1. The Effects of Military Deployments in Children and Families and the Development
Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Module 7 Assignment 2PSY 492 Advanced General PsychologyBy Diane Garcia-BeckerAugust 14, 2011

2. Children and Separation during Deployment
Even with the greatest laid plans and a cheerful demeanor, parents cannot always prevent their children from experiencing stress when they are called to duty. The following are signs of separation anxiety that children may exhibit when their parent is away.
Preschool or Kindergarten Age Children

• Clinging to people or favorite toy or blanket.
• 3. Unexplained crying or tearfulness.
• 4. Choosing adults over same-age play mates.
• 5. Increased acts of violence toward people or things.
• 6. Shrinking away from people or becoming very quiet.
• 7. Sleep difficulties or disturbances (waking, bad dreams)
• 8. Eating difficulties or change in eating patterns.
• 9. Fear of new people or situations.
• 10. Keeps primary care giver in view.

School-Age Children:

• Any of the signs listed above, and:
• 11. A rise in complaints about stomachaches, headaches, or other illnesses.
• 12. More irritable and crabby.
• 13. Problems at school (drop in grades, does not want to go, or complaining)
• 14. Anger toward at-home parent.

Adolescents:

• Any of the signs listed above, and:
• 15. Acting out behaviors (trouble at school, home, law)
• 16. Low self-esteem and self-criticism.
• 17. Misdirected anger (over small things; directed at siblings or parent)
• 18. Sudden or unusual school problems.
• 19. Loss of interest in usual interests and hobbies.

Military News, 2011

• Children going through deployment may experience many of the same effects as children of divorce. Children can also feel a sense of loss or abandonment when a parent leaves them during a deployment.
• 20. They may not fully understand why Dad or Mom is gone and they may worry about their safety.
• 21. They can also be very perceptive to what the parent at home is feeling. These fears may consciously or subconsciously trouble children.
• 22. Helping any child emotionally prior to a deployment or any extended separation during service can help them cope.