Hanscom celebrates Month of Military Child

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by the youngest members of the military family.

"Our military children are extraordinary," said Roxane Dietrich, 66th Services Squadron, Family Members Program flight chief. "Being a military child is not easy, they have to adapt to a lot of changes in their lives, especially when a parent is deployed. We want our families to know that we have a lot of supports in place to help children and families cope with some of the challenges facing military children. We have a lot of events and activities planned throughout the month to bring families together for some quality, fun family time."

Hanscom officially kicked off its celebrations with Family Pasta Night on April 2, held at the Youth Center. Families had a chance to share some time together while enjoying a free pasta meal.

There are several events taking place throughout the month for families and children to enjoy. Celebrations include the annual Walk 'N' Talk event on April 25 at Castle Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can explore fun and engaging topics together plus enjoy a free lunch upon completion of the walk.

Some of the activities that will take place throughout the month include:

Airman and Family Readiness Center programs -- For more information or to register for the workshops below, call the A&FRC at 781-377-4222, or email Donald.Chappel@hanscom.af.mil.

Raising Sons: April 3, noon to 1 p.m. A fascinating look at the special worlds of sons and daughters, with information on gender differences, societal expectations and our own perceptions about raising boys and raising girls. Presented by parent educator Sue Speilman.

Parent, Child Communication: April 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant presents a look at the fundamentals of family communication. Learn why effective communication is beneficial, developmental issues that impact communication, how to help children deal with feelings, and much more.

Taming the Dragon in Your Child: April 10, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn how to recognize and defuse situations that trigger your 2 to 6 year old child's anger, tantrums, and sulks. Presented by Patty Marquis, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Raising Daughters: April 9, noon to 1 p.m. A fascinating look at the special worlds of sons and daughters, with information on gender differences, societal expectations and our own perceptions about raising boys and raising girls. Presented by parent educator Sue Speilman.

Fashion, Fad and Fitting In - The Tween Years: April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The "tween" years (8 to 12) are often described as the time of the greatest changes, physically and emotionally, that we go through in our life at any time besides infancy. Tweens are typically fashion-conscious, fad crazy, filled with attitude and focused on fitting in. In this workshop for parents, you'll get practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the tween years. We'll talk about emotional, physical, and social development and look at discipline, puberty, independence, peer pressure, and how to talk and listen to your child. Bring your questions and your lunch. Presented by parent educator Susan Spielman.

How to Live Almost Happily with a Teen: April 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Kathleen Reardon leads a workshop on the mind of the adolescent. Learn how to communicate with your teen, how to discuss difficult issues such as risk-taking behaviors, and how to help teens build greater coping skills and resilience in the face of the many challenges they are confronted with. As an LICSW in private practice and a professor of Social Work at Simmons College, Dr. Reardon brings a wealth of knowledge on adolescent social and neurobiological development.

Sibling, Parent Relationships - Building healthy relations: April 27 from 3 to 4 p.m. There are many different relationships within a family, but the sibling relationship is typically the longest that an individual will experience in their lifetime. Join Hanscom's Military and Family Life Consultant to learn more about the essential bond that siblings share and how parents may nurture and enhance their children's connection to each other to build a healthier family.

How to stay out of harm's way - fostering resilience in teens: April 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Kathleen Reardon offers a compelling workshop on adolescent risk behaviors. Learn how to talk with teens about difficult issues and how we as parents and members of the community can help teens build greater coping skills and resilience in the face of the many challenges they are presented with, such as premature sexuality, alcohol, drugs and driving. As an LICSW in private practice and a professor of Social Work at Simmons College, Dr. Reardon brings a wealth of knowledge on adolescent social and neurobiological development.

Hearts Apart picnic at Castle Park: April 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. Families of deployed, remote tour and extended TDY service members, please join us for fun, food and friendship. Bring a side dish to share and come on down. We'll provide burgers, hot dogs, drinks and snacks.

Child Development Center -- Activities are open to families enrolled in the CDC programs. For a complete list of activities scheduled or for more information call (781) 377-7166.

Teddy Bear Picnic: Children are encouraged to bring their favorite teddy bear on April 9.

Flip Flop Friday: Think summer by wearing your favorite summer clothes, sunglasses and flip flops to the CDC on April 17.

Celebrate Earth Day: April 22, classrooms will create sculptures using recycled items.

Fantastic Floats: April 24 at 3:15 p.m., children will participate in a parade complete with floats and costumes around the center's pre-school playground.

Ice Cream Social: Parents can join their children for an afternoon ice cream snack on April 30.

Youth Center -- For more information on Youth Center activities call (781) 377-3739.

Bop 'n' Bowl
May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hanscom Lanes where there will be plenty of family fun activities including:

* Open bowling
* Bumper bowling
* Face painting

Plus: The Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform. The band offers a special brand of interactive children's entertainment that grown-ups also enjoy. The band's musical performances are very active, encouraging everyone to sing and dance along with them. Special kids' meals will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of the 13th Frame Diner at Hanscom Lanes.