One 17-year-old boy said, “When my dad left, I stayed separate from the family. I would really keep to myself. …my mom and my sister were constantly crying and stuff so I was always trying to comfort them. And I couldn’t show any emotion … because I had to be the strong one.”

Adolecence's Feelings of having a parent deployed:

• The biggest fear is that their parent will not return.
• That they will become injured.
• They worry about the other parent that is at home alone taking on all responsibility.
• They put pressure on themselves to perform well in school and other activities so they don't add family stress.
• They attempt to take on more responsibility around the house.

How to deal with your feelings when a parent is deployed:

• Talk to your family and friends about your fears and feelings.
• Try and find a support group for kids with parents in the military.
• Surround yourself with positive activities.
• Keep a journal or a diary of important milestones for the when the parent returns.

For more information check out these links:

http://www.research.vt.edu/resmag/ResearchMagJan06/deploy.html

Post Tramatic Stress Information:

http://homepages.wmich.edu/~j2kiplin/

How the Draft Works:

http://homepages.wmich.edu/~b1kolack/