Deployment is a time of major transition for military families.  

For spouses, it brings both emotional stress and the responsibility of caring for young children through change and separation.  

While your child’s needs come first, it’s just as important to care for your own well-being. A supported parent is better equipped to support their child.  

How Deployment Affects Babies and Toddlers 

Even if they can’t express their emotions in words, babies and toddlers feel the absence of a deployed parent deeply. They may not understand what’s happening, but they sense the emotional shift and changes in routine. These feelings often show up in behavior.  

Common Reactions in Young Children During Deployment: 

• Increased clinginess, crying, or whining 
• Greater fear of being separated from the at-home parent 
• Withdrawal or reduced interest in play 
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits 
• More frequent irritability or difficulty being soothed 

Children Mirror Your Emotions 

Young children are highly tuned in to their caregivers’ emotions. If you’re feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, they may respond in kind. Managing your own stress and creating emotional stability helps your child feel safe.  

Tips to Help Your Child Cope 

Use these strategies to ease the emotional strain of deployment on your child: 

• Stick to Routines: Consistent daily schedules provide security. Keep mealtimes, naps, and bedtimes predictable.  
• Offer Reassurance: Use age-appropriate language to explain where the deployed parent is and remind your child they are safe and loved. 
• Create Connection Rituals: Try video calls, reading the same story at bedtime, or playing a recorded message from the deployed parent. 
• Provide Comfort Items: A favorite toy, a blanket, or a shirt that smells like the deployed parent can offer comfort and familiarity.  
• Encourage Expression: Let your child express themselves through play, drawing, or music. Offer extra cuddles and comfort when needed. 

Support Programs and Resources for Military Families