Ensuring Your Kids Know More Than Just What They Know

Children are naturally curious, soaking up knowledge like little sponges. Not only do they take in all the things they learn at school, but military children also soak up life’s emotional and social aspects.

Family spoke with Sarah Otto about this very subject. Sarah’s spouse, Jay Otto, is a retired US Navy Fire Controlman Aegis 1. Sarah shared what it was like raising their three children—Kali (23), Abby (22), and Kaleb (21)—ensuring they knew more than just what they learned at school.

When have there been times when your children have learned something that you wish you had known as a child?

I wish I had learned how to adapt to new surroundings. Kali, Abby & Kaleb have had to adjust to new situations and locations more times than a civilian child, and a lot could learn from them. They are resilient, easy-going, and have a different perspective on life than most.

What do you find important in your child’s social-emotional development?

As a parent of military children, I find their social and emotional development to be of the utmost importance. The unique experiences and challenges that they live through require special attention to their overall well-being as Military children. Military life instills in children the ability to adapt to new environments and cope with frequent changes. A well-developed social judgment helps ensure that a Military child can effectively build new friendships, integrate into new communities, and collaborate with peers. By fostering social connections, Military children can create a sense of belonging and a support network that will play a pivotal role in their emotional well-being.

Military children also often encounter unique emotional challenges that require resilience and self-regulation. The frequent absence of a parent due to deployments or remote assignments can elicit feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. Nurturing emotional development becomes imperative as it equips children with tools to manage their emotions, cope with difficult situations, and develop a positive mindset. Military children can navigate various hardships and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth by fostering emotional intelligence.

Any more advice for a new parent or the parent of a young child?

Parenting in the military is far from ordinary. You will require a unique set of skills, values, and sacrifices. Embrace the challenges ahead, and remember, you’re NOT alone!

1. It’s crucial to establish a robust support system. Our lifestyle requires frequent locations, deployments, and long separations from family (spouse, parents, etc.), so be sure to build a tribe wherever you go. Trade off babysitting so you can care for yourself (self-care is a MUST), AND your child(ren) will also get time with their peers.

2. Communication. Have an open and honest dialogue with your children to maintain a strong family bond. Discuss upcoming deployments and changes in routines to help ease any anxieties and emotions that may arise. The discussions may be difficult, but they will create understanding and support within your family.

3. Be flexible! It’s a virtue every Military family should embrace. This lifestyle is unpredictable and often requires adapting to new locations, cultures, and routines. Embrace the changes as opportunities to teach your children growth and to encourage them to see the world as a giant classroom, fostering curiosity, understanding, and adaptability.