Being a military kid is sometimes like being on a rollercoaster: multiple deployments, heart-wrenching send offs, homecomings, terrifying "false alarms" or potential deployments, and perhaps the scariest of them all, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For some kids, when military Moms and Dads come home, they may look the same, but they don't act the same. Military kids may ask questions like:

1. Why does my mom or dad seem angry or sad?
2. Why does mom or dad forget things or just seem "out of it"?
3. Does my dad still love me? He never wants to come to my baseball games.
4. Is it my fault mom is always upset?

We now know why many military Moms and Dads act different when they come home from deployment. When they were gone, they had dangerous and scary experiences that are difficult to forget. This "invisible wound" is more commonly called PTSD. It can affect how parents feel, talk, and act. But, the good news is that your Mom or Dad still loves you. Don't be afraid to ask your parents about PTSD and tell them how you feel. They will love that you care enough about them to ask.

Check out these great resources just for kids of military Moms and Dads:

Military Kids Connect
An online community for military children (age 6-17) with resources for children to give support before, during, and after a parent's or caregiver's deployment

Operation Military Kids
Provides access to youth programs and support services where military children live

Military Families Near and Far

Information for parents on helping younger children cope with change and the invisible injuries of war

Here are some tips for Veterans and families about what feelings and changes might happen at a Veteran's homecoming from the wonderful MilitaryMentalHealth.org

When someone you care about has PTSD, it impacts you too! Try not to become discouraged. Your Veteran needs you now more than ever. Learn all you can about PTSD. It can help you understand what your Veteran is experiencing. The more you know about PTSD symptoms and available treatment options, the better equipped you will be to help your Veteran's recovery. Here are some things you can do to help your Veteran:

1. Encourage your Veteran/family to seek treatment.
2. Provide emotional support and listen.
3. Be patient and understanding.
4. Take care of yourself.

Here are some helpful resources for families of Veterans:

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

Provides links to local Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events that offer resources for National Guard and Reserve service members and their families

Families Over Coming Under Stress (FOCUS)

Family resiliency training for military families, also provides an interactive, online tool offering activities to strengthen families and resiliency.

VA's Coaching into Care

Provides coaching to the family members and friends of Veterans to assist them in supporting their loved ones during post-deployment and ongoing reintegration