FAMILY MATTERS Diane Coffill State Family Program Director [email protected](919) 664-6324 SSG Ju Autry Budget Analysis [email protected](919) 664-7583 SGT Daniel Holland Assistant [email protected]PFC Carolyn Stevens HR Assistant [email protected](919) 664-6124 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator [email protected](828) 271-5029 Renee Brotherton FAC Team Leader [email protected](704) 359-5736 Kathleen Flaherty, LTC (Ret.) NC Air National Guard [email protected](704) 398-4949 Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor [email protected](919) 693-5016 ext. 13 Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator [email protected](919) 664-7616 Individual Highlights Protecting our Youth 2 Military Kids Resources 3 Summer Camps 4 Child Article/Workshop 5 Upcoming Events 6 Upcoming Events 7 Children’s Finances 8 Meet the FAC 9 FAC DIrectory 10 Volunteer Appreciation 11 April 2010 Volume 2, Issue 4 April is The Month of The Military Child Please enjoy our April edition of Family Matters. Inside you’ll find tons of upcoming events, programs, and resources. Child & Youth Programs By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs RAND Cooperation asked military children, enrolled in Operation Purple Camps, between the ages of 11-17, their parents and/or caregivers "…how are school-age military children faring and what types of issues do military children face related to deployment?" The survey found: Study results are consistent across Service branches: As the months of paren- tal deployment increased so did the child’s challenges. The total number of months away mattered more than the number of deployments. Also, older children experienced more difficulties during deployment. There is also direct correlation between the mental health of the caregiver and the well-being of the child. Results also revealed that girls experienced more difficulty during reintegration, the period of months readjusting after the service member’s homecoming. Also, about one-third of the children reported symptoms of anxiety, which is somewhat higher than the percentage reported in other studies of children. Alice Dean, State Child and Youth Coordinator, says she has noticed North Carolina National Guard children experiencing some if not many of these challenges, especially teens. Dean said, "Teens don't speak up often about their feelings…I have heard older children say I don't want to bother my mom or dad…they are smart enough to know that their parents are under a lot of stress…" The problems teens are facing range from coping with fears of having a loved one deployed and the reintegration of that loved one coming home. Around our state, the North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Pro- gram is striving to help parents and teens face their issues head on. (Continue on Page 5.) North Carolina National Guard Family Programs Child and Youth staff are diligently working hard to respond to the needs of our mili- tary children. A recent survey conducted by the RAND Coop- eration for the National Military Association shows that military children go through more stress and that stress shows differently in different ages and genders.
Please enjoy our April edition of Family Matters. Inside you’ll find
tons of upcoming events, programs, and resources.
Child & Youth Programs By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs
RAND Cooperation asked military children, enrolled in Operation Purple
Camps, between the ages of 11-17, their parents and/or caregivers "…how
are school-age military children faring and what types of issues do military
children face related to deployment?" The survey found:
Study results are consistent across Service branches: As the months of paren-
tal deployment increased so did the child’s challenges. The total number of
months away mattered more than the number of deployments. Also, older
children experienced more difficulties during deployment. There is also direct
correlation between the mental health of the caregiver and the well-being of
the child. Results also revealed that girls experienced more difficulty during
reintegration, the period of months readjusting after the service member’s
homecoming. Also, about one-third of the children reported symptoms of
anxiety, which is somewhat higher than the percentage reported in other
studies of children.
Alice Dean, State Child and Youth Coordinator, says she has noticed North
Carolina National Guard children experiencing some if not many of these
challenges, especially teens. Dean said, "Teens don't speak up often about
their feelings…I have heard older children say I don't want to bother my mom
or dad…they are smart enough to know that their parents are under a lot of
stress…"
The problems teens are facing range from coping with fears of having a
loved one deployed and the reintegration of that loved one coming home.
Around our state, the North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Pro-
gram is striving to help parents and teens face their issues head on. (Continue
on Page 5.)
North Carolina National Guard
Family Programs Child and Youth
staff are diligently working hard to
respond to the needs of our mili-
tary children. A recent survey
conducted by the RAND Coop-
eration for the National Military
Association shows that military
children go through more stress
and that stress shows differently in
different ages and genders.
2
“Children are our future”. Protecting our children can be one of the most impor-tant things we do as a parent. I’m pleased to present some ideas, suggestions and links to helping protect our children. The majority of my research was pro-vided by the NC Attorney General’s office website. Please access this website for further information regarding protecting your children and yourself in our commu-nities and on the Internet, as well as staying aware of fraud attempts.
