More than 1.6 million military children face the unique challenges of military life. From parental deployments to frequent relocations, kids at a very young age must quickly adapt to new environments. As the unseen heroes who often struggle quietly and may feel unheard, military children need our community support. That’s why April, the Month of the Military Child (MoMC), is so important — it’s a time to recognize and honor their sacrifices.

The Impact of Change on Military Children

Are you a parent navigating the challenges of military life? Do you have a child (or a few) struggling with the hardships of deployments, frequent relocations, or emotional strain? If so, know that you are not alone!

No matter how strong and resilient military children are, they are still kids. They don’t always fully understand what’s happening or why these changes are taking place. Some may feel ashamed or unsure how to express their emotions. That’s where we, as a community, should step in — to validate their feelings and provide tools to help them adjust.

Constant exposure to new environments could lead to anxiety, stress, confusion, and loneliness. Older children may even struggle with self-identity. Forming deep, long-lasting friendships becomes even more difficult with the frequent goodbyes, and adapting to unfamiliar settings, often having to “fit in”, can sometimes result in feelings of isolation. While many learn and grow to become highly adaptable and resilient, they need the right support from family, school, and their community to ensure long-term emotional well-being.

ASYMCA’s Role in Supporting Military Children

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) understands the challenges faced by military families. That’s why child and youth programs have been at the heart of their mission for years. Below are some of the programs available to support your military child.

Operation Hero

Designed for kids grades 2 through 5, Operation Hero is a free after-school program that helps children navigate the struggles of military life. A team of trained professionals works with enrolled kids on topics such as relocations, deployments, and parental absence. This 10-week course is unique in that it provides children with tools and support to adjust effectively to the hardships of the military lifestyle.

Operation Camp

During the summer months, military families can take advantage of Operation Camp, held at various locations across the United States. The program focuses on building meaningful connections and social skills development. Military children often have to move cities and schools and face the loss of their friendships. Operation Camp provides a space to foster family bonding, conflict resolution, and coping strategies — fantastic tools to help your family navigate your next move!

Operation Little Learners

For military families with younger children, Operation Little Learners is an excellent choice. This interactive parent-child educational program is ideal for spouses who would like to build confidence and gain new tools to help their little ones in early childhood development. Not only will parents find the program extremely helpful for their parent-child bonding, but they will also get the chance to meet new people, make friends, and feel part of a larger military community.

Tips for Parents on Supporting Their Children

Engage in Community Programs

In addition to ASYMCA’s programs, many military installations organize special events in April for the Month of Military Child (MOMC). Be sure to check the events page, mark your calendars, and plan fun activities for your little ones. It’s also a great way for your family to meet others and make some new friends as well!

At-Home Activities for the Month of Military Child (MOMC)

If you’d like to celebrate MoMC at home, here are some fun ideas:

• Buy your child a military-themed book.
• Plan a “Purple Up” Day on April 15th! Dress in purple and honor your military child at home. Take it a step further with a purple meal or purple-themed game night!
• Organize a special date night for your child with the service member in your family.
• Set up a playdate with another military family.
• Print out photos and create a family collage of all the places you’ve lived. While moving can be challenging for children, this activity helps highlight the adventures you’ve experienced together.

Everyday Strategies for Supporting Military Kids

MOMC is an important time to recognize military children, but ongoing support is key to their well-being. Here are some everyday strategies to help them thrive:

• Keep communication open. Talk about your feelings and encourage your child to share theirs, too.
• Establish routines. A sense of stability is crucial. Create family traditions that you carry with you, no matter where you move.
• Encourage socialization. Get your child involved in programs like those offered by the ASYMCA to help them make new friends.
• Help them build resilience. Military kids are naturally adaptable, but they still need reassurance. Focus on the positives of new situations and remind them of their inner strength.
• Stay connected with your extended family. Even if they live far away, regular calls and sending postcards or letters can help maintain strong bonds.

MoMC Reflections: Navigating Change as a Military Family

As a mom to a 2-year-old who recently experienced his first overseas PCS move, I was truly amazed by how much he understood — even at such a young age. More than a month later he still remembers our last home and often asks about “California home.”

If you’re reading this and feeling the same way, don’t get discouraged. It will get better. And if you need extra support, check your local ASYMCA branch — they’re here to help!

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