May is Military Appreciation Month, which means it’s the perfect time to let military service members and their families know how much we appreciate their sacrifice. This special month, designated by Congress in 1999, helps bring awareness and understanding to the challenges faced by the military community.
As we close out Military Appreciation Month, we’ve compiled a list of some great resources for supporting military families all year long.
Children’s Books Reflecting Military Family Experiences
It’s so important for all children to see themselves and families like theirs reflected in literature. This is why we love supporting authors that highlight the military family life in age-appropriate literature. These books area also wonderful educational tools for non-military families to gain awareness and education of the military family experience.
- The Peppered Sky by Sarah Doran. Celebrate military family life with Haleigh and Mason as they adventure into a world of airborne drop zones, military aircraft and U.S. paratroopers! After the school day is done, the adventuring begins as this military family makes their way to witness a mesmerizing training exercise in the sky. Written in rhyme and told from a military child’s perspective, The Peppered Sky is sure to delight readers, both military and civilian alike.
- When We Are Apart by Becca Johnsey. This sweet rhyming story helps families cope with separation while a parent is away. Even your youngest child will learn how to name their feelings, cope with their emotions and navigate through them while being reassured they are loved unconditionally.
- Maggie the Military Rat by Monica Voicu Denniston. Maggie P. Worthington is a military rat — at least, she wants to be. She tries to enlist, but falls short. She tries to serve the soldiers, but gets kicked out of the mess hall. Even her attempt to send letters to the troops misfires! Will Maggie find her own way to serve?
Podcasts that Connect, Educate and Inform
Busy moms and dads can put on these great podcasts while they are driving, working out or getting things done around the house. These discussions offer connection and validation through shared experiences for military service members and their spouses, as well as insights into the challenges and struggles facing military families for those without a military connection. A few military life podcasts we are loving include:
- Grace of a Military Child and Life — focuses on the unique stories of military children
- The Goode Show Podcast — shares about the lives of military and veteran spouses
- Women of the Military Podcast — shares stories of women veterans
Small Businesses that Support Military Spouses and Families
When you support small businesses created by military spouses, you’re supporting the entire military family. Find products you love while supporting military families when you shop these businesses!
- Spouse-ly, created by Monica Fullerton, is a platform that sells products and services created by military and first-responder families.
- Woman and Warrior, founded by mom of four and military wife Ashlee Sullivan, is an apparel brand for the whole military family.
- The Dainty Forces Company is owned by a military spouse with the mission of creating minimal and delicate jewelry pieces that have meaning.
Social Media Accounts that Highlight the Reality of Military Family Life
Social media is a great way to educate the general public on the reality of military family life and advocate for the needs of military families. It’s also a great way for military families to find community and see families going through the same struggles and trials as they are. Hop on Instagram and give these accounts a follow:
- @dogtags_and_diapers
- @valeries_vantage_point
- @milmomadventures
- @simplythecurries
- @morethanamilspouse
- @militarymomcollective
- @xonavywife
- @amilitarywifeslife
- @momlifemilitarywife
- @maggiewinterton
If you’re a service member or military spouse, first of all, THANK YOU! And let us know in the comments how we can support your family all year round.