Left, left right, left.. left, left, left right...These are the marching orders of the military. However, the military is more than just following orders.
The military serves our country in war and peace. In 2011, the U.S. military included over 1.4 million men and women, and 71% of them had children (Hanson and Lynch, 2013, p. 9). When one serves in the military, the entire family serves. Living and working near Andrews Air Force Base, Patuxent River Naval Air Station and Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center, military families are prevalent. However with minimal interactions leaves one wondering is there really a difference between civilian and military families?
Does military culture influence family dynamics off the base? How does deployment effect children's development? How does relocation affect families and children? Does this affect children's ability to make and keep friends? What strategies do early childhood professionals need to utilize to support child development?
Reference:
Hanson, M. J.,
& Lynch, E. W. (2013). Understanding families: Approaches to diversity,
disability, and risk. Baltimore,
MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
