supporting military connected kids presented by : debbie nichols

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: debbie@mccgroup.org

Telephone: 714-536-6184