MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The Youth Center here hosted a Parents’ Night Out March 17 as part of its monthly program designed to give moms and dads from military families a night to relax.

“Parents’ Night Out is set up to allow spouses of deployed Marines to have time away from their family commitments — a free evening out to themselves,” said Robert E. Davis, the youth activities director with Marine Corps Community Services here. “But it’s not only for spouses of deployed Marines; it’s also for families who want to get out and have an evening together.”

Originally hosted two Fridays a month for just three and a half hours, the program now runs from 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., the second Saturday of every month.

According to Davis, the service came about as ongoing deployments created a need for economical and trusted childcare that would give spouses of deployed service members a chance to take some “me” time.

Parents’ Night Out helps Marine Corps families as a spouse relief program, said Davis.

“The Marine Corps is recognizing the amount of stress that spouses and their families go through as a result of the multiple rotations of Marines deploying to Iraq,” Davis said. “This program helps them get through the month.”

The program receives praise and earns smiles from parents and children alike.

“It’s a huge blessing for us and more so for the remaining spouse of a deployed Marine,” said Sonya James, mother of four children she brings to Parents’ Night Out every month. “The children also love it. They need a break from the parents, too.”

According to Davis, the children have many activities to participate in, including dance and martial arts classes, music lessons, and sports.

Spouses of deployed service members can take advantage of the program for free. Parents who are both in the United States pay $10 per child for the night. All parents must ensure they have completed and submitted all required paperwork and documentation.

Parents must provide current immunization records and meals for their children. As required for infants, parents must bring diapers and wipes.

Military children, age six weeks to 12 years, can stay at the Youth Center during Parents’ Night Out.

Parents who wish to use the program need to make reservations as early as 30 days in advance to ensure they have a place for their children as the program currently has a waiting list of about 50 parents.

The next Parents’ Night Out is scheduled for April 14. For more information on the Parents’ Night Out program or to schedule a reservation, contact the Youth Center at 858-577-6959 or 858-577-4136.