--- title: "Month of the Military Child: Support and Celebrate Military Kids" description: April is designated the Month of the Military Child. How will you celebrate your military kids? image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/ITI%20Month%20of%20the%20Military%20Child%20-1.png --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # Month of the Military Child: Support and Celebrate Military Kids ![Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Jen%20square%20profile.png) ## [Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/jen-mcdonald) April 07, 2026 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) [Military Life](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/military-life) ## Month of the Military Child: Support and Celebrate Military Kids A couple of days after an overseas PCS move, I wandered into my teen’s room to find him hanging up his favorite posters—boxes unpacked, bed made, everything in place. For military families, that scene isn't unusual. Our kids become experts at moving, adjusting, and starting over at each new duty station. But just because they *can* handle it doesn't mean that it's easy.  [Military children](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/help-your-military-kids-through-the-pcs-transition/) navigate a parent's deployments, frequent goodbyes, and the challenge of being the "new kid" over and over. Their resilience is remarkable, but it also deserves recognition and support.  That's where April comes in.  The Month of the Military Child is more than a symbolic nod. It's a reminder to be intentional about how we honor, encourage, and celebrate these amazing people. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to do just that.  ![Two young girls looking through their fingers and smiling with text ideas to celebrate military kids](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Celebrate%20Military%20Kids.jpg?width=600&name=Celebrate%20Military%20Kids.jpg) ## What Is the Month of the Military Child? In 1986, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child in the United States. It's a nationwide recognition of the significant role [military children](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/do-you-know-about-these-resources-for-military-kids) play in our communities and our country. One of the most visible traditions is Purple Up! Day on April 15. The idea began with 4-H clubs in New Hampshire and has grown into a global show of support across military communities. People are encouraged to wear purple on April 15 each year to recognize and honor military children.  Why purple? Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it combines Army green, Marine red, and Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy blue. Wearing purple lets military youth see the support of their communities. ## 6 Simple, Meaningful Ways to Support Military Kids ### 1. Celebrate Them—Out Loud Take a moment to recognize your child’s strength. - Write them a short note or letter - Share a memory of something they handled well - Call out their resilience in front of others Military kids don’t always hear the recognition of how much they’re carrying.  ### 2. Make Moving Easier (Even if It's Routine) Military kids move every two to three years on average and change schools an average of six to nine times during their school years ([Source: DOW](https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3349616/month-of-the-military-child-2023-taking-care-of-our-military-children/)). Even when they’re “good at it,” it’s still hard. Many military children have dealt with more changes in a few years than others do in decades. Make transitions smoother by: - Letting them set up their room first (a sense of control matters) - Keeping a box of favorite items that always comes out first  - Helping them research their new location before arrival If you need guidance, [PCSing with Kids: Tips for Military Families](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/help-your-military-kids-through-the-pcs-transition/) offers practical ideas. Military OneSource's [Making the Move Easier for Military-Connected Children](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/parenting-and-children/parenting-youth-and-teens/making-the-move-easier-for-military-kids/) also provides checklists and tools that aren't overwhelming.  ### 3. Support Them During Deployments Deployments can be one of the toughest parts of [military life for kids](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/helping-military-kids-get-through-multiple-deployments). Practical ways to help: - Create a simple communication routine with the deployed parent (weekly video call, shared journal) - Use countdown calendars for milestones - Keep routines as consistent as possible at home If your child is struggling, look into **Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)** through your installation or Military OneSource. They provide confidential, no-cost support. *![Boy smiles as he hugs his dad in military uniform with tactical backpack. ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/ITI%20Month%20of%20the%20Military%20Child%20.png?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%20Month%20of%20the%20Military%20Child%20.png)Photo by SDI Productions from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com* ### 4. Help Them Find “Their People” Connection changes everything, and there's nothing like a friend who understands.  Look for opportunities like: - School-based programs like MCEC's [Student 2 Student (S2S) Program](https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/) - Installation youth centers - [Youth Sponsorship Programs](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/ease-the-pcs-transition-with-the-youth-sponsorship-program) (which connect kids before you even PCS) And if you want something more immersive, Operation Purple Camp offers free summer camps designed specifically for military kids dealing with deployment and transition stress. ### 5. Join Purple Up! and Then Go a Step Further Yes, wear purple on April 15, but don’t stop there. - Encourage your child’s school to participate - Drop off purple treats or thank-you notes for military-connected students - Share awareness on social media (your child may notice more than you think) Visibility helps kids feel seen, not just supported quietly. ### 6. Give Them a Break from “Being Strong” Military kids are often praised for being resilient, but they don’t need to be strong all the time. Build in regular breaks and moments of fun when you can.  This month, consider: - A one-on-one “yes day” or outing - Giving them space to talk—without rushing to solutions Easing pressure can sometimes be the best way to help. ## A Final Thought Military kids don't choose this life, and April is a reminder to slow down and acknowledge that. To our military children, we say: I see you. I'm proud of you. And what you're doing matters.  How will you celebrate your military kids during the Month of the Military Child? [![MilitaryByOwner email list sign up page with image of envelope with MBO logo and text on how to subscribe ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/acd20356-5415-41ce-b475-09e1f6dac984.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/acd20356-5415-41ce-b475-09e1f6dac984) #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/celebrate-military-kids-during-april-month-of-the-military-child) ![Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Jen%20square%20profile.png) #### Author ## [Jen McDonald](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/jen-mcdonald) Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, where she manages the team of in-house and guest writers and creates resources that help military families navigate PCS moves, homeownership, renting, and military life. Originally trained as a registered nurse, she transitioned into publishing in 2008 and joined MilitaryByOwner in 2014. She also holds professional editing and marketing certifications, including credentials from the Poynter Institute, ACES (American Copy Editors Society), and HubSpot. As an Air Force spouse for over 30 years, Jen has spent much of her adult life moving between duty stations, managing deployments, and raising four children around the globe. She draws on those experiences to encourage and inform military families through her writing and speaking. Jen is the award-winning author of *You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse* and *Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories*. She also produced and hosted the Milspouse Matters podcast for five years, sharing stories and resources with military spouses worldwide. Her writing has earned numerous honors, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES. Now settled in Texas, Jen is writing her debut cozy mystery series, enjoying time with her grandchildren, and appreciating a season of life that doesn't involve unpacking moving boxes every few years. Connect with Jen at [jen-mcdonald.com](https://jen-mcdonald.com/) and on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jenmcdonaldwriter), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jenmcdonald88/), and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/jenmcdonald88/). ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. So if you give us your email, we’re unlikely to spam you. 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