8: Service-related injuries & medical conditions
This module is only for those families who have experienced a parent with a service-related injury or medical condition. It contains some sensitive issues. Support is available through Open Arms 1800 011 046 (defence specific, but available to family and extended family), Lifeline 13 11 14 (general support) or 13YARN 13 92 76 (A confidential yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter)
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Personal experiences
These personal stories have been included to show the types of experiences families work their way through together.
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In this podcast, a defence partner talks about her partner's injury and how this affected his mental health. Warning, suicide is mentioned in this podcast series.
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Educational activities in Children's Resources
To accompany this module, please use the following resources from Children's Resources:
1. And so, things have been a bit different: Ben's story eBook and accompanying resources, including a downloadable, printable eBook, audio and video read-along versions, extension teaching activities and printable teaching materials.
Here the CEO of Legacy Club Services NSW talks about Legacy and the book And so, things have been a bit different: Ben's story for which he wrote a foreword.
2. In sickness and in health: Sam's story eBook and accompanying resources, including a downloadable, printable eBook, 2 audio and a video read-along version, extension teaching activities and printable teaching materials.
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Other resources
There is some good research-based information in these online articles.
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Although this is about traumatic news in the media, there are many lessons that apply to news closer to home.
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If you are parenting with a disability you can get help with daily parenting tasks, and you might be able to get support from the NDIS or local services.
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We must look after ourselves before we can look after others.
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Talking about tough topics reassures your child, helps your child understand things, and lets you explain family values.
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Conflict is natural in relationships - the important thing is how you handle it. Constructive conflict management is good for your children and good for your relationship.
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This article recommends 3 movies that support children's understanding of a wide range of emotions.
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Dots with Feelings is a resource for feelings exploration that can help the children you work with express more about how they are feeling.