Posted on Oct 2, 2014
What else can we do to support our military’s children?
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Seeing a parent deploy for several months at a time is very difficult for children of all ages. Kids may feel alone, isolated, and resentful toward the military for taking away their parents. These feelings can seriously affect a child’s happiness and growth, but there are programs out there to provide extra support (https://www.jointservicessupport.org/fp/youth.aspx).
The National Guard’s service member and family support division funds the Teen Panel, a state-by-state program that helps kids cope with deployment. The goal is to connect military kids and bridge the gap between service members, their families, and their children.
The Oregon Military Teen Panel was created in 2010 and now has 14 kids representing all seven regions of Oregon. Panel members serve two-year terms, meet once quarterly, and participate in monthly conference calls. They also get involved with community service work in Oregon and Idaho, and even plan annual youth and family events such as the State Youth Symposium and Month of the Military.
The program in Oregon, and all other participating states, helps the teens understand military culture more and connect with others going through the same hardships. Many kids could be going to school with other military kids and not know it. This program helps bring them together and use each other for support.
Much like how service members and veterans need each other to exchange experiences and vent, military kids need each other, too. They need someone who understands their situation with a similar perspective—someone who really “gets it.”
Has your family taken advantage of this program or a similar one? Are programs like this promoted enough? Does there need to be more focus on supporting military children?
The National Guard’s service member and family support division funds the Teen Panel, a state-by-state program that helps kids cope with deployment. The goal is to connect military kids and bridge the gap between service members, their families, and their children.
The Oregon Military Teen Panel was created in 2010 and now has 14 kids representing all seven regions of Oregon. Panel members serve two-year terms, meet once quarterly, and participate in monthly conference calls. They also get involved with community service work in Oregon and Idaho, and even plan annual youth and family events such as the State Youth Symposium and Month of the Military.
The program in Oregon, and all other participating states, helps the teens understand military culture more and connect with others going through the same hardships. Many kids could be going to school with other military kids and not know it. This program helps bring them together and use each other for support.
Much like how service members and veterans need each other to exchange experiences and vent, military kids need each other, too. They need someone who understands their situation with a similar perspective—someone who really “gets it.”
Has your family taken advantage of this program or a similar one? Are programs like this promoted enough? Does there need to be more focus on supporting military children?
Children
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K12
Posted 10 y ago
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Oklahoma NG JSS does an excellent job for military families. Every year, my kids go to Kids Kamp. My son turned 14 this year and JSS paid for his youth symposium for the event. For the past three years, my husband ( a veteran) and I get the opportunity to serve as counselors and support. The State even cut orders for me to do it.
Additionally, JSS, in cooperation with Golden Corral and a local YMCA, offer a youth camp every summer. All four of mine attend both camps and have a blast!
Also, there are various spouse and family retreats, completely free of charge, for military members. My husband and I took the kids last year and had an amazing time.
I would encourage any SM to research family programs in their state. Take advantage of these programs and give your family memories that will last a lifetime!
Additionally, JSS, in cooperation with Golden Corral and a local YMCA, offer a youth camp every summer. All four of mine attend both camps and have a blast!
Also, there are various spouse and family retreats, completely free of charge, for military members. My husband and I took the kids last year and had an amazing time.
I would encourage any SM to research family programs in their state. Take advantage of these programs and give your family memories that will last a lifetime!
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SSG Maurice P.
SPC Mulder That really is fantastic and your so right the memories will last a lifetime.
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See, here's my issue and beef with this. While, this may be a problem for Military Members. Being in the Military is not the only job that can keep a parent away from home months at a time.
Truck Driving, especially 48-state continental US, plus Canada and Alaska routes, can keep a parent away for up to 3-4 months at a time. While yes, there's really not that fear of the parent being in harms way, its still rough on the children who go months without one of their parents.
The flip side to this, is you have no idea how happy the child/children are when the parent comes home.
My point is this issue isnt just a military thing, and shouldnt be aimed at just military families. While it is a good start, it really should be a community involvement for all children who have a parent who's job requires them to be away from home a lot.
Truck Driving, especially 48-state continental US, plus Canada and Alaska routes, can keep a parent away for up to 3-4 months at a time. While yes, there's really not that fear of the parent being in harms way, its still rough on the children who go months without one of their parents.
The flip side to this, is you have no idea how happy the child/children are when the parent comes home.
My point is this issue isnt just a military thing, and shouldnt be aimed at just military families. While it is a good start, it really should be a community involvement for all children who have a parent who's job requires them to be away from home a lot.
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TSgt (Join to see)
You have an issue/beef with this topic being brought up on a active military/veteran website? This is a military website to discuss military related topics. If you would like to address the topic of long haul truckers children, then I highly encourage you to visit a forum or social media website and voice your concern there.
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SSgt Brycen Shumway
I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear about this, let me try to rephrase what I said.
This program is great, and I am all for it.
But I thiink it could be better if it included more than just Military Members. It could see more support from local communities if more than just Military Members used it. I used Truck Driving as an example of a job where one parent can spend several months at a time away from home. Being separated from one's family is not unique to just the Military.
Starting with Military Member's, or having the Military as the Main focus is fine. But why would you create something that can help out other children as well, and not offer it to them and their families?
This program is great, and I am all for it.
But I thiink it could be better if it included more than just Military Members. It could see more support from local communities if more than just Military Members used it. I used Truck Driving as an example of a job where one parent can spend several months at a time away from home. Being separated from one's family is not unique to just the Military.
Starting with Military Member's, or having the Military as the Main focus is fine. But why would you create something that can help out other children as well, and not offer it to them and their families?
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SGT (Join to see)
SSgt Brycen Shumway,understood. Oilfield workers also spend time away from their families. You are in a great position to organize a program for non-military families. I'd suggest going through your local Chamber of Commerce and rallying support for a program like this. Maybe a community picnic or a nature walk? Pretty great idea!
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