When a parent serves in the military, their children can face unique challenges, especially if that parent experiences physical or mental health issues after service. This article helps you understand these challenges so you can find the right support to help them thrive.
Understanding the challenges
Lots of things can shape a child’s emotional, social, and educational development. But growing up in a military family brings it's own unique experiences, which can have an influence on their overall wellbeing.
Emotional and psychological impact
Children of military families may face heightened emotional challenges. During a parent’s deployment, worries about their safety and prolonged separations can cause stress and anxiety. When a parent returns, especially if they are coping with conditions like PTSD, family dynamics and routines often change, requiring adjustment.
These circumstances can contribute to anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues.
Social and educational challenges
Frequent moves and family stress can disrupt friendships and schooling, making it harder for children to feel connected or succeed academically. They may feel isolated or misunderstood by people who are unfamiliar with military life.
Research suggests that children of veterans with PTSD may face more challenges with attention and school conduct than their peers.
Types of support available
Navigating these challenges might feel overwhelming, but there is support available designed to meet the particular needs of military families.
Emotional and mental health support
Services like Kooth, an online platform for young people, and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) can provide children with safe spaces to express their feelings and access professional help. You can learn more about mental health resources for young people on the NHS website.
Educational support
Children of veterans can access scholarships, grants, and tutoring programs designed to support academic progress. For instance,
- The Armed Forces Education Trust offers grants for educational needs.
- If you left military service in the last six years, your child might qualify for the Service Pupil Premium (SPP), which provides schools with additional funding to help support their needs.
- Tutoring and school academic assistance programs can help them catch up or stay on track, so it's worth finding out what is available in your local area.
Social support
Activities, camps, and peer support programs can help children connect with others who understand their experiences, and help them develop new friendships.
Local veteran groups and community organisations can help you find family friendly events and social opportunities in your area.
Financial support
Reintegrating into civilian life can bring financial challenges that affect the whole family.
The Veterans Welfare Service is part of the MOD and offers veterans one-to-one support. They can assist with benefits, bereavement support and compensation schemes. You can search their directory or call the helpline on 0808 802 1212.
Our team of family case managers can help with a wide variety of family matters, including helping you navigate the benefits system or find out what you are entitled to. They can also directly support any family member over the age of 18.
How families and communities can help
A strong support network can help to foster stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging, so children feel understood and supported through challenges they might face.
Building a supportive environment
A stable home environment can help children develop resilience.
Encouraging open conversations about their feelings, establishing comforting routines, and celebrating small milestones together can help nurture a sense of stability. And by showing them how to take a calm and positive approach to challenges, you can help them build confidence and adaptability.
Try to ensure children feel heard and supported, but be prepared to seek professional help if it’s needed.
Role of schools and the education system
Schools can be key allies.
Sharing your military background with teachers should help them to understand your child’s needs, and you can advocate for counselling services, flexible policies, or support programs tailored to military families.
Regularly attending parent-teacher meetings and maintaining open communication with teachers can also help build positive relationships within the school community.
Community involvement
Getting involved in local activities can help your whole family feel more connected to your community.
Many veteran charities and local organisations offer events and activities for families. You could try following local parenting groups and community pages on social media, checking school and library notice boards, or asking friends, neighbours, or co-workers about upcoming family friendly events.
How we can help
If you need support with family issues, your physical or mental health, feel lonely, or need help with housing, or applying for benefits, just get in touch. We can also connect you with activities and events happening in your community, so you can spend time with other veterans and families.
To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.
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