The most important emotional attachment for a child is usually their parents. Children learn from their parents how to behave, how to function in life, and how to form other healthy relationships. When children grow up in unstable environments, it can disrupt normal development and lead to difficulties, such as mental health conditions.

Most adults are well aware of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, and how it impacts millions of people from all walks of life.  Whether a response to traumatic military service, the result of a serious accident, the loss of a child, physical abuse, sexual assault, or another event created the condition, PTSD is a serious and often debilitating mental illness that dramatically changes one’s sense of self and security.

While children of military families are often resilient, even amidst parental deployment, they still struggle with increased stress, feelings of isolation, and emotional and behavioral problems. It’s important to understand the effects that military family stress can have on individuals and how we can support our serving members, veterans, and their children.