Family Matters-August 2012

Family Matters NCNG Family Programs ~ August 2012—Volume 4, Issue 8

Back to School

ESGR

Educator Guide Prevent Cyberbullying

Top Employer Support

Kids on Guard

Volunteer Webinars Master OPSEC and Social Media in your FRG

“Boots On Boots Off”

Greensboro Hiring Heroes Event

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 1

Volume 4, Issue 8

FAMILY MATTERS AUGUST 2012

Contents 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 18

Director’s Column Military Children: Achieve High Ranks Cyberbullying Kids on Guard-East Flat Rock ESGR Is It Depression or the Blues...

OPSEC, PERSEC, Social Media Hiring Heroes Upcoming Events Back to School Events Child and Youth Program Family Assistance Centers

On the Cover: FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Alvaro Moore, son of Army 2nd Lt. Christopher Moore, looks at his father's new rank before the North Carolina National Guard's Accelerated Officer Candidate graduation ceremony held at the N.C. Military Academy. His father was one of seven Soldiers graduating the program [2012].

(U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Jordan, North Carolina National Guard) Need to talk? Call us today.

Voluntary, Confidential, Free, and Professionally Staffed

1-800-621-4136 Option 1

Drop a Tweet, Catch a Tweet

@ncngFamily

Diane Coffill State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324 SFC Ramona Scott Family Program NCOIC ramona.scott1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext. 47005 SGT Tammy Fowler Family Programs Assistant tammy.l.fowler@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext 46876 Wendi Bell FAC Administrative Assistant wendi.bell@us.army.mil (919) 664-6078 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 652-4595 Ext. 2 Terry Henderson Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr. terry.henderson@ang.af.mil (704) 398-4949 Alice Dean Lead Child & Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 520-9548 or 800-621-4136 Angelena Dockery Marketing & Communications Manager sallie.a.dockery@us.army.mil (919) 485-9570 Kathryn Jarvis Marketing & Communications Manager Kathryn.jarvis@us.army.mil (919) 485-9571 Judy Richardson Senior FRSA judy.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352 Ext. 5 NC National Guard Family Programs State Office 1636 Gold Star Drive Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 (919) 664-6053 www.nc.ngb.army.mil

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 2

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 3

DIRECTOR’S COLUMN

About Family Matters Family Matters was created to provide Servicemembers and Families the most up-to-date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues, or if you have suggestions and comments, please contact the NCNG Family Programs Marketing and Communications Department personnel, Angelena Dockery or Kathryn Jarvis, at ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com.

E-Versions of Family Matters can be downloaded at the NCNG Family Programs webpage at www.nc.ngb.army.mil.

References in this newsletter to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by NCNG Family Programs.

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 4

Educator Guide A Look Inside

“No Military Child Left Behind”

Military Children: Achieve High Ranks

By Mrs. Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs There is no code to be cracked when helping your Military Child thrive.

Many times, Units, friend and Family gather to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and successes of a Servicemember important in their lives. Just as a Servicemember’s success is often attributed to the support of those important people; the success of a Military Child in school is no different. So, how can I help my military child succeed in school?

While situations and children are different, the North Carolina National Guard Family Programs staff has compiled an Educator Resource guide for Military Families, their teachers, counselors and coaches. In the Educator Guide, “No Military Child Left Behind,” you can find indexed resources, tips and tools based on you and your child’s needs. The Guide highlights behavior indicators impacted by military life stressors such as irritability, drop in grades, and strange complaints about teachers, or school, and suggestions on what to do. These suggestions can be used as a guide to help you and your child thrive. Throughout the worldwide web and different military organizations, there is a vast amount of topics and research. One, in particular, is from the Virginia Joint Military Family Services Board.

The Virginia Joint Military Family Services Board members compiled in their “Working with Military Children: A Primer for School Personnel” guide the strengths of military child and how teachers and parents can maximize a Military Child’s unique characteristics.



