by Angie Pollock

Created on: May 28, 2008

Every day children face real life situations. As parents, we would love to shelter our children from the big, bad world. but in reality, we can only shelter them from so much. Whether these issues are a first haircut, lost pet or divorce, these situtations can be life-changing for a young child.

I have three children and I am a military wife. In about a month, my husband will be going on his second tour overseas. I'm faced not with how I will manage but how will my children cope going through this again. The biggest difference this time is my youngest son was too young to remember the first time his dad was gone.

I feel as if I've researched this topic until I'm an expert. But when I look at my children, I know that no amount of research will comfort them. What I have done is purchase a few books dealing with this life-changing issue. I hope that if I don't have the answers, my children will be able to get some comfort and reassurance by some very talented authors.

I MISS YOU!: A Military Kid's Book about Deployment by Beth Andrews

What impressed me about this book are the activities that are provided to help children cope during this stressful time. Included is a parents' guide which has excellent ideas and advice for parents. The book gives positive reassurance which children need during this difficult time in their life. There is much needed support to show parents how to encourage their children to express their emotions. The author is an experienced social worker who has helped military families cope during difficult times.

DADDY, YOU'RE MY HERO! By Michelle Ferguson-Cohen

Young children understand better when the answers are simple. This book discusses separation with reassurance. For children that have a mom being deployed, the author has also written "Mommy, You're My Hero!". The author is the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and has done a remarkable job at giving advice and tips with the upmost compassion. This book has also been recommended by most of the military family websites.

DADDY GOT HIS ORDERS by Kathy Mitchell

This is a touching story of a five year old boy dealing with the deployment of his father. The author wrote the book based on what her son experienced when the orders came for his dad. This is a heart-warming story that brought tears to my eyes. This book is highly recommended as it deals with the issues on a child's level.

UNCLE SAM'S KIDS: WHEN DUTY CALLS by Angela Sportelli-Rehak

Written by a military wife, this book discusses the stages that children will go through from sadness and anger to the feelings that surround the homecoming. Well written and gives children and parents brilliant advice to cope.

A major issue that children face is dealing with the deployment of a loved one. This is a real life situation that has been more prevalent in recent years. During the last 4 1/2 years, there have been many new books written dealing with deployment and the emotions involved with the separation. Many of these books are geared towards the emotions of the children experiencing this separation.

I don't believe we can fully prepare our children for this kind of news but there are ways we can get through it together. Reading books that deal with this issue can help children cope with their fears and help parents answer their many questions.

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