How to Make Friends as a Military Kid!

Tips for Making Friends When Life is Constantly Changing!

How I Make Friends as a Homeschooled Christian Military Kid

Hi! I’m Ana and I’m 10 years old. I’m homeschooled, I’m a Christian, and I’m also part of a military family. That means my life is sometimes a little different than other kids, but it’s still awesome. People sometimes ask, “Do you ever get lonely?” or “How do you make friends?” The answer is: I do make friends! And not just people friends either — I’ve got my dog Foxy, who is basically my potato-shaped bestie.

Homeschool Life

Being homeschooled means I don’t go to a regular school building every day. Instead, I do my schoolwork at home. Sometimes it’s at the kitchen table, sometimes in my room, and sometimes on the couch (but I have to move Foxy first because she licks her paws right in my mom’s spot and gets it all wet ). Even though I’m not in a classroom with 20 kids, I still find ways to be social. I go to co-op classes, church, and fun activities where there are kids my age. Plus, Foxy is always sitting by my side while I do math, making sure I don’t quit. She’s like my cheerleader, except she cheers with snoring sounds.

Faith and Friendship

Being a Christian helps me a lot when it comes to making friends. My parents taught me that Jesus wants us to be kind and loving to others, so I try my best to be that way. I pray for my friends and I thank God for them. Sometimes I even pray that Foxy makes friends too, but honestly, she prefers humans over dogs. She picks me over my mom every time, which makes me feel super special.

Military Life

Being in a military family means we move around more than some other kids. That can be hard because it means saying goodbye to old friends. Right now, we’re actually getting ready to move again in 33 days! This time feels extra big because my dad is also retiring from the military after serving for so many years. I’m really proud of him, but it also feels a little emotional because it’s such a big change for our family.

The cool part about moving, though, is that I get to meet new friends in new places! I’ve learned how to be brave when introducing myself. Foxy helps with this too because everyone wants to pet her. I’ll be standing there, and people will say, “Ohhh she’s so cute!” and then — boom! — we’re talking and becoming friends. It’s like Foxy is my friendship magnet.

Making Time for Foxy

Even though I’m busy with school, church, co-op, and making new friends, I always save time for Foxy. She’s not a sporty dog at all. She hates running and refuses to fetch any kind of toy (I throw it, she just stares at me like, “No thanks”). But she LOVES to cuddle and be lazy. She’s kind of a fat potato, and that just makes her even funnier and more lovable. I read books to her sometimes, or I bring her outside to sit in the sun while I draw with chalk. She’s always part of my day, no matter what.

Finding Friends Everywhere

So how do I make friends as a homeschooled Christian military kid? The answer is: everywhere! At church, at co-op, in my neighborhood, and even just walking Foxy. She’s actually the captain of my dog-walking group, S.P.P.P. — Sassy Polished Pup Patrol , so through that I get to meet neighbors and their dogs too. Being open, smiling, and kind makes it easier, and having Foxy makes it WAY easier because everybody loves her.

Final Thoughts

It might seem like my life is really different, but I still get to have school, faith, family, and friends — plus a potato-shaped dog who keeps me laughing. With my dad retiring soon and our big move coming up in just 33 days, I know things will change again. But the good thing about being homeschooled, being a Christian, and being in a military family is that I’ve learned to be flexible, strong, and hopeful. Wherever I go, I know I can find friends — and Foxy will always be right by my side.

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 Written by Ana (with snoring from Foxy )
 Stay polished, stay sassy, and always wag your tail! 

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Helpful tips for military kids on making new friends, finding community, and feeling at home wherever you move!
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