Marine Corps Base Quantico -- In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Family Advocacy Program hosted the “How Do Children Spell Love?” workshop April 11 for military families aboard Quantico.
Karen Charney, a Marine spouse and mother of two teenage boys was the featured presenter who shared parenting advice and tips on how children view love. Karen’s husband, Lt. Col. Sean Charney who is a student at the Marine Corps War College aboard Quantico, has served nearly 25 years in the Corps. Their family has lived on four Marine Corps installations twice and aboard Quantico three times. Although the webmaster and contributing writer to the “Fredericksburg Parent and Family Magazine” is not a clinical expert, Rebecca Childress, Family Advocacy program prevention and education specialist said Charney brings a wealth of experience to military families.
She began the workshop by telling parents that most children simply want their time. It’s a seemingly simple concept, but in today’s connected world, unplugging from technology and dedicating focused time can be difficult. However, it’s a task that Charney believes should be viewed as an investment.
“If you take time and invest in your kids, you’re going to get so much back,” Charney said. “Put down what you’re doing and spend 15 to 30 minutes of focused time with them to fill their little love tanks, and then they’ll be able to go and spend time on their own.”
Families were challenged to turn off all electronics for a day or a certain time of day during the week to practice having active conversations.
“I’ve noticed that kids who have the best verbal skills and the best ability to interact with adults, have parents who talk to them regularly,” Charney said.
In addition to spending time with children, parents were advised to carefully manage expectations for their children — an aspect, Childress said can reduce stress and prevent potential abuse.
“One of the factors that can cause child abuse, whether it’s with smaller children or teenagers, is having unreasonable expectations: Expecting more of the child than what they’re developmentally or socially capable of,” Childress said.
When a child misbehaves or doesn’t meet expectations, Charney recommends discussing the incorrect behavior and helping children develop a plan of action for future instances.
She said discipline is just as important as quality time.
“If you don’t hear anything else that I’ve said remember to be consistent and follow through,” Charney said. “Don’t let your child do something that you don’t want to become a habit, more than twice.”
This event was one of three Brown Bag Lunch workshops offered by FAP in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Month of the Military Child. For information on upcoming workshops visit, www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org/
Staff Writer: afelton@quanticosentryonline.com