Month of the Military Child.

April is the month of the Military Child and to be celebrated they should.

Originating out of the US back in the 1980’s, April has been set as the Month of the Military Child around US bases and military schools since. In fact, each year it gets bigger and for great reason.

Military kids, as I have written about previously are unique. Their siutaitons are unique and they offer so much to their civilian friends, schools, sporting teams and clubs.

It’s important to remember that Military kids say goodbye to more people by the time they are 18 than most people will in their lifetime. This is a remarkable feat. They move generally every 2-3 years, changing schools, sporting teams, have parent(s) away for extended periods of time and that dreaded saying goodbye to friends once again and they do all of this not by choice but the families committment to serve selflessly.

Noting that in Australia we do not have a specific day we celebrate Military kids, nor do we have military schools and today, we have few housing on post there are still ways we can make the month special just for them.

This year we need to be smart and keep safe due to the current devestating COVID-19. With self-isolation and self distancing in place we can still jump on board and celebrate all Military kids across the world during April. Here are a few ideas to help:-

* Feature military kids in the school newsletter, have the kids share a story about themselves.

* Have the teacher’s speak about the military kids in their classroom via remote means (google classroom, zoom).

It may be necessary to move some activities to a safer time for all, there is of course nothing in the rule book to say it must be April. Once school has returned:-

* Hold a school assembly to recognise the military kids within your school community. Shine the spotlight on them.

* Organise a special morning tea and invite the parents to come and celebrate the kids.

* The defence community centres can hold specific events all in celebrating the kids (they are amazing networks and support the kids and families daily).

* Join the Wear Purple to celebrate on April 10.

I encourage you, to celebrate a Military child this April. Send me a comment below with ideas you have to help celebrate the Military Kid.