supporting military connected kids presented by : debbie nichols
TRANSCRIPT
Supporting military connected kids
Presented by : Debbie Nichols
Today’s military families
• 2 million children have experienced 1- 9 deployments
• 70 % of our military families are not living on a military base, they are living in our local communities
• There is no method or system to know where children connected to the military are located
• Military families appreciate and accept their community supporting them, but they will not ask for help.
Its hard to know who is military connected
Today’s Military Connected Kids
Can be connected by:
Active Duty- Presently serving military obligation
National Guard- Monthly weekend warrior and can be called to duty
Reserves- Can we called to duty
Veteran- Fulfilled military obligation
Gold Star- Lost their life while serving military obligation
Military Child’s Life
Why is a military connected child’s life so unique?
They move frequently Their loved one(s) can be called away at anytime They take on more responsibilities at home during a
deployment and/or trainings They experience highly emotional deployments and
homecomings They can live on or off a military base Trained to be strong with a “suck it up” attitude
Stages of Military Life
Different stages of military life can impact a child-
Parent’s Trainings
Parent’s Deployments & Leaves
Parents Transitioning from a military obligation
Parent becoming a Veteran
Parent/ guardian that have lost their life while serving their military obligation Country
Challenges
What does a military connected child face?
Long term separations Fear of their loved one’s safety Family dynamics changes Their loved one can return home with visible and invisible
wounds Their community & school are unaware of what stage of
military life they are experiencing The child feels isolated and can be misunderstood
Emotional Stressors
You can help minimize their stress!
Become Aware-What stage of military life are they in?
Avoid conversations regarding military conflicts
Learn how to support during deployment, separation, homecomings, transition, reintegration, visible and invisible wounds, and fallen- MCCG can provide support
When a parent is away-Acknowledge the child’s special days – Holidays, birthdays, etc.
Military Connected Scout
What can a military connected child offer Scouting?
Commitment
Leadership
Loyalty
Wants to give back to their community
Patriotic Pride
Exploring how to better serve
Find out who is military connected in scouting
Consider having your own an internal Military Child Liaison
Establish a "Military Scout Buddy” for new Scouts
Acknowledging the month of April as Military Child Month
Develop ways to support your local military kids & families
MCCG can provide additional trainings on ways to support and connect resources within a community
Just for Scout Leaders
OCC Boy Scouts Leaders can show their support Purchase this new patch today!
Special thanks to:
Gregory Leskin, PhD. UCLA National Association Child Traumatic Stress
Kelly Basko/ Military Kids Connect website
Joyce Wessel Raezer, M.A./National Military Family Association
Jhoselyn Ramirez/ Military One Source
Need More Information
Debbie Nichols / Founder & CEO
Military Childrens Collaborative Group, Inc.
www.mccgroup.org
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 714-536-6184