FORT BENNING, Ga. - Learn how to discipline your children without arguing, yelling or spanking. Fort Benning's Family Life Center and Family Advocacy Program have partnered to offer "1-2-3 Magic," practical parenting solutions for children between the ages of 2 and 12. The parenting program, created by Dr. Thomas Phelan, will be presented by Chaplain (Maj.) Chris Wilson, a military family life chaplain and father of six.
The class is broken into two, two-hour sessions from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 at the Military Family Life Center, Building 2626, in Soldiers' Plaza.
Parents will learn how to control obnoxious behavior, handle testing and manipulation, strengthen relationships with their children and tactics for encouraging good behavior. The program addresses what to do about bedtime, messy rooms, lying, chores, homework and more.
The material will be presented through discussion and DVD.
"As soon as parents come out of this program, they should be able to implement it immediately and see results," Wilson said.
The chaplain said he read several parenting books before he discovered 1-2-3 Magic and applied it with his own kids, who range in age from 11 years to 9 months old.
"There are a lot of books that can be very theoretical but my wife and I wanted something practical we could read and use right now," he said. "It's a very effective means of controlling behavior."
Wilson said parents struggle with a variety of discipline issues, from children not minding their parents to behavioral issues and sibling rivalries.
"I hope this program will help parents feel more in control of their home and empower them with ways to manage their children so they can enjoy them more," he said.
The class is free and open to military families. Space is limited. To register, e-mail jon.c.wilson@conus.army.mil. Child care will be available. To make child care reservations, call the 1st Division Child Development Center at 706-545-6656 no later than Friday.
To learn more about 1-2-3 Magic, visit www.parentmagic.com.
Tips for Coping with Parenting Stress from the Military Family Life Center
Parenting is a difficult task. No one is a "perfect parent." Here are ways to help you relax, keep a fresh spirit, keep in good physical and emotional health, and avoid doing something in anger or frustration that you'll later regret:
Aca,!Ac Take a few deep breaths. Then count from 10 to one.
Aca,!Ac Find someone who can watch your child for a while.
Aca,!Ac Take a walk, jog, ride a bike, do stretching exercises.
Aca,!Ac Practice a hobby you enjoy or listen to your favorite music.
Aca,!Ac Read your favorite book or magazine; see a movie.
Aca,!Ac Talk with another parent; share frustrations and laughs.
Aca,!Ac Be more patient and forgiving in discipline when you or your child is especially tired, frustrated or cranky.
Aca,!Ac Join a parenting support group or playgroup.
Aca,!Ac Take a refreshing nap, warm bath or shower.
Aca,!Ac Eat a healthy snack or sip a cup of flavored tea.
Aca,!Ac Take a play break or read a joke book with your kids.
Aca,!Ac Write down positive things in a "gratitude journal."
Aca,!Ac Think of a memory that makes you happy or laugh.
Aca,!Ac Color a picture with your child's crayons.
Aca,!Ac Remember you were once a child, too.
Aca,!Ac Trim your to-do list to just the essentials.
Aca,!Ac Remember your child is also stressed.
Aca,!Ac Pat yourself on the back for trying your best.
Aca,!Ac Recall and enjoy those precious moments with your child that reminds you it's all worthwhile.
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