New Navy Mom - Charlotte

[jennbte2ct (Ship04 Div802)]

Hello!  I'm a new, new newbie.  My son finishes his Senior year of high school and then goes to basic training June 22, 2011 in Michigan.  I have browsed this website, but am not yet up to speed on all the acronymns so bear with me.   I am EXTREMELY proud of his decision and FULLY support it.  I'm just wondering, don't they seem awfully young to be making these life changing decisions (my son won't turn 18 until August 2011)?  I am overwhelmed with the fact that these kids are trained to protect our county and truthfully...he doesn't even pick his underwear up off his bedroom floor! 

 

Are there things I should do as a parent during my last 8 months with my child that will help him be successful in the Navy? 

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated! 

 

Jen

[Connie ~Matt's Mom~]

Boot Camp is part of making them successful. My son has been in for just over a year now and when he comes home he still leaves his clothes on the floor. Something tells me they know when and when not to do certain things. Of course at this stage I am just glad to have him home. If he has the desire to go in the successful part normally kicks in. I personally think 17 is young but you will hear of many sons/daughters that went in at 17 and did just as good as the older ones. Some kids are more mature than others. My son is 21 and we are so, so proud of him, however, when I see him with his high school buddies they are still kidding around and acting like boys. Is he in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program)? If so he can go to meetings, workout with other deppers. Also if you go to the Navy Official Website there is lots of information on different subjects that you can read up on. And just remember the Navy has a way of making them do what is necessary. Your support and love will help him through the process. I am also a NC mom and if you have questions please send my a personal message and I will be glad to answer. Also the N4M's are a great source of information. Good Luck!

[susanm(ZEKESMOM)]

Jen,
Hi, I'm Susan McDaniels and I am from Iredell County, about 17 miles north of Statesville. My son is also one of the young ones. When he went to Charlotte for MEPS last May, he was 17 and the youngest there at the time. The guys he shared a room with were all early to mid twenties. He graduated high school in June and turned 18 July 27th. He is scheduled to leave for boot camp 11/9/2010. I am having the same reservations that you are. I am very proud of Zach and I fully support his decision. I believe he will do well in the Navy and may even make a career out of it. Zach is in the delayed entry program (DEP) and has meetings with his recruiter every two weeks. He is learning a lot of the things he will need to know in boot camp now and the recruiter is helping us to get Zach prepared to leave. This has been a tremendous help. I'm not concerned about him being away from home. He has gone on many trips with his youth group and he spent last summer as a student ambassador in Australia with 30 other high school students. During Spring Break in April he also took a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to work with underprivileged children at an orphanage. He likes being on his own. But, this is a whole new ball game. There won't be group leaders there to make sure they have what they need and are taken care of and I won't be a phone call away to be able to take care of any situation that arises. He will have to be completely responsible for himself. I just have to place him in God's hands and know that I have tried to give him strong moral values and have taught him how to handle life's situations. The rest is up to him. I'm sure both our sons will do well and will come home mature and responsible young men. It's good to have you with the group and I'm here any time you need to talk.

Susan

[NC_Susan]

Hi Jen, I'm from Hickory. I know it can seem a little overwhelming at first. And yes he is young, but like Connie said, so many of these kids have no direction at all and it's nice to have a plan. My son went away to college last year right after high school and it wasn't what he thought at all. He had a football scholarship but after a few months he realized that there will be life after football and he wasn't sure if he would be ready for it. A lot of the guys he knew that were senior's had no plans for after college other than to move back in with Mom and Dad and Drew knew that that was not what he wanted to do. His decision to leave school and then his decision to join the Navy took some getting used to, but when he explained his reasons we realized that it was a very mature decision and we were very proud of him. He leaves on October 25 for the Great Lakes and he is still leaving his underwear on the floor, lol. I don't get on his case too much because I realize that there will be a huge growth process during basic. I would recommend that you go with him sometimes to see his recruiter. Ask a lot of questions and don't stop asking until you feel satisified that you received the full answer. He should be in the DEP program and it really helps them prepare physically and mentally. Help him study and learn everything that his recruiter gives him, it will give him an advantage in basic. Mainly just keep encouraging him and telling him how proud you are of him! Susan

[sonjaangelgirl]

My son just left yesterday - sounds the same as Drew - he went on a football scholarship and it didn't work out. He's been "lost" for a year now trying to figure out his career path. As a BSA Eagle Scout, it didn't surprise us about the committment. He was supposed to leave 3.14.11, but was called to go within a week's time (9.21.10). When I found out the immediate date - I cried. As much as I knew it was the right thing, I wasn't ready, but he was. The hardest thing is the lack of communication. We were tied at the cell phone 24/7 - not in a bad way, but just checking in and chatting. I don't know if anyone has suggestions to get over the lonliness. I have 2 daughters in 12th and 8th grade and a husband, but just knowing he's away and I can't communicate with him for 3 weeks, is tearing me up. sonja

[NC_Susan]

Sonja, I can't imagine thinking and preparing for him to leave in March and then to have it moved up so quickly. I would have cryed too! Drew and I are also very close and since he still lives at home we communicate daily. I know it will be tough. When he went to college we were able to talk or text whenever we wanted. How are your girls handling him being gone? I also have a daughter in 12th grade and another daughter in 5th grade. My oldest daughter and him are very close and she has just recently realized that the chances he will be at her graduation are slim to none. I am so proud of his choice, as I know you are, but it's hard to be the one that is left behind. When this period is over, I will need you to support me because i will just be starting it! Let me know if there is anything I can do, I am sending you a friend request and anytime you need to talk just let me know. Susan

[LaurieM Ship 2 Div 902]

I am from Rockwell NC near Salisbury. My son is also 18. He just PIRed 11/24 and is now in San Antonio waiting to start MAA school. It has become easier every day. He is a triplet and with all 3 kids moving different directions, but pretty much gone, I am a little crazy trying to adjust. Thankfully, we also have a 6 and 8 year old that keep up busy. I find when I don't stay busy, everything catches up with me and I get a little sad. We were able to go to PIR over Thanksgiving. He is getting to come home for 9 days at Christmas and we will all be together for probably the last year for a while. I am sad, but happy that my kids are happy. I can remember my first few years of wonderful independence same I am so proud of them.