From being separated from their families to having to pack up and move, military children make sacrifices that can also lead to struggles with mental health.
KILLEEN, Texas — Military families face unique challenges, and even their children are making sacrifices. From having to pack, move, and adjust from being away from family, these sacrifices can lead to struggles with mental health.
35% of active duty military members have children. Parents are now wondering how they can help.
“When there is disruption in the family unit, it has a ripple effect,” said Katherine Martin, director of the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors in Killeen.
The Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic serves thousands of military families. They understand some of the battles kids are fighting.
“There’s a lot of relocation, there’s a lack of consistent support, there’s not even a process to go to school and start over,” Martin said.
Kisha Vallejo is a clinician and knows how difficult implementation can be.
“I did it when I was a kid,” Vallejo said.
Many people resort to packing their bottles and staying quiet.
Some children experience abnormal changes in mood and behavior, developmental regression, sleep problems, excessive worry, anger, and disinterest in favorite activities or risk-taking behaviors.
If your child exhibits any of these signs, play therapy may be helpful.
“Play is a child’s language,” Vallejo says. “It helps them learn what their emotions are and express themselves. Often children don’t know what’s going on and can’t name it, so it shows up as play. Masu.”
“It just lets kids be kids,” Martin added.
There are also therapies for the whole family. Veterans and active athletes typically utilize sand tray therapy provided by the Killeen Clinic. It’s a way to express emotions without using words.
“You never know what’s going to show up on your tray,” Vallejo said. “It’s a very beautiful process to watch.”
The process in the clinic begins at the age of five.
“Starting early is essential,” Martin said.
Any military family member can come in and ask for help.
“Whether you’re a dependent, a military member yourself, or a veteran in the aftermath, we’re here for you,” Martin said.
Click here for more information about the clinic.
The clinic will host a free event on Saturday, April 27th. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can make birdhouses, tie-dye bags, and enjoy snacks. All designed with military kids in mind.
