Military families face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to disruptions in schooling and social connections. To support children, young people, and their educators, Resolute Ready has put together the Education Backpack — a free, digital directory of high-quality resources designed to help parents, guardians, and educators better support children from military families.
To get started, follow the prompts on the right to let us help you quickly find the right resources for you.
Children from military families face unique challenges, but they also develop resilience, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. This resource helps educators and wellbeing staff understand how to identify and nurture the strengths of military-connected students, creating a supportive and empowering learning environment.
Growing up comes with big decisions, new responsibilities, and sometimes unexpected challenges — especially for young people in military families. This resource provides practical advice, emotional support, and tools for building confidence, resilience, and wellbeing during life’s transitions.
The internet is a great place to learn, connect, and have fun, but it’s important to know how to stay safe. This resource helps kids understand online safety, privacy, and responsible digital habits so they can enjoy the internet while protecting themselves from risks.
Stepping into adulthood comes with big decisions — career choices, study, relationships, and independence — but for young adults in military families, these transitions can feel even more complex. This resource provides practical strategies, mental wellbeing tools, and career guidance to help young adults aged 18-25 manage change, build resilience, and take control of their future.
Being a teen in a military family means adapting to change, managing responsibilities, and handling stress — all while figuring out school, friendships, and the future. This resource offers practical strategies, mental wellbeing tools, and real-life advice to help teens aged 13-17 build confidence, stay connected, and navigate challenges with resilience.
Teen life comes with its own challenges — school, friendships, independence, and planning for the future — and being in a military family can add extra layers of change and uncertainty. This resource provides practical advice, coping strategies, and mental wellbeing tools to help teens feel confident and supported through life’s ups and downs.
Growing up in a military family can come with big changes, from moving to a new place to missing a parent during deployment. This resource provides fun, engaging ways to help kids aged 5-12 develop emotional resilience, manage worries, and feel supported.
Life can be stressful, but learning how to boost happiness, focus on the positives, and build resilience can make a real difference. Bite Back is a free online program designed to help teens improve their mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and develop lifelong skills for a healthier mindset.
Anxiety can impact school, friendships, and everyday life, especially for teens in military families who experience frequent change and uncertainty. The BRAVE Program provides practical, science-backed strategies to help teens understand their anxiety, build confidence, and take control of their mental wellbeing.
Worry and anxiety can make everyday situations feel overwhelming, especially for children in military families who experience change and uncertainty. The BRAVE Program gives kids aged 8-12 and their parents practical strategies to understand and manage anxious feelings, helping them feel more in control and confident in daily life.
Big feelings like worry and fear can be overwhelming for young children, especially in military families where change is common. The BRAVE Program helps children aged 3-7 and their parents develop simple, fun strategies to manage anxiety, build confidence, and feel more in control.
Balancing life, relationships, and responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially when military life adds extra layers of change and uncertainty. This resource provides interactive, practical activities designed to help teens and young adults build resilience, manage stress, and take charge of their mental wellbeing.
Military life comes with unique challenges, but having the right tools can make a big difference. This resource provides practical techniques and strategies to help families, educators, and young people navigate change, build resilience, and support wellbeing.
Having a yarn — a good conversation — is an important way for people to connect, share stories, and feel supported, especially in military families and communities. This resource highlights the power of open conversations in building resilience, understanding emotions, and creating a strong sense of belonging.
Everyone needs a space where they feel safe, welcome, and understood — especially in military life, where change is constant. This resource helps children, young people, and families explore the different places where they can find friendship, support, and a sense of belonging, no matter where they go.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but sometimes, stress, trauma, or big life changes can make it difficult to feel okay. This resource helps military families understand mental health challenges, recognise signs of struggle, and find support for both adults and children.
Change can feel overwhelming, but Katie helps Elmo see that moving, meeting new people, and exploring new places can be an adventure. This story helps young children in military families embrace change with excitement, showing them how to find fun and joy in new experiences.
Preparing for a parent to leave for deployment or military training can bring a mix of emotions for young children. This story helps kids understand what to expect, how to express their feelings, and ways to stay connected while their parent is away.
Military life is full of changes, but it can also be an exciting adventure! This resource helps young children in military families see moving, meeting new people, and experiencing new places as opportunities for fun, learning, and growth.
When a military parent comes home after a long time away, it can be exciting, but it can also feel a little different. This story helps young children understand the emotions of homecoming and offers reassurance that love and connection remain strong, even after time apart.
Social media can shape how military families and service members are perceived by others, influencing both personal and professional lives. This resource helps individuals reflect on their social media presence, understand public perception, and manage online interactions in a responsible and mindful way.
