Military teens grow up navigating PCS moves, deployments, new schools, and changing communities — often without much choice in the matter. Yet their voices are some of the most overlooked in the military family conversation.

In this episode of MilSpouse in the House, host Christie Nix — a longtime Army spouse and mom of three teens — sits down with Raleigh Smith Duttweiler of the National Military Family Association and Kait Hsu from Bloom, a program created by military teens, for military teens.

Together, they explore what happens when teens aren’t just supported — they’re truly listened to.

From Bloom’s teen-led origins to the Military Teen Experience Survey, this conversation dives into how real data, real stories, and real connection are shaping better programs and policies for military youth. Raleigh shares powerful insights from six years of survey data, including mental wellbeing trends, food insecurity, and why military teens self-harm at more than twice the rate of their civilian peers. Kait explains how Bloom builds peer connection through blogs, art, TikToks, podcasts, and online community spaces that teens actually want to use.

They also break down how parents can support teens after a PCS, normalize mental health check-ins, and connect kids to resources without making them feel singled out.

If you’re raising a military teen — or working with one — this episode is a must-listen.

Military Spouse News & Benefits Update

Brought to you by MilSpouses.com — built by military spouses, for military spouses.

• Scholarships for Military Kids: Scholarship season is here, with deadlines through March. Find timelines, tips, and curated opportunities for military-connected students at MilSpouses.com.
  
  
• PCS Moving Reform: The Pentagon announced a new Personal Property Activity aimed at improving accountability and claims during PCS moves.

Key Takeaways

• Military teens don’t need adults to speak for them — they need adults to listen.
• Resilience isn’t automatic; it’s built through connection and support.
• Nearly 40% of military teens report low mental wellbeing.

Episode Links

Take the Military Teen Experience Survey: militaryfamily.org (Open until February 15)

Read & Share The Field Guide to the Military Teen
Authored by Bloom teens to help families, schools, coaches, and communities understand the real military teen experience.

Follow the National Military Family Association

Website: https://www.militaryfamily.org/

Instagram: @militaryfamilyorg

Follow Bloom Military Teens

Website: https://www.bloommilitaryteens.org/

Instagram: @bloommilitaryteens

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