Our nation’s Military Children have experienced two years of unprecedented disruption in their lives. Every child has missed out on opportunities, milestones, time with friends and much more due to the pandemic. Sadly, some have even lost parents, loved ones, teachers or friends.
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 phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other anxiety provoking events.
Message for Communicators
- Military kids are resilient in the face of change.
- The last two years have placed unprecedented stress on military kids.
- Communicating with children is at the root of helping them cope with loss and stress, and adjusting to new circumstances.
Celebrating Military Kids
- 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.
- This includes things like one or both parents deploying, performing temporary duty, concern for the safety of active duty parents, frequent moves, and more.
- Familiarity with these stresses can actually increase resilience and may help some military children adjust to life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coping with Loss
- The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives in many ways, including children.
- Many children have lost caregivers, family members or other loved ones to COVID-19, and all of them have missed out on aspects of normal childhood, like social opportunities, school, milestones, activities and more.
- The pandemic increased stress on everyone. For children, increased stress often contributes to behavioral health challenges.
- 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.
- Routine also gives children something to look forward to and feel normal.
Adjusting to New Normal
- Many of the hardships and losses that children have experienced during the pandemic will come to an end.
- Remind them that the challenges are temporary, and they can look forward to resuming many activities as the pandemic moves into a new phase.
- Be open about how the rules for staying safe have changed, and may continue to change.
- Some rules for staying safe remain consistent – hand washing, cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, don’t share food, and stay home when you feel sick.
- Rules also can vary by community. Explain the rules for your local community.
- Help children understand that some people remain at higher risk from COVID-19 and may still choose to wear masks.
- Proactively engage with your children to set expectations about moving to the new phase of the pandemic, and returning to something closer to normal life. When you talk to them:
- Stay Positive about the long-term outcome
- Stay Honest about the challenge
- Stay Active with sports and clubs
- Stay Scheduled with a flexible routine
- Stay Connected to the community with social activities
- Stay Informed about what is happening in your community
- Stay Safe by getting vaccines, washing hands, and staying home when sick
Graphics and Social Media Content
Suggested Social Media Message: Welcome to #MonthoftheMilitaryChild! This month the #MHS and #DHA celebrate the strength and resilience #MilKids and families have shown through two years of COVID-19, and highlight tips and resources to help children as we move into new phases of the pandemic. https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/Childrens-Health #MOMC #CopingWithLoss
Use this Month of the Military Child badge as an overlay to create your own local MOMC social media posts.
Purple Up Day: April 15
Suggested Social Media Message: #PurpleUp today! Wear purple to show support for the military kids in your life today, and to honor the strength, resiliency and sheer might of Military Kids around the globe! https://health.mil/MKCHome #MOMC #CopingWithLoss #MonthoftheMilitaryChild #MilKids
Suggested Social Media Message: The past two years have been tough for everyone, especially kids. Here are tips for how to help your children process the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and adjust to the new normal. #MOMC #CopingWithLoss #MonthoftheMilitaryChild #MilKids https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/activities/when-children-worry/Sesame Street Communities webpage
Suggested Social Media Message: As the COVID-19 pandemic moves to a new phase, it’s important to help children understand what that means in their community. Communication is critical, so talk to your kids about the “new normal” and answer their questions honestly and simply as possible.
#MOMC #CopingWithLoss #MonthoftheMilitaryChild #MilKids https://militarykidsconnect.health.mil/Caring-for-Our-Youth/ParentsMilitary Kid Connect website
Suggested Social Media Message: Change is a constant for most kids. Parents can help them adjust to change by setting expectations, so they can anticipate a new routine and look forward to the end of the disruption. #MOMC #CopingWithLoss #MonthoftheMilitaryChild #MilKids
https://militarykidsconnect.health.mil/Caring-for-Our-Youth/ParentsMilitary Kid Connect webpage
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Military children are no strangers to challenges and grow to be resilient from the difficulties they experience. April is designated by the Department of Defense as Month of the Military Child to honor and recognize the sacrifices military children face.
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Military parents read letters to their children, thanking them for all they do to support the mission. Thank you for being a military kid. Thank you for being resilient and supportive throughout our many years of service. Thank you for helping Mommy around the house and being so strong when I have to be gone for days, weeks or months at a time. Changing states, homes, schools and activities isn't easy. But you took it as a new adventure. The courage you have by going to three different schools in three years really makes me look up to you. I am blessed, thankful and grateful to have such beautiful and handsome, loving kids who not only support me but each other while I'm away. You are the reason why I work so hard. Thank you for always keeping your spirit. Most of all, thank you for being you. Your smiles, laughs and love are what I've gotten me through every day. I love you. And thank you for everything you do. This video was originally created for a 2019 Military Kids Connect campaign.
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Communication is key to helping kids cope with loss, disruption, or grief.
https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/activities/when-children-worry/
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