Lynn Chwatsky has been overseeing the Sesame Workshop’s initiatives with military families since 2006.

When we think about the challenges of military life, we sometimes forget the transitions the youngest members of our military families go through. Our service members’ young children are faced with a number of uniquely difficult circumstances: repeated relocation, the deployment of a parent, homecomings, injuries, even the death of a parent – to name a few. For years, Sesame Workshop has been providing resources that help both military parents and their children stay resilient during those trying transitions. Now, those bilingual (English and Spanish) resources are available on our new, free military families mobile application.

	A Backpack Journalist Hannah Rauhut poses with retired Sgt. Maj. Sam Rhodes, founder of Wounded Warrior Horsemanship program. (Courtesy photo)

Military kid Hannah Rauhut was given an assignment: create a multimedia presentation about a topic that was important to her. While some 13-year-old students might use the opportunity to discuss anything on their minds (my own “groundbreaking” middle school presentation addressed what brand of chocolate chips make for a tastier cookie), Rauhut had a more passionate approach — educate her peers on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Her presentation included facts, a video she made of the local Wounded Warrior Horsemanship program and a live interview with founder retired Sgt. Maj. Sam Rhodes on coping with PTSD. Not only did Rauhut get a perfect score and gratitude from her enlightened classmates, she’s now raising awareness nationwide as a journalist for A Backpack Journalist, a program that teaches military youth about resilience through creative expression. I spoke with Rauhut about the significance of raising awareness of PTSD, especially for youth.

	U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios

While families gear up for trips to the beach, picnics or outdoor fun this summer, some military families face an even bigger adventure — relocating to a new community. Permanent change of station (PCS) transitions from one duty station to another, many of which happen during summer, are a part of military life. Yet saying goodbye to friends and support networks, making new friends or fitting in at a new school are experiences that can be stressful on a military family, particularly children.

We asked Cmdr. Wanda Finch, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury family and community program manager, for tips on how families can communicate and prepare for a move, stay resilient and adjust successfully.

	Kindergartners from the Child Development Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., wave flags during a parade to celebrate the Army’s 234th birthday. (U.S. Army photo by Prudence Siebert)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) is paying tribute to children with their annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day May 9. Themed “Heroes of Hope,” the day promotes support and progress of children’s mental health, and includes an exhibit featuring artwork from students and an evening program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The event also complements activities occurring across the country to support the mental health needs of children.

Since 1994, SAMSHA’s “Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health” effort has increased public awareness around children’s mental health issues. And this year’s theme not only recognizes children and youth who have demonstrated resilience after traumatic events, but also heroes of hope — caring adults who helped them enhance their resilience. In support of children’s mental health, SAMSHA is highlighting resources, tools and activities to help children cope and gain resilience as they navigate through challenges.

	A Backpack Journalists Emarah Cousar (left) and Kat Boynton (right) pose with Navy Capt. Paul Hammer, DCoE director, at the fourth annual Warrior Resilience Conference in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Linda Dennis/A Backpack Journalist)

You or I might have hesitated approaching top military leaders at the fourth annual Warrior Resilience Conference, hosted by Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), but 16-year-old journalist Kat Boynton was up for the task.

“I can be eye-to-eye with a three-star general and have a conversation and the confidence to speak well and present myself,” said Kat.

Boynton, whose Army National Guard father and brother have both deployed, reported on the conference with A Backpack Journalist, a program that teaches resilience to military kids through journalism, photography, writing, music and other creative forms of expression. She attributes her assurance and ability to talk to people with taking part in the program.