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SGT I. MIKE'S NEIGHBORHOOD
presents
Kids Have Feelings, Too
Phone: 910-432-3742
Location: Soldier Support Center, 3rd floor
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm
"Read to Me" Program
Mobilization and Deployment Program
FRG (Family Readiness Group)
Community Readiness Fair
Combat Stress
Soldier & Family Life Consultant
FAQ:
Print the Puppet Show flier! [PDF]
What is the puppet show about?
The cast from SGT Mike's Neighborhood (Rachel, Tommy, SGT Mike and Mr. Grumpy) explore their feelings and learn how to deal with deployment and reunion issues that many military families go through. There is one show designed for pre-deployment and one for reunions.
SGT Mike's Neighborhood "Far Away" helps the puppets through the pre-deployment and sustainment phase. Rachel and Tommy discuss very real issues with the facilitator and the children about deployment. Rachel talks about emotional concerns for herself and her mother. The facilitator and audience help Rachel through positive reassurance. Her feelings are very normal and ideas of how to communicate with her dad while he is away. The show is available for two different age groups; 4-6 or 7-12.
Another puppet, Mr. Grumpy, explains with his gruff and grouchy attitude the issues that surround re-deployment and reunion. The facilitator learns that Mr. Grumpy's son has just come home from being in Iraq for 15 months and the many issues associated with the return. He is frustrated because his son is sleeping a lot and has to go back to work so soon after his return. SGT I. Mike makes an appearance periodically throughout the puppet show to let the kids know that he wants all of the children in his neighborhood to be safe and happy and the importance of talking about their feelings to parents. He finishes the puppet show with telling the children really silly jokes to lighten the mood.
The newest puppet show, "Coming Home", Tommy discusses the sustainment portion of the deployment cycle. His worries focus on whether his mommy will get his letters and whether the issue of being apart for so long will make his mother forget him. He touches on feelings of nervousness concerning his mother's health and safety while she is away.
The second puppet show deals with the re-deployment and reunion aspect. Rachel and Tommy talk about their feelings of excitement, anger and frustration. Other topics discussed are the time difference and how that affects sleeping patterns of their parents, and also the matter of returning to work right after getting home. This version allows the children to address these topics with the puppets and helps them understand prior to their parents' arrival what to expect. The facilitator and the puppets talk with the children about how they are preparing for the return and what emotions they are feeling. They incorporate the children in the audience to assist the puppets through their issue with ideas.
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Who is the puppet show designed for?
Each one of the SGT I. Mike’s puppet shows are an extremely useful tool to help the children explore the many emotions and problems associated with all cycles of the deployment process. It was designed for children between ages 4-12 years old and their parents. Parents are highly encouraged to attend the show to hear their children’s thoughts and emotions concerning the deployment cycle and also the sharing of ideas and solutions that the children and puppets come up with. Parents can use this as a gateway into a conversation about the deployment cycle with their child/children.
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How long is the show?
The show runs about 15-25 minutes, depending on how much interaction there is from the children, with 60 minute puppet making activity following. Puppet making must be requested at the time of the puppet show request. The American Red Cross is in partnership with ACS during the puppet making session with VIDI Connect. The cost for the show, puppet making craft and VIDI Connect are FREE.
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Can I request the puppet show for my FRG?
Yes. We highly recommend the group attend the Saturday Community Center puppet show, which is held quarterly. This will be a great bonding opportunity for the spouses and children especially with the activities following the show. However, you may submit a request at least two weeks in advance. Upon availability, we ask that there be at least 4-5 children ages 4-12 present along with their parents, specifically to meet our goal (see who is the puppet show designed for). We will contact you 1 week and then again 2 days prior to the event for final confirmation.
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