Programs of Support



Seperation and Reintegration



Air National Guard Families



Understanding the National Guard



Health and Well-Being



Partnerships



Resources for Educators Download a copy of the Educator Guide at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/SS/FP/Pages/ Academic.aspx

They are: a. Fosters maturity - Military children have broader and more varied experiences than nonmilitary children. b. Growth inducing - Military children learn more about the world and how to function within a community at an earlier age. Assuming ageappropriate responsibilities in the Servicemember’s absence provides a chance to develop new skills and develop hidden interests. c. Encourages independence - Military children tend to be more resourceful and self-starters. d. Encourages flexibility - In an ever-changing environment, military children often learn the importance of flexibility in dealing with day to day life. e. Builds skills for adjusting to separations and losses faced later in life - In a lifestyle filled with good-byes and hellos, military children learn not only how to say good-bye, but how to begin new friendships. f. Strengthens family bonds - Military families make emotional adjustments during a separations and relocations that often lead to the discovery of new sources of strength and support among themselves.

These are just a few highlights that might help your Military Child succeed.

As for Military Schools and Training, situations change and how to react never stays the same, except one thing; Be involved, be active in not only your success but the success of your Military Child(ren).

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 5

CYBERBULLYING

Bullies and People Who Are Bullied Can Expect Long Term Emotional Issues.

We Can Prevent It. Each day an estimated 160,000 students in the USA refuse to go to school because they dread the physical and verbal aggression of their peers. Many more attend school in a chronic state of anxiety and depression. It’s reported that 6 out of 10 American youth witness bullying at least once a day.

Victims of bullying often experience:

Photo from ASPA National Weblog

Cyberbullying, instead of happening face-toface, happens through the use of technology such as computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites or fake profiles.

Kids who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior.

Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.

Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.

Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent.

    

Reluctance to go to school, truancy Headaches and stomach pains Reduced appetite Shame, anxiety, irritability Aggression and depression

The effects of bullying often continue many years into adulthood. In the most extreme cases, targets have taken out their anger and despair through school shootings or by committing suicide. Students who habitually bully miss the opportunity to learn an alternative to aggression.

Research tells us that bullies:

 Often develop a habitual tendency to abuse power

 Are increasingly shunned as they reach the higher grades, and

 Approximately 25 percent of school bullies will be convicted of a criminal offense in their adult years Taken from American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ASPCC)

(continued on next page)

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 6

Effects of cyberbullying



Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people.

Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.

Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:       

use alcohol and drugs skip school experience in-person bullying be unwilling to attend school receive poor grades have lower self-esteem have more health problems

Prevent cyberbullying Talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly.

Know the sites your kids visit and their online activities. Ask where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re doing it with.









Tell your kids that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is reason for concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring programs are one option for monitoring your child’s online behavior, but do not rely solely on these tools.

Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the devices they use.

Ask for their passwords, but tell them you’ll only use them in case of emergency.

Ask to “friend” or “follow” your kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so.

Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyberbullied.

Explain that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having.

For example, be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re online. Show them how to be safe online.

Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others. Once something is posted, it is out of their control whether someone else will forward it.

Encourage kids to think about who they want to see the information and pictures they post online. Should complete strangers see it? Real friends only?

Friends of friends? Think about how people who aren’t friends could use it.

Tell kids to keep their passwords safe and not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise their control over their online identities and activities.

Continued on Page 8

Establish rules about technology use Establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology.

Operation Kids on Guard “Boots On, Boots Off” September 15, 2012 Join Us at East Flat Rock Armory 2025 Spartanburg Highway East Flat Rock, NC 28721 A day full of interactive fun taking you through the Deployment Cycle …From Orders to Homecoming!

Kids on Guard, 9 a.m.—3 p.m.

Designed for ages: 5 years old and up!

Kids will learn what happens after orders are received: How to tell your family, the SRP process, Training, Deployment Team Building and the Road Home!

Kiddies on Guard, 9 a.m.—Noon Designed for ages: Birth to 4 years old A special program for child and parent to participate in with lots of fun hands on activities. A parent or guardian must accompany the child!

