What kind of effect do you think a military life has on a child?

Question

I prefer that civilians answer this questions if they don't know anyone in the military. This is for my term paper, and I need to know the thoughts of civilians on how they think military dependents are raised.

I prefer that civilians answer this questions if they don't know anyone in the military. This is for my term paper, and I need to know the thoughts of civilians on how they think military dependents are raised.


^^ I'm writing an argument paper. As a military brat myself, I already have enough experience to write about my life as a dependent. I need opinions from the civilian POV so that I can write their standpoint.

^^ I'm writing an argument paper. As a military brat myself, I already have enough experience to write about my life as a dependent. I need opinions from the civilian POV so that I can write their standpoint.

Answer 1

Back when I was in school I was friends with many so called Army brats and I can tell you most of them were far ahead of many that were born and raised in this town. They had been place's and seen things that none of us would ever do, their education was superior to ours as they had many different views on things as they had much more input. They did complain about moving about all the time but some put down roots in my town and went on to be productive citizens and others joined the service themselves. I think these kids accepted their life as what it was with the only problem was moving so much and having to make new friends.

Answer 2

Well call me,
I am a former military brat and served myself
Back in the 50's when my dad joined, we had what i consider the ultimate lifestyle. We traveled to places that we never would have seen. Grew up with various cultures. My mom had the feeling that we were in good hands when not at home. We had youth centers that had an abundance of activities. Uncle sam provided housing, bus service to schools, to and from activities in your community and everyone looked after each others kids. Its a lifestyle I would not have changed for the world. Even though I went to many different schools it was a learning experience. Me, I feel I am more knowledgeable about other races, and cultures because of the travel. For a child it a little different than the spouse. We know that daddy if off at work/war but we are secure. Yes you miss him, but at the same time we know/hope he will be home soon. Its not the child who suffers the most in a military family, its the wife/spouse. She has to be mother and father most of the time. I have 7 brothers and sisters, and i feel we all feel the same way. It didnt hurt that we were in Hawaii, Guam, the orient, California and usually a warm weather place. Luck of the draw.
For your next paper do one on the spouse of a serviceman/woman. You will probably get a totally different veiw.

Answer 3

As a Marine(or someone with military experience), why the hell would you care what a civilian would have to say about the effects of the military life on a child???????????????????? What the hell would they know????? I can tell you straight up the life is not good on a child!! I left active duty myself almost 3 years ago now from the Marine Corps because I know if I had stayed in, my MAIN home would be IRAQ!! I know Marines who've have spent a lot of time overseas either in Iraq or Afghanistan or wherever who have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This is NOT to be taken lightly!! Most who have this are in denial and can have an extreme negative effect on family and friends and long story short ends up in physical abuse, divorce, cheating, or whatever and in extreme cases, murder. Please don't assume this is the case with everyone or with your loved one but know it's extremely possible. It's worse because they don't know they have a problem. I also know of military folk who have children born while they're deployed and do not meet the child for some time. One can only imagine the physiological effects of one being offspring to military deployed and away and rarely there...what can a civilian answer about being in the military??

Answer 4

I have to agree with Amy on this one! A Civilian CANNOT even begin to know what its like to be a child in a military family, because they really are clueless!
On a personal note, my kids are having the time of their lives!!! Sure, we may move alot, but how many civilian kids get the opportunities that my kids have had to live overseas and experience new cultures first hand, instead of from some school text book? Not too many! The friends they make, they have forever! And, in some cases, your friends move with you!!
Military kids grow up with knowing that each moment is precious! You never know when your soldier is going to have to leave and your never really know for how long, or IF they are even coming home again! Its a hard life, but the good times outweigh the bad a million to one!!!
If you need to know more, let me know! Ive got a ton more I could tell you!

Answer 5

Way to go Amy and Wendi! I'm an Army brat also, as well as a Navy wife (I'm a traitor I know) and what civilians think of how military children is ridiculous. You would think that you needed to hear it from the source not hearsay. I grew up with an exemplary education, ready friends (living on a military base means making good friends fast) and standards to which civilian public schools cannot even hope to achieve. The travel was amazing, getting to experience things that you will remember forever.. You don't know until you've been there.

Answer 6

well im 14 years old...and i think that a military life (for me) would be drama over and over again...i mean always having to move and making new friends while constantly having to undergo the pressure of becoming known or comfortable in the skool...not being familiar with your surrounding the entire time

Answer 7

So... your paper isn't about what being raised in the military is REALLY like... it's about what non-military folks, who have NO CLUE what it is like... to speculate on what it is all about? Should be interesting...