Fact Sheet, Brief
Reports the results of a longitudinal study of youth from military families and their caregivers concerning their emotional well-being and how well they are coping with servicemembers' extended deployments. (Author abstract)
red dot icon
Journal Article Objective. Although studies have begun to explore the impact of the current wars on child well-being, none have examined how children are doing across social, emotional, and academic domains. In this study, we describe the health and well-being of children from military families from the perspectives of the child and nondeployed parent. We also assessed the experience of deployment for children and how it varies according to deployment length and military service component.Participants and Methods. Data from a computer-assisted telephone interview with military children, aged 11 to 17 years,…
Fact Sheet, Brief
This fact sheet summarizes research showing that children from military families experience above-average levels of emotional and behavioral difficulties and that longer parental deployments are associated with greater difficulties. (Author abstract) Superceded: See http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9568.html red dot icon
Journal Article Military fathers of young children often endure repeated separations from their children, and these may disrupt the early parent–child relationship. Postdeployment reunification also poses challenges; disruptions that have occurred must often be repaired in the context of heightened emotions on the part of each family member at a time when fathers are themselves readjusting to the routines and responsibilities of family life. The current study employed qualitative research with the central aim of informing a richer understanding of these experiences. Interviews were conducted with 14 military…
This booklet is intended to help parents build coping skills in their children during and after a military deployment. The goal is to bring needed support and understanding to the process and to maintain the family well being. Specific and practical guidelines for parents are presented in order to identify age-related reactions and focus on appropriate intervention strategies. By using the information and techniques in this booklet and adding your own unique perspective and expertise, you will become more knowledgeable and better prepared to assist your child during the deployment and…
This information sheet offers advice to fathers on strengthening their emotional bond with their children in order to prepare them for the physical separation of military deployment. It also contains a list of online tools to help children cope and families stay connected during deployment.
