The social-emotional wellbeing of military children forms the foundation for academic success and healthy development.
Understanding Military Child Mental Health
Military children face unique challenges that can impact their mental health and emotional wellbeing:
Common Challenges:
- Frequent transitions and school changes
- Parental separation during deployments and training
- Worry about deployed parent's safety
- Disruption of peer relationships and support systems
- Adjustment to new communities and cultural environments
- Assumption of additional responsibilities during deployments
- Navigating reintegration after parental absence
- Managing uncertainty about future moves and changes
Protective Factors:
- Strong family bonds and communication
- Consistent routines and expectations
- Supportive school environments
- Connection to military community
- Developed coping skills and emotional regulation
- Sense of pride in military service
- Opportunities to contribute meaningfully to family
- Access to appropriate support services
Warning Signs:
- Significant changes in behavior or personality
- Persistent sadness or withdrawal
- Declining academic performance
- Sleep disturbances or changes in eating patterns
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Physical complaints without medical cause
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Risk-taking behaviors or substance use
The Importance of Balance and Breaks
As noted in the November 2024 article: "Sometimes, we all need a break—and that includes our students, no matter their age." Creating space for mental health is essential for long-term wellbeing:
Academic Balance:
- Realistic expectations based on current circumstances
- Scheduled breaks during intensive study periods
- Recognition of effort alongside achievement
- Flexibility during high-stress military periods
- Prioritization of essential learning during transitions
- Balance between structured learning and creative exploration
Emotional Processing Time:
- Dedicated time to process feelings about changes
- Permission to experience and express difficult emotions
- Opportunities for reflection and meaning-making
- Validation of emotional responses to military lifestyle
- Space to adjust to new environments and situations
- Recognition of grief associated with losses and transitions
Recreational Opportunities:
- Regular physical activity and outdoor time
- Creative expression through arts and music
- Unstructured play and exploration
- Social connection with peers and family
- Pursuit of personal interests and hobbies
- Celebration and enjoyment of special occasions
Communication Strategies for Emotional Support
Effective communication creates a foundation for emotional wellbeing:
Active Listening Practices:
- Giving full attention without distractions
- Reflecting feelings and content to show understanding
- Asking open-ended questions that invite sharing
- Avoiding immediate problem-solving or dismissal
- Validating emotions without judgment
- Creating regular opportunities for conversation
Age-Appropriate Discussions:
- Using concrete language with younger children
- Adjusting detail level based on developmental stage
- Employing books and stories to facilitate understanding
- Respecting adolescents' need for increased autonomy
- Balancing honesty with appropriate reassurance
- Using analogies and examples relevant to child's experience
Military-Specific Communication:
- Providing appropriate information about deployments
- Discussing upcoming moves with adequate preparation time
- Creating space for questions about military lifestyle
- Acknowledging both challenges and benefits of military life
- Developing family narratives that incorporate military experiences
- Sharing age-appropriate information about military events
Non-Verbal Connection:
- Regular physical affection appropriate to child's preferences
- Quality time without agenda or distraction
- Shared activities that build connection
- Creating rituals that maintain connection during separation
- Noticing and responding to non-verbal cues
- Modeling healthy emotional expression
Building Healthy Routines and Structure
Consistent routines provide security and support emotional regulation:
Daily Routines:
- Consistent wake and sleep schedules
- Regular mealtimes with family connection
- Predictable homework and study periods
- Balanced screen time with clear boundaries
- Regular family check-ins and communication
- Transition routines between activities
Physical Wellbeing Foundations:
- Adequate sleep appropriate to age
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Regular physical activity and movement
- Access to appropriate healthcare
- Outdoor time and nature connection
- Limited exposure to excessive stress
Stress Management Practices:
- Age-appropriate relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
- Deep breathing and physical regulation
- Creative expression of emotions
- Time in nature and outdoor activities
- Regular physical exercise and movement
Balance and Boundaries:
- Clear expectations and consistent limits
- Balance between structure and flexibility
- Appropriate responsibilities based on age and ability
- Protection from excessive adult concerns
- Healthy digital boundaries and media consumption
