Off To War: Voices Of Soldiers' Children

War is a devastating reality that affects not only those who serve on the frontlines but also their loved ones back home. In the midst of all the chaos, it's often the voices of soldiers' children that go unheard. These resilient young individuals experience unique challenges and emotions as they deal with deployments and the absence of their parents.

Understanding Their Journey

Soldiers' children transform into young warriors themselves, battling through the complexities of emotions, separation anxiety, and the constant fear of uncertain outcomes. The experience of having a parent deployed to a war zone can be extremely unsettling, disrupting their sense of security and stability.

Off to War: Voices of Soldiers' Children

by Deborah Ellis (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2320 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	139 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

These children often find themselves navigating an unfamiliar path, trying to comprehend the reasons behind their parent's absence and the risks involved in serving the country. They have to rely on fragments of information and snippets of conversations as they attempt to understand the gravity of the situation.

The Emotional Struggles

The emotional toll on soldiers' children is immense, as they grapple with a range of feelings such as sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and even resentment towards the military. They miss their parents deeply and yearn for their presence, desperately clinging onto memories and cherished moments spent together.

The constant worry and fear for their parent's safety often weigh heavily on their young minds. Nighttime can be particularly challenging, as nightmares and sleep disturbances become frequent companions. They feel the absence of a reassuring shoulder to lean on, not fully comprehending the dangers their parent might be facing on a daily basis.

Maintaining Connections

Modern technology has made it somewhat easier for soldiers' children to communicate with their parents during deployments. Video calls, emails, and letters have become vital lifelines, allowing them to see their parent's face and hear their voice, even across great distances. These moments of connection provide temporary relief, reinforcing the bond that remains despite the physical separation.

Moreover, support groups and organizations dedicated to soldiers' children play a crucial role in their lives. These communities bring together kids who share similar experiences, allowing them to connect, empathize, and find solace in one another's company. They provide a safe space for them to express their feelings and fears without judgment, fostering camaraderie and resilience.

The Strength Within

Despite the hardships they face, soldiers' children often display remarkable strength and adaptability. Their experiences shape them into resilient individuals who understand sacrifice and the importance of service to the nation. Many become advocates for military families or choose to serve their country themselves when they grow up.

However, it is crucial for society as a whole to acknowledge and support soldiers' children throughout their journey. Schools, communities, and policymakers should actively work to create an environment that addresses their unique needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary emotional support and resources to thrive despite their circumstances.

The Homecoming

The day their parent returns from war is a mix of overwhelming emotions for soldiers' children. Excitement, relief, and joy blend with apprehension and unfamiliarity as they begin the process of reintegrating their parent back into their lives. It takes time for both the child and the returning soldier to readjust, as they face the challenges of rebuilding their connection and adapting to changes that occurred during the absence.

Yet, despite the hurdles they encounter, soldiers' children possess an unparalleled strength that allows them to persevere. Their voices, often drowned in the larger narrative of war, are crucial in understanding the full impact of military service on families.

The experiences of soldiers' children shed light on the hidden side of war, revealing the emotional turmoil and resilience they embody. It is essential to recognize their voices and the challenges they face, providing them with the necessary support and resources to thrive.

Off to war, soldiers' children embark on their own journey, carrying the weight of their parent's service. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their sacrifices are acknowledged.

Off to War: Voices of Soldiers' Children

by Deborah Ellis (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2320 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	139 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Society of School Librarians International Honor Book

Deborah Ellis has been widely praised for her gripping books portraying the plight of children in war-torn countries. Now she turns her attention closer to home, to the children whose parents are soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In frank and revealing interviews, they talk about how this experience has marked and shaped their lives.The children, who range in age from 7 to 17, come from all over North America. They were interviewed on military bases, in the streets, in their homes and over the phone. The strength of Off to War is that the children are left to speak for themselves, with little editorial interference beyond a brief .

Includes a glossary, a list of organizations and websites and suggestions for further reading.