Substance Use, Stigma, and Recovery: Trends in Military Contexts

About This Series

This series explores the latest trends in drug, alcohol, and substance use affecting military families. Included in the conversations are the impact of stigma and strategies for supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders (SUD). Designed for military family service providers, such as mental health professionals and financial counselors, this series provides the latest research and valuable resources to enhance your support for families.

Drug Trends in Military Adults: Essential Insights for Mental Health Professionals

On-Demand

This webinar provides a broad overview of the most recent data on emerging drug trends among adult populations in the United States. Topics covered include the status of the opioid/fentanyl epidemic, changes in cocaine and methamphetamine use and consequences, and alcohol and vaping product trends, specifically marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids. Over-the-counter drugs that are currently being sold for recreational use are discussed.

Drug Trends and Impacts on Military Adults: Practical Suggestions for Professionals

On-Demand

This session creates a deeper conversation into the challenges faced by military service members and their families related to current drug trends. The cumulative effects of deployments on mental health and the potential relationship between substance use will be discussed. Conversation will include how stigma associated with drug use in military culture can influence experience, and how this affects treatment seeking.

Building Recovery Capital with Military Families

On-Demand

Substance use disorders remain a concern for many service members. This webinar examines how substance use disorders can affect all five domains of military family well-being. Participants will be able to identify Extension tools designed to bolster financial management capability for individuals in SUD recovery.

Prevention Strategies for Youth Substance Misuse

On-Demand

Substance use disorders among youth are a growing concern. This session is designed for professionals working with military families seeking to enhance their ability to support prevention and early intervention. Strengthening parent-child communication will be a key focus of this session.

More from the Blog

Filter

All

Updated Medical Nutrition Therapy Approaches for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Algorithms, Evidence, and Counseling Tips

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits involving diarrhea, constipation, or both. These symptoms may occur without visible signs of structural damage or disease in the digestive tract (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2024).

Military Consumer Protection: Equipping Service Providers to Protect Those Who Serve

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2026), military consumers reported $584 million in fraud losses in 2024. This breaks down to more than 99,000 fraud reports and 38,000 identity theft reports submitted, with a median loss of $700 per instance. These losses often exceed those experienced by the general…

Male Caregivers and the Transition to Adulthood

The years following high school is a critical period for young adults with disabilities as they transition into employment, post-secondary education, adult services, and independent living. Male caregivers can play a valuable role in helping young adults identify goals, access supports, and build the skills needed for adulthood.

Cyberbullying Safety Strategies for Kids and Teens

Although traditional bullying behaviors encompass physical threats and harm, cyberbullying behaviors share many of the same instances of harm that take place. Cyberbullying is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully someone, typically by sending intimidating or threatening messages (American Psychological Association, 2022). Being a victim of cyberbullying…

Building Resilience Through Interviewing Skills

Strong interviewing skills do more than help you land a job—they build confidence, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenging situations with professionalism. With preparation and practice, interviews become opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to overcome. In this blog, we share practical strategies for succeeding in both in-person and…

What Nutrition Professionals Need to Know About Continuous Glucose Monitors (for Non-Diabetic Use)

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are becoming popular tools for understanding how food, activity, sleep, and stress influence blood sugar levels. While they offer valuable insights into individual responses and personalized nutrition, their use outside of diabetes care requires careful interpretation. In this blog, we explore the benefits, limitations, and practical…

Spouse Employment Resource Guide

Military spouses often face career challenges due to frequent relocations, licensing barriers, and other demands of military life. Fortunately, a growing network of programs and resources is available to support employment, education, professional development, and entrepreneurship. In this blog, we highlight national and state-level resources that can help military spouses…

Male Caregivers Guiding Teens with Disabilities Toward Adulthood

Male caregivers play an important role in helping adolescents with disabilities develop life skills, self-confidence, communication abilities, and readiness for adulthood. Research suggests that positive caregiver involvement during adolescence may strengthen social-emotional growth and help youth navigate increasing expectations across school, work, home, and community settings.

Strengthening Financial Readiness Across Deployment Cycles

Deployment is more than a logistical transition; it is a financial turning point for many military families. Shifts in income, changes in financial responsibilities, and increased uncertainty can create stress before, during, and after deployment. In this blog, we explore the unique financial challenges military families face throughout the deployment…

Stationed Here, Licensed Here: SCRA Spouse Licensure Portability Made Simple

A recent $3 million-dollar settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of Georgia is drawing national attention to alleged violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) involving professional licensing barriers for military families. In this blog, we break down what these protections mean, who qualifies, and…

Using Wonder to Defuse Cynicism in Long-Running Initiatives

Written by: Jessica BeckendorfIf you’ve been part of a long‑running initiative, you have probably experienced cynicism at one point or another. Maybe it’s in a quiet eye‑roll when a “new” strategy sounds like a remix of the last one, or maybe you’ve heard the occasional “we already tried that.” Cynicism…

The Role of Empathy in Effective Support for Understanding Military Family Needs

In this blog, we explore the role of empathy in service provision, military leadership, and everyday interactions, while introducing practical tools like the PUN (Presence, Understanding, Needs-guesses) framework. Learn how developing empathy can foster stronger communication, deeper understanding, and more effective support for individuals and families.

Nutritional Implications of GLP-1 Medications

In this blog, we explore how GLP-1 medications influence dietary intake, why nutrition monitoring matters, and the role of dietitians in supporting long-term health outcomes. Learn how combining medication with personalized nutrition care can help individuals achieve sustainable success while protecting overall nutritional well-being.

Honoring Military Spouses: Moving from Appreciation to Action

Military spouses continue to face persistent unemployment and underemployment despite being highly educated, skilled, and motivated to work. This blog explores the latest research, the growing recognition of spouse employment as a readiness issue, and how service providers can better support military spouses through informed, strategic action.

