#TealUp - The KMFRC proudly celebrates and fuels resiliency and courage among military kids!


In Canada, Month of the Military Child is observed in April to recognize and celebrate the unique experiences, resilience, and sacrifices of children in military families. These children face unique challenges, such as frequent relocations, prolonged absences of loved ones due to deployments, and adapting to new communities and schools. The month is an opportunity to:

  • Acknowledge and Build Resilience: Celebrate military children’s adaptability and strength while providing support and resources to help them thrive.
  • Raise Awareness: Highlight their unique challenges to foster understanding and community support.
  • Celebrate Contributions: Recognize their vital role in supporting their families and strengthening the military community.

Many communities and organizations, such as Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs), host events, activities, and initiatives during this month to celebrate and support military children and their families.

Teal was chosen as the colour for "Teal Up for the Month of the Military Child" because it represents the unity and inclusivity of all branches of the military in Canada. Teal incorporates the following symbolic colours:

  • Blue for the Air Force
  • Green for the Army
  • Blue and white for the Navy

By combining these colours, teal serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and recognition for the diverse experiences of military families and children across all branches. It’s a unifying and inclusive colour that honours their shared resilience and strength.

The dandelion is a symbolic representation of the resilience and adaptability of military children during the MOMC. This meaningful connection is rooted in the unique traits of the dandelion, which mirror the experiences of military children:

  • Resilience: Like dandelions thriving in any environment, military children show remarkable strength as they navigate relocations, new schools, and changing family dynamics.
  • Adaptability: Just as dandelions take root wherever they land, military children quickly adapt to new communities, forming connections and making the best of their circumstances.
  • Hope and Growth: Dandelions symbolize renewal and growth, mirroring the journey of military children as they build strength and character through their unique challenges.

Month of the Military Child: Additional Information & Resources

  • How can I help fuel resiliency among children? 

    • Encourage a Safe and Predictable Environment: Create routines and clear expectations at home and school to give children a sense of stability and security.

    • Teach Emotional Awareness: Help children identify and name their emotions. Use tools like emotion charts or storytelling to develop their ability to express feelings constructively.

    • Foster Strong Relationships: Build connections with trusted adults and peers. Encourage time with mentors, teachers, and friends who can provide support and encouragement.

    • Promote Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage children to think through challenges and brainstorm solutions. Praise effort and creativity when they tackle problems.

    • Model Positive Coping Strategies: Demonstrate healthy ways to deal with stress, such as taking deep breaths, talking through challenges, or engaging in physical activity.

    • Celebrate Effort Over Perfection: Focus on progress and effort rather than outcomes. Teach children that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.

    • Encourage Play and Creativity: Provide opportunities for unstructured play and creative activities, allowing children to explore and build confidence in their abilities.

    • Develop a Growth Mindset: Teach children that skills and abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Reinforce the value of trying new things and persisting through challenges.

    • Provide Opportunities for Contribution: Let children take on small responsibilities at home or in the community. Contributing to something bigger fosters a sense of purpose and belonging

    • Practice Gratitude: Encourage children to reflect on and share what they are thankful for. Gratitude journaling, family discussions, or drawing pictures of what makes them happy can help build a positive mindset.

      Want to explore these together? Book an appointment with the KMFRC Mental Health and Wellness Team by calling 613.541.5010 x4811 or email intake@kmfrc.com .

  • Classroom Toolkits
    To support educators in acknowledging and honouring military children, we have created this Teal Up Classroom Toolkit. 

    Grade 3 to Grade 5: Cactus Friends vs Flower Friends (Healthy Relationships Lesson)

    This toolkit is a low-prep, engaging resource filled with activities that can be incorporated throughout the month of April. Each activity comes with grade level recommendations, but feel free to adapt them based on the needs of your students. These activities promote themes of resilience, adapting to change, healthy relationships, and emotional regulation—important skills for all students, whether they are from a military family or not.
  • CFMWS & MFRC Resources

    The Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), in collaboration with Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs), offer a variety of programs and services tailored to support the well-being and development of children and youth within Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families.

    Key Programs and Services:

    1. Parent Resources: Guidance and support materials to assist parents in navigating the unique challenges of military family life.

    2. Preschoolers: Programs designed to promote early childhood development and prepare young children for school.

    3. School-aged Children: Activities and resources aimed at supporting the educational and social needs of children in elementary and middle school.

    4. Teenagers: Initiatives focused on addressing the specific challenges faced by teenagers in military families, including social integration and academic support. Check out YOUth Matter at the link below to learn more!

    5. Guide to Working with Military-Connected Children and Youth: A comprehensive guide offering insights and strategies for educators and service providers working with military-connected youth.

    6. Families with Children with Special Needs: Resources and support services tailored to assist families managing special needs within the military context.

    7. Youth Crisis Texting Service: A confidential texting service providing immediate support to youth experiencing crises.

    8. Storybooks for Military Children: Literature designed to help children understand and cope with the unique aspects of military life.

    9. Hero in Training: Relocation Resources for Children: Tools and activities to assist children in managing the challenges associated with relocation.

    These resources are designed to support the well-being and development of military-connected children and youth. For more information, please visit the CFMWS Children & Youth Programs page.

