A few weeks ago, I read an article in the “Parade” magazine about the struggles of our deployed soldiers. I read, “When mothers and fathers are deployed overseas, their children are also in danger. A new report from the Rand Corporation suggests that teenagers in military family suffer much higher rates of emotional distress than other teens. Across all age groups and genders, soldiers’ children had significantly greater emotional difficulties . . .” ₁

In James 5:15 we read, “Pray for each other so that you may be healed.”  We are challenged to pray for the hurting children and the families of our military. Let’s pray for the grandparents of these children who have an increased responsibility to support these hurting children.

The children of all ages greatly miss their deployed parents and find it difficult to cope. However, the article goes on to say that the teenagers have greater emotional problems compared to the national average of teenagers. The older children are more aware of the dangers their deployed parents are facing each day. Often it is hard for grandparents to relate to their teenage grandchildren.

• Pray for wisdom for them to be able to relate, encourage and support them.
• Pray for the grandparents assisting the children and spouses, as well as the military men and women
• Don’t forget to support all our troops and their families with prayer.

This summer Christian Grandparenting Network will again be hosting a Military Kids GrandCamp. Will you tell someone about the camp who is military, and will you pray for the campers, funding, and preparations?

₁   “Soldiers Children Struggle, Too.” Parade Magazine, December 20, 2009, page 6.

© Lillian Penner 2010

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