Beyond the Handshake: 5 Ways to Build Collaborative Initiatives That Work

Big initiatives rarely fail from lack of commitment—they break down in the messy middle, where vision meets the realities of complex systems. In loosely connected partnerships, misaligned priorities, timelines, and power dynamics reveal that the challenge is often one of design, not dedication. In this blog, we explore five practical…

Male Caregivers: Anchors in Middle School Years

The transition to middle school is a critical period in youth development as children experience increased independence, new academic expectations, and changing social relationships. Continued male caregiver involvement during this stage can support adolescents’ overall development, including academic, emotional, and social growth.

Precision Nutrition and Its Emerging Role in Clinical Practice

“Eat this, not that” isn’t always enough—nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this blog, we explore how precision nutrition uses genetics, lifestyle, and microbiome data to tailor dietary guidance for more effective, individualized care. We also highlight its growing role in managing chronic disease, enhancing performance, and shaping the future of dietetics…

Balancing Duty and Family: The Childcare Challenge for Military Families

Military families continue to face challenges in accessing reliable, affordable, and high-quality childcare, which directly impacts spouse employment, financial stability, and overall family readiness. Despite the availability of supported programs and community-based options; the frequent relocations, the long waitlists, and the system complexity often make access to childcare difficult. Addressing…

Building Financial Capability With Military Families

Financial strain among service members is rising, but early financial education and practical tools can help prevent crises and strengthen both family well-being and mission readiness. By guiding families through assessments, spending awareness, and military-specific budgeting strategies, service providers can support long-term financial stability. In this blog, learn actionable strategies…

Strengthening Male Caregiver Engagement in Schools

Fathers and other male caregivers have an important role in the development and academic success of their children. In this blog we explain the importance of father involvement, barriers to father involvement, and strategies school personnel can use to enhance father engagement.

Food Insecurity and IPV: Turning Insight Into Action

This blog post cover integrating IPV-informed care so providers can address not only immediate food access concerns, but also strengthen safety, enhance family stability, and promote long-term well-being.

The Local Pivot: Shaping Readiness Where You Are

In this blog post, we explore how small, intentional “local pivots” can strengthen the Military Family Readiness System by turning existing community resources into meaningful support for military families. It highlights how real impact starts within your own circle—through connection, collaboration, and action.

From Connections to Careers: How Family Readiness Providers Can Strengthen Employer Partnerships

Military spouses often feel reliant upon temporary jobs or word-of-mouth opportunities after a PCS, which may meet short-term needs but rarely support long-term career growth. Family Readiness Providers can help bridge this gap by building partnerships with local employers, highlighting the strengths of military spouse talent, and connecting communities with…

Building Healthier Military Communities: Strategies for Dietitians Across All Settings

In this blog, we explore actionable strategies dietitians can use to better support military service members and their families across clinical, community, and virtual settings. From addressing food insecurity and navigating military culture to building collaborative partnerships, this post highlights practical approaches to strengthening nutrition support and promoting healthier military…

Strong Starts with Male Caregivers

Male caregivers play a unique and essential role in early childhood development, influencing children’s cognitive, social, emotional, motor, and communication development. For children with varying developmental abilities, intentional engagement with other male caregivers through play, daily routines, and early intervention (EI) can enhance learning and strengthen family well-being. This involvement…

Teaching Bill Negotiation as a Financial Skill

In this blog, we explore how bill negotiation can serve as a practical and empowering financial skill for service members and their families. Bill negotiation is an often-overlooked strategy that can create immediate breathing room in a household budget — without cutting services or opening new accounts. By preparing ahead,…

Food Insecurity and Its Connection to IPV in Military Communities

Food insecurity among military-connected families is more than a nutrition issue — it is a stability and readiness concern. With roughly one in four military households affected, the stress of unmet basic needs can strain mental health, family functioning, and overall well-being. This blog post covers the foundations of food…

Building Resilience Through Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is more than fixing what’s broken—it’s a core skill for staying calm, thinking clearly, and adapting when challenges show up at work or in training. This blog breaks down the difference between everyday and professional problem-solving, offers simple reflection and practice tools, and shares strategies for providers to teach…

Trust as Invisible Infrastructure: Five Dimensions That Shape Collective Action

Collective action doesn’t rise or fall on org charts or agreements—it depends on the invisible infrastructure of trust. Drawing on our Practicing Connection podcast series, this blog post explores five dimensions of trust that shape whether people feel they belong, speak honestly, follow through, care for one another, and honor…

Nutrition and Sleep: Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship Between Diet and Sleep Health

Nutrition and sleep are more connected than you might think. In this blog, we explore how what we eat can influence how we sleep — and how sleep patterns, in turn, affect dietary choices and overall health. It’s a bidirectional relationship with meaningful implications for wellbeing.

Supporting Military Spouse Employment: Cognitive Information Processing Career Theory

Military spouses face frequent relocations, systemic barriers, and emotional strain, making career growth challenging. This post explores how cognitive information processing (CIP) theory offers an evidence-based framework for addressing both the practical and psychological dimensions of career decision-making. By integrating structure, self-knowledge, and emotional awareness, CIP provides career practitioners with…

Financial Secrets in Relationships: Implications for Counselors and Financial Educators

Financial secrecy, whether it’s hidden debt, undisclosed spending, or secret savings, can be a source of conflict in relationships, creating rifts that spill into financial and therapeutic counseling sessions. When couples avoid discussing money or start keeping financial secrets, the consequences can have ripple effects in other areas of their…

Spouses on the Frontline: Battling Depression in the Fight for Employment

Employment challenges faced by military spouses can significantly affect mental health, with research showing higher rates of depressive symptoms among those who are unemployed or underemployed. This blog explores how frequent relocations, military-related stress, and barriers to employment intersect—and highlights resources that can help support spouses’ well-being.

