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Have you heard of MilitaryKidsConnect.org?


Have you heard of MilitaryKidsConnect.org?

Dr. Blasko
Dr. Blasko

Military children that experience a deployment of a parent often experience the same amount of stress as the remaining at home caregiver. Even though military children often display strong resiliency skills – recent studies have shown there are increased levels of anxiety that a child experiences when a parent is deployed in addition to being at risk for emotional and behavioral issues at home and at school.

MilitaryKidsConnect.org is a web-based application aimed at improving child and family readiness throughout the deployment cycle. Developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, MilitaryKidsConnect.org, enhances the resilience and coping skills of military youth (ages 6-17).

Upon navigating MilitaryKidsConnect.org you will find three tracks based on age (children, tweens, and teens) and two tracks for parent/ caregivers and educators. Features include interactive maps that allow you to show your child where you are going, scrapbooks and message boards, games, inspirational videos about coping with deployment, and instructional vignettes.

MilitaryKidsConnect.org is an engaging way to help military youth with the day-to-day challenges of deployment and may even help enhance family resilience and support for the deployed service member.

Are you or a member of your family deploying soon? Don’t forget to check us out here at www.MilitaryKidsConnect.org!

Dr. Kelly A. Blasko is Project Manager and Lead Psychologist for the MilitaryKidsConnect.org website developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) within the Department of Defense.  For almost two years she has been instrumental in developing websites and mobile applications for service members and their families in T2. She completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University and received an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Appalachian State University.  Prior to working at T2 Dr. Blasko has worked in university counseling centers where she helped service members transition from active duty to college student.  Dr. Blasko’s experience is especially focused on translating psychological prevention services for military families into technology-based solutions.

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