The American Red Cross Helping Military Families

Helping Military Families (NAPSA)—For many American military families, the transition home from deployments can be challenging. Fortunately, there are free, confidential programsthat can help. Reconnection Workshops focus on individual and small-group discussion that enhances thelikelihood of positive reconnections among family members. Two are especially designed to assist children in developing effec- tive coping and communication skills. Each has separate modules with activities suitable for children (8 to 12 years old) and teens (12 to 18 years old). Twelve-yearolds can attend either workshop. Workshops for the children of military families can help them managestress, improve communication, and deal with separation and return. The workshopsare: *Roger That! Communication Counts. To overcome months of family separations, this workshop focuses on the importance of developing quality interpersonal communication skills. *Operation 10-4: Confident Coping. This program helps kids to develop empathy and build on the strengths they already have to help them managestressful situations. The Workshops are led by licensed child mental health facilitators and the activities encourage active participation and enjoy- ment while learning newskills. To learn moreor to register, see www.redcross.org/reconnectionwork shopsor to donate to Red Crossprograms, go to www.redcross.org/ donate/donation.