By Marla Monk, MA, MSW, LCSW
April is Month of the Military Child and although we are in a period of uncertain times, there is at least one thing that is certain -- our military kiddos are awesome!
During April, we take the opportunity to honor the sacrifices military children make along with their military parents. From moving every three years, being away from one or both parents for extended periods of time, taking on additional responsibilities at home when mom or dad is away, making new friends and adjusting to new schools to worrying about the safety of their parents on top of the pressures of just being a kid, being a military child is a tough job!
Traditionally, many schools and communities take the opportunity to honor military children during the month of April. This year, it is especially important to honor military children as many are adjusting to school taking place at home and/or online.
Just because many schools aren’t in session now, doesn’t mean we can’t honor military children at home. Here are just a few ways you can honor your military children this month:
- Give your children the honor of picking a special meal to celebrate being a military child
- Wear purple to “Purple Up” in support of military children
- Make a special craft with a focus on what your child thinks honor means to them
- Bake a cake or treat together with a purple theme (purple cupcakes anyone?)
- Have a special "purple" parade in and around the home, this will help to get the wiggles out and make a fun use of pots and pans.
Finally, and most importantly, take time to talk with your child and take the opportunity to thank your military kiddos for being awesome and resilient.
