5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Military Kids in April

Apr 07, 2021

Did you know that April is the month of the military child? If you’re looking for month of the military child activities, I’ve got 5 simple and adorable ideas to celebrate military kids this month. As a military spouse and mom, I think it’s extremely important that we take the time to celebrate our military kids. After all, they didn’t get to chose this life and often bear the brunt of what we’re all feeling. But military kids are resilient and learn to adapt to almost any situation so what better way to celebrate them than with some fun activities and events? Keep reading for more information on the month of the military child as well as some fun was to celebrate your military kids through the month of April!

What is Month of the Military Child?

April was designated as the Month of the Military Child in 1986 by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. The purpose of Month of the Military Child is to highlight the important role military children play in the military community. Month of the military child is a time to celebrate military families and their children for the sacrifices they make daily and the many challenges they are asked to overcome.

Month of the Military Child Activity Ideas

Look into Month of the Military Child events happening at your current duty station

I’m writing this in 2021 so who knows what the celebrations will look like this year but keep an eye on your local USO, Post Exchange, and MWR programs for month of the military child related events. I know our MWR is doing a whole bunch of spirit days with corresponding activities and contests.

Create “Month of the Military Child” themed baskets! Fill them with lots of purple, dandelion related items, and books for kids about military life

This might be a little extra with Easter having just happened but I love the idea of celebrating our military kids by giving them month of the military child themed gifts. If Jasper’s birthday wasn’t also in April, I’d definitely be doing this.

Have a photo shoot in a field of dandelions!

If you live somewhere with normal seasons, look for dandelions and plan a DIY photoshoot! Or if you’re a photographer, maybe this would be a great way to give back to the military community! The dandelion is representative of military kids because they can put down roots anywhere and are hard to destroy. Whatever you do for month of the military child, incorporate some dandelions!

Choose one day for your military kid to have a “yes” day. They lead and get to do/eat/go wherever they want (within reason).

Ever since Netflix released “Yes Day” I’ve had this idea of incorporating this into our lives. If you’ve got older kids, this is a great way to celebrate them during the month of April. Of course, you can set whatever parameters you want to in order to make a “yes” day work for you but I think this would be such a treat for military kids.

Set up an email and have friends/family send in videos. Put all of the videos together as a surprise for your kids!

I love love love this idea and think it’s an especially great option for older kids who have friends at various duty stations! Get their parents involved and have them send videos to each other or make cards, etc. to surprise each other with during the month of April. If you’re feeling especially adventurous post pandemic, you could even schedule a visit with one or two friends from previous duty stations if you’re kids are still close!

How do you celebrate month of the military child? I’d love to hear your traditions and ideas below!