The Sure Start Program Hosted a Validating and Invalidating Behaviors in Families Meeting at Zukeran Elementary School on Camp Foster

Photo By Sgt. Kayla Staten | Dr. Lori Hill, the principal of Zukeran Elementary School, provides remarks during the Sure Start’s Validating and Invalidating Behaviors in Families meeting at Zukeran Elementary School, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, on April 13, 2022. The meeting covered common behavioral challenges seen in children between the ages of 3 through 5. It also provided strategies to parents to promote positive parenting during the Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kayla V. Staten)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.13.2022

Story by Sgt. Kayla Staten 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Sure Start families attended a parent meeting promoting positive parenting during the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 13, at Zukeran Elementary School aboard Camp Foster.

The Sure Start program at Zukeran Elementary School hosted a routine parent meeting that encouraged healthy parent-child relationships and provided parents an opportunity to engage with other families. Sure Start, a Department of Defense Education Activity program, serves military children living overseas in prekindergarten and preschool services with disabilities.

“Building relationships with the families is important because when a child is struggling, it takes all of us working together to ensure that we can care for that child,” said Dr. Lori Hill, the principal of Zukeran Elementary School.

The guest speaker, U.S. Navy Lt. Emily M. Hu, a clinical psychologist with Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, U.S. Naval Hospital, discussed common behavioral challenges in children three through five. Hu also provided strategies and interventions to promote positive behaviors from parents.

“Teaching a positive parenting approach and strategies to implement in the home improves the relationship between parent and children and acts as a protective factor for things like childhood,” said Hu.

During the meeting, Hu described and provided examples of techniques such as praising, giving adequate instructions, and active ignoring that prevents parents from experiencing fewer negative emotions with their children.

“I went home and used the active ignoring technique, which worked for my son. He repeatedly stopped asking the same question, and he changed the subject to something else,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Catherine F. White, the custodian of postal effects with Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Post Office. “Another technique I used was keeping a calm voice while giving him direction. I told him to put his clothes on and brush his teeth this morning. He then decided to put his shoes on by himself. Afterward, I told him how much I liked him putting his shoes on without me having to ask. He was pleased about that,” said White.

Sure Start parents are required to attend four parent meetings a year. “Sure Start families have an obligation to attend routine meetings that help them improve their relationships and skillsets associated with dealing with their children every day,” said Hill.

For more information on programs regarding family readiness and behavioral health in your area, contact your local Marine Corps Community Services office.

• Date Taken: 04.13.2022
• Date Posted: 05.09.2022 02:33
• Story ID: 419716
• Location: OKINAWA, JP