Activities and Crafts for Kids Missing a Deployed Parent

When a parent is deployed, the time apart can be challenging for children of all ages. Engaging in activities and crafts can help kids cope with their emotions and feel connected to their parent, even from afar. Here are some creative and meaningful ideas tailored to different age groups: toddlers, young children, and teens.

For Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

1. Handprint Art:

• Activity: Help your toddler create handprint art on paper or canvas.

• Materials Needed: Non-toxic paint, paper or canvas, and a paintbrush.

• How to Do It: Dip your child’s hand in paint and press it onto the paper or canvas. Let it dry and then write a message to the deployed parent, such as “Thinking of You” or “Miss You.”

2. Photo Albums:

• Activity: Create a simple photo album filled with pictures of the deployed parent.

• Materials Needed: Small photo album, printed photos, and stickers.

• How to Do It: Assemble the album with your toddler, letting them help place the photos and decorate with stickers. This way, they have a special book to look at whenever they miss their parent.

3. Video Messages:

• Activity: Record short video messages or songs for the deployed parent.

• Materials Needed: A smartphone or camera.

• How to Do It: Capture your toddler’s messages or little performances and send them to the deployed parent. It will be a heartwarming surprise and a keepsake for both parent and child.

For Young Children (Ages 4-8)

1. Deployment Countdown Calendar:

• Activity: Create a countdown calendar to mark the days until the parent returns.

• Materials Needed: Calendar template, markers, stickers, and construction paper.

• How to Do It: Design a calendar with your child, marking significant days and adding fun activities to each day. Use stickers to count down to the day the parent returns.

2. Letter Writing and Drawing:

• Activity: Write letters or draw pictures to send to the deployed parent.

• Materials Needed: Paper, envelopes, stamps, crayons, and markers.

• How to Do It: Encourage your child to write letters or draw pictures regularly. These personal touches mean a lot to the parent and help the child express their feelings.

3. Memory Jar:

• Activity: Create a memory jar filled with notes and small objects.

• Materials Needed: A jar, paper, pens, and small mementos.

• How to Do It: Write down happy memories or messages on slips of paper and place them in the jar. Include small objects that remind the child of their parent. The jar can be opened and shared when the parent returns.

For Teens (Ages 13-18)

1. Scrapbooking:

• Activity: Create a scrapbook documenting family moments and personal achievements.

• Materials Needed: Scrapbook, printed photos, decorative paper, stickers, and adhesive.

• How to Do It: Teens can take charge of designing and assembling a scrapbook. This project allows them to reflect on memories and share their life with their deployed parent in a meaningful way.

2. Care Packages:

• Activity: Assemble care packages with personal items and treats.

• Materials Needed: A box, packing materials, non-perishable snacks, and personal items.

• How to Do It: Teens can curate a care package with items they know their parent will appreciate. Include letters, photos, and small gifts to show they are thinking of their parent.

3. Journaling:

• Activity: Keep a journal to document feelings and experiences.

• Materials Needed: A journal or notebook and pens.

• How to Do It: Encourage teens to write regularly in a journal. This can be a therapeutic way to manage their emotions and serve as a collection of thoughts and stories to share when their parent returns.

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About the Author:

Tricia Stone-Shumaker is a renowned speech pathologist with a deep background in speech therapy and early intervention. Growing up in a military family with her father as a Lt Commander in the U.S. Navy, Tricia experienced military deployment firsthand as a child. This personal connection extends into her adult life, as she has also said goodbye to her own sons prior to their deployments to faraway lands. Tricia’s unique perspective and experiences inspire her work and writing, particularly her focus on supporting military families.

Her recent book, “As Much As the Stars,” co-authored with her sons Forrest and Skylar, addresses the heart-wrenching goodbyes families must face when a loved one is deployed. Both Forrest and Skylar are active-duty military service members who contributed to the book during their deployments. This heartfelt narrative aims to bring comfort and understanding to military families, reflecting the dedication and love Tricia has for her community.

Tricia is also the driving force behind the blog “As Much As the Stars,” where she shares valuable resources, stories, and activities designed to support children and parents through the challenges of military life.