First, let’s discuss the most prominent device in our homes today……..the com-puter! Let’s discuss internet safety. Not only are computers great learning tools and a lot of fun to use for games and videos, they can also expose children to unwanted content and inappropriate contact from adults via the internet. We can limit the danger by helping show our children where to navigate on the Internet and protect them from unknown individuals. You can also set rules and time lim-its for your kids. Talk to them about the dangers. Install parental control software or activate the controls yourself. Even if you do not know a lot about computers and you are not an IT wiz, you can call your Internet Service Provider who can walk you through some steps. Also, I highly recommend you check out the link provided to the state Attorney General’s office. This will show you a lot of great information regarding internet safety. http://ncdoj.gov/protect-yourself.aspx.
Protecting Our Youth By SSG Kristian S. Hall, JFHQ-NC Sexual Assault Response Coordinator ( SARC )
Here are some other tips; Look for advances in technology. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) probably has free pa-rental control tools. Download or activate them. They can help you control what your child can access. Set a regular schedule for yourself to review and update them. Spend time with your kids, offline and online. Get them to show you what they do on the computer, and the websites they visit. Discourage children, especially young children, from com-municating with anyone online that they don't know in real life. Monitor your kids while you teach them Internet safety. Some parents may feel uncomfortable checking on their child's computer activities. However, experts say parents need to know what their children are doing online. It isn't snooping, it's caring. Prevent inappropriate content. In addition to the threat posed by online predators, the Internet is home to many images that are inappropriate for children. More young people are being exposed to unwanted sexual material on the Internet. In 2000, one in four youths reported such exposure. In 2006, the figure was one in three, despite an increase in the use of filtering, blocking and monitoring software. Some young people seek out sexual material online, but many encounter inappropriate material unintention-ally. Sexual material can appear in search results, or arrive by unsolicited email, known as spam, as an attachment or link. Teach children never to click on a link in an unsolicited email, and to close out of inappropriate content quickly. Use a child-friendly search engine to help them avoid inappropriate search results. Use this link for your search engine and save it to your favorites http://kidsclick.org .
Tillman Military Scholar
Program Now Open The Pat Tillman Foundation invites you to apply to become a Tillman Military Scholar. The Pat Tillman
Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for veterans, service members,
and their families (spouses or children under age 30). The Tillman Military Scholar Program provides
direct study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other needs, such
as child care. The 2010/2011 application is due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 30, 2010.
In 2009, the Pat Tillman Foundation awarded $642,000 to 52 Tillman Military Scholars to men and
women at 21 universities in 16 states for the 2009/2010 academic year. The application, FAQs, and
additional information are available online at: www.pattillmanfoundation.org.
NEED AN EXTRA BOOST IN GRADES? HAVE QUES-
TIONS? NEED HOMEWORK HELP?
VISIT TUTOR.COM Service member does not
need to be deployed to use this FREE service.
Our Military Kids www.ourmilitarykids.org
Provides grants up to $500 per
eligible child for activities designed to support military
children. Visit them online for eligibility and criteria.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP SUPPORT YOUR MILITARY CHILD
INCLUDE:
Zero to Three
A national, nonprofit organization that address needs of military children ages
birth to three. Visit www.zerotothree.org.
Military Child Education Coalition
A national, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping educators understand
the a military child’s educational needs.
A Child Care survey is avail-
able on the JSS website. It
will be available through
April 9. Information gathered
from this survey will assist us
in determining the child care
concerns of our Guard fami-
lies during deployments and
how best to assist them for
better coverage.
Our Military Kids
Contributed By Marisa Benton, NCNG Spouse
Our Militarykids.org is one of the greatest resources for a National Guard
family. To be provided two grants for children's activities allows flexibility in
a budget and maybe a chance to try something new. I looked into it in
early September for my son. He wanted to try wrestling. I found an organi-
zation in Holly Springs and called them and explained a little about the
program. I explained a check would come directly from the organization
and would cover the whole fee PLUS the registration fee. They were ex-
cited for us. I got all of my paperwork ready and faxed it in to OMK In
about a week I received an email from the coach that he had the check
in hand. He was very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the pro-
gram.
That same week we received a welcome packet from the organization
with all kinds of fun things for my son. It also had a certificate thanking him
for supporting his father. It was all very sweet.
We used our second grant for Caleb's track out camp for the month of
April. I work part time and with my husband deployed, staying home for
four weeks isn't an option. On the other hand, paying for camp when you
work part time is almost a wash. Once again the site came to our rescue.
This time the camp director wrote a letter with the payment specifics and
the dates and I once again sent the info. The camp received their check
in less than a week and we were all set.
Caleb's grant allowed him to participate in wrestling, and the change in
him has been phenomenal. At home, instead of just meeting his responsi-
bilities, he is proactively looking for new ways he can pitch in and help. His
wrestling coach is in the military, and it has been great for Caleb to be
around someone who understands what his family is facing. Since we do
not live on a base, that is a luxury Caleb does not always have.
The biggest change, however, has been his overall outlook on trying new
things. Wrestling was uncharted water for him and getting the chance to
face up to a whole new experience successfully has made him think
about all of the other things he would like to try. His increased confidence
has shown in his improved grades in school and in his general demeanor. It
is a lesson I think he will carry for a long time.
