by Kristen Paulsen

Created on: February 13, 2010   Last Updated: February 16, 2010

There are many untapped resources for military children during a deployment.  Unfortunately, with the demands of taking care of the house, bills and keeping everything together, it can be hard to locate those services.  Listed below are the best places to look into your resources to help getting your children the help they may need to cope during a deployment.  By staying involved and communicating frequently with your children, you will know where best to turn.

Each command has key volunteers or liaisons for the deployed unit.  They can provide you with unit activities and functions specifically planned for the families left at home.  Oftentimes these events provide fun, support, friends and food.  By becoming involved, it will help your children to realize they are not alone and will providefriendships with other children who are working through the emotions of having their parent loved one gone in service. 

There is Operation Purple Camp run through the National Military Family Association.  These camps are provided to remind our children that they are serving too by sacrificing having a parent serve away from home.  This is a great opportunity in the summer to have fun, meet others in like situations and learn new skills.

Many commands offer the FOCUS program or children in the midst.  These programs provide classes, activities and help for children and adults who are experiencing deployment.  They are meant for support, education in dealing with feelings and to provide information.  You can often find this information through your Family Readiness Unit.

Military Youth on the Move is another support for children going through any type of transition, be it moving or deployments.  It is age specific and addresses specific concerns children in that age group may experience.  It can be a great springboard for children or parents to start a conversation about how they are doing. 

Many bases offer the Armed Forces YMCA which can provide activities, after school programs and summer programs for children which can be beneficial to children going through a deployment.  Call your local office and find out what is available to your child.  Many programs are offered free or discounted for military children with deployed parents.

Many schools are also offering counseling or support groups for children with deployed parents.  By informing your child's school and their teachers, you can best prepare them to help and keep the lines of communication open with you.  In fact the Department of Defense started a program to have Youth Consultants in schools to specifically address the needs of children with deployed parents since 90% of military children live off base.  These consultants are usually certified school counselors and will also know of other resources.

By getting your child involved in activities, it can make the time go faster and keep you busy and engaged.  Your duty station offers many options including: low cost youth sports on base, there are boy scouts and girl scouts, 4-H clubs and many other opportunities for children.  Parents can also take advantage of the 20 hours of free respite care a month while a spouse is deployed.  This can be beneficial for both the child and parent and provide another role model. 

The best way to seek out your resources is to use your computer and start searching.  You are not alone and either are your children.  Take advantage of all these programs so that they will continue.  Your resources are literally here at your fingertips. 

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