It Takes A Village
On average, military children move about six to nine times during their school career; this is about three times more than their civilian peers. Their parents’ service and assignments dictate the frequency of these relocations. Each move means starting over with new teachers, new classmates, and sometimes even new cultures. This is just some of the many challenges military children face and a reason why April is dedicated to recognizing them. While they often make it look easy, the truth is that military kids need strong support systems, especially during a PCS.
From changing schools to leaving behind friends and familiar places, PCS moves can be tough on military kids. While these changes can encourage them to grow up to be adaptable, it doesn’t necessarily mean the process is easy. Academic disruptions are common, as kids must adapt to new curriculums and different teaching styles. Social struggles also arise; being the “new kid” repeatedly can feel isolating, and forming new friendships takes time. On top of that, the emotional stress of saying goodbye to familiar faces and places can take a toll, even on the most outgoing children.
Thankfully, there are many resources to help ease the stress of a PCS for our youngest troops. One of the best resources available to military families is the School Liaison Officer (SLO). SLOs help connect families with local resources, answer questions about school transitions, and provide guidance on enrollment, special education services, and extracurricular activities. To find your School Liaison Officer, check with the installation’s family support center or visit the Military OneSource website for a directory. Many schools near military bases offer programs specifically designed for military kids. These can include Student 2 Student peer mentoring programs, military family life counselors, and Purple Star Schools. Purple Star Schools are recognized for their commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the gaining school to ask about available programs and services to ensure your child has the best support system possible.
Creating a routine that travels with you can bring a sense of stability to your home, even amidst constant change. Simple traditions like weekend pancake breakfasts or nightly bedtime stories can provide comfort no matter where you move. Finding a kid-friendly neighborhood with parks, playgrounds, and community events can also make the transition easier. That’s where Military No Stress PCS comes in. Our free concierge service can help you find the best events and playgrounds nearby or connect you with a Military Relocation Professional who can help you find the perfect home near great schools and welcoming communities.
Not part of a military family? Well, you can still make a difference! Civilians play a huge role in helping military kids feel welcomed and supported. Empathy is a powerful tool, and small gestures can have a big impact. Being a friendly neighbor by offering a warm welcome or inviting a new family to a neighborhood event can make settling in easier. In schools, encourage your kids to include their new classmates by playing with them, inviting them to sit together at lunch, or picking them for a team. Military kids may be facing more than just the stress of a new school, they could be adjusting to a parent’s deployment or other major life changes. A little understanding can go a long way in helping them feel supported.
At Military No Stress PCS, we believe that supporting military kids means supporting entire families. And that’s exactly what we aim to do – every single move, every single time. While we’re here to help with every PCS, it’s important to remember that military kids often face the most significant changes during these moves. If you or someone you know needs help with an upcoming PCS, reach out to us. We’re here to make the process a little less stressful and a lot more manageable – not just for the adults, but also for the kids who are the heart of every move.
