News

Giving parents a break: Program helps relieve parents’ stress

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Air Force Aid Society and Child Development Center have come together with the Give Parents a Break program to help relieve the stress parents can face.

This program allows parents who have a spouse that is deployed, on remote tour, extended temporary duty or dealing with a high level of stress to take four hours off from watching their children, every second Saturday of the month.

The Give Parents a Break program began in 1995. In 2009, AFAS spent approximately $680,000 Air Force wide on families utilizing the program.

"Give Parents a Break lets parents relax while knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment," said Jennifer Aubrey, 436th Force Support Squadron Air Force Aid Society officer. "Often parents need to do something, which can be done a lot quicker without their children being with them, and we give them that opportunity. It's a great program that really should be utilized more often. AFAS covers the cost of their children's time at the CDC, so it's completely free to qualifying parents."

To be eligible for the program, families must be referred by their squadron commander, first sergeant, Chaplain, medical group, Family Advocacy, Airman and Family Readiness Center or Child Development Center personnel. They will then receive a certificate which they must drop off at building 212 to register. They must provide a current copy of child's shot record by the Thursday before the scheduled event.

"The age groups vary between 6 weeks old to 12 years old," said Mara Lackie, 436th FSS Child Development Center assistant director. "We have had to cancel the event before, as we need at least eight children to sign up in order to support the event. Last year we had 20 to 30 children a session."

"I took advantage of the program when I was an Air Force spouse," said Ms. Aubrey. "It's a great way to get some studying done, go see a movie, do some chores or just relax and shop. Four hours can do a lot for parents who are under a lot of stress."