Introduction

The staff of Minnesota National Guard Family Programs and the staff of the National Guard Bureau-Family Program is committed to helping families of Guard members not only cope, but also flourish and grow as a result of their affiliation with the National Guard. For this reason we are pleased to offer materials, information and resources for parents to use in preparing their children for family separations due to deployment.

Educators:
How to prepare our children and stay involved in their education during deployment for Parents and Educators.

Parents:
Dear Educator/Child Care Provider Letter-This is a tool used to keep those involved in either the child's Education, Care or Support and that have a parent deployed while serving in the U.S. Military.

Signs of Distress and Positive Aspects of Separation / Deployment: Even with the best laid plans and a cheerful demeanor, parents cannot always prevent their children from experiencing stress when the Reserve / Guard Member is called to duty.  
Signs of Distress - Preschool thru Adolescents

How communities can support the children & families of those serving in the National Guard or Reserves.  
Community Support for children & families

Below are age appropriate information and activities that you can do with your child both before and during a deployment or other related separation. We have also included activities and information designed to maximize the reunion experience.

NOTE: PDF Documents on this page are rather large in file size and may be lengthy to download. However, they are well worth the wait! Note: For better results, click on the link and choose "save" rather than"open" in a new window.

Discovery Guides
Discovery Guide for Ages 2-4 - Let's Take A Trip! About Deployment (832K)
Discovery Guide for Ages 5-7 - My Travel Trunk (1.5MB)
Discovery Guide for Ages 8-10 - Travel Journal, A Discovery about Deployment (1.2MB)
Discovery Guide for Pre-Teens Ages 11-12 - Trip Ticket, About Deployement (2.5MB)
A Deployment Information Guide for Teens Ages 13-18 - Travel Pack (496K)

Emotional Intelligence Activities
Emotional Intelligence Activities Booklet for Ages 2-4 (3.3MB)
Emotional Intelligence Activities Booklet for Ages 5-7 (4.3MB)
Emotional Intelligence Activities Booklet for Ages 8-10 (1.8MB)
Emotional Intelligence Activities Booklet for Pre-Teens Ages 11-12 (3.3MB)
Emotional Intelligence Activities Booklet for Teens Ages 13-18 (3MB)

Auto-B-Good Program  If you have participated in this program please complete this evaluation form and mail to:

Auto-B-Good
5215 Edina Industrial Blvd - Suite #400
Edina, MN 55439

Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated!