James Anderson 5 days ago
April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and celebrate the remarkable strength and resilience of children in military families. Often called ‘Hidden Heroes’ or Darling Dandelions, as I refer to them. These young people grow up in unique circumstances shaped by the demands of military life. Their experiences instil in them a wide range of strengths that not only define their character but also prepare them to face life with courage, adaptability, and empathy.
One of the most notable strengths of armed forces children is their resilience. When I was appointed as Acting HT at Colinton in October 2020, I could not quite put my finger on why the pupils seemed to be taking the global pandemic in their stride and were resilient and accepted the challenges we were experiencing. Now a few years in, I know it is because they just cope with change, it is part of who they are.
Military life often involves frequent moves, long periods of separation from a parent due to deployments, and adapting to new environments. Despite these challenges, military children consistently demonstrate the ability to bounce back, thrive, and find stability even amidst change. Their resilience is not just about surviving difficult moments—it’s about growing through them and becoming stronger in the process.
Adaptability is another defining trait. With every relocation comes a new school, new friends, and sometimes even a new culture or country. Military children learn early how to adjust quickly, embrace change, and make meaningful connections wherever they go. This adaptability often translates into strong social skills, emotional intelligence, and the confidence to thrive in unfamiliar situations.
Military children carry a quiet strength—a blend of courage, empathy, and adaptability. They face challenges most of their classmates never encounter, yet they do so with grace and determination. As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child here at Colinton Primary, it’s important to recognise not just the sacrifices they make, but the extraordinary strengths they develop and indeed share with their civilian peers and staff. Their stories remind us that even in uncertainty, there is strength, hope, and the power to overcome.
We spoke to Henry and Sereana at Colinton Primary in Edinburgh who told us about their experience of being in a forces family for Month of the Military Child.
They described what makes them proud about their serving parent, the positives and challenges of forces life, and the advice they would give other forces children.
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