Parenting Fair 2007 Published March 28, 2007 By Jill Fuson 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Parenting can be one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs in the world. Unfortunately, children do not come with an instruction manual and sometimes parents are challenged dealing with behaviors and power struggles within the family. Most parents learn how to be a parent from upbringing. The Parenting Fair 2007, held at College Heath Middle School in Mildenhall Village March 17, offered alternative approaches to raising children. The event was hosted by Adult and Community learning, U. S. Air Forces in Europe base community helping agencies from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall and educators from the Air Force Family Advocacy Program. By offering a variety of learning choices, attendees were able to chart their course of information through different blocks including topics such as discipline that works, motivating children academically and sibling rivalry. "The parenting fair provided me with new ideas to help become a better parent," said Senior Master Sgt. Christine Daniels, Chief of Quality Assurance, 48th Comptroller Squadron. "It was a rewarding and informative experience that I would love to do again. I think every parent should take part in a parenting class of some sort." Sue Palmer, author of a book on childrearing, was the guest speaker. Ms. Palmer has spent three years researching the influence of contemporary culture on children's development. "A toxic cocktail of the side-effects of cultural change is now damaging the social, emotional and cognitive development of a growing number of children, with strong effects on their behavior," said Ms. Palmer. "The parenting fair was great. My favorite part was Sue Palmer's presentation," said Denise Blount, Community Readiness Technician, Airmen and Family Readiness Center. "Ms. Palmer's presentation enlightened me of the different side effects of childrearing and provided solutions to detoxify these areas of our children's lives."