Moving Guide for Military Families: Supporting Kids Through School Transitions
Military moving is a stressful experience, especially when kids are involved. Relocating for the military can disrupt your kid's everyday routine, academics and family life. Every time you move to a new city, state, or country, your kids will need to adjust to a new lifestyle, make new friends and start a new school. This can be a stressful experience, especially for kids who rely on a consistent routine for academic success.
If you're planning for an upcoming move, here's how to prepare your children for a new school after a military move.
Prepare Your Child for the Move
Before the military kids move, sit down with your kids to discuss the reasoning behind the move. Be open and honest with them about the experience. Encourage your children to ask questions, express their feelings, and have open conversations about what's to come.
You can use these open-minded conversations to turn the military move into a positive experience. Show your kids photos of their new home, school or neighborhoods. You can also show them fun-filled activities and plans you have for the future to get them excited about the PCS military move.
Research New Schools Early
Once you know you're moving for the military and receive your official orders for a permanent change of station (PCS), you'll want to start exploring new school districts and extracurriculars for your kids. Depending on where you're moving to or from, you'll also want to consider scheduling a school visit or virtual tour. This way, you fully know the enrollment deadlines and documentation requirements needed for the school transfer.
Create a Transition Plan
Military life and constant moving disrupt daily routines. To ensure the transition is as seamless as possible for everyone involved, you'll want to establish stability and utilize free resources to help with the transition.
You'll want to start by identifying your new support system for your children. Meeting with teachers and counselors can help make the transition easier for everyone involved. You'll also want to identify coping strategies to help your kids manage the stress and change.
Preparing for Special Circumstances Moving
If you're PCS moving mid-school year, there are a few extra steps you need to take to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. The most important step is gathering all necessary documentation, like transcripts, shot records and birth certificates. These documents are required to enroll your kids in a new school.
Supporting Kids in Their First Weeks at a New School
Once your PCS military move is complete, it's time to establish a new routine and get your kids excited about the new transition. Consider looking into different clubs, sports and activities they can participate in to make new friends. You can also schedule playdates with other military families in the area to help them build their own community.
Transitioning to a new school can be challenging for some kids. To ensure your kids' academics don't start to slip, you'll want to meet with the new teachers and counselors to see how they are adjusting to the transition.
Emotional Support During the Move
Moving with the military is a stressful and emotional experience. To ensure your kids can easily adapt to change, approach every challenge and change with a positive mindset. Be there for them emotionally and check in with them periodically to see how they are feeling about the change. The more open and positive you are with them about the experience, the better it will be for everyone involved.
Resources for Military Families and School Transitions
There are many free online resources military families can take advantage of to help with the transition. Here are some popular tools, guides and resources to consider exploring for your upcoming military move:
Sesame Street for Military Families
Free games, printable military kids month activities and interactive tools that can help you approach military move conversations in an age-appropriate way.
MCEC
Offers free resources to help students and teachers navigate changes and challenges that come with a military move. The Back-to-School Toolkit from MCEC also has free printable activities, icebreakers, and other resources for families and teachers.
Blue Star Families
Free community-centric resources and support programs are available to help kids of all ages through the transition.
Military One Source
Free counseling and educational resources for active duty military, reserve members of the Coast Guard, and their families.
Militaryfamily.org
Offers free guidance, tools, and scholarships to military families who are facing frequent military moves.
Operation Homefront
Emergency aid, support programs, and relocation assistance are available to military families and their children.
FAQs for Military Families and School Transitions
What if my child struggles academically after the move?
You'll want to check in with their teachers periodically to determine how their grades are after the move. If grades start to slip, consider setting goals and using rewards to help incentivize positive habits, as this is a powerful way to push kids to stay on track academically.
How can I help my child make friends quickly?
Join Facebook groups or connect with other military families with children who are living in your new city. Enrolling your kids in extracurricular activities, clubs and sports can also help them build their own community.
What if the new school is very different from the old one?
Give your child enough time to adjust to the changes. Be there and support them through the process as they build routines, make friends and adapt to the new lifestyle.
How can I stay involved from a distance if deployed or traveling?
You'll want to check in with your kids regularly and offer emotional support. Also, consider exploring free resources and tools your kids can benefit from to help with the transition.