***PRE-REGISTER*** Applications can be found on our NCNG public website: www.nc.ngb.army.mil, Select Guard Support, then Family Programs Please RSVP to: Carina Surface 1-800-621-4136 ext. 8820 line 23 919-693-3651 ex t 23 carina.surface@us.army.mil

The day of the event, sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. for all age groups. First Formation will then begin promptly at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided; Parents that are attending with their kiddies are welcome to join us! If your children have any special nutritional needs, please let our staff know when you RSVP. AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 7

Understand school rules Some schools have developed policies on uses of technology that may affect the child’s online behavior in and out of the classroom. Ask the school if they have developed a policy.

Report cyberbullying When cyberbullying happens, it is important to document and report the behavior so it can be addressed.

Steps to take immediately  Don’t respond to and don’t forward cyberbullying messages.  Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, e-mails, and text messages. Use this evidence to report cyberbullying to web and cell phone service providers.  Block the person who is cyberbullying.

Report cyberbullying to online service providers Cyberbullying often violates the terms of service established by social media sites and internet service providers.  Review their terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections. These describe content that is or is not appropriate.  Visit social media safety centers to learn how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you.  Report cyberbullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.

Report cyberbullying to law enforcement When cyberbullying involves these activities it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement:  threats of violence  child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos  taking a photo or video of someone in a place where he or she would expect privacy  stalking and hate crimes Some states consider other forms of cyberbullying criminal. Consult your state’s laws and law enforcement for additional guidance.

Report cyberbullying to schools Cyberbullying can create a disruptive environment at school and is often related to in-person bullying. The school can use the information to help inform prevention and response strategies.

In many states, schools are required to address cyberbullying in their antibullying policy. Some state laws also cover off-campus behavior that creates a hostile school environment.

MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS NON MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES



Anger Management



Communication



Relationship Issues



Productivity at Work



Conflict Resolution



Parenting



Decision Making Skills

John Alleman Adult & Family Specialist 919.745.9635

Betty Steelman Child & Family Specialist 919.665.9178

Photo from ASPA National Weblog Source: Stop Bullying Now, http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/index.html AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 8

Employment Program || ESGR

NORTH CAROLINA: TOP EMPLOYER SUPPORT FOR GUARD AND RESERVE

By Mrs. Kathryn Jarvis For years people have been saying, “North Carolina is a Military Friendly State”. With more than 12,000 North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, and according to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), nation- wide the total force of Guard and Reserves makes up almost half of our nation’s military force.

In 1972 ESGR was launched as part of the Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs (OASD/RA). Over the years, the organization has established partnerships and campaigns with civilian employers nationwide who play a critical role to sustain a ready military at home and abroad.

Employers across the nation symbolize their support by signing ESGR’s Statement of Support.

North Carolina ESGR Program Support Technician, Darrell Johnson says the Statement of Support “… does a couple of things. First it shows to the employee/ citizen Solider that their company supports their military service and family. It also shows a commitment to hiring Guard Reservist whenever possible. Also, it shows to the company’s customers the commitment to defend our nation. And last, it shows Congress and the Department of the Defense the support of the business community.”

As of July 2012, North Carolina is one of the top three ranking states with 13,100 Statements of Support. Employers across North Carolina such as State Employees Credit Union, Food Lion and Eagle Transport are committed to supporting the Guard and Reserve of North Carolina. In a past ESGR article titled, “North Carolina Employer Selected to Receive Honor for Support of Guard and Reserve Employees” State Employees Credit Union was recognized as 1 of 15 recipients of the national award, the Freedom Award, for their above and beyond efforts. An Air Force Reserve Servicemember and employee of State Employee Credit Union gave examples of extraordinary support by employees “taking care of a Servicemember’s child for month and other employees handling chores for a service member involved in a car accident.”

North Carolina ESGR not only ranks as a top state for Statement of Supports, the department has also been steady in their success for having an efficient program and employers answering the call to duty. Johnson says, “It has been said that North Carolina's committee is one of the best in the nation.

Many other states have adopted our “way of doing things" over the years. We often have other states attend our Annual Planning and Awards Conference (APAC) to see how we run it. This has happened twice in the last 4 years. We have had 10 Freedom Award Winners in the last 10 years. We are one of the top committees in executing our business plan/budget.”

