Even when you’re not all together, you can still be connected.

  • Published
  • By Airman and Family Readiness Center staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Starting in April, while your spouse is training and preparing for a possible upcoming deployment and you are preparing to support their military duties, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, in conjunction with the base library, will be offering a new program to help your family get ready for and make it through the deployment. It is important to prepare and plan as a family. Knowing what to expect while you are away may help your children feel less afraid and worried. Doing small things can help you all feel close even though you are far away.

During a deployment, the entire family experiences the separation along with the service member. Children may be especially concerned during this time. They may feel that somehow they have done something to cause their parent to leave. They may be afraid about what will happen to them while they also realize how much they will miss them.

The Reading for Readiness Program helps parents and extended family members bond with them through books. The soon-to-be deployed personnel can go into the library and be recorded while they are reading a book to their child. According to the National Commission of Reading, the most important activity to help build a child's knowledge and eventual success in reading is reading aloud. For children of military families, in many cases a parent might be away for a majority of the year.

The Reading for Readiness Program helps deployed parents build a bond with their child while encouraging them to read on their own. Before the deployed parent leaves, have them make a DVD of themselves reading stories to their children. Or maybe they can record that funny bedtime story, or bedtime prayers. They can also include encouraging statements, words of love and caring, and maybe jokes. Things as simple as "Don't let the bed bugs bite," or "I love you," and "Good luck in school tomorrow," can all make a huge difference in your children's lives.

Parents that are deploying can make an appointment to be recorded on a DVD reading bed time stories to their children. Bring in your child's favorite book; check out one from the library or use one of the many books the A&FRC provides. The program includes:

 Professional movie style video camera
 Professional movie studio lighting
 Professional movie studio style sound system
 Green Screen Technology with more than 400 green screen backgrounds utilizing an integrated software system.

To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call 731-4900.