Survey Results
In October 2011, Our Military Kids administered a survey to grant recipient families of the National Guard, resulting in 780 responses. The purpose of this survey was to assess the psychological impact of a military parent’s deployment on the children of National Guard families, and the effectiveness of the Our Military Kids grant program in alleviating deployment-related stress and anxiety. Additionally, two similar surveys were conducted last year, and this latest survey attempted to compare results, which were extremely similar.
After analyzing the responses, we found most responding families live at least 50 miles away from a military installation, and they are unable to utilize support services available to those who live on or near a military installation. In addition, many children of deployed Service Members exhibited negative psychological symptoms stemming from the deployment, such as emotional reactivity, stress, anxiety, and clinginess. Many families report the Our Military Kids grant program was easy to use and an extracurricular activity positively benefitted their children.
The survey shows that participation in extracurricular activities helps decrease stress and other psychological symptoms in children and allows them to focus on something positive, thereby distracting them from their parent’s absence.
TO READ THE FULL SURVEY REPORT, CLICK HERE.
Testimonials
- “This program was the best thing that my family has experienced with this deployment. My children improved immediately upon starting lesson, they were happy again, and we all look forward to art Saturdays. We count down the weeks through art, and every week they make a new creation to show daddy when he comes home. It has bonded the whole family.”
- “For us this program was a life saver. Before my daughter started her program she had such severe separation anxiety she would vomit, she was terrified since daddy left, everyone else would leave her too, she didn’t trust, she was very sad. Now she is thriving, she loves it, and is proud of herself. Daddy will also be home for her dance recital so it has been a positive goal to work towards and look forward to.”
- “When our soldier wears the uniform in the community many express thanks and gratitude for his service and sacrifice. NO ONE thanks the spouse or children sitting/standing next to him. This program offers invaluable and tangible thanks to the spouse and children of those serving in uniform. This was the best thing to happen to my children while my husband was deployed.”
To read more testimonials, see page 12 of the survey report.
