Defense Health Agency Unveils Improved Military Kids Website

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Defense Department's Military Kids Connect program modernized its website with new content and interactive resources for children coping with the challenges of military life. The website ? militarykidsconnect.dcoe.mil ? is an online community for military kids around the world facing life changes such as frequent moves, new schools, and family separations. Throughout April, the Month of the Military Child, Military Kids Connect is sharing resources and stories of military kids via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Eli, a 14-year-old Army kid, knows how stressful it can be when a parent deploys. In a video for Military Kids Connect, he shares his experience followed by advice for coping.

"I remember whenever my dad left for Afghanistan," Eli said. "I looked out the window and saw my mom drive off with him, and I would stay up, hoping my dad missed something and had to come back so I'd see him again before he left."

Military Kids Connect also helps children through difficult family situations, such as learning to reconnect with a family member after a deployment, or adjusting to a military parent's injuries.

Change is Good

The updated site features new and reorganized content and a more user-friendly experience. Videos of military kids, interactive resources and games, and personalized advice offer help in reducing the stress of life as a military child. The moderated message board provides a safe place for military children to share ideas, experiences, and coping skills with their peers.

Noteworthy Sections

Military Kids Connect devotes an entire "Military Life" section for helpful and entertaining resources for kids experiencing stress. Other sections include:

• Feelings ? teaches children how to cope with stress and talk to an adult about their feelings.
• Health & Wellness ? provides tips and information for staying healthy during tough times.
• Dear Doc ? an advice column for kids to ask questions. A trained DHA health care provider ("Doc") creates responses to encourage healthy coping.
• Tough Choices ? shares resources for children experiencing bullying and prevention tips.

New sections help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand and support military kids.

"The redesigned Military Kids Connect website is an improved resource for teens, tweens, and children offering positive ways to handle life's disruptions," said Kelly Blasko, counseling psychologist with the Defense Health Agency Connected Health Branch. "It helps them feel less alone because they can see others are going through situations just like them."

Visit the Military Kids Connect website to learn more, and follow Military Kids Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

SOURCE Defense Health Agency's Connected Health Branch