The Military Parenting Community

Parenting is an ever demanding job that requires you to be ready at all times. For parents in the military, raising kids comes with an added degree of difficulty due to the many demands of military life. You’ve got this, but if there are days you wonder if you are up to the challenge, it’s OK – all parents do.

Luckily, you and the MilParent community are in this together.

Connect with other parents and support

Getting a coffee or meal with a friend or having that venting session with your mom or dad does more than make you feel better, it can make you an even better parent. Research shows that supportive social connections can help keep your family strong. Several military community resources stand ready to provide support or connect you with other parents.

• Military and Family Support Center can direct you to the morale, welfare and recreation program for health, fitness and family fun in your community.
• If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby or are parenting a young child, schedule a New MilParent specialty consultation and receive free, individualized confidental support.
• Contact your installation’s Family Advocacy Program, New Parent Support Program or Child and Youth Program to take advantage of affordable education programs, flexible child care, age-appropriate activities and more.
• Military OneSource offers free, short-term, confidential counseling services for a wide range of issues via telephone or online. Military and family life counselors are available on or near installations to help talk through parenting challenges and military-life stresses.
• The Military OneSource contact center can directly connect you to these and other resources by calling 800-342-9647. OCONUS/international? View calling options. Or log in to start a secure live chat.
• The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program offers free, confidential career coaching services to help military spouses explore career paths, set goals and find flexible employment options that fit their family’s needs.

Sesame Street for Military Families is a free, bilingual website that celebrates the unique role of military children by offering them and their parents a wide range of resources, from engaging videos and fun apps to helpful tip sheets and articles.

Offer help if you can

You know what it is like to need a hand, and you may even know that it can be hard to ask for one. So, take a minute and offer help to others around you. Be proactive and ask, because ultimately working together creates a sense of community, and supportive communities help build strong families. Opportunities to connect with others – from eating together to lending a hand – builds resilient families and a healthy community.

Here are a few ideas for offering help to fellow parents in your community:

• Babysit. You don’t need to offer your whole day or watch five kids at once to be helpful. Sometimes even a short break can make a major difference for a busy parent.
• Cook. Whether it’s an invite for dinner or dropping off a frozen casserole, helping with mealtime is a gesture that enhances community at any time – not just after a baby is born.
• Listen. Sometimes a listening ear is all that is needed to regain perspective. Other times, it can provide relief and serve as a first step toward identifying the need for additional help.
• Compliment. Don’t underestimate the value of a kind word or encouraging thought. Most people, parents included, are empowered by positive feedback. Be sure to tell the parents around you when you think they’re doing great.