The Defense Department is observing April as Month of the Military Child and will highlight programs, resources and services available to support the overall well-being of military children, youth and teens.
"Taking Care of Our Military Children" is the theme of this year's Month of the Military Child campaign, an opportunity to focus on the lives of military children, youth and teens.
Military families move every two to three years on average, and military children change schools an average of six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation. This year an estimated 30 percent of military service members will move to a new installation.
The Defense Department is committed to recognizing the unique challenges of military-connected children, youth and teens and ensuring that families are aware of the full breadth of support and resources that are at the ready to serve their needs as they change schools, settle into new communities, and navigate military life in general.
Across the military this April, installations will host events and observances celebrating military children, youth and teens and highlighting the programs, resources, and services available to support moving schools, education and overall well-being.
"This April, we honor the 1,602,261 military children, youth and teens serving alongside our nation's service members," said Patricia Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy. "Our military kids bring joy to our hearts, and we work hard to ensure they have access to the support and resources they need."
Within the Defense Department, there are a number of programs and resources to support military parents and their children. These include many affordable, quality and licensed child care options on and off installation.
DOD works with a variety of stakeholders to build a support network that provides the best possible education experience for military-connected children and youth worldwide. This includes school liaisons who can help students realize their education goals and interstate compacts that make changing schools easier for children.
DOD also works with a number of talented organizations, such as 4-H, Boys and Girls Club of America and Sesame Workshop to offer military parents and children resources and strategies for personal growth, mental health and self-care.
Highlights for the Month of the Military Child 2023 include Military OneSource giveaways as well as the promotion of Child and Youth programs, podcasts, tools and resources available to military children, youth and teens. Throughout the month of April, DOD invites the nation to Purple Up—wear purple and share their pictures on social media to show their support for military children, youth and teens.
Parents can find more information about the Month of the Military Child 2023 events and ongoing resources for children, youth and teens by visiting https://www.militaryonesource.mil/parenting/children-youth-teens/month-of-the-military-child/.
About Military Community and Family Policy
Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing and overseeing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our service members, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These DOD services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.