Some of the way ESGR in North Carolina does things is “briefing Servicemembers on their rights under USERRA, developing/ building relationships with the business community, mediating USERRA issues, and helping Servicemembers and their spouses find employment.

Johnson says there are many examples of how ESGR connects the business community with the Guard and Reserve. “ … the best example is SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management). They have partnered with ESGR to teach resume’ writing/ interview skills classes across our state as well as nationally.” This service has been available at past Veteran Employment Fairs and will be available during the upcoming Employment Fair in Greensboro this August.

David Ponder, Employment Program Specialist says, “This service is not just offered at job fairs. It is offered anytime. Servicemembers and Families can work one-onone with Human Resource Management volunteers through virtual communications like email. We urge Servicemembers and Families to take advantage of this free benefit and applaud all the volunteers and businesses that rise to the challenge of supporting the Guard and Reserve. Signing the Statement of support is important, but so is the commitment that our ESGR has for our Servicemembers. This is a big part of what makes North Carolina a top state for having employers support our Citizen Servicemembers.”

To take advantage of this service contact David Ponder at david.ponder@us.army.mil.

NORTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM David Ponder, Employment Specialist (919) 485-9567—david.ponder@us.army.mil AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 9

By James M. Ellison, M.D., M.P.H.

Anyone can think of life events that would make you sad or mad, take away your energy, and even make you question the meaning of your life. We don’t want to call every passing low mood depression because we’d be making an illness out of what might be a normal way of feeling under bad conditions. Not every sad or mad feeling is depression that needs to be checked out by a doctor or therapist. So how can we tell the difference? Here are some general questions to think about when you’re trying to decide: Is this a repeat? Depression is a disease that may come back. Once you’ve had it and recovered, your chance of another depression is higher than for someone who never had it. If someone has had the disease of depression in the past, new changes in mood and actions sometimes mean that it has returned.

Next, think of the lyrics to one of Gershwin’s famous songs, “How long has this been going on?”

That has to be one of the biggest questions to ask when trying to spot a serious depression. If you feel sad for a day or two or even a week before getting back into the swing of things, that is likely not the disease of depression so much as a reaction to life events. The disease of depression, with few exceptions, has to be there for a couple of weeks before we can be sure that the problem is more than normal sadness.

What has happened? We each react in our own ways to the things that happen in our lives.

FREE FINANCIAL ADVICE

Disappointments make us sad or upset.

When high hopes for the holidays are not met, for example, a person can have the “holiday blues.” When someone is going through very hard times, it is not surprising to see him weighed down by his pain and worries.

A special situation of loss happens when a loved one leaves or dies. This special type of sadness, called grief, can last for weeks or even months. Sometimes grief becomes depression over time. But unlike depressed people, those who are grieving feel their sadness in “waves” rather than nonstop low mood. Their sadness may get suddenly worse when reminded of their loss. They most often don't have thoughts about taking their own life or losing touch with reality. But sometimes grief can make a person think about dying to rejoin her lost loved one.

If you ask these questions, you can likely figure out whether a person’s unhappy mood is coming from the blues or is a real disease in need of treatment. © 2012 Achieve Solutions

Grief is about losses, while depression goes much further than sadness over a loss. Losses or disappointments that are worse and more recent affect us more strongly. Even the most awful losses move each of us differently. We always have to keep in mind that depression may be a hidden partner in lowering a person’s mood or changing his actions.

Money on the Brain? Need a Budget? Financial Questions?

Financial Counselors can cost you money. Our program is FREE. Get the help you deserve.

919.334.8313

What can you see besides sadness? The disease of depression affects many parts of a person’s behavior, not just mood. Changes in sleep, interest, appetite, energy, concentration, feelings of guilt and the will to live, fit better with depression than with simple sadness. A person who feels low and can’t be cheered up even by happy events such as time with a friend may have the disease of depression. When a person talks about taking one's own life or wishing to be dead, or when she is hearing things such as voices that others don’t hear, this means the person is dealing with depression and not just the blues.