Young people want their parents to be involved in their education — but not always in the ways adults expect. This resource explores the perspectives of young people, highlighting the importance of encouragement, recognition, and emotional support in helping them feel motivated and do well at school.
Big changes in a family — like a parent being deployed, moving to a new place, or a loved one struggling with their health — can be confusing and sometimes scary. This resource helps kids aged 9 - 12 understand what’s happening in their family, why things feel different, and how to talk about their feelings.
When a parent is going through a tough time — whether it’s stress, mental health struggles, or challenges from military service—it can be confusing and overwhelming. This resource helps young people aged 13 - 17 understand what’s happening, how to cope, and where to find support.
Experiencing trauma can affect the way children think, feel, and behave, especially in military families where change, separation, and stressful events can be part of life. This resource helps parents, caregivers, and educators understand how trauma impacts young people and provides strategies to support their emotional wellbeing.
Caleb’s family is moving again, and while he’s used to packing boxes, saying goodbye never gets easier. With the help of his grandpa, who also grew up in a military family, Caleb learns that every move brings new adventures, new friends, and the chance to create special memories along the way.
This resource helps children and young people understand Australia’s history of service and remembrance, exploring why we honour those who have served in the military. Through stories, traditions, and national events, young Australians can learn about the importance of remembering and respecting those who have defended our country.
Rachael’s parent is away, and she misses them more than ever. Through her story, young children in military families can explore different ways to stay connected, express their feelings, and find comfort when a parent is far from home.
Harry knows his parent goes to work, but he doesn’t understand why it sometimes means they have to be away for a long time. Through his story, young children in military families can learn what it means when a parent’s job takes them far from home and how to stay connected even when they are apart.
Anthony is getting older, and he’s starting to understand more about what it means to be part of a military family. Through his story, young children can explore what it’s like to take on new responsibilities, face changes, and feel proud of their family’s journey.
Ann’s parent is about to be deployed, and she has a lot of feelings about it—so she turns them into a rap! Through rhythm and rhyme, young children in military families can learn what deployment means, why it happens, and how to stay connected while a parent is away.
Rosie loves to rap, and when her parent leaves for military training, she finds a fun way to explain what’s happening! Through her rhymes and beats, young children can learn what training means, why it’s important, and how they can stay connected while their parent is away.
Nick’s kite isn’t just a toy — it’s a symbol of his feelings, changing colours with his emotions as he navigates the ups and downs of military family life. Through his story, young children learn how to express their emotions, find comfort in routines, and understand that feelings are a natural part of life’s changes.
Rose’s dad is away on deployment, and waiting for him to come home feels like forever. Through her story, young children in military families can explore the emotions of missing a parent, find ways to stay connected, and learn that love doesn’t change — even when someone is far away.
Mary’s life is full of big changes, but she’s learning to make sense of them one letter at a time! Through this playful and engaging story, young children can explore what training and deployment mean in a military family, helping them understand and feel more secure when a parent is away.
Lara has noticed that her dad doesn’t seem like himself anymore — sometimes he looks sad, other times he seems distant, and she doesn’t understand why. Through Lara’s story, young children can learn about moral injury, how it affects a parent’s emotions and behaviour, and how families can support each other through difficult feelings.
Sometimes, parents who have served in the military experience Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), which can make life at home feel different. Nathan’s story helps young children understand what PTS is, how it affects his mum, and how his family finds ways to support and care for each other.
When someone in your family gets sick, especially a parent, it can be confusing and sometimes scary. Sam’s story helps young children in military families understand and cope with a parent’s illness, showing them that even when things change, they are still loved and supported.
Change can be tough, especially when it happens because of something big in your family. This story follows Ben, a young child in a military family, as he navigates changes and learns how to understand and cope with new experiences.
Being part of a military family can be an adventure, but it also comes with big changes, challenges, and emotions. This resource shares real stories from kids and young people who have been through deployments, relocations, and life in a military family — helping you feel understood and reminding you that you’re not alone.
This resource provides school counsellors and wellbeing staff with practical guidance on supporting students from military and veteran families who may experience challenges such as frequent relocations, parental deployments, and family transitions. The original content is Canada-specific; this revised version provides a more generalised approach to ensure relevance for a broader audience.
This resource supports parents and guardians in explaining injury rehabilitation to young children in a way that is clear, reassuring, and developmentally appropriate. It provides strategies to help children process changes in their parent’s physical abilities, emotions, and daily routines while fostering a sense of security and understanding.
