Children and Deployment

Returning Service members often have questions abut how to reconnect with their spouses and children. A child’s reactions depend on his or her own personality, but there are several things that all returning parents should keep in mind. This site offers tips for returning service members to reconnect with their children.

NMFA activities revolve around programs to educate the public, the military community, and the Congress on the rights and benefits of military families AND to advocate an equitable quality of life for those families. Members of the Government Relations Department study issues, testify before Congressional Committees, work with Congressional staff and represent NMFA on advisory groups for many DoD agencies, to include the Defense Commissary Agency Patron Council and the TRICARE Beneficiary Panel. Since its inception in 1969, the effectiveness of NMFA is reflected in accomplishments in most of the issue areas in which the association works. These include medical and dental benefits, dependent education, retiree and survivor benefits, relocation and spousal employment. NMFA staff speaks regularly to all types of groups, including family service organizations, Commanders' Conferences, and officer and enlisted spouse clubs. More than 100 NMFA Representatives in the field extend our presence worldwide. NMFA has access and credibility in areas where it CAN and DOES make a difference. The Operation Purple summer camp program was created by NMFA in order to give the children the tools to face these challenges head-on and with success. Through the generous funding from Sears, Roebuck & Co. and its Sears American Dream Campaign, the Operation Purple summer camp program was launched in the summer of 2004 and expanded in 2005.

Operation: Military Kids (OMK) is the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment. This initiative was officially launched in April 2005. Since its inception OMK has touched 65,000 military youth and provided information to 7200 community members across the United States.

This site is designed specifically for military teens in the process of moving to a new location. Topics covered include interesting articles such as “We’re moving again ,” and “ Your New Life.” The site also features a helpful Military Teens Moving Guide.

The Military Child Education Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, world-wide organization that identifies the challenges that face the highly mobile military child, increases awareness of these challenges in military and educational communities and initiates and implements programs to meet the challenges. MCEC's goal is to level the educational playing field for military children wherever they are located around the world and to serve as a model for all highly mobile children.

SAMHSA‛s Building Blocks for a Healthy Future site offers information and tips for parents, caregivers, and teachers of children aged 3 to 6. Additionally the site features materials, and ideas for spending time with your children and learning together.

CGEA offers great resources to help you support and care for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This site offers information on the death of a parent or other loved and the lasting influence on a child's life. Other useful topics include: Compassion, care, connection, understanding and patience can help and No one should face grief alone.

Interactive pamphlets on deployment, reintegration (e.g., “Know What? I’m Ready for Reunion!” and “Military Family Wellbeing” and “Your Parent is Coming Home!”)

What is ADHD and ADD? The National Institute of Mental Health addresses the disorder and treatment of the disorder.

ZERO TO THREE's mission is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. A national nonprofit multidisciplinary organization that advances our mission by informing, educating and supporting adults who influence the lives of infants and toddlers.