Fabulous Army Life

I recently received a message from author Kristin Ayyar about reviewing her book, Countdown 'Til Daddy Comes Home .  I was instantly interested, of course.  I love children's books and have a special affection for books that help military kids.  I quickly received her book in the mail and immediately loved the look of it. The illustrations are just precious and perfect for your youngest kids.  Kudos to illustrator Melissa Bailey for creating such a sweet portrait of family and togetherness. The story itself is both realistic for kids whose parents must travel for extended periods of time and positive in how those challenges are portrayed.  It focuses on encouragement and solutions, which I absolutely love.  It contains a variety of concrete ideas for families to implement to make separations a little easier. "During our countdown, Nana visits more and we plan cool things to make the time go by faster." One huge plus for this book is that it re...

April is the Month of the Military Child and I cannot help but reflect on my own children's tour of duty as Army kids.  They are amazing young men and I could not be more proud of who they are ... and I know that having a dad in the military has shaped much of their life experience. From the very beginning, my boys have had both extraordinary and challenging experiences.  Like all kids, they go through the typical rites of passage ... learning to walk and talk, starting school, losing teeth, making friends, growing up.  Unlike all kids, they must endure some of these events not only without their dad, but while being worried to the core of their little beings that Dad might be in danger.  It's a large burden for young hearts to bear. In their young lives, my boys have ... lived in three different states attended nine different schools spent a total of 36+ months without their dad due to combat deployments been separated from their dad for a total of 6+ month...

Piper Reed is ten years old and ready to embark on her sixth family move to a new location.  Piper's dad is in the Navy and when they get orders to move from Pensacola, Florida to Norfolk, Virginia, the whole family has to work together to make a new home in a new place. Mom and Dad are encouraging, loving, and set a good example of resilience for their kids.  Piper's sisters -- Tori, 13, and Samantha, 6 -- make for great sibling rivalries, lively arguments, and loving banter.  As for Piper, she has developed some pretty savvy coping skills for a young military kid.  I'm impressed with her positive attitude, her spunky nature, and her adventurous spirit. Piper walks the fine line of keeping up with friends she's left behind and making new friends in her new home, and always does it with her own special style. This book is a fantastic book for kids, especially anyone who has ever been the 'new kid' or had a hard time fitting in.  Subtle hint...

Kimberly Willis Holt Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the fun and quirky series of books about Piper Reed , Navy brat and all-around good kid.  In these books, Piper learns to navigate the challenges of life on the move, making friends, making adjustments, and making the most of her military life.  It is my absolute honor to have interviewed Kimberly Willis Holt about her writing.  Read on for more about the author, the books, and how all kids can learn great lessons from our friend, Piper. You have lived the military lifestyle and now contribute to military kids by offering this quirky character with whom they can identify. How much of Piper's life is from your own experience and do you use stories of other military kids to tell her story? My father was a Navy Chief like Piper's and I'm one of three girls. But I'm the oldest like Tori. I thought it would be more fun for kids to see the world through a middle child's eyes. My siste...

At the end of our Red Dragon Spring Fling, we honored volunteers from each battery with a certificate signed by the battalion commander and battalion CSM. Ladies received a unit charm necklace. Gentlemen received a unit coffee mug or t-shirt. All the kids received a "I Love my Red Dragon Soldier!" arm band in honor of the Month of the Military Child. We have some amazing Families in this unit and it was a joy to honor them in this way.

My military kids heading back to school Dear Professional Educators, For most kids, Back to School means school supplies, new shoes, and a reluctant farewell to the lazy days of summer. For military kids, it might be a bit more complicated. If you have military kids in your classroom, this letter is just for you! On the first day of school, many of our military kids will be attending yet another new school. They will have to learn new rules and procedures, introduce themselves to new friends, and try to find their place in a world that is brand-new to them. Remember that they may have just moved into the area, leaving behind close friends and familiar surroundings. It could be that they are still living out of boxes since their family’s household goods were delivered the day before. Or they might be the ones who stayed in their home while their closest friends moved on to a new installation in another state. Thank you for providing them a comfortable, safe place at school to l...