Max is a long time volunteer turned employee for mindyourmind as a Youth Outreach Assistant. He enjoys blogging, cats, and the state of Utah. Check him out on Twitter: @maxamilli

“What is it good for? Absolutely Nothing.”

When we read about war and the soldiers deployed into battle fields in places like Iraq or Afghanistan, normally we come back with stories of post traumatic stress disorder and other problems that they have to face when they return home – or even while they’re there. Obviously soldiers are fighting for freedom for a better tomorrow for their children, but are they actually hurting their children more than helping?

A recent study found that out of 307,520 children with parents who are serving active duty, 17 percent of them had mental health issues. This can be seen as a direct correlation between a child and its parent being in the way of danger at all times. If a child has to worry about their parent not coming home, than how can they focus on anything else, the stress of that alone can envelope someone and put them in a dark place.

Unfortunately war is not a simple, clear cut experience or event. It is far reaching, and affects everyone. While the soldiers may be at the front line, they have to eventually return home with what they’ve seen which will affect those around them – most notably the children. It really brings up the question that if the soldiers are fighting for a better tomorrow for their children, is it worth essentially ruining their childhood? And do you think war is one simple clear cut event that happens to people involved, or does it reach further than that? Please discuss.

Recent study about “Mental Problems of Soldier’s Kids” Can be found here:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/07/05/mental-problems-soldiers-kids-tied-to-wars/

-by Max