'Gimme a break

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BAKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Barksdale Child Development Center offers military parents a free-of-charge babysitting service twice a month as part of the give parents a break program. 

"This program is in place to support the military families," said Gloria Hampton, CDC training and curriculum specialist. "The program helps parents with a deployed spouse get a break as well helping parents get more adult socialization." 

The program is held at the CDC and the Youth Center on the first and third Saturday of the month. There are two times parents can choose from, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

There is no fee to use this service; however parents must have a written referral from a Chaplin, first sergeant, commander, medical personnel, family advocacy or the Airman and Family Readiness Center to participate in that month's services. 

"Someone can simply give the parent a written certificate stating 'this person will be participating in the program', and write it for both days that month," said Ms. Hampton. "The parent then brings the certificate to us and signs up the Wednesday prior to the event." 

For many stay-at-home parents with deployed spouses the program gives them some time to themselves to get some much needed housework done, reacquaint themselves with friends or just catch up on a nap. 

"The program gives me guilt-free downtime, I love it," said Kendra Austin, mother of one and wife of Staff Sgt. John Austin, 2d Communications Squadron network configuration management, who is currently deployed. "While using the program I've gone to the movies with my girlfriends, gone out to dinner and even had a yard sale. I feel confident leaving my son at the CDC so that I can enjoy my time off without worry." 

Ms. Hampton says it's not only important for parents to socialize with other adults, but for children to socialize with their peers as well. 

"Most of these kids spend a lot of time at home with their parents," she said. "When they come to center and they see all the other kids and the toys available to them their faces just light up." 

To utilize the give parents a break program children do not need to attend the CDC on a regular basis, however parents must register their children. Parents are asked to bring a copy of the child's shot records along and to fill out a few mandatory forms. 

Parents are also asked to bring along an extra change of clothes and an adequate supply of diapers and wipes if the child requires them. Meals and snacks will be provided at the appropriate times of the day. 

"We encourage the parent to bring along a special blanket or toy if it will help the child feel more comfortable," said Ms. Hampton. 

For more information contact the A&FRC at 456-8400 or the CDC at 456-4139.