Supporting Children through the Summer with an Absent Military Parent

Supporting children through the summer when a military parent is absent can be challenging, but numerous resources and strategies can help ease this transition and provide stability. Organizations such as FOCUS, Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), and military-specific summer camps offer invaluable support tailored to the unique needs of military families. Here’s an in-depth look at how these programs and other strategies can assist children during a parent’s deployment.

FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress)

FOCUS is a program designed to support military families through various challenges, including parental deployment. It offers resilience training to help families and children develop coping skills and manage stress effectively.

• Skill-Building: FOCUS provides tools for enhancing communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. These skills are crucial for children dealing with the absence of a parent, providing the tools for children to articulate their feelings and navigate daily challenges.
• Family Sessions: The program offers family sessions that include all members, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and providing a platform for discussing feelings and concerns. This can be particularly beneficial during the summer when routines are less structured, and the absence of a parent may be felt more acutely.
• Youth Programs: FOCUS offers specific programs for children and teens tailored to different age groups. These include activities and workshops that teach resilience and coping strategies in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is a comprehensive resource offering a wide range of support services for military families, accessible 24/7. It provides confidential help and connects families with various programs and resources.

• Counseling Services: Military OneSource offers free, confidential counseling services for children and families. These can be conducted via phone, online, or in-person, providing flexibility to fit busy summer schedules.
• Educational Resources: The platform provides educational materials and resources specifically designed to help children understand and cope with deployment. These include books, videos, and online activities that can keep children engaged and informed.
• Summer Camps and Programs: Military OneSource can help families find summer camps and programs tailored to military children. These camps often focus on building resilience, leadership skills and fostering connections with other military kids facing similar experiences.

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)

MFLCs provide non-medical counseling services to military families, focusing on short-term, solution-focused support.

• School-Based Support: Many MFLCs are embedded in schools with high populations of military children. During the summer, they may offer programs and workshops in community centers or partner with local organizations to provide ongoing support.
• Individual Counseling: MFLCs offer one-on-one counseling sessions for children, providing a safe space to express their feelings and work through the challenges of having an absent parent. These sessions can be crucial in helping children maintain emotional stability during the summer months.
• Group Activities: MFLCs often organize group activities and support groups where children can interact with peers going through similar experiences. These interactions can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

Operation Purple Camps

While the in-person camps have an application deadline in February, the virtual camp open to families throughout the summer is called Operation Purple Summer Challenge. The virtual camp can be accessed anywhere, with activities to keep kids busy, active and learning. Weekly “global gatherings” connect the group with other participants around the world. Families can earn “badges” for completing weekly challenges to ultimately earn the Operation Purple Summer Challenge pennant.

Additional Strategies and Activities

Beyond these programs, there are various other ways to support children through the summer when a military parent is deployed:

• Routine and Structure: Maintaining a daily routine can provide a sense of stability and normalcy. Establish regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and activity schedules to create a predictable environment.
• Creative Outlets: Encourage children to express their feelings through creative activities such as drawing, writing, or music. Journaling can be therapeutic, allowing them to document their thoughts and emotions.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood. Enroll children in sports, swimming lessons, or family hikes to keep them active and engaged.
• Family Projects: Engage in family projects that can provide a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. Gardening, building a birdhouse, or creating a scrapbook of memories to share with the deployed parent upon their return can be meaningful activities.
• Communication with the Deployed Parent: Facilitate regular communication with the deployed parent through video calls, letters, and care packages. Encouraging children to share their daily experiences can help maintain a connection despite the distance.
• Support Networks: Connect with other military families who understand the unique challenges of deployment. Organize playdates, group outings, or informal support groups to build a supportive community.

Supporting children through the summer with an absent military parent involves leveraging available resources and creating a nurturing, stable environment. Programs like FOCUS, Military OneSource, MFLCs  and summer camps for military children provide essential support tailored to the needs of military families, offering counseling, educational resources, and community connections. By combining these resources with consistent routines, creative activities, and physical exercise, families can help children navigate the emotional challenges of deployment and foster resilience. Building strong support networks and maintaining open lines of communication are key strategies in ensuring that children feel connected, supported, and understood during this challenging time.