April: “Month of the Military Child”

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass

The typical child of an active-duty service member moves six to nine times between kindergarten and high-school graduation. Deployment and family separation can be stressful times for children. It’s important to know that babies and toddlers communicate their feelings through their behavior so it’s not unusual for your child to show signs of sadness or be withdrawn during times of deployment, when a parent returns, or returns home injured or different.

Your child may be experiencing tension, and not understand what’s going on. You can help your child by explaining to them in simple, clear words what’s going on, giving them a hug and spending time together. Reassure them that they are loved. Keep pictures of the deployed parent in a place they can see every day. Keep the connection strong and develop rituals to celebrate the parent who is away.

“Purple Up!” and wear purple on April 21st  to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color of all branches of military. It is a combination of Army green, Marine red, and Coast Guard, Airforce, and Navy blue.

For more information visit: www.zerotothree.org/resources

Additional Observances: National Autism Awareness Month, Month of the Military Child, National Child Abuse Prevention Month.