Month of the Military Child

The Month of the Military Child was established to honor and recognize the sacrifices and resilience of children in military families.

• Military-Connected Student Support Resources

Month of the Military Child

The Month of the Military Child was established to honor and recognize the sacrifices and resilience of children in military families.

• Military-Connected Student Support Resources

This year's Month of the Military Child theme is "Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story," highlighting the resilience, sacrifices, and unique experiences of military-connected children.

Military children face unique challenges, including an average of six to nine school moves during their educational years due to their parents' military assignments. They also endure frequent separations from their active-duty parents because of training and deployments. Despite these challenges, military children demonstrate remarkable resilience, continually adapting to new social norms, communities, and support networks.

Let’s show our support and admiration for our nation's youngest heroes by participating in Spirit Week, April 20–24, and wearing purple on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, for the annual Purple Up Day celebration.

April

• 20

  Patriotic Day

  Wear patriotic colors and attire.

• 21

  Hats Off Day

  "Hats off" to our military–wear your favorite hat or head gear.

• 22

  Purple Up! Day

  Wear PURPLE to show your support for military kids.  Light Up the KLC!

• 23

  Camouflage Day

  Wear camo like the men and women in the armed forces.

• 24

  R.E.D. Day

  "Remember Everyone Deployed" by wearing RED.

Celebrating Military Students & Families

• Month of the Military Child Ideas (PDF) – MilitaryChild.org
• Military.com
• U.S. Department of Defense
• Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA)
• Military One Source Toolkit
• American Red Cross Reconnection Workshops – Active duty service members, members of the Reserves and National Guard, veterans, and military families are welcome to participate in workshops offering effective ways to work through challenges, improve wellbeing and build skills through small-group discussion and hands-on activities.

A Few Facts about Military Children and their Families

Did you know that:

• "There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service, and military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks." (U.S. Department of Defense)

• "A survey conducted by the University of Texas found that despite the challenges they face in frequent moves and dangerous deployments, military children have healthy relationships with others, do well in school, and are engaged in community activities.

  Moreover, they also show more tolerance, resourcefulness, and respect for authority. The challenges they face as a part of their youth help prepare them for adversity throughout their lives. As a result, they adapt to change more quickly and easily than others." (Military.com)

• "The unique and acute uncertainties that come with military service — including deployments, relocations, and the inherent dangers of combat — create added layers of stress and worry for kids. Prolonged parental absence due to deployment can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of insecurity." (Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation)

The Dandelion

Month of the Military Child Official Flower

The dandelion, often seen as a simple weed, holds a special significance as the official flower of the Month of the Military Child. This resilient flower symbolizes the strength and adaptability of military children who, like the dandelion, bloom wherever they are planted. Military children often face frequent relocations and the challenges of adjusting to new environments, schools, and friendships.

The dandelion's ability to thrive in diverse conditions mirrors the resilience and courage these children exhibit. Celebrating the dandelion during this month honors the unique experiences and sacrifices of military children, recognizing their important role in the military community.

Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen

Bloom is where you can find comfort and advice about everything military kid related-from moving tips to the top things to do at your duty station. Bloom was co-founded by teens who grew up in military families. This website provides posts from featured authors, often other military kids who want to share their stories and connect with their community; and it also includes: Videos, quizzes, art, surveys, blogs on military life, moving, people, experiences, and much more.