Friday, April 15, 2016

Because We Are Military Kids, We Are....

April is the month of the military child.

My husband has been in the military for many years now. The military life is the only life my kids have known. People sometimes worry what moving around can do to a kid. Will it damage them? The answer is no.  I was also a military kid and it helped me be the person I am today.







Because We Are Military Kids.....



We are...Independent.

Sometimes military life means saying goodbye to loved ones. A lot. I always hate when my husband has to go, but I know I can manage. My kids know they'll be okay because they've done it many times before. Of course there will be moments where there will be tears, but for the most part, we know we got this.




We are...resilient.

You never know what the military will throw at you. We once had an entire trip to Disney World planned only to find out that my husband had to deploy even though he was told he would not be deployed. I won't lie, I cursed a lot over that one. But the kids and I still went. It helped break up the time when my husband was gone. It is tougher for my son, who has autism, but I remind him to take deep breaths when he gets upset.


We are...cultured.

Well. Sort of. I was in Europe for most of my childhood because my mother was in the Air Force. I loved being able to travel around and go through old towns and castles. (When I wasn't pouting. I did have teenage angst.) My favorite was going to the Christmas Markets in Germany. I knew how to count to ten in German when I was ten. My son ate in various pubs when we were in England and learned what Bangers and Mash are. (I wanted to travel more, but we were broke and we were still figuring out what was going on with Tommy. The sudden meltdowns and the fact that he liked to run away from us would not have gone well in British castles.)


We are...well-rounded.

Since we've been in different places and dealt with different situations, we're able to cope. For instance, we know how to say goodbye to people. It stinks, but when military life is over and people have to go, we know we've been there before. We know it hurts, but we also know the power of letters and social media. They help. We also make for an interesting job interview. If asked where we're from, we can say all over, and this generally impresses and amuses the person giving the interview.


We are...brave.



It's not easy having to change schools several times throughout our lives. We have to make friends all over again. We have to get used to a new area. It can be disconcerting--but we do it, because we know we can. It's not always easy, but we manage.


We are...proud.

How many people can say that their parent or spouse would risk their life for their country? We're incredibly proud of our military members. We know they work hard. We know they wish they didn't have to go. We know they want to make our lives as easy as they can, but sometimes it's not always possible.



We love them just as they love us. And we wouldn't want any other life.




We're proud to be military kids.


72 comments:

  1. Yes!! Military kids are indeed all that...! I can definitely relate to all - aside from the military aspect -having been an expat brat my whole life! And no way does it damage the kid, you're definitely better for it!! xx

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  2. I love this so much! I have always admired military kids for their strength, knowledge and sense of adventure!

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  4. I was a preacher's kid and we moved to a new town every 2-3 years. My brother is retiring from the Air Force this year and ironically has only been stationed at 2 bases in his 23 year career. He actually moved more as a preacher's kid.

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    1. Yes, I've known some people who have been at like one base for most of their career! It's crazy.

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  5. I love this!! I hope the housing in Texas gets straightened out asap too. Have a great weekend. Xxoo

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  6. This is a great post. I find all of that admirable!

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  7. Not even gonna lie. I want Natalie's stripped skirt and socks. I didn't move around growing up but as an adult I've moved a TON. My kids and I have moved 6 times in 5 years. I am pretty sure we are finished moving.

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  8. LOVE this post! I often worry about what life will be like for our daughter because I knew NO ONE in the military until I met my husband... but posts like this give me a lot of hope! :)

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  9. I would never think it would damage them, just strengthen. Kids need love. That itself is a stabilizing force. As long you provide that in droves...
    Which you do!

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  10. Such a great post. You definitely have a unique perspective since you are able to know first hand what your kids are feeling and going through.

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  11. This is so positive. Great post. I hope you love your new Texas home!

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  12. Love this post! I always worry that my kids will be traumatized. So lucky that you spent a bunch of time in Europe!

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  13. My dad did pretty much his whole time at Travis! But I knew about goodbyes

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  14. I love this post so much! Military kids are so special!

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  15. Awesome post! I have the utmost respect for the men & women that serve our country, as well as their families. I know you guys have given up a lot, too & I appreciate that! Your kids are going to be so well rounded because of their experiences. My dad is a military chaplain in San Antonio. Let me know if you ever need anything. :)

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  16. This is so true. I didn't grow up military, but all my kids have. It's the only life they know. I don't think they realize how awesome they are doing, and how well-prepared they will be for tough situations in the future. Thank you for writing.

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  17. This is so true. I didn't grow up military, but all my kids have. It's the only life they know. I don't think they realize how awesome they are doing, and how well-prepared they will be for tough situations in the future. Thank you for writing.

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  18. I wasn't a military kid, nor are my children (although we have lived in 3 different states and even more different houses), but I think I would have loved it, since I love going to new places and haven't even lived in the same house longer than a few years lol. I'm trying to get my kids into travel now - and we have yet to find our "forever home." And maybe we never will, it'll be ok :)

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  19. You guys are all of this and more! Thanks for serving our country.

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  20. Glad that you can look so positively on the military life. I think if would be hard as a child, but I would love the lifestyle as an adult. It is a great way to experience the world.

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  21. My husband is a retired vet now, but I TOTALLY GET IT. It wasn't easy, but I wouldn't change any of it.

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  22. You have a beautiful family Amber! I definitely think I would love a military life because I quickly get bored living in the same location. I grew up in NY, moved to PA 10 years ago and I'm ready to move to a different state.

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  23. I think a lot of people have misconceptions about military children and that type of lifestyle. This was a beautiful post and should be shared with a lot of people.

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  24. Aww this is beautiful. Military kids (and families) would have to be the strongest, most resilient people in my opinion.

