Military families face a variety of challenges and hardships, one of which is frequent relocation. Moving can be difficult at the best of times, but in a military situation, families can experience additional negative effects because of other associated stresses. Your family can avoid some of this adversity, however, by being aware of some of the common pitfalls and problems.
Repeated moves and the associated anxiety and stress can have an extra impact on families in the military. Military families can also experience a number of simultaneous separations and reunions, with internal expectations from within the military community adding extra pressure on military family members. A family’s ability to conform to and cope with military standards can even have an effect on the career and rank advancement of the service member.
Academic achievement is also often impacted by relocation. An increased high school dropout rate and reduced academic performance are two big issues that often occur with frequent moves and are particularly common with families in the military. The frequency and unpredictability of military relocation takes its toll on every member of a military family. Children often feel angry with their parents and with the military in general, often struggling with the idea of having to leave their friends behind and make new ones in a new environment. This is something that might become even more of a problem as they get older.
Military families also invariably move away from their extended families. This cuts out an important support system, and there may not be access to base-connected support depending on the service member’s status and military branch. All of these potential problems can be avoided though if your family provides one another with care and support as you go through these relocations.
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