Supporting Military Families in Minnesota
In Minnesota, approximately 11,000 National Guard and Reserve soldiers have been called to active duty since 9-11. These soldiers, both men and women, are often parents, partners, co-workers and community leaders. They are our friends, neighbors and family members.
Nearly 2,500 National Guard soldiers serving in Iraq received orders that extended their duty an additional 120 days this winter. Now, these soldiers are returning home. We are providing you with some resources to help you learn more about the cycle of deployment and how you can support military families in your community.
Features
Webinar for MN National Guard Family Readiness Group Volunteer Leaders, military members, spouses and family.
Contents:
Operation Family: A Family Care Plan
This family care plan can help make parenting and family decisions when a military parent is deployed. It was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development and Operation Military Kids.
Coming Home: Understanding the Re-integration Process
WELCOME HOME! How to Make a Difference in the Lives of Returning War Zone Veterans (PDF) – Washington State Family Policy Council – The environment veterans return to makes a real difference in how the transition home goes. This publication gives strategies for getting everyone (the veteran, families, and communities) involved to create a welcoming, thoughtful, and helpful environment.
Take and Teach Lesson: Operation Military Kids
With this lesson, participants will:
- Learn about the "suddenly military" in Minnesota
- Understand the cycle of deployment the impact on children and families
- Learn about the "Operation Military Kids" program
- Discuss ways they and their community can support military children & families
Operation Military Kids Leader's Guide (100 K PDF)
Operation Military Kids Participant Handout (112 K PDF)
Operation Military Kids Presentation — University of Minnesota Extension — A 15 minute narrated presentation that describes the five stages of deployment and how this impacts families.
The Voice of a Military Child — University of Minnesota Extension — A multimedia presentation by Kristen Croymans, daughter of a United States Veteran.
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How Deployment Affects Children and Families
Supporting Military Kids During Deployment (PDF) – Washington Office of Superintendant of Public Instruction – When military parents are deployed, their kids are in need of and deserve special support from their schools and communities.
Helping Kids Cope with Stress (PDF) – Washington Office of Superintendant of Public Instruction – This provides age-specific strategies for helping children cope with stress.
The Impact of Grief and Loss – Washington Office of Superintendant of Public Instruction – This helps understand the grief and loss process and how to help children and youth cope.
How to Help our Children and Stay Involved in their Education During Deployment (PDF) – Military Child Education Coalition – This booklet was designed to help parents and educators support children during this potentially stressful time.
Helping Children Cope During Deployment (PDF) – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences – Useful information for parents and family caregivers to help children cope during a parents' deployment.
Building Strong Communities for Military Families (PDF) – National Council on Family Relations – This policy brief discussing the changing nature of military service and family life and how all can better support military families.
Homefront Parent Fact Sheets – Military HOMEfront – Deployment is a stressful time for all family members, particularly children. These fact sheets offer strategies during pre-deployment, deployment, and reunion for the family who will remain at home.
Deployed Parent Fact Sheets – Military HOMEfront – Intended for the family members in the military, these fact sheets offer strategies during pre-deployment and reunion.
Homefront Parent Checklists – Military HOMEfront – Easy-to-use checklists for family members who expecting to have someone deployed, has someone already deployed, or is planning for a reunion for someone who was deployed.
Deployed Parent Checklist – Military HOMEfront – Even though military family members may be miles away, they can still be close to their children. These checklists help maintain closeness during pre-deployment, deployment, and reunion.
Additional Resources for Parents and Adults
Additional Resources for Children and Youth
