Respect: Leadership For Kids

In Soldier Mom – Respect, children discover that the way we treat others matters more than we think.

Through everyday moments — listening when someone is speaking, getting to know the new kid, choosing kindness instead of teasing — this story shows that respect isn’t just about manners. It’s about empathy. It’s about fairness. It’s about seeing the value in every person, even when they’re different from us.

Rooted in the Army value of Respect, this inspiring story helps families and classrooms start meaningful conversations about character, compassion, and courage. Because strong communities aren’t built by accident. They’re built by people who choose respect — every day.

Veteran and former elementary educator Jodi Martin writes stories that help children understand what character looks like in real life. Drawing from her military service and classroom experience, she created the Soldier Mom series to teach values like loyalty, courage, and integrity — and to inspire the next generation of compassionate, responsible leaders.