As a military mom, you know how challenging it can be to move frequently with your family. With each move comes a new community, new schools, new teachers, and new classmates. These changes can make it difficult for your children to settle in and succeed academically. As a parent, you want to provide the best possible education for your children, but how can you do so when you’re constantly on the move?
Don’t let frequent moves get in the way of your children’s academic success. With the right strategies and tools, your children can thrive and make the most of their education in any new environment. In this post, we’ll share some tips for helping your children succeed academically when moving frequently with the military.
Communicate Openly and Honestly with Your Children
Moving often can be challenging, but it can also offer unique opportunities to learn about different cultures and lifestyles. Start your conversation with your children by discussing the reasons behind the move. Explain what will happen, where you will be going, and how long you will stay. Involve your children in the relocation process and allow them to share their feelings and thoughts about the move. Encourage them to ask questions, and listen to their concerns and worries.
Research Your Next Duty Station
Before moving, do your research on the next duty station. Find out about the schools in the area, their strengths, and weaknesses. Look into extracurricular activities, tutoring opportunities, and community resources. This research will help you make informed decisions about your children’s education before you move.
Stay Consistent with Education
When moving frequently, it’s essential to keep your children’s education consistent. If possible, keep them in the same curriculum or academic program, even if they move to a new school. This continuity helps your children avoid gaps in learning and reduces stress.
It can be difficult to keep up with changing curriculum and standards, but there are some strategies you can use to avoid inconsistency. Start by asking the new school about the resources available for students transferring from other schools. Ask them if they have a student orientation program or any special classes that cover topics your child may have missed. You can also ask the instructors to review your child’s school records and assessments from previous schools, so they can better understand their individual needs.
Create a Consistent Family Routine
Frequent moves can disrupt a child’s sense of stability and routine, so creating a consistent family routine can help them feel grounded and secure. Establish regular family mealtimes, bedtimes, and other rituals that can be maintained despite the move. This helps your children understand that the change is temporary and that they can rely on stable elements in their life.
Start by creating a daily family routine and setting realistic expectations for your children in regards to what you expect from them. Help them understand why it’s important to stick to the routine and set aside time for chores, school work, and extracurricular activities. Provide structure and consistency so that your children have something stable to rely on.
Communicate with Teachers and Support Staff
It’s essential to communicate openly with your children’s teachers and support staff at your new school. Let them know that your children are military children, and share any unique challenges they may be facing. Communicating your children’s needs will help teachers adapt to their needs and provide additional support if necessary.
Get Involved in Your Children’s Education
As a military mom, you may not have the luxury of spending your whole day involved in your child’s education. However, getting even minimally involved makes a significant difference. Attend parent-teacher conferences or volunteer for school events if possible. This involvement will help you stay up-to-date with your children’s progress and demonstrate your support for their education.
Utilize Online Resources
Use online resources to supplement your children’s education. There are plenty of free educational websites that cater to various subjects and grade levels. Encourage your children to play educational games online or watch educational videos. Supplementing their education with these online resources can help your children improve their knowledge and maintain their academic performance.
The decision to go to college is an important one, and for children of military families, flexibility may be key. With frequent moves, it can be challenging to commit to a traditional four-year college. Fortunately, there are now plenty of options available that offer more flexibility in terms of course structure and learning format. Many colleges, such as University of Maryland Global Campus, now offer online courses as well as hybrid courses that combine both online and on-campus instruction.
Hybrid classes may be ideal for military families who are always on the move, as they allow students to attend some classes in a physical classroom while completing other classes from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, community colleges offer shorter-term programs, allowing children of military families to get a quality education without having to
Being a military mom comes with its set of challenges. But with these tips, you can support your children’s education even when moving frequently. By being proactive, consistent, and involved, you can help ensure your children’s academic success in any new environment. Remember, each new duty station is an opportunity for your children to grow and learn. Utilize these tips to help them thrive!
About the author:
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.