Essay On Family Influence In Child Health

The main stressor in the Smith’s family is the impending deployment of Tom to Afghanistan. Tom, his wife, and children are affected by this. In the reading, "Stressors Afflicting Families During Military Deployment", the author tells that lloneliness, financial insecurity, the discipline of the children, doubts, and concerns about the general well-being of the family, is the common cause of distress among military families, facing deployment. Recently a close family friend and a colleague of Tom has lost his life in a traumatic accident in Afghanistan. The family is going through emotional and social problems. The family is also facing financial problems.
Mary is unable to discuss her problems with her husband. Further, the conflicts between the husband and wife are adding to the distress. This could be the reason for the behavioral problems that are seen in the children. Both the children are less than 10 years old and are not mature enough to cope with the stress of deployment of their dad. Following the event of their friend’s dad, who was recently deployed in Afghanistan, the insecurity and the fear in the children’s minds, might have increased. The lack of healthy mental outlook of both parents are affecting the children’s healthy adaptation to the change process. Tom is withdrawn and instead of interacting with children or helping out Mary; he has taken to alcohol and distanced himself from his children. Neglect and maltreatment could also be a reason for stress and mental health problems in children. Tom could be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, following the death of his close friend and colleague. He probably wants his family to cope without him and this could be the reason for his withdrawal or noninvolvement in family affairs.
In the reading, “Keeping The Promise: Maintaining The Health of Military and Veteran Families and Children”, the author tells that remaining connected to families such as theirs, can help military families to adapt and gain resilience. Parents should have self-regulatory skills and this can encourage children to exercise their self-regulatory skill and adapt to change. In the reading, “Helping Military Kids with Traumatic Death - Open to Hope", the author tells that the mother’s ability to adjust will have an important bearing on the children’s ability to adapt. Post-traumatic stress disorders are common in combat military personnel and this could be the reason for Tom’s distress. This anguish and distress can affect the mental health of the children. This could be the reason why the Smith’s children are withdrawn from participating in extracurricular activities and poor performance in school. The positive relationship between family members is a very important factor that influences the resilience of the children. Parents need to offer time and space for their children to talk openly about their fears and feelings, without being judged or reprimanded. This will provide the children an emotional vent and reduce their mental burden. Parents can encourage the children to find their inner strength and to engage in activities that will help them take their mind off the disturbing thoughts. The emotional and mental functioning of the mother and father has a bearing on their children. In the given scenario, both the parents are not in a good mental state of health and are in need of support. The financial burden is adding to the families concern and Mary is unable to discuss this with Tom. Tom is not getting involved in family matters, is withdraw and taken to alcohol.
Military values like discipline, service to society, team work, sense of purpose, honor, and pride, can encourage children to adopt a mental strength and independent thinking ability that will help to adapt to stress. However, they need a support system that recognizes the sacrifice they have made and offers them the support while dealing with the trauma. Just as they have challenges, it is also necessary to create opportunities that will help them face these challenges. They need a support system that is focused on the concern that is particular to the military family. At present, Smith’s family is in need of mental and social support to face their problems. The well-being of the military family is very important in its own right and their welfare is valued by the society. A unique psychological support system and program are required, that will focus on the problems of this group.
Conclusion: I will advocate Smith’s family to a psychological support program that will help to restore the family members to a healthy state of functioning. Both parents will need to involve themselves actively and work towards reducing distress in their children. I will also advocate Smith’s wife and children to join a club where they can meet and interact with people from a similar background. This can help in addressing their problems more effectively.