The Emotional Side of Moving:

Listen, Just Listen

Being organized maybe key to navigating a new school after a PSC, but listening to your child – not talking – is key to navigating the emotional side of moving.  Don’t press them for information right away, let them warm up to the new experience.  Ask open-ended questions after each day.  A few great and clever ways to understanding how you child is feeling at school is to ask the not-so-obvious question:

1. Where is the coolest place at the school?
2. If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed someone up, who would you want them to take?
3. Who would you like to play with at recess that you’ve never played with before?
4. Where do you play the most at recess?
5. Who is the funniest person in your class? Why is he/she so funny?
6. Is there anyone in your class who needs a time-out?
7. If you could switch seats with anyone in the class, who would you trade with? Why?

For a full list of great questions, visit the original post here.

Don’t be shy. Parents need to be involved within weeks of arrival at their new location. There will be a ton of information and insights you WON’T have access to unless you make yourself available and start connecting. Find your spot – whether it’s the PTA/PTO, inside the classroom, at your place of worship, Scout’s or sports, become a parent volunteer so you understand the school and community climate. You’ll make friends fast and so will your children.

As a fellow military connected parent, if I had the ability to will my kids into being happy and settled, I would.  If could conjure up charm spells and encase my kids in emotional body armor, I would.  But, I can’t, they have to figure it out for themselves.  Some say moving around a lot builds character, but for me, I have an emotional death grip on the door every morning when I say, “Have a great day at school today.”

However, being an involved and informed parent who is poised for listening is my only real super power – and I know my (our) resilient kids will eventually figure out that being a #MilKid is THEIR super power!