How does the military family provide stability for their child with the constant changes that come with military life? They teach them that within this military life is the ability to become resilient, regardless of what life throws at them. When children learn they can develop and strengthen resilience within themselves, they are not only empowered but more adaptable.

Family spoke with Amber Myszka, who is married to Captain Kyle Myszka of the U.S. Army Reserve (AGR), and they have two children - Arthur (7) and Ellie (3). Their family is currently stationed in Boise, ID.

Why is resilience important in military children?

Military children go through a lot. Regardless of where or how their parent serves, their experiences as part of a military family will require them to face some big feelings and complex issues. Building resilience in our military children doesn't mean the tough stuff gets any easier, but it fosters a unique perspective and perhaps even an appreciation of the lessons and qualities that result.

When circumstances have their life turned sideways, resilience puts their feet back on solid ground, rooting them in personal values.

What are some tools to help the child build resilience?

Our kids have always benefited from understanding that, while each story is unique, there are hundreds of thousands of other U.S. military children worldwide.

There are so many helpful books geared toward kids of all ages that discuss and celebrate what it's like to be a part of a military family. We've also found value in community—specifically programs and resources designed for military children—where they can not only connect with others with relatable experiences but also feel recognized for the qualities that them so special.

Simply knowing that they are not alone in the sacrifices they make or the transient lifestyle they might live offers a lot of reassurance.

How can parents best teach their children the importance of resilience?

Show them. So often, we hide our emotions from our children, a well-intended effort to protect them from bearing the weight of our own struggles. However, when we normalize feelings like sadness, frustration, and loneliness, we also demonstrate to our kids that these emotions are not a permanent state of being and that, more importantly, we can continue to grow and prosper despite them.

Of course, there are guardrails that need to be put in place. We know military children already have to grow up more quickly than their civilian counterparts, and there's no need to accelerate that further by sharing every intimate detail of our challenges. But by practicing what we preach—by walking through the hard days with grace, transparency, and an eye for the silver lining—we're empowering them to do the same.

Please add anything else you think is helpful.

While I'm a mom and a military spouse at home, professionally, I'm fortunate enough to work for the national nonprofit Operation Homefront, whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families. That's accomplished through relief and recurring family support programs, including the annual Military Child of the Year® Award.

Each April, seven incredible young people—each representing a branch of service— are selected for the Award, receive $10,000, and are honored at a gala in Washington, D.C. The Military Child of the Year Award program is an opportunity to honor military kids everywhere and celebrate their resilience, leadership, and service to their families and communities despite the unique challenges of military life.

You can find more information about this program by visiting www.OperationHomefront.org.