PCSing with Children

Tracy Cook – Broker – Community First Realty

Fuquay Varina/Raleigh/Holly Springs/Triangle – Voted best of Fuquay Varina and Wake County 2018, 2019 and 2020

PCS is a military term that means Permanent Change of Station which if you’re in the military you know is an oxymoron since nothing is permanent.  With Corona, there was a temporary hold on military moves (PCS) however that has been lifted and now extended so folks are moving once again.  Moving, in general, is stressful and trying, moving with children adds another wrinkle.  Here are some tips if you are PCSing with children.

1. Start a binder/book for kids, photos with friends. Add photos of the new home and new fun places to visit.
2. Plan a goodbye party and make sure to invite all your kid’s friends.  Military kids are used to moving but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard or sad but can also be exciting.  I have friends all across the country now from when I was little.
3. Make sure to keep the dialogue open with your kids. Give them a free space to vent, talk, be angry if they are.  It doesn’t mean anything can or will change but allowing them to express it can help and be therapeutic.
4. Treat the move like a new adventure.  Explore the city online and make lists of things you’re excited to see or visit.
5. Keep your kids on as much of the same routine as possible.  Moving I know throws that out the window but keeping them on a similar routine will help tremendously.
6. When you arrive at your new home have the kid’s rooms set up first thing.  Have their items on the truck last so they are first off.  Set up their beds, hand their art or posters/photos on their walls.  This will give them a safe and comfortable place to hang out while the rest of the house gets settled.

As an adult who was a child and PCS’d many many times I can sympathize hopefully some of these will help make your upcoming move a little smoother and maybe even fun!