When an officer serves, the entire family serves. In police families, stress doesn't stop at the end of a shift; it echoes through the home, shaping the way spouses and children experience daily life. While much attention is given to officer wellness, the resilience of the whole family, especially children, is equally important.
For children growing up in police families, safety and unpredictability often live side by side. They notice details that many of their peers overlook, such as locked doors, tense body language, or whether mom or dad seems on edge after a shift. This constant scanning can develop into hypervigilance, shaped not only by family culture but also by generational factors, such as high ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores, which are common among first responders.
Without intentional resilience strategies, these stressors can quietly translate into fear, disconnection, or long-term emotional strain that follows them into adulthood.
Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship.
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