Into the military

[southernmama]

Help! my 6 yr old is sooooooo into army stuff right now. He likes to watch the military channel and is really into camouflage in fact he is having an Army party for his birthday.
could this be a bad sign? I have spoken to him about war and how things are not a bed of roses being in the military. He told me he didn't want to be in the army, he just likes them.
Am I worrying for nothing?

[michiko]

Yeah, I would probably think this is just a typical boy phase. Im not speaking from experience of course, but thats what I would assume. Maybe you could teach him about some of the good things they do too, and have him include military and their family in his prayers?! But Im sure his "obsession" will pass!

[Becky]

I agree with Kim, I'm sure it's just a phase he's going through. Believe it or not, I actually went through this same phase, and I was older than James. I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about

[southernmama]

I am thinking of trying to find a pen pal in the military or a unit he can send a care package to. He prays for "all the soldiers of the world" now.

[Becky]

That's a great idea! I'm sure a soldier would love to hear from him! And what a great experience for him!

[ladyblade]

This actually got me thinking I want to do the same. Becky, I too went through a military phase and was all set to go at 17. But I let a man get in my way and it is a regret I will live with always.

[southernmama]

I was in the Army many many years before James came along. Until he started this army phase I had never even told him...LOL (do not miss the Army at all)

[Becky]

southernmama said:

I was in the Army many many years before James came along. Until he started this army phase I had never even told him...LOL (do not miss the Army at all)

Wow, I didn't know that Donna. What did you do while you were serving?

[southernmama]

I was a medic. Then when I broke my leg I got a medical discharge. I've had some wild jobs in my life since then...LOL My first husband was in the Navy, he couldn't handle civilian life when he got out though and our marriage (already bad) fell apart.
I got in touch with a lady who helps organize care packages for soliders and she gave me two names and addresses for James to send stuff too. One is male and the other female. I will be buying the female things, don't think James would understand those right now..LOL

[kellys2angels]

I definitely agree that it is probably just a boy phase. Conner went through it and has actually "hung on" to it for a while (and he is almost 11). This January he went to the Young Marines Boot Camp. It was a 13 week boot camp where they did drills (exercising and all) and learned history, and had to pass a physical test and written test to get their uniforms. They had a big ceremony with our State Representative as the speaker when they graduated. It was really neat. He learned a lot of respect and discipline. Now he will be doing other things like community service projects and fund raisers to earn higher ranks. It is really a neat program. It is for boys and girls ages 8 years old to 12th grade. Their website is www.youngmarines.com
Here he is with his 1st Sergeant

And here he is with Zach Wamp (our State Rep)

And here we are celebrating at Red Lobster

[southernmama]

Thank you Kelly, I am going to keep that site bookmarked. In a couple of years maybe James can go.
Your family is beautiful.

[Becky]

That's neat Kelly, I'll have to look into something like that for Zach around here after a while.

[kellys2angels]

Thank you Donna! It is a very good program. I am so glad that we got him into it.