We Make A Difference
After reading this study, I came away with newfound sense of worth. I realize that I have far more influence over the happiness and well being of my children than the never-ending uncertainty of living as a military family.
As the PCS season rapidly approaches, I will try to listen more to my kids and lecture less. I will tickle more and chose my words more carefully. I will hug more and spend less time on the computer. I will kiss and hug my husband more in front of my kids so they know we are together as a family, no matter where we live. The truth is that as long as my family is healthy, happy and together, our children will thrive. As their mother, how my view of our family and the military life will affect or taint their view of the world. With knowledge, I can make better decisions for them.
I can look to the multiple generations of military children, like my father, uncle and cousins, and realize that military children are resilient. And as long as the parents give them the love and support they need, military children will rise to any occasion in which they are called upon – just like the United States military. Just like their dad.
Interested in reading the full study?
Military Medicine 168 12-1019, 2003
Geographic Mobility, Family and Maternal Variables as Related to the Psychosocial Adjustment of Military Children Michelle L. Kelly PhD
Contributors: Lisa B Finkel PsyD: Michelle L. Kelly PhD: Jayne Ashby, BS
