For most military couples stationed far from home, calling in the baby s grannies isn t an option. DoD has a parent support program. While not taking the place of families, it is aimed at helping young first-timers fill in gaps in their parenting skills. Locally, the program is usually connected with the installation hospital or family support center. The program includes classes on parenting, home visits and working with parents of developmental stages for their infants.
Most education is conducted in the home.
The program can call on people from obstetrics and gynecology staffs, pediatric specialists, family service center personnel and the family advocacy program specialists. The program has a whole parenting skill component, Becraft said. Those with experience can pass information to new parents. Not every installation has a parent support program. Not every base needs it, said Becraft.