- Space for both productivity and relaxation
Accessing Professional Support
Knowing when and how to access additional support is essential:
When to Seek Help:
- Persistent emotional or behavioral changes
- Significant impact on daily functioning
- Expressions of hopelessness or self-harm
- Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
- Ongoing academic struggles despite support
- Family concern about child's wellbeing
- Child's request for additional help
- Difficulty adjusting to significant transitions
Military-Specific Resources:
- Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)
- Military OneSource non-medical counseling
- TRICARE mental health services
- Military treatment facility behavioral health
- Installation family support centers
- Military crisis line and support services
School-Based Support:
- School counselors and psychologists
- Military school liaison officers
- Student support teams and services
- Military-connected student groups
- School-based mental health programs
- Special education services when appropriate
Community Resources:
- Community mental health centers
- Private therapists with military experience
- Support groups for military children
- Military-connected non-profit organizations
- Faith-based counseling and support
- Telehealth and online support options
Special Circumstances Support
Certain military situations require additional emotional support:
Deployment-Specific Support:
- Pre-deployment preparation and discussion
- Communication plans during separation
- Deployment countdown and tracking tools
- Deployment support groups and activities
- Maintaining connection with deployed parent
- Reintegration adjustment support
Coping with Frequent Moves:
- Emotional preparation for transitions
- Meaningful goodbye rituals and closure
- Documentation of memories and experiences
- Maintenance of important relationships
- Strategies for building new connections
- Honoring grief while embracing new opportunities
Parental Injury or Loss:
- Age-appropriate information and communication
- Access to specialized grief support services
- Connection with others in similar situations
- Maintenance of routines and stability
- Preservation of memories and legacy
- Long-term support through grief process
As the November 2024 article concludes: "Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with family and friends!" This reminder of the importance of connection and celebration highlights the need for balance between addressing challenges and embracing joy in military family life.
Building Resilience
Resilience—the ability to adapt and thrive despite challenges—is particularly important for military children.
Understanding Resilience in Military Children
Resilience develops through a combination of innate qualities and environmental supports:
Resilience Definition:
- Ability to adapt positively to adversity
- Process of bouncing back from difficult experiences
- Capacity to maintain wellbeing despite challenges
- Development of strength through overcoming obstacles
- Balance between vulnerability and growth
- Dynamic quality that can be developed and strengthened
Unique Military Child Strengths:
- Adaptability to new situations and environments
- Experience with navigating transitions
- Cross-cultural knowledge and exposure
- Independence and self-reliance skills
- Appreciation for diversity and different perspectives
- Sense of belonging to something larger than self
- Pride in family service and contribution
Resilience Building Blocks:
- Secure attachment relationships
- Sense of personal competence and efficacy
- Emotional awareness and regulation skills
- Problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness
- Meaning-making and purpose development
- Connection to supportive communities
- Access to appropriate resources when needed
Developing Coping Skills and Strategies
Specific skills help children navigate challenges effectively:
Emotional Regulation Techniques:
- Identifying and naming emotions
- Understanding body signals of different feelings
- Deep breathing and relaxation practices
- Appropriate expression of difficult emotions
- Self-calming strategies for intense feelings
- Recognition of emotional triggers and patterns
Problem-Solving Approaches:
- Breaking challenges into manageable steps
- Generating multiple possible solutions
- Evaluating options and potential outcomes
- Implementing plans and adjusting as needed
- Learning from both successes and setbacks
- Knowing when and how to seek help
Perspective-Building Skills:
- Reframing challenges as opportunities
- Finding positive aspects in difficult situations
- Maintaining hope and optimism
- Developing gratitude practices
- Understanding temporary nature of difficulties
- Seeing challenges within broader context
Self-Care Practices:
- Recognizing personal needs and boundaries
- Engaging in enjoyable and restorative activities
- Maintaining physical health through exercise and nutrition
- Balancing responsibilities with relaxation
- Connecting with supportive people
- Practicing mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Fostering Connection and Belonging
Strong relationships provide essential support for resilience:
Family Connection:
- Regular family time and shared activities
