WUNRN
Direct Link for Full 216-Page 2013 Report:
Overview - Though relatively little research has been
done on young children in military families, we highlight ways to understand
these children as their families grow, change, and experience various kinds of
stress, with an overall focus on how to optimize young children’s development,
bearing in mind their unique needs. To accomplish this, we first discuss
developmental theories that are relevant for understanding young children in
military families, particularly attachment theory, which helps us see how
change, disruption, and loss affect young children. We then turn to parenting,
including parents’ mental health and its effects on young children. We examine
how increased stress in the family is related to child maltreatment and
domestic violence, and how these factors affect pregnant women in military
families. We also describe interventions and support programs for military
families with young children, including those that are still being developed.
Finally, we conclude with recommendations, based on research and theory, that
can guide policy and programs for young children in military families.