Building Resilience Through Teamwork Skills

Teamwork is about more than working with others; it’s about building cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility. When you can reliably contribute to a team, you build confidence. That confidence helps you bounce back from challenges. In other words, strong teamwork supports resilience. In many workplaces, jobs aren’t done alone. Employers…

The New Student Welcome Wagon: Creating a Positive School Environment for Military Kids

Moving on average every 2-3 years, military kids face change quite often (DOD, 2023). These changes are often familiar, yet uniquely challenging. One of these often familiar changes is military family relocation to a new military installation, a new community, and a new school. Changes like these lead to the…

Ten Tips for Buying a Car

Some purchases are considered “big ticket,” meaning they cost more than a single paycheck. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2025), service members often borrow more, put less down, pay higher APRs, and take longer loan terms than the general population. Explore ten tips to guide service members through…

Key Takeaways: Supporting the Employment of Foreign-Born & OCONUS Military Spouses

This post-webinar recap highlights a recent session focused on expanding global talent by improving employment opportunities for foreign-born and OCONUS military spouses. Participants—including service providers, career counselors, and community leaders—examined the unique challenges these spouses encounter and explored practical, locally informed strategies to address them. The discussion emphasized how strong…

Playful Approaches to Team Building: Creating Meaningful Connections Across Groups

One of the biggest challenges when working with various groups of stakeholders lies in different ways of approaching problems and interests. Some people want to dive right in and get things done, without discussion. Some want to get to know one another and figure out the best approach. Others just…

Bridging Differences to Promote Middle School Friendships

Friendship and belonging are essential for middle school students (grades 6-9), shaping their well-being, identity formation, and academic engagement (Tsou et al., 2024). For neurodiverse youth, including children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities, structured opportunities to connect meaningfully with peers can reduce loneliness and enhance participation in a…

Key Estate Planning Tools for Military Families

Amid the day-to-day demands of military service and family life, estate planning can easily fall off the radar. But taking time to plan now can prevent unnecessary stress later and give families the confidence that their wishes will be honored, even in unexpected situations.

Building Resilience Through Communication Skills

Good communication is more than just talking. It’s about listening, expressing yourself clearly, and showing respect. In the workplace, strong communication builds trust with coworkers and supervisors. It also helps reduce misunderstandings that can cause stress.

Friendships That Build Belonging for Every Child

Friendship in the elementary years is more than just playing together; it is the foundation of feeling included and valued. Research shows that intentional opportunities for connection help all children, including neurodiverse students, build friendships while developing socially and academically (Biggs et al., 2023, 2025; McFadden et al., 2014).

Youth Sexting and the Changing Landscape of Teen Dating Culture

As the landscape of youth dating culture continues to shift, sexting has become an increasingly prevalent practice amongst adolescents (Madigan et al., 2018). As sexting becomes more common practice among younger groups, it is important to note that associations between sexting, sexual behavior, and other mental health vulnerability factors were…

Unlocking Global Talent: Empowering Foreign-Born & OCONUS Military Spouses in Today’s Workforce

Military spouses stationed overseas or navigating life in a new country face complex, often overlooked employment barriers. With the proper tools, strong partnerships, and effective programming, we can turn these trends around and create clear pathways to career success for every military spouse. Seize this chance to play a role…

Celebrating National 4-H Week: Strengthening Military Families Through Partnership

Every October, National 4-H Week brings attention to the positive impact 4-H has on youth, families, and communities across the nation. Rooted in leadership, service, and hands-on learning, 4-H equips young people with the skills they need to thrive. For military families, this mission carries an even deeper meaning.

Unraveling Correlation, Causation, and Autism

Conversations around autism and neurodiversity continue to take place among researchers, practitioners, family members and the broader community. With this comes increased interest in having information that is thoughtful, accurate, and grounded in research. Over the years, we have highlighted different aspects of autism, and in this blog post we…

Strengthening Collaboration Through Co-Creation

How do you solve problems when working with people who have different goals? Discover unexpected solutions through co-creation.

Supporting Military-Connected Teens: Preventing and Addressing Substance Misuse

Military-connected teens grow up with remarkable strengths, including resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. At the same time, the unique challenges they face, such as frequent relocations, deployment cycles, and concerns for a parent’s safety, may increase the likelihood of turning to substances.

Strengthening Military-Connected Teens Through 4-H and DOD Partnerships

Military-connected youth face unique challenges that can hinder their growth—but with the right support, they can thrive. Through a powerful partnership between 4-H and the Department of Defense, these young people are gaining consistent, research-based opportunities to build resilience, develop leadership skills, and shape their futures with confidence—no matter where…

Financial Preparedness is Disaster Preparedness

One important aspect of financial readiness is being prepared for the unexpected, and that includes natural disasters. With frequent relocations to diverse locations both within the continental United States (CONUS) and outside the continental United States (OCONUS), military families make homes in a variety of locales, each with potential for…

Nutrient Deficiencies and the Mind: The Mental Health Consequences of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a global public health crisis affecting millions of people, impacting not only physical health but also mental well-being. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 828 million people were undernourished in 2021, a number that has grown due to rising food and economic crises (FAO, 2022),…

Empowering Caregivers Through Support, Resources, and Policy: What Providers Can Do

Caregiving in the U.S. is evolving rapidly, and providers play a critical role in ensuring caregivers are equipped, supported, and connected to the right resources. Building on the insights from Caregiving in the U.S., 2025, this blog focuses on how providers can take action, from leveraging technology and expanding respite care to connecting…

Getting Started with Coaching in the Context of Routines and Activities

Caregiver coaching is promoted in the field of early intervention to enhance caregivers’ ability to promote their children’s development and learning. In our last blog, we provided an overview of the coaching model in early intervention and provided resources for more information. In this blog we focus on getting started…

Policy Initiatives to Better Support Military Families

Frequent relocations, limited access to childcare, and job inflexibility continue to make stable employment elusive for military spouses, impacting not just individuals but the resilience of entire families. New state policy initiatives from the Defense State Liaison Office (DSLO) aim to ease these burdens. Just as crucial are support systems…

The Power of Social Connection in Military Youth: Part 2

ilitary youth who live on base go to school with other youth who are also military-connected, making them inevitably able to relate to each other and understand many of each other’s unique experiences. For military families who live off base, it can sometimes be harder for youth to connect, due…

Understanding Military Culture: A Foundation for Youth Development Programs

Military families may experience unique challenges and transitions that deeply influence their day-to-day lives, and these experiences often shape how military-connected youth engage with their communities (Belin, 2025). For Extension professionals and other providers working in youth development, having an understanding of military culture is important for designing and implementing…

Financial Building Blocks for the Neurodivergent Young Person

While building financial skills can be daunting for anyone (at any age), neurodivergence can create unique considerations when learning and acquiring these financial literacy skills. Teaching new skills – whether financial or otherwise – should incorporate individual strengths.