Contact: David Porter Accrediated Financial Counselor (919) 334-8313

Contact a Consultant Now: 1-800-342-9647 TTY/TDD: 1-866-607-6794 En español llame al: 1-877-888-0727 www.militaryonesource.com AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 10

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS | YOU DESERVE THE CREDIT!

Judy Richardson, Senior FRSA 142 Broadhurst Road Jacksonville, NC 28540-3545 judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil

(910) 347-4352 Ext. 5 (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11346

FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANTS

AUGUST 2012—JSS WEBINAR SESSIONS If you have questions about any of the webinars, please contact Judy Richardson, Senior FRSA, at 910-347-4352 Ext. 5 or judy.richardson@us.army.mil.

CHARLOTTE Nikkie Newsome nikkie.newsome@us.army.mil (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14548

CLINTON Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 592-2100 Ext. 14735

GREENSBORO Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext. 15620

GOLDSBORO Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 731-2021 Ext. 15423

OPSEC, PERSEC & Social Media in FRG’s Session 1: OPSEC, PERSEC August 14, 10:00 AM -11:00 AM, Eastern https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/413120250 August 16, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Eastern https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/605179634 Session 2: SOCIAL MEDIA IN FRG’s August 21, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Eastern https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/369980146 August 23, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Eastern https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/140903986

MORRISVILLE Pamela Hughes phughes1@nc.rr.com (919) 804-5300 Ext. 16313

This is a Voice over “Internet” (VoIP) session, please use where possible. Follow prompts post login. Speakers for sound are required & microphone (optional) to participate in the conversation.

OXFORD Norman Dean norman.dean@us.army.mil (919) 693-3651 Ext. 27

If you do not have a microphone & want to be able to speak, please use the toll free line: 1-877-380-7755 - access code 4665215. For further information, please contact, Deanna.l.cole@us.army.mil or (717) 533-2662 or tammychase.vtt@gmail.com

RALEIGH George Lane george.lane1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6054

Become a Fan on Facebook Search “North Carolina National Guard Family

Visit the National Guard Bureau’s Joint Services Support website for upcoming events, local resources and more.

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 11

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 12

1452nd Home Coming (submitted by Greensboro FRSA, Gloria Fields ) Families for the 1452nd Combat HET, out of Winston-Salem, had more to celebrate on the 4th of July than just Independence Day, they were celebrating the return of their Soldier. The 1452nd was deployed July 24, 2011. Families began arriving at the WinstonSalem armory around 1 p.m. Though it was a hot day, the Red Cross was on hand with refreshments for the Families.

American Red Cross

This Family made it easy for their Soldier to recognize them

Families watch for the bus to pull in Families waiting for Soldiers to depart from buses Police escort brings buses to armory. SGT Moody gives direction on were to park

Soldier looking for his Family

Soldiers gathering their bags

Soldiers departing bus AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 13

UPCOMING EVENTS || AUGUST 2012

FAMILY RETREAT August 10-12: Charlotte, NC Our final Family Retreat only has a few more openings left. Act fast. If you are still interested, register or to be added to our wait list. Registration Forms are online at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/SS/FP/Pages/SB.aspx.For questions, contact Ms. Wendi Bell at (800) 621-4136 ext. 46078 or wendi.bell@us.army.mil.

SINGLE SOLDIER RETREAT August 17-19: Beach Single and Searching? What do you want in a mate? What are your values? Your Interests? Your Hobbies? Find out why all these things matter for the Single Soldier. $20 gets you a free hotel stay for Friday & Saturday night; Saturday lunch; and, delicious treats! Registration Forms can be found online at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/SS/FP/Pages/SB.aspx. For questions, contact Ms. Wendi Bell at (800) 621-4136 ext. 46078 or wendi.bell@us.army.mil.

OPERATION KIDS ON GUARD October 13th - "Fun Day at the Museum" Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, 814 Market St., Wilmington, NC ***PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*** Please RSVP to: Carina Surface, 1-800-621-4136 ext. 8820 line 23 / 919-6933651 Ext. 23 /carina.surface@us.army.mil.

