Do you have words of advice for a mom whose son/daughter is considering joining the Navy?

[Navy for Moms Admin]

What tips or advice would you give to moms whose son or daughter is joining the Navy? What did you do when your child told you they were considering the Navy?

[amos]

My husband and I did not know alot about the recruitment process so we did some research and talked with a friend who is in the Navy. The best advice we got was for our son to choose a job that requires A school, otherwise our son would most likely be given a job like painting or scraping barnacles off the side of a ship. We encouraged him when he said he wanted to go the recruiter and are very proud of his decision to join the Navy. We have visited the recruiter many times, often with a list a questions written out before hand! There are some really great videos online about the bootcamp experience too!

[notsonewnavymom2014(DIV 162)]

when my son came to me with his plan he was 13 yrs old. he had done research and presented me with it. I have supported him through high school ROTC and weight loss. so my advice is to do your research talk to everyone and anyone who has information i.e. family who have served teachers etc. and talk a lot about the decision then finally support him or her..  I met with recruiters every time my son did and watched you tube videos. don't let them see you cry they are nervous and scared I wrote my son a letter that I handed him right before he left because I knew I never get the words out and I didn't. he graduates PIR May 2nd 2014

[jrk'smom]

My son came to me in his sophomore year of high school and said, I don't want to college right out of high school, I want to join the Coast Guard.  Being a former Navy wife, the daughter of a sailor and the granddaughter of sailors, I knew what the military could do for him.  So I said, let's see what we can find out about the Coast Guard and if there is a ROTC program for you. He signed up the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, he really embraced his squadron and all of the possibilities. He is a PO3 right now and is at his recruiters as I type this getting his paperwork for MEPs tomorrow and getting his Navy contract signed. The best advice I can give has already been given. Stay involved, offer unwavering support and take a step back and let them handle some of these obstacles themselves. Do research on the internet, do test prep with your Future Sailor for the ASVAB. My son's recruiter applauded our involvement in my son's enlistment process. Be prepared for others not to understand your child's choice, but remain firm in your support of them. They will encounter people who do not understand the willing sacrifice they make and instead use their decision as some kind of platform to tout their beliefs.  Remind your child that their service ensures that these people have the right to express themselves and that they are really thanking them in a weird way (we've had a lot of push back from family and friends not understanding his choice).  Also, be willing to show a little worry. My son was convinced I was a robot. I don't really show upset or emotion because I have determined it's my job to be strong and to be the one person he can count on not to constantly lose their mind and cry all the time.  So he was getting a little stressed and accused me of just wanting to get rid of him. Long story short, two hours and lots of Kleenexs later he was convinced I cared LOL

[Corpsmanmom]

My son is a Navy Corpsman he has been in the Navy for 1 year he is currently stationed in Corpus Christi Texas he doesn't like it much but having his wife there helps him alot he also has several friends he went to boot camp with there, after graduating in Great Lakes he was sent to San Antonio for A school he has only been in Corpus Christi for a few months. I was very fortunate to go to both of his graduations as well as move my daughter in law to Texas last October so I am fortunate I get to talk to my son all the time. We are a very close family so my son has it better than alot of the sailors. I know my son said he heard some of the guys crying at night when he was in Great Lakes and A school some of them didn't have any support so I actually met several of them when I went to his graduations and spent time with them letting them know that I am proud of them and thankful for their sacrifice that's what are sailors need they need to know what they are doing is an amazing thing because of our military men and women we live freely in our country. I can say supporting your son or daughter is the best thing you can do. When my son was in boot camp he would call and I could hear how beat he was so I would send him passages from the bible as well as encouraging letters and pictures of his siblings. My father was a Navy Sailor in Vietnam unfortunately he passed away in 1979 so my son didn't get to meet him but I tell him all the time how proud my father is of him and how he watches over him everyday. Always be a shoulder to cry on or just listen be there no matter what let them know they can do it to never give up. I know all the mothers are as proud as I am of their sailor. My son recently got promoted I wish I was there but unfortunately I couldn't be but fortunately my son and daughter in law will be here April 10th they are surprising my youngest son Joshua he and my oldest Michael (Navy Sailor) are extremely close. 

[luckysailorsmom- USS Truman AOAN]

we encouraged our son before he graduated high school that a military career would be a great thing for him .we live in a small town and many of his friends are still struggling. BUT i HAVE TO SAY get ready for the emotional roller-coaster ...I am sooo proud of my son , but I also miss him terribly .I am also missing knowing him as he becomes a man .he still feels like my little boy .I wonder if that will ever change. But A very proud mom I am !!! I trust the Navy to make my son the best man he can be !!

[Jennifergs]

This is a huge decision, and your sailor will be making lots of tough choices without your help. I asked the recruiter lots of questions when we met with him and researched the NAVY on the internet; however, my son had already made up his mind. Ultimately, I had to let go of my expectations and questions and trust him to take the lead. Be supportive, listen, and make friends at the post office!