The planning that goes into a PCS move can stress even the best military parents to their limits, and our kids are right there beside us going through their own emotional ride. What can we do to help make the moving adventure less stressful on our kids? Here are 10 ways to prepare military kids for a PCS:
1. Tell them about the move ASAP. It’s really easy to keep putting it off because it’s not really a fun conversation to have. But you want to make sure the kids hear it from you, not from the neighbor or the moving checklist you left on the kitchen counter. Plus, if you’re stressed, they probably sense something is going on.
2. Communication is key. Encourage your kids to talk about their feelings and ask questions. If they’re not talkers, have them write in a journal or draw pictures. Sharing your own feelings helps to open the lines of communication, too.
Read More: Military PCS Guide
3. Empower them. Find age-appropriate ways to get the kids involved in the moving process. Let them help you look at houses online. Encourage them to pack their own stuff. Even decisions like what to label boxes can help kids feel involved.
4. Use online support. Sometimes kids are more receptive to new ideas when they hear it from someone other than their parents. Try this podcast by Military OneSource in which teens at a youth center share their experiences, "from navigating life in a military town to building friendships and finding their voice.”
5. Read books about moving. Books are some of the best teaching tools a parent can have, especially for younger children. They educate through fun stories and illustrations and also act as conversation starters. Visit your local library or hit up Amazon to find some good ones about moving.
6. Visit your new home. Take the whole family on a road trip to your new destination. Explore the area, including the high points such as schools, the base you’ll be stationed at, parks, restaurants and other attractions. Moving too far to visit? Explore virtually.
7. Use your imagination. Let your kids imagine what their new life will be like. How do they want to decorate their new rooms? What kinds of activities do they want to try? What do they think their teachers will be like? Have fun with it.
Read More: 8 Tips for Packing Yourself for a PCS
8. Put aside special items. Household goods arrival times are rarely set in stone. Because you never know when you’ll see your possessions again, help your kids put aside those special must-haves they can’t live or travel without. The familiarity of their prized possessions will help them feel more secure in their new environment and keep them occupied while traveling.
9. Smile! Kids follow your lead. Not thrilled about having to move for the 512th time to the most remote location possible? It’s OK to be bummed, but at some point, you to stay upbeat around the kids. Think of five positive things about the move, and go from there.
10. Give them a chance to say, ‘See ya.’’ Another reason to give kids an ample heads-up is to allow them a chance to say their farewells. This doesn’t just mean saying “goodbye” to friends. Visit their favorite restaurant one last time; drive around the neighborhood; stop by favorite parks. Is “goodbye” too hard to say? In military life, it’s never, “goodbye.” It’s, “See ya later.” It’s a small military world, and it’s not uncommon to be stationed with friends for a second time at a different base.
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