A permanent change of station (PCS) is difficult for many children. It’s difficult as a parent to watch your military child feel so many emotions and not be able to process them. There are many things to be excited about during a PCS. However, the emotions that come with them can often feel complicated for military children.
Overall, the best thing you can do is listen when your child has questions, reassure them through any worries, and be a sense of steadiness for them.
Books to Read to Your Military Child
One idea to help military children process a big move is by reading books. This gives them an opportunity to ask questions and opens up the conversation. Some great books about moving and transition are “Boomer’s Big Day,” “The Invisible String,” “I Move A Lot and That’s Okay,” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day.”
Boomer’s Big Day
If you have young kids who love animals and are gearing up for a PCS, check out “Boomer’s Big Day.” This heartwarming book told from the perspective of a family dog will surely help your child process the complicated emotions that come with a move. The story details Boomer watching people place his family’s items in boxes. He monologues his concerns over the fact that he won’t have his things. He questions where will they go and if he will see his toys again. Much to his relief, (after a long drive) Boomer sees his toys unpacked at his new house.
While most children understand the basics of moving, “Boomer’s Big Day” details the actual moving day. It helps children process the emotions and fears that come with their physical items and an unknown future. This is a great book to read to your military child during a PCS. They will especially relate if you have a family pet and if they love animals!
The Invisible String
While the story, “The Invisible String” has some concepts of loss and grief, this would be a great book to read to your military child during a PCS. During a move, children may grieve the loss of a friendship, especially military children who have to do this several times during their lives.
The concept of love being a connector, despite the distance, is difficult for younger children to understand. This book may ease the separation anxiety a child feels when they have to leave friends or family behind during a PCS. This book reinforces the concept that no matter where we are, we can feel love from others not near us, no matter where we’re living. “The Invisible String” encourages and allows parents to build a dialogue around moving and relationships with their children. It opens up the floor for tough questions and guides conversation.
I Move A Lot and That’s Okay
“I Move A Lot and That’s Okay” is a must-read for all military families. Military life is hard for everyone, especially children. This book, written by a military spouse, highlights the difficulties of life in the military and all that comes with it. Especially PCS and moving.
“I Move A Lot and That’s Okay” shows parents and children what to expect in this life, and would be especially beneficial for newer or younger military children. Full of support and encouragement, “I Move A Lot and That’s Okay” is a brilliant book to read alongside your military child during a PCS.
The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day
The Berenstain Bear series is a classic series, and “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” is no exception. This easy-to-understand book about moving gives kids some insight into what moving houses will be. This book can be helpful to any family with young children getting ready to move. It can open up conversations with children about what to expect and help parents with some dialogue.
Books are an integral part of childhood and can help parents navigate difficult transitions, lessons, and trials. By reading books about moving to your military child during a PCS you can help your child process such a big change. Books open up the conversation about friendships, new homes, packing their stuff, and any questions they might have.