This resource provides guidance for parents, guardians, and educators on supporting children and young people through grief and loss. It offers practical strategies to help them process emotions, find comfort, and build resilience during difficult times.
This resource provides guidance for parents, guardians, and educators on how to help children process and respond to news events, particularly those involving conflict, crisis, or distressing topics. It offers strategies to support children’s emotional wellbeing, encourage healthy discussions, and provide reassurance in an age-appropriate way.
This resource explores the unique experiences and challenges faced by military families, including relocations, deployments, and family adjustments. It provides insights and practical strategies for both families and educators to ensure strong emotional wellbeing and community support.
This resource answers common questions about the challenges military families face, providing guidance on education, emotional wellbeing, family support, and transition services. It offers practical information to help families access resources and navigate military life with confidence.
This practical guide supports parents and caregivers in sensitively discussing physical injuries, particularly those resulting from military service, with their children. It provides clear strategies to explain injuries, manage emotional responses, and maintain family stability.
This resource offers practical strategies to help parents and guardians sensitively respond to children's fears related to war, conflict, and military deployment. It provides guidance on communicating effectively, offering reassurance, and promoting emotional resilience.
This resource provides creative and engaging activities for military families to remain connected during deployment periods. It offers practical ways to maintain family bonds, foster communication, and support children's emotional wellbeing during separations.
This resource provides practical strategies for parents, guardians, and educators to help children manage anxiety related to military relocations and transitions. Advice has been adapted into Australian English, ensuring relevance for Australian military families.
This webinar provides practical tips and advice to help teenagers successfully adjust to being the new student at middle and high school, addressing common social and emotional challenges. Please note that it was produced in the United States, and some information might differ from the Australian school experience.
This webinar provides practical strategies to support middle and high school-aged children whose parents are veterans, addressing emotional, social, and educational challenges. Please note that this resource was created in the United States, and some information may not fully apply to the Australian context.
This webinar offers strategies and insights to help parents and guardians support their children in effectively managing stress associated with military family life. Please note, it was produced in the United States, and some details may differ in an Australian context.
This podcast provides practical advice for families facing the challenge of moving schools during the school year, addressing common emotional and practical concerns. While it offers valuable insights, listeners should note that it was produced in the United States and some details may differ in the Australian context.
Offers practical advice for parents and guardians on providing effective emotional and practical support to their children growing up in military families. Helps families navigate common challenges such as deployments, relocations, and changing family dynamics.
A practical and compassionate guide designed for parents and caregivers in military families, providing clear strategies to help children understand and manage trauma-related impacts. Offers reassurance and practical advice to maintain family stability and promote emotional resilience.
Offers practical guidance for parents, guardians, and school staff on creating stable, effective family routines during times of change, such as military relocations or deployments. Helps adults support children’s emotional wellbeing through consistency, predictability, and reassurance.
Provides practical strategies for parents, guardians, and school staff on how to sensitively discuss mental health issues with children. Helps adults clearly communicate, reassure children, and provide effective emotional support when mental health concerns arise.
Offers practical guidance for parents, guardians, and school staff on effectively helping children understand and navigate the unique experiences of military family life. Provides strategies for clear communication, reassurance, and emotional support to foster children's resilience and confidence.
Offers practical guidance for parents, guardians, and school staff on how to sensitively discuss family injuries, particularly those related to military service, with children. Provides effective strategies for communicating clearly, reassuring children, and supporting their emotional wellbeing during difficult times.
Equips teachers and school staff with practical strategies to build students' understanding of the unique challenges faced by their peers from military families. Offers insights to create a supportive, empathetic, and inclusive classroom environment.
Provides parents and guardians with practical guidance on how to help their children understand the unique aspects of military family life, such as deployments and relocations. Includes strategies to communicate effectively, fostering emotional resilience and security.
Helps teachers and school staff develop students' understanding of the specific challenges and experiences faced by children from military families. Provides practical strategies for educators to create supportive learning environments that acknowledge and validate these unique experiences.
This resource supports parents and guardians in explaining the unique aspects of military family life to their children. It offers practical strategies to help children better understand deployments, relocations, and other significant family changes.
This resource outlines the unique emotional and behavioural challenges children may face when family situations become difficult, particularly within military families. It provides clear strategies for parents, guardians, and teachers to support and reassure children effectively during times of stress or crisis.
Helps educators understand the mental health challenges often faced by students from military families, equipping them with practical strategies to support emotional wellbeing in the classroom. Highlights the importance of early intervention and creating a mentally healthy school environment.
