April Honors Military Children

Following Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March, the month of April carries many designations, including National Poetry Month, Autism Awareness Month, and the Month of the Military Child.
Established by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986 and sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child highlights the role of military children in the armed forces and in the community.
Kim Waldron, a Natick mom who grew up as a military child and is now raising military children, understands the challenges and benefits of the military lifestyle, how it affects kids, and how Natick can recognize and accommodate military families in our community.
“I truly feel military kids are special bunch,” said Waldron. “They have a very different perspective from so many of their peers due to the experience the military provides them, both good and bad. They understand global affairs at a young age. They transition every two to three years and have to acclimate to new schools, communities, sports teams, etc.”
The transitions between schools can be challenging because of differences in curriculum and offerings. Waldron’s family struggled with the foreign language requirements because her children were placed with classmates who had previously received more instruction. Catching up in school, advocating for placement, and making new friends can make a stressful initial experience in each school, in addition to worries the children might have about deployments and dangers overseas. “Sometimes educators don’t understand that when kids are stressed or worried because of a deployment it can manifest in unusual ways. A straight A student can stop giving any effort or a model student can become a behavior problem.”
In spite of the many challenges, “the joys are in all the friendships they make through their moves,” said Waldron. “They learn acceptance and tolerance. Diversity is not new to them.” The community at each station becomes what Waldron calls “framily.” “We celebrate holidays together, keep up on social media and see each other when we are able to get together. We have friends literally all over the world and now with Facebook, Instagram, etc., they are a click away. We lend a supportive ear, help shuttle kids, and even agree to act as guardians to our children if something should happen.”
Wilson Middle School will honor the Month of the Military Child as part of their Diversity Project. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) suggests wearing purple on April 10 in support of military children. “Our military kids have so much on their minds in addition to normal kid stress,” Waldron said. “These kids are so very special and while all of this does help them become resilient, it is a lot to ask of them. It would be nice if there was a club or group for military kids. Sports teams could hold a spot in case an athlete moves to the area after tryouts. Not everyone can afford to travel up here multiple times for tryouts. I loved the Veterans’ Day celebration and would like to see military kids honored with the veterans.”