FEBRUARY 10, 2026 – PCS orders can be thrilling for adults, but they can be quite confusing and even frightening for kids. That’s why it’s vital to plan everything with their emotions in mind. If you plan strategically, your next duty station move can be a smoother, and perhaps even a more positive experience for your kids. Here’s what you can do.
Give Kids Age-Appropriate Control and Clear Information
One of the big stressors for kids in a military move is “uncertainty”. Quite obviously, kids don’t have much say in the whole situation and this can put them under stress. Giving them age-appropriate control and honest information can make them feel like they’re part of the team and not just “cargo”.
Similarly, it’s important to tell them the reason for the move in a way that they can easily understand. Share some details about the new duty station, including schools, weather, parks, and entertainment opportunities. However, be honest with what you don’t know yet so they don’t start to imagine the worst-case scenario.
In order to make the process more effective, you can also consider using professional services that offer flexible military moving solutions. They help you pack at your own pace or let you use temporary storage options, so you have more time to spend with your kids. It also makes it possible to keep the kids’ space functional and familiar for as long as possible.
Protect Routines and Comfort Items
A military move can disrupt the daily routines that make kids feel safe and secure. The list includes bedtime routines, sports, mealtimes with family, and so on. When everything else feels uncertain, simply preserving a few routines can help kids realize that the big things in life are still intact.
A good idea is to identify a couple of things your kid depends heavily on, like bedtime stories, a nightly chat before bed, or having pancakes together on a Saturday morning. Then, do your best to ensure that these routines continue before, during, and after the move.
You can also stash a comfort kit in your own luggage, like books, a stuffed animal, a night light, a favorite blanket, or a few small toys that provide your kids with a sense of security. Even if your household goods are in transit, you can use this stuff to give your kids something they’re familiar with. This keeps them calm in a hotel room, motel, or an empty new house.
Help Kids Say a Proper Goodbye
Military kids may feel that a PCS is about losing things they love: friends, teachers, favorite places, and things they used to do. That’s why you must ensure that goodbyes are never rushed or dismissed. If that happens, these losses may resurface later as anger, sadness, or resistance in the new place.
The best way to help your kids in this situation is to make them understand that it’s okay to feel worried, sad, or even angry about leaving. However, try to build some excitement about what’s coming next.
Help them make a list of everyone and everything they’ll miss and then think of ways to say goodbye in a low-key way. It’s also a good idea to encourage them to create a simple memory book or digital photo album of all their friends, complete with contact information to keep in touch after the move.
Endnote
A duty station move is never stress-free, but it can be a whole lot easier on your kids with a little thought put into their emotional well-being. Be sure to get them involved in the process within their capacity, and make sure you maintain a few core routines throughout the move. Remember, with intention, your family can get through a PCS together, making it feel like the beginning of something new and exciting for your kids.