Military Service and Parenthood: How Does Being a Veteran Make You a Better Parent?
Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read

Military service and experience translate well into almost any job you do, parenting included. Raising kids requires that you are vigilant and prepared to handle whatever comes your way, and as a veteran, you are better equipped than most to take on that challenge.
Here are just a few of the things you learned during military service that can better your abilities as a parent:
- ABT: Always be training. In the military, trainings are constant. You have trainings for things that already happened, trainings for situations that might occur, and trainings for situations that happened to someone else. If you were ever an instructor, you additionally underwent trainings about how to train people. As a parent, it is a good idea to similarly remain well informed. Learn about developmental stages, gender differences, nutrition and sleep schedules, and how to handle evolving challenges so you are equipped with healthy tools to deal with whatever comes.
- Life, like battle, is a fluid situation. Just when you think you’ve got it down and your child is thriving under your care, something changes — a growth spurt, teething, hormones, a big project at school — and everything seems to go crazy. That’s okay; this is expected. Parenting is a fluid situation, so watch for changes and be prepared to adapt.
- Routine and structure serve a purpose. Getting up at the same time every day and going to bed at the same time every night is important for the mental and physical health of kids of all ages. So are eating healthy meals at regular times and maintaining a balanced diet. Getting outside every day, socializing with other kids, and exploring different ways of experiencing the world are all important. The more scheduled you are in your approach, the more capable you will be of making sure that your child is getting everything necessary to thrive.
- Reviews can help. Every so often, it is a good idea to check in and see how your child is doing. Just like annual and quarterly assessments and reviews were important to maintaining your qualifications in the military, it can also be helpful to stop and make sure that your child is getting everything they need. When was the last eye exam? Physical? Hearing check? Vaccination check? How are their grades? What friends are they hanging out with? Checking in can help you to determine what is needed.
- Teamwork is necessary. Even if you are a single parent, it is beneficial to work with others who love your child and want to see them succeed. From co-parents and grandparents to teachers and coaches, it is a good idea to work together for your child’s best interest.
July is Purposeful Parenting Month, a time when many step back and notice what their actions in parenting say about their intentions for their child. How does your experience in the military inform your purpose and intention in parenting? How can you capitalize on what you know to raise your child into a strong and confident individual?
