JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - April is the month of the Military Child, celebrating the youngest members of military families. This year's theme, Proud, Ready and Resilient, focuses on the unique challenges military children encounter while growing up in a service-related environment.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is also recognized in April.
On Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program will honor both themes by hosting classes throughout the month as well as ending the month with a closing event.

"The FAP parent-and-child series is three one-hour classes we'll have during the month," said Karen Holmes, FAP community educator.

The classes will be taught at the Cody Child Development Center's teen lounge April 9, 16 and 23 from 4-5 p.m. Registration is requested.

The April 9 class is titled Child Safety Awareness. This presentation is for parents of children of all ages. Parents will be given resources to facilitate family discussions regarding potential safety risks their children may encounter and how to create a family safety plan.

The April 16 class deals with anger management. This presentation is for parents and children (8-years-old and older). Parents will review and receive a copy of "How to take the Grrrr Out of Anger" to help guide their children through the process of learning emotion management.

A Stress Management class concludes the series April 23. This presentation is for parents and their children (12-years-old and older). Spring can be a stressful time for students. Parents and children will learn how to recognize sources of stress and create a Family plan to help manage those stressors. Participants will receive a copy of "Fighting Invisible Tigers."

A Child Abuse Prevention Month closing ceremony and celebration for month of the Military Child, Pinwheels and Pins will take place April 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the JBM-HH Community Center ballroom.

"There will be live entertainment from the Irish Breakfast Band and the Boyle School of Irish Dance," said Holmes. "The event also includes one free game of bowling at the Fort Myer Bowling Center. Space is limited and registration is required by April 19."

Register for the classes or the Pinwheels and Pins event by phoning 703-696-3512 or 703-696-6511.