The family is finally settled into the new routines of life. You, your spouse, and your children have made wonderful friends, the kids are in with all the school functions and extracurricular activities. Everyone is feeling “at home”, but then, PCS orders are sent to your front door and the whole family is back at square one. Now it’s time to say goodbyes, pack up and start all over AGAIN. 

This constant, overwhelming transition is hard on adults, so you know it’s even more exhausting for the kids to try and cope with. As difficult as it is on the whole family, there are simple and actionable steps and resources you can take to help your kids adjust to a new home, school, and starting over.

REACH OUT-  there’s a Facebook group for just about everything. Find a military group for your new location and meet some new potential friends for the family and set up playdates for the kids. Make plans to visit a rec center or local parks in the new area to make some friends. 

OPERATION PURPLE CAMP- Thanks to the National Military Family Association, so many kids around the country are able to attend this free camp while meeting other kids in the same situation and lifestyle as themselves. Get on the list ASAP! Spots fill quickly and priority is given to kids whose parent is deployed or a wounded warrior. But that doesn’t mean your kid won’t be able to go. So many friendships can be made here!

DAY/SUMMER CAMPS- If you can't get a spot in the Purple Camp, the best part of a summer PCS is all the summer camps. This is where your new Facebook group can come in handy, since moms love to share recommendations and resources for summer activities!

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES- A teacher can make or break a school year. The Military Child Education Coalition estimates that military children move 6-9 times during their K-12 education, facing multiple deployments during that time. One thing that will be helpful for your kid’s new teachers would be to have a PCS Education binder. This provides information about the last school, report cards, IEP/504 forms, and even things as simple as your child’s likes and dislikes. This binder will give the teacher some ground to stand on in the classroom and by having this tool she can even have the upper hand on creating an icebreaker to make your kiddo feel more welcomed just by mentioning something he or she may have some interest in. 

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH OLD FRIENDS- One of the hardest parts of this will always be having to leave behind friends and even sometimes family. Keep your kids spirits up by staying in contact with old friends regularly through phone calls, facetime, group chats, texting, and even by mail. Who doesn't love a good “Pen Pal”?