|
 Families
of Alabama’s Civilian Soldiers Face New Challenges
Extension System Discusses Ways to
Help
(Photo: Courtesy
of Alaskastar.com)
Auburn, April 22, 2004---More
than 30 people gathered at the Capitol in Montgomery recently to
discuss the needs of children and families of deployed National Guard
and Reservists.
Representatives from the Alabama
Cooperative Extension System, Alabama 4-H, various branches of the
military, the State Board of Education, the attorney general’s office
and other youth organizations met with youth and families to discuss
their needs and how they can best respond to those needs.
Young people from various regions of
the state talked about how much they missed their deployed parents and
some of the challenges they faced at home and school. Everything from
helping with homework to paying bills to taking care of home and car
maintenance were challenges mentioned. They also talked about their
fears, feelings and other daily stressors.
One teenage girl said she had had to
take on more adult roles since her father was deployed. While she
didn’t mind doing the work, she felt guilty wanting to “just be a kid
again.”
A wife and mother talked about some of
the difficulties she faced in fulfilling the roles of both mom and
dad, especially raising two boys.
Another child talked about how hard
her dad’s deployment had been on her mother since her dad was a
farmer. Her mother now not only had to take care of the family but
also the farm.
Alabama 4-H, in conjunction with the
U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education
and Extension Service and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
sponsored the forum. Key issues discussed were unique and pressing
issues facing these youth and families; resources available to support
them; and effective strategies, approaches and partnerships that can
help families cope.
“We can’t make all their dreams come
true, but we can provide educational resources and other information
that can make their lives better,” said Lamar Nichols, Extension
assistant director, 4-H and Youth Development for the Alabama
Cooperative Extension System.
The Extension System and 4-H already
have some programs established for youth and families that may provide
a foundation for dialogue and future programming for these particular
groups.
Source: Chuck Hill, Alabama 4-H
Military Liaison, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334)
844-2276.
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