All members of a military family serve, including military children. That’s why in April during Month of the Military Child, the Red Cross focuses on the unique needs of military children. According to the Department of Defense, there are 1.6 million U.S. military children worldwide and on average they move locations three times more than non-military children.

When a U.S. service member takes the oath to enlist, their entire family is affected. Being a military kid is not always easy, they experience the challenges of frequent moves, multiple schools, making new friends, parental separation and, in some cases, loss of a parent. For a military child, understanding how to cope with these unique life changes and building natural resiliency is key.

“Without focused support and resources, military children could face social and emotional challenges,” said Emily Woodford, program specialist for the Red Cross Northwest Region Service to the Armed Forces. “They may have difficulty understanding and adjusting. Military kids also report elevated stressors and often experience depression and anxiety making it essential to provide them support.”

In partnership with local libraries, Woodford has developed healing arts workshops throughout the month of April for youth in western Washington. The workshops feature different activities, including woodburning, hydro dipping, and ‘dandelions and dogs’ events, where Red Cross therapy dogs will be present to interact with attendees.

“It’s about community connection,” Woodford said. “These workshops give our Red Cross staff and volunteers a chance to interact with military kids in a calming and supportive environment.”

For military children, healing art can be especially beneficial due to the unique challenges they face, such as frequent relocations, parental deployment, and the stress of military life. Engaging in artistic activities provides youth with a constructive way to process emotions, express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize, and build resilience. Art can also foster a sense of stability, boost self-esteem, and create opportunities for connection with peers who share similar experiences.

Upcoming events and details are listed below:

Interim Lakewood Pierce County Library

Address: 10202 Gravelly Lake Drive SW

Event: Dandelions & Dogs
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Description: Create dandelion art while surrounded and supported by Red Cross therapy dogs and their handlers.

DuPont Pierce County Library

Address: 1540 Wilmington Drive

Event: Dandelions & Dogs
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Description: Create dandelion art while surrounded and supported by Red Cross therapy dogs and their handlers.

Sumner Pierce County Library

Address: 1116 Fryar Ave, Sumner, WA 98390

Event: Healing Arts Workshop
Dates: April 7, 21, 28
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Learn more about these events by contacting Emily Woodford at emily.woodford@redcross.org or (253) 345- 8031.

OUR COMMITMENT NEVER WAIVERS The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service. Learn more about our work to support the military community in the Northwest Region. 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.