preview

Parental Deployment Effects On Young Children

Better Essays

Abstract

Young children (birth through 5 years of age) are improperly represented in U.S. military families with a deployed parent. Often times, experiences of stress accompany family members through out a deployment (Waliski, Bokony, Edlund, & Kirchner, 2012); however young children can be especially vulnerable. Despite the ability for many military families to be resilient, this type of separation can create a developmental crisis for a young child, compromising optimal child growth and development (Paris, DeVoe, Ross, & Acker, 2010). This article reviews the literature concerning the impact of parental deployment on young children, including development and attachment disruptions, and negative behavioral changes. It also looks at the psychological toll deployment has on the parent who remains at home, which potentially can create harm to the child. Finally, this article includes suggestions for parents to help their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers deal with a parental deployment.

Parental Deployment Effects on Young Children
Literature Review
Since 9/11, military families have experienced the longest and most frequent deployments which have created strains on the family members of those serving (Paris, DeVoe, Ross, & Acker, 2010). While many service members and families have shown remarkable resilience in coping with the demands of these ongoing conflicts, very young children (ages 5 and younger) in military families may be particularly vulnerable (Paris,

Get Access