Even if you have no direct military affiliation, it is important to be aware of the needs of military children, adolescents, and families. Odds are, though, that you know a military-connected child whose parent, brother, or sister is serving our all-volunteer forces or is a post-9/11 veteran. Ongoing conflicts have created a generation of military children whose parents have been repeatedly
deployed (sent into action, usually overseas).
We can use the experience of the military-connected family to learn about values, strength, sacrifice, courage, resilience, sense of service, purpose, pride, and even the frailties of the American family. These children and families are not alone in needing to worry about the well-being of one or both parents who sacrifice to serve. In your own communities and within your own lives, consider first responders and other professionals who are regularly called to serve, such as police officers and firefighters.
A full chapter from
Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings has been made freely available via the link below.
This chapter focuses on strategies parents and caregivers can use to maintain healthy connections and reinforce positive experiences even while facing the challenges that come with being connected to the military.
Additional Information: