IHG® Army Hotels understands that PCS, TDY and deployment can be hard on everyone, but they can be especially challenging for children. So, we wanted to share a few of the amazing resources available to children of military families.
1. Sesame Street for Military Families
Produced by Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the television show Sesame Street, this website covers everything from the challenges of parental deployment to the importance of self-expression, all in easy-to-understand terms for children. It even provides guidance to military parents who want to discuss things like relocation or rehabilitation of a mental or physical injury from active duty with their kids.
Learn more about Sesame Street for Military Families here.
2. Battalion Buddies
Created with the help of Operation Gratitude’s many volunteers, Battalion Buddy Bears comfort children through the deployment of a parent. Each one is hand-stuffed and ready to cuddle any child missing their mom or dad.
If your spouse recently deployed and you’d like to order one for your child, visit the Battalion Buddies request site here.
3. Operation Kid Comfort
Similar to the Battalion Buddies program, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) produces custom quilts and pillows for military children coping with the stress and sadness of a parent’s deployment. The amazing part? Each quilt or pillow features photo transfers of the military parent so the child can always keep them close.
See if your child is eligible for this amazing program by visiting their website.
4. Military Kids Connect
This site helps children work through sensitive topics, like deployment and relocation, with loads of encouraging videos from other military kids who share similar experiences. There are also plenty of interactive activities and an online message board where military kids can discuss their experiences with one another.
Help your child join the community by visiting Military Kids Connect today.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to help a child cope with the challenges of military life, but we hope these resources are of value to you and your family. If you’re looking for even more insight into the shared experiences of military families, visit Military OneSource.