- Family traditions and rituals that persist through moves
- Open communication about feelings and experiences
- Collaborative problem-solving as a family
- Celebration of individual and family accomplishments
- Maintenance of extended family relationships
Peer Relationships:
- Opportunities to develop friendships
- Support for maintaining long-distance connections
- Development of friendship-making skills
- Connection with other military children
- Guidance for navigating peer conflicts
- Balance between military and civilian friendships
Community Integration:
- Involvement in community activities and events
- Connection to military community resources
- Participation in local organizations and groups
- Volunteer opportunities and service projects
- Exploration of new community environments
- Development of "home" feeling in each location
School Connection:
- Relationships with teachers and school staff
- Participation in school activities and traditions
- Connection with school liaison officers
- Engagement in extracurricular opportunities
- Identification as both military child and school community member
- Academic engagement and investment
Strengthening Identity Development
A strong sense of self provides stability through transitions:
Military Child Identity:
- Understanding unique aspects of military lifestyle
- Pride in family service and contribution
- Connection with military child community
- Recognition of special strengths developed through military life
- Balanced perspective on challenges and benefits
- Integration of military experiences into self-concept
Cultural and Family Identity:
- Maintenance of family traditions and practices
- Connection to cultural and ethnic heritage
- Understanding of family values and beliefs
- Appreciation for diverse cultural experiences
- Development of multicultural perspective
- Creation of family narratives and stories
Personal Strength Awareness:
- Identification of individual talents and abilities
- Recognition of character strengths and values
- Acknowledgment of personal accomplishments
- Understanding of unique coping strategies
- Awareness of personal growth through challenges
- Development of authentic self-expression
Future Self Development:
- Exploration of interests and passions
- Setting of meaningful personal goals
- Envisioning future possibilities and paths
- Building skills for desired future directions
- Connection between current actions and future aspirations
- Flexibility in adapting goals to changing circumstances
Learning Through Challenge
Challenges can become opportunities for growth and development:
Growth Mindset Development:
- Belief that abilities can be developed through effort
- Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn
- Understanding that struggle is part of learning
- Persistence through difficulties
- Willingness to try new approaches
- Learning from feedback and setbacks
Meaning-Making Processes:
- Reflection on experiences and their significance
- Finding purpose in difficult circumstances
- Creating narratives that incorporate challenges
- Identifying lessons learned through adversity
- Connecting personal experiences to broader values
- Using challenges to develop empathy for others
Challenge Calibration:
- Balancing challenge with appropriate support
- Gradually increasing difficulty as skills develop
- Providing scaffolding for new challenges
- Recognizing when challenges become overwhelming
- Adjusting expectations during particularly difficult periods
- Celebrating effort and progress, not just outcomes
Achievement Through Adversity:
- Setting and working toward meaningful goals
- Developing perseverance and determination
- Building confidence through overcoming obstacles
- Recognizing personal agency and capability
- Acknowledging both effort and accomplishment
- Using past successes to approach new challenges
Military-Specific Resilience Building
Certain military situations provide unique opportunities for resilience development:
Deployment Resilience:
- Preparation through open communication
- Development of coping strategies for separation
- Creation of meaningful connection rituals
- Opportunities for growth in responsibility
- Building support networks during absence
- Celebration of family strength through challenge
PCS Move Resilience:
- Involvement in planning and preparation
- Research about new location and opportunities
- Development of transition coping strategies
- Maintenance of important relationships
- Creation of arrival routines and exploration
- Recognition of adaptability skills developed
School Transition Resilience:
- Preparation for academic differences
- Development of self-advocacy skills
- Creation of friendship-building strategies
- Maintenance of learning continuity
- Connection with supportive school personnel
- Recognition of transition management strengths
By intentionally supporting social-emotional wellbeing and building resilience, military families can help children not only survive but thrive through the unique challenges and opportunities of military life. These skills and strengths will serve them well throughout their educational journeys and into adulthood.
Family Communication Strategies
Effective family communication forms the foundation for emotional wellbeing and educational success.
