I need advice from Navy parents

Zaphod
Mon, 05 Nov 2007 09:16:08 +0000

Well, I’m not a Navy Parent (and won’t be close to being one for at least another 10 years), but I may be able to help you anyway, having told my parents back in my day.

To begin, the only person who should have a major say in your decision to attend or not attend USNA is that person that stares back at you from the mirror each morning when you brush your teeth (don’t forget to floss). When you enter USNA, or any other SA, or the military, you are an adult, and as such you are considered old enough to make your own decisions. Whether one or both of your parents are for it or against it is irrelevant.

So much for legalities.

You may want to tell us why your mom doesn’t want you in the military. Is it political, or is it just the natural concern a mother has for her kid when he chooses a dangerous trade? Would she feel the same way if you announced that you wanted to be a cop or fireman, or is it that she thinks you’ll become a baby-murdering drone?

If it’s political, my advice is to ignore her. Sorry, but I have no patience for ignorant fools.

If it’s motherly instinct, then you need to sit down with her (and your dad, since he seems to be in agreement) and explain to her why you want to go, why you are willing to face the risks, and that you hope she will support you in your decision. It’s not like you’re going to stop being her son when you don the uniform, you know.

Word of advice, though: Be sure you can answer those questions TO YOURSELF before you try to sell her on it. Moms have an uncanny ability to know you better than you know yourself, and she’ll be able to tell if you’re spinning a yarn rather than speaking from conviction.

My mom, rest her soul, was extremely supportive of my decision, but still worried, as you would expect. For the whole ten years I wore the uniform, her attitude was, “So long as two guys I don’t know DON’T show up to my door in uniform, then I know he’s OK.”

Oh… one more thing. Never forget she loves you, and never fail to tell her you love her. One day you won’t be able to anymore, and you’ll rue the missed opportunities. Ask me why I know. :(

Go get 'em. :)