Each April, the country comes together to celebrate Month of the Military Child. It was first created in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger to recognize military children’s contributions and sacrifices. Congress designated this month in 1999. Since then, the military and civilian communities have come together to find ways to celebrate mil kids.
Unless you are a military family, you probably haven’t heard of Month of the Military Child. This is a time to celebrate the strength and resiliency of military children. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the unique challenges they face and the exceptional support they need. Here’s everything you need to know about Month of the Military Child.
What is Month of the Military Child?
Every year, special events and activities are held throughout the country to honor military children and teens. These events help bring attention to the unique challenges that military families face. They also promote the importance of supporting military families and providing resources for their children.
Why is it important?
This month is crucial because it helps bring attention to the many sacrifices that military children make. It’s also a time to celebrate their strength and resiliency. Many people don’t realize how difficult it can be for military families to move around often. They also spend long periods apart and deal with challenges that come with living a military lifestyle.
Military children often have to deal with significant life changes, like starting a new school or making new friends. They might also have to deal with anxiety or depression related to their parent’s deployment. That’s why supporting military families during this time is so important. This month is also a reminder that we should support military families all year round, not just during times of crisis or conflict.
Month of the Military Child is an important time to celebrate the strength and resilience of military kids. It’s also a reminder that we should be supporting these families all year round, not just during times of crisis or conflict. If you know a military family, take some time this month (and every month) to check in with them and see how they’re doing. A little support can go a long way for these kids and their families.
How is it observed?
Month of the Military Child showcases the strength and resiliency of military children. Here are a few ways you can join in on the celebration.
Write Letters of Appreciation
Send a letter or email thanking a military child in your life for their strength and resilience. You can also write a letter of appreciation to a deployed service member and include their children in the letter.
Give Back to Military Families in Need
Many military families are struggling during the pandemic. Show your support by donating to organizations that help military families, such as Operation Homefront, Armed Services YMCA, or USO. You can donate needed items to your local military installation’s Family Readiness Center or Thrift Shop.
Educate Others About Military Children
Spend some time this month educating others about mil kids unique challenges. Invite a speaker from your local military installation’s school liaison officer to talk to your child’s class about being a military kid. Use military related hashtags to share articles and posts about it on social media.
Focus on Self-Care
Parenting is tough, especially when you are parenting a mil kid. Make sure to focus on self-care this month and do something special for yourself.
You can observe it this April in many ways! Join the conversation on social media using the daily hashtags. Write letters of appreciation. Give back to military families in need, educate others about mil kids, and focus on self-care.
FAQs
What color is associated with Month of the Military Child?
Purple is the universal color used to represent all branches of the DoD. The term “Purple Up” is often said in relation it.
How many military kids move around the country and world with their service member parents?
The DoD estimates there are more than 1.6 million military kids across all branches!
What’s the average number of moves a mil kid makes in their life?
Military families move every two to three years, so by the time a military child is 18, they’ve probably moved at least six times. Here are some ways parenting is different in the military.