Pumpkin Cookies: Sweetness to Share With Friends and Neighbors
In a well-worn notebook belonging to military spouse Terri Barnes, a handwritten recipe for pumpkin cookies is marked with the signs of many batches baked in many different kitchens. Some of the marks look...
What is Patriotism? 8 Learning Activities for Kids
Patriotism means love and devotion for one’s country. It can be shown in a variety of ways, including thoughts, words, and actions. Here are some activities and conversations to help kids learn about patriotism...
Drawing On Military Childhood: Illustrators Offer Wisdom, Creativity
Military childhood can be colorful and exciting. It has challenges, but also many rewards: growing up in different states and countries, experiencing a wide range of cultures at home and abroad, being part of...
Memorial Day: Ways to Remember, Honor Veterans Who Gave All
For Gold Star Wife and Mother Deborah Tainsh, every day is Memorial Day. Deborah’s son Patrick, a soldier, was killed in combat in Iraq in 2004. Deborah’s husband, David, a retired Marine who served in Vietnam...
Poetry and Stories Hold Comfort and Expression for Military Children
When Abby Huisman was in third grade, she found out her air force family would be leaving their home in Germany at the end of the school year. Her teacher, knowing that Abby was...
Lifelong Military Friendships Grow with Care and Communication
Military life offers endless opportunities to make new friends, and some of those new friends become friends for life. Long-term friendships offer the comfort and stability of history, especially for those who live mobile...
Military Appreciation: 11 Ways to Honor Veterans
Anyone, whether military or civilian, can recognize those who serve the military by saying “thank you,” by volunteering, and by learning more about those who serve.
Nancy Polette's middle grade picture book, N Is for Never...
Unplug and Tune in to Maintain a Healthy Marriage
Healthy marriages don't just happen. They require intentionality and focused attention, particularly amid the challenges of military life. Sometimes this means unplugging—from both technology and other demands.
“In helping professions ... there’s a lot of...
Playtime: 10 Ways to Brighten Deployment Days
It’s tempting for a military family to take the “hunker down” approach to deployment. The parent on the home front often has his or her hands full just getting through each day; or the...
Write It Out: Journals Help Kids Process Emotions
Journaling is a great way to help kids sort out the feelings they have about military life. The benefits of journaling are numerous. Journals give children a place to write down and consider their...