From www.realwarriors.net
Deployments can be challenging for any military family, including those who are expecting or caring for a new child. Fortunately, while experiencing stress is a common reaction during deployment, no military family is alone. One of the helpful resources available to new and expectant parents from every armed service is the Parent Review, a weekly customized e-mail service describing the development of children up to three years old.
Parents can use this unique service to stay informed about what to expect before, during and after pregnancy, and to stay connected during a deployment, recovery from an injury or other period of separation. Use the information below to find out how to use this resource to build and maintain family connections.
How the Parent Review E-Mail Service Works
Every week, a new e-mail is sent directly to the parents’ inbox including age-specific information about what to expect at that week’s stage of the child’s development.
A customized version of the Parent Review is offered for 30 military treatment facilities (MTFs) around the globe, offering parenting advice and information from the home MTF. (Use the TRICARE MTF finder to ask your MTF if they offer the Parent Review.) And for military families whose MTF does not currently provide access to a customized Parent Review service, a standard version is also available.
In addition to parents serving in the military, the child’s grandparents, extended family and other caretakers can also sign up to receive the Parent Review. The only thing that’s needed is a valid e-mail address.
How the Parent Review Can Keep Your Family Connected
This innovative service allows expectant and new parents to stay informed and up-to-date about their child’s progress and their home military treatment facility in a proactive and positive way. In particular, deployed parents can stay current on their young child’s development wherever they are in the world, providing interesting information to discuss and learn about together as a couple.
Reaching Out Makes a Real Difference
Tools like the Parent Review can help expectant and new parents stay informed and in touch, but if you or someone you know needs additional guidance on tools for building and maintaining family readiness, don’t hesitate to log on to Real Warriors Live Chat or call the DCoE Outreach Center at 866-966-1020. Trained health resource consultants are available 24/7 to offer free, confidential guidance on resources for maintaining your family’s strength throughout the entire deployment cycle.
