolescent social and neurobiological development. Moving with Children Thursday, April 12, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Parents are invited to join in for this special presentation immediately following the E-Smooth Move Seminar. Discussion includes tips and techniques to help make moving and adjustment to a new school easier for children -- whether it's their first move or their fifteenth. Building your Child's Self-Esteem Thursday, April 26, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn the meaning of self-esteem, factors that affect self-esteem, the connection between self-esteem and behavior and 10 ways to build a child's self-esteem. The workshop is presented by Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant. Taming the Dragon in your Child Monday, April 30, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The event features a discussion about how to recognize and defuse situations that trigger a 2 to 6 year old child's anger, tantrums and sulks and how to develop an awareness of the causes of the child's reactions from a developmental perspective. The class is presented by Patty Marquis, licensed independent clinical social worker. Youth Programs events Family Walk 'n' Talk Saturday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk 'n' Talk is the annual family event for Month of the Military Child. Families enjoy the late morning walking from station to station talking about a variety of engaging topics. Once complete, prizes are presented and free lunch is available for everyone. The event is sponsored in part by the Hanscom Integrated Delivery System agencies and local vendors. School Age Program events Family Poster Activity Month of April School Age families will create and share family posters highlighting their culture and family Ice Cream Social Wednesday, April 11, 3 to 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to join the School Age Program for an Ice Cream Social and to create a "what it means to be a military kid" mural. MoMC Dance Friday, April 27, 6 to 9:30 p.m. The School Age Program will host a free dance for its member in celebration of the Month of the Military Child. Family Advocacy events Contact Family Advocacy at 781-225-6385 or matthew.nicoli@hanscom.af.mil to register for classes or for more information about events and services. Family Appreciation Day Thursday, April 19 at the Child Development Center From 6:30 to 9 a.m. This event is for parents with children enrolled in the CDC. It includes free breakfast food and beverages for parents in the morning. From 3 to 5 p.m. This event includes free games, prizes and origami for the children in the afternoon. Parenting information packets will also be handed out. 1-2-3-Magic Tuesday , April 17, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, 26 April 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at Life Skills, Building 1217 Step 1: Control obnoxious behavior. Learn a simple technique to get kids to stop doing what you don't want them to do, including whining, arguing, tantrums and sibling rivalry, etc. Step 2: Encourage good behavior. Learn several effective methods to get kids to start doing what you do want them to do, including cleaning their rooms, going to bed and doing homework. Step 3: Strengthen relationships. Learn four powerful techniques that reinforce the bond with children. Books and DVDs will be available.