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Children
from military families face stress related to deployment of a parent
or loved one. If the stress becomes excessive children are at risk
for behavioral, social, and emotional problems. Many children from
military families adjust after a period of time, while others
require psychological intervention to address their needs. For
military families who move often, the lack of attachment to school,
friends, and community can cause a sense of isolation. In addition,
children from military families are vulnerable to experiencing
irritability, depression, and aggression. However, they can thrive
despite these factors. Research on resilience shows that facing
adverse situations builds strength in children who are successfully
able to adapt. Clinicians working with children at their school site
can help them develop a support system. A peer support group can be
an important outlet where children and teens navigate their feelings
of grief and loss and develop connections to students who can help
them feel welcome at a new school.
Mental
health professionals working with children from military families
can provide treatment services to them at their school campus as
well as their parents, and other family members when needed.
Predeployment: Children may have many questions about what will
happen to their loved one. Anticipation of departure can be a time
of great worry and concern for children and teenagers. Children can
experience a range of emotional states some of which include
anxiety, separation anxiety, detachment, withdrawal, and emotional
disorganization. Clinicians working with parents can educate them on
child development, what information is age-appropriate to tell
children about deployment, and normal stress reactions parents can
be aware of in their children and teenagers.
Deployment:
It is common for family members to feel numb, sad, and worried as
they adjust to separation. Studies indicate stress and worry are
common among children of a deployed parent with one in four children
experiencing symptoms of depression and over half reporting trouble
sleeping. This applies as well to children who may have other
important family members deployed, such as a sister or brother.
Children may feel helpless and filled with dread as they witness a
parent’s bouts of crying and profound sadness over their deployed
partner or child. Children and teenagers may also require emotional
support in dealing with disappointment when a loved one cannot be
present for special activities.
Post deployment: While family members may feel excitement over
the return of their deployed relative, they face the challenge of
getting to know each other once again. This is often the case the
longer the person has been away and the experiences faced while
deployed. Changes in routines and responsibilities may require
adapting and adjusting. Returning military personnel may be dealing
with deployment reminders such as stress or physical injury which
affects the entire family. Clinician can work on strengthening the
child/parent bond while continuing to facilitate social and
emotional growth and development with children, teenagers, and
family members.
Tips for Clinicians helping Children and Teenagers in Military
Families:
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Provide a safe place for them to talk about deployment and their
concerns
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Listen to their concerns and discuss their worries
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Reassure them that they will be taken care of
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Help them develop strong connections with caring adults and
peers
●
Help them understand they are not alone in their experience and
feelings
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School-based support groups can help them fit in and
student mentors can
help
navigate a new school
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Help them find joy in their lives and identify their character
strengths
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Help them to deal with transitions, change, or loss
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Help them focus on their relationship now, not on what they will
lose in a future move
● Encourage them to participate in special activities
or rites of passage
● Expect
teens to spend more time with peers while adjusting to deployment or
as the
family
adjusts to the service member’s return
● Expect
regressive behavior during any of the phases of deployment
● Allow
children and teens to cry or be sad, don’t expect them to be brave or tough
●
Depression doesn’t go away with willpower. It requires action and
focused steps that
include
challenging negative thinking and taking steps toward positive
outcomes
and
attitudes
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Strengthen positive attitude by helping children find something
positive about each day
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Empower youth by recognizing the contribution they are making to
their country and
community through their sacrifice
●
Help the family maintain a sense of normalcy
● Encourage families to utilize other services in their community
such as book clubs, classes,
and parent support groups for added strength and support
● Teach
children and family members stress reducing activities
● Educate
parents and children about the benefits of volunteering
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