As the summer season approaches, military families gear up for their next move to a new duty station. However, the challenges of transitioning do not only occur during the summer months. Throughout the school year, military families move from state to state, and sometimes even across the world.
After 16 years of being married to the military, my family faced a new challenge when my husband received orders for an unaccompanied permanent change of station to a year-long overseas assignment. Initially, I underestimated the impact this move would have on our family. However, looking back, I realize the toll it took on our children and our everyday lives.
Despite the difficulties, we saw this as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Two years after my husband returned from his 14-month deployment, I still believe it was the right decision for our family.
Military children face unique challenges, with parents often deployed for months, moving frequently, and experiencing the fear of trauma. This lifestyle can lead to high rates of mental health issues and behavioral problems among children of military families.
While strides have been made to support military children, gaps in services still exist. As educators, it is crucial for us to recognize and address the challenges these children face and provide them with the support they need to succeed.
The Barriers Military Children Face
Studies have shown that children with deployed parents are at high risk for psychosocial issues, with deployments leading to increased mental and behavioral health problems. Despite access to resources like Military One Source and Military and Family Life Counselors, there are still gaps in quality mental health support for military children.
There is a need for increased awareness and access to mental health care for military children, as highlighted in a study by the Naval Postgraduate School. Schools and educators play a crucial role in identifying and connecting these students to the necessary support services.
What Schools and Educators Can Do
Educators can create a supportive environment for military children by ensuring continuity in routines, connecting them to the community, and supporting their participation in extracurricular activities. They can help students adapt to new school settings and bridge learning gaps caused by frequent moves.
By fostering empathy and understanding, educators can create a safe space for military children to share their feelings and experiences. They can also advocate for appropriate academic placement and support services for these students.
Schools and districts can pursue Purple Star School status and receive training to better support military children. By partnering with organizations like the Military Child Education Coalition, schools can provide the resources and support needed for military students to thrive academically and socially.
As military families prepare for their next move, schools and educators must be proactive in addressing the unique needs of military children. By providing a supportive environment, we can ensure that these students reach their full potential and excel in both academics and social interactions.
Together, we can support our military children and help them succeed in their educational and personal journeys.
