Back to School After a PCS: A Guide for Military Families

Written By Hilari Hill

For military families, “back to school” season doesn’t always come with the usual sense of routine. For many, it follows a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move — and that means starting over: new schools, new friends, new routines, and sometimes even a new culture or climate.

While military kids are famously resilient, they still need support during transitions. At Empowering Transitions Life Coaching, we understand the challenges unique to military families, because we've lived them. Here’s how you can help your child – and your family – start the school year strong after a PCS.

1. Acknowledge the Transition

Moving is a major life event — especially for kids.

Your child may be dealing with:

  • The loss of close friends

  • Anxiety about fitting in

  • Academic gaps due to different state standards or school systems

Create space for your kids to share their feelings without judgment. Simply acknowledging that the move is hard can be incredibly validating.

2. Gather and Transfer School Records Early

Before leaving your previous duty station, make sure you:

  • Request all transcripts, testing records, and IEPs/504 plans

  • Contact the new school to understand what paperwork or assessments are needed

  • Research academic calendars and school policies in the new location

Some districts offer military student liaisons — reach out early to get guidance and support.

3. Prepare for the Unknown

No two schools are alike. Differences in curriculum, grading scales, or extracurricular availability can be surprising.

Encourage flexibility and curiosity. Help your child see the new experience as an opportunity, not just a disruption.

4. Help Your Child Connect Socially

Making friends can be the hardest part of a PCS.

  • Encourage participation in clubs, sports, or youth groups

  • Set up playdates or outings with neighbors

  • Attend open houses or PTA events together

Let your child know it's okay to feel nervous. Remind them that making just one good friend is a great start.

5. Focus on Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Change, especially when stacked with school demands, can lead to stress or behavioral shifts.

Maintain open communication and create safe spaces for talking about struggles. Consider family or individual coaching to build resilience, set goals, and ease the emotional load.

6. Establish a New Routine — Together

After the upheaval of a move, structure is comforting.

  • Set consistent wake-up and bedtime routines

  • Designate homework and relaxation spaces

  • Include family check-ins to review how everyone’s adjusting

Involve your kids in designing the new routine. It gives them a sense of control in an otherwise unpredictable time.

How Empowering Transitions Life Coaching Can Help

We’re here to support you and your children through life’s big transitions.

Our coaching services are tailored for military families:

  • One-on-one sessions for parents and teens

  • Goal-setting and emotional support during transitions

  • Workshops on resilience, change management, and confidence building

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season after a PCS isn’t just about supplies and schedules — it’s about navigating change with empathy, resilience, and support.

If your family is starting fresh this school year, remember: you’re not alone. Empowering Transitions Life Coaching is here to guide you through the chaos and into clarity — one step, one goal, and one breakthrough at a time.

Hilari Hill
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