With nearly 125,000 military children in the UK, this is a unique time to recognise their often-challenging lives filled with constant change, uncertainty, and restlessness.
The Month of the Military Child has progressed from being a symbolic gesture to a meaningful month of recognition. It’s a reminder to pause, listen, reflect, and uplift the voices of children whose lives are often shaped by sacrifice, but rarely celebrated.
This year TEAM LEWIS worked alongside Never Such Innocence to bolster the special meaning behind this month. The goal was to give young people a platform to share their experiences of conflict, service, and everything in between. When it comes to military children, those experiences are rich, layered, and deeply emotive.
What Is the Month of the Military Child?
The Month of the Military Child started in the United States in 1986. Ever since, it’s been embraced worldwide by those who understand that when one family member serves, the whole family serves. It’s a time to reflect on what life looks like through the eyes of a child whose parent or parents serves in the military and how this unique experience shapes their life.
For many military children, their life is ultimately defined by constant transition. Frequent moves (two to three times every year on average) mean new schools, different routines, and the prolonged absence of a parent. Something many take for granted. It’s a unique upbringing that can build resilience, adaptability, and empathy, but can also come with a sense of displacement, isolation, and emotional strain.
The Month of the Military Child exists to shine a light on these stories, and to empower said children. It allows them to connect with each other in a unique and often not possible way. It’s about providing a space for their voices to be seen and heard, not just as the child of someone in uniform, but as individuals with stories, creativity, and strength.
Why It Matters
The impact of military life on children isn’t always visible. It often shows up in overlooked and subtle ways; the drawing of a home that frequently looks different, a diary entry written from a hotel during another move, or a tearful goodbye in an airport that’s become all too familiar.
These children learn the value of resilience early on in their lives, much earlier than others. They build friendships quickly, knowing they might be short-lived. They adapt to different cultures, new routines, and unfamiliar places. They often carry the emotional weight of worrying about a parent in harm’s way, while trying to stay strong for those around them.
This is a noble sacrifice, and yet they thrive. With support, understanding, and space to express themselves, military children show us what it means to live with courage, creativity, and heart.
That’s why the Month of the Military Child isn’t just symbolic but a necessity. It’s a reminder that behind every brave service member is a family left behind, and behind many of those families are children whose sacrifices are just as profound, even if they’re less recognised.
The Role of Creative Expression
Never Such Innocence believe one of the most powerful tools we can offer young people, especially those living with the complexities of military life, is the opportunity to express themselves. Its programmes in poetry, art, speech, song, and connectivity invite young voices to step forward and be heard in their own words, on their own terms.
Creative expression gives form to feelings that can be hard to vocalise. It offers a way to process and express very difficult emotions, share meaningful memories, and reflect on experiences in ways that feel safe and empowering. Whether it’s a poem about a parent returning home, a painting of a bedroom that’s been recreated five times in five different houses, or a song on what “bravery” really means, being able to express complex emotions free from judgement can be incredibly important to a military child.
Over the years, military children from all over the world have used their creativity to speak about loss, love, loneliness, laughter, and everything in between alongside the creative campaigns Never Such Innocence organise. Some write with raw honesty, others with quiet hope: it doesn’t matter what’s written, all that matters is that there’s the space to do so.
What We Did This April
Throughout April, Never Such Innocence has been shining a spotlight on military children through a series of workshops, performances, and storytelling initiatives. By partnering with schools, military bases, and communities its provided spaces where children can explore their stories through creative mediums.
In every workshop, the organisation leads with empathy. It doesn’t push children to talk about military life, but instead, trust they’ll share what matters when they’re ready. In their own way.
Never Such Innocence are showcasing various pieces across international platforms, including digital exhibitions and spoken word events, where young voices can be heard by leaders, educators, and communities worldwide. They know that when military children speak, what they have to say can change perspectives, bridge understanding, and spark real conversations.
Moving Forward Together
As the Month of the Military Child comes to an end, I encourage everyone to take a moment and ask: how can we better support these children, not just in April, but always?
Support might look like listening more closely. Creating safe spaces in schools. Recognising the signs of stress or isolation. Or simply asking a child what they need and believing them when they answer.
