What else can we do to support our military’s children?

RallyPoint Team — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 12:35:51 -0400

Seeing a parent deploy for several months at a time is very difficult for children of all ages. Kids may feel alone, isolated, and resentful toward the military for taking away their parents. These feelings can seriously affect a child’s happiness and growth, but there are programs out there to provide extra support (https://www.jointservicessupport.org/fp/youth.aspx).

The National Guard’s service member and family support division funds the Teen Panel, a state-by-state program that helps kids cope with deployment. The goal is to connect military kids and bridge the gap between service members, their families, and their children.

The Oregon Military Teen Panel was created in 2010 and now has 14 kids representing all seven regions of Oregon. Panel members serve two-year terms, meet once quarterly, and participate in monthly conference calls. They also get involved with community service work in Oregon and Idaho, and even plan annual youth and family events such as the State Youth Symposium and Month of the Military.

The program in Oregon, and all other participating states, helps the teens understand military culture more and connect with others going through the same hardships. Many kids could be going to school with other military kids and not know it. This program helps bring them together and use each other for support.

Much like how service members and veterans need each other to exchange experiences and vent, military kids need each other, too. They need someone who understands their situation with a similar perspective—someone who really “gets it.”

Has your family taken advantage of this program or a similar one? Are programs like this promoted enough? Does there need to be more focus on supporting military children?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 12:40 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 12:40:09 -0400

I have deployed, and am currently in Korea away from my kids, and not once have I heard of any programs to help with the children coping.

Response by SSgt Brycen Shumway made Oct 2 at 2014 3:27 PM

SSgt Brycen Shumway — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:27:01 -0400

See, here's my issue and beef with this. While, this may be a problem for Military Members. Being in the Military is not the only job that can keep a parent away from home months at a time.

Truck Driving, especially 48-state continental US, plus Canada and Alaska routes, can keep a parent away for up to 3-4 months at a time. While yes, there's really not that fear of the parent being in harms way, its still rough on the children who go months without one of their parents.

The flip side to this, is you have no idea how happy the child/children are when the parent comes home.

My point is this issue isnt just a military thing, and shouldnt be aimed at just military families. While it is a good start, it really should be a community involvement for all children who have a parent who's job requires them to be away from home a lot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 11:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 23:31:47 -0400

Oklahoma NG JSS does an excellent job for military families. Every year, my kids go to Kids Kamp. My son turned 14 this year and JSS paid for his youth symposium for the event. For the past three years, my husband ( a veteran) and I get the opportunity to serve as counselors and support. The State even cut orders for me to do it.
Additionally, JSS, in cooperation with Golden Corral and a local YMCA, offer a youth camp every summer. All four of mine attend both camps and have a blast!
Also, there are various spouse and family retreats, completely free of charge, for military members. My husband and I took the kids last year and had an amazing time.
I would encourage any SM to research family programs in their state. Take advantage of these programs and give your family memories that will last a lifetime!

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 13 at 2014 2:50 AM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:50:29 -0400

I don't think these programs are promoted enough.

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made Jan 9 at 2015 4:00 AM

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:00:12 -0500

Just want to wish all Military Family Members and their Dependents well. I wish well on all even through the turbulence.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made May 30 at 2016 3:19 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Mon, 30 May 2016 15:19:49 -0400

I worked several of the DEFY youth camps (Drug Education For Youths)... they were great. Offering team building and other exercises.