2009 rings in 'historic' year for Parent University

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A half-day's worth of workshops designed to help parents work with their children was held for the first time on March 7 at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Ga.

The 23rd Medical Group's Family Advocacy Program, along with Lowndes County Schools, Valdosta City Schools, Georgia Parent Navigator Team and VSU, hosted Parent University 2009, which included more than 20 workshops ranging from managing your money in tough financial times to communicating with a child's personality.

Moody 's Family Advocacy office began the program in 2001, and as local school districts took notice of the positive effect of the workshops, the program began to grow, said Lawanna Barron, 23rd MDG Family Advocacy outreach manager.

This year marks the first year Valdosta State University hosted the event and more than 370 registered parents, children, speakers and volunteers attended.

"Parent University '09 has been a historic event for the program," said Mrs. Barron. "For the past eight years the program has grown and the partnership of VSU adds another exciting element to a great program."

Each workshop was tailored to parents' needs, from helping children succeed in school to protecting children while they're on the Internet.

Cynthia Henley, 23rd MDG Family Advocacy nurse, taught a class titled "1-2-3 Magic: Effective discipline for children two to 12." The class was a quick, easy method for parents to teach their children how to behave.

During the event, there were on-site certified childcare providers who offered free childcare services for parents.

For parents who were unable to attend the seminars, there is a book available from Family Advocacy with a synopsis of each workshop that was provided. For more information on the Parent University '09 booklets, contact Family Advocacy at (229) 257-4805.

The goal was to provide parents with information on effective discipline and how to put their children on a path of success early in their education process, said Ms. Barron.

"It's extremely important for us to work with the community as military personnel," she added. "We are all part of this community and as our children go to the same schools, we need to work together to provide them the bright future they deserve."