Joint Base teaches kids that hands are not for hitting

Photo By Nicole Woods | Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Commander, Navy Capt. Frank Mays, visited a JBAB Child Development Center (CDC) Oct. 21 to read a children's book to a group of energetic 3-to-5-year olds, teaching kids that hands are not for hitting and that there are other ways to manage anger and stress.  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

10.21.2014

Story by Nicole Woods 

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

WASHINGTON - A group of energetic 3-to-5-year olds, along with staff at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Child Development Center (CDC) Three, welcomed JBAB Commander, Navy Capt. Frank Mays, to their classroom Oct. 21 for a reading on why hands are not for hitting.

Mays and JBAB Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate, Amelia Flores, visited the preschoolers to read a children’s book which teaches kids that violence is never OK.

Mays read aloud to the enthusiastic children and discussed other ways they could use their hands, from greeting people with a friendly handshake or a wave, to drawing pictures and writing words.

Throughout the reading, a few kids interjected, “no fighting,” “no biting,” “no hitting on the head,” as they interpreted the meaning of the book.

Flores explained that she puts on these types of events for the kids because it is a form of prevention.

“This is not only prevention at home with their siblings and other family members, but it’s also prevention for them here at school,” she said. “It’s anti-violence.”

The idea for this event came from Flores’ determination to find activities that involve the JBAB community and have a positive influence.

Following the reading and several high-fives from the little audience members, Mays and the children joined Flores to color their hands with blue, red, yellow and purple paint, placing colorful hand prints on a poster that reads “Hands are not for Hitting.” The posters will be hung around the CDC and other facilities here on JBAB.

“When adults see the display, they can see that the kids are learning at a young age that hands are not for hitting,” said Flores. “It also acts as a reminder to the community, bringing awareness to domestic violence prevention.”

“Because they will hurt. Just give them a hug,” said 4-year-old Vivian Lynch, while explaining that hands are not for hitting.

“Sometimes your nails can get really sharp, and when you hit someone, it can give them a booboo,” said 4-year-old Kai Ellis. “If somebody hits me, I tell the teacher.”

The children eagerly took turns sharing their thoughts with Mays, explaining why they should not hit others and what to do if that should occur.

“Children are our future, and anytime I get a chance to visit them, it’s really the highlight of my day,” said Mays. “Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s a good time to talk to the kids early on and let them know what other useful and constructive ways they can use their hands. What’s encouraging to me is that when I ask them questions, they already know the answers. So they’ve heard it often, and it’s just good to be here with them and remind them.”

As Mays headed for the door to leave, he was accompanied by several goodbye hugs and more high-fives from the children.

The book readings took place at all three JBAB CDCs throughout the month of October to educate both children and adults on prevention and ways to get help in the event of domestic violence.

For more information about getting help, contact the JBAB Military and Family Support Center at 202-767-0450 or 202-404-7393.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2014
• Date Posted: 10.31.2014 10:17
• Story ID: 146672
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US