RAF ALCONBURY -- This Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Defense asks all members of the military community to Stand Up for MilKids. The first step in this endeavor is a commitment to being a positive presence in their lives so they can grow up healthy and safe. In times of extreme stress, there is an increased risk for child abuse and neglect, so it is especially important to learn how we can support our children and the military community.
In order to further this effort many resources have been made available through the Pathfinder Phone App. These include information, games, education and resources for pregnancy through teenage years. These resources are all located in the Wingman footer under Resiliency and Coping Resources then Pregnancy and Parenting.
Babies on the Homefront App
Military moms and dads will find a lot of material to add to their toolbox of strategies. The app’s features include:
- Behavior Tips: Ideas for handling those tougher parenting moments
- Play Time: Ideas for fun and soothing activities
- At Ease: Ideas for self-care to help you take care of yourself
- Help Me Grow: Information on your child’s development as they grow
- New! Private Messaging: Privately message your co-parent, sharing your family’s experiences.
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/babies-on-the-homefront-app
New MilParent Specialty Consultation
Military OneSource has launched the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed with expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 in mind. It’s free, individualized, confidential support for new and expecting military parents https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/specialty-consultations/new-milparent/new-milparent-consultation
Thrive: Empowering Military Parents
The online Thrive Initiative parenting programs are based on science and seek to strengthen positive parenting skills, teach parents strategies for managing stress in themselves and their children, and introduce foundational skills that promote healthy lifestyles. https://thrive.psu.edu/thrive-online-parenting-programs/
Period of Purple Crying
The Period of PURPLE Crying is a way for parents and caregivers to understand and recognize normal infant crying, strategies to cope with infant crying and the dangers of shaking a baby in response to frustration. The Period of PURPLE Crying is a program of the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
http://purplecrying.info/
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame is designed for parents to use with their child to help teach skills such as problem solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence. In this interactive game, users help a monster solve a number of challenges by helping him learn the skills “Breathe, Think & Do”. Users progress through different levels and activities in which the monster faces different challenges, for example putting on his shoes, or going to school. Users help the monster take deep breaths, think about a plan, and choose from a number of different ways to cope with the problem. Breathe, Think Do with Sesame offers a parent section providing tips for self-soothing and breathing exercises. https://psyberguide.org/apps/breathe-think-do-with-sesame/
A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years
Easy-to-follow articles, slideshows, videos, and health tools designed to help families learn, grow, and be their best. the site also provides information for parents, kids, teens and teachers.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adolescence.html
Parenting2Go
Parenting2Go helps Veterans and Service members reconnect with their children and provides convenient tools to strengthen parenting skills. It can be used alone or in combination with the online Parenting for Service Members & Veterans course. Parents can find quick parenting advice; relaxation tools to use when frustrated or stressed; tools to improve their relationship with their children through positive communication; and strategies to switch gears between military life and home. The app addresses challenges that come with parenting children of all ages and backgrounds. The app also offers guidance for seeking professional help and access to additional resources.
https://mobile.va.gov/app/parenting2go
Thrive Online Parenting Programs
The online Thrive Initiative parenting programs are based on science and seek to strengthen positive parenting skills, teach parents strategies for managing stress in themselves and their children, and introduce foundational skills that promote healthy lifestyles.
https://thrive.psu.edu/thrive-online-parenting-programs/