Month of the Military Child: Ideas

In brainstorming for ideas of how to make this month special for my Military Child, this is what I came up with:

Design a "Military Brat" T-shirt

Have your kids pick out a t-shirt from Wal-mart (or other inexpensive store).

Using fabric paints, have them design their own shirt with the following phrases:
                  Proud to Support My [Military Branch] [Mom/Dad]
                            Proud to Be a Military Brat
                                       I Am A Military Hero Too
              or whichever phrase you like that identifies your Kiddo as a Military Child

Design a Certificate of Appreciation

You can create your own if you have the time and are crafty.  Or you can go to Blue Star Families to print out a pre-generated one that you can personalize.


Throw a Party

Big or small, all mil-kids or mil and civ kids, make a cake, serve some icecream, and have the mil kids share stories about previous bases, favorite moments in military life, etc.  This allows them to share with each other and to share with civilian kids why they like or don't like the military way of life (and offers us parents a sneak peak into their real thoughts on our lifestyle.)

Be sure to include mil-type party favors and decorations.  Create some mil-style games.


Share Time

Something I think my Kiddo would benefit from is an opportunity to ask questions.  Take a moment to sit down with your kids and let them ask you questions about what you do in the Military and why.  Be as honest as you can.  Then ask them questions as well.  I believe opening communication with the kids is important as we struggle through deployments and PCS's.  Giving them an idea of why we choose this life will go a long way in helping them understand and cope.


Get Involved

Be sure to check your base events.  Most bases will offer some sort of event that will both honor the kids as well as educate them on what it means to be in the military.  Find out if your base has an event like Operation: Military Kids and sign them up before the event is full.  Or check out Soldier's Angels for a list of daily ideas to show your support.