YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Month of the Military Child, and the Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program has planned several events to celebrate military children.

"We need to remain committed to creating healthy families and communities in which to raise our children," said Margaret Rice, a Yongsan family advocacy specialist.

The kick-off event is a "parent pledge" awareness outreach 3-6 p.m. April 4 at the Main Exchange.

"The ACS FAP team will be joined by face painters and balloon artists to treat our military children to some extra fun," Rice said.

One of the featured events is the third annual Comunity Baby Shower April 12. "This is a critical part of our celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Month," Rice said. "We strive to recognize the importance of parenting, as well as the joy and challenges we face when providing our infants and children with love and guidance they need to grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults," Rice said.

An "April Showers Baby Shower" event is for expecting parents and parents with infants under 2 months old. This activity will feature gifts, games, a presentation on Shaken Baby Syndrome, and other educational information. Call 738-5151 to sign up.

Other highlights of the month's activities:

Family Fun Walk and Run April 5: Starts at 9 a.m. at Collier Field House and will feature prizes and giveaways. Safety vests are required for all participants.

Play Works Playgroup April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: From 10-11:30 a.m. at the Hannam Village ACS Outreach Center in Bldg. 6107. Designed for children 6 weeks old to 3 years old and their parents to play, build supportive relationships and grow.

"Becoming a Love & Logic Parent for 0-12 Year Olds" April 22, 29 and May 6 and 8: From 6-8 p.m. in Bldg. 4106, Room 205. A four-week parenting workshop that will empower families by providing parents with the skills and resources to help their children survive and thrive in the changing world. Call 738-5150 to register.

Stress and Anger Management April 2: From 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Community Services Building, Room 226. The class focuses on stress and anger management techniques. Rice said people who manage their anger have better relationships, health and more occupational success. Call 738-5150 to sign up.

Wee Play Playgroup April 2, 16, 23, 30: From 10-11:30 a.m. at the School Age Services Building, Bldg. 4211 on South Post. Designed for children 6 weeks old to 3 years old and their parents to play, build supportive relationships and grow.

Breastfeeding Class April 17: From 6-8 p.m. at the U.S. Army Hospital-Yongsan. Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, breastfeeding positions and techniques, common concerns of breastfeeding and more. Call 738-5151 to enroll.

Helping to sponsor events are the American Forces Spouses Club, Child and Youth Services, and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.