A Coaching Model in Early Intervention: What’s That?

Early Intervention (EI) programs serve families of young children (birth through 36 months) who have delays and disabilities. These services are mandated by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (2004) and are required to include families in service planning and delivery. Recent movements in early intervention have…

Understanding the Caregiving Landscape in 2025: Key Trends Providers Need to Know

Family caregivers remain an essential piece of the U.S. healthcare system, providing unpaid support to loved ones while juggling personal, financial, and professional responsibilities. According to Caregiving in the U.S., 2025, nearly 63 million Americans, about one in four adults, now serve as caregivers, marking a 45% increase since 2015 (AARP & NAC, 2025).

Ready to Work, Ready for Change: Insights from the 2024 Active-Duty Spouse Survey

Data from the 2024 Active-Duty Spouse Survey reveal a complex picture of progress and persistent barriers for military families. While more spouses are joining the labor force, high unemployment and underemployment remain, worsened by frequent PCS moves and limited access to affordable childcare. These challenges underscore a critical truth: supporting…

Anti-Obesity Medications: What the Science Says About Their Effectiveness, Safety, and Role in Obesity Management

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, and multifactorial condition that significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer (Blüher, 2019; Bray, Kim, Wilding, & World Obesity Federation, 2017).

The Power of Social Connection in Military Youth: Part 1

This blog post focuses on the family unit as a social support system for military-connected youth.

Teamwork Makes the Learning Work

When working with children and families, it is critical for professionals to recognize that family members and caregivers are the experts on their children. A child learns and experiences important aspects of life, such as first words, first steps, family culture and values, and a feeling of belonging, through interactions…

Understanding Military Spouse Domicile

Service providers around the country are uniquely positioned to connect with and support our nation’s military spouses where they live, work, and raise their children. Understanding how domicile is established is essential for helping military spouses navigate residency and tax issues.

Family Meals are Important for Health and Well-Being

Families play a key role in how kids first learn to interact with others (Maccoby, 2007) and develop eating habits that can last a lifetime (Scaglioni et al., 2018).

Supporting Military Families Through Recreation and Leisure: Insights for Care Providers

Each year, approximately 200,000 U.S. military service members and veterans transition to civilian life, and as many as 62% experience challenges during this reintegration period (Romaniuk et al., 2020; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2023).

Standing Strong: Understanding the Mental Health Needs of Military-Connected Youth

Military youth experience a unique lifestyle, which can sometimes cause significant stress and be difficult for others who are not military-connected to understand. Three specific factors have been identified in research as unique stressors endured by military youth: frequent moving, extended parental separations, and physical and mental health risks experienced…

Navigating Employment: The Unique Challenges Faced by Military Spouses

Military spouses often find themselves battling on the employment front, working to secure and maintain careers while managing the unique lifestyle demands of military life. Despite these challenges, there are positive strides being made to support military spouses in their employment journey through in person and virtual employment readiness services.

Teach. Connect. Repair. The Heart of Student Relationships

Children, teens, and adolescents develop many relationships as they grow. One common relationship is with teachers and other education professionals. It is vital that teachers and school professionals create positive relationships with all students, maintain those positive relationships, and continuously work towards improving teacher-student dynamics.

Teaching with Heart: How Relationships Drive Student Outcomes

Students spend significant time with teachers and other education-related professionals over the course of their life, from as early as age three throughout adolescence and even into young adulthood. Leading to an important question: What sort of impact can teachers and education-related professionals have on students, and how may these…

Equipping Families to Thrive Outdoors – Practical Tools and Programs

Written by: Nicole RawlinsonEvery transition brings its own set of challenges, but it’s the practical steps that help military families feel anchored amid change. In this final post, we share a series of actionable suggestions and resources that service providers can use to help families make the most of nature’s…

Defending Your Digital Life: Cybersecurity Strategies for Military Families

Military families rely on electronic devices to help manage their lives. Whether it’s connecting with a deployed service member, staying in touch with friends from prior duty stations, attending virtual classes, working remotely, or even something simple like ordering groceries online, devices are constantly in use. Explore ten proactive steps…

Building Resilient Futures: How Youth-Adult Partnerships Empower Military-Connected Teens

Written by: Rachel Brauner Military-connected youth face challenges that many of their peers do not—frequent relocations, parental deployments, and the emotional toll of uncertainty (Bello‐Utu & DeSocio, 2015; Esposito-Smythers et al., 2011).While these experiences can foster strength, they can also strain a young person’s development. That’s where youth development programs…

Transitions and Triumphs: Helping Military-Connected Youth Thrive

Written by: Maddie Seper, Crystal Williams, Ph.D., & Robyn DiPietro, Ed.M.Throughout childhood and adolescence, all students experience many changes and transitions. However, military-connected youth are a population that experiences unique changes over the course of their lives. According to the Military Child Education Coalition (2017), military-connected students move a vast…

Stress-Management and Mindfulness Techniques for Military Service Members and Their Families

Working in a high-stress environment requires the use of stress-management techniques to mitigate long-term adverse 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…

Chronic Kidney Disease

Think of your kidneys as the bouncers at the trendiest club in your body. They decide who gets to stay in (the good stuff) and who gets kicked out (the waste). But if the bouncers stop doing their job, things go awry.

