When we think of PCSing, we usually think of finding a new home and moving our things from one place to another. Sometimes lost in the mix of everything is our military kids. While we try to make the transitions easy on our children, sometimes the transition between schools can be difficult. When kids are younger, that transition may be easier, but as they grown and create those deeper relationships with friends, it can become harder to navigate. I took the task of asking my three children their thoughts on what it is like when its time move and start a new school.
For reference on my children and their military child experience:
Grant is 13 years old, has had 8 PCS’s and been in 5 school districts.
Blake is 11 years old, has had 5 PCS’s and been in 4 school districts.
Natalie is 8 years old, has had 3 PCS’s and been in 2 school districts.
How do you feel when you are told that you will be moving away from your current school?
Grant: “Indifferent. I have gotten used to leaving schools and moving around. I enjoy the time with my friends while we’re there, but I know I can make new friends on the other end as well.”
Blake: “Normal. It just seems like it is the thing that our family does.”
Natalie: “I feel sad. I will miss all my friends, and I want them to come with me, too.”
What do you dislike the most about leaving the current school?
Grant: “Saying bye to the friends that I have met. With technology, it will be easier to keep in contact with them so it isn’t so bad.”
Blake: “Same, saying bye to friends and not being able to see them again. It is fun when we will get to take trips later to visit them.”
Natalie: “Having to say goodbye to my friends, I wish they could all come with me.”
Is there anything that you look forward to when you arrive at the new school?
Grant: “Just seeing what the school is like and how my class schedule will be. I really do not want math class at the end of the day again when I’m tired!”
Blake: “Nothing really, just how big is the school.”
Natalie: “Getting the chance to make new friends.”
How do you feel about starting another new school?
Grant: “Ok. I am just interested to see what it is like and what they have to offer. Being the new kid isn’t so bad now when I have learned how to make friends and fit in.”
Blake: “Not really excited or sad about it. Starting a new school is what we do every few years.”
Natalie: “I feel good about it. I want to get started and make new friends.”
In my bunch, my older two have been used to this process of moving every few years while it is still relatively new to my daughter. It’s easy to see where this has just become, “what our family does,” and not so much of a huge life change. In discussion with my oldest on our next PCS coming next year, he is excited for that move as he will be starting high school and will have the ability to graduate with those children, “I think that will be a cool thing. I’ll get to hang out with my friends longer.”
If you are PCSing with children, it is always important to reach out to their new school as soon as you are able to. Having a discussion with their teachers on possible transition issues, and any accommodations that may be needed with a 504 plan or IEP can help ease that transition for children too. Additionally, if they are involved in sports or other extra curriculars, connecting them with the coach and team ahead of time can make them feel like they belong before even showing up.