Family advocacy program provides classes through June

Published April 9, 2014
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's Family Advocacy Program offers a variety of prevention classes April-June. They are open to anyone with access to the base.

"Fortify Your Life: A Resiliency-Boosting Class for Women" is scheduled from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 15, 22 and 29 and May 6, 13, 20 and 27 in Dolan Hall.

"Journeys into self-exploration and insight should be undertaken in a relaxed, safe, supportive environment," said Paula Spooner, 81st Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager. "Designed for women, this class is structured to explore the multiple ways our past experiences, thought patterns, habits and self-defeating behaviors can impair functioning. Not a therapy group, you will instead learn skills that will foster personal growth, challenge old ways of thinking and increase self- awareness, -esteem and more. Class size is limited, but is open to all women on base."

Anger Management is back, once again on Tuesdays.

"Anger in itself isn't bad," Spooner observed. "It's what we do with it that determines whether it crosses the line into unhealthy. Come explore your own triggers, learn coping styles, and stop lobbing those anger bombs."

Classes are held 1-2:30 p.m. in the Arnold Annex classroom.

"The Art & Science of Love" is 1-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays in the Arnold Annex classroom.

"This evidence-based class is created by the Gottman Institute and is the latest in a long line of highly effective programs for relationship enhancement," said Spooner. "This one is rather unique; it's a 12-hour weekend DVD/workbook curriculum available for checkout from Family Advocacy. It is a great resource for busy couples who have difficulty signing up for those six-eight-week long programs because you can complete this at home."

"The Five Love Languages of Kids" is 8:30-10 am., April 11 in the Arnold Annex classroom.

"It can't be denied that children's needs and wants change as they grow, and sometimes communication with the very child we used to be so close to can become strained - even distant." Spooner noted, "Or at times, no matter what we do, we may still have a child who cries, 'You don't love me!' Communication can be made much easier by learning and applying five simple love languages: Acts of Service, Gifts, Physical Touch, Time and Words of Affirmation. Find out what language your child 'speaks,' how it affects discipline and learning and then become fluent. Join us for a relaxed, interactive morning-time session to find out how. I sure wish I had known this when my kids were little."

The four-session class "1, 2, 3 Magic!" is 9-10:30 a.m. April 16, 23 and 30 and May 7 in the Arnold Annex classroom.

Spooner said it is a humorous look at parenting and a serious look at discipline.
"Learn how to discipline without arguing, yelling or spanking and how to control obnoxious behavior; how to handle the six kinds of testing and manipulation; five tactics for encouraging good behavior; what to do about bedtime, messy rooms, lying, chores, homework and more; and how to strengthen your relationship with your child."

For those who just learned they're going to be a dad or are new dads and realized it's a little tougher than expected, "Dads' 101" is offered 1-4 p.m., April 25 in the Arnold Annex classroom.

Spooner commented, "Whatever the case, take a few hours and come join some other guys who understand. Facilitated by a dad who has 'been-there, done-that,' you will discuss what to expect from a guy's point of view, go over basic baby care, stress management, bonding, dealing with your spouse and talk about why your presence is so vitally important in the life of your baby. Bring your questions and concerns, snacks and, if you have a newborn, you are encouraged to bring him/her along. And you get free stuff."

"Marriage Lasting Intimacy through Nurturing Knowledge & Skills" is 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., June 6 in the Arnold Annex classroom.

"At the heart of every vibrant relationship is a strong, resilient attachment," said Spooner. "The LINKS program uses the 'RAM' model to explain how any relationship needs five specific factors present in order to create and maintain true intimacy: 'Knowing,' 'Trusting,' 'Relying,' 'Committing' and 'Touching.' And there are no shortcuts! In this one-day seminar, gather tools to build a stronger foundation in each of these areas. Heal disappointments, replace resentment with respect, increase romance, appreciate differences and give your relationship a new priority. It's a low-key, fun, sometimes humorous and sometimes serious look at where you are and where you are headed in your relationship."

Please call the Family Advocacy Office at 228-376-3459, 228-376-3457 or email Spooner at paula.spooner@us.af.mil for more information or to register for any of the classes.