Getting your military children ready for the school year doesn’t have to be a drill! Here are six cheerful tips to help your family march smoothly into the new school year.
Military families face time changes and new environments—ease the transition by gradually adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times about a week before school starts. Treat those practice mornings like a mission briefing: pajamas off, shoes on, breakfast, go!
- Organize School Supplies—Mission Accomplished!
School supply lists can be long (and VERY specific about folder colors). Start shopping early, and keep a list of your child’s sizes and needs updated on your phone for surprise deals. Let your kids help choose items—they’ll feel involved and excited!
- Visit the New School (or Walk the Route)
If you’ve just PCSed (moved), take a reconnaissance tour of the new school. Walk the halls, find the cafeteria, and map out their classroom. If you can’t see the building in person yet, explore the school’s website together to spot teachers and important locations virtually.
- Connect With School Liaisons & Teachers
Military installations have School Liaison Officers who help families settle in, handle paperwork, and answer any “new kid” questions. Don’t hesitate to email your child’s teacher or meet them early—they can be powerful allies for your young student!
- Listen, Validate, and Strategize
Kids might feel nervous about starting over—hear out their worries! Let them talk about missing old friends or fearing the unknown. Work together on solutions, like FaceTime dates with “old base” buddies or planning how to handle the first day jitters.
- Use Military Family Resources
Take advantage of perks just for military families:
- Free school supplies from groups like Operation Homefront.
- Free online tutoring via Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families.
- Special back-to-school toolkits and checklists from the Military Child Education Coalition.
A new school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming—even if you’re far from your last posting. With these simple steps and a military loan ranging from $500-$10,0001, you can send your military kids into class feeling confident, connected, and ready to conquer every school bell!
1Must be 18 years or older to apply and meet standard underwriting criteria. Rates and terms may vary based on your state of residence. Not all consumers will qualify for a $10,000 loan.The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal or financial advice. You should consult with a financial professional to determine what may be best for your individual needs.
Sources:
https://asymca.org/blog/back-to-school-tips/
https://www.military.com/spousebuzz/blog/2015/07/back-to-school-tips-for-military-families.html
https://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/education/get-battle-ready/
https://militarychild.org/upload/images/back%20to%20school/MCEC_BacktoSchool_Toolkit_2023.pdf