New Study Sheds Light on Veterans’ Mental Health Needs in Border Communities

Written by: Rachel Brauner Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for any veteran, but for those living along the U.S.–Mexico border, the hurdles are uniquely complex. A recent study published in Healthcare, shines a critical light on the mental health challenges and barriers veterans face in these underserved areas…

Budget and Business Plan Resources for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Military spouse entrepreneurs face unique financial and logistical challenges due to frequent relocations. Traditional business resources often don’t fully address their unique circumstances. As a service provider, you can make a powerful impact by offering tailored tools and guidance that help them build portable, financially sound businesses from the start.

Launching into Adulthood: Equipping Military Teens with Protective Factors for Success

Consider the experiences of a military-connected teen: one day, they might be deeply rooted in a community, and the next, they are adapting to a new school system in a different state, simultaneously navigating new social dynamics and the emotional complexities of a parent's deployment. These multifaceted experiences, while fostering…

Supporting Parents Through Youth Problem Behaviors

This blog discusses support for parents children are impacted by or exhibiting problematic behaviors, such as bullying behaviors.

The Therapeutic Role of Companion Animals in Promoting Healthy Aging Among Older Adults

Written by: Austin B. Byrd, DVM, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University As we grow older, maintaining our health—physically, emotionally, and mentally—becomes more important than ever. For many older adults, companion animals like dogs and cats are more than just pets, they’re lifelines that provide comfort, purpose, and joy.…

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the process of feeding an infant with milk from the breasts. All post-pregnancy female mammals, including humans, undergo lactation, the production of milk from the mammary glands to feed a newborn (Capuco & Akers, 2009). Breast milk is produced naturally under the control of hormones.

Promoting Healthy Nutrition Amid Economic Challenges

Financial challenges significantly affect families' ability to ensure adequate nutrition. This can often manifest as food insecurity, a social or economic condition of uncertain access to food.

FY25 NDAA: Key Wins for Military Families and Spouses

The FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) marks a pivotal step in enhancing the quality of life for military families by prioritizing housing, childcare, and career support for spouses. With key investments aimed at stability and opportunity, the NDAA recognizes that resilient military families are essential to a ready and…

Supporting Military Caregivers After Caregiving Ends: A Look at Health-Related Quality of Life

Written by: Rachel Brauner Military caregivers play a critical role in supporting service members and veterans (SMVs), often assuming long-term responsibilities that significantly affect their own well-being (Ramchand et al., 2024). But what happens when the caregiving ends? A recent longitudinal study by Brickell et al., (2023) offers new insight…

Five Strategies for Effective Financial Risk Management

Implementing effective financial risk management strategies can serve as a buffer to maintain financial security across military family transitions.

Promoting Positive Involvement of Military Father Figures

Promoting military fathers' positive involvement in caring for and raising children is a protective factor and promotes positive family functioning. Children exhibit fewer risk behaviors and engage in healthier, positive social skills when their parents are actively involved (El Nokali et al., 2010).

Social-Emotional Learning in Educational Spaces

Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is a process in which children and adults learn to foster children’s emotional and social competence (Ng & Bull, 2018). According to Saarni (1999), emotional competence is “demonstrating one’s self-efficacy in emotion-eliciting transactions” (p. 2).

Nature as a Tool in Times of Transition

Written by: Nicole RawlinsonChange, transition, move, relocate: these are all words in the regular vernacular of the average military-connected family. While many have learned to take transition and change as a constant in life, and in some ways have found ways to embrace those changes, transitional challenges, especially coming into…

Improved Communication Linked to Mental Health Gains in Military Families

Written by: Rachel Brauner Military life presents unique stressors for families such frequent relocations, long deployments, and the emotional toll of service-related trauma can deeply impact not just service members, but also their spouses and children. A new study published in Military Behavioral Health (Wasserman et al., 2023) highlights a powerful…

Social Determinants of Juvenile Mental Health: 5 Things Providers Should Know

Youth mental health concerns are complex. Frequently, concerns are attributed to hormones, stress at school, or just having a "teenage attitude." With military youth, it is important to remember that mental health concerns can sometimes be exacerbated by parental deployment or repeated relocations. It can be hard for military children…

Why Everyone’s Talking About SOFAs (And No, Not the Furniture Kind)

Have you heard the buzz about SOFAs lately? And no, not the kind you sit on. The Defense Department recently clarified key points about Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), which impact military spouses working overseas. As a provider, you play a vital role in helping them understand these updates and…

Don’t Leave Money Behind When You PCS

Moving can be a stressful time for military families. There are so many things that must be managed. They may have to sell (and buy) a new house, switch their children’s school or daycare, or even learn a new language. Sometimes their hard-earned money does not move with them. It…

Anti-Bullying Programs for Students with Disabilities

In this blog post, we discuss why anti-bullying programs are important for school-age students with disabilities, the existing research on the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs for this population, and important components of anti-bullying programs for this group of students.

Relationship Between Micronutrient Deficiencies and Chronic Diseases

Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, play an essential role in maintaining health and preventing diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which accounts for approximately 30% of the global population.

When Duty Impacts Family: Supporting Military Children in Households with Parental Disability

Military service often comes with unseen costs—not only for those who serve, but for the families they return to. A recent study by Lakdawala and Bharadwaj (2022) sheds light on how the severity of service-connected disabilities in veteran parents can profoundly shape the well-being of their children. For military service…

Building Credit Confidence: Credit Education for Military Families

Financial service providers and educators working with military families play a critical role in helping service members understand credit and build credit confidence through credit education. Navigating the complexities of credit can help service members feel more prepared for the financial demands of life in the military.

