Did you know  April is the Month of the Military Child? Military children lead different lives than their civilian counterparts, But there are pros and cons to this fantastic job that someone has to do! Here is a small insight as to what the military child may go through as told by a former military “brat” herself!

The Dreaded Question – You always have a mini freakout when you’re the new student, and they ask where you are from. “Um… well, I’m not from anywhere…. but everywhere!”

Moving…All…The…Time – Growing up, I was a military brat, and we moved every two years. There was one assignment where we were there for three years (and that was a long time for us!)

Always Being” The New Kid” – Moving all the time means you will always be the new kid.  Plus side is YOU ARE THE NEW KID…everyone is intrigued and usually wants to get to know you!

Moving Mid-School Year – Ahh, this was one of my minor favorite things growing up in a military family. No thing is worse than coming in during the middle of the year, but I survived and made the best of it, which made me stronger!

Being Called a BRAT – WHYYYY WHYYYY WHYYYYYYYY I  always hated that term, and I am sure most other “brats” do too! I like to think the term “brat” is an acronym for Being Really Awesome & Thriving.

Getting the 2-year Itch – Most of my military brat friends who have grown into adults have said the same thing: You get so used to moving all the time that you get antsy to go to a new place. This part tends to stay with you!! I dubbed mine “The two-year itch!” 

Oh, the places you go!!! – One of the best perks of being a military child is all the experiences you get to see and do that other kids don’t.  I lived in Korea for a year, which was quite the experience that none of my other non-military friends had experienced. We also fell in love with an awesome state didn’t even know existed until my parents told me we were moving there…Nebraska. That is where I call “home” now since my dad retired there, and I still love going back to visit!

Oh, Don’t Forget the Friends Along the Way!!! – I met friends all over and found out that it is, in fact, a small world. From friends we knew from elementary school, to favorite neighbors, you will always find someone you knew from another base or people with whom you have a mutual friend or connection, making it a small world. This has to be one of my favorite things about what military life has brought

Standing Up for the Star-Spangled Banner at the Movies – That awkward moment when you are the only one to stand up before the previews, completely forgetting you are not at a base theater! In case you didn’t know, base theaters always play “The Star Spangled Banner” before the previews, and everyone stands. It became a habit!

Growing Up on Base – Some of my fondest memories were growing up on base. I remember that we always had awesome communities and neighbors. My siblings and I were always playing at the park, and we have lifelong friends from those old hoods!

Having a Close-Knit Family Unit – Since we moved all the time, our families had to rely on each other. My siblings and I are best friends because of that!

Road Trips Across the Country – Since we were always moving, that usually meant road trips to our new destination! Although they were long, we saw a lot of the good old U S of A…, which was pretty cool. Not to mention so many air pumps and horn honks!!

Looking forward to your 10^th birthday so you can get an excellent military ID – Most kids look forward to turning 16 when they can get their license, but I remember getting excited to turn 10 and getting my very own military I.D. I felt so cool having to show it when needed!

So, from one brat to another, I salute you… you are awesome!! Are there any former military brats here? I would love to hear what being a military child was like for you! Please comment and share!!

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