Growing Up Military

To someone who has not had a relative serve their country, the life of a military family can be difficult to grasp. Children in those families are exposed to cultures and see parts of the world that most folks only dream about visiting. But they also live a life of constantly starting over each time their parent is transferred.

When Fort Sill's mission was expanded, it brought an influx of families to southwestern Oklahoma and northern Texas. Communities unfamiliar with military life suddenly found themselves struggling to understand the challenges facing these new residents.

Military children are exceptional. They've probably lived in a foreign country and experienced cultures completely unfamiliar to their classmates. Most speak a second language. Studies show that these children have lower delinquency rates, higher achievement scores and are more likely to go to college.

But they also change schools an average of eight times. Teens find that courses completed at their last high school don't count toward graduation requirements at their new one. It's worse when they have to move during Christmas break, since the term is half over at their new school and they are far behind in their studies. If they are an athlete or cheerleader, tryouts are over and rosters are set.

Since they constantly have to make new friends, they may be more outgoing than most kids. Their experiences make military children more accepting of other races and religions. They have also learned to adapt quickly to change.

Even so, most never get accustomed to moving. Military children are slower to develop problem-solving skills because they can leave a problem behind when their parents are transferred.
They face higher stress levels because they worry about a deployed parent. Two million U.S. children have had a parent deployed to a war zone. Half have been deployed more than once. Some kids have had both parents deployed simultaneously. Separation anxiety is often replaced with the stress of readjustment when a parent returns.

April is the Month of the Military Child. You may have a military family as a neighbor or in your congregation. They may patronize your business or you may have a military dependent in your classroom. No matter what the situation, please make an effort to understand their challenges.

Military children share the same concerns and desires as your child.

Article courtesy of Lawton Public Schools