ACS Nurturing Program

When my service member and I moved to Fort Carson back in 2011, it was our first duty station, and we had no idea what to expect. Fortunately for us, we soon found ACS Nurturing Program that got us through potty training, tantrums, and so much more.

No matter where you’re headed or currently stationed, the Army Community Service Family Nurturing Program is something you should check out. Does free child care and kid-free adult interaction sound good to you? Great!

Here are the programs you should look intot:

1. Baby 0-5 and 5-12

The 0-5 and 5-12 programs teach parents to be nurturing to their children as well as themselves. Topics include communication with your child, how to build your child’s self-esteem, behavior management techniques, and more.

2. Infant Massage and Baby Nurturing

Baby Nurturing is for parents with infants 18 months or younger. Topics include child development, sleeping through the night, eating solid foods, and breastfeeding.

Infant massage includes a 2-hour group for pregnant moms and parents with babies. Systematic infant massage strokes alleviate colic, create strong bonds, increase mom’s and dad’s communication with baby, and provide a foundation of unconditional love and attachment. Topics pertaining to infant development and health are discussed. This group provides an opportunity for parents of infants to network and share parenting concerns and information. A nurse and lactation specialist will discuss nutrition and growth and development of babies.

3. Child-Parent Relationship Training

This 10-week class teaches parents of children ages 3-12 how to use child play therapy skills to reduce behavioral problems and enhance parent-child relationships.

4. Toddler Time

Toddler Time is held once a week and is ideal for toddlers 18 months and older.

5. Play Group

Play Group is a weekly, informative and fun filled get-together for parents and tots. All ages are welcome!

Testimonials

“I became a better parent and saw that I wasn’t alone in some struggles. Sometimes you talk to other parents and they seem to have the perfect children, the perfect life, and everything under control. Those Nurturing Program parents were real, real struggles, real issues (on different levels), and they’re all there to better themselves and they’re not afraid to say, ‘I need help. I want to be better.’ It showed me that I was not alone in my struggles and insecurities, we gained great support, and friendships were born. It’s a beautiful support group that everybody needs.” — Laura R., Parent Participant

“I’ve been working/volunteering with the Nurturing Parenting Programs at Fort Carson for 15 years. I’m not sure what other military bases offer Nurturing Parenting Programs, but according to Stephen Bavolek, the founder of the Nurturing Program, many other army bases do. I’ve enjoyed watching many groups form at our programs such as, babysitting co-ops, fitness groups, play dates in homes or in the community, friendships, and connection with others. We also have reached out to volunteers to help with our programs. One of my favorites is the Rocking Grannies who come from a retirement community every week to help with the infants and toddlers while the parents attend Nurturing classes. One of our long time Rocking Grannies is 99 this year. It’s a win win for everyone involved!” — Jodi R., Volunteer

“As a new mom at the time, I didn’t realize or understand how important it was to pay attention to our children in their most vulnerable moments. I learned various techniques in dealing with tantrums. For example, while visiting family I noticed that my little one was very uncomfortable with all the commotion. After she cried for a while, I pulled her aside and reassured her, and made her feel safe. Before, my reaction would have been to scold her for acting up. The Nurturing Program helped me and my spouse better discipline our children without screaming or spanking. It also taught us about ourselves and how to communicate better with each other in a safe and loving environment.” — Odalis C., Parent Participant

My Personal Take

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking, “No one’s ever held my baby besides my mother!” I completely understand where you’re coming from as I felt the exact same way. Enter the phenomenal Miss Margaret, a mother of three, a former educator, and a 7-year volunteer as a Rocking Granny. “It has given me something to do that I love. I love holding babies and I feel that I’m doing something very important; its’s a win win. The babies have given me just as much as I’ve given them and I look forward to going every week.”

Margaret will be celebrating her 99th birthday in May 2018. And not only is she a veteran to the Nurturing Program, but she also served in WAVES during the war. But that’s another story for another post, so stay tuned!

I highlighted just one of their many volunteers for the sake of being concise. For me though, it was Rita, Barbara, and Carolyn who I bonded most with. I refer to Rita as my now Life Coach; it just doesn’t end after class. Whether you’re there, coming, or soon going… it is well worth your time, however brief, to at least pop in once for a play date. And when you go, be sure to tell Jodi that Elisa sent you 😉