supporting military-connected children through transitions 1

Supporting Military-Connected Children Through Transitions

www.MilitaryChild.org1

Learning Outcomes Participants will….

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Learn facts and information about the military child and military culture

• Recognize and address the social, emotional and academic issues associated with transitions of the military-connected child

• Develop a list of resources to assist the military child/family in the school setting

frequent moves

deployments/separations

reintegration

profoundly changed parents

www.MilitaryChild.org

•All volunteer force since 1973 (40 years)

•About 1.4 million service members on active duty•Army•Navy•Marine Corps•Coast Guard•Air Force

•About 1.4 million service members in National Guard/ Reserve Forces

•Army National Guard (states)•Air National Guard (states)•Army Reserves•Navy Reserves•Marine Corps Reserves•Air Force Reserves•Coast Guard Reserves

Military Facts & Numbers

Military Facts & Numbers

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Entire military = <1% of entire US population

<25% of 17-24 yr olds meet standards to enter(medical, educational, legal)

All branches50% are below age 2585% maleRural, less affluentEthnic minority backgrounds over-representedHigh school degree or equivalent70% have at least some college creditAbout half are married10% are dual-military marriagesMarry younger than non-military counterparts

Generally true situations

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•Active duty service members & their families•Live on or near a military base•More immersed in military culture•More likely to have access to and utilize military support systems

•Health care•Family support centers

•Confounding factors:•Size of the military installation•Size of the surrounding community

Confounding Factors

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•Size of the military installation•Ft Huachuca, Arizona –small community, 1 high school, 90% military connection in most neighborhoods

•Size of the surrounding community•Ft Belvoir, Virginia – multiple opportunities in choices of where to live, which schools to attend – military presence is more dispersed.

Generally true situations

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•National Guard & Reserve members & their families

•Live and work in communities across the country•Less likely to have ready access to military-specific support mechanisms•Families may be less likely to feel connected to the military culture – but depends on career path prior to Guard/ Reserve service

•“Daddy’s Hobby”

Can you identify the military connected children in your

school?

How?

www.MilitaryChild.org

•Four million children currently connected with the US military

•Half of them have one or more parents on active duty

•Rest have parents who are veterans of the last decade’s wars

•Most are very young; only one in five is a teenager

Who Are the Military Children?(from Promoting the Resilience of Military Children Through Effective Programs, Center for Naval Analysis, Nov 2012)

www.MilitaryChild.org

•37% are under age of 6

•35% are ages 6-12

•Military children live in nearly every zip code in the country

•Usually attend public schools in civilian communities

•May live with grandparents during periods of parental deployment

•Rely on older siblings and other extended family for care

Who Are the Military Children? (cont)

www.MilitaryChild.org

•A child who cares deeply and worries about someone in the military who could be Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retired, or a Veteran of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard

•Parent

•Sibling

•Extended Family (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins)

•Step-parents

•Close family friend

•Teachers or coaches (Think about the possibility of deployment for a star coach or the ONLY AP Calculus teacher in a high school.)

What makes someone a military connected child?

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Distribution of Military-Connected Children by Type of School Environment

Please write on your index card:

www.MilitaryChild.org

• Best friend• Favorite activity• Local restaurant• Mentor

Grief

How do you define grief?

Grief:In common terms, it is a heartfeltlonging for what we had before and is no longer….

“There is no short,orderly or pain-free waythrough grief”

Military Widow Joanne M. Steen

Helping Children Grieve & GrowA Guide For Those Who CareBy Donna O’Toole with Jerre Cory

..we have written a CAN-DO booklet for you. When a child is grieving there is much you can do to provide the conditions that will promote growth.

To help a child grieve and grow is a great undertaking. Thanks for being there.

A loss can be of a person, a place, an animal, an object, or even a dream or a hope.6 categories of childhood loss:1.Relationship loss2.Loss of objects that give comfort & connection3.Loss of a secure, familiar environment4.Loss of self5.Loss of skills, abilities and competencies6.Loss of familiar habits and routine

What can you do now?Be there.Acknowledge the loss by recognizing

and naming it

To identify a child’s loss is a way to show that the child’s experience is important and real.

Primary lossSecondary loss

Think of Developmental Stages using a camera lens.

Children may not know the language of death, grief, and loss.

Use children’s literature to give them context.