    Christie's Take on Life. x

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  25. This is wonderful. I have so much admiration for military families. i think it's hard to understand the lifestyle if you have no exposure to it, but I imagine it's very difficult to start over all the time.

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  26. I moved 9 times before I graduated high school and I wouldn't change that experience for the world. I'm not a military kid, I'm a child of an 80s IBM employee. IBM=I've Been Moved:-)

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  27. I love this post! As a military family, you get to experience so many things. I have a blogger friend (she has no kids though) who is stationed with her husband in Germany. They seem to love the opportunity to travel.

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  28. My family is similar to yours although we are not a military home.

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  29. I hope your spouse knows how much we all appreciate him and all he does to help keep us safe. I was a military child and it wasn't easy to change schools so much. I became so withdrawn for a time but then I became resilient.

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  30. I grew up in the same home my entire life until I went away with college so I am always so impressed and in awe of people who have moved around so much. Moving to Tennessee recently was a huge culture shock to me and something I probably wouldn't have ever experienced if my husband hadn't gotten into school out here. So you're right - there's something to be said about being exposed to so many different "worlds" at a younger age!

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  31. Such a great post. Military kids are so strong moving states and sometimes countries frequently.

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  32. Awesome post! Who can think of the downsides when there are so many advantages, you get to see the world without meaning to!

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  33. I think there are some great benefits that come with being a military child. I feel it would definitely make you a well-rounded and open-minded individual!

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  34. Aww, I love this post! I liked that last picture of the kids together too - they're so cute. And yes, they should definitely be proud!

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  35. Thank your husband for his service and thank your children for sharing their dad.

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  36. What I see for sure is that kids with parents in the military have so much patience. God bless your family!

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  37. I admire military kids so much and I think you are right when you said that they are resilient. Its true they are brave x

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  38. You are one tough family. My respect for you and your family. Thank you for the sacrifices you all do.

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  39. Those are all really good traits and what a tough family! So much respect for you all! Keep staying strong!

    XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ;)
    SINCERELY OPHELIA | HOW TO | Small Bag in a Big City

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  40. I imagine it being hard for a kid moving around. Good work on them for staying strong.

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  41. Being resilient is important. Glad that your kids are like cameleons that can easily adopt to changes.

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  42. Being resilient is important. Glad that your kids are like cameleons that can easily adopt to changes.

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  43. Being resilient is important. Glad that your kids are like cameleons that can easily adopts to changes.

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  44. Great post! Your kids have such great qualities

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  45. I know it doesn't hurt. I have two wonderful kids who also grew up like you and me. One is in the Air Force and the other is in the Navy.

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  46. Just about every man in my family on all sides have served in the military. I have SO much respect for military families. Thank you so much to your husband but also you and your kids.

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  47. It would be a difficult but empowering situation. Your family has so much to be proud of!

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  48. What an incredible post! I've few Military friends and I really admired their perspective towards life. They are courageous, adventurous and ready to face any challenge!

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  49. I don't have experience of anything like this, but I love that you are seeing the positive side here. They are part of a huge family!

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  50. No one in the family has ever served the military before. No one's life is every easy but our experiences will teach us a whole lot. I would have to agree, you are independent and you can definitely survive on your own.

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  51. You know ive never met military kids. Everyone i know who is in the military either dont have kids or had them after retirement. Congrats on seeing the positive side.

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  52. Great post. I have to say that I always that military kids were always more rounded. They have so much knowledge and strength.

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  53. kudos to the parents! You've raised amazing, lovely children. I am hoping they will continue to nurture the values you've bestowed to them all their lives. ~ ONE SPORTY MOTHER

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  54. I admire military kids for their strength. It's amazing how they manage everything from either moving around or missing one parent all the time.

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  55. Such a great post! I don't know anyone who was in the military so I loved reading this to gain a new perspective.

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  56. Such a lovely post. Definitely a must read

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  57. I have so much respect for the military and especially the spouses and kids and I love everything about this post. My brother and uncle were in the military and I think you are all special.

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  58. omg adore this post- a friend of mine has kids whose parents are in the military and its so inspiring and encouraging to watch them grow. what a great read!

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  59. We are retired Air Force and my kids were military kids. My daughter is married to an Air Force member. My one son served in the Coast Guard. They can move around with no problem, make friends easily. Travel over seas or anywhere and love it. Plus they have seen places most kids never get to enjoy.

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  60. My kids have known only one house and city and although there is a lot to explore in NYC it is a different way of life. Hooray for the military kids.

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  61. I can imagine there are many plus sides to being a military kid! It sounds like your kids have learnt some great lessons from being one.

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  62. Well rounded and Proud comes to mind first. My family is military and we were very rounded as kids. Met a lot of friends too
    Kita Bryant

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  63. I do believe Military kids are all of that and more! What a lovely way to honor all those families in the Military at home and abroad.

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  64. I agree that military kids are resilient, well-rounded and proud. This was such a beautiful post and I really enjoyed reading it.

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  65. I loved reading this post. Every military kid I taught was like this, with one exception, but that child was shy, so it was just harder to get to all these traits in a year! Loved that kid!

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  66. That is interesting that you grew up in a military family and now your spouse is also in the military. It would definitely be a unique experience and lifestyle.

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  67. I agree with all of these. It is not easy to be a military kids but you all are amazing!

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  68. You are a strong and beautiful family! It's not easy, but you are so brave!

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  69. I would have loved to travel around as a kid! Talk about getting to explore the world while you have the energy!!

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  70. My husband is a seafarer and I guess I understand the same. Making them feel that we appreciate them is indeed a great way of showing our love.

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