THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 26, 1995 TAG: 9511250003
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
I read with interest your excellent series on the effect of deployment on one Navy family. These difficulties, stresses and strains are typical of what is experienced by thousands of Navy families each year.
In addition to the services offered by the Navy to help families cope during these periods of separation, there are opportunities in the civilian community which can be helpful. One of these is the weekly support group Parent Connection - a free, confidential service for parents who are feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of parenthood and who are looking for more effective ways of dealing with the pressures of everyday life.
Parent Connection is a kind of ``extended family'' where parents can learn good parenting skills, rebuild their self-esteem and grow with the help of others. At the same time and location, an organized play program is offered for children younger than 12.
Parent Connection groups meet each week at the Downtown YMCA (Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and at the Virginia Beach Mount Trashmore YMCA (Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.).
BETTY JEAN CLARKE
Program director
Parent Connection
Virginia Beach, Nov. 17, 1995 by CNB