Family Changes
One of the most important skills you can help your child develop is the ability to deal with change. There are everyday changes all children face, such as adjusting to a new babysitter or school, or to new teachers and friends. Many children must face bigger changes as well, following a loss, a move, or a divorce in the family. All change, whether it’s the end of the school year, the birth of a sibling, or a move to a new installation, brings some sadness and uncertainty as well as anticipation and excitement. You can help your child develop the skills to handle change by understanding your child’s needs and by offering encouragement and support.
Children Moving Between Two Households
Talking With Your Children About Family Transition
If you have children who are living or moving between two households, there are things for you to consider to help make the transition smoother.
Getting Kids Ready for Deployment
To help kids feel secure, it is important to communicate openly in the days and weeks leading up to deployment.
Sesame Street for Military Families
You're strong, but life can be hard. Here are some ways to talk, listen, connect.
What is it like for teenagers when someone close to them dies? How do they respond to the death of a parent, a sibling, a relative, a friend?
Parents should be aware of normal childhood responses to a death in the family, as well as signs when a child is having difficulty coping with grief.
How to Explain Jails and Prisons to Children: A Caregivers Guide
When parents are arrested or put in jail or prison, their children are often scared, confused and upset. This is not a rare event. In 1999, one out of 50 children in the United States had a parent in state or federal prison.This booklet may help explain to children and families what it is like to have a mother, father, or other close family member who is incarcerated.
Deportation: Family Preparedness Plan
Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan. While it is our hope that you never have to use your plan, it is a good practice to have one in place to help reduce the stress of the unexpected.
This resource guide helps inform victims of domestic violence and advocates about the risks of parental deportation, identify ways in which parents can protect their children by preparing for the possibility of deportation, and provide a list of resources for immigrant victims of domestic violence.