Being a Military Child: The Ups and Downs of Growing Up in a Military Family
A child in a military family is someone with a different outlook on life than their peers. Here you’ll learn advantages and disadvantages through their eyes.
Children born into a military family have a unique experience that may separate them from other young ones their age.
Between frequent moves, a new group of friends, and time away from their parents, children of service members often encounter adventures that would later mold their childhood.
While the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, this article will explore the highs and lows of being a military child and its effects on families.
High: Experiencing Different Cultures
Traveling across the world or even to another state is a unique experience to many military children. Exploring different countries and cultures expands their knowledge so they can learn about the lifestyles of other kids in that location.
Having the opportunity to work alongside others from various backgrounds exposes them to diverse experiences that can aid them later in life.
High: Ability To Reinvent
Being able to relocate to different areas gives children the opportunity to reinvent themselves or give themselves a fresh start. Through reinvention, children will begin understanding themselves, their interests, and their passions, and will learn to express their individuality.
Low: Losing Friends
Moving around and seeing amazing sights is entertaining for most children; however, losing contact with friends is a frequent occurrence for military families.
An unfortunate and inevitable element of the military child lifestyle, it might be challenging to maintain communication with past friends. However, this is an opportunity for young ones to expand their friend group and get to know others can they relate with in the area.
Low: Increased Chances of Family Separation
A significant aspect of the lifestyle, military children often experience family separation in a couple different ways. If relocating in between bases, chances are they can spend their whole lives never being within vicinity of their immediate family like grandparents, uncles, and aunts.
Also, military parents who work long hours in the field and deploy for 6 to 12 months at a time are away from children. A parent going overseas for a while can be a pivotal moment in a child’s life, which is why it helps to know a few tips for parenting during a deployment.
While being a military child has its highs and lows, there are plenty upsides that may prompt a generally positive experience for most.
Despite some sacrifices made for the sake of their parents, the lifestyle can expand their way of thinking and help them develop an appreciation for diversity.
