Making the Move Easier for Military-Connected Children

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming for adults and children alike. Find a variety of resources and assistance to help make your next move a smooth one for the entire family.

Education and planning resources for parents

Take a few hours to get familiar with some of the changes coming your child’s way and the resources available from Military OneSource to help make your child’s move as smooth as possible.

• Check out the Changing Schools MilLife Guide for education transition resources and information.
• Explore the Parenting Children, Youth and Teens MilLife Guide for parenting, moving with children, and managing teen stress information, resources and support.
• Discover preparing to move resources to help with both tactical and emotional aspects of moving your family.
• Maintain routines for children of all ages as much as possible throughout the moving process.
• Create customized checklists with Plan My Move to help you organize transitions for child care, school records and more.

Tips to prepare your child for transition

Advance planning whenever possible helps ensure there will be plenty of time for your child to adjust. In addition to making logistical plans, connecting to friends, family and your military community can help ease the stress of uncertainty.

Communicate early and often with your child.

Tell your children about the move as soon as possible and keep open communication throughout the move.

• Give your children time to adjust to the idea of moving and to say goodbye to their friends.
• Listen to your children, and answer their questions as best you can.
• Allow everyone to express their feelings and be patient with yourself and them.
• Give everyone the time they need to adjust to upcoming changes.

The more you talk about your new home ahead of time, the easier the relocation will be for your children — and you.

Prepare for your move and anticipate your child’s needs and concerns.

Planning ahead is key to a smooth move.

• Create a personalized checklist for you and your family with Plan My Move. Keep your move-related tasks in one convenient location so you don’t forget a thing — from exploring schools and housing options to preparing financially for the move.
• Consult the EFMP & Me tool to secure resources and assistance if you have a family member with special education and medical needs.
• Rely on the PCS & Military Moves landing page for help moving your life, your family and your belongings.

Reassure your children.

Your children take their cues from you, and a little reassurance goes a long way.

• Tell your children and teens that you love them and that together the family will adjust to their new home.
• Remind them they’ll have a new home address, but the important things in life — such as how much you love each other — won’t change.
• Emphasize the exciting parts of change, such as learning about new places and meeting new people.
• Remind them that you’re a strong family and that new adventures await.

Get your children involved.

Explore ways to empower your children by including them in the planning and packing processes.

• Let them contribute to your Plan My Move checklists.
• Have your children research new schools, or read about school liaisons with them.
• Find your new home on a map, then zoom in to see what’s around it.
• Delegate online searches for housing, new schools, fun activities and more to your teens.
• Enlist older youth and teens to help pack household goods. Younger children can pack their own belongings, favorite items or a “first day box.”

Celebrate before and after your move.

Take time to enjoy family favorites before you move and discover new places as soon as you arrive at your new home.

• Visit the library, your favorite ice cream shop or the park.
• Encourage your child to take something special or a photo from one of their favorite places to the new house.
• Once you’ve arrived at your new home, encourage your child to find a new special place, which can give them a sense of security and familiarity.

Key support services before, during and after your move

Tap into support for all aspects of moving your family.

Installation school liaisons

As soon as you receive your PCS orders, contact your current installation’s school liaison for assistance with all phases of your move. School liaisons help with a number of transition-related education issues, including eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation.