Military life presents many opportunities for growth and resilience, as well as family challenges for military parents. Frequent relocations, separation while on deployment, and other stresses during their service can be difficult. But the good news is that military parents can access various resources to help their kids handle things and maintain their well-being.
Military Kids Connect
DoD’s Military Kids Connect website has information for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to help young children, tweens, and teens cope with military life. In addition, milkids can play games, connect with other milkids online, and learn ways to stay healthy.
Tips for little ones dealing with deployment [PDF]
Preschoolers who are coping with a loved one’s deployment can enjoy this activity booklet from Operation R.E.A.D.Y.
Coping: I Can Do That! [PDF]
In this booklet from Operation R.E.A.D.Y., kids ages 9–12 can learn coping skills, identify their feelings about a parent’s deployment, and find ways to manage stress.
Separations happen [PDF]
Teens can learn relaxation exercises, tips for handling emotional expectations during the reunion stage, and ways to communicate better with their families with this activity booklet from Operation R.E.A.D.Y.
For military youth and teens
Read Military OneSource’s articles on a variety of topics for children of military parents, including staying in touch with friends, deployment, and PCSing to a new place.
For deployment-specific resources for parents and kids, visit HPRC’s “Deployment resources for families with children” page.