Some of you may know that my son enlisted in the National Guard, and I feel like the Army has become part of my big extended family. While many people think that gifted kids couldn't possibly be interested in the military, if for no other reason than that they are often emotionally sensitive, there are reasons the military could appeal to gifted kids. 

As a relatively new member of the military family, I'm always pleased when I learn of some positive attention directed their way.


Designating April as the Month of the Military Child is one way that has helped people honor military children. Many people don't realize that when a man or woman serves his or her country, so does the entire family.

The month also offers some opportunities for gifted kids, military or not, to do some good deeds. The Operation Military Kids Web site has an interactive map of the US that allows a visitor to find activities in his or her state or US territory. It also has a wonderful program called "Speak Out for Military Kids," in which "military and non-military youth help generate community awareness of issues faced by military youth when a parent is in the deployment cycle."