Resources For Military Families
Military family life is a journey that comes with its own set of unique challenges and fulfilling experiences.
If you’re a spouse or family member of a military service member or veteran, you’re part of a community that has to find a balance between civilian life and the demanding nature of service.
To help you find inspiration and guidance while you’re navigating military family life, Guardian Homefront has put together this list of books that can make things easier along the way.
Service and Soul: A Journey to Purpose for Military and First Responder Wives
Ever feel like you’re searching for purpose and meaning while navigating the military family lifestyle?
“Service and Soul” might be the read you need.
This book dives into the emotional and spiritual journey many of us go through as military spouses, sharing stories that will make you feel like you’re not alone on this journey.
Reading “Service and Soul” is like having a long conversation with a friend who’s experienced what you’re going through — someone who can inspire you and help you find your sense of purpose even when things get tough.
Why I Must Go
“Why I Must Go” is an excellent resource for helping children understand the reasons behind a parent’s deployment.
This book uses child-friendly language to explain why their parent has to leave, emphasizing the importance of duty and service while acknowledging the emotions your children might feel.
It’s filled with illustrations and relatable scenarios to help children process their feelings, from sadness and anger to pride and understanding.
“Why I Must Go” also provides tips for parents on how to use the story to start conversations with their children, making it a valuable tool for fostering open communication and emotional resilience.
When Duty Calls: A Handbook for Families Facing Military Separation
“When Duty Calls” is an essential guide for military families preparing for deployment.
Whether you’re a spouse, child, or sibling of a military service member, this book will help you navigate the tough moments that come when your loved one is headed to a different part of the world.
This comprehensive handbook offers practical tips on managing the emotional and logistical challenges that come with separation.
From organizing finances and maintaining communication during long absences to helping your children cope with a parent being away, “When Duty Calls” covers everything you need to handle the deployment of your loved one.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
As a spouse or family member of a military service member, life can be full of ups and downs, and with all the responsibilities you juggle, it can be easy to be hard on yourself.
That’s where “Self-Compassion” by Dr. Kristin Neff comes in — this book is all about learning to be kinder to yourself, just like you would be if you were talking with a close friend who was experiencing the same challenges as you.
“Self-Compassion” is packed with practical tips to help you manage the stress, guilt, or self-doubt that can often accompany managing everything that goes into military family life.
My Daddy is a Soldier
“My Daddy is a Soldier” is a wonderful bedtime story that uses gentle rhymes and beautiful illustrations to comfort young children who have a parent serving in the military.
This picture book helps explain the concept of military service in a way that is easy for children to understand, making it a great resource for bedtime routines.
It reinforces the idea that, even though their daddy is away, he loves them very much and is always thinking of them.
The soothing rhythm and loving message make this book a perfect bedtime read for kids who need a little extra comfort during a parent’s deployment.
Hero Dad
“Hero Dad” is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that celebrates the bravery of military fathers while helping young children understand and cope with their dad’s absence.
Through simple, heartfelt language and engaging illustrations, this book reassures children that even though their dad is away, he’s doing important work.
“Hero Dad” portrays military fathers as superheroes, helping kids build a sense of pride and understanding about their parent’s role as a military service member.
This book is perfect for bedtime reading, offering comfort and a positive outlook on the challenges of having a parent in the military.
Hero Mom
“Hero Mom” by Melinda Hardin is an inspiring and comforting children’s book that celebrates the bravery and resilience of military moms, presenting them as everyday superheroes.
Through simple yet powerful language and vibrant illustrations, this book portrays military moms' unique sacrifices and commitments — whether they’re pilots, medics, or serving in other critical roles.
Designed to help young children understand and take pride in their mom’s service, “Hero Mom” addresses the challenges of military life, like frequent separations and long deployments in a gentle and approachable way.
For families with young children, this book is an amazing tool for opening up conversations about why mom is away sometimes and helps ease fear while instilling a sense of pride in their moms and the invaluable work they do.
My Mom's Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children
“My Mom’s Deployment” is a thoughtful activity book designed to help young children navigate the emotional ups and downs of having a parent away on deployment.
Packed with engaging activities, coloring pages, and storytelling prompts, this book provides children with healthy outlets to express their feelings, understand their experiences, and prepare for a joyful reunion with their mom.
The activities are carefully crafted to help children process emotions like loneliness or anxiety, making it easier to maintain a positive outlook and stay connected to their deployed parent.
With sections that allow children to record their thoughts, draw pictures, and learn about their mom’s role in the military, “My Mom’s Deployment” also strengthens family bonds by creating a tangible keepsake that can be revisited later in life.
This book is a great choice for parents and caregivers looking to support young children through the deployment cycle in a way that’s both interactive and reassuring.
I'm A Dandelion: A PCS Story For Military Children
“I’m A Dandelion” is a heartwarming picture book that helps military children understand and adapt to the frequent moves that come with their family’s service.
Written with the metaphor of the resilient dandelion, the book portrays the strength, adaptability, and courage that military kids show when faced with yet another PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move.
Through engaging illustrations and a relatable storyline, children are encouraged to embrace the challenges of leaving familiar places and old friends while opening up to the possibilities of embarking on a new adventure.
“I’m A Dandelion” reassures children that they are not alone in their experiences and provides parents with a gentle, positive way to approach the topic of moving to a new location. Ideal for reading before, during, or after a PCS, this book empowers children to see change as an opportunity to grow and flourish, no matter where life may take them.
Mommy Wears A Uniform
“Mommy Wears A Uniform” by Shunshee Wilson is a heartfelt children’s book that celebrities military moms and helps young children understand the important role their mothers play in uniform.
Through simple language and warm illustrations, Wilson introduces young readers to concepts of duty, service, and the unique responsibilities that come with being a military mom. This story portrays mom as both a dedicated service member and a loving parent, helping children feel a sense of pride in her mission even when she has to be away.
This book is an ideal resource for military families who want to explain mom’s role in a way that is accessible and comforting for young children. It fosters family connection and pride by showing that, although mom’s work may take her away sometimes, her love and dedication to her family are unshakeable.
You Are Never Alone
Whether you’re new to the military family life, or you’ve been on this journey for years, you know it’s not always easy. At Guardian Homefront, we understand the challenges you face as a military family member because we’re right there with you.
Whether you’re looking for personal growth, a little self-care, or events to connect you with other military families, Guardian Homefront has you covered.
