Summer PCS: The Start of a New Adventure!

It's that season again: fun, sun and moving boxes. With school on break from June to August, it makes sense that most military families try to PCS during the summer months. Between the Goodbye BBQ's, vacations to the extended family and unpacking of belongings in your new location, there is plenty of planning to do for you and your children.

Very young children may not comprehend the move, but the older they get, the more involved they can be in the move. Let your 2.5 year old fill a "very important toy" bag. This bag should travel with the child and hold things like a favorite stuffed animal, favorite book and a cozy blanket. Decorate a plastic bin and label it: Open First. This box should be filled with activities to capture your child's attention while the adults are busy hanging pictures and organizing the new house.

If you will be traveling to multiple destinations, print out a map at www.printable maps.net and label all the places you will visit with your PCS destination circled with big hearts or a gold star. Even young babies can participate in coloring the map, and it will make a great addition to a scrap book at the end of the move.

Use the Internet to your advantage. Google Map your new location to show your children where they will be living. Search www.schooldigger.com to find schools and real estate in your area. You can even plan a "discover our new home" adventure that involves a new play group, the library and a new KinderJam class!