Creating Communication-Friendly Environments
The context for communication significantly impacts its effectiveness:
Physical Settings:
- Distraction-free spaces for important conversations
- Comfortable and neutral locations for difficult discussions
- Family gathering areas that encourage interaction
- Appropriate privacy for sensitive conversations
- Technology-free zones and times for direct connection
- Accessible communication tools for deployed family members
Emotional Atmosphere:
- Psychological safety for sharing thoughts and feelings
- Nonjudgmental responses to different perspectives
- Validation of all family members' experiences
- Appropriate emotional regulation by parents
- Acceptance of the full range of emotions
- Calm approach to challenging topics
Timing Considerations:
- Awareness of energy levels and emotional states
- Appropriate timing for different types of conversations
- Scheduled time for important discussions
- Flexibility for spontaneous communication needs
- Consideration of developmental attention spans
- Balance between immediate needs and appropriate timing
Cultural Foundations:
- Family values around communication openness
- Respect for cultural communication patterns
- Established norms for disagreement and conflict
- Balance between military culture and family culture
- Appreciation for different communication styles
- Intentional development of family communication culture
Regular Communication Structures
Consistent communication practices build connection and understanding:
Family Meetings:
- Regular scheduled family discussion time
- Structured format with all members participating
- Combination of practical planning and emotional check-ins
- Age-appropriate roles and responsibilities
- Celebration of successes and problem-solving for challenges
- Adaptation for deployed family members when possible
Check-In Rituals:
- Daily connection points (meals, bedtime, after school)
- Brief but meaningful acknowledgment of each person
- Simple questions that invite genuine sharing
- Consistent implementation despite busy schedules
- Adaptation during separations and transitions
- Balance between structure and authentic interaction
Special Communication Times:
- One-on-one time with each child regularly
- Couple communication time for parents
- Pre-planned discussions before significant transitions
- Reflection and processing after important events
- Milestone conversations (birthdays, achievements, changes)
- Scheduled connection during deployments and separations
Visual Communication Tools:
- Family calendars and schedule systems
- Visual countdown tools for deployments and returns
- Emotion charts for younger children
- Family mission statements and value displays
- Photo sharing systems for separated family members
- Visual planning tools for transitions and moves
Developmental Communication Approaches
Communication strategies should adapt to children's developmental stages:
Early Childhood:
- Simple, concrete language and explanations
- Visual supports and demonstrations
- Play-based communication approaches
- Physical connection alongside verbal communication
- Consistent, brief check-ins throughout the day
- Predictable routines that include communication
School-Age Children:
- Increased detail in explanations and discussions
- Use of stories and examples to illustrate concepts
- Beginning problem-solving conversations
- Activity-based communication (while doing things together)
- Introduction to family meeting participation
- Balance between direct questions and open sharing
Adolescents:
- Respect for increasing independence and privacy
- Less direct questioning, more invitation to share
- Validation of opinions and perspectives
- Authentic sharing of appropriate parental experiences
- Negotiation and collaborative problem-solving
- Flexibility in communication timing and approach
Young Adults:
- Transition to adult-to-adult communication style
- Respect for independent decision-making
- Maintenance of connection during increasing separation
- Balance between guidance and autonomy
- Adaptation to changing family roles and dynamics
- Integration of partners and expanding family connections
As noted in the July 2024 article: "I enjoy the sounds of my young adults being home from college. I chuckle at the fact that at dinner time, they are wondering what's for dinner, like they can't fix something themselves. Their memories of home are the day to day joys they reflect on and appreciate a little more by going away from home." This reflection highlights how communication patterns evolve while maintaining essential family connections.
Communication During Separation
Military separations require intentional communication planning:
Pre-Separation Planning:
- Discussion of communication expectations and realities
- Establishment of communication schedules when possible
- Preparation of communication tools and technology
- Creation of backup communication plans
- Age-appropriate explanation of potential limitations
- Recording of messages for times when live communication isn't possible
Deployment Communication Methods:
- Video calls when available and appropriate
- Email and messaging systems
- Traditional mail and care packages
- Recorded stories and messages
- Shared online spaces and photo sharing
- Communication through trusted third parties when needed
Supporting Children's Communication:
- Preparation of conversation topics and updates
- Assistance with expressing feelings appropriately
- Balance between honesty and age-appropriate filtering
- Encouragement of regular communication without pressure
- Processing of emotions after difficult or limited communications
- Maintenance of deployed parent's presence in daily conversations
Reintegration Communication:
- Gradual reintroduction to family communication patterns
- Explicit discussion of changes and developments
- Patience with readjustment to in-person communication
- Balancing individual reconnection with family dynamics
- Addressing communication challenges directly
- Creating space for processing the separation experience
Difficult Conversations
Certain topics require special communication approaches:
Deployment Reality Discussions:
- Age-appropriate honesty about deployment dangers
