Are You My Daddy?
My boys have been around the military since birth. The ACU digital camouflage uniform that daddy wears to work is all my children know; the same uniform every US soldier wears when they are on duty. It’s pretty much just second nature, you see the camo- “It’s Daddy!” or the cute “Are you my daddy?” 
I had an appointment one time and my friend Sara was nice enough to keep Ezra for me. He had a wonderful time with her family and during lunch time her husband came home. We have hung out with Sara and the kids, but not really seen much of her husband. *It’s my personal habit that if I’m visiting a friend I leave before their husband comes home. When daddy is home, it’s family time. Thanks to deployments and TDY’s our time is sometimes limited with our spouses so family time is very special, in my eyes. So that’s how I roll.
Back to the story- Ezra doesn’t really know Sara’s husband. Any time he meets someone new he can be shy or just stay away. So funny thing, a man shows up in a uniform and he’s loving all over him! He started by hugging on his leg and next thing he is hopping on his lap! LOL He became very lovable with her husband. Sarah said it was very cute watching him. I’m so glad she captured a picture for me. As you can see he was really happy! Love that smile!
Another example of the uniform confusion happened that same afternoon. My husband went by Sara’s to pick up Ezra and her son, totally saw my husband and was like, “Daddy!” It’s got to be the uniform! It’s so cute! and luckily our husbands are good sports.
My husband has carried many a child, when they thought he was their father because of the uniform. I want to say that it’s also a comfort, even though they may notice that this person looks different than their daddy or mommy. It’s really a precious moment.
I know for myself when my husband is away for either training or deployment, when I see the uniform it definitely reminds me of him and makes me miss him. As a matter of fact, during the 15 month deployment my husband was gone I had a full set of ACU’s hanging on my closet door. I wanted it to be a constant reminder of daddy and what he does. I plan on doing that any time that daddy has to be gone for any extended amount of time.
Question:
How do you keep mommy or daddy on your kids minds while they are away?
Please share in the comments!
I am always looking for new ideas, because unfortunately it’s never “if” it’s always “when” they could deploy and be away from family.
Candy
Story of my life! I can’t go on base without the kids screaming “DADDY!!!!”
LOL I love it Ashley!! I think it’s the cutest- of course as long as the person in uniform is receptive..
Though my husband isn’t in the military any longer, he is an OTR truck driver, so we don’t see him as often as we like.
I actually purchased a big map of the U.S., and we ‘track’ where Daddy is going and our son can see where Daddy is at anytime. He loves it!
That’s a wonderful idea Krissy!
Olivia has done the same thing before while in the commissary and such. Too cute! Love your article and I agree with it being a comfort for the kiddos
Thanks Pam! I honestly think it is comforting.
Love this post, beautiful
Thanks Ashley!
Oh how sweet!
thanks kristin
That is such a great idea! I am going to pass this on to my friend, who is struggling with the same problem…their daughter is almost 4 and hasn’t been handling his absence very well this time around.
Aw Asheleigh, I hope it helps. My oldest has a daddy doll that worked pretty well too, but he was 11 months when he left for 15 months. I tried to have reminders of daddy everywhere. I think too, as the kids get older it’s harder for them to deal with parents being gone. I hope her father is safe and returns home soon. Hugs to you all!
Thanks for your comment!
My hubby was in the Army and it is so easy to confuse them. LOL! Welcome to Social Fabric!
Thank you Kristen!! I’m so excited!!