10 year old son has been expressing interest in joining the armed forces...?

Question

My 10 year old is fascinated with the armed forces, and says when he gets older he would like to join. He's brought me postcards from inside magazines, from the Marines and the Army that you fill out to get information on joining, and asks if he can send them in. He want's to visit the websites, etc...What would your reaction be to this?

I'm 100% supportive of my kids, whatever makes them happy as long as they're not breaking any laws I'm all for it =) I will always be proud to be their mama no matter what they choose to become, even a garbage man! hey, without garbagemen we'd be in a heap of trouble, much respect to the sanitation department! And thank you for all of your answers so far, alot of good input out there...keep em coming

Answer 1

I would be fine with it. First, children go through many phases and virtually nobody goes through their entire childhood wanting to be in the career they eventually grow up in.

I would even show him information about the military.

My father was in the Army for 23 years, I am retired Army, my grandfather was in the Army. I never wanted to be in the Army as a child and grew up to be a career military officer. My brother's child/teen desire was to be an Army Helicopter pilot. By the time my brother finished college he wanted nothing to do with the military. I on the other hand joined after college for further educational opportunities.

We never know where life will lead us, we just have to follow the right paths.

What is worse is when parents tell a child what they should be as an adult all their lives, and push them into careers that they are eventually unhappy with.

Let your child have his soldier time. If you are against war or guns, let him know there are a lot of service members who are not part of the fighting force, but instead are support, such as medics, doctors, nurses, miniters, etc..

Answer 2

If I can read into your question a little, I take it you are not very happy about this behavior? You think he is being influenced at too young an age?

Like others have said, this is normal for a young boy.

As he gets older and understands more about life and death, he may change his mind. He may not. All you can do is teach your values and keep the communication open.

I would not discourage him because that may create resentments, but you may want to keep an eye on what he is watching on TV or what video games he is playing.

In the end, it's going to be his decision and his life. I had a great career in the military. Also, when I was a little kid, I was fascinated with watching the big garbage truck. I wanted to be a garbage man. My mom was horrified, but she let it run it's course and would even take me out to see the truck when it was coming by and to say hi to the workers. Not that there is anything wrong with being a garbage man (I hear they get paid really well) but I grew out of it.

Answer 3

Ok, just after reading the other replies, please keep in mind that you cant just call the school and DEMAND they protect your son from a bully on a weekend bike-ride. I think you have done the right thing so far by confronting the parents and removing your son from the potential to be bullied (by having his friends come over). If you come across this particular child again and the mother still enables her son like its no big deal, then I would call the authorities and talk to them about possibly pressing charges if your son is physically harmed. If this is taking place on the way to and from school, indeed, call the school and let them know what is happening. They do hold some responsibility for your child to get home safely, but there really isnt much they can do off school grounds. They will be willing to help you, though.

Answer 4

Look into the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps. This is an organization that gives kids an idea of what the Navy is like, see if he would like to join and let him decide for himself. There is nothing wrong with him expressing an interest in the military, in fact thousands are children his age feel the same way. In my opinion, the best thing to do is to let him get as much information as he can to help him make an informed decision when he gets older.

Answer 5

I have 4 kids - 3 of them boys. They are aged 10,9 and 6 (daughter is 7). They each live and breathe ARMY. Each has cam trousers, t shirts, sweatshirts..whatever they can save up and buy or get their hands on. Most of their pocket money gets spent at the army store at the army museum, they play ARMY with their mates, have army related posters on their walls, play military simulation games (actually we have these from friends who work in the sim wing) AND more recently have started their OWN business producing wooden assault rifles and machine guns for sale (and its going very well).

Perhaps this is a phase -- perhaps it will actually lead to a military career in the future..I really don't know. I have no problem with them having such interest. When they go out to play 'army' they're learning about comradeship, protecting the weak, rescuing hostages, fighting bad guys and saving the day. In my opinion that's what I want my boys to be doing...to be acting out 'goodies and badies' where the hero always wins - where good old fashion chivarily reigns etc...call me old fashioned..lol

Provided you are monitoring what he's looking at on the net, I dont' think there is anything wrong with looking at websites, getting information and encouraging his own research. It's a great opportunity for him to learn about military history, the world wars etc - take him to the military museum, get involved in parades, perhaps enrol him into the cadets when he's a couple years older.

We all need soldiers who are passionate about their cause and the protection of our country.

Answer 6

That is about the same age I became interested in the military.

The military information will only tell him to stay in school and stay out of trouble to be able to get the best choices of jobs.

I think you should be supportive and tell him if he wants to lead soldiers he needs to know his fractions etc.

You could also look up the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal courage) to use when counseling and guiding your son to be a man. They are good lessons regardless of his future career.

Answer 7

Lots of kids want to play soldier. Let him look at the web sites and watch army movies. Do not send the cards in, just say you did and bring home military magazine and say its from the Army. If you tell him not to, he will just want to more. Let it run its course, he has another 8 years to change is mind.

I was in for four years and in Iraq. It is not a bad life.

Answer 8

Basically it's like asking about him wanting to be a cop or a fireman, or even an accountant when he grows up. They all have pros and cons, including the military. Kids usually change their minds many times before they're 18.

If he's still interested by high school, suggest joining JrROTC for one year. It's kind of like military-Lite and not all that demandingl. But if he decides he doesn't like it, that gives him the opportunity to change his mind before committing to 4 years after high school.

Answer 9

Yes honey my son too he was 6 when I asked him honey what do you want to be when you grow up and he went to his room and brought me a box full of tiny soldiers that he loved, and say mommy I am going to be a soldier, I laughed and kiss him to me was funny, it wasn't until September 7 when I went all the way to South Carolina to see my son earn his title of US Marine and saw him in that beautiful uniform that I understood that my son wanted this all his life. He looked at me and told me mom I didn't become a soldier but I did became a Warrior.. my heart is proud and I am happy for my son, I am scared but I know this is what he always wanted, he spent his whole life preparing for this including being in the R.O.T.C while he was in school and exercising profusely, get ready mom your son might end up being a Devil Dog a Marine.. support his childhood dreams they will come true.. good luck.

Answer 10

both my kids want to join the military. we have many close friends and family members in right now. most of them have been to iraq and Afghanistan and have been very upfront and honest about their experiences. that certainly didn't change my oldest son's mind (he's 13). i really have no problem with it if he chooses to go that path in life. someone has to join to protect us. it would be an honor for me to say, yes, my son is in the army..or marines...or air force...or navy...or coast guard.

if he is showing a desire in the military, go ahead and let him go to the websites, check out books at the library, etc. it may just be a stage in his life where the tanks, guns and cammo is more the interest than the military itself.