Supporting Military Spouse Entrepreneurship: The MilSpouse Hustle

Military spouses aren’t just navigating obstacles—they’re launching businesses and blazing their own trails. Nearly 9 in 10 identify as entrepreneurs, proving that when traditional employment doesn’t fit, innovation takes its place. Many helpful resources exist that you might not know about, all aimed at helping you help them, so why…

The Power of Self-Connection in a Connected World

This blog post discusses developing strong social-emotional learning skills as a protective factor for children and youth.

Anti-Bullying Efforts: No Victim Left Behind

Children with specific risk factors are more likely to experience persistent victimization, even when they attend a school with a whole-school approach to bullying (Kaufman et al., 2018; Nocentini et al., 2018).

A Holistic Approach to Family Resource Management

When we consider ways to manage our finances, certain words may come to mind — savings, income, debt, interest. However, there are several considerations besides money that can impact a household’s overall well-being. While financial literacy is paramount, families also should look for ways to manage their collective resources. These…

Supporting Caregivers Through Burnout and Stress: A Provider’s Perspective

Caregivers are often the unsung heroes—pouring their time, energy, and heart into meeting the daily needs of their care recipients. But in the midst of it all, caregivers can unintentionally neglect their own well-being. As a provider, you play a crucial role in recognizing and supporting caregivers who may be…

The Role of Self-Advocacy in Closing the Military Spouse Employment Gap

As employers continue the search for top talent, a valuable group remains left behind—military spouses. Fortunately, more organizations are stepping up to bridge this gap. By providing military spouses with the tools to find, secure, and thrive in careers that align with the unique demands of military life, we not…

Adapting to Uncertainty: Tailored Resources for Military Spouses Impacted by Recent Federal Employment Shifts

Given the growing uncertainty around career opportunities and/or job security in federal employment, several organizations supporting military spouses are stepping up with timely, tailored resources. These offerings are designed to address the unique challenges military spouses face. This blog provides the latest resources to consider adding to your support toolkit.

Foods and Finances: How Grocery Shopping Habits Affect Financial and Nutritional Fitness

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the cost of food at home increased 6.1% from 2022 to 2023. A military family's grocery spending will depend on many factors, including where they shop, what they buy, and how many people are being fed. Service providers can help families identify…

Effective Bullying Prevention: Strategies for Entire Schools

Bullying is a prevailing issue in today’s schools and leads to negative outcomes for both victims of bullying and perpetrators of bullying (Gaffney et al., 2021). Victims are likely to have mental health concerns, lower self-esteem, suicide ideation, and substance abuse issues, while perpetrators are likely to have a criminal…

Strength in Numbers: How Social Resources Boost Mental Wellness in the Military

This blog post discusses how social resources boost mental wellness for military service member and their relationships.

Supporting Caregivers: Strategies for Providers

Caregiving is a complex and often demanding responsibility. While many envision a spouse caring for their partner, caregivers come from diverse backgrounds and relationships, including friends, distant family members, or professional support networks.

Options for Federal Government Hiring of Military Spouses

Military spouses face many challenges in obtaining and maintaining full- and part-time employment. The federal government is committed to helping military spouses find rewarding careers.

Eating Seasonally and Economically with Gardening

Food insecurity is a global health problem affecting millions of people around the world. About 9.2% of the global population experienced hunger in 2022 (World Health Organization, 2023) and close to half of all deaths of children below the age of 5 years globally are related to undernutrition (WHO, 2024).

Military Couples and Money

Many researchers have looked at the connection between financial attitudes and relationship health. While these findings are well-documented in civilian populations, less is known about how financial dynamics play out in the military family context. Learn about recent research exploring the connection between financial attitudes, financial management, and relationship satisfaction…

The Adolescent Mind: Understanding Temperament Shifts

Erikson (1968) describes the period of adolescence as one that is based on identity formation, with adolescents breaking away from parental and societal expectations as they explore different ideas, values, behaviors, and attitudes until they find what resonates with them. Zohar et al. (2018) note that adolescence is a period…

Supporting Military Youth Against Suicide & Self-Harm

Supporting the mental well-being of youth and teens is a top priority for many mental health professionals today. The age group of 12-18 year olds are developing the social and emotional habits that will lead them into adulthood. With school transitions, new friend groups, and opportunities, many are navigating and…

Legislature and Remote Work: What Affects Military Spouses?

As many military spouses are seeking out remote options, it’s important for service providers working in the employment space to stay informed on legislative changes and priorities that shape remote opportunities. In this blog, we highlight the recent Presidential Memorandum: Return to In-Person Work, and the subsequent exemption for military…

Mental Health Benefits of Gardening

Mental health disorders have become prominent in recent decades and are a major health concern in many countries globally. About 970 million people around the world had a mental health disorder in 2019 according to the World Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2022).

Building a Care Team: A Guide for Providers Supporting Caregivers

Caregiving can be a monumental task, and no one person can do it alone. Whether the care recipient is aging, disabled, or facing a chronic illness, the responsibility of providing care can be overwhelming.

Understanding Financial Recovery Capital

Professionals can impact the development of recovery capital (RC) in clients with a history of substance use disorder or addiction. Personal RC includes both physical and human capital. Essentially, it is the combination of resources one has available to aid them in overcoming substance use challenges.

Focusing on Strengths: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Neurodivergent individuals possess a wide array of strengths; for example, some dyslexic individuals have superior visual spatial abilities (von Karolyi et al., 2003). Despite this knowledge, conventional approaches frequently use deficit-based approaches that focus more on the impairments of neurodivergent individuals rather than their strengths (McDonald & Machalicek, 2013).

Workplace Evolution: Thriving in a Rapidly Changing Workplace Environment – Part II

Changing long-standing workplace habits can be a significant challenge for midlife professionals who have been in their careers for years. Start small and work together. In this blog, we will explore various ways to empower midlife workers who support military spouses.

