Parent support program helps budding families Published Oct. 20, 2009 By Heidi Hunt 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- A new addition to any family brings both happiness and stress. As new parents adapt to life with a baby, they are often concerned with making the right choices for their little bundle of joy. To help young military families adjust to their new lives, the Whiteman Family Advocacy Outreach Program offers the New Parent Support Program, an in-home educational course. "NPSP is provided free of charge to eligible participants, and has been for over 30 years," said Jeannine Johnson, manager of the Family Advocacy Outreach Program . "Parents who are expecting or who already have children, up to age 3, qualify for NPSP services." The NPSP staff consists of registered nurses and licensed social workers. Team members from Family Advocacy Program will come to each home, offering professional and educational advice, based on each family's need. "The mission of the FAP is to strengthen military families for peak war readiness," said Mae Hertig, family advocacy registered nurse. "If deployed, active duty members are confident their families are receiving the best support possible, they will be less likely to worry about the home front and be more attentive to duties for the military mission. Likewise, when state side Airmen and spouses are armed with the most up-to-date parenting information, they are more likely to have strong, healthy family relationships." NPSP in-home visits are designed to help the parents understand ;prenatal health, child growth and development, health care, parenting, problem solving skills, family member role adaptation, safety and infant stimulation. "NPSP is aware that military families have more stressors than their civilian counterparts who have family and lifetime friends nearby to help guide them during pregnancy and parenthood," said Mrs. Hertig. "Dual and single parents can find support in this program, as well as a springboard for early childhood development." The course is confidential . Home-based visits are available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during weekdays. Those interested in registering for program should call 660-687-4341, for more information. "If you are expecting or have a new addition to the family, the outreach program is an incredibly important tool that parents can benefit from," said Mrs. Hertig. "We provide professional guidance, educational resources and tutorials for both parents." Editor's note: This is the first of a three-part series highlighting programs offered by the Whiteman Family Advocacy Outreach Program.