Taking Care of Our Military Children
Every April, all month long, we celebrate the courage, perseverance and tenacity demonstrated by our military-connected children, youth and teens and what they mean to our community. Though MilKids are some of the most adaptable and resilient youth in the world, we know frequent moves and family separations can be hard on them. That's why the Defense Department is here with powerful resources at the ready to help family units stay strong.
Parenting Resources and Support »
Video, Podcast and Audio Resources »
Month of the Military Child Giveaways »
Purple Up! It's Month of the Military Child
About Military OneSource
Military OneSource is your free 24/7 gateway to information, answers and support. As a Defense Department-funded program, we put expert confidential help to work for service members, immediate family and survivors who need a little extra guidance for all things MilLife. Just ask.
Create an AccountPower up your parenting and find support for your children, youth and teens with these tools, resources and services — available to you at no cost.
Youth Programs
Explore the diverse activities and initiatives empowering military-connected youth for personal growth and community engagement.
School Liaison Program
Find education and transition support to ensure smooth transitions for military-connected children.
New Parent Support Program
Navigate the unique challenges of parenthood within the military community with tailored resources and guidance.
Child care
Explore reliable and quality child care services supporting the unique needs and schedules of military families.
Child and youth behavioral military and family life counselors
Get support during challenging periods, including PCS and deployments.
Parenting resources and support
Learn about different resources, benefits and programs in place to support military parents throughout all stages and changes of growing and raising their MilFam.
Military family resources
Foster Parenting and Military Adoption - Learn how Military OneSource provides support and resources for all parts of the adoption or foster care process.
Consultations for New MilParents - This free, individualized, confidential support helps expectant military parents and those with children up to age 5.
Thrive Online Program: Parenting for Military Families
- This free, online parenting-education program promotes positive parenting, stress management and healthy living.
Sesame Street Resources for Military Families
- Sesame Street characters help children ages 2-6 through the milestones of relocations, deployments, transitions and more.
Financial Fitness for Military Spouses and Children
- Get ready for Teach Children to Save Day on April 25, by taking a few minutes to talk about money with your children. We've got you covered with this list of age-appropriate money concepts and activities.
Military Family Readiness System
- Find support for every service member and family member, regardless of activation status or location, in person, by phone and online.
BGCA Military Youth of the Year: Inspiring Authenticity, Confidence and Courage - Hear how this program celebrates military-connected youth and spotlights their authenticity, confidence and courage.
The Impact of Military Youth Programs Professionals - Learn how youth centers offer teens the opportunity to work with caring professionals who understand MilLife challenges.
Supporting Youth and Teens During Deployment podcast - Hear about tips, tools and resources to help support your youth and teens through deployments and moves.
Child Care in Your Home From a Parent's Perspective podcast - Learn more about a range of DOD child care programs that provide safe, reliable care for military families.
2023 National Military Youth of the Year podcast - Explore how youth can benefit from educational, recreational and leadership opportunities in military teen centers.
How School Liaisons Can Help With Special Education podcast - Learn about support for education-related matters for military-connected students — including special education help.
Wear your purple all month long to honor and appreciate military-connected children, youth and teens.
Month of the Military Child giveaways
Don't have a Military OneSource account? Create an account.
Are you a service provider or leader? Gear up with giveaways for the families you serve.
Stay informed
Connect with our experts
Military OneSource is ready 24/7 to help you and your family thrive. Call us anytime with questions, and we'll connect you to the answers you need.
- Child care options
- Parenting support
- Adoption and foster care resources
- Family and relationship counseling
- Education resources
- Moving assistance
- New MilParent consultations
- Special needs support
Chat with a consultant
Access provider resources
Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, neighborhood information, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.
