When is it Time to Ask for Help?

Despite your best efforts to prepare your child or children for the separation of a parent, there will still be a difficult level of adjustment for them when a parent leaves and when they return.  Children often cope with separation from loved ones very differently from adults and according to their level of development and maturity.

It is important to pay special attention to children for signs that they are having trouble coping with a parent’s deployment.  The sooner issues are recognized and addressed the less the child has to struggle with their feelings alone. It is often useful to ask teachers, caregivers, and your pediatrician to help you in identifying unusual or disruptive behaviors in your child.

Signs to look for:

•Excessive clinginess
•Changes in eating and sleeping habits
•Unexplainable aches and pains
•New or increased disobedience
•New or increased hyperactivity
•New speech difficulties
•Aggressive or withdrawn behavior
•Regressive behavior not typical for their age (e.g., thumb sucking, bedwetting or becoming affaid)

If you notice any of these signs in your child or children, please contact a mental health professional for help. For additional helpful information visit:

National Military Family Association

Stress Free Kids: Helping Children Manage Stress, Anxiety and Anger

Sesame Street Family Connections: Deployments