MILITARY PREPAREDNESS CAMP WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS August 18, 9AM-3PM, Belmont Armory, 300 6th St., Belmont, NC

Family Days 690TH FAMILY DAY, August 4, 8AM-5PM, Edenton Armory, 739 Soundside Rd, Edenton, NC 630TH CSSB FAMILY DAY, August 5, Time TBA, Granite Falls Recreation Facility, 51 Pinewood Falls, Granite Falls 163RD ASMC FAMILY DAY, August 12, 10AM-2PM, Jackson Park, 801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC 30TH HBCT FAMILY DAY, August 26, 9AM-12PM, Clinton Armory, 101 Armory Road, Clinton, NC

Yellow Ribbon AIR GUARD YELLOW RIBBON, August 18, 6:30PM, 5700 West Park Drive Charlotte, NC 113TH SB YELLOW RIBBON PRE DEMOB/JOB SEMINAR, August 23 from 4:30PM-7PM and August 24 from 9AM-4PM, Koury Convention Center, 3121 High Point Rd, Greensboro, NC Dates and Locations subject to change

Communicating with your Children Monitoring is an important tool to keep track of your teens and staying involved in their lives. An easy technique to use is the Four W's. These are questions your teens answer every time they walks out the door: (1) Who will be with you? (2) Where will you be? (3) What will you be doing? (4) When will you be home? Start asking these questions early on and even answering these questions for when you are going out (role modeling). By doing so, you are making it just a routine conversation and continuing to build a positive relationship with your teens.

"A-tten-tion! Dad, pay attention to me!" Be available and present when your children need your attention. Just being physically present when your children need you may not be enough if you are busy on the computer, watching television, or on the phone. Turn off the television, look your children in the eye, and listen to what they are saying. Giving your undivided attention to your children will help you meet their needs and let them know that they are important to you.

A family meeting is one way to help your family members share their feelings and solve problems. Each member, no matter how young or old, is encouraged to share his or her thoughts and feelings. Select a time for everyone to get together, like after dinner or on a Sunday afternoon. Establish basic rules such as no name calling or no interrupting when someone is talking.

Allow everyone some time to talk. Lastly, as a family, develop solutions to any problems. When children are included in the problem solving, they are more likely to follow the plan.

Information reprinted from Military Homefront, Military Community & Family Policy –Parenting Tip of the Week - July 20th issue

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 14

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 15

UPCOMING EVENTS | AUGUST 2012, NORTH CAROLINA

Virtual Back To School Bash Gear up for the next school year! The Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) is inviting Military Families to sign up for needed school supplies through the month of August.

Supplies are for the first 75 Military Families that register. Supplies will be delivered during Drill or Annual Training. Sign up today! Contact Amy Wallace, Fayetteville UFCC FAC Specialist, at amy.wallace3@us.army.mil, (910) 321-1001 Ext. 14920.

Operation Homefront Back to School Brigades Asheville: August 11, 11AM-2PM, Asheville Armory, 100 Minuteman Drive Charlotte: August 10, 3PM-6PM, Charlotte Armory, 4240 West Blvd.

Greensboro: August 7, 1PM-7PM, Winston-Salem Armory, 2000 Silas Creek Parkway Kannapolis: August, 18, 3PM-6PM, Kannapolis MFRC, 6001 Gateway Center Dr., Ste 109 Lenoir: August 4, 9AM-5PM, Lenoir SFAC, 1535 Beecher Anderson Road

Back to School Bash August 11, 8AM-11:30AM, 2100 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC

Check NCNG Family

Back to School Party

Programs

August 18, 9AM-12PM, Triangle Baptist Church, 9713 Old Stage Road, Raleigh, NC

Facebook For Military Family announcements

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 16

CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM

NCNG CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM STAFF Alice Dean Lead Child & Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 (919) 520-9548 alice.dean@us.army.mil

Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator 1-800-621-4136 ext. 8851 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil

Carina Surface Child & Youth Specialist 919-693-3651 ext. 23 carina.s.surface@us.army.mil

Keep Your Child Learning Over the Summer. Tutor.com is FREE of Charge and available year-round.

