Supporting Children of Military Families

Presented by,

Nora Baltz RN, BSN, MA, CCM

Melanie Duerkop, Becky Lamb RN

Being in the Military- What’s involved?

Miltary Life

• Sense of Patriotism• Pride• Military community• Fellowship• Benefits• Family Support• Travel• Education

• Lack of “grounding”• Frequent moves• Changes in schools• Fragmented friendships

• Family absences• Changed schedules• Living away from

extended family• DEPLOYMENT

Deployment

• de·ploy  (d -ploi ) • v. de·ployed, de·ploy·ing, de·ploys • 1. a. To position (troops) in readiness for

combat, as along a front or line.• b. To bring (forces or material) into action.• c. To base (a weapons system) in the field.• 2. To distribute (persons or forces)

systematically or strategically.• 3. To put into use or action

How does Deployment affect the dynamics of the family

unit?

Group activity #1

• Exercise: Role Play.

• Split room into three groups. Come up with three

stressors to the military school age child (one group), three stressors to the member (second group) and three stressors to other family members (third group) .

• Each group shares thoughts from their perspective as a child, member or family member.

RECAPStressors to the military child

• Loss of parent or loved one even if short term

• Fear of abandonment

• Change in family dynamics and roles during deployment

• Fear of missed milestones

RECAPStressors to the Military Member• Fear of Death or Dismemberment

• Missing out on milestones

• Will my family forget me?

• Who will take on my responsibilities in my absence?

• Getting ready for deployment

RECAPStressors to other family members

• Role reversals

• Added responsibility by extended family

• Inability for a core family member to assist with outside activities or care needs of elderly parents during this time.

• Feelings of abandonment

• Feelings of added pressure.

Member reaction to deployment

• Getting ready• Packing• Securing job adjustments at home• Update Will• Power of Attorney• Bills, Mail, Rent/Land Lord contact etc• Saying goodbyes

Volunteer/Group Activity #2

• Exercise: “THROUGH MY EYES…..”

• Ask for audience volunteers to discuss the BEFORE Deployment and AFTER Deployment reactions of the member, the spouse, and another family member

( Ask for a military member, spouse, parent, sibling, child etc)

How can we help the military child cope with a deployment in the

school setting?

Group Participation Activity #3

• Discussion: Split audience into 2 groups

• Discuss things to support the military child in the school setting.

• Consider: Activities, school involvement, peer support etc.

• Have each group choose a spokesperson to present 3 things.

RECAPThings we can do in the schools

• Military Child recognition: April=month of the military child

• After pledge on certain days, announce a moment of silence for military members.

• Group and individual counseling

• Peer / buddy system for support

• Teacher/Child 1:1

Community Involvement

• How can we support the military child and family in our community?

• Businesses * Discounts for service members * Banners in the community * Financial donations to schools * Bring “free-be’s” for distribution * Sponsor activities, coloring contests, scholarships etc. * Promotions * Radio announcements- “Hometown Heros”

*Service Organizations* Churches- Letters to Soldiers

Care Packages

Work with Children as a Mentor

Recognition in Sunday school etc *Big Brothers and Sisters

* YMCA/ youth programs

* Local Day Cares/After School Care

* Community Entities-Banks/Restaurants/Grocery

stores

Questions???