Every day, thousands of children around the world face unique challenges as their parents serve in the military. Deployment, frequent moves, and the uncertainty of their loved ones’ safety can take a toll on their emotional well-being.
As a society, it is crucial that we understand how to support these resilient young individuals and equip them with coping skills to navigate the complexities of military life. In this article, we delve into the question of how to promote resilience and coping skills in children with parents in the military.
From exploring different models to unveiling the RAND Corporation’s recommended definition of family resilience, we unravel the secrets to fostering strength in these remarkable children.
Lack Of A Standardized Definition Of Family Resilience Within The Department Of Defense (DoD)
The Department of Defense (DoD) acknowledges the importance of family resilience in military families, but there is a lack of a standardized definition. Without a clear definition, it becomes challenging to assess, promote, and evaluate family resilience effectively.
RAND Corporation, a leading research organization, conducted a review of existing studies and developed a recommended definition of family resilience that can guide the DoD in its efforts.
DoD Policies Related To Family Resilience
The DoD currently has 26 policies related to family resilience, but they do not provide a clear definition of resilience or specify contributing factors. These policies create a fragmented approach to promoting and evaluating resilience.
It is crucial for the DoD to establish a culture of evaluation and improvement in family resilience programs. A standardized definition and evaluation methods for family resilience are necessary to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
Common Factors Of Family Resilience In Military Context
Family resilience encompasses various factors that contribute to the well-being of military families. Some common factors include belief system, organization patterns, support system, communication/problem-solving, and physical/psychological health.
Military life is filled with challenges such as separation, relocations, and the risks faced by service members during deployment. These factors can significantly impact the resilience of military families and their ability to cope with adversity.
In order to promote resilience, the DoD must focus on supporting family characteristics and recovery factors that help military families thrive despite the challenges they face. Additionally, it is important for the DoD to invest in research and evaluation of family resilience within the military context to better understand the unique needs of military families and tailor interventions accordingly.
Challenges And Mental Health Issues Faced By Military Families
Military families face unique challenges that can contribute to increased rates of mental health issues. The frequent separation of parents, constant relocation, and the potential risks faced by service members during deployment can have a profound impact on the emotional well-being of both parents and children.
Studies have shown higher rates of mental health issues in service members, spouses, and children compared to the civilian population. It is crucial for the DoD to prioritize the mental health and resilience of military families.
Recommendations For Promoting And Evaluating Family Resilience In DoD
To promote and evaluate family resilience effectively within the DoD, several recommendations should be considered:
By implementing these recommendations, the DoD can establish a culture of evaluation, improve the effectiveness of family resilience programs, and ultimately support the emotional well-being of children with parents in the military.
In conclusion, promoting resilience and coping skills in children with parents in the military is a complex task that requires a standardized definition, research-driven interventions, and evaluation processes. The DoD must prioritize the mental health and resilience of military families by investing in uniform definitions, evidence-based programs, and coordination among various policies.
By doing so, the DoD can provide the necessary support to children with parents in the military and help them thrive despite the unique challenges they face.
