• Increased sadness, crying
• Eating difficulties
• Worry for the caregivers at home and worry for the deployed loved one’s safety
• Acting out, regressive behavior (such as bed-wetting)
• Depression, dissociation
• Isolation
• Refusal to sleep alone

• Risky behavior
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts

Children and teens may not realize their feelings about having a loved one in the military until you ask. Keep the lines of communication open, and create a safe space for them to speak their mind by validating their feelings and being honest. Be sure to listen for warning signs of depression and anxiety.

When a deployed parent/loved one is away, try to engage the child in activities that will keep them emotionally aware and connected to their loved one. Talk about them often, write letters, create art projects and communicate online and over the phone whenever possible.

Engaging extended family members, friends, your child’s teachers and members of the community is a great way to create a sense of continuity and normalcy when changes abound or a child needs help. Encourage your child’s involvement in sports, clubs or other group activities, including Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events where child and youth programs are available. Your state/territory Director of Psychological Health is also there to provide support and assistance for you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Routines are proven to instill a sense of security and normalcy in children. Morning rituals and bedtime rituals provide a positive introduction and ending to every day, and help the sense of stability last throughout the day and through the night. Be sure to alert the deployed parent or loved one of the routines, so they can pick it up upon their return.

If a major change is on the horizon, begin to slowly integrate elements of the change over time beforehand. This way, a child will have a foundation ready in advance and may feel less jarred when a parent returns, your household relocates or another adjustment occurs.