Being a Military Kid Means...

It's Month of the Military Child and we couldn't resist highlighting our HTH Kids. This month they were tasked with sharing what it means to be a MilKid through words or creative works. Check out their incredible drawings, writings, and more! Our HTH Kids have talent!

"Being a military kid is knowing that our family is different than others because of the war experiences my papa has gone through. But I'm proud of who he is and what he has done for our country." Jaden

Berlyn

"What being a Military Child means to me is because of my dad's service I'm blessed with opportunities that I'm glad for and thankful for." Levi

Hunter likes to create art in the form of food. Being a Military Kid he has learned the importance of working hard. As an aspiring chef, he is taking cooking courses to sharpen his skills in the kitchen.

Raya

"Being a military kid means to have an amazing role model that you worry about every day." Gabrielle

Lane

Mackenzie


Wondering why there are so many Dandelion drawings by our HTHKids? The Dandelion is the official flower of the Military Child!

What does it mean to be a MilKid? "I have always felt like I see things more professionally and I feel like the word “integrity” has a greater meaning to me from watching how my stepfather worked as a soldier and at home. This has made me a person who is more of an independent thinker and not always willing to easily go with what is popular or most liked and to take a road less traveled that feels right both morally and ethically. My mindset and attitude are now a lot more comparable to my stepfather's and though I have not chosen the military route for myself I have chosen to go to a military college and also plan to work in a federal job such as DHS or law enforcement." Tyelen

Month of the Military Child

It's officially April, and April is known for so many things; there's April Fools' Day, April Showers brings May flowers, and even in like a lion out like a lamb. However, did you know it is also the month of the Military Child?  Our military children deserve some extra special recognition, which is why I will be dedicating this month's blog posts to them.  

When you think of the military child, do you think of frequently moving, a parent being deployed, a strict upbringing, or any of the many other associations that come with being a military brat? What so many do not see, especially when a parent is catastrophically wounded, are the multitude of challenges these children must adapt to.

Growing up in a home with a catastrophically wounded parent is unlike any other childhood. The children of war must learn to navigate their new normal just as their parents but without the life experiences, wisdom, or even cognitive ability to do so. They must grow up much sooner than anyone would want due to the unrealistic expectations placed upon their young shoulders.

These children learn to help out around the home in ways that are traditionally reserved for the dual-parent roles. They earn a medical degree in the physical injuries of their parent, often knowing wound care, medication dosage, and equipment care. They help manage the home life and the environment outside of the home.

They know they can't simply leave toys or other childhood items lying on the floor as they create fall hazards. They look for rocks, cracks in the sidewalks, and other hazards outside the home, and they know certain places are simply off-limits to their childhood because of the inaccessibility it poses to their injured parent.

These brilliant mini caretakers even learn to navigate the minefield that comes with invisible injuries. Children of parents with hidden wounds quickly become adapted to the triggers and how to avoid them, far exceeding in their compassion to do so than their adult peers. The understanding of why their parent is the way they are is just accepted, even if they fail to truly understand, they simply accept them for who they are now.

Children of wounded veterans are growing up with a level of responsibility most adults would turn away from. Their strength, grace, and resiliency are that to be admired. They may lose a large part of their innocence and childhood growing up with a catastrophically wounded parent, but they do so with true pride and a smile on their face. They are the true unsung heroes. 

Written by a Veteran Caregiver