Boots, Boats, and Hugs That Last

Dr. Priftis strikes again.

Following the success of her first book, which focused on empowering parents through stronger communication, she now turns her compassionate lens to our youngest heroes-our children.

Being a military family is no small feat. For our kids, it means growing up with constant change, emotional ups and downs, and learning to be resilient far earlier than most. They're asked to be brave and flexible, often without the words to explain how they're feeling.

As parents, especially during deployments, we do everything we can to hold it all together. We're the steady hands, the comforting voices, the glue holding the family close-but some days, it feels like we're pouring from an empty cup.

This book was born from those very moments. From the heart of a mother and military spouse, navigating multiple deployments with young children. I wrote it with my own kids in mind-to help them name their feelings, understand what deployment means, and know they're not alone.

Blending personal experience, emotional insight, and practical strategies, this book is more than a story-it's a tool. A guide to help your children feel seen, supported, and strong as they journey through the deployment cycle.

We may not be able to change the challenges, but we can equip our kids to face them with confidence, empathy, and hope.

You are not alone in this-and neither are they.