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Transitional Care For Families in the Military:
A Parents' guide
Being in the military affects the entire family. While children benefit from the positive aspects of military life and typically share their parents’ pride in serving their country, they also share in the stress that often accompanies military service. For children whose parents serve in the military, the stress can be overwhelming.
 DePelchin is here to support military families by helping children cope with the anxiety and fear that often surrounds a parent’s deployment. To learn more about transitional care for families in the military, contact us at info@depelchin.orgor 713-730-2335.
How Might Military Life Be Stressful For A Child?
Several situations for military families have the potential for impact on a child, including:
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- Family's moves due to reassignment
- Temporary loss of a parent due to deployment
- Fears about the safety of the deployed parent
- Permanent changes in families due to death or injury
- Changes in the returning parent due to PTSD or difficulty adjusting to home life
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When should I Get Extra Help For My Child?
Most children are resilient and recover from events with support and encouragement from their parents. If changes in your child's behavior are extreme or continue for a long period of time, you may want to talk to a professional who has experience dealing with children and families. Children react to stress differently at different ages. The behaviors you might see include:
All Ages
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- Problems sleeping, including nightmares
- More physical complaints, such as stomach aches or headaches
- Clear changes in behavior from prior to the traumatic event
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Pre- School (Ages 5 and under)
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- Fear of separation
- More aggressive behaviors
- More crying or withdrawal
- Acting out fears in their play ("war games")
- Unable to comfort themselves
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Elementary School (Ages 6 - 11)
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- Worry about safety and death
- Return to behaviors shown at younger ages
- Fearfulness
- Easily upset or angry
- Irritable or apathetic
- Behavior problems at home and schoool
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Adolescent (Ages 12 - 18)
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- Angry, sad or depressed
- Problems concentrating
- Increased conflicts at home and school
- Decline in school performance
- Delinquent or risky behaviors
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What Can You Do To Help Your Child?
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- Maintain regular routines and family rituals
- Reassure children at their developmental level that you will keep them safe
- Answer questions honestly, realistically, and simply
- Listen for misconceptions or unvoiced fears and address them
- Continue to set firm and loving limits for inappropriate behavior
- Limit exposure to media coverage of conflict if parent is deployed
- Seek help if your are overwhelmed by circumstances
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Helpful Resources
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