When Dinosaurs Die

Physical reactions

Mental reactions

Spiritual reactions

Behavioral & social reactions

Feelings – emotional reactions

The Emotional Cycles of Deployment7 stage cycle

Published in 2006

Anticipation of Departure

•Alternately feel denial and anticipation of loss•Tempers may flare•Attempt to take care of all the items on a Family pre-deployment checklist•Striving to make time for "memorable" moments

Stage 1 may begin again before a couple or Family has time to renegotiate a shared vision of who they are after the changes from the last deployment

Detachment and Withdrawal

•Service members become more psychologically prepared for deployment, focused on mission/unit •May create emotional distance within the marriage •Sadness and anger occur as couples attempt to protect themselves from the hurt of separation

As this stage happens more often and more frequently, marital problems may escalate. When a husband or wife must repeatedly create emotional "distance", they may gradually shut down their emotions. It may seem easier to just feel "numb" rather than sad. This lack of emotional connection with a spouse can lead to difficulties in a marriage. How might this impact the child?

Emotional Disorganization

•With back to back deployments, you might think that this stage of adjusting to new responsibilities and being alone would get easier •Although a military spouse may be familiar with the routine, (s)he may also be experiencing "burn-out" and fatigue from the last deployment•Many feel overwhelmed at starting this stage again

Recovery and Stabilization

•Here, spouses realize they are fundamentally resilient and able to cope with the deployment.•They develop increased confidence and a positive outlook. •With back to back deployments, spouses may find it hard to muster the emotional strength required•Many resources are available to provide needed support

Anticipation of Return

•This is generally a happy and hectic time spent preparing for the return of the service member•Spouses, children and parents of the service member need to talk about realistic plans and expectations for the return and reunion

Return Adjustment and Renegotiation

•Couples and Families must reset expectations and renegotiate roles•Open communication is key to successful adjustment and renegotiation•Families must be prepared to deal with the effects of combat stress on the returning service member

•Troops with combat stress are often irritable, guarded, and want to be alone •Some may use increased alcohol or drugs in an attempt to "numb" the emotional pain they experience

•Attempts at renegotiation may result in increasing marital arguments

Reintegration and Stabilization

•Couple and Family stabilize their relationships anew•Presence of combat stress can severely disrupt the stabilization process•Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move immediately upon the return of the service member complicates reintegration•Back to back deployments create stress as Families stabilize only to begin the deployment cycle again

This stage can take up to 6 months, which may overlap with restarting stage 1

Practical Application•Knowing the stage of deployment and deployment history can provide valuable information on feelings, emotions and behaviors in the school or sports setting•Each child will have a unique deployment situation

•Cannot make assumptions about deployment experiences or timelines based on others or personal experiences•Obtain and maintain a detailed and documented timeline •Anticipate what the child may be about to experience

•When is “testing” in relationship to the cycles of deployment

•SAT, ACT, College applications•AP end of course testing•National Standards testing

The emotions you experience during the cycles of deployment are a normal reaction to an abnormal situation unique to the military.

Let students hear you say:

Positive Effects of Deployment

Both active duty and Reserve component spouses report positive changes in their children due to deployments.

(ADSS 2008; RCSS 2008)

Active duty:Closeness of family members

Pride in having a military parent

Increased level of responsibility

Reserve Component:

Pride in having a military parent

Closeness of family members

Increased level of responsibility

Social Support Supportive social relationships are a resilience factor critical

to healthy family coping (Spera, 2008; Wiens & Boss, 2006)

Spouses who report more social support also report less stress. (ADSS 2006)

Children and adolescents who feel supported by others cope better.

(Perkins & Borden, 2003)

Sense of community is predicted by unit support and informal community support. (Bourg & Segal, 1999;Bowen et al., 2000; Burrell et al., 2003; Rohall & Martin)

National Guard and Reserve families are widely dispersed and typically do not have access to the same level of informal community support

(Carroll et al., 2008; Faber et al., 2008; Wisher & Freeman, 2006)Although 70% of Reserve component spouses report that

support from their military community is important when coping with deployments.

(RCSS 2008)

CommunicationConsistent and regular communication of Service

member to family while on deployment is critical to sense of connection and family resiliency

(Bell et al., 1999; Wiens & Boss, 2006)

91% Spouses report communication with a deployed parent an important factor in their child coping with deployment.