- Balancing truth with reassurance and security
- Addressing fears and worries directly
- Preparing for potential communication gaps
- Discussing media coverage and outside information
- Creating space for ongoing questions and concerns
PCS Move Conversations:
- Timely and honest communication about upcoming moves
- Acknowledgment of feelings about leaving friends and schools
- Balance between empathy and positive framing
- Involvement in appropriate aspects of decision-making
- Regular updates and information sharing
- Processing of grief alongside excitement for new opportunities
School and Social Challenges:
- Creating safe space for sharing difficulties
- Collaborative problem-solving approaches
- Appropriate parental involvement versus child autonomy
- Distinguishing between venting and problem-solving needs
- Connecting challenges to broader military life context
- Building advocacy and self-advocacy skills
Family Stress and Change:
- Appropriate transparency about family challenges
- Distinction between adult issues and child concerns
- Unified parental communication on important topics
- Acknowledgment of stress without creating anxiety
- Focus on aspects within family control
- Reinforcement of family strength and resilience
Digital and Distance Communication
Technology offers both opportunities and challenges for family connection:
Technology Selection:
- Evaluation of available communication platforms
- Consideration of security and privacy needs
- Accessibility across different locations and situations
- Age-appropriate digital tools and interfaces
- Backup options for primary communication methods
- Balance between synchronous and asynchronous communication
Effective Virtual Connection:
- Preparation for meaningful video calls
- Activities that can be shared virtually
- Strategies for engaging younger children remotely
- Management of technical difficulties and limitations
- Realistic expectations for different communication methods
- Quality over quantity in digital interactions
Social Media Considerations:
- Family agreements about sharing military information
- Privacy and security awareness for military families
- Age-appropriate social media participation
- Digital citizenship education and modeling
- Boundaries around deployment details and locations
- Positive use of social platforms for family connection
Supplementing Digital Connection:
- Traditional mail and physical mementos
- Recorded messages and videos for asynchronous sharing
- Shared activities despite physical separation
- Creative connection ideas beyond standard calls
- Tangible reminders of distant family members
- Integration of digital and physical connection methods
Work-Life Balance for Military Parents
The unique demands of military service require intentional approaches to family balance.
Understanding the Military Work-Life Challenge
Military families face distinct work-life integration challenges:
Military Service Realities:
- Unpredictable schedules and last-minute changes
- Extended separations for deployments and training
- 24/7 commitment and on-call responsibilities
- Geographic relocations and housing transitions
- High-stress operational environments
- Mission-critical responsibilities and priorities
Family Impact Factors:
- Single parenting during deployments and training
- Disruption of family routines and traditions
- Adaptation to new communities and support systems
- Management of household responsibilities by one parent
- Emotional needs during separation and reintegration
- Balancing service commitment with family needs
Education Connection:
- Parental involvement in educational activities
- Supporting academic success during transitions
- Maintaining educational continuity despite moves
- Participation in school events and conferences
- Homework support and academic monitoring
- Educational decision-making during separations
Work-Life Integration Approach:
- Shift from "balance" to "integration" mindset
- Recognition of seasons of greater work or family focus
- Strategic prioritization rather than equal time distribution
- Intentional presence during family time
- Clear boundaries when possible
- Realistic expectations based on military realities
Strategic Time Management
Effective time management strategies support family wellbeing:
Priority Identification:
- Regular assessment of current family priorities
- Distinction between urgent and important activities
- Alignment of time allocation with family values
- Identification of non-negotiable family commitments
- Regular reevaluation based on changing circumstances
- Communication about priorities between parents
Time Blocking Techniques:
- Dedicated family time protected from interruptions
- Scheduled one-on-one time with each child
- Couple time for parental relationship maintenance
- Efficient grouping of similar tasks and activities
- Buffer time between commitments for transitions
- Realistic scheduling that acknowledges military unpredictability
Delegation and Distribution:
- Age-appropriate family responsibilities
- Sharing of household management tasks
- Utilization of available support services
- Community and extended family assistance
- Paid services when feasible and necessary
- Letting go of non-essential tasks during high-stress periods
Efficiency Strategies:
- Streamlined routines for regular activities
- Preparation and planning to reduce daily decisions
- Technology tools for family organization
- Batch processing of similar tasks
- Reduction of time-consuming but low-value activities
- Energy management alongside time management
Family Systems and Routines
Structured yet flexible family systems support work-life integration:
Adaptable Routines:
- Core daily routines that provide stability
- Flexible frameworks rather than rigid schedules
- Multiple routine options for different scenarios
- Visual schedules and reminders for all family members
- Regular review and adjustment of routines
- Balance between structure and spontaneity
Role Clarity and Flexibility:
- Clear understanding of family member responsibilities
- Flexible role adjustment during deployments and training
- Cross-training for essential household functions
- Age-appropriate responsibility progression