  • Build Your Own MindKit

    MindKit is a resource designed specifically for youth to explore topics related to mental health in a way that’s relatable and supportive. Created especially for and by young family members of Canadian Veterans living with posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI), MindKit offers tools, insights, and a sense of community for those navigating unique challenges.

    What MindKit Offers:

    • Mental Health Education: Learn about mental health, the brain, and the impact of PTSI within families.
    • Coping Strategies: Discover practical and effective ways to handle challenges and build resilience.
    • Supportive Community: Connect with relatable stories and experiences from other youth in similar situations.

    MindKit is there to help youth better understand their mental health journey and navigate the challenges of living with PTSI in their families. It’s a place for learning, growth, and empowerment.

    LEARN MORE HERE

  • Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) for Family Life

    The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) for Family Life is a program developed by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support the mental health and resilience of military families. Available through R2MR Family, this resource provides tools, strategies, and insights tailored to the unique challenges military families face.

    Key Features of R2MR for Family Life:

    • Understanding Military Family Life: Learn about the unique challenges of military family life, including relocations, deployments, and operational stress.
    • Stress Management: Access tools and strategies to cope with daily demands and build emotional resilience.
    • Self-Care Practices: Learn ways to reduce stress and improve mental and physical well-being.
    • Building Individual & Family Resilience: Develop coping techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness, while strengthening family bonds.
    • Mental Health & Well-being: Monitor and support your own mental health and that of your loved ones with practical, research-backed tools.
    • Comprehensive Resources: Explore a curated list of programs and services designed to support military families.

    This user-friendly platform offers videos, interactive activities, and e-learning sessions to help families endure, recover, and grow together.

  • Sesame Street for Military Families

    Sesame Street for Military Families is a free resource designed to support military families, including children, in navigating the unique challenges of military life. Developed by Sesame Workshop, it provides engaging and accessible tools, videos, activities, and resources to help families cope with various aspects of military life.

    Key Features of Sesame Street for Military Families:

    1. Deployment and Homecomings: Resources to help children understand and adjust to a parent's deployment and reintegration.
    2. Transitions: Tools to assist families with the challenges of frequent relocations, including moving to a new home or school.
    3. Injuries and Loss: Support for children coping with the visible and invisible wounds of a family member or the loss of a loved one.
    4. Everyday Challenges: Activities and videos focused on strengthening routines, managing emotions, and staying connected as a family.
    5. Building Resilience: Content that fosters resilience, optimism, and problem-solving skills in military children.

    How It Helps Military Families:

    • Engaging Content for Children: Features beloved Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Rosita to deliver messages of support and understanding in an age-appropriate and comforting way.
    • Parent and Caregiver Resources: Provides guidance and strategies for parents to help their children through tough transitions and emotions.
    • Multimedia Support: Includes interactive apps, storybooks, videos, and printable activities designed to make learning and coping fun and relatable.

    Sesame Street for Military Families emphasizes connection, resilience, and understanding, making it an invaluable tool for supporting military children and families through life’s ups and downs. You can explore these resources at Sesame Street for Military Families. Please note this page is based in the United States and is available in English and Spanish only.

  • Strongest Families Institute (SFI)

    Strongest Families Institute (SFI) offers evidence-based, virtual programs designed to support military families dealing with mental health and wellness challenges. These resources are particularly tailored to address the unique needs of military families, such as stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, and behavioural concerns in children.

    Key Features of Strongest Families Institute:

    1. Confidential Support: Families can access services from the privacy of their own homes, offering a safe and confidential environment.
    2. Tailored Programs: Specific programs are available for children, youth, and adults to address issues like anxiety, depression, behaviour problems, and more.
    3. Flexible Delivery: Services are offered through phone calls, online modules, and other virtual tools, allowing families to access support anytime, anywhere.
    4. Military-Focused Expertise: Programs are designed with the realities of military life in mind, including deployments, relocations, and reintegration.
    5. Family-Centered Approach: Focuses on empowering families by teaching practical skills and strategies to manage everyday challenges effectively.

    Military-Specific Programs:

    • Parenting Support: Helps parents manage children’s anxiety, attention challenges, or behavioural issues.
    • Youth and Teen Programs: Offers tools to help military youth develop resilience, manage stress, and cope with transitions.
    • Adult Programs: Provides strategies for military members and spouses dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress management.

    The Strongest Families Institute is highly regarded for its research-backed methods and its focus on empowering families to build resilience and improve their mental health. To learn more or access support, visit Strongest Families Institute.

  • Support Our Troops Financial Support

    1. Applying for National Summer Camp Grants:  National Summer Camps Program - Support Our Troops  

    • Information coming soon.

    2. National Scholarship Program: National Scholarship Program - Support Our Troops  

    • Anticipated to open May 1, 2025

    3. Tutoring Reimbursement Program: Tutoring Reimbursement Program - Support Our Troops  

    • Information for September 2025 should become available later in Spring. 

    4. National Child and Youth Disability Reimbursement Program: Special Needs Grants - Support Our Troops  


    For more information or assistance navigating these applications, please contact the KMFRC directly at kmfrc@kmfrc.com and request and appointment with one of our Military Family Navigators.