Military families and conflict

Deployment and moving between bases impacts the life of military families. Both across the UK and abroad. There is no fixed pattern to this, and it depends on the role and the service. Each role can place extra demands on the families of those serving. A change of areas and schools creates high emotional challenges for both parents and children. This can be due to:

• moving areas
• having to form/reform friendships
• creating new support networks
• managing with one parent away for extended periods.

Even for those deployed locally, the nature of military service often means working weekends and time spent away from the family home.

All these factors can cause parental conflict and breakdowns in communication and relationships. This can affect both parent and child mental health and outcomes. Below are some ways to support military families. This is based on recommendations from families surveyed in the National Military Family Association Report on the Cycles of Deployment.

1. Help a family to be realistic in their expectations of themselves and of each other
2. Provide families with information about what they can expect before, during, and after deployment. Recognise that every child's response may be different based on
   • age
   • developmental stage
   • temperament
3. Offer ongoing discussions and support to families about return and reunion challenges.
4. Remember that families, even those with experience, do not always have the information and support they need.

Further support to signpost parents to can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council website: Support for the armed forces. 

Additional resources

Webinar: Supporting military parents with their relationships 

Strengthening and Supporting Military Families and Families Facing Challenges