If you are unfamiliar with a military acronym used on this site, visit our Glossary.
 

Deployment Resources for Kids

Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families
During Military Deployment
Being a part of the military can be a challenge, particularly for young children. Through a program created by Sesame Workshop and Wal-Mart,
families can order a free bilingual DVD and poster
kit designed for military families and their young children, 3-5 years of age.  Learn how to order the free kit at the Sesame Workshop Web site.

MilitaryStudent.org
Children are especially vulnerable when separated from parents due to deployments. The DoD has
put together a comprehensive Web site designed
to address issues surrounding active duty
relocation.   It includes helpful information related
to deployments:

• Parent's Guide to the Military Child
  During Deployment and Reunion
  The family structure can be an important source of comfort for children during the challenges of deployment.  This booklet is intended to help parents build coping skills
  in their children during and after a military deployment.  Download the PDF.

• Educator's Guide to the Military Child During Deployment
  This DOD booklet is designed to help
  teachers and other school personnel support  the military child during mobilization and deployment.  Download the PDF file and
  share with teachers.

Operation Military Kids
Involving children in sports and fine arts activities
is one way to help them successfully cope with the trying times while a parent is deployed. OMK offers grants of up to $500 per child to cover costs for
youth sports programs, fine arts programs (dance, music, art), tutoring and even things like driver’s education. A copy of the military parent’s
deployment orders is all that is necessary to
verify that a child is eligible, family income is not a consideration.  Learn More.

Zero to Three
Nonprofit organization dedicated to to supporting
the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.  The site includes a
special section with deployment articles for military families.  Learn more about their campaign:
Coming Together Around Military Separation: Supporting our Babies and Toddlers.

DeploymentKids.com
This site offers helpful suggestions for children's
activities during a deployment.  Click here for
more information.

Indiana National Guard Youth Program
The Indiana National Guard Youth Program has a
Web page designed to highlight programs targeted toward children of Indiana Air and Army National Guard members.  Click Here to find out the latest information on youth programs.

INARNG Family Assistance Centers
Family Assistance Centers can provide assistance with topics ranging from benefits to family stress.  Their staff can help navigate the complexities of deployment including medical and dental care, TRICARE, DEERS enrollment and tools to cope with separation and reunion. Office hours are M-F 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and after hours via cellular telephone. Find a center near you.

Indiana Military Family Relief Fund
Emergency grants of up to $2,000 are available for food, housing, utilities, medical bills, transportation and other essential expenses caused by mobilization.  Call 800-400-4520, visit the IN Department of Veterans Affairs Web Site or Download the Application for more information.

Operation: Military Child Care
Provides child care fee assistance for National Guard soldiers who are activated or deployed and whose children are enrolled in licensed child care programs.  Visit the National Association of Child Care  Resource & Referral Agencies Web site for more information and to download an application.

ID Cards - Uniformed Services Personnel Office
In addition to issuing ID Cards, family members can be added (birth, marriage) and deleted (death, divorce) from DEERS at these offices.  Find an office online at: www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl. Call first to verify location, hours and documentation required

Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office
To update addresses, e-mail addresses and phone numbers in DEERS, soldiers can call the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office (DSO) at 800-538-9552.

TRICARE Dental
Customer Service is available 24 hours per day M-F at 800-866-8499 or visit the Web site.

Your Soldier, Your Army: A Parents’ Guide
This booklet offers reassurance and comfort that parents are not alone, and includes helpful information about military acronyms and an explanation of the Brigade Combat Team structure.
It can be downloaded for free from the Association
of the United States Army (AUSA) Web site. To receive a free copy by mail call 800-336-4570 x630 or visit the Military One Source Web site.
 

Daddy Dolls
After experiencing how hard multiple deployments were on their own children, two military wives began a company which creates huggable dolls designed to make separation a little easier. You simply upload your digital photograph and they create a doll that allows you to 'hug' your soldier every day. Dolls range in price from $18.95 (small) to $24.95 (large) and take three to five weeks for delivery. For more information visit: www.daddydolls.com.

Letters to Kids from Cartoon Characters
Through this unique opportunity from Kids Serve 2 your child can receive a thank you letter signed by one of their favorite Looney Tunes or Scooby-Doo cartoon characters, NBA Star Shaquille O'Neal or NASCAR drivers Jon Wood and Kelly Bires. Click Here for more information.

10 Ways to Overcome Overload
Our personal and work lives are already very busy. If you are used to having a partner at home to help out with these responsibilities, a long deployment can be cause for concern. This free booklet can be ordered from the Military One Source Web site or by calling 800-342-9647.

Free Online Homework Help (PATH)
PATH (Pupils Ask Teacher's Help) is a non-profit organization which specializes in assisting students (of all ages) and their parents with homework related questions. They offer message boards, email support and live chat with teachers experienced in a range of subjects. Visit: www.pathwhelp.org for more information.