Military families carry unique play burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Play Challenges Unique to Military Families
- Deployment separation: Repeated separations create attachment disruption and anxiety for all family members
- Reintegration: Return from deployment requires major readjustment, often triggering play
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against play
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or play creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Play
Military children are resilient but face significant play risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's play all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Play
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost play support for military families.