What is the Month of the Military Child?
The Month of the Military Child is an annual event held in April, providing an opportunity to celebrate Service children and the vital role they play within the Armed Forces community. every year, we recognise their resilience, adaptability, and unique experiences. Let’s make 2026 the biggest year yet!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- ‘Purple Up’ day is officially on Friday 24th April 2026, but you can celebrate on any day that works for you! You could host a non-uniform day, asking pupils to wear something purple to represent the colour of the #MotMC. Consider adding a fun twist, such as a purple-themed bake sale or a purple art competition.
- Never Such Innocence poetry and art competition: Every year, Never such Innocence run an art/poetry competition from 1st April to 1st May. The theme for 2026 is Winds of Change. The competition is open to students aged 8 to 18 years old. There is also a special bonus category for ‘Best Display by a school/group’, which is open to all ages. Keep an eye on their website for the link to enter and to see the prizes on offer!
- Host a breakfast or afternoon tea event: Invite Service families, including parents and carers, to a breakfast or afternoon tea. Create a welcoming space for them to share their experiences and connect with others.
- Highlight April as the ‘Month of the Military Child’ on your website and newsletters. You could use this opportunity to share the support you offer to Service children, particularly to those new to the area. Share their achievements, challenges, and unique perspectives to raise awareness and foster understanding.
- Invite a guest speaker: Organise a talk or workshop with a serving parent, veteran, or military representative. They could share their experiences, answer questions, and inspire children with stories of resilience and teamwork.
- ‘Share your story’ project: Get children to think about their life experiences from being a Service child and how they could share this with the class. Children could create artwork or a journal about their experiences.
- Interactive displays: Create a time zone wall or a world map to showcase the places Service children have lived. Add photos, flags, or fun facts about each location to make it more engaging. This can also be integrated into geography or history lessons.
- Cultural exchange activities: Celebrate the diversity of experiences Service children bring by hosting a cultural day. Encourage families to share food, music, or traditions from places they’ve lived.
- Wellbeing focus: Dedicate time to discussing the importance of mental health and wellbeing for Service children. Host workshops or activities that promote resilience, mindfulness, and peer support.
Don’t forget to share photos from your events using the hashtags #MotMC and #MonthoftheMilitaryChild
What did DCS get up to for MotMC 2025?
Last year, schools and communities across the globe celebrated the Month of the Military Child with creativity, joy, and a strong sense of togetherness. Take a look at some of the highlights in the gallery below, or click here to read more about their amazing activities.
