What's the #1 Card for a Military Child?

by Eliza Ferree | More from this Blogger

10 Jan 2007 07:09 PM

I'm giving birth in less than three months, however that isn't the big day that my 9 year old is counting down for. Can you guess what it is and why? It's his birthday, that's right the baby is due the same month my son turns 10. For most people age 10 may be celebrated because a child has finally reached the double digits but that isn't the only reason a military child is excited about age 10.

My son is counting down to his birthday because that is the day he will be getting an ID card, which is known as an identification card for those not in the military. Why is this important? For a child it is like getting their own driver's license,however they can't go driving or anything but they can shop without mom and dad now. My son looks at this little card as a piece of freedom, no longer will he always have to wait for mom and dad to decide they want to go shopping.

This brings back fond memories of my own childhood, being a military brat I can totally relate to his feelings. I do remember counting down those days and getting so excited and nervous at the same time the day I got my picture taken. See, when we were kids as soon as we got our ID cards all our friends had to check them out and see what the shot looked like. Being girls you had to make sure everything was perfect, from the outfit you wore to the way your hair looked.

I used that ID card to buy my first soda and candy, hey I was a kid and that's what kids do. After school we all hit up the shoppette and that was where we had our friends buy our snacks, finally I could do it on my own. During the holiday season I had saved up all my money to buy my mother a Christmas present, it was this silver brush set. I remember the proud feeling of being able to buy that beautiful gift and no one knowing what it was because my dad and mom didn't have to go with me when I purchased this.

Yes, an ID card is important... at least on a military base. The only way to buy anything is by having an ID Card present, otherwise no one serves you. You could have a cart full of groceries and still get turned away without that card, so it is like a lifeline, a telephone for others. For without this simple device you are limited, but with it opens many doors that would be closed to you.

So to my son, I totally get it. I just hope he enjoys sharing his birthday with his little brother.

How To Stay Sane While Working from Home

More Ideas for Big Kid's Birthday Parties

An Army Wife

Learn more about Eliza Ferree

Eliza Ferree is a military wife and mother to three children and currently pregnant with #4. Growing up as a "Military Brat" and marrying into the Marine Corps she's known no other life.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger