by Kristen Paulsen

Created on: February 13, 2010

Moving in general can be a traumatic event for any child.  For the military child it can affect them in different ways as it happens as frequently as annually.  Military moves affect children as much as you prepare them for.  With anything in life or the military, you must plan and have a strategy.  Each child is different can reacts differently to moves.  Some of the main ways military moves affect children are listed below.

Emotionally is affects a military child.  Oftentimes these moves happen shortly after a parent returns from a deployment Emotions can be already running high or low depending on how your readjustment period is going.  Children can become emotionally exhausted and become clingy, cry or they can go to the extreme and be on emotional highs and yell and be argumentative and rebel.  Each age is affected differently and it will depend on how long you have been an an area.  Your children ultimately will look to their parents for the example and attitude about the move.  Talking and listening with your children during this time is critical.  Involve them in some of the decisions you may be facing.  For example, their opinions on living on base or perhaps renting out in town. 

Physically it affects them because they are being displaced from what has been home.  They be having to leave pets, friends, and family.  For younger children, they might not understand the full ramification of moving.  Older children know and can physically start having stomachaches, headaches, and be resistant due to anxiety of the upcoming changes. 

A child's sense of security is rocked with military moves.  There is the apprehension of having to move again and meet new people.  There is the unknown.  By making it a family affair to look into your new base and duty station prior to the move can help.  Check out the perks of the area and bases and focus on the positives.  Remind your children they are not alone.  It is often hard for a child to relocate mid school year and routines can be upset.  Reassure your children that they can still be involved in the same sports and activities and that you will meet new neighbors and it will be OK. 

Military moves can positively affect children as well.  It exposes them to many places, people and opens many experiences.  It teaches them to simplify because of the frequency of moves.  It also draws the military family closer as you learn to rely on each other.  Military children learn empathy, independence, strength of character and so many other positive traits as well.  The most important thing to remember is communication.  Make sure you are talking and listening and understanding the feelings, apprehensions and joys and the the military moving journey can be a positive one. 

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