Would You Send Your Child Off to War?

March 18, 2008

Some things don't become big issues until they hit the home front. While promoting his new movie, Stop-Loss, in which he plays a military man, Sugardaddy Ryan Phillippe told People that even the thought of his own kids (Ava, 8 and Deacon, 4) going off to war or being in harm's way was upsetting.

If they were to enlist, he said:

"I come from a military family and I would support that," he said. "But God, I hope it doesn't ever come to that."

How would you react if your child signed up with Uncle Sam?

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28 Comments

AujahAcorn 5 years

no! i do not support war in anyway.

Cassandra57 5 years

Kirstin: I want to agree with you, but never say "never". My standard response to "Violence is not the answer" is "It depends on the question."

Cassandra57 5 years

Kirstin: I want to agree with you, but never say "never". My standard response to "Violence is not the answer" is "It depends on the question."

AKirstin 5 years

Never, but I would respect her decision to do what she wished with her own life. I for one think war is retarded and is never a good solution.

milosmommy 5 years

I wouldn't be thrilled because I would be so worried, but there are worse things I could think of that he could do. Plus who am I to stand in the way of his dreams.

stina829 5 years

I'd have to support my son and his decision. It would tear my heart in two. I hope I never have to deal with this. My heart go out to all the parents who have to deal with this every day.

stina829 5 years

I'd have to support my son and his decision. It would tear my heart in two. I hope I never have to deal with this. My heart go out to all the parents who have to deal with this every day.

buch1979 5 years

I come from a military family, both of my biological parents and step parents were Air Force officers. I've had multiple extended family members that were part of the reserves, or national guard. My brother and his wife are West Point graduates, and one of my sisters is currently finishing tech school. I would be supportive if my child decided on a career in the military, it is actually something I've been mentally preparing myself for since I had my first child almost two years ago.

buch1979 5 years

Cassandra57 5 years

In my experience, much of parenting has been biting my lip and trying to keep quiet. This is an issue for me, as my 15-year-old son is in Navy ROTC at high school--he's away this week at "mini boot camp" in fact. JessNess, I had to laugh. My son has been inclined toward the military for many years now, and after I realized that I was unable to dissuade him, I began steering him toward the Air Force. I'd rather have him flying over the melee than on the ground in the middle of it. Besides, he's interested in planes, anyway, so it was a logical approach to take. Is it easy? No! But every kid is different, and you have to respect their aptitudes and interests. Besides, my son needs the structure and discipline!

Cassandra57 5 years

chipjimi 5 years

If my child wish to then I would let them. I would worry obviously.

MarinerMandy 5 years

I would worry like crazy, but I would also be very proud of them. My family has a long history of military service so it would be only natural for them to join. My brother served and is now a police officer and I worry about him constantly, but I am also proud of him for following his dreams and serving his country that way. It really builds a lot of maturity which seems to be lacking these days. Plus, by the time they're old enough to join the military it wouldn't be my decision anyway.

hausfrau 5 years

My husband is in the military, so I'm a bit biased, but I agree with Foxie... The military is a great way for people to gain responsibility and build character, I think its helped a lot of kids who may not know what they want in life or may be headed down the wrong path. Its a good way to buy time until you figure out what else you might want to do... or maybe you want to stay... who knows. I think sometimes people think its all or nothing, like you have to stay in for 20 years or not join at all, and it's def. not like that. So while I would support my child joining, I would def. still worry... but I think all mothers would. :)

hausfrau 5 years

My husband is in the military, so I'm a bit biased, but I agree with Foxie... The military is a great way for people to gain responsibility and build character, I think its helped a lot of kids who may not know what they want in life or may be headed down the wrong path. Its a good way to buy time until you figure out what else you might want to do... or maybe you want to stay... who knows. I think sometimes people think its all or nothing, like you have to stay in for 20 years or not join at all, and it's def. not like that.So while I would support my child joining, I would def. still worry... but I think all mothers would. :)

nyaradzom2001 5 years

It's their choice, just as my career is my choice but it would kill me.

mymellowman 5 years

I would never wish a child, spouse or any other person off to war, but I hold the utmost respect for the men and women of our armed forces. I have a few relatives who were enlisted and currently a brother-in-law who is in the Marines and I hold much more pride for what they do/have done verses my work in the entertainment industry.

Masqueraded_Angel 5 years

Oh man, it breaks my heart to just think about it...on one hand, I would be proud of my son for protecting our country, (Even though I've never understood politics, history or anything of the sort...) but on the other hand...well, that's my baby! Oh man...wow.

alllacedup 5 years

In a time of war, I would beg them to stay. If they were sure about it and had researched it, I suppose I would let them go. I'm very anti-war but I respect the people who put themselves in harm's way for the protection of our country.

sltaylor31707 5 years

I would be proud of my child for wanting to stand up for his country, but I would also be terrified of anything happening to him. I would just want him to be 100% sure it was what he wanted.

jessie 5 years

It would scare me, but I would support his/her choice. And pray like mad that nothing would ever happen to them or if it did, that I could get thru it.

foxie 5 years

My husband and I are both in the military, and we'll definitely encourage our children to join. It's hugely impacted our lives for the better; teaching us to grow up, accept responsibility, and have integrity.

DesignRchic 5 years

Gosh, this is such a tough question. One part of me would want my child to make their own decision and be happy about it. The other side would be terrified. I have so many friends with their husband's and children off to war right now and I truly admire the support they give to them.

rgrl 5 years

I don't think I could.

rgrl 5 years

I don't think I could.

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