Wiggles and Giggles program brings parents, tots together

By Ms. Connie Summers (USAREUR)April 14, 2015

Wiggles, giggles
1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiggles, giggles
2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiggles, giggles
3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiggles, giggles
4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiggles, giggles
5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiggles, giggles
6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Wiggles, giggles
7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANSBACH , Germany (April 14, 2015) -- The parents meet at three separate locations during the week so their children can play and have fun, which allows the parents time to socialize, network and share issues and experiences among themselves at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach.

Themes for the meetings vary depending on the occasion, and April 2, for instance, the theme was "Eggstravaganza."

More than 20 toddlers from 4 weeks to 3 years old were having fun singing and dancing with their moms and the assistants for the New Parent Support Program. The Easter Bunny danced with the children, and the moms assisted the children in collecting multi-colored eggs from the floor, putting them in brightly colored bags.

The Eggstravaganza was part of the Wiggles and Giggles program, conducted by the Family Advocacy Program and Army Community Service.

Scott Harris, the Family Advocacy Program manager, pointed out that Wiggles and Giggles play groups serve as a social and networking venue for new parents.

"One of the many benefits of Wiggles and Giggles is that it brings parents with newborn children together," said Harris. "It is a place for them to meet others with the same challenges of parenthood. It is where many of their parenting questions can be answered by professionals.

"Here, their children can learn how to play with other young kids in a safe and positive environment, helping to develop their natural curiosity," Harris added.

Children from birth to 3 years old are eligible to attend the play groups, which include mom and tot yoga as well as story time readings.

Prenatal yoga class are also offered, as are classes that address the basics of labor and delivery and new parenting. Harris said there is also a "New Dad Brown Bag Lunch."

While advance registration to attend any of the play groups is encouraged, "we will do our best to accommodate anyone that likes to come," said Harris.

The NPSP runs three weekly play groups at USAG Ansbach. The Wiggles and Giggles play group meets Tuesdays at the Library at Bleidorn Kaserne from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the playroom of the Community Activity Center at Storck Barracks and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the NPSP playroom at Katterbach Kaserne. In addition, there is a play group at Katterbach Kaserne that meets every second Monday. For more details call the NPSP at 09802- 83-7777 or DSN 467 7777.

New parents may also ask for one-on-one assistance at their home from one of the registered experts at the NPSP.

Related Links:

USAG Ansbach official blog site

USAG Ansbach official Twitter feed

USAG Ansbach official home page

New Parent Support Program and other Army Community Service programs at USAG Ansbach

Franconian News: USAG Ansbach official news site

USAG Ansbach official Facebook page

USAG Ansbach official Flickr page

USAG Ansbach official YouTube channel