Finding support for children and youth with deployed family members

Kendra Moyses<kmoyses@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

It is important to communicate with your child’s school, teachers, coaches and other important adults in their lives so they can help support your child during the deployment.

Deployment can be a stressful time for families, especially children and youth. It is important to communicate with your child’s school, teachers, coaches and other important adults in their lives so they can help support your child during the deployment. Many times others are unaware that your family is a military family. 

Teachers, child care providers or other adults such as coaches or after-school care providers can notice changes in your child’s behavior or academic performance during the deployment cycle. It is important that they are informed so they can help to support your child during the deployment. Listed below are some additional people that can help support your child through the upcoming deployment of their service member. 

  • Teachers or school counselors
  • Coaches or sports team director
  • Child care providers or after-school care providers
  • Family physician or healthcare provider
  • Your child’s or youth’s support network of adults (parents of close friends, youth group coordinators, church groups or clergy, activity group coordinators, etc.)
  • Connect with your Family Readiness Group or Family Assistance Center (if available)
  • Connect with Military OneSource for resources and help on deployment (www.militaryonesource.com)
  • Connect with the state child and youth coordinators to find information about upcoming events or opportunities in your area
  • Connect with your local 4-H program for great opportunities to interact with other youth in your local community and have fun learning (www.4-hmilitarypartnerships.org)
  • Connect with the Operation: Military Kids program to find out information about upcoming events or opportunities for military child and youth in your area (www.operationmilitarykids.org).

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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