Annually, during April, we celebrate the Month of the Military Child. This year military families are encouraged to wear purple to signify the unique sacrifices children make on a continual basis. Military families are encouraged to “Purple Up” to visually express support and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by military kids.
The colour purple has historically been associated with religious, cultural and socio-economic facets of life. Purple has been perceived as indicative of royalty, luxury, power, and ambition. It has represented creativity, wisdom, devotion, loyalty, dignity, pride and independence. All characteristics that can be attributed to military children.
As there are various hues of purple, 140 different shades, such as lilac, lavender or the lesser- known thistle, heliotrope or purple pizzazz, military children possess varying characteristics, if you will, differing hues, to adjust to the challenges of military life. Posting to a new community can be difficult for adults, even more so for children or youth. Our children will have to adjust to a new country, new community, new school and new friends. Adults may have already had the opportunity to develop coping skills, having progressed through the psychological developmental stages whereas children and youth are at various stages. Some children will have more positive experiences than others due to both internal and external factors, such as location, family composition and personal characteristics. Others may struggle and adjusting may take a little longer. As there are various hues of purple, children exhibit various personalities and characteristics, often within the same family.
There may be times when your child, children or the family requires additional support to face the challenges experienced by a military child. As a parent, if you observe your child is struggling and requires assistance, there are a number of services that are available to address their mental health.
The “ask” that is made of our children is great and what they deliver is even greater. They exhibit their fortitude, resilience and strength to contribute to military life, to contribute to their families. As the colour purple can be found in many shades, so can the uniqueness of the military child and it is when all the shades are gathered that a beautiful bouquet comes together.
