Whether your youngsters prefer the term “military child” or the affectionate “military brat,” this month is all about them. Since the mid-1980s, April has been designated as the Month of the Military Child. The Pentagon and other organizations that support the military launched the month-long event all those years ago to celebrate the resilience of military children.

The theme remains the same each year: “Purple Up.” It’s an homage to every branch of the military, all of which are commonly represented by the color purple. On April 19th, encourage your kiddos to wear purple for “Purple Up” day, and for the rest of the month, check out some of the events and perks that come along with the Month of the Military Child.

1. Attend special events. In honor of the little ones who dutifully deal with multiple moves and sometimes prolonged separation from their parents, military bases around the country (and the world!) are hosting fun activities for your children. Check with your local base to see what’s going on this April—it could be a carnival, a game night, a giveaway, or something else! 

2. Snag exclusive discounts. Many local businesses will be offering special deals in honor of your little ones. Check with your favorite eateries, toy stores, and other favorite businesses to see if they have anything planned for April.

3. Watch the Military Child of the Year Ceremony. Operation Homefront takes the Month of the Military Child a step further and crowns exemplary youngsters as Military Children of the Year. Tune in to the ceremony or attend the gala to see which of the nominated adolescents have earned the honor (and cash prizes) thanks to their volunteering efforts, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills.

Prioritize your family’s mental health. This month is also a good time to take a step back and pay some extra attention to the well-being of your kids. Between the expected challenges of military life and the very unexpected adaptations that had to be made over the past several years, it’s important to let your kids know they can always talk to you. The Red Cross also provides a free virtual class, geared specifically toward the stresses that come with being a military child, which may be a helpful tool.