(ADSS 2008; RCSS 2008)

Problems communicating with family while on deployment predicts greater stress for the Service member and his/her family.

(Ender, 1995)

70% of active duty and 69% of Reserve component spouses report having technical problems with communication during deployment.

(ADSS 2008; RCSS 2008)

Take Away Messages from Research

• There are signs of increasing stress on spouses and children relative to length of deployment, safety, number of deployments.

• Potential for greater marital stress = interventions which target marital strengths and enhancement BEFORE the service member returns

• Target Strengths of families and individuals to develop and support their resiliency and well-being

• Target Positive effects to build strength and continued resiliency

The Profoundly Changed Parent

Visible and Invisible Injuries

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

Traumatic Brain InjuryNeurologic injury

Possible physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional symptoms

Range MildModerateSeverePenetrating

Battlemind Training System Office

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)Type of concussionResults from a “blow to the head”Does NOT result in obvious physical injuryDon’t have to be knocked out to have a mTBIMay be dazed, confused, had your “bell rung”If knocked out, for less than 30 minBattlemind Training System Office

Symptoms of mTBIHeadacheConfusionDizzinessBlurred vision or tired eyesRinging in the earsChange in ability to smell or tasteSensitivity to sound or lightNausea/vomitingIrritability (possibly anger or aggression)FatigueChange in sleep patternsMood changesTrouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinkingBattlemind Training System Office

Invisible InjuriesHardest for children to understand

Why does a parent seem angry or sad? Why does he forget things or just seem “out of it”?

Help the child understand an injury may change the way a parent feels, talks, and acts.

Validate the child’s confusion, and make sure that he knows he is not to blame.Sesameworkshop.org/tlc

Physical Symptoms of PTSD

Fatigue and/or weaknessChest painPounding heartBreathing difficultySleep problems (insomnia or nightmares)Muscle tremors or twitchesGrinding of teethProfuse sweatingHeadachesDiarrhea/Intestinal upsets

Battlemind Training System Office – List not all inclusive

Behavioral Symptoms of PTSD

WithdrawalPacing & RestlessnessEmotional outburstsAnti-social actsSuspicion & ParanoiaInability to restLoss of interest in hobbiesAlcohol consumptionSubstance abuseBattlemind Training System Office – List not all inclusive

Emotional Symptoms of PTSDAnxiety or panicGuiltFearDenialIrritabilityDepressionIntense angerAgitationApprehensionIsolating & withdrawing from othersBattlemind Training System Office – List not all inclusive

Create a Personalized Stress Management Plan

http://www.fosteringresilience.com/

about.php

Dealing with Stress

www.MilitaryChild.org

STRESS

You feel

awful

Positive Coping

Strategies

Negative Coping

Strategies

You feel better for a long time

You feel better for a short time

From Building Resilience in Children and Teens by Kenneth Ginsburg

Creating Your Personal Stress-Management Plan

Following is a 10-point plan to help you manage stress.Part 1: Tackling the Problem

Point 1: Identify and Then Address the ProblemPoint 2: Avoid stress when possiblePoint 3: Let some things go

Part 2: Taking Care of My BodyPoint 4: The Power of ExercisePoint 5: Active Relaxation.Point 6: Eat well.Point 7: Sleep well.

Part 3: Dealing with EmotionsPoint 8: Take instant vacationsPoint 9: Release emotional tension.

Part 4: Helping a little can make your world better . . . and help you feel better

Point 10: Contribute.

Whole Person Wheel

Who I Am

SpiritualInner strength

Connection withGod, nature

PurposeEm

otion

al

Resp

ond

vs. r

eact

Positi

ve fe

elin

gs

Expr

essiv

e

Relati

onal

Love

for o

ther

s

Frien

dshi

psSo

cial

Physical

Healthy body

Self-control

Active

IntellectualIm

aginativeLearning

Thoughtful

LogisticalDaily responsibilitiesTime management

Priorities

1. Fill or outline to the first circle if you have goals in this sector.

2. Fill or outline to the second circle if you address your goals daily.

3. Fill or outline to the third circle if you consistently accomplish your goals.

Instructions to complete the Whole Person Wheel

Things You Can Do To Promote Well-Being and Understanding

Host a “hero day” highlighting service members, police, firefighters, nurses, and other people whose job is to help others.

