- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Wartime Parenting
The Do's and Don'ts of Talking to Children About a Parent in the War Zone
By Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller
Don't expect your child to take care of your emotional state.
Do not become hysterical in your child's presence or vent on, confide in or use him or her as your support system. If you need to vent or share your fears and worries, turn to a member of the clergy, a counselor, friends or relatives. It is not your children's job to be your support system. It is your job to be their support system. Do tell your children about your faith.
Your beliefs and your family beliefs are important at this time. Pray with your children regularly if that fits with your belief. Use this opportunity to help them learn that you trust God, and model for them how your faith sustains you in time of need. Do tell your children about family strength.
Say, "We have a strong family and we'll make it through." "We'll be able to handle it together" and "I know you can handle it" are other positive things to say to your children. "I know you can handle it" is a form of encouragement that communicates your respect for your child's ability to manage her own life. While you cannot guarantee that your children's lives will give them the exact circumstances they want, you can help them feel secure in their ability to cope with whatever circumstances present themselves. Parenting a child whose father or mother has gone away to serve their country in a time of war is not an easy task. This special circumstance requires special skills and insights not needed by the average parent. It is our sincere hope that the ideas above will serve you in your efforts to parent at this difficult time while your spouse is choosing to serve our country. Thank you for your contribution to keeping our country and your family strong.