Each April, America honors the courage and recognizes the sacrifice of over 1.7 million children in military families nationwide. The life of military children has always had its challenges, foremost among them being frequent relocations. Every time families move, children have to make new friends, get used to new schools, and find new clubs and teams to join. A lot of military children take these changes in stride and some even thrive on them, but it is hard - kids have to rebuild their world every time and find their place in it. Month of the Military Child provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.
This year's theme, "Proud, Ready & Resilient," highlights military children's unique lifestyle and their ability to succeed despite frequent relocations, reintegration, deployments, loss or care for a wounded parent.
Below are a number of resources to help guide you with ways that you can raise awareness of the military children in your schools and local communities during the month of April:
National Military Family Association
Military Teens Toolkit http://www.militaryfamily.org/publications/teen-toolkit/
Military Child Education Coalition https://www.militarychild.org/
Month of the Military Child is an important observance and can be a lot of fun. So please be encouraged to get the word out in your school and your community! Join in honoring and celebrating military children during the month of April.
Note: PTA presidents can “Google” Month of the Military Child, for lots of information and ideas!