Resources Available for Children of Those Deployed

By Chuck N. Baker
The lyrics in a song from the smash 1950’s Broadway hit, “Bye Bye Birdie” once asked the question, “What’s the matter with kids today?” That question could have been asked by parents of any generation. Kids often grow up in a generational gap that sets them apart from their parents’ experience, when mom and dad were kids. The gap seems especially wide in this modern era of computers, cell phones, social media and other technological advances.

But kids who are left behind when one or both of their parents are deployed can find it particularly difficult to adjust. Some behavioral experts say one way to make deployment at least seem a bit easier is to keep the kids busy with positive activities. Fortunately, there are several websites and apps that are designed to make life fun as well as educational for younger boys and girls.

Deployment can be an overwhelming time. Moms and dads often find the most important resources during a deployment are other military families and a network of support can prove to be invaluable. The National Military Family Association commissioned a study of military children that revealed kids who experience the deployment of a parent often show higher levels of stress and anxiety than their civilian friends. Younger children may not have the tools to understand where mom or dad has gone or when they’re coming back.

Older kids feel the burden of having to worry about the absent parent while they take on extra responsibilities at home. The resources below are available to help parents and children get through the months apart.

The “Sesame Street Workshop” website contains a page for military kids. It includes videos and educational talks by Muppet characters. And a site called “Sweet Dreams Pillow Project” offers pillow pictures for children whose mom or dad (or both) are deployed. A picture of the person or persons in the armed forces is supplied by the child, and it’s placed on a pillow that is returned. (There may be a cost for this service.)

Another website named “Little Patriots Embraced” offers a package that contains a teddy bear, a quilt with patriotic colors, and a journal for the children to keep a record of their activities. (Donations are encouraged for this non-profit.)  In a similar project, a site called “Troop on the Stoop” offers a plush soldier toy and a book about military children needing a Battle Buddy to assist in getting through a deployment. (Donations are encouraged on this site.)

Another site called “Caribu App” (Caribu app) features interactive reading that allows families to read books to their children from distant areas. Deployed service members with internet access can use the app to interact with their children back home.

Military parents know there’s no way to make deployments easy for their kids. However, there are great resources available to help parents and children get through the months apart.

There are also a few tried and true programs that have helped many military families survive – and thrive – during deployment. The Army Community Service offers a variety of family programs and services. 

The Marine Corps also offers Marine & Family Programs that it promotes through a goal of being a foundation of readiness and resiliency, enriching lives through a comprehensive array of programs and services (mccsmcrd.com).

The word “resiliency” has a two-fold meaning here. The military promotes its personnel as being resilient, but it also applies to American children. Throughout history young Americans have, for the most part, overcome personal and national problems and resolved negative aspects to lead positive, meaningful lives. Be it Army Strong, Las Vegas Strong, Reno Strong, Nevada Strong — it all boils down to one thing — America Strong. And much of that strength comes from our nations’ children.