Relationship Status: It’s Complicated – Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen dating relationships can become problematic if violence is taking place between romantic partners. Especially if the violence goes unnoticed or willfully hidden. Many teens are connected on social media, at school, and in peer groups, and like domestic violence, it is not as simple as breaking ties with a…

Family Meals: Important for Every Family Member

The family is one of the first points of socialization (Maccoby, 2007) and is an important setting where dietary habits are first cultivated (Scaglioni et al., 2018).

Recognizing the Need for Care: A Guide for Professionals Supporting Caregivers

Caregiving is a responsibility that touches people from all walks of life—whether they are paid professionals, trained volunteers, or devoted family members. Providing care for another individual is both rewarding and challenging, especially when caregivers must balance this role with other personal and professional obligations.

Ten Consumer Alerts for Military Families

During a PCS or deployment, the last thing a service member should have to worry about is protecting their personal information from scammers. Recognizing scams that affect the military community can help increase awareness and safeguard military families from becoming victims.

Brains Differ, Strengths Shine: Navigating Neurodiverse Potential

The word neurodiversity refers to the concept that there are different ways people’s brains are wired to process the world. As a result, all sorts of brains - or neurotypes - exist. Even though every person in a society may have a different way of processing information, there are patterns…

Mindfulness: An Integrative Approach to Support Reintegration in Military Families

This blog post covers mindfulness strategies to assist parents in coping with the reintegration process when a service member returns from deployment. Deployment cycles are generally defined by three stages; pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment or reintegration.

Workplace Evolution: Thriving in a Rapidly Changing Workplace Environment

The workforce is evolving rapidly, and it's essential to recognize how military spouses must remain adaptable. Upskilling is increasingly popular, helping them showcase their flexibility and resilience. Many middle-aged workers, including military spouses, are eager to develop new skills to boost their careers and improve their marketability. They simply need…

Setting Priorities with The Wheel of Life

Use the Wheel of Life to assess life balance by rating key areas to identify where to focus time and energy.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Former Military Caregivers: A Comprehensive Study Review

Military caregivers play an essential role in supporting service members and veterans, particularly those with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and associated conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Why Financial Skills Matter for Neurodivergent Children

Learning how to manage money is important for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for neurodivergent children, or kids whose brains work differently. Discover tips designed for parents and resources for financial professionals who are interested in working with neurodiverse clients or families with neurodiverse needs.

An Intro to Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity has gained popularity in the past few years. What exactly is it? If you look within a crowd of people, you will notice how everyone looks different on the outside. For example, you may notice how people can have different hair color, skin color, body types, and more. These…

Divorce in the Ranks: Supporting Military Spouses Navigating Divorce

It’s important to be aware of the difficulties that may accompany divorce, as they have the potential to impact service members’ mental health, family stability, and ability to fulfill duties. In this blog, we will highlight some of the challenges connected to divorce and ways to support divorcing military families,…

Bloom Where You’re Planted: Holding Space for Military Teen Experiences

Permanent change of station moves and parental deployments are part of the norm for military families. For military teens, these moves bring new schools, neighborhoods, and routines. Like plants being uprooted and replanted in a new garden, military teens often have to adapt to a new environment. Military teens need…

Military Spouse Talent Show Spotlight: The Society for Human Resource Management Report – Part III

This blog is the third and last edition in the Military Spouse Talent Show Spotlight series, drawing from the findings of the SHRM 2024 report. Our efforts centered on retention strategies, including relocation assistance, childcare support, and inclusive workplace initiatives such as employee resource groups. These practices offer organizations a…

The Power of Labyrinths for Reflective Practice

Engaging in mindfulness activities and reflective practices like labyrinth walking can enhance our ability to lead effectively and remain productive in our daily lives.

Substance Use Disorders, Stigma, and the Military: Breaking the Silence

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect individuals across all walks of life, but those serving in the military often face unique challenges when dealing with these conditions. The pressures of military service, combined with the pervasive stigma surrounding SUDs, create significant barriers to seeking treatment. Addressing the challenges surrounding stigma and…

A Fresh Start Approach to Finances

Life is filled with moments that naturally inspire change (e.g., birthdays, the start of a new season, or the beginning of a new job/role). These "fresh starts" allow us to pause, reflect, and reset our priorities. Research shows that fresh starts can be powerful motivators, particularly when it comes to…

6 Meaningful Holiday Gifts to Support Caregivers

The holiday season is a time of giving, gratitude, and togetherness—a chance to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us.

Rooted for Life: The Long-term, Sustainable Impact of Nature on Military Family Resilience

Written by: Bree Petracca and Keith G. Tidball, PhDFrom deployments to relocations, transitions are a constant in the lives of military families, sometimes bringing unique challenges that test their resilience. Finding sustainable ways to navigate these changes is critical, not just for immediate well-being but also fostering long-term strength and…

Temperament-Based Interventions with Children: Part 2

Children’s temperament influences their social-emotional competence and behavior. In our most recent blog post, we addressed possible ways to intervene when needed to support positive outcomes for all children and some of the existing research focused on temperament-based interventions. To recap, Iverson and Garstein (2018) suggest four goals of temperament-based…

Military Spouse Talent Show Spotlight: The Society for Human Resource Management Report – Part II

This blog is the second edition in the Military Spouse Talent Show Spotlight series. It provides insights and strategies for recruiting and hiring military spouses, drawing from the findings of the SHRM 2024 report.

Nutrient Deficiencies and the Mind: The Mental Health Consequences of Malnutrition

The Caregiver’s Journey: Challenges, Support, & Building Resilience in a 24/7 Role

Caregiving is often a 24/7 commitment filled with emotional and physical challenges, yet it stands among the most impactful roles in a person’s life (Schulz & Eden, 2016). Recognizing the journey of family caregivers and the support they need is essential to building a compassionate community for these unsung heroes.

