Everything I need to know, I learned in basic training

1.) Amry Strong- 

In the Army, you are only as strong as your weakest team member. If one person was down, it left everyone else was vulnerable. So, it was up to you to pick that person up, build them up, help them to rise to the occasion.

It is the same in our families. If one of us is down (depressed, hurt, overwhelmed), everyone else is more vulnerable (to emotional outbursts, loneliness, and depression). When we lift up those who are down, it strengthens us all. 

2) YOU can do it-

Obstacle courses, drill sergeants, lack of sleep, family seperation, physical training... Were all things to either overcome, accomplish, or endure. At times it many have seemed impossible, but in the end you were victorious. 

When it comes to your family life, realize anything that is meant to be yours can be obtained.  Any door meant for you can be opened. But you must fight. You must build your mental strength and endurance. And then you must do it. 

3) Always have a Battle Buddy-

In basic training on training exercises, I walking around post, and every where we went, we always had to have our battle buddy with us. You were to always have your battle buddy's back and they were to have yours. 

As parents, we all need a battle buddy.

Whether it's a spouse, a sibling, or a best friend, we all need someone who is going to have our back at every turn. Someone who will drag you out of the devastation and the chaos when you are too wounded to make it on your own. 

4) Point your "weapon" down range-

During basic, we'd go the the firing range to practice aiming and firing our weapons at targets from various distances. One of the very first things they thought you, well before you ever received a live round, was to point your weapon down range. Why, you may ask. To keep you from shooting your battle buddy, the people standing by your side. 

So, as parents, we need to point our weapons down range. If we are angry at work, a spouse, a friend, or even ourselves, we need to be careful not to aim our frustrations at unintended targets, our children. Friendly fire is not at all friendly. Don't shoot your children down with harsh words or unwarranted silence. Take a time out if you need to but come back to your children and realize they are on your side. 

5) You Are A Protector-

I'll pulled countless guard duties, fire guard duty, perimeter guard duty,... Up in the middle of the night on the middle of the woods kind of duty. Their was always someone on guard duty, someone watching out to warn us of a possible threat. 

That's a parent. Sleeping light. Listening for that cry or cough. Watching the clock at curfew, watching the friends our children choose. We must be watchful. The workd we live in is a beautiful place, but there are dark pockets. It is our job to protect our children within reason. Allow them to grow while cherishing the safety of their mind, body, and spirit.