Military Parenting and Relocation: Practical Family Planning
- 13 minutes ago
- 6 min read
By Andrew Russ, Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney
Introduction
Military families live with a level of unpredictability that most civilian families never experience. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, deployments, temporary duty assignments, state activations for the Ohio National Guard, and post-service transitions create constant movement and structural change. For parents—particularly fathers who serve—relocation affects every aspect of maintaining strong parent–child relationships. This article provides an educational overview of the realities, challenges, and practical strategies military families commonly use during transitions. It does not offer legal advice, but aims to help families understand the day-to-day considerations that arise during relocation.
I. Why Military Families Relocate
Relocations occur for a wide range of operational, logistical, or career reasons. Understanding why these moves happen helps families prepare emotionally and practically.
A. Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
PCS orders are the most common type of relocation for military families. These assignments may last one to three years and often require moving to new states or countries. Families may spend months planning the logistics of housing, schools, and childcare routines.
B. Temporary Duty (TDY) or TAD
Short-term training or mission assignments lasting days, weeks, or months. Some TDYs allow family accompaniment; others do not. Families often experience multiple TDYs in a single year, making scheduling difficult.
C. Deployments
Deployments send service members overseas or into operational environments for extended periods. Communication windows may be limited, and maintaining parent–child contact becomes more structured and intentional.
D. State Activations for the National Guard
National Guard members can be activated for natural disasters, civil emergencies, or extended mission cycles. These activations sometimes occur with little notice, requiring rapid adjustments at home.
E. Post-Service Moves
Upon separation from service, families may relocate for civilian job opportunities, education benefits, or to be closer to extended family support networks. These transitions often reshape parenting-time expectations and routines.
II. Common Parenting-Time Challenges During Military Relocation
Military relocations create practical and emotional challenges for all family members. These challenges vary based on distance, timing, school schedules, and the age of the child.
A. Distance and Travel Logistics
Relocations often involve:
• multi-state moves
• cross-country flights
• overseas assignments
• lodging transitions
Travel arrangements may depend on mission schedules, leave availability, and transportation costs.
B. School-Year Constraints
PCS moves frequently occur during summer, but not always. Schools may begin at different times depending on the state or country, and older children may struggle with transitions. Families managing long-distance parenting often rely on extended breaks to maintain in-person time.
C. Communication Across Time Zones
A parent deployed to Europe, the Middle East, or the Pacific may face significant time zone barriers. Families often plan:
• early-morning or late-night calls
• weekly scheduled virtual visits
• recorded messages
• photo and video exchanges
D. Housing and Environmental Changes
Military families experience varied living arrangements:
• base housing
• off-base apartments or homes
• temporary lodging facilities
• barracks for single service members
Each setting affects routines, privacy, and the ability to maintain consistent communication with children.
E. Maintaining Emotional Stability for Children
Children may feel excitement, sadness, or anxiety during moves. Familiar routines often help: consistent bedtime rituals, regular updates from the relocating parent, and predictable communication windows.
III. How Families Commonly Adjust Parenting Practices
Families frequently develop creative and flexible methods to maintain strong parent–child bonds during relocations.
A. Virtual Parenting Time
Popular tools include:
• FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp
• shared photo journals
• co-watching platforms for movies or shows
• virtual homework help
• bedtime story recordings
Virtual communication allows children to feel connected even when physical distance is unavoidable.
B. Flexible Scheduling Approaches
Some families:
• increase in-person time during summer or long breaks
• schedule extended visits during leave periods
• coordinate travel around training cycles
• rely on multi-week blocks rather than frequent weekend exchanges
These approaches reflect the unpredictable nature of military schedules.
C. Shared Calendars and Digital Organization Tools
Many families use:
• digital planners
• co-parenting apps
• shared calendars
• messaging logs
These tools help track activities, medical appointments, and school updates across households.
D. Maintaining Predictable Routines
To ease transitions, families often create:
• weekly communication traditions
• daily check-ins during deployments
• consistent expectations for bedtime, schoolwork, and chores
• shared transitions plans to help children adjust
IV. Support Resources Commonly Used by Military Families
A wide range of support systems exist to help families manage relocation and parenting challenges.
A. Family Readiness Offices (FROs)
Most military installations have FROs that provide:
• relocation guides
• family workshops
• educational resources
• counseling referrals
B. Military OneSource
A widely used resource offering:
• relocation planning tools
• parenting articles and webinars
• confidential counseling services
• transition support programs
C. Unit-Based Support Personnel
Some units have:
• deployment support teams
• family liaison officers
• morale and welfare programs
These services help families remain connected during operational absences.
D. Community and School Resources
Families often rely on:
• school counselors
• youth programs
• tutoring services
• sports and extracurricular activities
These support systems provide continuity during transitions.
V. Emotional Considerations for Children During Relocation
Every child responds differently to change, but certain patterns are common.
A. Younger Children
Younger children may need more reassurance and comfort. Predictable routines, video calls, and visual countdown calendars can help create stability.
B. Older Children and Teens
Teens may experience:
• concern about leaving friends
• hesitation to change schools
• desire for more independence
Open communication and respect for their concerns often play a key role in easing transitions.
C. Maintaining a Sense of Belonging
Children benefit when both households:
• share information about school and activities
• keep photos and reminders of each family
• encourage open communication with the relocating parent
VI. Frequently Asked Educational Questions
A. How do families stay connected during deployment?
Families often use a mix of video calls, letters, online games, photo albums, and scheduled virtual visits depending on operational constraints.
B. How do parents handle holidays or birthdays during long-distance parenting?
Many families use video celebrations, mailed gifts, recorded messages, or plan in-person celebrations during leave periods.
C. What strategies help children adjust to new locations?
Families often use school visits, extracurricular involvement, predictable routines, and supportive conversations to make transitions smoother.
VII. Conclusion
Military parenting involves unique challenges not found in most civilian contexts. Relocation—whether through PCS orders, deployment, TDY assignments, or post-service transitions—requires flexibility, creativity, and strong communication. While this article does not offer legal advice, it provides a detailed educational overview of the practical realities military families often experience. Through planning, consistent routines, and the use of modern communication tools, many families maintain meaningful, connected relationships despite the demands of military life.
How Andrew Russ Advocates for Ohio Fathers
Clear strategy from day one: We map the custody/visitation path that fits your goals and facts.
Focused evidence development: We identify the proof that matters—and cut what doesn’t.
Negotiation + litigation readiness: Many cases resolve with strong parenting plans; we’re prepared to try your case when necessary.
Local insight: Familiarity with Ohio courts and procedures helps us move efficiently and effectively.
Call Now:
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a strategy session with Andrew Russ, Ohio Family Law Attorney. Call (614) 907-1296 or complete our quick online consultation form to get started. Evening and virtual appointments available.
Legal Sources on Parenting Issues:
Ohio allocation of parental rights & shared parenting (R.C. 3109.04). (Ohio Laws)
Parenting time statute and scheduling (R.C. 3109.051). (Ohio Laws)
Presumptions and establishment of paternity (R.C. 3111.03). (Ohio Laws)
Paternity acknowledgment routes (Ohio Centralized Paternity Registry). (ODJFS)
Child support worksheet and definitions (R.C. 3119.022; 3119.01). (Ohio Laws)
andrewrusslaw.com Blog:
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Legal outcomes vary by facts and jurisdiction. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
LINKS:
Disclaimer: The blog and articles provide general educational information, are not legal advice, and do not create an attorney/client relationship. Legal outcomes vary by facts and jurisdiction. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
© Andrew Russ Law, LLC • Educational content only • Columbus & Athens, Ohio
