Talking About Deployment: Five Tips for Communicating with Military Children About Transitions

Posted by DCoE Strategic Communications on April 8, 2011

For military families, dealing with deployment and separation isn’t easy and with children, discussing the topic can be a bit of a challenge. Taking the extra time to speak with children about what deployment means for the deployed parent and the impact it will have on the entire family is important. Check out these tips from DCoE’s Real Warriors Campaign on how to openly talk about the subject of deployment with military children of all ages:

■Be thoughtful about sharing your emotions: try not to share too much (by losing control) or too little (by showing no emotion) with your children

■Maintain normal family routines: regular activities like family games, bed times or celebrations are important to keep up

■Listen to your children and their concerns: kids can have concerns about their parents that are difficult to express, so be available when they are ready to communicate

■Monitor media coverage in your household: limit children’s exposure to media coverage of the conflicts around the globe to help reduce their anxiety about a parent’s deployment

■Take care of yourself: find time to relax and accept help from family or friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed—you can communicate better when well-rested

Find more guidance, resources and a list of fun activities to connect with your children this month—Month of the Military Child on the Real Warriors Campaign site.

Also, the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress addresses commonly asked questions from parents about deployment in the “Helping Children Cope During Deployment” fact sheet.

Do you have tips? Share what has worked for you with others. Don't forget to check out the Defense Department’s page dedicated to military children.