The challenges our world is currently facing can be a trying time for everyone, but especially our military families that are facing deployments of a parent or guardian to the uncertain areas.

 

Below are 3 stages of Deployment and things you may notice about your students if they are experiencing a deployment in the family.

 

· Pre-Deployment: Anxiety, Anticipation, Mental physical distance denial

· Deployment: Increasing responsibilities which can lead the child to feel overwhelmed, loneliness and missing their service member

· Post-Deployment: Renegotiating Family roles as service member reintegrates back into a parental/guardian role which can lead to distress among the family.

 

Common stress reactions may include headaches, acting sullen, stomachaches, difficulty concentrating, anger outburst, not engaging in usually enjoyed activities, and difficulty maintaining focus in school.

 

Ways to support these students:

· Engaging the child in a conversation around concerns regarding the deployment

· Encouraging the families and students to utilize the MFLC program.

· Understanding and positive encouragement while enforcing boundaries when the student is behaving outside of their usual self.

 

Below you will find resources that are available to pass along to Military Families that are experiencing deployments. 

 

By working together, we can mitigate the negative impact a deployment may have on students and families by fostering resiliency, confidence, coping and connection.

 

General Family Resources 

· https://www.militaryonesource.mil/role/parent/

· https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/child-care-aware-of-america/ 

· https://www.militaryonesource.mil/parenting/family-life/staying-connected-with-your-child-s-teachers-during-a-deployment/ 

· https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/ 

· https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/ 

· https://unitedthroughreading.org/ 

· https://www.militarychild.org/ 

· https://www.childcare.gov/consumer-education/military-child-care-financial-assistance

 

Elementary Age and Younger Resources 

· https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/topic/deployments/?ytid=zlRZuVIZQcw 

· https://www.dodmwrlibraries.org/childrens-corner 

· https://thrive.psu.edu/universal-parenting-programs/grow/ 

· https://www.operationgratitude.com/care-packages/military-families/

· https://www.comfortcrew.org/militaryheroes.html

 

Teen Resources 

· https://www.militaryonesource.mil/deployment/on-deployment/15-tips-for-helping-your-teenager-deal-with-deployment/ 

· https://thrive.psu.edu/universal-parenting-programs/branch-out/

SSES loves to support our military kids and families.

Webinars are offered throughout the year from Military Children Liaison groups. These are free, online opportunities for learning and fellowship on topics that range from school support to social-emotional learning. Access and sign up for these webinars by clicking the links below.

Staying Connected During a Service Member’s Absence

Identifying How Your Child Learns

 

There are also some wonderful podcasts offered for Military Families. Click the links below to listen. 

MTSS: Identify, Respond, Prevent, and Intervene for a Positive School Environment

Adapting to Meet Military Connected Students' Needs

 

Links to previous webinars: 

Time Management Tips for Your Elementary Aged Child

Super Star Student Reward @ MSX