106.The Younger Heroes-Helping ADF Parents connect with their Children

<p>In this week's podcast episode, I talk to the Founder and Manager of the not-for-profit organisation The Younger Heroes, a program designed to reconnect current and former ADF members with their children.</p> <p> </p> <p>Damien and I also talk about;</p> <ul> <li>How his experience as a military kid and the death of a mate led him to start the Younger Heroes</li> <li>Why starting an organisation that brought parents and children together for a 3 day/2 night experience in nature was the answer</li> <li>The time, research and tears that went into developing the Younger Heroes program</li> <li>How the Younger Heroes program allows current and former ADF members the space to reconnect with their children in a technology-free environment</li> <li>The change the program has undergone along the way and why it went from being a Father/Son program to including all ADF members and their children</li> <li>How the program works on creating and strengthening the bonds with your children</li> <li>The household trauma some children experience watching a parent face mental health struggles and why this program helps</li> <li>The lack of support and programs that exist for Veteran parents and their children</li> <li>Teaching parents and children how to communicate and talk about their problems</li> <li>Why the program isn’t just for those Veterans who have PTSD but also for those who have had deployments, separations and periods of disconnect from their children</li> <li>The importance of having a positive impact on a child’s wellbeing early on to prevent future mental health challenges or trauma</li> <li>Future plans for Younger Heroes and why Damien would love to offer a program for Defence Partners and Defence Families.</li> <li>Who can signup for the Younger Heroes program and how</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>To find out more about the Younger Heroes program or to signup for a future program visit the website by clicking this <a href= "https://theyoungerheroes.org/">link</a> </p> <p>Ready to join the MWL community? Click through