Military Families

The challenges of parenting are often compounded by the demands of the military lifestyle. There are many issues that are unique to military families and they can create additional stress for parents. It is important to recognize that babies and toddlers are affected by military stress as well. Fortunately, there are many resources to help military parents support their very young children. One resource that may be helpful to you is a tip sheet designed specifically for military families with newborns, from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Many things that your baby or toddler does can be typical for most children.

The holiday season can be especially difficult for families who are experiencing a military separation. Learn more from ZERO TO THREE about helpful suggestions that you can use to support your baby and toddler during the holiday time and reduce stress for you, too.

ZERO TO THREE has several other printable parent brochures that are designed with you in mind and cover topics many military families with young children face. The brochures cover these topics:

• Moving? Doesn't My Vote Count? (Relocation)
• (Staying Connected) More Changes? Are You Kidding Me? (Reunification) 
• Don't Even Talk to Me Before I've Had My Morning Milk (Routines) 
• Why Don't You Baby Yourself for a Change? (Self-care)
• Thanks, I Needed That. (Nurturing)
• You Think You're Stressed! (Stress and Behavior)

ZERO TO THREE has developed an activity book, Over There, which can be printed from their Website in either a "mommy" version or a "daddy" version depending upon which parent is deployed. Family members and caregivers can print off this booklet and add drawings or pictures of the child and her mommy or daddy. The booklet can then be read often to the child while the parent is deployed.