Military moves can have a significant emotional impact on children and teens in military families. Frequent relocations, deployments, and the challenges of adapting to new environments can cause emotional and behavioral challenges for young members of the military community. In this article, we will explore the unique stressors faced by military children and teens during a PCS move and provide resources and support to help families cope with these challenges. Additionally, we will briefly mention the website and its target audience, which offers services for both personal and corporate moves to provide a streamlined and stress-free moving experience for individuals or businesses seeking a convenient and affordable solution.
Understanding Military Moves
Military families often face unique challenges during a move, with frequent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves being a significant source of stress. A PCS move involves relocating a military member and their family to a new duty station, which can be within the same country or overseas. These moves can be particularly challenging for military children and teens who may struggle with the changes in their lives, including leaving friends and familiar routines behind.
Furthermore, military families often face additional stressors when a parent is deployed. Research has shown that deployments can have a significant impact on children’s emotional and behavioral health, with some studies finding increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions in military children. Deployments can also put a significant strain on the remaining parent or caregiver, who may have to take on additional responsibilities at home.
Despite the challenges, military families are resilient and have access to resources that can help them cope with the unique stressors of military life. Understanding these stressors and the impact of deployments on children and families is an important first step in supporting military families during a move.
Coping with Military Moves
Military moves can be a challenging experience for families, especially for children who may struggle to adjust to new environments. It is important for military families to have support systems in place to help them cope with the unique stressors they face during a move.
Parental deployment is one of the most significant stressors for military children, and it can have a profound impact on their emotional and behavioral well-being. Children with deployed parents may experience anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of traumatic stress. It is essential for military families to seek support from mental health professionals and resources to help their children cope with the deployment of a parent.
The Department of Defense (DoD) offers a range of evidence-based prevention programs and resources for families, such as the Military Family Life Counselor Program, which provides short-term, non-medical counseling to military children and their families. The National Military Family Association (NMFA) also offers resources for families, including Operation Purple Camps, a free summer camp for military children. These programs and resources can help military families cope with the stress of frequent moves and deployments and provide much-needed support during the transition to a new home.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals
Military culture presents unique challenges for mental health professionals. Many military families are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and some may even view seeking help as a weakness. Furthermore, military personnel and their families may have concerns about the confidentiality of seeking mental health treatment and how it could impact their military career.
However, seeking help from a mental health professional can be an important step in coping with the stress and challenges of military life. Mental health professionals can help individuals and families develop coping strategies, improve communication and problem-solving skills, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
There are many resources available to help military families find mental health professionals. The Department of Defense provides access to mental health resources through its Military OneSource program, which offers free confidential counseling and referrals to licensed professionals. Military families can also seek mental health services through TRICARE, the military healthcare program, which provides coverage for a wide range of mental health services.
In addition to these resources, there are many organizations that specialize in providing mental health services to military families. The National Military Family Association, for example, offers a variety of programs and services to support military families, including counseling and referral services for mental health treatment.
Seeking help from a mental health professional is an important step in maintaining the emotional and behavioral well-being of military families. By addressing mental health concerns, families can better cope with the unique stressors of military life and build the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of deployment and reintegration.
The Impact of Military Moves on School-Age Children
Military moves can have a significant impact on school-age children. Frequent moves can disrupt a child’s education, making it difficult for them to maintain a consistent academic record. Children may struggle to adjust to new schools, make friends, and integrate into new communities.
Schools play a vital role in supporting military children during a move. Teachers and school staff can help military children feel welcome and supported by providing resources and accommodations, such as counseling services, peer support groups, and academic support.
The Department of Defense provides resources for schools that have military children, such as the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which helps to ensure that military children receive the same opportunities for educational success as their civilian counterparts.
Military families can also reach out to the school liaison officer (SLO) on their installation, who can provide information and assistance to families with school-aged children. The SLO can help connect families with resources and support, and provide information about the schools in the local area.
It’s important for military families to be proactive in seeking support for their school-age children during a move. By working with schools and connecting with resources, families can help their children cope with the challenges of frequent moves and ensure their academic success.
Helping Adolescents Cope with Military Life
Adolescents in military families often face unique challenges that their civilian counterparts do not experience. The impact of deployments on adolescents can be significant, as it can lead to emotional and behavioral issues. Adolescents may also struggle with the military culture and feel disconnected from their peers.
It is important to provide resources and support to help adolescents cope with military life. Mental health professionals can play a crucial role in helping adolescents process their feelings and emotions related to military life. Evidence-based prevention programs, such as Operation Purple, can provide adolescents with opportunities to connect with other military youth and participate in activities that promote resilience and coping skills.
Additionally, parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in supporting adolescents during deployments. Communication is key, and parents should talk to their teens openly and honestly about what to expect during a deployment. Parents can also provide emotional support and connect their adolescents with other military youth and support groups.
By providing resources and support, we can help adolescents in military families cope with the unique challenges they face and promote their resilience and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, military moves can have a significant emotional impact on children and teens. Frequent moves, deployments, and the unique challenges of military culture can all contribute to stress and anxiety for military children and adolescents. It is important for military families to have a strong support system and access to resources to help them cope with the challenges of military life. Mental health professionals, schools, and evidence-based prevention programs can all play a crucial role in supporting military families and promoting the well-being of military children and adolescents. By recognizing and addressing the emotional impact of military moves, we can help ensure that military families receive the support and care they need to thrive.