RESOURCES FOR MILITARY CHILDREN
3
OPERATION KIDS ON GUARD—UPCOMING CAMPS
Day Drills
June 19: Kinston Armory, 2875 Dobbs Farm Road, Kinston
July 10: Raeford Armory, 305 Teal Drive, Raeford
July 24: Winston Salem Armory, 2000 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston Salem
August 21: Morrisville Armory, 2025 National Guard Drive
August 28: Asheville Armory, 100 Minuteman Drive
Overnight Weekend Camps: Camp Butner Training Site, 539 Roberts Chapel Rd, Stem NC
April 23-25 & September 24-26
Spaces fill quickly. To learn more and to register, contact Alice Dean, State Youth
Coordinator, at [email protected], or call (919) 664-7616 or Bridgette Carroll, KOG
It’s Camp Season and Operation Purple has a slew of camps in North It’s Camp Season and Operation Purple has a slew of camps in North It’s Camp Season and Operation Purple has a slew of camps in North
Carolina and across the country. For details, criteria and eligibility, visit:Carolina and across the country. For details, criteria and eligibility, visit:Carolina and across the country. For details, criteria and eligibility, visit:
A Hidden Heroes workshop will be held on April 20 from 10am-4pm at the Cooperative Extension of-
fice in Rockingham, NC. A fee of $10 for Richmond residents, Out-of-county residents $15, and lunch
will be provided. Contact the Michelle Stumbo, 4-H Agent at 910.997.8255 by April 15th to register.
6
UPCOMING EVENTS | MARK YOUR CALENDAR
BECOME A FAN
Get our Latest News and Updates on Facebook
Search
“North Carolina National Guard Family Programs”
ONLINE EVENTS
For a full listing of events across the State, find “Family Programs”
at www.nc.ngb.army.mil, then click “Events Calendar.
Single Soldier’s Retreat
How Not to Date a
Jerk or Jerkette
April 30-May 2—Beach
July 30-August 1—Mountains
For more details, call
800-621-4136 ext. 6124
Marriage Enrichment Weekend Retreats
―Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage‖
Reserve your Slot Now!
April 23-25, 2010 - Mountains
July 9-11, 2010 - Beach
July 23-25, 2010 - Beach
August 13-15, 2010 - Beach
August 27-29, 2010 - Beach
For more details, call 800-621-4136 ext. 6124
Greensboro, NC April 6, 2010 from 10:00am to 2:00pm 110 Franklin BLVD, Greensboro, NC Families and servicemembers are invited to attend the Military Family Life Consultants Keys to Reintegration Workshop. Sometimes an outsiders’ perspective on life happenings can help us get through rough patches. Mili-tary Family Life Consultants are there to help " organize" changes families and servicemembers may be going through. Take advantage of this free, confidential service. April 13, 2010 from 10:00pm to 2:00pm April 20 & 27, 2010 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm 110 Franklin BLVD, Greensboro, NC Families are invited to come and equip themselves and their families with some financial "secrets" not many talk about. Licensed Personal Financial Consultants will be on hand to guide military families on how to create a stronger financial future.
Raleigh, NC April 13, 2010 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm April 20, 2010 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm 130 Penmark Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC Stress Management Class MFLC are conducting a class on topics of interest. MFLC are trained professionals to help military fami-lies cope with common issues with communication, anger management and conflict resolutions. The MFLC can teach families how to cope with the stress-ors of military life such as separation and reintegra-tion. April 15, 2010 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm April 22, 2010, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm 130 Penmark Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC. Financial Budgeting Class Families are invited to join our Personal Financial Consultants Financial Budgeting Class . Personal Fi-nancial Consultants will be arming families with action plans on how to keep the "reins" on spending, debt consolidation and budgeting for you and your family's future. Eliminate some financial stressors by being armed and ready.
Visual Arts Contest NC OMK is excited to announce the 3rd Annual NC Operation: Military Kids Visual Arts Contest. The contest is open to all North Carolina youth. Age categories are 5-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, and 16-19. De-signed to introduce youth to the Visual Arts as a part of the 4-H Ex-pressive Arts Curriculum, youth will utilize their skills and their artistry to capture their views of America and patriotism.
This year's themes are: Celebrating Military Careers; Honoring Our Heroes; and Growing Up in America
Contest rules and guidelines can be found at www.nc4h.org/military/index/html.
Eligibility of Photos: All visual art must have been created by youth
between the dates of January 1, 2010 and the time of entry.
Entry Deadline
Entries must arrive in the North Carolina 4-H Youth Development Of-
fice, postmarked no later than Friday, April 30, 2010.