Create a board in your classroom, office, locker room, or house of worship recognizing service members.

Invite the military parent to your organization for Veterans Day or Memorial Day to talk about the Armed Forces.

Display the member’s Service symbol in your office or on the child’s classroom door to show students having a parent in the military.

Things You Can Do To Promote Well-Being and Understanding

• Celebrate military-themed months: •April: Month of the Military Child•May: National Military Appreciation Month•November: Military Family Month•Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day

• Talk about personal strengths and how to use them during a big change in their life.

• Find out the dates of the parent’s departure, R&R, and return from deployment.

• Understand that children whose parent has poorer mental health may experience more emotional difficulties and more challenges with academic engagement

Things You Can Do To Promote Well-Being and Understanding

• Reserve slots in classes, athletics, and clubs for military students who arrive later in the year

• Help children understand that they’re not alone in their experiences - foreign service workers, missionaries, truck drivers, airline pilots all have family separations or frequent moves

• Educate parents on basic child development: what information is age-appropriate and what a normal stress reaction is

MCEC’s Quick Checklist for School MovesFrom the Parent/Guardian

Student’s birth certificateStudent’s Social Security NumberStudent’s Health Record (immunizations, etc)Legal documents as neededProof of residency/Military orders

School InformationAddress, phone numbers, other contact

informationCourse description book/grading scale (for 6th

grade & above)Copy of the Cover and Title page of each

TextbookSchool Profile/HandbookSchool web page (URL)

MCEC’s Quick Checklist for School Moves

Special Programs Records as AppropriateIndividual Education Plan (IEP)/Individual

Accommodation Plan (504)/Gifted Program description

English as a Second language (ESL) or Bilingual Education

At-risk or other Action Plans for Classroom ModificationsOther Documents & Examples

Writing samples & other work examplesActivities records (co/extracurricular)Community Service or Service LearningAcademic Recognitions & Competition

Participation

Where to get Math Help?

Parents & students in military families can get help from a qualified, professional math tutor 24/7 for free with Tutor.com for US Military Families. The program is funded by the Department of Defense.

Go to www.tutor.com/military to find out if your family is eligible for free access.

Resources

http://www.aap.org/sections/uniformedservices/deployment/

videos.html

Military YouthCoping with Separation: When Family Members

Deploy

Mr. Poe & Friends Discuss Family Reunion After Deployment

Sesame Street

57

Talk, Listen, Connect

DeploymentsHomecomingsChangesWhen Families Grieve

www.sesamestreetfamilyconnections.org

The Future of Children

58

JournalsRECENT VOLUME

Military Children and Families Volume 23 Number 2 Fall 2013 

  Read the full Journal online 

Full Journal (2.5 MB) 

Executive Summary (118.9 kB) 

Policy Brief (606.1 kB) 

http://futureofchildren.org/futureofchildren/publications/journals/

More Resources

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Military Child Initiative, Johns Hopkins Universitywww.jhsph.edu/mci/

Military Family Research Institutewww.cfs.purdue.edu.mfri/

More Resources

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National Military Family Association:www.nmfa.org

Operation: Military Kids:www.operationmilitarykids.org

More Resources

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The Dougy Center:www.dougy.org

Zero to Three:www.zerotothree.org

More Resources

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Center for the Study of Traumatic Stresswww.CSTSonline.org

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injurywww.dcoe.health.mil

More Resources

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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatryhttp://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/DISASTER.HTM

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has an entire section dedicated to medical traumatization of children, including a toolkit for healthcare providers.http://www.nctsn.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=typ_mt

Books:

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Facing Change: Falling Apart & Coming Together Again in the Teen Years by Donna O’Toole (a book about loss and change for teens)

25 Things to Do When Grandpa Passes Away, Mom and Dad get Divorced or the Dog Dies by Laurie Kanyer (activities to help children suffering loss or change)

More Books:

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My Story: Blogs by Four Military Teens by Michelle Sherman & DeAnn Sherman

Finding my Way: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent who has Experienced Trauma by Michelle Sherman & DeAnn Sherman

Helping Children Grieve & Grow: A Guide for Those who Care by Donna O’Toole

Reflection…3,2,1

www.MilitaryChild.org

• 3 new ideas I learned• 2 questions I still have• 1 action I will take as a result of this day