Military School: Why Your Child Should Go

on February 20, 2009 at 1:43 PM

Photo by Hasbro

"I don't know what I've been told, but my teen's bad behavior is getting old."

Okay, so not the original military march chant lyrics, but many moms throw up their hands in surrender to their teens' lack of respect.

And for many of them, the thought of sending their children to military school sounds awfully inviting.

So what is military school all about? Is it pure discipline or is there another side that we never hear about? Are there reasons parents send their children besides misbehavior?

indysownlilbit responded to an anonymous question posted in Answers asking about people's military school experiences: "I am 26 but went to military school for two years. I was rebellious and did not have any interest in academics. Military school straightened me out.

It teaches you your interpersonal goals with discipline. I went from a 1.6 to a 3.8 GPA in two months, and it really helped me discipline-wise to listen to my parents and authority figures. I honestly think it made me stronger and made me realize what I was capable of in a positive way."

Contrary to popular belief, military schools aren't just about whipping the unruly into shape. Lots of parents choose to send their kids to military schools to help them pursue a career in the armed forces and/or they prefer the military lifestyle of strict structure and discipline.

Zarsmom: "I think military school is awesome. Since DH and I are in the Army, we have military school here at home. My daughter, 10, knows we DON'T PLAY, and we have an arsenal of military tactics that can be used to get her back in line."'

Are you considering sending your child to military school -- or is one enrolled already? Are you doing it for behavioral issues or some other rationale?

Filed Under: behavior, discipline, education, teens

Comments (15)

Momof2Stepof3

on Feb 20, 2009 at 1:55 PM

Were looking at military school for altertive way of teachin a child with ADHD he also have some behavioral issues.

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lanckn

on Feb 20, 2009 at 2:20 PM

Military schools are awesome. My son was not a troublemaker, but he was definitely lost. He will be graduating from a Military school in June, his grades are up, he has more confidence, lots of new (positive) friends and is the highest rank possible for his squad.

sweetpeatexas21

on Feb 20, 2009 at 3:28 PM

i would totally not mind our kids being in one. my hubby is army and i've been around the military my whole life. my bff is actually thinking about sending their 10 yr old to one if he doesn't straighten out

debra_benge

on Feb 20, 2009 at 3:42 PM

I wouldn't mind sending mine to a military school, but I don't know if I could handle them being so far away. The closest military school is in the next state. They'd have to be boarded there. I think it could be really good for my son to help him focus and gain confidence. He's not really a trouble maker, but his ADHD/ODD/OCD make things hard for him sometimes. Hubby was Army until health problems kicked him out, and we both think it would be great.

JasonsMom2007

on Feb 20, 2009 at 4:19 PM

I don´t think there is anything wrong with them but I also don´t think I could stand to have my son that far away!

Cafe MicheleZ

on Feb 20, 2009 at 4:27 PM

My husband went to military high school. He did two years of JROTC. You had the option to go for Junior and Senior year -- that meant you would serve. He didn't, but it was a great school academically. Though he didn't like it that there were no girls there.

baly2001

on Feb 20, 2009 at 5:05 PM

I so wish that it did not cost so much...otherwise my oldest ss would be going to one. He has been in trouble with the law since he was 10 years old & that was 7 years ago.

Hrivera5

on Feb 20, 2009 at 5:06 PM

My husband and I met at our military school. Those were the best years of my life! I learned so much, I became a better person. If my kids want to go, they can go! They teach so much, they add so much character to a person.

absmama

on Feb 20, 2009 at 7:12 PM

There have been times that I have considered military school, but I have no idea where any are, or what the cost is. My oldest isn't too bad, but I am worried about my youngest and the possibility that I may have to look into sending him when he gets older.

eema.gray

on Feb 20, 2009 at 8:26 PM

We're saving money now for my son to be able to go to a military school when he's in high school (he's 14 months now). If he decides he doesn't want to go to a military school, he'll have a terrific college fund!