Moving to a new place can be interesting and fun. However, for military families that need to comply with the order of a PCS or Permanent Change of Station, relocating to places anywhere in the world may become a necessary and inevitable part of their life. It can involves lots of challenges that can take a toll on the entire family, especially the children.

What a PCS Can Entail

A PCS is the official relocation of an active duty military service member of the United States Armed Forces. When the member receives the order, the “moving experience” is undertaken along with family members to a different duty location. It is effective until a new PCS order is issued, the duty is completed, or some preemptive events have occurred necessitating another relocation.

Changing residence can bring on a number of concerns and issues for your family as you settle into your new home. During this time you may find yourself experiencing a variety of emotions and thoughts. As a military spouse, you may try to paint a positive color to the adventure and promise exciting exploits so that your children will see it as a thrilling experience. However, as a parent, you may see the impact as you look into the eyes of your children.

The Bigger Picture of Relocating

Children can have such admirable resiliency and an impressive ability to adjust. With a new PCS challenge to your family, you can only hope your children will be able to bounce back and rise to the challenge of their new environment – a new home, new friends, new school, etc. However, behind the smiles and excitement, they may display a variety of emotions. They may regress, become distant, angry and/or overly sensitive. These reactions can be considered normal and understandable, though if these behaviors persist you may have reason for concern.

The results of a study involving 500,000 military children published in the Journal of Adolescent Health of the Health Behavior News Service, reveals that children of military families have a higher risk of experiencing psychological health problems, such as attention deficit, misbehavior and self-harming tendency.

Finding Help to Smoothen the Transition

PCS is a part of life that cannot be avoided for most military families. In such situations, military children may feel that they don’t have a lot of choice or control over their lives. If the upcoming or recent deployment is increasing the stress or anxiety level of your children, it may be best to find a professional who can help them have a smoother transition into their new world.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC offers support to help you and your child work through a multitude of feelings. Licensed, independently contracted therapists specializes in various counseling services to meet your family and your child’s own specific, unique needs. Call CCS now to request an appointment.