Provides parents and guardians with practical guidance on recognising signs of mental health concerns in children and young people. Offers supportive strategies to help your child maintain emotional resilience, especially during challenging military-related situations.
This resource guides veterans through the process of considering life after military service, outlining key advantages and potential challenges of transitioning to civilian life. It offers practical advice to help veterans weigh their options and prepare effectively for this significant change.
Leaving military service can present families with both opportunities and challenges, impacting children and family dynamics in various ways. This resource helps parents and guardians thoughtfully consider the advantages and potential difficulties of transitioning to civilian life, focusing especially on the wellbeing of children.
Provides educators with insights into the emotional and social challenges students face when their families transition from military service to civilian life. Includes practical strategies to support students' academic performance, emotional wellbeing, and social integration during this critical adjustment period.
Helps parents and guardians understand and manage the emotional and practical challenges that come with transitioning from military service to civilian life. Offers practical strategies to support your children's wellbeing, stability, and adjustment during this significant change.
Outlines how trauma can affect children and their families, focusing on emotional, behavioural, and relational impacts. Provides educators and families with foundational knowledge to recognise trauma-related responses and support affected children.
Highlights both the positive aspects and potential pitfalls of social media use among military families with young children. Provides practical recommendations to help parents and educators balance social media engagement with family wellbeing and child safety.
Provides an accessible introduction to the challenges military families face during relocations, highlighting the emotional and practical impacts on children and young people. Offers practical advice and strategies for educators and parents to help students adapt smoothly to new environments.
This resource helps educators and school staff understand and identify student behaviours associated with trauma. It provides clear, practical strategies to effectively support and engage students impacted by traumatic experiences.
Equips educators with effective strategies for advocating on behalf of students from military families. Provides practical guidance to ensure students' unique needs are recognised and supported within the school community.
Provides educators and families with practical guidance on connecting military families to local community groups and support services. This resource helps facilitate smoother transitions by linking families with appropriate local networks.
Provides educators with strategies to understand and support students as they navigate the emotional challenges associated with parental reintegration after deployment. Focuses on promoting emotional stability and resilience through sensitive, consistent classroom support.
Guides educators on the emotional dynamics students experience when reuniting with family members after extended separation due to military deployment. Offers practical tips to help students transition emotionally back to family routines.
Identifies common communication challenges educators face when partnering with military families. Offers practical strategies to build stronger, trusting, and more effective family-school relationships.
Offers educators clear strategies to handle sensitive or difficult conversations with students, particularly related to military family experiences. Empowers teachers to respond with empathy, fostering supportive classroom environments.
This resource offers guidance on using age-appropriate, reassuring communication to help children navigate deployments, relocations, and separations with confidence and resilience. Explore practical strategies for fostering open, supportive conversations that promote understanding and emotional well-being.
This resource provides practical insights on supporting education, friendships, interests, health, family connections, and community engagement — empowering children to adapt with confidence and strength.
This resource explores vulnerabilities, risks of adversity, and effective strategies to help military-connected children adapt, thrive, and maintain emotional well-being through change.
The Education Backpack is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs is a consolidated collection of evidence-based resources, carefully curated in collaboration with The Insight Centre and leading researchers across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the USA. This platform provides practical tools for educators to support students in military families, guidance for parents and guardians navigating school transitions and challenges, and accessible resources for children and young people to help them adapt and thrive.
Designed to grow and evolve, the Education Backpack ensures that as new research emerges and additional high-quality resources are identified, the platform will continue to expand. This adaptability allows educators and families to access the most current and effective materials to support children.
“Resolute Ready supports military personnel, veterans, and their families by increasing awareness of support services available to them, including those provided through Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS). Our focus is on early intervention, education, and wellbeing resources that address service‑related trauma, transition challenges, and family wellbeing”. DMFS
We would also like to acknowledge the researchers and contributors who’s knowledge and support have helped bring the Digital Education Backpack together.
| Dr Marg Rogers Senior Lecturer in Education, University of New England; Research Fellow, Manna Institute, NSW, Australia |
Dr Amanda Eng Senior Research Officer, Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Professor Nicola Fear CBE King’s College London (UK) |
Ms Shanika Jayasinghe Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Dr Karen May Head of THRF Group – MESHA |
Professor Sharon Lawn College of Medicine and Public Health & Lived Experience and Co-design Lead for Open Door Initiative at Flinders University, South Australia, Australia |
| Dr Associate Professor Vanessa M. Jacoby Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UT Health San Antonio |
Dr Anna Denejkina Associate Director, The Insight Centre, NSW, Australia |
| Dr Heidi Cramm Associate Professor, Queen’s University; Families Advisor, Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research |
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