- Recognition and appreciation of each person's contributions
- Regular reassessment of role distribution
Decision-Making Frameworks:
- Established processes for different types of decisions
- Clarity about which decisions require both parents
- Systems for decision-making during separation
- Age-appropriate inclusion of children in relevant decisions
- Documentation of important decisions and rationales
- Regular communication about upcoming decision points
Connection Maintenance:
- Non-negotiable family connection rituals
- Regular check-ins on emotional wellbeing
- Celebration of milestones and achievements
- Intentional memory-making activities
- Maintenance of extended family relationships
- Adaptation of connection practices during separation
Deployment and Training Period Management
Military separations require specific work-life strategies:
Pre-Departure Preparation:
- Documentation of household information and procedures
- Completion of essential maintenance and preparations
- Establishment of communication plans and expectations
- Creation of support networks and assistance plans
- Emotional preparation and meaningful pre-departure activities
- Legal and financial readiness
During-Absence Strategies:
- Simplified routines and expectations
- Utilization of available support services
- Selective commitment to activities and obligations
- Regular self-care and stress management
- Maintenance of connection with deployed parent
- Documentation of important moments and developments
Reintegration Approaches:
- Gradual resumption of responsibilities
- Patience with role renegotiation and adjustment
- Intentional reconnection activities
- Open communication about changes and developments
- Balance between family time and personal space
- Celebration of reunion while acknowledging challenges
Self-Care and Sustainability
Parental wellbeing forms the foundation for family functioning:
Essential Self-Care:
- Basic physical needs (sleep, nutrition, exercise)
- Mental health maintenance and stress management
- Regular breaks and restorative activities
- Personal interests and identity beyond parenting
- Spiritual practices and meaning-making
- Permission to prioritize wellbeing without guilt
Support Network Development:
- Intentional building of local support systems
- Maintenance of long-distance supportive relationships
- Utilization of military family programs and resources
- Connection with other military families
- Professional support when needed
- Reciprocal support relationships in the community
Boundary Establishment:
- Clear work-home boundaries when possible
- Limits on additional commitments and obligations
- Technology boundaries for work intrusion
- Appropriate delegation and asking for help
- Permission to say no to non-essential activities
- Protection of family time and personal restoration
Sustainability Focus:
- Long-term perspective on family and career
- Recognition of different seasons and demands
- Regular assessment of stress levels and adjustment
- Preventive approaches rather than crisis management
- Realistic expectations and perfectionism management
- Celebration of successes and progress
Military Spouse Career and Education
Supporting spouse career development benefits the entire family:
Career Adaptation Strategies:
- Exploration of portable career options
- Development of remote work possibilities
- Utilization of military spouse preference programs
- Creative approaches to resume gaps and transitions
- Professional network maintenance across moves
- Licensing and certification transfer planning
Educational Pursuit Balance:
- Utilization of military spouse education benefits
- Selection of transferable degree programs
- Online and flexible learning options
- Family support systems during educational pursuits
- Integration of study time into family schedules
- Long-term educational planning across military career
Identity Development Beyond Family:
- Maintenance of personal goals and aspirations
- Volunteer and community involvement opportunities
- Creative outlets and personal interests
- Professional identity alongside military spouse role
- Peer connections with shared interests
- Personal growth planning and development
Financial Contribution Approaches:
- Broad definition of family contribution beyond income
- Creative income generation during transitions
- Financial planning that accommodates career interruptions
- Investment in long-term career development
- Entrepreneurial and self-employment options
- Balanced perspective on financial and family priorities
Family Thriving Beyond Balance
Military families can move beyond survival to genuine thriving:
Strength Identification:
- Recognition of unique military family strengths
- Celebration of adaptability and resilience
- Appreciation for diverse experiences and perspectives
- Acknowledgment of each family member's contributions
- Focus on capabilities rather than limitations
- Development of family identity and narrative
Intentional Memory Creation:
- Prioritization of meaningful family experiences
- Documentation of special moments and everyday life
- Creation of traditions that can travel with the family
- Celebration of military lifestyle opportunities
- Incorporation of service locations into family story
- Balance between planned events and spontaneous moments
Growth Through Challenge:
- Framing of difficulties as opportunities for development
- Reflection on lessons learned through military life
- Identification of skills developed through challenges
- Sharing of growth stories and experiences
- Cultivation of gratitude alongside acknowledgment of difficulties
- Development of family problem-solving capabilities
Legacy Development:
- Consideration of long-term family impact and values
- Service to military and civilian communities
- Mentorship of newer military families
- Sharing of wisdom and experience
- Creation of meaningful family narrative
- Focus on the broader purpose of military service and sacrifice
Through intentional communication, thoughtful work-life integration, and focus on family wellbeing, military families can create educational environments that support not only academic success but holistic development and flourishing for all family members.