Being part of a military family can be a real challenge, one that may begin long before deployment and continue even after homecoming. Every phase of deployment has an impact on the entire family. Children look up to their parents as heroes. But for children with a parent in the military, "hero" takes on new meaning. The rest of the family members are heroes in their own way. It's not easy for anyone. Children and parents at home must deal with a huge variety of adjustments and emotions.

*Sesame Workshop* has developed an educational outreach initiative designed for military families and their young children to share. It is a 35 minute DVD with accompanying activities.
This program presents:

• What to expect during pre-deployment, deployment and homecoming;
• Strategies and activities to help young children through these times; and
• Ways to keep your family feeling 'connected'.
  

The Blount County-Oneonta Livrary in collaboration with The Old Oak Tree, a counseling program for veterans and their families, is providing this program to the community on Saturday, November 14th from 10-11:30. Drinks and snacks will be provided. There is no cost.

Who should come: Children, age 3-12, who have an important person in their lives serving in the military. A parent or older family member needs to be present.

Please pre-register with your child or children's ages:
Dr. Sharon Gotlieb: 807-1919; or drgotlieb@urisp.net
Feel free to contact me if you need more information about this program.

This program is being made possible, in part, through a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.