Support your military families

One of the nice things that you can do for Veterans Day is to find a way (or two) to support your local military families.  What a great way to bring a little peace of mind to our heroes serving overseas!  You know it will bring a smile to their face, knowing that a neighbor is helping their family while they are gone.

Which brings up the next question . . . how do we support and help our local military families?

There are many ways you can support your families at your school.

*School counselors can begin support groups so students can get know other kids who are like them.

*Teachers can send home these homework coupons. 

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 Many people mistakenly think the person with a deployed spouse is like single mom or dad.  While there are similarities, there are differences which is why these homework coupons really are a big support to the parent.  Let your parent have a guilt free night!

• A deployed spouse is in a high risk job which brings about its own stresses for both the parent and child.  
• It will be a long time before the child is able to see his/her deployed parent.
• There are not usually as many children of deployed parents as children of divorce so the child has fewer peers in which to relate.
• Deployment has the following stages:  pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment.  The temporary nature of deployment causes its own stress.  The parent and child gets into a routine, and then it is time to change to the next stage.

Here is an article with tips:

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Here is a coloring book:

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Is there a family in your neighborhood that has a family who is serving in the armed forces?  There are many different ways you can show support.

• Mow their grass or other yard work.
• Shovel their snow.
• Offer to put up their holiday lights or decorations.
• Give them a gift card to a car repair shop for oil changes and other minor car repairs.
• Offer to babysit their children.  Better yet, can you commit to one day a week/month?
• Drop off a meal.  It is helpful if it is in a disposable container and is freezable.
• Leave a card thanking them for their service along with a gift card to a grocery store or pizza delivery.

Cold and flu season will soon be upon us.  Why not help this parent by being prepared ahead of time?  Organize a get well box with:  children's Tylenol, cold medicine, chicken noodle soup, cough drops, tissues, hand sanitizer, lip balm, etc.