Not Too Young

When my son or I tell anyone he is now in the Young Marines, I always get, "Isn't he too young for that?"  The answer is no.  The Young Marines is for children ages 8 - 18.  I have also gotten, "Why are you trying to turn him into a soldier so young?"  The Young Marine program doesn't try to turn children into soldiers.  One thing the Young Marines DO do is promote physical and mental developments of it's members, along with morals and a drug-free lifestyle.  They also teach the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect, loyalty, love of God, and fidelity to our country.  And let's face it, kids now days need this because too many parents out there aren't teaching these things.  The Young Marines also try to get the kids interested in and have a respect for their own academic achievement, along with the history and traditions of the U.S.A.  They learn teamwork and leadersip.  They learn about community service, and see how good it feels to do things for others. 

So why wouldn't I get my child involved in something like this.  Yes, I can teach and do all this stuff with him at home, but he is getting older.  He wants to go out and do things with kids around his own age without his mom (thought that wouldn't come around to at least the teenage years, lol). 

As a side note, R DOES want to be in the military when he grows up.  It has nothing to do with the Young Marines.  It is something he decided when he was 4 years old, and he hasn't changed his mind since.  He has a love for this country, and yes, I do encourage it.  And yes, I am proud that he wants to join the military when he is old enough, and will be even prouder when he does.