While packing up the contents of my desk for China, I have found all kinds of odd items. Many have gone straight into the trash or recycling, but a few were worth saving. One I am especially fond of is a glossy, camo-print card printed by the U.S. Army to help soldiers identify combat operational stress reactions. I picked it up at the 2007 AOTA conference, at a booth where the Army was trying to recruit OTs. Sadly, there is an increased need for all types of rehab personnel to work with soldiers returning from the war.

I remember thinking at the time that the card was nearly equally applicable to parenting young children, and that it would be useful to hand something like this to first-time parents in the hospital. Or to new twin parents attending their first twin club meeting. (Or to parents preparing for international moves!) Not the back side of the card, which lists some very disturbing battle fatigue reactions, but the front side of the card, which gives tips on controlling stress and on adaptive (positive) behaviors in combat...I have replaced "combat" with "parenting" in the following excerpt:

"[Parenting] is more stressful than any training can be.... Security and support operations can involve heavy stress, even if there is no combat or home front stressor. Mental and physical fitness will help you endure the stress of [parenting]. Know the signs of stress reactions, what to do for self and others, and when to seek help.

CONTROL YOUR STRESS
* Try to look calm and in control.
* Focus on the mission.
* Follow standard operating procedures.
* Breathe deeply and relax.
* Know stress reactions are normal.
* Keep open communication with your team.
* Gather facts. Avoid rumors.
* Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol.
* Eat well-balanced meals.
* Maintain personal hygiene.
* Practice quick relaxation techniques.
* Sleep at least 4 hours in each 24-hour period, 6-8 hours if possible.
* Debrief after unusually stressful events.
* Share grief with a friend, a leader, or a chaplain.
* Keep active.
* Welcome new team members.
* Stay physically fit.
* Support each other."

Indeed.