Blog posts with the tag "Military Families"

Staff Perspective: The Quiet Work of PCSing - How Rest and Connection Build Resilience In Military Families

By khristine heflin  on 04.03.2026 2:49 pm

I have served on the Military Child and Family Collaboratory, here at the Center for Deployment Psychology for almost four years now. A part of that work has been the valuable insights that I have gained from, providers, policy makers, advocates and families at our bi-annual convening events. One common theme is that our military families are often described as resilient, even as military youth face unique circumstances and navigate settings and situations marked by constant change. Hearing this theme repeated led me to look more closely at how resilience is supported and defined within military families.

Staff Perspective: How Ready Do Military Families Need to Be?

By  on 28.01.2026 8:22 am

Military families are ready. Military children are resilient. These terms - “readiness” and “resilience” - are widely used as compliments, describing the strength, tenacity, and perseverance of military families to adapt and overcome the challenges of military life: family separations, frequent moves, and inherent dangers. And indeed, we celebrate the strength of these families. But how ready do families need to be? How resilient is enough?

Staff Perspective: “Do you have children?” The Milspouse Elephant in the Room

By heather tompkins  on 16.07.2025 9:02 am
Dr. Heather Tompkins

Life as a military spouse is synonymous with frequent moves, starting over, and re-establishing connections. For a large portion of my married life, each PCS (Permanent Change of Station) and the initial social functions that followed brought with it a certain angst related to connecting- especially with other military spouses. Although I knew the intent was to meet, interact, and form connections, there tended to be an “elephant in the room” at each of these gatherings.

Staff Perspective: Growing Stronger Together

By Shantel Fernandez Lopez  on 18.06.2025 10:37 am
Dr. Shantel Fernandez Lopez

Military-connected children often demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience, thriving through many changes and transitions. However, they also belong to a population that experiences unique stressors such as frequent relocations, long separations from extended family, and having to adjust to new schools and environments repeatedly. While this lifestyle brings opportunities, such as exposure to diverse cultures and friendships around the world, it also may pose some challenges like disrupted routines, interrupted education, emotional strain, and family stress.

Staff Perspective: Cleats, Jerseys and “Kicking Balls” - Finding a Sense of Belonging

By heather tompkins  on 23.04.2025 10:55 am

As Month of the Military Child (April) comes to an end and Military Spouse Appreciation (May) begins, I have been reflecting on my experience as a military spouse. The old adage, “it takes a village” comes to mind in relation to these experiences and how “my village” has helped me cope with the challenges of military life. With another pending PCS and not looking forward to the stress of moving, I take pause to appreciate the opportunities for new connections each duty station has brought.

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