Dealing with other people's reactions to your parent's death can be difficult. Many people just don't know what to say. Your peers who haven't had this experience may avoid talking about it or treat you differently than before. Although you can't change their reactions, talking to your family or in a support group can help you figure out the best way for you to deal with other people's reactions.

Many military kids also face the reaction that their parent died "needlessly" or that the war is wrong. This can be upsetting as you know that your parent was committed to serving his country no matter what the circumstances. You may find relief from these feelings by talking to other military kids who have gone through the death of a parent.