UPCOMING EVENTS | MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The official 30th HBCT Welcome Home Ceremony is happening on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 2:00pm at RBC Cen-ter, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Free Concert The USO, USO of NC, and Ft Bragg FMWR are excited to announce Daughtry in Concert. Chris Daughtry will perform at the main Ft Bragg Parade Grounds on Sunday, April 11 at 7:00pm. This concert is open to all DoD ID Card holders and their families and is free. We hope to have military members and their families from across the state attend this great event. The grounds will open at 3:00 pm with food vendors and family friendly activities.
NCSU Recognizes Military Child Appreciation Month In recognition of Military Child Appreciation Month military children, families and servicemembers from all braches are invited to meet North Carolina State University Football players, Coaches and staff after the 2010 Kay Yow Spring Red vs. White Football Game on Saturday April 17, 2010, 1:00pm, at the Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. Families, military children and servicemembers are invited to watch the game for free.
8
Teaching your child how to read and how to man-
age life and money are two different things. Gener-
ally, parents start teaching children how to
read with books that showcase the most common
colors, shapes and numbers. There are a multitude
of authors offering the latest techniques on how to
help your child understand the basics of colors,
shapes and numbers but there aren't many that
focus on teaching a child the basics and values of
money.
David Porter, North Carolina National Guard Certi-
fied Financial Planner says parents can start teach-
ing their child as early as pre-school about the
value and basics of money. Porter suggests using
play money or real money during a game of pre-
tend shopping or banking. Show your child the dif-
ferences of size and color. Start with pennies and
count out ten. Group dimes, nickels and quarters
and explain the different values. Children may
have a hard time understanding that dimes are
worth more than nickels so be patient, they will get
it. Finally, have your child do small things like putting
their shoes away and picking up their toys for an
allowance. That allowance can be put in the
child's piggy bank. Porter suggests a simple clear
container or jar with a hole in the top because chil-
dren are visual. Having the piggy bank be clear
allows the child to see where the money is going
and how the savings grows.
As your child gets older develop a more structured
commission structure at home. Porter suggests chil-
dren in 3rd to 8th grade should be more familiar
with earning and saving. The best way to start this is
to have your child think of goals of what they want
or what Porter likes to refer to as dreams of what
they want. The easiest way Porter found to do this is
for parents and the child to make a chart or list of
items they want and have the value of those items
on the list. Pick one "dream" item the child wants to
work towards. Have a countdown chart or count
up chart with feasible increments. For example if
your child wants a bicycle that is $50 have the
chart show the amount of $50 but in $5 increments.
The child can fill or color in the increments until they
have reached their "dream" of earning $50 for their
bicycle. Porter teaches his children when they are
putting their money in their piggy bank they are
paying themselves first from what they have
earned.
By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs
Earning is just important as saving. Porter suggests par-
ents could give kids allowance but have a visual aid for
kids to see why they get what they get. Break down
the allowance into different chores with different val-
ues of money they earn. This teaches the child the
value of money and earning it. Other ways to teach
your child financial literacy are games such as life and
monopoly.
As children get older the visualization of savings can be
"branched" out to banks. If a child has filled their "piggy
bank" and is continuing to save take the opportunity
to teach your child about banks and the security they
provide when saving large amounts of money. Many
banks offer joint savings accounts for children. This is
also a good introduction for the next step in teaching
your child financial literacy, check accounts.
More and more people are missing the concept of a
checking account. These misconceptions can lead to
disastrous consequences that can take a lifetime to
repair. Porter says high school students should try to
have a checking account and be responsible for some
kind of bill like a cell phone. Teach your child about
keeping a check register and managing their check-
book. Show them that when they write a check for
their bill it is taken out of their checking account. Also,
explain to them their bank rules and fees. Sometimes
they might miss taking out a fee and wonder why their
account is "off". Keeping your child informed and
aware helps them with their next financial literacy
chapter. Working.
Porter suggests parents encourage children of legal
working age to begin earning money outside of the
home, in the real world. With their earnings they can
gradually become more responsible for bills like car
insurance or even a car. Having those responsibilities
teaches them about budgeting and being responsible
with their earnings, savings and spending. If your child is
ready start introducing the concept of emergency
funds so they can start being prepared for their next
stage in being financially literate.
David Porter is a full time, Accredited Financial Planner
with the North Carolina National Guard. If you have
questions for David or would like to create a financial
literacy plan for your children contact David at (919)-
www.tricare.osd.mil Transition Assistance: Andy Jackson
919.664.6573 American Red Cross: 877.272.7337
www.redcross.org National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1.800.273.TALK (8255)
Veteran’s Affairs (VA)
The VA offers Readjustment Counseling Services for service members and their families working toward readjustment.
Locations
Charlotte Vet Center, (704) 333-6107 Fayetteville Vet Center, (910) 488-6252 Greensboro Vet Center, (336) 333-5366 Greenville Vet Center, (252) 355-7920
