Empathetic communication allows for deeper connections, clearer communication, and trust-building for stronger relationships. For service providers, professional goals often include understanding people’s experiences, accessing needs, and providing personalized treatment plans and services.

Working in a high-stress environment requires the use of stress-management techniques to mitigate long-term stress impacts on a service member’s body, mind, and relationships. One such strategy that you can use daily in your work with military families is mindfulness. The Mayo Clinic describes mindfulness as a meditation practice to increase awareness of yourself, and your feelings and emotions in the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness reduces stress by incorporating breathing methods to relax the body and mind.

While financial literacy is paramount, families also should look for ways to manage their collective resources. These range from: time and energy, to personal belongings and the spaces in our homes, to relationships.  By managing our resources wisely, we are inadvertently managing our stress levels and mental health.

Breast milk is recommended as the best source of nutrition for infants. It is safe and contains important nutrients necessary for infant growth and development.