Helpful program gives parents a break
Parents seeking a break from the stresses of child raising have a new option thanks to the Langley Child Development Center. It's the Give Parents a Break Program.
Give Parents a Break, which started in April, is intended for those parents who are under unusual amounts of stress from military life-such as when a spouse is deployed or TDY for a long period of time.
"The program is designed to help those who need to get away," said Arleta Briner, child
development center director. "It seeks to give parents time away from the children for personal or
business concerns."
Parents are given two opportunities a month for some time away from the kids - a Friday and Saturday.
"It's great for me," said SSgt. Lynn McMillen, who has an 11-month-old son, Joel. "It gives me a Friday to spend with friends I might not ordinarily get to see and a Saturday to take care of my
business."
McMillen says the program has been especially helpful to her due to back surgery. "I'm not
able to take care of things taking Joel with me and all of his stuff in bags," she said. "With the program, I'm able to get those things done that need to get done and still have a little time for myself."
Give Parents a Break comes to Langley after success at many other bases throughout the country, said Rico Cotton of the family support center.
Cotton said that a majority of the bases around the country already have the program in place.
"It's going to be very successful," he said.
Give Parents a Break comes to Langley through the Air Force Aid Society, which is funding the program here.
Parents are referred into the program by a variety of sources. One way is to be referred in by the squadron commander or the first sergeant. A referral can also come from a chaplain or doctor. Finally, parents can be referred by family advocacy, family support or the child development center.
Anyone seeking more information on the program is encouraged to contact either the family
support center at 764-3990 or the child development center at 764-3449.
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