Did You Know?

The 5th of August is National Friendship Day so why not send a special note to your favorite person or plan a fun play date for your kids with their best friends!

National Aviation Day is the 19th of August which celebrates Orville Wright’s birthday. He was born in 1871. Do you know how old he’ll be this year?

As Summer draws to an end it’s time to reorganize, set bed times and establish a good schedule. Getting ready for back to school can be overwhelming. Most school websites have a standard supply list but be cautious not to over purchase as most teachers will have specific items required for class, especially for those children in higher grades. Check with your local FAC to see if there is a “Back to School” event in your area!

Make sure you get involved with your child’s education and stay involved.

Even though your kid’s may have moved up to middle or high school staying in contact with their teachers and counselors is important to keep them on track for the future. Speaking of the future, back to school for Seniors brings it’s own challenges and added expenses; but, most importantly keeping up with deadlines needs to be top priority. Fall SAT and ACT registration/test dates can be found at www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org. Although our Seniors won’t start college until Fall of 2014 applications can be submitted as early as this November. There are fees for the SAT & ACT test as well as application fees for some colleges.

You can however find out about fee waivers at the following links : http://www.sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-fee-waivers https:// www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/college-application -fee-waivers.

Things you should have handy when applying for college include your Junior end of year report card, test scores and letters of recommendation (counselor, coach, teacher in your major, volunteer organization), etc. Remember your marketing yourself to the college. Don’t forget to look into scholarship opportunities … you would be surprised at how many are out there!

Back to School Safety Tips Here are some simple reminders for drivers: Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours. Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don't talk or text while driving.

Reminder for your kids: They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars. Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them!

More safety tips can be found at Safe Kids Worldwide www.safekids.org

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 17

FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS | CONTACT US

We’re Just a phone call away Asheville Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 7 Yorkshire St. Suite 101, 28803 Fax: (828) 274-8572 Debra Collington, FAC Network Coordinator, debra.a.collington.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-7209 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 4240 West Blvd., 28208 Keneitha Delaney, FAC Specialist, keneitha.delaney1@us.army.mil, (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14547 Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 3555 Owen Drive, 28306 Amy Wallace, FAC Specialist, amy.wallace3@us.army.mil, (910) 321-1001 Ext. 14920 Greensboro State Family Assistance Center (SFAC), 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401 Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator katy.m.jones@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext. 15649 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil(336) 691-7700 Ext 15651 Greenville State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834 Dawn White, FAC Network Coordinator dawn.white@us.army.mil, (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11150 Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 6001 Gateway Center Dr., Suite 109, 28081 Fax: (704) 788-0550 Lynn White, FAC Specialist, lynn.white2@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554

Kinston Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504 Fax: (252) 526-2772 Gabrielle H. O’Flanagan, FAC Specialist gabrielle.h.oflanagan.ctr@us.army.mil (252) 208-0255 Ext. 15817 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center (SFAC), 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, 28645 Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil (828) 757-4365 Ext. 4 line 1 Morganton Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 411 Kirksey Drive, 28655, Fax: (828) 437-2068 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator nancy.davis3@us.army.mil, (828) 437-0746 Ext. 2 Raleigh Military Family Resource Center (MFRC), 130 Penmarc Drive Suite 110, 27603 Fax: (919) 334-9971 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0195 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist lisa.faison@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0196 Mark Woolbright, FAC Network Coordinator mark.woolbright@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9966 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 406 Hospital Road, 27577 Fax: (919) 934-2901 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist, abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil (919) 934-2013 Ext.16 Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 500 Morganton Road, PO Box 1317, 28387, Fax: (910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil (910) 692-8747 Ext. 6 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 2412 Infantry Rd., 28405, Fax: (910) 251-7130 Jim Marley, FAC Specialist james.marley@us.army.mil (910-) 251-7100 Ext. 16918 Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator judy.m.howard@us.army.mil 910-251-7100 Ext. 16925

AUGUST 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 18