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Month of the Military Child - Celebrating Military Kids

The Defense Health Agency celebrates Month of the Military Child in April. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences because of their parents’ service.

This year, to recognize Month of the Military Child in April, the Military Health System is offering recommendations for parents to help their children process loss and adjust to new places during military moves, and other anxiety provoking events.

Military kids are resilient in the face of change.
Communicating with children is at the root of helping them cope with loss and stress and adjusting to new circumstances.

Military kids are a source of strength and resilience for service members.

The health and wellbeing of military children is a top priority for the Military Health System.

The unusual stresses that most military kids experience build resilience and resourcefulness in the face of great challenges.
Military kids are the cornerstone of military families and display remarkable strength and resilience every day.
Military kids are faced with unique psychological challenges of military life, including having a parent deploy or perform temporary duty, concern for the safety of active-duty parents, frequent moves, and more.

Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children as they change schools and support networks.
Part of being a military family is moving. Whether you move a few hours away, or to another country, it can feel like a big deal. The Defense Department is committed to helping service members, their families, and anyone moving with the military plan their move.
Moving can be stressful and each person in the family may have different feelings about an upcoming move.
Moving can be hard on military families, and especially on children. Moving to a new home, going to a new school, finding new friends – it can be unsettling for kids of any age. Allow everyone to express their feelings, and try to give everyone the time they need to adjust to upcoming changes.
Moving to a new area or school may bring up feelings of worry. Listen, support, and be there for your children during the transition.

Communication is key to helping children of nearly all ages.

Encourage children to share their worries or anxieties with you.
Answer questions honestly and simply.
Pay close attention to changes in your child’s behavior or willingness to communicate with you.

Helping children process grief can be challenging, but it is important for their emotional health and well-being to talk openly and honestly.

Explain the circumstances causing loss.
Answer their questions as best as you can.
Offer reassurance.

Be patient. Every child processes grief and loss at their own pace.
Maintaining structure and routine can help children find comfort and stability in times of loss and disruption.