Listen, I know many things about many things, but there are certain questions that I need help answering when my kids ask. Why? Honestly, I think I was absent the day they handed out the manual for navigating all this!
But first, let me preface this by telling you how many times these kids have experienced a PCS (a move, for all nonmilitary readers): six moves for the 11-year old, five moves for the 9-year old, and three moves for the 7-year old. These moves usually tend to get more difficult as the kids get older: their routines, school environments, friendships, academics and extracurriculars get disrupted more and more as they grow up.
Question 1: Where are we going next?
Oh, honeybunny, we don’t know yet! These are the possibilities… let’s learn (the fun and exciting!) things about these places. And when we know, we’re going to do our best to get settled in nicely and enjoy our time there! The important thing is that we’re together as a family!
Question 2: When is Daddy (or Mommy!) coming back?
Ahh, sweetheart, he’s gone for three days this time. This time, it’s a week. We’ll see him in a few months during Fall Break, babe. Or, you mean to live with us again? It’s only a year, sweetheart, time will fly by, you’ll see! What do you want to do together when he returns? Let’s plan some things!
Question 3: But what do I do if they don’t like me?
Oh sweetie, this school is on a military installation: everyone comes and goes–you won’t be the only “new” kiddo! What can we do when we don’t know anyone? What do you do when someone is alone? Be fearless and put yourself out there to make friends! How can we be brave? You can do hard things!
Question 4: Why do we have to leave? I hate moving!
Ahh, my love, moving around is temporary: one day, we’ll have our forever home, and we won’t have to move! This is just something we have to do because of daddy’s job. Look at it as an adventure. We are so lucky that we get to experience all these different places, cultures, languages, and people. Not everyone gets to do that. Look for the rainbows! What do you like about here that you want to stay connected to after we leave? How can we stay connected? Let’s think about it.
Question 5: Where are we from?
Ahh, shucks! Well, honeybun, Daddy and I are from Texas, but you were born in ____. However, you’ve lived in __, ___, and ___ (you add however many blanks you need! We listen and don’t judge.) So.. you’re kinda from… uh, a little of everywhere, IDK, the U.S.?
Do your military kids ask these same questions? And how do you answer?! I try my best, but help me out here!
