Give parents a break Published Aug. 27, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Sahara L. Fales Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Give Parents a Break program starts up again Sept. 6, providing free child care two days per month during specific, prearranged times. Care will be available at the Child Development Center for children six months of age through pre-school, and at the Youth Center for children 5-12 years old. Programs such as Give Parents a Break are designed to help families with hardships, and give parents a way to de-stress. "With military spouses away, it's good for the spouse taking care of the kids to take a break once in a while," said Scott Keehn, section chief of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, 5th Force Support Squadron. "This program allows just that." When dealing with frequent deployments, extended work hours and remote tours, parents often find it difficult to juggle daily tasks and parenting while their spouse is away. Additionally, families are often separated from extended family members who might otherwise offer support. Keehn mentioned it's nice to have this program so parents can drop their children off and shop for groceries, run other errands, or even have some quiet time to themselves. The AFRC is able to offer this program free of charge thanks to assistance from the Air Force Aid Society. The AFAS recognizes Air Force families are subject to unique stresses due to the nature of military life. In an effort to help these families, the AFAS in cooperation with Friends of Military Families provides funding so active duty military families in all branches can benefit from free childcare. Active duty military families who are eligible for the Give Parents A Break program include: · When a military member is deployed, on extended TDY or remote tour of duty · When a family experiences a crisis or emergency such as serious illness of a family member, death of a family member, extended illness of a family member or birth of a new baby · Families who have children with special needs · Other circumstances or hardships The following individuals and agencies can refer families for Give Parents a Break and provide a referral certificate upon acceptance into the program: · Squadron commander · First sergeant · Base doctor or other base medical professionals · Airman and Family Readiness Center · Chaplain · Family Advocacy · Child Development Center For more information about the program, or for a schedule of times, please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 701-723-3950.