How to Help Your Young Service Member Maintain Strong Family Connections While Serving
It is no news that military duty is demanding. Service members dedicate long hours, undergo strict routines, and spend extended periods away from home. For young enlistees—especially those unused to military life—these demands can be not just physically and mentally draining, but also emotionally draining. It is not uncommon for enlistees during these early periods to become distant from friends and family.
This emotional distance isn’t usually intentional—it’s often a byproduct of exhaustion, time constraints, and the mental effort it takes to adapt to such a strict and unfamiliar environment. However, maintaining those personal connections is important for both the emotional well-being of your service member and for the overall success of their military career. As their parent, this is an area where you can play a crucial role.
Stay Consistent with Communication
The most significant way you can help your service member maintain strong family connections is simply staying in touch. We understand how challenging something as simple as staying in touch can be in the military; communication can often be limited during deployments and training, and military schedules can be unpredictable. Nevertheless, these challenges must be overcome.
Find ways to check in. Video and phone calls are generally the best options, but in cases where those aren’t available or limited, letters and care packages can help bridge the emotional gap. Don’t worry if their response isn’t frequent or immediate—what matters is that you’re consistent with reaching out to them and showing that you care. They may not be able to respond immediately, but these consistent messages and care packages would continually remind your service member that they have a solid support system waiting for them at home.
Plan for Special Moments
Another great way to maintain strong family connections is to plan for special moments with your service members. Things like birthdays, holidays, and the end of their training cycle mean a lot to them. Your service member looks forward to these special occasions since they serve as a pleasant break from the rigorous routines and demanding schedules they face. Making sure you take the time to plan for these special occasions shows that you’re thinking of them and are dedicated to keeping the bond strong, even from afar.
Make these occasions even more special. Get on longer calls or send longer letters. A thoughtful care package filled with things they love and need can also make these occasions even more special. Consider sending their favourite snacks with personalized gifts or items that remind them of home, like a family photo, a keepsake, or something meaningful to them.
Conclusion
Maintaining strong family connections with your young service member while they are away on duty can be challenging, but it’s crucial for both their emotional well-being and their success in the military. It also helps you with the emotional challenges of having a loved one in the military. By staying consistent with communication and planning for special moments, you can bridge the emotional distance that comes with military life. Regular check-ins, thoughtful care packages, and making time for meaningful conversations during special occasions will remind your service members that they are loved.
Useful Resources
National Military Family Association (NMFA) - Offers programs, resources, and support groups tailored for military families, including those with new recruits.
Blue Star Families - Connects military families to community support and other families going through similar experiences.
Give an Hour - Offers free mental health support for military families through volunteer professionals.
