JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Military families endure everything their servicemember endure from long hours to new duty assignments or even deployments. They carry the burden alongside the servicemember(s) all the while providing them with the love and support they need to make it through tough times.
Here at Joint Base Andrews, a support group is held not only for spouses of deployed members, but also for their children - called the Children's Speak Up Session.
"The overall mission of the Children's Speak Up Sessions are to give the youth the opportunity to share their feelings - whether it involves home, school or other activities," said Matrice Adger, director of the Children's Speak Up Session. "This time can be a one on one, family or group session. We want the child to feel comfortable enough to share their highlights of the day or week or voice their concern on a matter."
With children of deployed members sometimes experiencing feelings such as worry, panic, loneliness, sadness or a feeling of being overwhelmed, the Speak Up Session is an incredible tool for parents of all services to be able to help their children through their parent's deployment.
For the younger demographic of ages 5 to 12, session leaders may use specialized ways of talking with the children.
"During each session, a Military Family Life Consultant along with a staff member may do an activity with the youth while they discuss whatever the youth may want to discuss," said Ms. Adger. "Topics can include home life, school friends, events and friends."
Teenage children are also welcome, and sessions are specialized for them as well.
"Teens are given an open forum to discuss various issues, such as dating, respect for each other, their feelings in regards to their parents being deployed, school, grades, and leadership," said Ms. Adger. "Teambuilding activities are also usually completed. During these sessions, other programs may also be implemented such as career education, financial training, post high school education and life skills."
The Speak Up Sessions provided to deployed members' families are invaluable to children and provide assistance to what may otherwise be an overwhelmed parent left behind.
"Many times one parent or possibly both parents may be deployed leaving a void in a child's life," said Ms. Adger. "If a child has a close relationship with their parents and are usually able to discuss situations and experiences in their day to day life with their parents; it may be difficult for a child to find another trusting individual to share those moments with; this is where the speak up sessions may be a resource for that child."
Besides providing comfort to those temporarily left behind, those who have left their families can rest assured that there are a number of resources available for their loved ones to utilize.
"Deployed Airmen can feel a relief knowing that if their child need to talk someone about anything, we are here for them," said Ms. Adger. "The Airmen can feel confident that the staff members and MFLC personnel will take care of their children's concerns as well as look out for their best interests and safety while they are away."