Temperament-Based Interventions with Children: Part 1

Yavuz-Müren and colleagues (2022) summarize some of the temperament-based interventions that exist. According to these researchers, interventions can be universal (e.g., used with all children to prevent temperament-related problems) or targeted (e.g., used with specific children who need additional support). Overall, temperament-based interventions focus on strengthening the skills of children’s…

Climate Change Resilience and Preparedness: Safeguarding Military Families and Communities

In the OneOp blog post, Climate Resilience in Coastal Military Communities, we shared examples of some of the disaster preparedness work that professionals within the Department of Defense (DoD) are doing to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on coastal military communities. Through conservation work with the Coastal Resilience DoD…

Key Insights for Military Family Service Providers from the 2023 CFPB Annual Report

The annual report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlights issues reported by service members in 2023. The report is relevant for service providers working with military families navigating financial challenges and barriers. For example, credit or consumer reporting remains the highest complaint overall for both civilians and the military…

Parent Perception of Nutrition Programs: How It Influences Participation and Engagement

Parental perception plays a crucial role in the success of nutrition programs designed to promote healthy eating among children and families in the United States. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) have been significantly influenced by how parents view their…

Military Spouse Talent Show Spotlight: The Society for Human Resource Management Report

Military spouses, a skilled and often-overlooked talent pool are there in plain sight. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently published a report geared towards helping employers realize the potential that military spouses hold and what organizations can do to help in the employment of military spouses.

Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes Among Us

November marks National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor, celebrate, and recognize the dedicated individuals who selflessly provide care to loved ones in need. A caregiver is someone who helps bridge the gap between the needs of the individual and their abilities, including, but not limited to illness, disability,…

Climate Resilience in Coastal Military Communities

Natural disasters like coastal flooding, heat waves, and hurricanes are just a few of the issues that can affect military families and military installations that are on or near coastlines. As we see year after year with each hurricane season, these storms have far-reaching impacts to infrastructure and communities.

The Temperament Factor: How Temperament Can Shape Children’s Social Competence & Behavior

Rothbart and Bates (2006, as cited in Yavuz-Müren et al., 2022) define temperament as inherent individual differences in emotionality (reactivity) and regulation, which are noticeable in early childhood. Temperament is shaped over time by development and experience and influences children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and attentional behaviors.

The Military Housing Dilemma: Balancing Relocation and Rising Costs

Frequent relocations mean that military families make housing decisions more frequently than their civilian counterparts. Finding affordable and available housing can be challenging for families as they navigate a long list of “to-do’s” in their transition preparations (packing, enrolling in school, identifying new care providers, etc.).

The Impact of Energy Drinks on Health and Well-Being: What Does the Science Say?

In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks has grown significantly in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Greene et al. 2019), approximately 33.5% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported consuming energy drinks regularly, while 42% of adults aged 18 to 24 stated…

Mission Possible: Managing Employment Related Stress as a Military Spouse

Military and civilian families encounter various stressors that reflect their unique circumstances. In this blog, you'll discover strategies to alleviate stress related to military spouse unemployment. For military spouses, managing stress and utilizing available resources is essential for personal and family growth.

Importance of Nutrition in Breast Cancer Survivorship: Insights for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer. This month also emphasizes the importance of survivorship, and one critical element of that journey is maintaining proper nutrition.

Before, During, After: Supporting Children and Families During Transitions

Students receiving special education services (IDEA, 2004) periodically transition to new programs (e.g., early intervention to early childhood special education , middle to high school). Many students, including students from military families, will move to a new location at various points in their lives (see Williams et al., 2020).

Four Strategies to Pay for Education Expenses

Whether you’re supporting a service member transitioning to civilian employment, alongside a military spouse, or helping both as they explore options for their child(ren), discover four ways for military families to plan for education expenses.

Setting Compassionate Boundaries: A Practical Guide for Service Providers

How to set compassionate boundaries that protect your well-being while supporting others. This guide explores practical steps for tuning into your feelings, communicating clearly, and fostering healthier relationships in your professional life.

MySTeP as an Action-Oriented Philosophy for Military Family Transitions

Military life is synonymous with change. Military family practitioners know that, for service members and their families, transitions are a constant companion. From relocations to deployments, the military lifestyle demands adaptability, resilience, and a strong support system. Understanding these transitions and learning how to navigate them can make all the…

The Role of Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates Working with Clients Experiencing Financial Abuse

Coercive control, a characteristic of domestic abuse, and financial abuse – combined with how often survivors are isolated from their natural resources by their abusers – is a solid predictor of financial peril for survivors who leave their abusers.

Securing Economic Stability for Military Spouses and their Families During Transitions

Military family transitions, such as relocations, whether for permanent change of station orders, or other reasons, can be stressful on families and often require time to ensure that the family’s needs are met following their arrival.

From Awareness to Action: Suicide Prevention Support for the Military Community

September is Suicide Prevention Month and it’s an important time to focus on suicide awareness and ways we as service professionals can support our clients. As we all know, suicide awareness and prevention isn’t just a one-month-a-year concern; it is an everyday concern. Suicide prevention efforts are also critical in…

Using Self-Soothing Touch to Reduce Stress

How simple self-touch techniques can help you reduce stress when human touch from others is unavailable or uncomfortable.

Finders, Keepers! Empowering Military Spouses to Maintain Employment through the Military Family Lifecycle

Several new initiatives have been designed to address military spouses’ holistic employment needs, emphasizing not only their financial health, but also their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Learn more about how new and emerging employment resources support military spouse professional development.

Breaking the Financial Shame Cycle

Identify ways for service providers to intervene with service members experiencing shame including rapport building, externalizing, spending diaries, and more.

Diabetes and Food Security: Ensuring Access to Nutritious Foods

The intersection of diabetes and food security is a critical issue that affects millions of individuals and families around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “adults who experience food insecurity are 2 to 3 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes,” as nutritious…

How Does Spouse Employment Contribute to Financial Readiness?

Military spouses face challenges in gaining and maintaining meaningful employment. A military family’s economic security is critical to mission readiness. As such, spouse employment can greatly contribute to financial readiness.