Support for Military Children and Teens
Being a military kid or teen means navigating a world of constant change. From moving to new places and settling into unfamiliar schools to being apart from a parent for months at a time, these experiences are tough. And still, military children show incredible strength, adaptability, and resilience, even when faced with uncertainty and change. At Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), we understand the unique challenges and strengths of military children and have made it our mission to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.
Tips and Support for Military Families
CVN mental health experts offer advice and actionable tips designed specifically for military families. From managing new schools to staying connected during deployments, we tackle the topics that matter most to you.
Connecting with Military Tweens & Teens
Tips to strengthen bonds during times of change.
Building Resilience in Kids
Simple ways to help military families navigate life’s ups and downs.
Key Strategies Navigating Change for Military Families
Learn how to support your family through life’s transitions.
Helping Kids Thrive During a PCS Move
Practical ways to ease the stress of moving for military children and teens.
Managing Military Separations
How to help kids cope while parent(s) are away for deployments, trainings, etc.
Supporting Military Kids During the Transition to Civilian Life
Advice for helping military kids adjust to civilian life.
Explaining PTSD to Kids: Four Steps for Parents
A practical guide for parents on how to talk to children about PTSD.
Ask Us Anything: Military Teen Edition
Explore answers to common questions from military teens and parents!
About Our Care
At CVN, we specialize in providing high-quality mental health care to military children and teens. Our Cohen Clinics can help children and teens with a number of mental health concerns, including limited focus or attention, grief and loss, life adjustment, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and others.
Our Clinics Offer:
- Individual therapy for children and teens
- Family therapy to strengthen bonds and improve communication
- Local groups and events for children and families
When To Call
It can be challenging for parents to determine when their child might need professional support, but being aware of certain warning signs can be crucial:
- Uncommon changes in mood or behavior
- Development regression (e.g. bed-wetting)
- Excessive Worry
- Anger
- Decrease in interest in favorite activities
- Risk-taking behaviors in teenagers (e.g. experimenting with drugs or alcohol)
These behaviors can suggest that the child or teen is struggling to cope with certain pressures or emotions and may benefit from seeing a therapist. Contact your local Cohen Clinic to learn more about how we can help.
Contact A Cohen Clinic Today
What to Expect
Child therapy can be highly beneficial for children and their families. In therapy, both parents and children discuss the challenges the child is facing, with a focus on setting goals tailored to their needs. Therapists often use creative methods like play and art therapy to make sessions effective and enjoyable, helping children build tools to manage challenges.
Therapists also work with parents to create lasting changes and foster a supportive environment. By attending sessions and trying new communication strategies, parents play a key role in their child’s progress. Learn more about child therapy at Cohen Veterans Network.
Get Connected To Care
Resources for Military Kids
Blue Star Families strengthens military families by connecting them with their neighbors – individuals and organizations – to create vibrant communities of mutual support. BSF has programs and activities for military kids like their Blue Star Books and Blue Star Parks initiatives!
Military Kids Connect is a website designed to help military kids face challenges of deployment through interactive activities and peer stories.
Tuesday’s Children has an innovative platform of programs specially designed to equip surviving children, widows and families impacted by the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, with both real world and career advancement skills.
Bloom Military Teens is a hub for military teens to connect with each other. Military-connected teens will find blog posts and resources for every stage of military life.
Camp Corral‘s mission is to transform the lives of children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs.
Our Military Kids funds sports, arts & other enrichment activities for military children when parents are deployed overseas w/ the National Guard/Reserve or recovering from severe injuries sustained in post-9/11 overseas mission.
Sesame Street for Military Families supports our military families with young children ages 2-8 through all the milestones of their lives. The initiative aims to address the ongoing needs of military children related to their experiences and transitions. Find coloring pages, educational videos, and activities to do with your military child.
National Military Family Association offers support for military families and kids such as Operation Purple Camps, free weeklong summer camp experiences exclusively for military-connected children.
Military Child Education Coalition supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. MCEC offers webinars, podcasts, and more resources.
Partners in Promise protects the rights of military children in Special Education through educating and advising military family members, military service organizations, Department of Defense and public officials. PIP has educational tools and resources to help military children with special needs stay on track.
Zero To Three has developed tools for parents to use as they navigate the many transitions that are a part of military-connected life.
Military Family Advocacy Network is a fantastic resource for parents navigating military change. Parents will find blog posts as well as countless resources to address the many challenges unique to military families.
