Did you know you’re extra special? Being a Service Child makes you part of an amazing and diverse group of children based all over the world.

Sometimes you may be called a Service Child, a Military Child or a DCS Child. Either way they all mean the same thing: YOU.

So, what is a DCS Child? 

Well, that’s you!

You’re someone special who has a parent who works in the military and keeps our country safe. Or they may be in the Civil Service and are stationed outside of the UK.

Your parent may be in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines or Civil Service. How cool is that?

As a DCS Child your superpowers are:

  • Determination is keeping on building even if your tower falls down
  • Character is choosing to share your blocks with others
  • Success is feeling proud when you build something that makes you happy

As a DCS child, you are special!

What makes you special?   

As a Service Child you are learning to:

  • Be super brave when your parent goes away for work.
  • Make awesome new friends wherever you go.
  • Handle big changes like a champion.
  • Learn about new cultures wherever you go.
  • Help your family in special ways.
  • Understand important things about serving others.

Do you know you’re extra strong?

  • You help your family when things change.
  • You learn to handle big feelings really well.
  • You understand important grown-up things that other kids might not know about.

You’re a great helper!

  • You help your family stay happy when your military parent is away.
  • You’re good at adapting when plans change.
  • You learn to be independent and responsible.

Sometimes it can be tricky.

We know that being a Service Child isn’t always easy. Sometimes you might:

  • Miss your parent when they’re working far away.
  • Feel nervous about moving to a new place.
  • Have to say goodbye to friends.
  • Feel lots of different feelings all at once.

But you’re not alone!

There are lots of other Service Children just like you! They understand how you feel and what it’s like. You’re part of a very special group.

Cool things about being a Service Child

  • You might get to live in different countries and in different communities.
  • You learn about different parts of the world.
  • You make great friends everywhere you go.
  • You learn to be strong and brave.
  • You’re part of something really important and you get to be part of a special group of children who understand what it’s like to be you.

Your parents are special.

As a member of the military, your parent(s) help protect our country and other people.

Sometimes your military parent might:

Well, you’re like a superhero-in-training! As a Service Child you are learning to:

  • Live far away from home for a while when they have to work.
  • Move to different places, which means you might change houses and schools.
  • Wear special uniforms to work.
  • Have to miss some special days like birthdays or school events.

Special things to remember:

  • It’s okay to feel happy AND sad sometimes.
  • It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
  • It’s okay to be proud of your military parent.
  • It’s okay to need extra hugs some days.

Your teachers and school staff are here for you!

Being a Service Child makes you extra special, and we’re here to help you. You can always talk to any of the adults in your school or setting about how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking.

Need someone to talk to? Ask a grown-up to help you find the right person!

You’re doing an amazing job being a Service Child.

Remember: Being a Service Child isn’t always easy, but it makes you stronger, braver, and more understanding than you may realise.