15 Tips for Raising Military Brats

Help Your Child Enjoy this Adventurous, yet Chaotic Military Family Lifestyle

"Name a place and I"ll tell you when I lived there." That eventually became my creative response to the trite college question, "Where are you from?" By the time I was 18, I had called twelve places home. I had attended three different high schools on two continents. I also moved my senior year, and accompanied my family as they relocated across country just a few days after I graduated high school. In addition, I watched my mom go into single mom mode numerous times when my father was TDY or deployed. I had survived my childhood as an "Army Brat."

I actually enjoyed parts of this lifestyle, it was always an adventure. And, hey, if I ever got on someone's bad side, I could just tell myself I'd be moving soon anyway and it wouldn't matter. From my nomadic childhood, I feel that I have better social skills, am very flexible and adjust well to change. It was difficult having my father gone sometimes, and the lifestyle does have its ups and downs. It can be challenging at times for children and teens. If you are a military parent or spouse, here are fifteen tips on how to provide a healthy, yet fun childhood for your little one.

1. Have a Positive Attitude and Mindset

One of the best things you can do for your child is to be a good example. If you are constantly negative, the child will pick up on it and eventually become pessimistic as well. Be careful with what you say around your children, try not to say "I hate it here!", "I hate the Army", or "I wish we weren't moving." Instead, try to look at the positive sides, such as "I love the scenery here, it's so pretty.", or "It'll be fun to experience a new culture."

Of course, at tough times (such as deployment), you do need to express your emotions, but try to be positive when talking to your child. You can say, "I miss daddy, I can't wait till he's home - just 14 more weeks to go!". Or, "Daddy is serving our country, I"m so proud of him. I miss him a lot but he'll be home soon."

2. Help and Encourage Your Child To Make Friends At Each New Home