6 things you can do to make military families feel loved and supported

Military families have unique circumstances and emotions that some may never encounter in their entire lives. Having family members away while serving the country, in constant danger, leaving again after only a few moments together is something unimaginable and those families are in constant need of love and support. There are times you may have the urge to do something special for a military family, but can't figure out the right thing.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - While showing love and support, as well as understanding, there are a few things that can be done for military families. Here are our picks from Crosswalk.com on how others can help military families through the unbearable times during the absence of their loved ones.

This is one of the most important things, as Catholics, showing love and support through prayers. A heartfelt, dedicated prayer goes a long way, asking God to bless them and provide comfort during this time. Due to the nature of their family, God in their life is very essential, therefore, always including them in prayers is one of the greatest things we can offer.

2. Please, don't try to empathize

The degree of their longing, distance and worry is at most far from what we may have experienced; trying to empathize will only make them feel bad. We cannot point out that being away for business trips or something similar are the same as having someone deployed in an area of uncertainty for months. They are not; we have our stories but they need us to listen to theirs.

3. Remember the children

Include them whenever possible so they will feel less isolated from the rest of their peers. Having a parent away for a very long period, these children need people to understand how they feel. They need love and support for all the things that might be happening to them without their parent by their side. Remembering their special days and having them over for food may seem like a small thing to do but it can make them happy.

4. Leave encouragements around

Basically, it's showing them they're remembered. Send wonderful messages through texts, emails and notes. It doesn't need to be big but it should be encouraging to the spirit. Sincerity and compassion is the utmost ingredient in showing them they are love with encouraging words.

5. Offer help around the house

If there's only one parent left to do everything, it is hard, stressful and sometimes discouraging. Asking what you can do to lighten up their tasks and offering a hand on things that cannot be accomplished alone are wonderful signs of encouragement. You can watch over the kids when there are things to do or do simple tasks for him/her around the house. Friendly relationships can provide hope and faith.

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6. Don't treat them differently

Overdoing on the helping and supporting can actually do more damage. Keep it simple and friendly. Most of these families mingle with other military families because they can relate to each other at the same level. Including them in your set of friends and treating them the same way you treat others is perfect.

Military families often move away after spending time in one place. With the constant changes in sets of friends and community members, it is important to make them feel at home during their first day. It's a simple thing we can do to give back to the men and women protecting our nation.

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